If you were lucky enough to get a computer for Christmas,
congratulations. But now here comes the hard part: trying to decide what software to get for your system.
Without software your computer isn`t much use, unless you want to turn it into a planter or a doorstop. With software, however, your system becomes a magical mystery tour de force. In the last few weeks I`ve saved Gorbachev and glasnost, designed a revolutionary new type of aircraft and built the city of the future-all without leaving my computer.
Good software gives a lot of bang for its buck. Unfortunately, there are plenty of programs out there that are high-tech turkeys. To help you separate the winners from the losers, here`s a roundup of the some of the newest releases. The prices listed are suggested retail; expect to get substantial savings at discount stores.
Strategy games
Ishido: The Way of Stones (most systems; $54.95). A sort of a cross between mah-jongg and dominoes, this exquisitely designed game is a beauty on your screen and a challenge to your mind. The first time you make a successful four-way match of the stones, you will experience a form of computer-nerd nirvana that will raise you to another astral plane.
Command H.Q. (Microprose; IBM; $59.95). A game of global conquest, this program is a more sophisticated version of Risk or Empire. Its author is Dan Bunten, who produced such computer classics as M.U.L.E. Five scenarios are offered, from World War I to World War IV (a pleasant thought) and beyond. The computer opponent is pretty tough, but for the best challenge you`ll want to use a modem or cable to compete against another human.
Stratego (Accolade; most systems; $49.95). This is a faithful re-creation of the popular board game of the same name. It offers stunning graphics and a user-friendly interface. Some new optional rules add even more elements of strategy to this game of capture the flag. Unfortunately, the computer opponent, even at its highest level, isn`t the brightest.
Sim City Graphics Sets I and II (Maxis; Amiga, IBM, Mac; $34.95 each set). If you own Sim City, the wonderful urban-planning construction set, you might get a kick out of these two add-on disks. Set I-Ancient Cities-lets users build cities in Ancient Asia, Medieval Times and the Wild West. Set II- Future Cities-offers Future USA, Future Europe and Moon Colony scenarios. However, before you shell out $35, be warned: the disks merely offer extra graphics; game play itself is unchanged.
Edward O. Thorp`s Real Blackjack (Villa Crespo; IBM; $49.95). Thorp earned his fame by discovering the secrets behind successful blackjack strategy. This program carries Thorp`s ideas one step farther as it teaches you proper card play and money management. The graphics aren`t exactly state- of-the-art, but the game does have a wealth of options. A nifty feature allows you to devise new strategies and then have the computer test their validity.
Arcade games
Night Shift (Lucasfilms; most systems; $39.95). How`s this for shameless self-promotion? This Lucasfilm product puts you in the role of a factory worker at a wacky toy company trying to keep up with demand for your products. And guess what you are producing? Oh, just some Darth Vader dolls, Indiana Jones paraphernalia and other Lucasfilm flotsam and jetsam. Nonetheless, the game is so clever and well-made that you`ll probably enjoy it in spite of the built-in commercials-and your kids will probably love the plugs.
Wing Commander (Origin; IBM; $69.95). Sometimes it seems as if there are as many space simulators on the market as there are stars in the sky, but even if there are, this program is a supernova. Boasting 256-color VGA graphics and a dynamic stereo sound system, this game has to been seen and heard to be believed.
Pipe Dream (Lucasfilm; most systems; $29.95-$39.95, depending on system). Nowadays you`ll find too few games available for all computer systems; it`s rapidly becoming an IBM world out there. But whether you own a Commodore, an Apple, an Atari ST or whatever, you`ll find a good version available of this simple yet addictive game. Your goal is to put together the longest possible continuous pipeline, racing against a stream of gunk called flooz. Play it a few times and you, too, will be a confirmed floozy.
Educational software
Compton`s Multimedia Encyclopedia (Britannica Software; IBM; $895). This program costs plenty, and you`ll need a CD-ROM player to use it, but it is worth every cent of it. Packed on a single CD-ROM disc that fits in the palm of your hand are all 26 volumes of the Compton`s Encyclopedia, including more than 15,000 pictures, photos, illustrations, maps and charts. Even better:
Sounds are included, from the singing of birds to the music of Bach. Want more? How about the complete Unabridged Merriam-Webster Dictionary online?
