~The A to Z of Computer Games 10 186901.PCX 22101.PCX 2400AD01.PCX 3DWBOX.PCX 4DBOX.PCX 4DDRIV.PCX 4DTENNIS.PCX 8BALLD01.PCX BOWL01.PCX MIGLIA01.PCX By Lu Richardson Well, not exactly. I can only tell you about the games I have collected over many years and those of incautious friends. You see, I was sorting out my games and, as I looked fondly at them, I thought it would be a pity if people out there didn't know they existed. I know I have rummaged around in London shops, looking at second hand games and not having the least idea of whether I would like them or not - perhaps you have, too. And there are so many classics you can no longer buy other than second hand... although some producers are now placing their old games in CD compilations. Hurray! So, here, in alphabetical order, is a brief description of all the games I have been able to lay my hands on, accompanied by screens - whenever I was able to actually grab them. Have a look and see what you are missing. Some are old, some are new, some are lowly and some are grand - most are gems. If nothing else, you will get an idea of which firms produce the sort of stuff you like; you can always pester them for what you want! I'll begin with the games with names which start with numbers. 3D WORLD BOXING by SIMULMONDO Sports simulation ----------------- This is a very natty movie-like version of boxing. The interface is hardly intuitive, the action is not very immediate and not very exciting - it's more like looking at TV, with a bit of computer licence. Nothing to write home about but, who knows, you might like it. 4D SPORTS - BOXING by MINDSCAPE Sports simulation ----------------- This is one of the best boxing games I've ever seen - the interface is very easy and you can control the movements of your chap with great exactitude. You can judge the distance and place your punches with accuracy. You can change the angle of the camera, too. Sounds are good and true to life. Most satisfying. You can walk away from this game feeling you've been in a boxing match. And won. And it didn't hurt a bit. 4D SPORTS - DRIVING by DSI/MINDSCAPE Sports simulation ----------------- This is not just another driving game - you get to do stunts, and very good they are, too. Once you learn how to control the car, things begin to get really exciting. You can also modify the tracks to suit you. A great deal more fun than most driving games. Unfortunately, and since I am probably the world's worst driver, on and off screen, I can't tell you what treats there are in store for you - but wouldn't you like to know? 4D SPORTS - TENNIS by ACCESS Sports simulation ----------------- Again, like the rest in this series, one of the best simulations. You can change the angle of the cameras, but the most satisfying is the first person view. An inset allows you to place yourself for serving or running about; a simple press of a key allows you to thump the ball back, but you have to be fairly swift, as in real life. The action of serving is particularly good. 7 COLOURS by INFOGRAMES Puzzle ------ This is a most original puzzle game in gorgeous colours, and I am sorry I could not capture a screen to show you. You can play against another player or against the computer. What you get is a rectangle filled with little squares of different colours. You start at one corner with a few squares of the same colour. You and your opponent can choose another colour, from a range at the top and bottom of the rectangle, which will absorb all the other little squares next to yours of the same colour. In other words, you attempt to absorb as many colours as you can and invade the rectangle. Whoever covers the highest percentage of the rectangle, wins. Sounds daft, but it's one of those "Just One More Go, and Before You Know it It's 2 a.m." games, and the music is very nice indeed and soothing to your nerves. 10th FRAME - PRO BOWLING SIMULATOR by ACCESS Sports simulation ----------------- Although this is an old CGA game, I mention it because it's the only bowling game I know. You can direct the ball anywhere you like and try and get better at it; and, if playing with an opponent, beat him. It is very simple, but effective. 221B BAKER STREET by DATASOFT Board game ---------- This is fun for the whole family, when there are children to entertain. Each player chooses a character and begins trying to go places and get clues at the throw of the dice. You can have the clues coded (a code book accompanies the game) so that the other people can't see what you've found out. It's every man for himself, and the person who solves the case wins. There are quite a number of cases to solve, which will keep young sleuths entertained for hours on a rainy day. 1000 MIGLIA by SIMULMONDO Driving game ------------ This is a driving game with a difference. The race takes place in the 1920-1930's period and you can choose some lovely vintage cars. Although it's just a matter of overtaking without crashing, there are little details such as weather conditions (like fog, for instance) which make it a little bit more interesting than your average driving game. 1869 by MAX DESIGN Trading game ------------ This is a straightforward trading game. You start with so much money, you buy some goods at your home port and you sail for foreign parts. The trick is to sell them to those who need them; find out who is exporting what and who is in need of what, the object of the exercise is to get rich by, I pressume, 1869. A relaxed game, not likely to keep you from your bed. 2400 A.D. by ORIGIN RPG --- This will take you back to the old Ultima games. Whereas it is nothing to shout about in terms of graphics, it abounds in nostalgia and it is a nice little adventure to boot. ~We bring you the letter "A" next issue.