* * * MicroProse Holiday Newsletter * * * December-January 1993 Issue * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Modem Play Games: The Wave Of The Future? You're flying 30,000 feet above the city of Baghdad inside an F-15 Strike Eagle. Your objective Ä a scud missile battery Ä is almost within range. Without warning, you're attacked from behind by a MiG firing a lethal Archer air-to-air missile! You pull into a sharp power dive and bank right to dodge the missiles, but the MiG anticipates that maneuver and matches you move for move. He's got radar lock and he's about to fire again. This scenario, and others very similar to it, has been enacted millions of times by flight simulator fans through the years. But in today's rapidly evolving world of computer entertainment, even typical adventures such as these have an exciting new twist: the enemy you're fighting isn't the AI of the computer, it's another person. Interactive gaming is what many industry observers feel to be the next great gaming craze. Lots of games already support modem and direct link play, but many more are likely to be available within the next few years as game developers find new ways to incorporate multi-player gaming into their designs. MicroProse has supported interactive gaming for quite a while. Knights of the Skyt lets players re-live the danger and gallantry of World War I dogfighting against computerized or human opponents. David Leadbetter's Greenst lets golfers tee off from separate computers across the country. F-15 Strike Eagler III will support both competitive (head-to-head) and cooperative (wingman or co-pilot) missions via modem. And the acknowledged master of multi-player gaming, Dan Bunten, has designed two classic modem-supporting games under the MicroPlay label: Command HQt and Global Conquestt. And more modem-play games are on the way Ä guaranteeing no shortage of multi-player action. Getting Started Once you've got the right game, where do you go from there? Well, your easiest and most convenient source of modem-play competitors is among your friends. Beyond that, try any local BBSs, or any of the major online services, such as CompuServe, GEnie, America Online and Prodigy. Besides offering bulletin boards where prospective gaming partners can meet, some services offer online games of their own! In fact, MicroProse has a BBS of its own where gamers can meet and communicate. The BBS number is (410) 785-1841, and is free except for phone charges. (See the article on the MicroProse BBS, page 6.) Keep in mind that almost all modem-play games require that you purchase a separate version of the game for each player. Modem-play is the wave of the future because it lets gamers have the high-technology of computers and the spontaneity of human interaction. It really is the best of both worlds. Sneak Previews Simulation Jump Jett. A fascinating simulation of the awesome Harrier Jump Jet, the British-designed fighter jet capable of vertical takeoffs, flying in reverse, hovering, and sudden mid-air stops! Jump Jet features amazingly-detailed 3-D graphics and action- packed missions. For IBM-PC/compatibles. Across The Rhinet. A no-holds barred 3-D simulation of the greatest tank campaign ever waged: the stirring battles that occured between D-Day and the fall of Berlin. Lead an armored division of American or German forces. Modem play for head-to- head or cooperative play. For IBM-PC/compatibles. Animated Graphic Adventure Return of the Phantom. The famed Paris Opera House is be-set by crimes bearing a chilling resemblance to those committed by the legendary Phantom of the Opera 100 years ago. As Inspector Raoul Montand, you'll use all your wits and savvy to solve the crimes and force an eventual confrontation with the criminal; who just may be the Phantom himself! For IBM-PC/compatibles. Action/Adventure Pirates! Gold. Shiver me timbers! The MicroProse classic, Pirates! is being updated for the 90s with all-new VGA graphics, support for mouse and joystick, enhanced swordfighting, and more opportunities for swashbuckling action on the Spanish Main! For IBM-PC/compatibles. Cartridge Games Super Strike Eagle. All the action-packed dogfighting of the popular F-15 Strike Eagle PC games series comes to 16-bit NES. 256 colors and digitized stereo sound capability immerse you in the world of modern day air combat; realistic 3-D flight against real air and ground opponents keeps the excitement level high. And the game features combat in major hot spots of the world, including the Persian Gulf! For Super Nintendo. F-15 Strike Eagle II. Now, Sega Genesis players can experience the thrills of high-tech dogfighting in this full-featured combat flight game. No other Sega flight game delivers as much intense action. F-15 II features full 3-D action, including rolls, loops, and target positioning; selectable missions; and the most realistic enemy dogfighting logic available in a cartridge game. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Recent Releases Simulation Flying Fortress. Experience all the thrills and dangers faced by World War II's elite B-17 bomber crews in this electrifying simulation. Can you complete 25 perilous daytime missions against elite Axis forces? Flying Fortress gives you complete control over all ten crew positions, including pilot, bombardier, and turret gunner. For IBM-PC/compatibles. Animated Graphics Adventure Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bender. MicroProse enters the animated graphics adventure arena with a bang with this bawdy, irreverent outer space action farce. Interstellar super stud Rex Nebular is marooned on a world populated entirely by women. Can he escape? More importantly, does he want to? State- of-the-art graphics and animation dazzle your senses while outrageous humor tickles your funny bone. For IBM-PC/compatibles. Role-Playing Darklands. Tired of hacking and slashing in unimaginative fantasy worlds? Try testing your brains as well as your brawn in medieval Germany, a time of chaos, superstition and corruption. Lead a band of adventurers in a realm where the emperor is powerless, the church corrupt, and the dark superstitions of dragons, witches, and demonic forces are terrifyingly real. For IBM-PC/compatibles. Strategy Civilization (Macintosh version). Sid Meier's award-winning classic of empire building through the ages takes full advantage of Macintosh capabilities with menus, dialog boxes, command-key shortcuts, resizable windows and more! Enhanced Macintosh resolution makes the game's artwork even more impressive. For Apple Macintosh (b&w and color). Action-Adventure Mantis. This action-packed outer space action extravaganza is loaded with enough raw action, digitized graphics and scintillating sounds to blow you away for months! Pilot an experimental starfighter deemed to be the last hope against the superior technology of an advanced, brutal alien race. For IBM-PC/compatibles. Coming soon for CD-ROM (see page 6). Sports David Leadbetter's Greens. Computer golfing the way it should be: with fast screen re-draws, dazzling 3-D graphics, and a host of playing options. What's more, Greens helps improve your real game with tips from pros' pro David Leadbetter himself! Things Are Getting Scary At MicroProse With The Legacy 1992 has been a year of firsts for MicroProse. We released our first fantasy role-playing game, Darklandst, and our first animated graphics adventure, Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bendert. Now, MicroProse hopes to close out the year with another first: its first horror role-playing game. Titled The Legacy: Realm of Terrort, the game will feature an intuitive interface and an array of atmospheric graphics and sounds guaranteed to chill the bones on a dark and stormy night. In the game, the player can choose to be one of seven different "personas." This character has inherited a historic mansion from distant relatives, only to find out that the mansion isn't the only thing that's been inherited. It turns out that the mansion is haunted by a variety of evil spirits intent on throwing an "unwelcoming" party to any new residents. In The Legacy, all the action is seen from the perspective of the player's character, through customizable windows that can be sized to the player's preferences and to accomodate differing monitor capabilities. "Horror is a difficult concept to convey in a computer game, but with The Legacy we've got a lot of material capable of pulling it off," said Product Manager Monique Caron. "The graphics are rendered in state of the art 3-D and animate with chilling realism. The rooms that you explore are digitized, for full atmospheric effect. And the sounds will tingle your spine, especially in those instances when you're not expecting them." Unexpected things happen quite often in The Legacy. The game allows for non-linear progression through ten levels of the house (above and below ground), with up to 40 rooms per level. The game is also filled with mysteries and puzzles that need to be solved before the player can get to the source of the haunting. The Legacy, to be initially released for IBM-PC/compatibles, should be in stores by Christmas. Don't play it in the dark. Register For Your Darklands Revisions The MicroProse Customer Service Department has received lots of calls from Darklands owners who have heard of the release of a new version of the innovative role-playing game. Virtually all the questions are the same: How do I get the new version? The answer is simple: By sending in your warranty registration card. The warranty registration card not only protects your game against defects in manufacturing, it also puts you on the list to receive Darklands upgrades, free! (For more information on the latest version of Darklands, see the article on the MicroProse BBS.) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Task Force 1942 Ready To Sail Into Retail Stores By the time you read this, Task Force 1942, MicroProse's thrilling re-creation of the brutal World War II Solomons Campaign, should be hitting store shelves. Task Force 1942 depicts the intense surface naval action that took place in the Pacific during the struggle to capture and keep Guadalcanal. The game uses MicroProse's most sophisticated and detailed 3-D polygon graphics yet for breathtaking visual effect. In the game, the player commands a fleet of battleships, cruisers, and destroyers. Routine missions assignments must be carried out regularly, and the player must remain vigiliant for the start of the explosive firefights that often occurred with little or no warning during the campaign. "The battle for Guadalcanal was one of the most dramatic and intense of any in U.S. history," explains game designer Lawrence Schick. "The suddenness of combat and the fury that went into the battles make for great computer gaming." To be sure of complete accuracy, MicroProse recruited Vice Admiral William P. Mack, who served as a Gunnery Officer aboard the John D. Ford during the Solomons Campaign. "Vice Admiral Mack has been a tremendous source of knowledge of not only how things looked and sounded, but how they felt," said Schick. "That's where Task Force 1942 really shines, in the way that it captures the exhiliration and danger of that brutal period." Look For MicroProse On Prodigy Through December! MicroProse has joined the Prodigy Interactive Personal Service Network and is providing special offers and discounts to Prodigy members through December. To see the special offers, JUMP MICROPROSE. Prodigy's retail store, Computer Express, has special offers on three Fall releases: David Leadbetter's Greens, Ancient Art of War in the Skies, and F-15 Strike Eagle III. In December, look for Rex Nebular, Gunship 2000, Railroad Tycoon, and Civilization. MicroProse Hint Line Ready To Answer Frantic Questions Can't get past Rhotunda, the carnivorous jungle woman on Terra Androgena? Don't know what alchemical potions will work against a fire-breathing dragon? Still getting shot down by MiGs over the Kuwait/Iraq border? The answers to these and other urgent gaming questions can be found through the new MicroProse Hint Line. The hint line features hints on popular games like Rex Nebular And The Cosmic Gender Bender, Darklands, F-117A Stealth Fighter 2.0, Gunship 2000, Twilight 2000, and Civilization. The Hint Line is also updated periodically for newer games, as well as to add new gaming tips for older products. To call the MicroProse Hint Line, open 24 hours a day, dial 1-900-933-PLAY. The cost of the call is 95› per minute, and you must be age 18 or older, or have your parents' permission, to call. A touchtone phone is also required. Have You Tried A Demo Disk? Eager to get a look at a game before you buy it? Then demo disks are the answer. But MicroProse has taken the demo disk a step further than most. Our demo disks are not only previews of upcoming games, they're also entertaining all by themselves. Here's a sampling of the demo disks you can look for at your local software retailer store: Dogfights, Sky Wars, and Chip Shots. Demos of F-15 Strike Eagle III, Ancient Art of War in the Skies, and David Leadbetter's Greens. Demo disks are also available for F-117A Stealth Fighter 2.0, Gunship 2000, and Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bender. And coming this Spring will be The Sid Meier Demo Trilogy, consisting of Railroad Tycoon, Civilization, and Pirates! Gold. Prices for the demo disks may vary. Some of the demos carry rebates effective when the actual game is purchased. For information on purchases direct from MicroProse, call 1-800-879-PLAY (weekdays 9 am to 5 pm, EST). * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Hint Books Available For Darklands and Rex Nebular The MicroProse games Darklands, a fantasy role-playing adventure set in Medieval Germany, and Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bender, an outrageous animated graphic adventure set in outer space, have something in common, after all. Both games now have hint books, written by MicroProse game designers, dedicated to helping players increase their enjoyment. The Darklands Clue Book is a comprehensive player's guide to Darklands. It contains detailed statistics and charts on the monsters and enemies found in the game, strategies for character generation and combat, secrets for successful alchemy and prayers to the saints, and a comprehensive list of hints and answers for the game's many puzzles and riddles. The Rex Nebular Hint Book, like the game, uses tongue-in-cheek humor to help players solve the many mind-bending puzzles in this madcap farce. Both hint books come in two