@BEGIN_FILE_ID.DIZ -- ----- -- ------ ---- -- - ---[Vol 3.0E]-- ::::____________________________________:::: ::::\_______ \_______ \________ \::: ::::__\______ _/ / / / \:: :::/ \ / /\ / /\: :_/ _________/\________/ /\_________/ /: :\______/\_______\/________\/___________\/:: ::\_____\/::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::tT -- --- ------------------------------ - -- - SoBeR Presents: The 3DO Information Pack! -- --- ------------------------------ - -- - @END_FILE_ID.DIZ ____ ____ ____ +=====================(____)===--==(____)-=====-(____)--===================--+ _____ _____ _____ _________ ____ (_____)_____ | 7_______. (_____) ________ _____ | (____) _____ | | _____| \| \. ___| _____ / ____/| \| |____ / \ | :| | | \ :._\___. \| |/ 7___ | \ :| |/ _ \| ¦| | :| :| ¦| | \ :| .| \| :| ¦| :| .7 | | | ¦| ¦|\_____| tT! | / ¦| ¦| \ ¦|\_____| ¦| ¦| |____| |_____|____| |______ /_____|______ |____| |_____|_________)____ +------------------------\_/-------------\__/----------------------[tT]-(____) +1.718.591.4526 4 x 28 ____ ____ ____ SNES/SEGA/3DO/GB Site +=====================(____)===--==(____)-=====-(____)--=====================+ -- ----- -- ------ ---- -- - ---[Vol 3.0e]-- ::::____________________________________:::: ::::\_______ \_______ \________ \::: ::::__\______ _/ / / / \:: :::/ \ / /\ / /\: :_/ _________/\________/ /\_________/ /: :\______/\_______\/________\/___________\/:: ::\_____\/::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::tT -- --- ------------------------------ - -- - SoBeR Presents: The 3DO Information Pack! -- --- ------------------------------ - -- - Interactive Multiplayer Frequently Asked Questions List V3.0e/s And Reviews Maintained by Scott A. Krotz Additional text & reviews organized by SoBeR Additional reviews originally appeared in 2TUFF's Datazine Series ============================================================================= Quick Note from SoBeR: High quality 3DO titles with documentation will soon be available from SoBeR/INSiGNiA. Currently, I am organizing the titles list and prices list, and will make it available as soon as it is completed. The titles will range from 1/2 to 1/3rd cost of normal retail and will include full documentation (in English or in Japanese, depending on title). The DISCs are manufactured in Hong Kong (not some cheap home-made crap) and will be of the highest quality! Please watch for the upcoming SoBeR's 3DO TITLE LIST for further information and ordering instructions. Big thanks to 2TUFF for the reviews found in the reviews section! Big thanks to Offspring for providing a support conference for the future 3DO title sales. Greets to all my friends, especially Yog Sothoth without who's help this release would not be possible. Thanks also to Trinitron for the nice 3DO ascii! Anyone who wishes to have reviews encluded in the next pack, contact me! =============================================================================== ----------3DO Interactive Multiplayer Frequently Asked Questions list---------- [Reviews Section Follows FAQ] This is the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer Frequently Asked Questions list. It consists of the following four sections: SECTION 1 - 3DO Consoles and General Information SECTION 2 - 3DO Founders and Company information SECTION 3 - Hardware, Peripherals, and Specifications SECTION 4 - System and Application Software Each section answers specific questions about the 3DO, the 3DO company, and 3DO software and hardware. This FAQ List was last modified on January 8th, 1995. The latest version of this faq, along with other 3DO related materials, can be found at the ftp site ftp.ee.pdx.edu (131.252.10.155) in the /pub/gaming/3DO directory. This faq can also be found at ftp.netcom.com in the /pub/vi/vidgames/faqs directory. Additional 3DO related materials can be found at 128.146.140.90, including game screenshots and information from the TNT CES package. Also, check out Michel Buffa's video games home page available via WWW at: http://www.cs.cmu.edu:8001/afs/cs.cmu.edu/user/buffa/www/videogames.html the 3DO faq is available there in Mosaic format, along with lots of other video game information. Special thanks to Michel Buffa for his great job of formatting the faq and for creating and maintaining the video games page. ================SECTION 1 - 3DO Consoles and General Information=============== [1.1] What is a 3DO? A: The 3DO is, technically, a set of specifications created by the 3DO company, which is itself a partership of seven different Companies. These specs are the intellectual property of the 3DO Company, and are the blueprint for making a 3DO Interactive Multiplayer. Manufacturing companies license the rights from the 3DO Company to manufacture a system based on the 3DO Company's specifications. Software companies license the ability to develop software for the 3DO. The closest analogy is that of the VCR; The VCR *technology* was created by JVC, and any company can manufacture a VCR or VCR videocassettes as long as they pay a small royalty to JVC. The 3DO *technology* was created by the 3DO Company, and several companies have licensed the right to manufacture 3DO systems based on this technology. The 3DO Company itself does not manufacture 3DO systems. (Note: It's somewhat incorrect to state that VCR technology was created by JVC; things are a bit more complicated than that. For the purposes of my analogy, however, its close enough. :) Basically, a 3DO system consists of an ARM60 32-bit RISC processor as the general processing unit, with a graphics engine based around two custom designed graphics and animation processors. It has 2 Megabytes of DRAM, 1 Megabyte of VRAM, and a doublespeed CD-ROM drive for main storage. This is a simplified description of the system; See below for detailed specifications. Be sure to read the newsgroup rec.games.video.3do for ongoing discussions about 3DO software and hardware. [1.2] What can the 3DO do? "It will be more stimulating to the human mind than any new technology since printing." - Trip Hawkins A: A 3DO system can run 3DO Interactive software, Play audio CD's (including support for CD+G), View Photo-CDs, and will eventually be able to play Video CD's with a special add-on MPEG1 full motion video cartridge. With its controller port up to 8 controllers can be daisy-chained on the system at once. A keyboard, mouse, light gun, and other peripherals may also be hooked into the system (although they are not currently available, except for the light gun). 3DO Interactive software is a step beyond most current consumer multimedia interactive software. With its powerful cel engine, the 3DO can display full motion video, fully texture mapped 3-D landscapes, and other amazing visuals, all in 24-bit color. [1.3] Is the 3DO a Panasonic product? A: No. The 3DO system was developed and designed by the 3DO Company, and Panasonic has licensed the right to manufacture the system from the 3DO company. Other companies such as Sanyo, Goldstar, and Creative Labs have also licensed the right to manufacture 3DO compatible systems. Panasonic was the first company to manufacture and market a 3DO player, and their player is probably the most well known one at the moment. [1.4] Who else is a 3DO hardware licensee? A: Here is a list of the current 3DO hardware licensees: Licensee Product Notes -------- ------- ----- Panasonic Home Console FZ-1/10 is currently released(1) Panasonic M2 Accelerator Accelerator for 3DO consoles(2) Sanyo Home Console Currently released in Japan(3) Samsung Home Console/w MPEG Planned release in early '95(4) Goldstar Home Console Now available in the US(5) Creative Labs PC Card PC card for IBM compatibles(6) Toshiba Portable Creating a car nav system(7) AT&T Home Console Console plans cancelled(8) Scientific-Atlanta Set-top cablebox Interactive TV test for US West Atari Games Coin-op Arcade Game Game(s) to be made are unknown Electronic Arts Coin-op Arcade Game Game(s) to be made are unknown American Laser Games Coin-op Arcade Game Game(s) to be made are unknown NOTE: All release dates are tentative and subject to change. (1) The Panasonic FZ-1 has been released in the US, Japan, Canada, Taiwan, the UK, and Canada. The UK console is a PAL version. The FZ-10 is a cost reduced version of the FZ-1 available only in Japan (currently). (2) For more information on the M2 Accelerator, see question 1.11. (3) Sanyo has stated the Japanese release will come before the American release. The Japanese launch occurred on October 1st, 1994. The MSRP price of the console in Japan is 54,800 yen, or about $550 US dollars. No dates are currently available on the US launch, but it is rumored to possibly be sometime in early '95. (4) The Samsung 3DO console will include built-in MPEG decoding hardware. It is tentatively set to be released in early '95. (5) The Goldstar 3DO console has been released in the US and Korea at an MSRP of $399. Goldstar plans to expand distribution of the 3DO system by making it available through mass merchandisers and toy stores. (6) The Creative labs 3DO blaster has been released in the US and parts of Asia. For more information on the Creative labs PC card, see question 1.5 (7) Toshiba has announced plans to develop a portable