* * * MICROPROSE NEWSLETTER * * *
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Volume 3 Number 3
Holiday 1993
On-Line Edition
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Fleet Defender Leaps Off The Deck This Holiday!
MicroProse has produced award-winning simulations of fighter jets
like the F-15, F-117A, and Harrier. Now Fleet Defender, our new,
definitive simulation of the F-14 Tomcat, promises to be MicroProse's
most impressive effort ever _ a thrilling, highly-accurate look at
carrier-based operations in a dedicated dogfighting jet, with the best
3-D graphics ever seen in the industry.
Fleet Defender will take the revolutionary textured 3-D graphics
first seen in F-15 Strike Eagle_ III a step further _ and will then
add amazing new AI capabilities and dramatic missions guaranteed to
make Fleet Defender an instant classic.
The Navy's F-14 Tomcat is an interceptor jet designed to assist
in carrier-based operations. Most of the game's scenarios take place
during the 1970s, the height of the Cold War and the time when the
Soviet military machine was at its most formidable. "We wanted to put
the gamer into the situations that would most challenge an F-14
pilot," explains designer Scott Spanburg. "Many of these were in the
1970s and 80s, when American presence in foreign waters was a
hotly-contested issue."
The operations that the F-14 will undertake are either in defense
of the carrier itself, or in defense of a bomber group _ composed of
F-18s, A-6s, or A-7s _ performing a military operation. The ability to
fly the F-14 as part of a "strike package" makes the game unique and
provides for plenty of action. "In some flight sims you might see
three or four planes in the air at the same time. In F-14, it's
possible that you could see in the area of 40 aircraft, even an entire
task force at sea, all on a single mission," said programmer Mike
McDonald.
Fleet Defender also allows the player a computerized wingman, a
staple of modern day dogfighting. Technical advisor George Wargo (see
article below) explains that wingmen are essential in the strategy and
tactics of modern dogfighting. "The flight leader and his wingman make
a contract before they leave the carrier. They agree on how they will
react to any situation. Theirs is a contract of mutual support, they
have to work in unison to be successful." In the game, the player will
be able to direct the actions of that wingman, which will also be
driven by the game's artificial intelligence.
"The AI in the game is fantastic," Scott said. "The enemies will
use real strategies and tactics employed by the Soviet military at
that time, the enemy flight models are identical to real Soviet
doctrine and behavior. When you dogfight in this game you will be
taking on the Soviet military."
And because the game often takes place at the height of the
Soviet Union's military might, the dogfighting will be intense.
"The F-14 is loaded with firepower, and the game will make sure
you need every bit of it," George said. "The action will be realistic,
but exciting too."
"We're glad the Cold War is over," Scott said, "but we wanted to
give gamers a chance to fight battles that never happened, but could
have."
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Letters To The Editor
First of all, I would like to say that I really enjoy the games
that MicroProse creates. Simulation games are my favorite and you take
the player right into the action, making you feel the panic of
incoming weapons. I read in your newsletter about Pirates! Gold_ and
am looking forward to playing the game. After reading the
requirements, though, I see that it takes up 18-20 MB of space. Will
MicroProse release more of these LARGE memory games on CD so as to
save disk space?
Ron Amrhein
Pomona, CA
* MicroProse has already begun an extensive commitment to the
burgeoning CD-ROM games market. In addition to the F-15 Strike Eagle
III CD, we also have the Jet Pack (F-15 Strike Eagle II and F-117A
Stealth Fighter 2.0), the World War II Pack (B-17 Flying Fortress and
Silent Service II), and the Chopper Pack (Gunship 2000 plus the
Islands & Ice scenario disk). You can expect to see more MicroProse
titles on CD-ROM as long as the market supports the effort.
I would_ like to say that the road racing game (World Circuit) is
the best racing game that I have played. I have tried all the ones
that I can find, and none have come close. _ I hope that this is not
going to be the last racing game that MicroProse puts out_ . I have
also received your demo of NFL Coaches Club Football, it is a great
game with lots of detail. I'm sure that this game will be a big hit,
even with the people who don't follow football as much as others do.
