Review by: Shawn Quigley
Published: October 13, 1997

Dating back to the original IBM PC, the first Microsoft Flight Simulator gave PC owners a glimpse into the future with its 3D monochrome line graphics. Now, many years later, we are given the opportunity to play Microsoft’s latest release in Microsoft Flight Simulator ’98. There have been many changes made to the original version. Obviously the technology used in today’s games is a far cry from what the PC could do just a few short years ago. Flight Simulator ’98 brings the latest advances in flight and computer technology to the table by bringing gamers one step closer to flying actual planes. ( read more… )

Review by: David Laprad
Published: October 12, 1997

Raven Software’s games have always been a mixed bag. When they have used technology created by id Software, the results have been nothing less than brilliant. The Heretic and Hexen series features a fascinating, maturing world, and some of the hottest and most creative 3D gameplay to date. It has often been rightly said that Raven is the one company that can turn id’s sharp technology into a game worth playing. On the other hand, when they have developed games from the ground up with their own technology, as with Necrodome and CyClones, the results, with respect to both technology and gameplay, have been less than spectacular. ( read more… )

Review by: Brian Pipa
Published: October 9, 1997

With the flurry of real-time strategy games released and on the way, a title has to be more than just a clone to stand out in this crowded realm. Dark Reign has to be the most hyped and subsequently the most anticipated strategy game of recent time. That’s not a bad thing, necessarily, but when the expectations are so high, it’s often hard to live up to them. One thing is for sure…if you are into strategy games, you had to have heard of Dark Reign. ( read more… )

Review by: Jim Brumbaugh
Published: October 8, 1997

The world of Etheria is under attack. The year is 1232 S.E., representing nearly one-and-one-quarter millennia since the founding of the Selentine Empire. A profane alliance between Lord Bane, the fabled Dark Horseman of Death, and Lord Sartek, the Dark Horsemen of War, is now threatening the Empire. After capturing the lands and ports of the High Elves in the Northern Tundra, their campaign of death and destruction has taken a southern turn — to the Selentine Coast. As they descend upon the homeland of Siria, it is the destiny of the Sirian Knights to reclaim captured lands and drive the evil forces of Chaos and the Undead back to the hell from whence they came.

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Review by: Pete Hines
Published: October 6, 1997

In Terracide, a group of colonists left Earth long ago to start a new life elsewhere. Unable to find anything but planets with hostile environments, they were forced to use their technology to adapt themselves, specifically their bodies, to these conditions. Now, many years later, they have returned to the place of their birth. Instead of the welcome reunion that the current Earthlings were hoping for, they find themselves fighting for their very lives against these visitors. Their only hope for survival is to send one small ship to slip past the enemy fleet’s defenses and destroy each ship…from within. The pilot of this craft is, of course, you. If you fail, the result will be “terracide” — the systemic elimination of our race and life as we know it. ( read more… )

Review by: Shawn Quigley
Published: October 3, 1997

When NHL ’97 came out last year, EA Sports was tauting the slogan “It’s in the game.” Basically, they were saying that if it is in the real thing, then you will see it in their game. This was not totally true, but EA Sports’ games come close to keeping their word. NHL ’97 marked one of the best graphical looking sports games to ever come along. This year EA Sports has released NHL ’98 and has again raised the bar on what graphics should look like in sports titles. The question is: can the gameplay hold up and is it better than last year’s version? I recently sat down with the final version of NHL ’98 to take it through the paces. ( read more… )

Review by: Shawn Quigley
Published: October 2, 1997

Since the first Test Drive game came out many years ago, players have been eager to go faster and faster in computer racing games. With the recent development in hardware, especially in the area of graphics, game producers have been able to portray the feeling of speed with better and faster games. Electronic Arts is publishing one of the only motorcycle racing simulations to be found on the PC. The title is called Moto Racer. What sets Moto Racer apart from other racing simulations is its lightning fast graphics and support for 3D acceleration via Direct3D. ( read more… )