version of the 3DO system that can be installed in automobiles. It is believed to be a car navigation system of some sort, and should be available in Japan in late '94. (8) The AT&T 3DO was previously planned, and would have optionally included a modem for networked games and communication. Their 3DO console plans have been cancelled, along with their 3DO voicespan modem. (AT&T has decided to leave the videogames market completely). [1.5] What do the various 3DO systems come with? A: Here is a break-down of what the various 3DO multiplayer systems contain. NOTE: Any devices that attach to the AV expansion port (such as the MPEG1 FMV cartridge) are "motherboard dependent" and are not interchangeable between players. Devices that plug into the controller port or high speed expansion port are compatible across all 3DO players. Also, up to eight devices can be daisy-chained on the controller port. Panasonic (MSRP $399) --------------------- Name: Panasonic FZ-1 R.E.A.L 3DO Interactive Multiplayer Outputs: RF output, composite video output, S-video output, left and right audio outputs. Cables: RF, composite video, L+R audio cables. Expansion Ports: One AV expansion port for adding the optional MPEG1 full motion video cartridge (and possibly the M2). One high speed expansion port, and one controller port. Controller: one included, with volume control, headphone jack, and 11 foot cord. Save Game Memory: 32kb SRAM (battery backed up) Pack in CD's: 3DO Sampler, Twisted, and Pebble Beach Golf. (PAL version comes with Total Eclipse). For more info call: (800)REAL-3DO. Name: Panasonic FZ-10 3DO Interactive Multiplayer (MSRP 44,800 Yen) Outputs: ?? Cables: ?? Expansion Ports: One AV expansion port for adding the optional MPEG1 full motion video cartridge (and possibly the M2). One high speed expansion port, and one controller port. Note that the FZ-10 will require its own specific version of the MPEG1 adaptor and M2 accelerator, it will _not_ be able to use the FZ-1 versions of these products. Controller: one included. Save Game Memory: 32kb SRAM (battery backed up) Pack in CD's: ?? Misc: This is a cost-reduced flip-top version of the FZ-1. It is currently available only in Japan. The US release date and MSRP is not currently known, but a January '95 release is rumored. For more info call: ?? Goldstar (MSRP $399) -------------------- Name: Goldstar 3DO Interactive Multiplayer Outputs: RF output, composite video output, S-video output, left and right audio outputs. Cables: RF, composite video, L+R audio cables. Expansion Ports: One AV expansion port for adding the optional MPEG1 full motion video cartridge (and possibly the M2). One high speed expansion port, and one controller port. Controller: one included, with volume control, headphone jack, and long cord. Save Game Memory: 32kb SRAM (battery backed up) Pack in CD's: Shockwave, Putt Putt Joins the Parade, and a demo photo CD. Misc: Also includes a certificate to send in with a roll of film to have your own custom Photo CD disc made, along with a $10 off coupon for the upcoming Shockwave mission disk. For more info call: No Goldstar number is currently available. Creative Labs (MSRP $399) ------------------------- Name: Creative Labs 3DO Blaster (PC compatible ISA plug-in card) Outputs: RGB via pass-thru connector on your VGA card, CD audio output. Cables: Pass thru connector cable, CD audio connector cable. Expansion Ports: One AV expansion port for adding the optional MPEG1 full motion video cartridge (and possibly the M2), and one controller port. Controller: one included (controller does not include connector for daisy chaining other peripherals, but other 3DO controllers with the connector can be used with the 3DO blaster to daisy chain additional peripherals) Save Game Memory: 32kb SRAM (battery backed up) Pack in CD's: Shockwave, Gridders, and a sampler CD. Misc: The 3DO Blaster requires an IBM compatible 386-25Mhz or above, 4 MB RAM, VGA display adaptor with standard feature connector, a soundcard with CD audio input connector, and a Panasonic or Creative Labs double speed CD-ROM drive. Games can be played full-screen or in a window on your PC's monitor, in DOS or in MS Windows. The street price of the 3DO blaster should be in the $300 range. Although it has an AV expansion port for MPEG1 and possibly the M2 accelerator, these devices have not yet been announced by Creative Labs. For more info call: (405)742-6622 for technical info or (800)998-5227 for dealer referrals. Sanyo (MSRP 54,800 Yen) ----------------------- Name: Sanyo TRY 3DO Interactive Multiplayer Outputs: RF output, composite video output, S-video output, left and right audio outputs. Cables: RF, composite video, L+R audio cables. Expansion Ports: One AV expansion port for adding the optional MPEG1 full motion video cartridge (and possibly the M2). One high speed expansion port, and one controller port. Save Game Memory: 32kb SRAM (battery backed up) Controller: one included. Pack in CD's: ?? Misc: Currently available only in Japan. US Release date is unknown. For more info call: No Sanyo number is currently available. [1.6] Where can I get the lowest price for a 3DO? A: The retail price of most 3DO systems has recently been dropped to $399, so make sure not to buy a 3DO from somewhere that has not changed to the new price. Mail order outlets usually have slightly lower prices than retail stores, and may have it for less. Prices as low as $299 have been found, but only rarely and in small quantities. Ask on rec.games.video.3do for more info about finding the current best place to purchase a 3DO. [1.7] What's this I hear about a "reduced-cost" 3DO chipset? A: 3DO has re-worked their chipset to reduce the cost of manufacturing. The new chipset has no more or less functionality or speed than the previous one, it simply combines several chips into one to reduce the cost of making it. The new chipset should be available in quantity now and is being used in the new 3DO consoles. [1.8] Will each 3DO system be compatible? A: Yes. You will be able to run all 3DO software on any manufacturers system. However, each system can be customized to some extent by the manufacturer to add their own special features.. for example the built-in MPEG decoder on the Samsung console. [1.9] Will there be special PAL titles for PAL versions of the 3DO? A: Yes. However, NTSC versions of 3DO games will be playable on PAL 3DO consoles, although they may look slightly "crunched" due to the differences between PAL and NTSC aspect ratios (PAL versions of 3DO titles will look correct on PAL 3DO systems). Unfortunately, due to minor differences between the PAL and NTSC 3DOs, some pre-PAL NTSC 3DO titles (such as Twisted, Crash n Burn, and Way of the Warrior) crash on PAL 3DO's. Most should run, and all new NTSC 3DO titles will be tested to ensure PAL compatibility. [1.10] Will I be able to play current 3DO software on the next generation 3DO system? A: Yes. Right now 3DO intends that you will be able to play current 3DO software on any future 3DO compatible machine. [1.11] Will I be able to upgrade my current 3DO console to a next generation 3DO console(through the FMV expansion port perhaps) when it is available? A: Yes. The "M2 Accelerator" was recently announced, and will be an add-on upgrade designed to provide current 3DO console owners with greatly increased performance. The add-on will include a specially designed multiprocessor that will include a custom PowerPC microprocessor, and may also include multiple custom graphics and sound processors designed by 3DO. The PowerPC chip in the M2 will be a derivative of the 6XX family, and was jointly designed by Motorola and IBM with input from 3DO and Matsushita. The M2 accelerator will use the same operating system and development tools as the current 3DO system, ensuring compatibility with current 3DO titles. Trip Hawkins claims the M2 Accelerator will have five times the performance of the Sony PSX, and should be available in late 1995. Pricing information has not yet been released. [1.12] Is the 3DO just going to be an educational system? A: No. While educational and informational programs are going to be an important part of the 3DO software library, there will also be lots of games. Trip Hawkins is said to love games, and the system was designed by game players almost certainly with games in mind. [1.13] Is the 3DO just going to be a games system? A: No. Childrens, educational, and reference/informational programs are planned to be an important part of the 3DO software library. [1.14] Is the 3DO the same as CD-i? A: No. CD-i stands for "CD interactive" and is a system jointly developed by Philips Electronics and Sony. The two systems *are not* compatible and are totally unrelated. (This system also has no relation to the Sony-PSX). [1.15] Which system is better, the 3DO or the Jaguar? A: It isn't really known. Due to the bus design, architecture and software philosophy of the 3DO, the two systems cannot easily be compared. Only time and software will begin to show the different abilities of the two systems. People in the newsgroup rec.games.video.advocacy will almost certainly be discussing this issue. Check there for more information, but only if you are strong in body and