MicroLeague Baseball
Friday, June 29, 2018
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
MacAddict (May 1997)
MacAddict (May 1997)
1997 was arguably the year Apple started to turn things around. Their marketshare had been fading for a while (not that it was every particularly high back in those days) but Steve Jobs was back. The iMac would be introduced later in the year and the PowerBook was becoming something special (if absurdly expensive). MacAddict was an enthusiasts magazine for the Macintosh. It was more or less equivalent to something like Maximum PC today but for the Mac. The May 1997 issue includes: Highlights
- Super-Smart Desktops - No matter whether you're a list maker or an unstoppable slob, we can help you get your desktop under control. Find out how to organize folders and files, manage menus, create cool desktop patterns, and more.
- ICONtemplation - Believe it or not, there is an art to making beautiful icons. Our resident iconfabulator teaches you how to add perspective, eliminate jaggies, create shadows, and more.
- Welcome to MacAddict Lab - It's not your everyday lab. Nope, far from it. Take a behind-the scenes peek at how we really test products.
- Ropin' In Extensions - Ever opened that Extensions folder in your System Folder? Scared by what you saw? It has never beene asier to take control of those extensions, thanks to our hands-on guide.
- This Old Mac - There's a right way to upgrade and a wrong way. We show you the right way to upgrade a Mac IIci, IIcx, and IIsi.
- Use MacBug - Learn eight things you can do with this underused utility, including recover from crashes, discover the meaning of error messages, and salvage files.
- Put Up a Web Page Fast - The clock is ticking. You've got less than three minutes to put up a Web page. What do you do?
- Editor's Note - A warm, fuzzy missive on the most personal of computers - the Mac.
- Letters - More madness from our readers, as well as a few sensible questions (and answers, too!).
- Get Info - Introducing the Twentieth Anniversary Mac, a contest for winning an Epson color printer, five browser plug-ins that you must have, more on Java, and our Pick-a-Steve survey.
- Cravings - Slurp 'em up! Six superhot products that will make you pant.
- Reviews - All new stuff! The MessagePad 2000, Mah Jong Parlour, Lightwave, Rama, Fetch, and more!
- Ask Us - Defragmenting your hard drive, icons gone wacko, understanding IDE drives, and other techie questions answered.
- PowerPlay - Get the hard facts on how MacSoft will affect the future of Mac gaming.
- Shut Down - Oddball clippings from the bizarre world of computers.
- Thousands of desktop patterns, icons, and customization utilities jampacked onto The Disc. Plus, a contest to win Command & Conquer, original music, and a new interface!
- Get your daily fill of Mac stuff on our Web site. We've got hot news from Apple; we've got areas of interest for gamers, artists, Mac aficianados, Net survers, and productivity Mavens; we've got just tons of Mac regalia!
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Monday, June 25, 2018
The Craic (2018-01-28)(2)
More photos of The Craic performing at the 2018 Brevard Renaissance Fair in Melbourne, Florida.
Supload | H16rpow6M
Friday, June 22, 2018
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
MegaCon 2018: CELEBRITY Q&A WITH THE LEGENDARY JEFF GOLDBLUM
Jeff Goldblum panel at MegaCon 2018 in Orlando, Florida.
MegaCon 2018: CELEBRITY Q&A WITH THE LEGENDARY JEFF GOLDBLUM
Vanessa Z. Schneider (P.N.03)
P.N.03 is perhaps one of Capcom's more obscure games. However, that obscurity comes from the fact that this title was released exclusively on the GameCube and was not one of Capcom's better games. P.N.03 was released in 2003 and is short for Product Number Zero Three. It is more or less a fairly generic third person shooter and the plot bears at least a passing resemblance to I Robot (the Will Smith movie) with a little bit of Orphan Black thrown in. Though to be fair, this game preceded both.
In P.N.03 you take the role of Vanessa Z. Schneider (pictured above from Girls of Gaming) who is hired by an unknown client to destroy the robots of Computerized Armament Management System that have run amok. Along the way Vanessa discovers a clone of herself and receives a message from her client who also appears to be a clone and the plot thickens. However, it doesn't really go anywhere because that's the end.
Because of financial problems Capcom was having at the time, development for this game was rushed. The rather shallow plot is one of several problems with the game. Despite the intriguing sounding twists described above, the game is really just about blowing up robots, not that there is anything wrong with that. P.N.03 also had some odd gameplay mechanics like not being able to shoot while moving. There was also an emphasis on defensive action which seems a little odd when you are supposed to be destroying robots. At the end of the day, there was just too little variety and too much repetition. However, the gameplay may remind you of more classic arcade play, just with updated graphics.
P.N.03 has never been re-released as far as I know. It was the first game of the "Capcom Five" which were five games that were originally supposed to be exclusive to the GameCube and introduce new intellectual property. Of those five games, one was cancelled and only P.N.03 remained exclusive to the GameCube. P.N.03 can still be had pretty cheaply. It may be one of those games destined to rise in price though as it never sold particularly well and despite its flaws, it really isn't a bad game.
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Monday, June 18, 2018
Friday, June 15, 2018
Lethal Weapon (NES, SNES, Game Boy)
Lethal Weapons was released for various home computers, the NES, Super Nintendo and Game Boy in 1992. It was actually based on the movie Lethal Weapon 3 which was the iteration of that series that was released around the same time. The game is a fairly typical side-scrolling platform adventure game with the quality you have come to expect from licensed properties.