Vincent Ippoliti, Jr.
Trevose, PA
* Thanks for the kind words, Vincent! World Circuit has proven to
be one of our most highly-praised games, and we've gotten lots of
letters like yours from excited gamers around the world who love World
Circuit's realism and thrilling gameplay. Don't be too surprised to
see more products like World Circuit a little further down the
road.... As for Coaches Club Football, that too has been drawing high
praise. One of it's greatest features is the one you mentioned: the
game is equally entertaining for football fanatics as well as more
casual players.
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MicroProse Supports User Groups!
If you're an avid computer user, chances are you belong to or
have heard of a user group. MicroProse is beginning a comprehensive
user group relations program designed to put the company in closer
contact with these avid users.
User groups are collections of computer users sharing similar
interests or objectives. User groups often revolve around a specific
platform, such as IBM-PC/compatibles, Macintosh, etc. User groups can
also be formed around a particular interest, such as desktop
publishing, multimedia, or gaming.
The User Group Relations Plan will consist of a quarterly
newsletter mailed to each user group, featuring progress reports on
upcoming games, behind-the-scenes looks at development, and special
hints and tips on our most successful games. There is also the
possibility of complimentary copies of games and/or special pricing
for user groups. Details are still being determined.
If you're a member of a user group dedicated to computer-related
issues and/or computer gaming, send MicroProse a copy of a recent user
group newsletter, or some other official group publication. This will
automatically place you on our user group mailing list.
All information received is for MicroProse use only and will not
be used for mailing lists. Send user group information to: Customer
Communications, MicroProse Software, Inc., 180 Lakefront Drive, Hunt
Valley, MD 21030-2245.
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Write to MicroProse News!
We want to know what you think about our company, our products,
and this newsletter. Send correspondence to: Newsletter Editor ù
MicroProse News ù 180 Lakefront Drive ù Hunt Valley, MD 21030-2245.
Submission guidelines are printed in the staff box at left. Shorter
letters have the best chance of being published.
Modem owners can save themselves a postage stamp by uploading a
letter to the editor to the MicroProse News folder of the MicroProse
BBS, (410) 785-1841. Letters left here are not answered online. They
are treated as other, mailed, submissions.
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Sneak Preview
World War II Armored Land Combat In Europe: Across The Rhine
The invasion of Normady signalled the beginning of the end for
the Axis powers in World War II, but many blazing battles remained to
be fought before V-E Day finally arrived. Among the most intense of
these battles were the armored land battles between advancing American
and retreating German forces along the Western Front.
That's the focus of Across The Rhine, MicroProse's simulation of
fierce armored land combat in the closing months of World War II. "The
German tanks were more highly engineered and tougher than American
tanks, but American tanks were more reliable and much more numerous,"
explains designer Jim Day. "That made for some hotly contested
battles."
And because the player will be able to play as either American or
German forces, there's a unique opportunity to experience the
strengths and weaknesses of each side. "Across The Rhine is a tactical
game. You play at the battalion level, where you are one tank among
several dozen. You can control the actions of your tank, and also jump
into any of the other tanks in your battalion whenever you like," Jim
explained.
The action in the game is presented with MicroProse's celebrated
3-D graphics, guaranteeing realism and drama. A unique windowing
system will allow you to drive your tank and see its progress via
first-person 3-D, and also consult the overall map, a top-down
strategic look at tank deployment, without changing screens. Other
standard windowing conventions such as scroll bars and sizeable
windows will also be available. But although Across The Rhine is
scheduled to be launchable from Windows_, it is a DOS-based game.
Across The Rhine will incorporate campaign play as well as the
ability to stage battles of your desire, and a special Battle Builder
will make things even more interesting. With the Battle Builder, you
can determine the forces of both sides in a given engagement, or you
can just pick your own forces and allow the computer to "surprise" you
with its opposition selections. You can also choose to come in at the
middle of a campaign, and at the middle of the game's ranking system,
which affects how much battlefield authority you have.