spirit. :) System wars are well known for their ferocity. [1.16] Where can I ftp 3DO related files? A: the ftp site ftp.ee.pdx.edu (131.252.10.155) has 3DO related materials, including the latest version of this FAQ, in the directory /pub/gaming/3DO. New files can be submitted in the /pub/incoming directory. The administrator of the 3DO section is Shawn Baird (bairds@ee.pdx.edu), please notify him of any files you upload. Also, at the ftp site 128.146.140.90, various 3DO screenshots and information from the TNT CES package can be found. ===============SECTION 2 - 3DO Founders and Company information================ [2.1] What does 3DO stand for? A: Nothing, really. Some people have said it stands for "3 Dimensional Objects," or "3 Dollars Only," (The current licensing fee per disc) but the general consensus is that it means it is the next step after audio and video: audio, video, "threedeo." [2.2] Who developed the 3DO system? A: Dave Needle and RJ Mical are named as co-inventors of the Machine. Needle and Mical previously worked on the the design team of the original Amiga computer, and on the design of the Atari Lynx handheld gaming system. The NTG (New Technologies Group) company designed most of the 3DO technology/hardware. [2.3] Who is Trip Hawkins? A: Trip Hawkins is the founder and CEO of the 3DO Company. He is also the founder of Electronic Arts, a well known software publishing company. Trip is the driving force behind the creation and development of the 3DO. [2.4] Who are the seven partners that make up 3DO? A: Matsushita, AT&T, Time Warner, MCA, Electronic Arts, venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and the New Technologies Group(NTG). NTG was previously a separate company but has now merged into the 3DO company and no longer exists as a separate entity. [2.5] How does the 3DO company make money? A: 3DO gets a small royalty for each 3DO console sold (which they are not currently collecting). They also get a royalty on each 3DO software disc sold. The 3DO disc royalty is currently at $3 per disc, or up to 10% of net sales, whichever 3DO chooses. Since 3DO does not directly manufacture the 3DO consoles or software, it has little control over their retail pricing. Note: An additional $3 has recently been added to the per disc royalty fee to fund 3DO advertising, and to help offset the costs of manufacturers maintaining competitive hardware prices. [2.6] Why doesn't 3DO release information on how many consoles have been sold? A: Since 3DO does not manufacture the consoles, they _cannot_ give out statistics on how many consoles have been sold without the consent of the manufacturer. This is the confidential information of the manufacturing company. Ask the manufacturer for sales figures, not 3DO. [2.7] What about 3DO's stock? A: In mid-March, 1993, 3DO (NASDAQ: THDO) entered into the stock market with an initial public offering (IPO) that values the entire company at around $300 million. 3DO had an ongoing promotion offering 3DO hardware manufacturers two shares of 3DO common stock for each hardware system shipped at or below certain retail prices before Sept. 30, 1994, which has now been ended. In June 3DO completed an offering of almost 3 million shares of common stock to existing and new investors to raise $40 million in capital. [2.8] How do I contact the 3DO company? A: Contact 3DO's public relations department at: The 3DO Company 600 Galveston Dr. Redwood City, Ca 94063 (415) 261-3000 internet e-mail: info@3do.com The 3DO club: club@3do.com 3DO Direct: (800) 336-3506 (for more info see below) 3DO now offers a "3DO Direct" toll free direct order phone line for purchasing 3DO software, hardware, and peripheral products. To order call (800)336-3506 between 9am and 5pm Pacific time. 3DO merchandise such as T-shirts, hats, coffee mugs, and watches are also sold. ============SECTION 3 - Hardware, Peripherals, and Specifications============= [3.1] What Peripherals are coming for the 3DO? A: Peripherals have been announced by Logitech and CH Products. Alps Electric, Inc. has also signed on to create 3DO peripherals but has not announced any products as of yet. Logitech is going to produce a mouse for the 3DO, and CH Products an analog joystick. No release dates have been made public for either product. A keyboard peripheral is also expected. [3.2] Is there an external storage device coming for the 3DO? A: Yes, a PCMCIA SRAM card reader is being readied for release for the 3DO. This peripheral will expand the 3DO's NVRAM by allowing users to store games to standard PCMCIA SRAM cards. The memory cards and card reader will be manufactured by TDK and is tentatively set to be released in the first quarter of 1995. [3.3] Is there going to be a modem for the 3DO? A: Possibly. AT&T was planning on releasing an add-on modem peripheral for 3DO consoles, but has recently decided to drop those plans (and the plans for the Genesis version of the voice-span modem). It is, however, possible that another company will manufacture a 3DO modem. [3.4] When will the MPEG add-on be released? A: The MPEG video adaptor for the Panasonic FZ-1 3DO console is currently scheduled to be released in the fall for a price of around $249. Panasonic has held up the release of the unit because of the lack of CD-Video movies. The Samsung 3DO console will come with built in MPEG decoding and is scheduled to be released in late '94 or early '95. An MPEG adaptor will be available for the Goldstar and Sanyo 3DO consoles, but no release or pricing information for them is currently available. [3.5] What hardware is coming, and when? A: Here's a condensed list of 3DO hardware and peripherals, their manufacturer, and predicted release date. Product Manufacturer Predicted Rls. ------- ------------ -------------- 3DO PC Card Creative Technology Available 3DO PC Card SCSI(rumored) Creative Technology unknown Extra controller Panasonic Available FlightStick Pro CH Products Early Fall Game Gun American Laser Games Available Mouse Logitech unknown SRAM Card and Reader TDK 1st Q '95 VoiceSpan Modem AT&T Cancelled [3.6] Can the Panasonic 3DO control pad do diagonals? I sure can't get mine to! A: Diagonal control was a problem with earlier versions of the Panasonic 3DO control pad. Later versions from Panasonic have been corrected. Diagonals can be done on earlier Panasonic 3DO directional pads, but it takes excessive force. There is a simple solution, however, that allows diagonal movement to be done easily. David Liu (davidliu@husc8.harvard.edu) says: "One merely needs to partially unscrew the six screws which hold the controller in place. Unscrewing only the three screws on the right side of the bottom face of the controller three turns each restores much of the control; loosening the remaining screws slightly can be used to tune the sensitivity of the controller. The origin of the problem may be that the rubber contact pad and the plastic control disk are pressed too tightly in the factory-produced controllers, causing a slight warping of the rubber pad. Loosening the two halves of the controller, however, remedies this problem." Many thanks to David Liu for this quick and simple fix! Remember, although this is a simple procedure, neither David nor I can bear any responsibility for damage done to your controllers while attempting this fix. There is also a slightly trickier and more involved method developed by Casey Grimm that might be a better fix. It involves taking apart the control pad and cutting a small part of the thumb pad. This fix can be found on ftp.ee.pdx.edu for those who are interested. When buying Panasonic brand controllers for your 3DO, make sure to get one with red on the box. Those controllers are the version that have been diagonally "fixed." [3.7] What is the resolution of the 3DO system? A: The resolution displayed on screen is 640x480. However, the 3DO has an internal resolution of 320x240 or 320x480, with each pixel being either 24-bits or 16-bits. The 16-bit mode is almost always used for animations, while the 24-bit mode is used mostly for still pictures. There are no other resolutions available. The internal resolution is interpolated into an anti-aliased 640x480 pixel display. The interpolation can be turned on and off via software. [3.8] Can the 3DO do real 24-bit color? A: The 3DO can do 16 bit graphics with CLUTs(Color Look Up Tables) drawn from 24 bits, or it can do true 24 bit graphics. [3.9] What does it mean when 3DO product literature says that the system can "animate 64 million pixels per second?" A: The system is capable of animating up to 64 million 16-bit on-screen pixels per second. This is really 16 million internal 16-bit pixels that are then interpolated as they are displayed on the screen to 640 by 480 pixel resolution, quadrupling the number of pixels displayed on screen. [3.10] What are the detailed specs of the system? A: The heart of the system is two Graphics and animation processors which are capable of rendering up to 64 million texture mapped pixels per second (interpolated). For sound a custom DSP is used to generate multiple stereo voices and various effects including reverberation, doppler shift, 3Dsound, and surround sound. The Graphics animation processors and the DSP are custom