Review by: Shawn Quigley
Published: October 1, 1997

Many of us have grown up during a time when football has changed from the grid-iron football of the past to the prime-time football of today. Looking back into those years of the “Immaculate Reception” by Franko Harris, or any other big play, brings back memories of football’s greatest moments. Accolade has attempted to bring back those times with the release of their new football game, Legends Football ’98. Legends Football ’98 was one of the most anticipated football games of the year. The idea of being able to play in football games all the way back to the 1930′s and putting teams on the field from different eras just could not be overlooked. The possibilities were limitless. ( read more… )

Review by: Pete Hines
Published: September 29, 1997

KickOff ’97 is Maxis’ effort to bring the world’s most popular sport, soccer (or football, for most of the planet), to life in a realistic fashion. Playing either as a professional or national squad, you have the opportunity to lead your team to glory. I’ve played soccer at almost every level since I could walk, and still being active in playing and coaching the game, I looked forward to this title with much relish. ( read more… )

Review by: Shawn Quigley
Published: September 28, 1997

It would be tough to find a sports fan that cannot relate to the saying “Are you ready for some football?” Monday Night Football is one of the great American traditions, and has been watched by millions of fans for many years. Thanks to ABC Sports and a great developer, Monday Night Football also comes in the form of a PC game. ABC Interactive and OT Sports have released Monday Night Football ’98 during the beginning of another exciting year on the air. MNF ’98 builds from a great foundation to try and put itself among the top football games on the market. ( read more… )

Review by: David Laprad
Published: September 26, 1997

Going to the software store these days is often a déjà vu experience. As I peruse the cramped shelves looking for something unique and special, I frequently hear my pre-school teacher asking me which one of the boxes is different from the others, reminding me of the game we all played as children. Only she’s not demanding that I choose an errant shape or displaced food group; rather, she is telling me to locate a game that is unlike anything ever attempted before. That’s not an easy task, and I always grow nervous, picturing her stern brow as I frantically search through endless stacks of real-time strategy games, 3D shooters, role-playing titles, and point-and-click adventures. “There’s nothing here!” I invariably cry out in frustration, fearing her harsh reproach.

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Review by: Brian Pipa
Published: September 25, 1997

Eidolon, the oldest and most powerful Serpent Rider, has enslaved your beloved land of Thyrion. His power is immense; his grip on Thyrion is absolute. His evil minions have terrorized the people of Thyrion long enough. It is up to you to defeat Eidolon and his vile servants and to restore the freedom and dignity of the people. The odds are greatly against you and the task is formidable. Will you accept the challenge and can you succeed? ( read more… )

Review by: Emil Pagliarulo
Published: September 24, 1997

Lord knows there are plenty of racing sims on the market right now. With titles like X-Car, Formula 1, Power F1, and even Carmageddon sitting on store shelves, motorheads have plenty to choose from. Unfortunately, all of these games (like most games) will cost you well over $30. A gamer on a budget need not despair, however. Wizardworks, now also known as the GT Interactive Value Division, has just released Circuit Racer, a racing simulation for the financially impaired. At a retail price of around $20, Circuit Racer offers quite a bit of racing action at half the price. ( read more… )

Review by: Jim Brumbaugh
Published: September 22, 1997

Do you have what it takes to mold a tiny country into a Great Power? Think you could handle not only the military aspects of your burgeoning kingdom, but also the economic, industrial and diplomatic ones? Interested in engineering the infrastructure of your fatherland, in order that food be collected for your people, and natural resources be developed to be used in industry? If these sorts of challenges appeal to your more “civilized” of senses, then Imperialism from SSI will satisfy your “kingmaking” desires. ( read more… )

Review by: David Laprad
Published: September 21, 1997

Vampires are night creatures, clothed in darkness and legend, who drink the life substance of their victims in order to replenish their own. They are spirits of great strength who rage against mankind without mercy, ceaselessly devouring human flesh and spilling blood. Their many powers are inconceivable; they can cast spells, transform themselves into animals and objects, render themselves invisible, and perform acts of incredible cruelty. They are also figures of searing solitude — cold, lonely souls who have chosen to exist among the fringes of the living.

( read more… )