"Across The Rhine is designed to give players as much of the
detail of World War II armored combat in Europe as they like," Jim
said. "And plenty of excitement and intensity along the way."
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NFL Coaches Club_ Football Brings You The Super Bowl(s)!
If the approaching NFL playoffs are making you eager for even
more Coaches Club Football action, MicroProse has just the ticket.
The NFLCoaches Club Football Super Bowl Disk is an add-on disk to
the game filled with team stats and rosters for every Super Bowl team
(winners and losers) since Super Bowl I.
The Super Bowl Disk will also feature an upgrade to the original
game that solves any reported compatibility problems or other issues,
new Super Bowl graphics, and a few features added at the request of
game purchasers.
"This is a great way to celebrate the playoffs and the Super
Bowl," said CCFootball co-designer Ed Fletcher. "There's always talk
about which teams were better than others, which dynasties were the
best. This Super Bowl Disk will let you find out for yourself.
NFLCoaches Club Football has been earning high praise for its
realistic, yet entertaining, depiction of the real NFL. All the action
is shown in smooth 3-D graphics that allow the player to view each
play from any angle he wishes.
"Under the engine" of the game is a detailed simulation engine
that accurately models the laws of human movement and physics,
allowing players to do things in the game that they can do in real
life, such as fake out defenders and barrel over blockers.
Coaches Club Football also features authentic NFL coaches,
players, and teams _ and playcalling capabilities drawn from NFL
playbooks and based on the strategies and tactics used every Sunday by
NFL teams.
The Super Bowl Disk is expected to be ready by the middle of
December.
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Holiday Shopping Ideas For The Gamer On Your List
Here are just a few gift ideas to consider for the computer owner
on your shopping list:
History buffs. For an in-depth look at the birth of dogfighting,
check out Knights of the Sky_ (IBM-PC/compatibles), MicroProse's
brilliant simulation of aerial dogfighting in World War I. World War
II enthusiasts can try B-17 Flying Fortress_ (IBM-PC/compatibles), or
Silent Service_ II (IBM-PC/compatibles). B-17 is a detailed
re-creation of life inside the legendary B-17 bomber during hazardous
missions over occupied Europe. Silent Service II is a celebrated
simulation of submarine actions in the Pacific during World War II.
Both of these games are available together on the World War II CD Pack
(IBM-PC/compatibles) as well.
Sports fans. NFL Coaches Club_ Football (IBM-PC/compatibles) is
MicroProse's state of the art simulation of real NFL football. It
features real NFL players, coaches, and teams, and the most realistic
playcalling, on-field action, and 3-D graphics ever developed for a
football game. World Circuit_ (IBM-PC/compatibles) is a thrilling look
at Formula One auto racing that's earning rave reviews for its
powerful graphics and incredible realism.
CD-ROM. For computer owners with a CD-ROM drive, MicroProse has
plenty of great selections. Along with the World War II Pack described
above, you should also think about the Jet Pack (F-15 Strike Eagle_ II
and F-117A Stealth Fighter 2.0_), the Chopper Pack (Gunship_ 2000 and
the Islands & Ice scenario), and the F-15 Strike Eagle_ III CD. All CD
Packs are for IBM-PC/compatibles.
New gamers. Return of the Phantom_ (IBM-PC/compatibles) is an
engrossing animated graphic adventure in which you match wits with the
legendary Phantom of the Opera! And it's specifically designed to
appeal to novice as well as experienced gamers.
Unique tastes. For the gamer in your life with unusual,
distinctive tastes, MicroProse has a few games you might want to
consider. The Legacy_ (IBM-PC/compatibles) is an interactive horror
movie filled with terrifying graphics and sounds, bone-chilling
surprises, and plenty of supernatural goings-on. BloodNet_
(IBM-PC/compatibles) is a mesmerizing combination of dark, high-tech
cyberpunk and gothic vampire genres that provides long hours of
role-playing fun.