designed by NTG, now a part of the 3DO Company. The block diagram shown below is taken from an article on the 3DO system in the Dec. 93 issue of Popular Science Magazine. Graphics Graphics --------- animation animation | 3DO | processor processor | block | |32|____________|32| |diagram| |________ ________| M --------- |32| o _____|__|_____ n __ Video _______ 1MB ______| |____ 2MB i __ processor_______ VRAM __32__| |_32_ DRAM t | | o | | r | DMA |____ Expansion __ CDROM | controller |_32_ Port Control __ Drive | | A | |___ Control __ Control pad u__ D/A __ Digital ______| |_8_ Port __ 3d goggles d__ Converter __ Signal __16__|____________| keyboard i Processor |32| o ______________________| | | ______ _________ | |32| |32| |32| Optional Video 32-bit RISC _____ Math Co- ___ ROM & Video --> Video Decomp Processor _____ Processor ___ SRAM Input Port/plug Specs: -32-bit 12.5Mhz RISC CPU (ARM60) made by Advanced RISC Machines (Roughly equivalent to a 25Mhz 68030) -640x480 pixel resolution at 16.7 million colors -Two Accelerated Video Co-Processors with the following features: + 25Mhz clock rate. + Capable of producing 9-16 million REAL pixels per second (36-64 Mpix/sec interpolated), distorted, scaled, rotated and texture mapped. + Able to map a rectangular bitmap onto any arbitrary 4-point polygon. + Texturemap source bitmaps can be 1,2,4,6,8, or 16 bits per pixel and are RLE compressed for a maximum combination of both high resolution and small storage space. + Supports transparency, translucency, and color-shading effects. -Custom 16-bit Digital Signal Processor (DSP) with the following features: + specifically designed for mixing, manipulating, and synthesizing CD quality sound. + Can decompress sound 2:1 or 4:1 on the fly saving memory and bus bandwidth. + 25Mhz clock rate. + Pipelined CISC architecture. + 16-bit register size. + 17 separate 16-bit DMA channels to and from system memory. + On chip instruction SRAM and register memory. + 20-bit internal processing. + Special filtering capable of creating effects such as 3D sound. -Separate BUS for video refresh updates (VRAM is dual ported) -Super Fast BUS Speed (50 Megabytes per second) -Math Co-Processor custom designed by NTG for accelerating fixed-point matrix operations. (Note: This is *not* the ARM FPA) -CD-ROM Drive with the following features: + 320ms access time + Doublespeed 300kbps Data Transfer + 32kbyte ram buffer -2 megabytes of DRAM -1 megabyte of VRAM (also capable of holding/executing code and data) -1 megabyte of ROM -36 Separate DMA Channels for fast data processing and efficient bus usage -2 expansion ports: + 1 High-speed 68 pin x 1 AV I/O port (for FMV cartridge) + 1 High-speed 30 pin x 1 I/O expansion port -1 Control port, capable of daisy chaining together up to 8 peripherals -Multitasking 32-bit Operating System -16-bit Stereo Sound -44.1KHz Sound Sampling Rate -Fully Supports Dolby(tm) Surround Sound -32kb battery backed up SRAM -Upgradable (The PowerPC M2 accelerator is coming in late '95) ==================SECTION 4 - System and Application Software================== [4.1] What about the 3DO operating system? A: The 3DO OS is a fully-featured 32-bit multitasking operating system written specifically for the 3DO by NTG. Developers *must* use the OS for a variety of reasons, the main one being to maintain compatibility with all 3DO consoles and future next generation 3DO consoles. The OS is loaded from an application's CD when the system starts up, and is not in the consoles ROM. Contrary to rumors, there is no way to completely bypass the OS and "hack" directly on the hardware. The 3DO OS consists of two parts: 1) A multitasking kernel with drivers for peripherals, a complete file system, and support for physical storage. 2) Several software "folios" that provide a link between application software and the 3DO hardware, and are designed to allow software compatibility as new versions of the hardware are developed. The following six subsystems make up the entire "Portfolio" of 3DO OS system calls: The Decompression Folio - supports software and hardware decompression of audio and video data. The Math Folio - performs many of the high level calculations. The Graphics Folio - provides access to the 3DO's cel and display subsystems for doing graphics effects and animation. The effects include warping, transparency, lighting effects, anti-aliasing, and texture mapping. The 3-D Folio - system code for creating 3-D effects and doing complex calculations. The Audio Folio - supports the creation and manipulation of sound effects and music. This includes proprietary algorithms called "3D audio imaging" that create the illusion of sound coming not only from the left and right, but front and back (when wearing headphones). These algorithms can also produce Doppler effects and reverberations. The File System Folio - manages the file system [4.2] How is 3DO application software developed? A: 3DO Software is developed on high-end Macintosh computers via an easy to use toolkit and development station created by the 3DO Company. The development station consists of a special 3DO that has several debugging features and is interfaced to the Macintosh computer. The toolkit contains emulation software and programming and authoring tools that include a source level debugger, compiler, linker, assembler, various libraries, custom plug-in's, 2D animation and imaging software, 3D modeling software, and video and file translation tools as well as Macromedia's Director, MacroModel, and Three-D (the macromedia s/w and extractor are sold separately). Software licensees can get a vast "content library" from the 3DO partners: 190 CDs carrying 111 gigabytes of music, sound effects, photos, film clips, clip art, and text references, all available to knit into their work. (This is also sold separately - $995 for vol 1 and $495 for vol 2) [4.3] How much does the development system cost? A: The Development environment costs about $9500 and comes with the special 3DO that interfaces with a Mac Quadra via an optical link cable, along with the Software tools and documentation. An optional development environment comes with a development card (which has the same functionality as the full development 3DO system except for no CD drive) instead of the special 3DO, and costs about $6000. (The development card is a nubus card for Macintosh computers). A PC programming environment is coming soon from Cross Products. [4.4] How do I become a 3DO developer? A: For information on becoming a 3DO developer, call the 3DO New Developer INFO Line at (415)261-3202. [4.5] Will 3DO software be censored at all? A: No. [4.6] Will 3DO software have a ratings system of some kind? A: Yes, at the current time 3DO is going to have an optional rating system that will be administered by the software publisher. The publisher will determine what audience is suitable for their title, and then place the appropriate rating on it. The ratings are as follows: A green circle with an "E" in it: Everyone, suitable for all ages. A yellow diamond with a "12" in it: Games suitable for persons 12 and up. A yellow diamond with a "17" in it: Games suitable for persons 17 and up. A red octagon with "AO" in it: Adults Only. [4.7] Who is developing software for the 3DO? A: Reportedly nearly 700 companies are licensed 3DO developers, with more than 550 third-party development systems installed and 200 software companies worldwide actively developing titles. Some of the more well known companies developing for the 3DO are Electronic Arts, Origin, Virgin Games, Dynamix, Konami, Capcom, Interplay, Crystal Dynamics, Psygnosis, and Microprose. [4.8] What software is going to be available for the 3DO? A: Here is a list of 3DO software (originally compiled by Enrique Conty) that is now or will be available. This list is compiled from brochures, official releases, and net information. Feel free to inform me of any additions or corrections. (VP) indicates a value priced title (less than $30 at some or most stores). Software available (you can pick these in stores NOW): Title Publisher Type 20th Century Video Almanac Software Toolworks Reference AD&D Slayer SSI 3D RPG Alone in the Dark Interplay Adventure/Action BattleChess Interplay Chess Burning Soldier Panasonic Shooter Cowboy Casino(VP) IntelliPlay Education CPU Bach(VP) Microprose Education Crash & Burn Crystal Dynamics Racing/Shooter Demolition Man Virgin Games Action/Arcade Dennis Miller - It's News to Me Sanctuary Woods Canned Video/comedy Dragon's Lair Readysoft Canned Video/Adventure Escape From Monster Manor EA/Studio 3DO Action ESPN Baseball: Hitting IntelliPlay Education ESPN Golf:Lower Scre w/Tom Kite IntelliPlay Education ESPN Lets Play Soccer Intelliplay Education ESPN Step Aerobics IntelliPlay Fitness/Workout Family Feud GameTek Game Show Fatty Bear's B-day Surprise(VP) Humongous Entertainment Education Fatty Bear's Fun Pack(VP) Humongous Entertainment Education FIFA Soccer Electronic Arts Sports Gridders Tetragon Action/Strategy Guardian War (Powers Kingdom) Panasonic RPG Horde, The Crystal Dynamics Action/Strategy Incredible Machine, The(VP) Dynamix Puzzle It's a Bird's Life(VP) Sanctuary Woods Education Jammit Virgin Games 1-on-1 Basketball John Madden Football Electronic Arts Sports Jurassic Park Interactive MCA/Studio 3DO Action/Adventure Lemmings Psygnosis Puzzle Lets Play Tennis ? ? Lets Play Beach Volleyball ? ? Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes Electronic Arts Adventure Life Stage, The Panasonic Virtual House Mad Dog McCree American Laser Games Canned Video/Shooter Mad Dog McCree II:The Lost Gold American Laser Games Canned Video/Shooter Mathemagics LS Interactive, Inc. Education Mega Race The Software Toolworks Racing Microcosm Psygnosis Shooter Night Trap Digital Pictures Canned Video/Puzzle Oceans Below(VP) Software Toolworks Education Off-World Interceptor Crystal Dynamics Shooter Out Of This World Interplay Adventure PatAank PF Magic Futuristic Pinball Plumbers Don't Wear Ties JC Research Inc. Interactive Movie Putt-Putt Goes to the Moon(VP) Humongous Entertainment Education Putt-Putt Joins the Parade(VP) Humongous Entertainment Education Putt-Putt's Fun Pack(VP) Humongous Entertainment Education Real Pinball Panasonic Pinball Rebel Assault LucasArts FMV/Shooter Road Rash Electronic Arts Racing Samurai Shodown Crystal Dynamics Fighting San Diego Zoo: The Animals Software Toolworks Education Sesame Street: Numbers Electronic Arts Education Sewer Shark Virgin Games Canned Video/Shooter Shadow: War of Succession Tribeca Digital Studios Fighting Shockwave Electronic Arts Flightsim Soccer Kid Studio 3DO Platform Space Shuttle The Software Toolworks Simulation Star Control II Crystal Dyanamics Adventure/RPG Station Invasion Studio 3DO Education Stellar 7(VP) Dynamix Action/Shooter Supermodels Go Wild Vivid Interactive Video Super Street Fighter II Turbo Capcom Fighting Super Wing Commander Origin Flightsim ToonTime!.. In the classroom(VP)VideoactV Cartoon Total Eclipse Crystal Dynamics Shooter True Golf Classics: Pebble Beach Golf T & E Software Sports True Golf Classics: Waialae Country Club T & E Software Sports Twisted EA/Studio 3DO Puzzle Virtual Vivid Vivid Interactive Video VR Stalker Morpheus Interactive Flight sim Way of the Warrior Naughty Dog Software Fighting Who Shot Johnny Rock American Laser Games Canned Video/Shooter Woody Woodpecker Cartoon 1-3(VP)Universal Home Video Cartoon Software in production (not yet done, but officially announced): Title Publisher Type 3D Atlas Electronic Arts Information 7th Guest II: The 11th Hour Trilobyte/Virgin Puzzle Air Warrior GameTek Flightsim Alien Trilogy Acclaim 3-D Action All New People's GameShow, The 3DO Studio Game show Alone in the Dark II Interplay Adventure/Action Baseball: Catching IntelliPlay Education Baseball: Defensive Play IntelliPlay Education Baseball: Pitching IntelliPlay Education B.I.O.S Fear Sense-Net Corp. Adventure BlueStar Magnetic Adventure Chaos Control Infogrames Shooter C.I.T.Y 2000 Paris Aditus Mystery Clay Fighters II Interplay Fighting Cool Knight Readysoft Music Cool Spot Virgin Games Platform CORE Strike Electronic Arts Shooter Corpse Killer Digital Pictures FMV Shooter Creature Shock Argonaut Action/Arcade Crime Patrol American Laser Games Canned Video/Shooter CyberClash Crystal Dynamics Driving Dennis Miller - It's Geek to Me Sanctuary Woods Canned Video/comedy Dino Blaze Virgin Games ? Dino Park Tycoon MECC Edutainment Dragon Ballz Jaleco Fighting Dragon Lore Mindscape RPG Dragon's Lair II Readysoft Canned Video/Adventure Dragon Knight III MegaTech Adult Adventure Drug Wars American Laser Games Canned Video/Shooter Duelin' Firemen! RUNANDGUN!, Inc. Interactive Movie Electronic Housing Planner TOPPAN Printing Co.,Ltd Cad/house design F-1 ? Racing Flashback US Gold Action/Adventure Flying Nightmares Domark Flight Sim Football: Defensive Backfield IntelliPlay Education Football: Linemen IntelliPlay Education Football: Quarterback IntelliPlay Education Football: Receiver IntelliPlay Education Frommer's M'media Travel Guide Frommers Reference Galaxian 2 Namco Shooter GEX Crystal Dynamics Platform Gradius Konami Shooter Heart of Darkness Electronic Arts ? Humans, The GameTek Action/Strategy Inspector Danger's Crime Quiz Digital Productions Puzzle InteractV Aerobics VideoactV Exercise Iron Man (Tetsujin) Panasonic 1st person 3D Iron Man II (Tetsujin Returns) Panasonic 1st person 3D Kingdom: The Far Reaches Interplay RPG Lawnmower Man Sony Imagesoft Adventure Lemmings III Psygnosis Action/Strategy Lost Vikings, The Interplay Action/Adventure Madden '95(unconfirmed) Electronic Arts Sports Maelstrom Readysoft Strategy(?) Magic Carpet Bullfrog/EA Flightsim Mieko Digital Productions Education Myst Broderbund Adventure Need for Speed Electronic Arts Driving NHL Hockey Electronic Arts Sports NT2 Tetragon ? Peter Gabriels Explora 1 Interplay Interactive music Peter Pan Electronic Arts Paint/Education PGA Tour Golf Electronic Arts Sports Powerslide Elite Systems Racing PO'ed (working title) Any Channel 1st Person 3D Quarantine GameTek 1st Person 3D Rap Rock n Roll I & II Paramount Interactive interactive music Red Baron Dynamix Flightsim Return to Zork Activision Adventure Return Fire Silent Software Tank battle Robinsons Reqium Similaris RPG Rock and Roll Racing Interplay Action/Arcade Rise of the Robots Mirage Fighting Santa Fe Trail American Laser Games Canned Video/Shooter Scavenger 4 Psygnosis Canned Video/Shooter Scorched Earth Electronic Arts ? Seawolf SSN-21 Electronic Arts Subsim Shockwave Mission Disk Electronic Arts FlightSim/Shooter Silly Classix!... At the Museum VideoactV Cartoon SkyVyper Studio 3DO Action Slam City Digital Pictures FMV Sports Solvalou Namco ? Space Ace Readysoft Canned Video/Adventure Space Hulk Electronic Arts Strategy/Action Space Pirates American Laser Games Canned Video/Shooter Star Trek: The Next Generation Spectrum Holobyte Adventure Star Trek: TNG Technical Manual Paramount Interactive Reference Star Wars Chess Software Toolworks Chess Starblade Namco Shooter Striker Rage Software Sports(Soccer) Supreme Warrior Digital Pictures FMV Fighting Syndicate Electronic Arts Strategy Theme Park Bullfrog Strategy/Sim Tigernaut: Beyond the Stars VideoactV Edutainment Time2Die Studio 3DO 1st person 3D action Tony LaRussa Baseball Electronic Arts Sports Top Gun Spectrum Holobyte Simulation Trance Mission Virgin Games ? Virtuoso Elite Systems 1st person 3D action Whole Dog Almanac, The Digital Productions Education Wing Commander III Origin/EA Space Combat World Cup Golf Virgin Interactive Sports Japanese Titles in production or released: Title Publisher Burning Soldier Pack-in Video Chiki Chiki Machine Race Future Pirates Doctor Hauzer Riverhill Soft Fireball Japan Data Works Kyoto Mystery Pack-in Video/Panasonic Mask of the Black Death, The Humming Bird Soft/Panasonic Nobunga's Ambition Koei Nontan To Issho Victor Entertainment/Panasonic Policenauts Konami Powers Kingdom Panasonic Professional Mah Jong Goku ascii/Panasonic Sangokushi Koei Seal of the Pharoah ? Shogi Special Ascii Sailor Moon S Bandai Suchi Pai Jaleco Takeru Fun Project/Panasonic Tetsujin (Ironman) Synergy/Panasonic Theatre Wars Hakuhodo/Panasonic Toki O Koeta Tegami Thinking Rabbit/Panasonic Virtual Quest Ask Kondansha Wacky Racers ? Winning Post Koei Ultraman Power Bandai Yu Yu Hakusyo Tomy [4.9] Sometimes I hear "popping" and "clicking" noises while playing Crash and Burn and other games. Is something wrong with my 3DO? A: No, nothing is wrong with your 3DO. There was a bug in the 3DO OS's audio library that caused a clicking sound sometimes when audio samples were played. This can be heard in games like "Crash & Burn" and "Total Eclipse." The bug has been fixed and should only be present in early 3DO games. [4.10] How is the 3DO's NVRAM structured? And what can I do if I have problems with it? A: The 3DO's non-volatile static ram is structured like a file system. It cannot be written to directly by an application, OS calls _must_ be used to read, write, create, or delete files in the NVRAM. Any program, however, can read, modify, or delete any other programs files if it wishes too. 3DO strongly suggests developers not write software that deletes other programs files without the permission of the user. If you have problems with your NVRAM, such as problems saving or loading files from it, you should use the memory manager software supplied with your system to correct the problem. For those who do not have the 3DO memory manager software, you can get it by purchasing the 3DO Interactive Sampler #2. Early Panasonic 3DO owners can get the memory manager software free from Panasonic by doing the following: have the serial number of your 3DO handy, and call Panasonic at (201)348-9090. Tell them you are a 3DO owner and need the 3DO combined demo disk/memory manager. If the person you get doesn't know what you are talking about, make sure they take down your address and have them ask their supervisor for more information. [4.11] Hey! I played The Horde, saved a game, and now all of my other non-Horde saved games in NVRAM are gone! What happened? A: The first version of The Horde deleted all other non-horde saved games in NVRAM when you saved a game. Amazingly, this was not a bug.. the game was designed to do this to give players the maximum amount of ram for Horde saved games! Crystal Dynamics is aware that this is a problem for most people and will allow you to exchange your NVRAM