Review by: Shawn Quigley
Published: September 9, 1997

There probably isn’t a person alive that cannot relate to the game of baseball in some way. During the past few years, there have been a number of baseball games released on various platforms, all with their own strengths and weaknesses. What most of these game lacked was a sheer sense of history, until the release of Aaron vs. Ruth came along. The sole purpose of this baseball title is to recreate the look and feel of the classic game that is much different today than it was years ago. Baseball has evolved into a big time, big league playfield for athletes who demand high salaries and too many luxuries. Back when baseball started to spread across the country it was becoming a national pastime, something the whole family could go and see on a Sunday afternoon. Mindscape has taken an ambitious stab at bringing this old-time baseball back to life. They did fall short on some more notable players of those times and, for some reason, certain players did not make it into the game. ( read more… )

Review by: Shawn Quigley
Published: September 8, 1997

When the word “extreme” is mentioned, the first thing that usually pops into peoples’ minds does not have anything to do with computer games…but all that is about to change! Blue Byte Software has taken advantage of two of the most recent technology enhancements to be offered for computer games — Intel’s MMX extensions and 3D acceleration — and molded them into an extremely fast graphics engine. By combining both of these elements into a single title, Blue Byte has been able to achieve a game that moves extremely quickly without sacrificing visual quality. But are looks all that Extreme Assault has?

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Review by: Emil Pagliarulo
Published: September 8, 1997

It may have taken longer than expected, but the inevitable has finally occurred — the legendary Shadow Warrior has emerged from the darkness. Now, only one question remains: Is Lo Wang too late to save the Build engine from complete obsolescence? ( read more… )

Review by: Jim Brumbaugh
Published: September 5, 1997

It has always been my belief that serious wargame fanatics require two things above all else from any wargame product: detail and realism. Realism is necessary in order for the gamer to immerse himself in the historical experience of the war that is being simulated. Detail as it pertains to terrain and fighting units not only adds another element of realism, but also gives the player more options from which to choose when mounting an assault or defending his territory. As a reader, if you agree with my assessment of the ingredients necessary for a wargame to be considered a success, then Pacific General from Strategic Simulations (SSI) is definitely worth a long, hard look.

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Review by: Emil Pagliarulo
Published: September 3, 1997

By the end of World War II, an estimated 27,000 German submariners, mostly teenagers, had been lost to the icy North Atlantic. That’s a pretty frightening statistic, considering the total deployment of these U-Boat crewman was 39,000 throughout the war. It is because of the harrowing nature of this unique type of naval combat that the experience translates so well into the medium of computer games. Dynamix’s Aces of the Deep remains one of the best submarine simulations ever made, and perfectly captures the claustrophobic fear of being submerged 200 feet below the water’s surface, while destroyers dump hundreds of pounds of explosives all around you. Well, On-line Games has taken World War II naval warfare to a whole new level. Ironwolves is that company’s take on the Battle of the Atlantic, and adds a long-awaited, natural element to the mix — multiplayer gameplay. ( read more… )

Review by: Brian Pipa
Published: September 1, 1997

” A ball bounces. A pin drops. A man falls. Gravity is the glue which binds us to our planet. We are about to apply the solvent which will free our species forever.”

— Pierre Belmondo (Director of European AG Research) speaking at a demonstration of anti-gravity technology, Nevada, USA, April 2035

Wipeout XL (Wipeout 2097 to our foreign readers) just hints at a storyline but never develops it in either the manual or the game itself. Evidently, anti-gravity (AG) has been perfected and now four racing teams have been formed representing various sections of Earth — America, Japan, Europe, and Russia. Why they are racing (and shooting) is not made clear, but it really doesn’t matter. This is one game that doesn’t need a plot to hold your interest. ( read more… )

Review by: Emil Pagliarulo
Published: August 31, 1997

Your car rounds the hairpin turn at the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit. Tires screeching, engine straining, the Formula 1 racer threatens to break apart under the pressure. But the machine manages to hold on, and you kick the accelerator to the floor to gain some valuable ground on the straightaway. Things start to look up — but wait! Who is that pulling up on the left? It’s Damon Hill! The closer he gets, the more you can feel victory slipping through your fingers. So, you do what any self-respecting driver would — you give him a friendly little sideswipe and send him careening into the barrier. Now it’s just you and an open track….