High adventure. Some gamers want the very best in action and
adventure, and no one delivers it better than MicroProse. Pirates!_
Gold (IBM-PC/compatibles) is a swashbuckling action/adventure saga
casting you in the role of a daring buccaneer on the Spanish Main.
Whatever kinds of games the computer user on your shopping list
prefers, MicroProse has a great title to fit the bill. Call our
courteous phone representatives at 1-800-879-PLAY, weekdays from 9am
to 5pm, EST, for more ideas and information.
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Hot Gift Idea!
Open Civilization_ In Windows!
Windows users who have been wondering what all the excitement for
Sid Meier's Civilization_ was about can find out for themselves now,
with the release of Civilization for the Microsoft Windows_ operating
system.
Civilization is game design legend Sid Meier's strategy epic,
giving players control of an entire civilization from the founding of
its first cities through the space age. As players grow their
civilization from one city to many, they make every key political,
economic, social, technological, and military decision the empire
faces. Along the way they compete against civilizations run by
history's greatest leaders, including Julius Caesar, Napoleon, Ghengis
Khan, and Alexander the Great.
Civilization has earned virtually ever major gaming award the
industry can bestow, including a sweep at the 1990 SPA awards of every
category in which it was nominated (Best Strategy Program, Best
Entertainment Program, Critic's Choice). Civilization also received
Computer Gaming World's coveted Overall Game of the Year award.
The Windows version of Civilization incorporates all the game's
award-winning design and gameplay features, and adds dazzling new,
high-res artwork. Civilization for Windows also takes advantage of the
Windows interface, and can be kept open (but hidden) on your screen
when real work is supposed to be done.
Product Manager John Dreibelbis sees Civilization for Windows as
an ideal Christmas gift. "Windows is one of the most popular operating
systems in the world, and Civilization is one of the most popular
games. Any computer user who likes challenging, addictive strategy
games will like Civilization."
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Tips For Software Shopping_
Shopping for a computer game can be a confusing task. But if you
have the right information about the person you're buying for, and the
machine he/she uses, you can get the store clerk to do most of the
work for you!
Be ready to tell the clerk the type of machine involved (IBM,
Mac, etc.), model type, the amount of RAM, the approximate amount of
hard disk space, and the type of graphics and sound supported. If you
don't know any of this, get the potential gift recipient to write it
down.
If you can't find a knowledgable store clerk, try calling
MicroProse Direct at 1-800-879-PLAY, 9am to 5pm EST, weekdays. We have
plenty of informed, enthusiastic representatives eager to help make
your holiday season pleasant.
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MicroProse Online!
MicroProse provides Upcoming News, Latest Versions, Updates, and
Technical Support on the following Online Services. All are staffed by
Technical Representatives Quentin Chaney and Brian Hellesen. Special
Technical Support on the MPS*BBS by Jim McConkey. ;)
America Online
Industry Connection, Keyword "MicroProse." Address: MicroProse
Compuserve
Game Publishers Forum, "Go GAMBPUB." Address: MicroProse, 76004,2223
Delphi
GameSIG. Address: MicroProse
GEnie
Scorpia RT. Address: MicroProse
MCIMail
Address: MicroProse
PC-Link
Computer Forum, Keyword "MicroProse." Address: MicroProse
Prodigy
Game BB. Address: XHFK15D
Promenade
Industry Connection, Keyword "MicroProse." Address: MicroProse
Q-Link
Computer Forum, MicroProse Section. Address: MPSLabs
Internet
Address: 76004.2223@CompuServe.Com
and now ...
NVN
Address: MicroProse
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Coping With Technology
Many novice computer users are confused by the terms memory and
storage, and the differences between each.
Since both are most commonly measured in megabytes these days,
the confusion is understandable. But it's important to know the
difference between memory and storage when deciding if a game will run
on your machine.