devouring copy of the horde, should you happen to get one, for the latest one (with less of an appetite). To do so, follow these directions from Crystal Dynamics: UPS will not deliver to a P.O. Box . Please _mail_ your Horde (3DO) CD along with the 3"x5" index card or piece of paper with your name and full street address to: Crystal Dynamics P.O. Box 7046 San Francisco, CA 94120-9324 The new version will only allow you to save four games, and will allow you to delete NVRAM files when it is full. For more information about the new version, call the Crystal Dynamics Customer Service line at (415)473-3434. =============================================================================== This has been the 3DO Frequently asked questions list. It is maintained by Scott A. Krotz, krotz@cig.mot.com. Although I attempt to keep the FAQ as accurate as possible, some information may be incorrect. I have no affiliation with the 3DO Company other than being a satisfied customer and the information in this FAQ should not be taken as an official statement from the 3DO Company. Special thanks to Blake Stone, Enrique Conty, Alan Glass, and all of the friendly folks at 3DO who helped in creating and maintaining this list. The information and help provided by these people has been a great assistance in making this list as complete and correct as possible. Thanks also to Michel Buffa for his great work in creating a Mosaic version of the faq. Send all corrections, comments, and ideas for additions to me, Scott Krotz at krotz@cig.mot.com. =============================================================================== ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜ ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ÝÛÛÛÛ ÝÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÝÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÝÛÛÛÛ ÝÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÝÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÝÛÛÛÛ ÝÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ßßßßß ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ßßßßß ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ßßßßßßÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛßÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ßßßßß ßßßßß ßßßßß ßßßßßßßßßßß ßßßßß ßßßßßßßßßßß ßßßßß ßßßßß ßßßßß ßßßßß ßßßßß ßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßß /\______/\ ___/\ v1.0 .----/__ /\ . \-\_ . \----. Several of the following reviews first |---_l_. \/ | \/ | \---| appeared in 2TUFF's DATAZINE series. | / ¡ \ ¡ \ ¡ \ | Since they were well written and highly | \ _____/____ /______/ | informative, and since our own reviews .---\/--[tt!]---\/----------. were not ready in time for this pack, | REVIEWS OF 3DO TITLES: | we decided to include them here. `---------------------------' * We thank 2TUFF for the high quality work. Unfortunately we were not able to contact him to obtain his permission for the included reviews therefore if you like the reviews, please remember that they were written and compiled by 2TUFF and appeared in DATAZINE first, and thus the staff of DATAZINE deserves all the praise and credit! * Many more reviews and title plot descriptions will be available in the next pack! Look for it on your favorite board! === 3DO Quick-Stats Hardware Comparison Chart ________________________________________________________ | | Jaguar | 3DO | CD32 | Saturn | |----------+----------+----------+----------+----------+ |Bits (CPU)| 64 + 16 | 32 | 32 | 32 + 16 | |Bits (Gx) | 64 | 32 | 32 | 64 | |CPU |Proprietary ARM/60 | 68EC020 |Hita Sh2x2| |Graphics | 720 x 526| 640 x 480|1280x512 | 640 x 480| |Colors | 16777216| 16777216|256/16mil |?/16777216| |RAM |2 megabyte|3 megabyte|2 megabyte| 4 1/2 meg| |----------+----------+----------+----------+----------+ === THE HORDE (3DO) You are Chauncy, a servant boy, (Played by Kirk Cameron) and cinemas through out the game tell your story. You are given land by the kindly king and sent forth to guard it from the evil Horde. Increase the value of your land by building towns planting crops, buying cows (yes, cows), and placing walls for defending your village from the Horde. When the Horde attacks the game switches to an action scene where you must defend your village. With taxes to pay and the hordelings to kill you've got your hands full. This game has excellent graphics and sound and incorporates humor, fast action, and strategy into one game. Downers include the B rate acting and the fact that Chauncy is slow running compared to the hordelings. But overall it delivers. Excellent! *90* === SUPER WING COMMANDER (3DO) This is a simulator game complete with some impressive graphic cinemas. Various missions include escorting transports, protecting your carrier from attacks, and going on raids. When fighting you can actually choose from a list of insults to taunt the enemy into chasing you. As you progress in rank you receive new ships and wing men to help you. It takes a little play but you'll get hooked. Has great replay value as well. Amazing graphics and sound. Downers include the large technical manual and the many tips and ship functions, all of which you need to know. The ships fly awkwardly unless you know the operation of all the mysterious lights and grids and the on board computer. *80* === GRIDDERS (3DO) by U.F.G. ORIGINALLY APPEARING IN 2TUFF's DATAZINE SERIES. "You've got to admire the textured polygons," said a mate. Sorry. I didn't. I was too Goddamned bored to admire anything. As you watch the blocks roll, yes roll, around the grids you try to muster up the enthusiasm you can to work out how to get at the keys which'll open the transporter to the next level. To be fair, this puzzler ain't so much bad, as sleeping inducing. The basic idea is sound enough, and might have made a fairly passable 2D puzzler on a Spectrum back in the mid'80s, but it hardly stretches the 3DO to the limits. Okay, it all looks very nice in 3D and you get loads of different views, but the problem is, the glossy graphics actually get in the way of solving the levels. A straight-down birds-eye view is all you need. There's an attempt to liven things up with a few cartoony style, scene-setting sequences between some of the 36 levels, but they hardly amount to making this the adventure/puzzler crossover the manual promises it's going to be. But the polygons aren't bad. I suppose. *56* === REBEL ASSAULT (3DO) REVIEWED BY 2TUFF ORIGINALLY APPEARING IN DATAZINE. Rebel Assault,LucasArts movie-esque action game based upon the Starwars film will soon be making its way onto the 3DO. Although a UK Distributor has yet to be confirmed, two British firms are in the frame. 3DO owners should look forward to a bit of Imperial Storm Troop bashing soon. === CYBERCLASH (PREVIEW) PREVIEWED BY 2TUFF ORIGINALLY APPEARING IN DATAZINE. Sales Curve Interactive - the first UK games company to publish on CD only is converting Cyberclash, its snazzy looking LawnMower Man sequel to the Sega Saturn and Sony Playstation. Also from SCI on PC CD-ROM, PS-X and Saturn is Death Machine in which you get to rub out men in pin stripes with an awesome death machine. Keep an eye out for Cyberclash which will be released on 3DO and published by newsters BMG. === PRIMAL RAGE (PREVIEW) PREVIEWED BY 2TUFF ORIGINALLY APPEARING IN DATAZINE. Watch out because the dinos are at your door! Time Warner is unleashing home versions of Primal Rage, the new coin-op featuring dinosaurs kicking the primordial crap out of each other. The conversions will be for CD32, 32X, Jaguar, PC-CD ROM, Ultra 64 and 3DO, with the first versions in the shops before Easter next year. === POLICENAUTS (3DO PREVIEW) BY 2TUFF ORIGINALLY APPEARING IN DATAZINE. Konami`s first game for the 3DO will be an adaption of the PC Game, Policenauts. A sequel to Snatcher, Policenauts has a typical norty, Jap style plot involving cops cum astronauts, bent coppers, a brain dead professor, drugs and sex. === SUPER STREET FIGHTER II X (3DO INFO) BY 2TUFF ORIGINALLY IN DATAZINE. Is Streetfighter 2 coming out on the 3DO? Will it be the Turbo version? Does Chun-Li do the super kick? Can you still see her knickers? These are the kind of calls we get every day. Sad isnt it? And you know who you are so dont deny it! The answer to each question is a big YES Look out for the most accurate Super Street Fighter conversion on ANY home machine. Unlike the console versions which were just Super Street Fighter, the 3DO one will be the TURBO edition. This means all the new moves including aerial attacks, super special moves and the explosive finishing attacks. For all the critisism aimed at Capcom`s reluctance to deliver a Street Fighter 3 this looks easily the best version of the coinop and the most significant advancement in the series for over a year. With the all-round disappointment which followed the release of the SEGA version and the imported SNES game this could be the game which persuades SEGA and Nintendo diehards to take more than a glance at the 3DO. Moreover releases like this should attract even more companies to the machine. From what weve seen of the game so far its pretty much arcade perfect. (The release of Super Street Fighter II X in Japan has been augmented by the simultaneous release of a