formats. The first, with a suggested retail price of $17.95, packages the book with an accessory disk containing additional programs to enhance enjoyment of the game and can be purchased at retail stores. The second format, with a suggested retail price of $12.95, features just the hint book and can be ordered direct from MicroProse (1-800-879-PLAY; weekdays 9 am to 5pm, EST). * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * For High Speed Thrills, Try Your Skill On The World Circuit World Circuit, MicroProse's new Formula One racing game, is proof that good simulations don't always have to feature combat. World Circuit takes MicroProse's traditional excellence in 3-D simulation technology and applies it to the high-stakes world of Formula One racing. And the results are breathtaking. The game's detailed graphics and fast action surpass anything that's been done in the genre before. What's more, the use of a sophisticated 3-D system allows World Circuit to more accurately reflect actual car handling and performance than other race games Ä even in a variety of weather and track conditions. "World Circuit is an excellent example of how 3-D technology can be used in games other than combat simulations," said Product Manager Monique Caron. "Like David Leadbetter's Greens, this game gives the player thrills and action that's not available in other games of this type." World Circuit lets players compete against 25 drivers on all 16 of the premiere Grand Prix racetracks. The game provides varying difficulty levels, three race options, and even lets you design your own racing car! The game is also tentatively scheduled to support modem play, so that racers from across the country can compete. Look for World Circuit, available for IBM-PC/compatibles and Amiga personal computers, before Christmas in your favorite software retail stores. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Notes From Customer Service/Tech Support Flying Fortress will not boot if you're running the Stacker disk compression utility. To get around this, you should drop the /EMS command from the stacker command in the config.sys file. The game will also not boot if you're running QEMM memory management software in "stealth" mode. This mode must be disabled in the config.sys file for the game to run. For more information on either Stacker or QEMM, contact the respective manufacturers. Darklands requires 2MB of RAM in order to play, but simply having 2MB of RAM won't necessarily guarantee success. If you're receiving "insufficient memory" messages and have the required RAM, check to be sure that you have at least 64k allocated as expanded Ä not extended Ä memory in the config.sys file. You can have extended memory, but you must still have at least 64k of expanded memory to play the game. The Islands and Ice scenario disk for Gunship 2000 requires 586k of free memory to run. If you have the required 640k of RAM but cannot load the game, you probably have insufficient free memory. Trying eliminating some TSR (Terminate and Stay Resident) programs or "boot clean" from a DOS disk before playing. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * MicroProse Online MicroProse Online MicroProse provides Upcoming News, Latest Versions, Updates, and Technical Support on the following Online Services, all staffed by Technical Representatives Quentin Chaney and Brian Hellesen. * America Online: Industry Connection, Keyword "MicroProse. " Address: MicroProse * CompuServe: Game Publishers Forum, "Go GAMPUB." Address: MicroProse, 76004,2223 * Delphi: GameSIG. Address: MicroProse * GEnie: Scorpia RT. Address: MicroProse * MCI Mail: Address: MicroProse * PC-Link: Computer Forum, Keyword "MicroProse." Address: MicroProse * Prodigy: Computer Club "Other Games." Address: XHFK15D * Promenade: Industry Connection, Keyword "MicroProse." Address: MicroProse * Q-Link Computer Forum, MicroProse Section. Address: MPSLabs * MicroProse BBS: 410-785-1841 (300/1200/2400/9600; N, 8, 1). 8 Lines Sysops: Quentin Chaney and Jim McConkey. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Upgrade Mantis To CD-ROM When it comes to sound and graphics, floppy disks just can't match CD-ROM. That's why Mantist, MicroPlay's outer-space action-adventure game, will soon be available in a new CD-ROM version that contains even more dazzling bit-mapped graphics and explosive sounds. The CD-ROM version of Mantis also contains all the original missions plus 25 more, all of the PC Speech Pack voice and sound features, an all-new alien race, an incredible extended introduction sequence, and all-new, completely animated scenes. It just might be worth the cost of the CD-ROM player itself. And registered owners of the PC version of Mantis can get the new CD-ROM version of the game at a special upgrade price of $49.95. The CD-ROM Mantis costs $79.95. For more information on the CD-ROM version of Mantis or the upgrade from the PC version, call MicroProse Direct, 1-800-879-PLAY. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Check Out The MicroProse BBS! The following files are among those available for downloading from the MicroProse BBS (410-785-1841). B17V2.ZIP B-17 Flying Fortresst Vers. 02 This new version of Flying Fortress adds many new features including PAS sound support, better damage routines, auto-landing, joystick calibration routines, and much more. GP386.ZIP World Circuitt PC VGA Demo MicroProse's World Circuit Grand Prix Racing Demo. Features a self-running tour around the track with the option to view the action from different angles. SKYDEMO.ZIP Ancient Art of War in Skiest Demo A self-running demo of Ancient Art of War in the Skies. Requires PC/VGA and supports most soundcards. DKV06.ZIP Darklandst Version 06 This is the complete Version 06 of Darklands for those not knowing which version you have. Will bring versions 04, 05, and 051 up to version 06. New version corrects all previous version problems and adds new artwork. Highly recommended. For those not wishing to download the Update(s), Customer Service will mail the latest version on receipt of the registration card. F15III.ZIP F-15 Strike Eagler III VGA Slide Show Demo Here it is! his one you have to see! Features screen shots directly from the game. REXNEB.ZIP Rex Nebulart VGA Interactive Demo The VGA Demo of Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bender. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Great Holiday Gifts! Carry-All Bag Send you old carry-ons packing. Our deluxe durable "Cordura" nylon bag has a wide shoulder strap, inside padding and an interior wet pocket. Handle wrap makes carrying a snap! Roomy square end design and two end pockets let you pack it all in. Measures 11" x 19" with embroidered Micro/Wings emblem. U.S.A. #12104 $34.95 Wings Sweatshirt Top off any outfit with our midweight fleece shirt, perfectly balanced to be a force for fashion. Made of poly/cotton with a solid white body and sleeves, trimmed with heather yoke and panels. White/ash pencil stripe highlights sleeves. Two-color navy knit trim at neck, cuffs, and waistband. Imported. #12311 M, L, XL $44.95 Greens Golf Shirt Score a hole-in-one for great looks. Step up to the tee with our pure cotton white shirt trimmed in jade and navy on the collar and cuffs. Stitched, 3-button double placket, single- needle stitching on armholes and shoulders, plus extra long side vent. Distinctive embroidered Greenst logo. U.S.A. #12208 M, L, XL $39.95 Top Gun Cap This navy blue poplin hat lets you make a bold statement without saying a word. Wear it year 'round and enjoy the comfort of the adjustable strap. Whether you're playing indoors or outdoors, the embroidered yellow and gold logo says it all. #12002 $9.95 Flight Jacket Here's a top-grain genuine leather jacket that's bound for glory! Now that you've earned your wings, it's your chance to own an eye-catchingaccessory with a legacy of over 70 years of practicality. Today, it still offers spacious pockets for necessities, slip-in side pockets and a bi-swing pleated back for unrestricted movement and layering. The leather exterior is backed by a comfortable polyester lining. Designed with shoulder epaulets, it sports an authentic Byron collar and embroidered MicroProse wings. Dark brown. #12413 M, L, XL $150.00 FREE! With every direct purchase, receive a free copy of The First Decade In Computer Games, by Game Players Magazine and MicroProse! The First Decade In Computer Games is a fascinating look at the history of computer gaming, with special emphasis on the people and games that shaped the industry in its formative years. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * MicroProse Games Order Form New Releases (Reg. Price) Task Force 1942 69.95 Special Forces 49.95 Mantis 69.95 Rex Nebular 69.95 * F-15 Strike Eagle III 79.95 Ancient Art of War in Skies 59.95 Darklands 69.95 F-117A Stealth Fighter 2.0 79.95 B-17 Flying Fortress 69.95 David Leadbetter's Greens 59.95 * Gunship 2000 69.95 * Gunship 2000 Islands & Ice 19.95 Twilight 2000 59.95 Other Favorites (Discount Price) Silent Service II 44.95 M-1 Tank Platoon 49.95 F-15 Strike Eagle II 29.95 F-15 II (w/Op. Desert Storm) 49.95 Railroad Tycoon 29.95 Knights of the Sky 29.95 Sea Rogue 29.95 Covert Action 29.95 Red Storm Rising 29.95 F-19 Stealth Fighter 29.95 Hyperspeed 29.95 Command HQ 29.95 Flames of Freedom 29.95 Millennium 29.95 Accessories Carry-All Bag 34.95 Wings Sweatshirt 44.95 Top Gun Cap 9.95 Greens Golf Shirt 39.95 Leather Bomber Jacket 150.00 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * MicroProse News Volume 2, Number 4 Publisher: Lindsay Riehl Editor: Gary T. Ames Online Edition Edited by Quentin Chaney, MPS Online Services. * * * * HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT MICROPROSE * * * *