Memory is an indication of how much processing power your
computer can devote to a task at a single time. Memory is expressed as
RAM, standing for Random Access Memory. The more RAM you have, the
more things your computer can do at once, like manage graphics and
sound, multiple programs at once, etc.
Storage refers to how much space is available on the hard drive
to hold whatever data and resources you may have.
The key here is that having a great deal of storage doesn't
automatically mean you can run all the programs you want. It's sort of
like having a large warehouse filled with materials, but only a small
forklift to move them around. The larger the forklift, the more
materials in the warehouse can be moved around and the faster the work
can get done.
It's a good idea to make sure you keep your PC up to standards in
RAM and in storage. Nowadays, having about 4MB of RAM and at least
100MB of storage isn't a bad idea.
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Notes From Customer Service/Technical Support
Master of Orion
* To conquer a populated planet, you must remember to eliminate
all its defenses before bringing in land forces via transports. Use
your ships to destroy the planet's defensive starships and its
ground-based missile defenses. Only when all the planetary defenses
are destroyed will you be able to safely bring transport units to the
planet.
* If you receive an error message during the game related to a
.LBX file, it means that too much EMS memory is configured. A
workaround here is to set your EMS configuration to 2MB.
The Legacy
* If the game crashes or hangs during the intro sequence, it's
probably for one of two reasons. If the crash occurs during the
lightning strike, your sound card setting in the game is incorrectly
configured. If the crash occurs later during the introduction, you do
not have enough EMS memory allocated.
Game Patches on BBS
* Game patches are currently available on the MicroProse BBS (see
information at right) for Pirates!_ Gold and Master of Orion_. Also
look for a patch for Railroad Tycoon_ Deluxe on the BBS in the very
near future.
MicroProse Phone Numbers
Customer Service
(410) 771-1151
(Weekdays, 9am-5pm, EST)
Direct Ordering
1-800-879-PLAY
(Weekdays, 9am-5pm, EST)
starting Dec. 1: 9am-9pm weekdays & Saturdays
MicroProse BBS
(410) 785-1841
(7 Days; 24 hours)
MicroProse Hints
1-900-933-PLAY
(7 Days; 24 hours; 95› per minute; must be over 18; touchtone
phone required)
Recent Releases
BloodNet_
IBM-PC/compatibles
Play the part of a vampire cyberpunk hacker in the most original
role-playing game ever! You'll have to master high technology and your
own inner demons to survive a world filled with sinister
megacorporations capable of exploiting the dark secrets of the soul.
C.P.U. Bach_
3DO Interactive Multiplayer
Designer Sid Meier's latest masterpiece is a program that creates
its own: a digital classical composer capable of creating, on the fly,
music in the style of Baroque master Johann Sebastian Bach. Can a
computer equal human creativity? Find out for yourself.
Master of Orion_
IBM-PC/compatibles
A gripping, addictive strategy game placing you in charge of a
spacefaring race trying to conquer the galaxy. You make every
political, economic, technological and military decision!
NFL Coaches Club_Football
IBM-PC/compatibles
The most realistic and entertaining football simulation ever
developed. Coaches Club Football brings you real NFL players, coaches,
and teams for hard-hitting action depicted in state-of-the-art 3-D
graphics. And Coaches Club Football presents the details of human
movement and contact with spine-tingling accuracy.
To order, or for more information on any MicroProse product, call
1-800-879-PLAY (weekdays, 9am to 5pm, EST)
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Film Classic "It's A Wonderfu Life" Now Available On CD-ROM!
The holiday season isn't complete without the classic Jimmy
Stewart movie, It's A Wonderful Life. MicroProse will present this
ageless movie to computer gamers in an all new way by distributing
Kinesoft Development's two-CD compilation of It's A Wonderful Life for
Multimedia PCs.
It's A Wonderful Life is the first full-motion, full-screen
cinematic classic adapted for the Multimedia PC. Packaged on 2 CDs and
featuring over two hours of video and over a gigabyte of data, It's A
Wonderful Life marks a milestone in digital entertainment nearly
equivalent to the film's enormous impact on movie audiences.