six button pad, making the game truly arcade perfect!) (The game can be used with either original or 6 button pad.) === MEGA RACE (3DO) REVIEWED BY CV&G ORIGINALLY APPEARING IN DATAZINE. Lance Boyle? Lance bloody is more like it! After a totally derivative, but nonetheless impressive rendered intro you get to meet this futuristic game show host, the aforementioned Boyle, in what must be the most elongated sci-fi preamble to a game weve had since Microcosm. Boyle is painful, unfortuantely he is meant to be painfully funny, but instead he's about as humorous as a Jim Davidson adult pantomime and he crops up frequently throughout the game in all his FMV glory but each time the desire to bypass his comments is all too tempting. The game comprises you racing along various hi-tech race courses: New San Francisco and a futuristic Atlantis lookalike to name but two, where the object is to dispose of gangs of street racers who will try and drive you into the wall or shoot you and blow you to kingdom come. Various powerups and obstacles litter the race tracks which vary from the quite nice to the quite boring and that is more or less it. Verdict: Megarace really labours the wacky gameshow element, but its just an excuse for piles of FMV. If you want to see a game where this does work, is funny and original take a look at Twisted on 3DO. Megarace is just an uninspiring racing game and once you get the hang of your vehicle (their all fairly samey) and blowing up your opponents (and theres only ever one other opponent on screen) thats it. The sound is averagly dull and the disk access is C64 slow! *72* === THE NEED FOR SPEED (3DO) ORIGINALLY APPEARING IN 2TUFF's DATAZINE. Developed by Pioneer Products. Released on December 2nd, 1994 in the UK. Everyone knows that its not enough for a game to look nice. Great games depend on a skillful blend of mind blowing graphics and absorbing gameplay. Some titles try to get by with spectacular visuals only, but they can never disguise their fundamental lack of playability. And of course others can`t even manage half decent graphics let alone enjoyable gameplay. It`s immediately obvious that The Need for Speed has got the graphics side of the equation right. Not only is it clearly the best looking title on the 3DO, but it can also claim to have the richest 3D environment ever seen on a home system. Sure 3D0 Road Rash is impressive but the Need for Speed is something else. Unlike Road Rash, which uses scaling bitmaps for its 3d backgrounds, most of the Need for Speed, including cars, roadsigns, barriers even trees is constructed with polygons. This is especially remarkable when you consider how far into the distance the road is drawn; at times it stretches right to the horizon, wending its way through hills and over bridges to get there.And everything moves reasonably fast too-the game isnt as nippy as Road Rash perhaps, but its beautifully smooth and exceptionally detailed. The only real drwback is the fact that you can`t leave the road and explore the scenery (because all the track data is streamed off the CD a la Crash `n Burn). Crashes are particularly spectacular. Watching your car tumble bonnet over tail down the tarmac is one of the highlights of the game. And the instant-replay camera means you can watch that police car barrel-roll again and again. But the Need for Speed`s gameplay isn`t quite so flawless. The object of the game is to drive faster than your opponent through three courses (each of which is divided up into three sections) and try and set the fastest time in the process. A choice of eight cars is available, including a Lamborghini Diablo, a Ferrari 512TR and a Porshe 911. The handling characteristics of the cars real life counterparts have been painstakingly incorporated into the game (and animated accordingly), giving each one a radically different driving feel. But when the novelty of having 400-odd bhp of raw power under your right thumb has worn off, and you`ve exhausted the cars capacity for performing handbrake turns, donuts, emergency stops and ramming manouevres, you can`t help wishing for something more. You seem to spend all your time simply belting down the middle of the road at top speed, listening to the incessant drone of the engine, passing the odd car and gazing at the incredible scenery. You rarely feel that you`re actually taking part in a race because most of the time your opponent is out of sight. One problem is that there`s no carrot and stick structure in The Need for Speed to make it all worthwhile. If you win (which is reasonably easy to do even on the higher levels) your only reward is the chance to listen to your gormless rival insulting you with some dreadful cliche. All of the courses are immediately accesible, too, which means that the main incentive in racing games-seeing the next level-is missing. In contrast Midway`s Cruisin` USA coin-op (graphically an uncannily similar game) works because it adheres to a progressive structure rather like Sega`s Out Run. In The Need For Speed, all you have to do to reach the the section of each course is to make it from one checkpoint to the next without crashing your all of your cars. Ultimately The Need For Speed is more of an enjoyable simulation than a fast-paced arcade experience (which is not suprising, since the game`s developers, originally known as Distinctive, were responsible for Amiga Test Drive). And there`s no doubt that car nuts will revel in its accuracy. However, if your a gameshead rather than a gearhead, you may miss the play mechanics of a title like Road Rash. Let`s hope that Pioneer has a better-structured twoplayer sequel in the works. *80* === OFF-WORLD INTERCEPTOR (3DO) ORIGINALLY APPEARING IN DATAZINE. Developed in house by the manufacturer. Released December 1994 (US). Racing games come in two main forms. There are those that concentrate on providing straightforward speed thrills -from Chequered Flag and Revs to Daytona and Ace Driving. And there`s also a proud tradition of kooky console racers like Super Mario Kart and Micro Machines. Off World Interceptor is firmly in the latter category, trading the breathtaking performance of a sleek F1-racing car for an acrobatic 4x4, Off World Interceptor takes you on a bone shaking journey through a series of futuristic landscapes. The game is split into five planets, each consisting of several chases or missions. As you bounce along avoiding mines and gun turrets you have to shoot obstacles and cars in front of you while dropping plasma grenades to discourage your rivals from passing you. Collecting bonuses along the way enables you to upgrade your car, and you also recieve cash bonuses depending on how fast you finish each chase. The combination of racing and blasting makes Off World Interceptor a fast and furious experience. The range of pick-ups and the assortment of cars in each race means theres always plenty going on, and the levels are different enough to ensure a decent amount of variety. With Crash and Burn and Total Eclipse still recognised as the 3DO`s greatest visual achievments, it`s no suprise that Off World Interceptor`s strong point is its graphics. The land beneath your car is detailed and colourful yet still manages to scroll smoothly. Pixelation is minimal on objects close to you, and theres little noticeable slowdown even when lots of vehicles are battling it out on screen simultaneously. The inter-action sequences are also excellent-providing you have a sense of humour. Crystal Dynamics have dispensed with any idea of taking itself too seriously and set about systematically lampooning the long winded sci-fi plots that are a feature of so many CD games. All the cinematic cut scenes feature two silhoutted individuals who waste no opportunity to take the mickey out of the acting onscreen in front of them. The sound is acceptable but its a long way from stunning. Although the effects are fairly inventive, the "rock" soundtrack is more muzak than metal. It`s only when youve completed a few courses that the games flaws become apparent. The main problem is your car tends to leap and thrash around too much for you to be able to maintain effective control. Although the spectacular aerial stunts you can perform are initially very satisfying the fact that the smallest pebbles seem to send you hurtling uncontrollably into the air soon becomes annoying. And these acrobatics don`t serve any obvious purpose. You don`t get any points for style, only for the time taken to finish the course. The obvious approach is thereofore to simply belt along in a straight line to reach the end. Some kind of extra incentive would have made the game more enjoyable. And it doesn`t help that the coures are completely unstructured. There`s no track, just an open landscape in which you can roam at will. This is an interesting and initially appealing idea but the novelty soon wares off and you yearn for some kind of boundary. Even a simple slalom or better still a Wildtrax style bonus level would have been very welcome. None of these drawbacks is fatal but Off World Interceptor does have one serious defficiency:you can`t save your games. This is especially frustrating in the one-player "Story" mode, in which you progress through each of the tracks in turn. With a completion time of several hours, it`s virtually impossible to finish in a single sitting. There`s no question of saying "I`ll just have another crack at that level thats been holding me up", like you could in Crash and Burn or Road Rash. Thankfully, this doesn`t affect the excellent two-player game. It`s always fun to pick up the joypad and have a quick burn with a friend, and even more fun to blast them into oblivion. And because you are racing up the screen, not across it the view never gets cramped. Although it`s got plenty of good ideas, Off World Interceptor never quite fulfills it`s potential. It cannot boast the structure of Crash`n Burn or the visuals of Total Eclipse. It`s entertaining for a while, but the absence of specific goals or a save-game facility limits it`s long term potential.