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Review by: Pete Hines
Published: August 23, 1997

You know, I can’t even turn on the news anymore without hearing a story about some psycho causing a wreck in rush hour traffic, or an investigative report on “road rage,” and what should be done about it. I’ll tell you what should be done about it — get these idiots a good computer and a copy of Carmageddon, the answer to violent problems on the highways and byways. After a few hours of being strapped firmly into the seat of their vehicle/weapon, this game will release anyone’s frustrations and make the world a better place. Sound crazy? Maybe, but not as insane as the action in this game. ( read more… )

Review by: David Laprad
Published: August 23, 1997

Do you like to blow things up? Of course you do. With this in mind, it’s time you tried a new game that allows you to blow things up real good! No, it’s not a first-person action game using cutting-edge technology, or another clone in the endless parade of Command & Conquer look-alikes. It’s a turn-based strategy game called WarHeads. Before you hit the back button on your browser in search of a real-time fix, know this: WarHeads is great fun. If you pass on this game, you will be missing out on a highly entertaining and action packed experience. ( read more… )

Review by: Emil Pagliarulo
Published: August 23, 1997

As a rule, I’m not usually too keen on racing games. The monotony of driving around, and around, and around a track is usually the last way I want to spend my gaming hours. If there’s not a rocket launcher strapped to the hood, why even bother? It was with this attitude I began playing Bethesda’s XCar: Experimental Racing, a game I was sure I would dislike, and found myself playing for 3 hours straight. ( read more… )

Review by: Pete Hines
Published: August 23, 1997

Good strategy games, adventure games, and RPGs can be found on the market. While many would debate which ones are the best, I don’t think there will be much argument about which game has done the best job of combining the three genres. That title, at least for this year, will go to Birthright: Gorgon’s Alliance. Birthright is a myriad of adventures, alliances, battles, and strategy that makes the transition from board game (by TSR) to computer beautifully. ( read more… )

Review by: Emil Pagliarulo
Published: August 17, 1997

One thing computer games have never been accused of being is politically correct. Just look at the whole Shadow Warrior racism fiasco and you’ll know what I mean. If you think the exploits of Lo Wang are cause for outrage, then chances are you’ll find something offensive in the TNT Team’s free Platoon total conversion for Duke Nukem 3D. Check your sensitivities at the door, though, and this incredible add-on will plunge you into gameplay so intense, it makes battling hordes of aliens seem like a Sunday stroll. ( read more… )

Review by: Brian Pipa
Published: August 15, 1997

Americans are obsessed with lawyers and court cases. Who didn’t watch at least a little bit of the case of the century — the O.J. trial? We take people to court at the drop of a hat (literally). L.A. Law, Law and Order, The Practice, People’s Court, and Judge Judy are just a few of the court-related TV shows I can think of and now we have a way to try court cases ourselves without getting that expensive law degree — Legacy Software’s D.A.– Pursuit of Justice. ( read more… )

Review by: Brian Pipa
Published: August 14, 1997

6 May 2003

Washington, D.C. — The President today announced the deployment of US Army and Air Force units to Ukraine. “At this very moment, select elements of the United States Army and Air Force are on the ground in Ukraine to support the elected government there. These forces are provided to assist Ukrainian forces in the defense of their homeland.” Pentagon sources indicate that the US forces consist primarily of armored ground forces and a variety of aircraft. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the newly introduced F-22 air superiority fighter is among those assets being deployed. ( read more… )

Review by: Pete Hines
Published: August 13, 1997

Atomic Bomberman is the latest console game to make the transition to the PC. This action title is a fast-paced, frantic game of quick thinking and even quicker reflexes. In matches against 1-9 opponents, your task is to blow away your competition with bombs, while staying in one piece yourself. While the game is not too complex or hard to understand, it can be very tough to play, and even harder to master. With some skill and luck, maybe you can be the last one standing and proclaim, “I’m the bomb!” ( read more… )