The It's A Wonderful Life CD set includes not only the
full-length feature film, but also an extensive array of supplementary
material, ranging from the original theatrical trailer to a complete
scrapbook of images and information about the film. All information is
cross-referenced to provide the definitive reference to the American
film classic.
The CD package is designed not only to showcase the entire film,
but also any selected portions in which a viewer may be particularly
interested. A specially configurable interface system allows the user
to view the film in the size and resolution which works best for their
multimedia system, and a Bookmark feature allows users to store
individual sessions for various other viewers, allowing anyone to
return to the movie at any point and pick up exactly where they left
off. A unique "visual index" allows the user to instantly access any
scene or section of the film quickly and easily.
MicroProse sees the It's A Wonderful Life CD set as a perfect
complement to its line of gaming hits. "The It's A Wonderful Life CD
package is a perfect demonstration of the growing power of computers
to entertain people in new and fascinating ways," said Gerry Blair,
MicroProse VP of Marketing. "We're interested in giving the customer
cutting edge technology and state-of-the-art fun. This CD set meets
both qualifications."
The It's A Wonderful Life CD set requires a personal computer
meeting MPC Level-2 guidelines (486 or higher processor, 4 MB RAM,
hard disk, 256-color capable Windows system), MS-DOS 3.1 or later, and
Microsoft Windows 3.1 or later. The CD set will carry a suggested
retail price of $79.95.
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Pirates!_ Gold Demo Disk Arrives In Port
Pirates! Gold is a game of swashbuckling adventure on the 16th
Century Spanish Main. And, fortunately for those of you who have not
yet played this software classic, so is the new Pirates! Gold demo
disk.
The Pirates! Gold demo disk features interactive swordfights,
some sailing and ship battles, and a few opportunities to interact
with the interesting characters of the Spanish Main.
"Since Pirates! Gold is such an interactive, decision-making
game, we wanted the demo to reflect those qualities," said Product
Manager John Dreibelbis. "We think people will have a lot of fun
sampling the demo, and will want to experience more of the Spanish
Main."
Pirates! Gold is the enhanced version of Sid Meier's classic
Pirates!_. This new version features all-new VGA and Super VGA art of
breathtaking quality, all-new animations, a sporty graphic interface,
and more towns in which a pirate can seek fame, fortune, and perhaps
even the hand of a lovely lady or two.
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Sneak Preview
The Solomons Campaign From The Air: Air War: Pacific '42
The Pacific Theatre saw some of the most intense air combat
action of World War II, and MicroProse plans to deliver that action in
Air War: Pacific '42 (working title), due this spring.
From the designer of Task Force 1942_, MicroProse's popular
simulation of surface naval action during the same time period, Air
War gives the player control over carrier and land-based operations
during the Solomon Islands campaigns.
And because dogfighting in World War II meant getting closer to
the enemy before engaging him, the aerial fights in Air War promise to
be the among the most thrilling ever depicted in a combat flight
simulation.
Air War will let you play on either the American or Japanese
side, in single missions or extended campaigns drawn from the five
carrier battles actually fought during that time.
Air War will feature a breathtaking replay feature that not only
lets you relive recent battles, but lets you choose camera angles and
viewpoints on the action so that it's replayed with real cinematic
flair.
The game will also boast MicroProse's most impressive modem play
design yet. "Air War will let you take on a friend either
competitively _ head to head _ or cooperatively, but there will also
be other planes in the air at the same time," explained designer Ed
Fletcher. "You'll be flying with wingmen, bomber groups, and other
aircraft that will make the action intense and strategy all-important.
And the higher speed modem you have, the more planes we'll be able to
put in the air with you."
Another nice touch will be the game's virtual cockpit, which
allows you to pan across the entire view of the cockpit as you might
turn your head. No more limited "left," "right," and "up" views. The
virtual cockpit allows the player to see exactly what the real pilot
could see. "That kind of full vision is necessary for the kind of
dogfighting you'll do," Ed said.