Mickey`s ABCs; Mickey`s 123s; and Mickey`s Colors and Shapes (Disney;
IBM; $49.95 each). These three titles launch a new line of Disney software geared toward the age 2 to 5 crowd. The games are colorful and easy to operate, even if your child can`t read. For $34.95 extra, Disney is offering a hardware attachment called the Sound Source, which plugs into your PC and offers enhanced sound for Disney software.
Fun Flyer (GameTek; most systems; $14.95). This is the latest in a line of software bearing the Fisher-Price name. The price sounds good, but the shoddy graphics and poor sound make this a bad buy at any price. It`s hard to believe that even the 3- to 8-year-olds that are this game`s target audience would enjoy this one.
Role-playing
Spellcasting 101: Sorcerers Get All the Girls (Microprose; IBM: $59.95). If you love mind-bending puzzles and don`t mind an atrocious pun or three, you`ll just love this spaced-out text/graphics adventure. Its author is Steve Meretzky, who gave us the computer version of Hitchhiker`s Guide to the Galaxy and the immortal Leather Goddesses of Phobos. Like the latter program, this one will appeal to a more adult audience than most adventures, but unlike Leather Goddesses of Phobos it does not come with a scratch-and-sniff card.
BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks` Revenge (Activision; IBM; $50). The Chicago-based FASA company has had monstrous success with its MechWarrior line of robot-combat board games. This program is the second of a series of computerized excursions into the Mech world of the 31st Century, and Mechies everywhere should be enthralled by its great graphics and sound.
Trial by Fire (Sierra; IBM; $59.95). Last year Sierra sold more than 130,000 copies of its initial release in the Hero`s Quest series before it discovered that the title ”Hero`s Quest” had already been copyrighted by another game company. So the series has been retitled Quest for Glory. This new release offers the same high quality as the original, and like its predecessor allows you to play in one of three roles: a magician, fighter or thief.
The Secret of Monkey Island (Lucasfilm; Amiga; Atari ST; IBM; $59.95). An amusing plot full of clever anachronisms makes this the most entertaining foray into the West Indies since when you took the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney World.
Simulators
Microsoft Flight Simulator Aircraft & Scenery Designer (Microsoft; IBM;
$39.95). A companion disk to the immensely popular Microsoft Flight Simulator, this gives you the opportunity to construct not only your own planes but your own worlds to fly them over. Says Charles Fitzgerald, Microsoft Product Manager, ”Now you can personalize Flight Simulator so you can fly over your own house or even land at your local airfield.” You can also fly in a variety of planes from a seaplane to a Boeing 747, or you can design your own experimental craft. Here`s hoping it flies.
Test Drive III: The Passion (Accolade; IBM; $59.95). The Test Drive series of racing simulators has proved to be one of the most popular software packages around; this new release is by far the best in the series. The graphics are much improved over the earlier versions-your windshield wipers even move as the rain falls down.
Stormovik: Su-25 Soviet Attack Fighter (Electronic Arts; IBM; $49.95). There must have been some fast thinking at Electronic Arts to come up with the revised scenario for this air combat simulator. The bad guys are no longer imperialist Yankee warmongers but instead military-industrial complex zealots on both sides who don`t want glasnost to succeed because they`ll lose money and power. So you fly your ground-attack aircraft for the good of Gorby and the rest of the world.
APBA Pro League Football (APBA; 800-334-APBA; IBM; $59.95). The graphics in this program are run-of-the-mill, but the game is unmatched in the realism of its replay of a season of NFL football. More than 1,000 players are faithfully re-created, and a variety of coaching and play options make this one a sure winner.
PGA Tour Golf (Electronic Arts; IBM; $49.95). The concept behind this game is great: Let`s take 60 real-life PGA pros and have them compete on some of the most exciting golf courses in the country. However, the pros included in this package are an unexciting bunch. Not a Nicklaus, a Norman or even a Watson in sight. If you can be excited by the thought of competing against a computerized version of Paul Azinger or Fuzzy Zoeller, maybe you`ll enjoy this one. Otherwise, let it play through.