There are two primary versions of the game. One released for the NES and Game Boy and another released for the Super Nintendo and various home computers including the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64 and DOS. In both versions, you get to choose to play either of the two main protagonists, Riggs or Murtaugh. The NES and Game Boy version is extremely difficult and mostly involves fighting with various criminals in the Los Angeles area. You can either punch or shoot your enemies and often punching seems to be more effective. The Super Nintendo and computer versions are similar types of games but the levels have more specific goals. The difference between the two characters that you can choose from are minimal and relate to firing speed and jump height.
None of the versions are particularly great games. The computer versions seem to be more highly regarded but that's not saying much. If you do want to give this one a try, the Amiga (or Atari ST) version is probably best. Pick the SNES version over the NES or Game Boy version if you want a console game but if you are a sucker for punishment and want to play both variations then you'll have to give the NES version a shot too (or Game Boy but why?). Needless to say, this game has never been re-released. A Sega Master System version was planned and may have even been mostly completed but was never released.
The ad above is from the February 1993 issue of Game Players magazine and advertises the NES, SNES and Game Boy versions. Screen shots above are from the Super Nintendo version of the game.
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Psygnosis Games (Amiga)
Psygnosis was one of the more prolific and better known developers of gaming software on the Amiga. They weren't exclusive to the Amiga as they were well known for the Lemmings series on various platforms, Wipeout on the PlayStation and many others. However, they were one of the first to develop games that really pushed the Amiga hardware as opposed to just supporting the lowest common denominator across multiple platforms.
This particular ad is from the December 1990 issue of Amiga Plus and features three games: Armour-Geddon, Obitus, and Nitro.
Armour-Geddon is not one of their better games. Graphics and gameplay are good but there just isn't enough to it despite the unique and interesting plot. You are part of a group that was apparently smart enough to build underground shelters before the nuclear war so you've had it relatively good, at least compared to the people outside. However, those outside survivors (or their decendants anyway) are a little upset so they are trying to build a laser canon with which to kill you. Your ultimate goal is to collect five pieces of an old neutron bomb to destroy the laser canon with. Along the way you'll also battle in various vehicles with weapons you develop. It is played from a 3D perspective.
Obitus is an action RPG which starts with you as a history professor whose car breaks down in a storm. You seek refuge in an old tower and wake up in another land. Those that don't mind making their own maps may like this one as map making is definately a key to success. It played from a first person point of view similar to games like Eye of the Beholder but with 8 directions instead of just 4.
Nitro is a virtual clone of Sega's Hot Rod but with different tracks and graphics. It is a top down racer that can be played with up to three players. Top down racers are one of those genres that has seemingly gone away which is too bad because it was one of my favorites. Anybody know of any decent modern top down racers?
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Monday, June 11, 2018
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Top Gear 3000 (Super Nintendo)
Source: EGM 2 - Issue Number 5 - November 1994
Top Gear 3000 was the third game in the Top Gear series for the Super Nintendo and was released in 1995. At a glance, the Top Gear series looks very much like Outrun or similar games though it does offer a little more complexity. For instance, Top Gear 3000 allows choosing various cars, automatic or manual transmission, and various futuristic upgrades that give your car special abilities.
The main difference between Top Gear 3000 and its predecessors was that it was set in the future. Aside from the futuristic upgrades to your car, it didn't make a whole lot of difference and even those upgrades weren't really all that important to the game. Visually speaking, it looked much like the previous games in the series.
The Top Gear series in general and Top Gear 3000 specifically is a pretty average game. A decent arcade racer but not as graphically advanced or sophisticated as other racers of the time. The best feature of Top Gear 3000 is probably the ability to play it as a four player game in Vs. mode with the addition of a multi-tap.
While there would be several more sequels and spinoffs related to the Top Gear series, as far as I know there has never been a re-release of Top Gear 3000. You'll need a Super Nintendo or resort to emulation. I haven't tried this on an emulator, does anybody know if you can play four players with any of the emulators? In my opinion, the four player option is the best reason for owning this one.
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Monday, June 4, 2018
The Itchy & Scratchy Game (Super Nintendo)
The Itchy and Scratchy Game is a video game based on a fictitious show within the Simpson's. It's basically a demented Tom & Jerry. The premise is Itchy the Mouse and Scratchy the Cat trying to kill each other in the most violent ways imaginable. The game takes the form a typical side-scrolling platform action game. You play the role of Itchy has he attempts to torture and kill Scratchy.
Simpsons related games in general typically fair better than the average licensed property. However, The Itchy and Scratchy Game is not one of the better examples. There are a lot of Simpsons games to choose from and this is definitely not the best choice. It got mediocre to terrible reviews. It's a pretty short/easy game and despite the stated goals, it lacks much of the violence and humor that makes up the appeal of these characters.
Interestingly, the ad above shows Super Nintendo, Game Boy, Game Gear and Sega Genesis boxes. However, only a Super Nintendo and Game Gear version was released. These were pretty similar to each other which is not always the case with games of the same title released on multiple platforms. The Genesis version was apparently completed but never released. The ROM can be found online for play on an emulator if you are interested. I don't know why it was never released though I suspect the poor reception of the SNES and Game Gear versions combined with being very late in the life of the console (this game was released in 1995) probably contributed.
Screenshots above are from the Super Nintendo version of the game and the ad is from the March 1995 issue of GameFan.
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