Air War will include a mission builder and 3-D texture mapped
graphics equal to the revolutionary work being done for Fleet Defender
(see article, page 1). And it will place into enemy surface ships and
planes artificial intelligence more extensive than any yet so far. "No
game thus far has really captured the 'feeling' of air combat in the
World War II Pacific," Ed said. "With our graphics, modem-play
capabilities, and artificial intelligence, we'll be giving the player
the kind of simulation excitement that's both entertaining and
authentic."
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Modem Play Titles Make Great Gifts For Gaming Friends!
Here's another great gift idea: buy a copy of a MicroProse
modem-play game for you and a friend!
MicroProse has a number of games that support modem play, as well
as play against the computer.
Knights of the Sky_ lets you take on a friend in furious
dogfights in World War I bi-planes.
Command H.Q._ is a gripping strategy game in which you'll
challenge a friend for military domination of the world, in either
World War I, II, III, or IV!
Global Conquest_ is a fun, challenging strategy game from the
creator of Command H.Q. You must explore and conquer a strange new
world, and out-maneuver your friends at the same time!
F-15 Strike Eagle_ III, MicroProse's state-of-the-art combat
flight simulation, also offers a powerful modem-play option that lets
you fly in cooperative or competitive (head to head) missions with a
friend!
And, if you purchase World Circuit_, MicroProse's
state-of-the-art simulation of Formula One auto racing, you can
download a modem-play extension to the game from the MicroProse BBS
that will allow you to race against a friend.
Make sure that the friend you buy for has a modem, and that the
modem is capable of the same baud rates as yours.
Then get ready for lots of intense, head-to-head gaming
excitement!
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What The Heck Is A Modem and How Does It Work?
A modem is a device that translates a computer's digital language
into the analog language used by phone lines, and then converts an
analog message back to a digital one. It allows computers to send
information to other computers over phone lines. This kind of
information can include game data, making it possible for friends
miles apart to play the same game at the same time.
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Meet MicroProse's Jet Combat Expert
MicroProse military simulations are praised for many things, but
none more than their realism and authenticity. The company has on more
than one occasion been approached by government employees wondering if
MicroProse has used classified information to develop its
award-winning simulations (we haven't).
Today, a great deal of our well-known realism in simulation
gaming comes from the knowledge of Lt. Col. George Wargo, a former jet
fighter pilot and currently MicroProse's living library of all that is
"affirmative" in modern military doctrine.
George is a 1972 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy
with over 4,000 hours of flight experience. A pilot for 20 years,
George has flown, and served as an instructor for, T-38s, AT-33s, F-5s
and F-15s. His input was critical in making F-15 Strike Eagle_ III the
smash hit it was. (Many die-hard simulation fans thought they had
detected flaws in F-15 III's flight model, only to hear directly from
George via online conferencing the way things "really work.")
George has also worked with many F-14 squadrons during
carrier-based operations on the aircraft carrier Nimitz. It's that
vast experience that George will bring to the design team of
MicroProse's newest combat flight simulation: Fleet Defender_.
"It's amazing that they can take operations that would normally
be land based, and run them on a carrier. It's like a small city
that's run like a well-oiled machine, 18 to 20 hours per day. The
activity never stops."
Thanks to George, Fleet Defender will capture the constant
excitement and challenge of carrier-based operations.
The F-14 is a pure air-to-air jet, meaning that Fleet Defender
owners will see lots of dogfighting, and George makes sure that the
dogfighting is challenging and exciting. " Great dogfighters are born
with a few inherent traits that they spend a great deal of time honing
and perfecting. Discipline is essential."
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Publisher: Ed Kelly
Editor: Gary Ames
On-Line Editor: Quentin Chaney
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This Newsletter is also available in The MPS*BBS NEW File Area as
"MN1193.TXT".
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