*70* === DOOM (3DO PREVIEW) ORIGINALLY APPEARING IN 2TUFF's DATAZINE. California based Art Data Interactive have stunned the 3DO community by grabbing probably the most lucrative license of them all. Early next year ADI will be releasing conversions of Doom and Doom II: Hell on Earth, ID Software`s enormously successful shoot-em ups ADI have already been given ID`s source code and are busy converting it to the 3DO. While company president Randy Scott was insistent the gameplay would be identical: "theres no way we would touch that, its just go out and shoot everything!", the game`s presentation will be massively upgraded. 24Bit Cinepak film sequences will provide in-game links while actual game graphics are being entirely overhauled.Rather than use 8 colour bitmaps, ADI will be using Hi-Res, full colour sprites. The audio is also likely to be totally redone, and there`s even plans for new monsters, weapons and levels. ADI were previously best known for their relationship with Mirage, from whom they`ve licensed their just finished conversion of Rise Of the Robots. Another Mirage conversion seems likely, but in the meantime they`re hard at work on Hollywood sets filming for an interactive 3DO movie. As yet the title and design is being kept tightly under wraps but we expect to hear more soon. Overall ADI plans to release at least five === OUT OF THIS WORLD (3DO REVIEW) ORIGINALLY APPEARING IN 2TUFF's DATAZINE. Produced by Interplay, currently available in the US. When Out of This World was originally released on the Amiga in 1991, it caused a sensation. French development team Delphine Software took a simple side-on flip screen platform adventure, introduced revolutionary polygon animation, cinematic cut scenes and intricate puzzles, and produced the most advanced platformer of its time. But that was three years ago. In the meantime, OOTW has turned up on a wide variety of formats, and its appearance on the 3DO is unlikely to have the same impact as the original. The plot of the 3DO game is the same as the original: after a scientific experiemt goes wrong, you find yourself stranded on an alien planet, from which you have to find your way home. Admittedly, OOTW's story was never it's strong point, but what made up for its sketchy scenario was its superb playability, and in this respect, too, 3DO OOTW is no different to its predecessors. Although the game employs the now familiar `trial and error' arcade puzzle system, a lot of skill is still required to get through it. In fact, your progress is likely to be hindered by a lack of digital dexterity rather than shortcomings in your lateral thinking abilities. And progress is what you want to make, because OOTW is the kind of game you can't stop playing. Aesthetically, this is the best version yet: the draightsmanship is superb and the backgrounds are gorgeous. The music is excellent, too, making a crucial contribution to the game's atmosphere. But it's a pity the ingame characters weren't given a facelift; although they move well, they tend to look drab against such vibrant backdrops. But the main failing of 3DO OOTW. like very other version, is that it's over too soon. It's basically a victim of its own success - its addictive nature means you keep playing until you finish it. Interplay could have used the 3DO conversion as an opportunity to expand the game, but they missed their chance. The result is that, apart from the aesthetic improvements, there's nothing new here; it's just the same game in a different package. Which is no bad thing, but most of us have seen it all before. *60* === ROAD RASH (3DO REVIEW) REVIEWED BY SOBER. Developed and Published by Electronic Arts of San Mateo, CALIFORNIA. I must admit from the outset of this review that I've always been a big fan of the Road Rash games for the Sega Genesis. Sure, they were kinda lame and cheesy, especially the feeble attempts at humor, but the game itself was incredible. From the first time I copied it (!), I was hooked! So needless to say, I was predisposed to like this conversion for the 3DO. But I wasn't ready for how much better the game could be! Highly redesigned, the new Road Rash is bigger, faster and it may very well give you a reason to break down and shell out some megabucks for a 3DO. For those who are unfamiliar with the plot of Road Rash, here it is in a nutshell: As a contenstant in an illegal, no holds barred motorcycle race, your goal is to make it to the finish line by ANY MEANS NECESSARY! This includes knocking the living sh*t out of other contestants and even beating the crap out of motorcycle cops with chains and other weapons. But where races in the previous Sega versions took place on a small, two lane country road in the middle of nowhere, the 3DO Road Rash takes place in Northern California, with lots of cities around. As many as six lanes will be at your disposal, and thats not even counting the sidewalks which are fair game as well! Even the more scenic routes such as the Pacific Coast Highway travel through at least one or two small towns, which only makes the game more interesting visually. It also adds a whole new twist which sick bastards like me really love.. PEDESTRIANS!! And while there is no Death Race 2000 scoring system (which is not a bad idea for another 3DO game!), you can have HOURS of fun by blowing off the race and just cruising around, picking off innocent bystanders with your bike! Man, you can even make a whole contest out of it! Other new aditions include FMV clips before and after races, replacing the crap animations in the original version. On top of that you have the A&M soundtrack, featuring such awesome bands as SOUNDGARDEN, Monster Magnet and Swervedriver.. But this is a little bit of a letdown, since the songs are not played during the game itself (which would make the pedestrian massacres even more fun), but are played only during the menu screens and cinematic sequences. During the game, you're left with some standard video-game music, which sounds really weak in comparison to the rock tunes.. But hey, you can't have everything, and if worse comes to worse, you can always pop a Metallica Kill-em-All cd into the stereo and play with that as your background! The only other thing I could consider complaining about is the controls. This was one of the worst aspects of the console version, and the controls in the 3DO version are exactly the same.. The C button acts as the hit/swing weapon, and the B button acts as the accelerator. So in order to take out the lamer who's riding next to you, you have to do some pretty unnecessary finger twisting with your thumb.. And I say unnecessary cuz they could have easily made use of the L and R buttons which would have made the game easier to control. Well enough bitching! This game has the most spectacular crashes I've ever seen in a racing game! If you hit an object or loose control of your bike, you might find yourself polishing the asphalt at 100+ mph! Another addition that makes this version so superior is that it is much harder to loose control of your bike, and every collision does not necessarily cause you to be thrown off. You can survive some collisions and keep on ridin'! On a related note, one thing that I miss from the game is GORE! (Not the dickhead who usually stands next to Slick Willy). I mean, Im as bloodthirsty as the next dude, so a LOT of extreme violence should be a visceral payoff. When I'm slapping someone around with a chain, I want to know that Im doing some damage. And when I go sliding across the pavement at top speed, I think some blood trails might be in order! Oh, and maybe having the rider limp as he runs back to the bike after a collision would be a cool touch.. Well, all in all, 3DO owners can finally consider themselves lucky.. Road Rash is by far one of the best action games to have came out in a while.. It's fast, it's violent, and it's extremely addictive! And except for the dweeb who assigned the controls, it's pretty fucking close to flawless! *85* --- If anyone wants to have a review included in our next 3DO pack, please contact Jason [SoBeR] via email at Insignia 718-591-4526. We are eagerly soliciting ANY and ALL texts/reviews pertaining to 3DO! --- BBS ADS FOLLOW ____ ____ ____ +=====================(____)===--==(____)-=====-(____)--====================--+ _____ _____ _____ __________ ____ (_____)_____ | 7_______. 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