4/5/92					CAPSULES - #4
Hey, hey!  Long time, no read, right?  Well, I'm back and I'm bored,but things are going to change.  It's been a long dry winter, but things are picking up again.  Got some interesting reading for you in this edition of CAPSULES that you will find interesting.  Plenty of post-Winter CES stuff to check up on.  That is if you can tear yourselves away from Underworld for a while!!  hehe.  Great stuff.  The next edition of CAPSULES may not appear in the next edition of RELEASES.  Instead, like last year, my annual post Summer CES report will appear.  CAPSULES will still be around though, just for the following (#21) of RELEASES.
In this issue, I will be deleting old titles that have been released and shipping for some time.
Any changes from the previous CAPSULES will be preceded by a ~~~ prefix before the new information.
ACCESS SOFTWARE
Links 386 Pro - Significant upgrade to the original Links that will include new features like tournament mode, left and right handed players, great shot saves, spin on shots, better replay capabilities, plus many more.  It's a feature rich upgrade, but Links will still remain the same as far as play is concerned.  ###  Now I'm hearing that Access is planning on including 640x480x256 color support!  Links II should be gorgeous.  $$$ Found out recently that Links Pro (new name) will definitely be backwards compatible with the existing course disks, but new courses designed for Links Pro will only show in 320x200x256 mode on the original Links.  ~~~ NEWS!  Links 386 Pro is the new name and it will include some awesome features, but you will have to be at 386 level or better.  They are using the Phar Lap DOS extender to get you more memory.  Revised:  The graphics will be 640x400 instead of 480 and the animation/redraw times have been radically improved so that there is no slowdown drawing these thousands of extra pixels.  Links 386 Pro will definitely kick butt!  The old courses will also work with this new version, but not look any better.  Coming out with this new version will be the beautiful Harbor Town Golf Links.
Links CD-ROM - This will be essentially Links 2.0 on CD-ROM, possibly running under the Windows 3.0 multimedia extensions.  It may include fly-bys of the courses and holes you're playing, ala PGA Tour Golf.  It will include many more sound samples, plus have all the current courses at that time all stored on the CD.
Links Gold - This will simply be a promotional offering of Links 2.0 with some extra courses, plus some promo golf material.  A video tape of some kind of golf promotion is also being planned.  No product changes beyond what Links 2.0 will be though.  $$$ This promotional package may not make it, but time will tell.  From a product standpoint, nothing special anyway.  ~~~  Product cancelled.  To be deleted next issue.
Links for Windows 3.0 - Just what it says.  It will likely run under the multimedia extensions, but not include all the features of the CD-ROM version.  Major concern at this point is any potential sacrifice of animation speed.  ###  The Multimedia extensions apparently have significantly improved the animation frame rate for all types of software, so Links/Windows should not suffer much (we hope!).  $$$ Enhanced MPC drivers DO make a significant difference, so this should still be good as far as performance is concerned.
Links Course Designer - A planned sophisticated course modeler including elevation and contour control.  It will allow for the 3rd party creation of many new courses, but said results will not likely approach the beauty and detail of Access' own custom designed courses.  ###  This product has taken a back seat to the development of Links II and the CD-ROM version, so don't start holding your breath.  Major technological hurdles here.  $$$ Renewed interest seems to be brewing over this, as the competition seems to be making sure this feature is included.  See the December issue of CGW.  ~~~  Product still pushed back.  Not a company priority for the president.
Links Courses: Barton Creek - A Ben Crenshaw designed scenic hilly course found in Austin, Texas.  This has one of the most scenic par threes in the world where you must accurately shoot over a waterfall to a tight green.  ~~~ Course shipping.  To be deleted next issue.
"Tennis" - Access has stated that they are working on a tennis 'engine' similar in quality and presentation to what they have done with golf on Links.  It is in early design stages, but they are committed to producing the finest tennis game, like they have produced the finest golf game.  ~~~ Sad to say that this project was cancelled.
Links Courses: Harbor Town - $$$ This is one of the five new courses being planned for 1992 for Links.  Site of the PGA Heritage Classic, this should be a heck of a course for Links.  The order of these five new courses hasn't been determined yet, hence they are listed as TBD under the date column in RELEASES.  ~~~ To be included as the course disk with Links 386 Pro.
Links Courses: Mauna Kea - $$$ This is a gorgeous course cut out of the lava of Mauna Kea in Hawaii.  Very visually stunning with very challenging holes. The Senior Skins was played here recently.
Links Courses: Merion - $$$ One of the classic 'old' courses in America.  Several major tournaments have been played at this course in Illinois.
Links Courses: Balybunion - $$$ At the time of this writing, the name of the course in Ireland which will be done for Links wasn't known, but I'll find out. One can only hope it will be Balbunion (sp).  ~~~  Yea!  It is Balybunion.  No date yet though.  
Links Courses: Royal Melbourne - $$$ Same thing for this course.  The name is not known at this time.  There are several beautiful courses to choose from down under.  ~~~ Now known as Royal Melbourne.
Amazon - $$$ In order to maintain their tradition of fine adventure games, Access is doing another title along the same lines as Martian Memorandum. It will be set in the 1920's in the Amazon jungle, (anyone watch any old B movies?) and will feature the same multi-media features we saw in MM.
~~~ Watch for a big announcement from Access regarding more golf products very soon!
ACCOLADE
Conspiracy: The Deadlock Files - Mystery adventure set in N.Y city where you've been setup for a high ranking official's murder.  Plenty of work for you to save yourself and NYC (do we really want to save NYC??).  Actual digitized photos (over 350 actually) were used in setting the stage for Conspiracy.  Been delayed for quite a while, so it's highly anticipated. ###  Interesting story here.  Apparently the developer has tried to renege on his contract with Accolade to finish this, and because of litigation, the product has been delayed considerably.  Stay tuned here for more details.  We still expect the product.  $$$ The mystery continues.  One can only hope that the project will finally be released at the end of this year.  ~~~ STILL no product.  This baby is on the edge of death, I suspect.  Don't keep holding your breath.
Grand Prix Unlimited - Supposedly a new driving/racing game being planned for next year.  No details as of yet.  ~~~ Accolade has lined up with some auto magazine (I think it is Motor Trend) for this simulation.  My only concern is that it is being developed by the same guy (Tom Loughery) who did Test Drive III.  Mr. Loughery does not yet understand the concept of joystick control.  See: Indianapolis 500 from EA, Mr. Loughery.  Frame rate will also be a concern.  I'll give them the benefit of the doubt though.
Jack Nicklaus Golf: Signature Edition - ~~~ Well, this little number just made it out the door today!  Haven't had a change to see it yet, but it's basically a cosmetic update to the venerable Jack we have now.  256 color objects and screens adorn this new edition, with the ability to play a hole immediately after you design it.  I don't think it will really scare Links, but it does have the advantage of that course designer which means hundreds of courses.  Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Star Control 2 - ~~~ Accolade is redoing this classic with more of a strategic role than the first edition which was more arcade like in the battle scenes.  This will contain more resource management, navigation, etc. as you take on the Ur Quan challenge once again.  Very graphical and full sound support.  I think you'll like this one.
Al Michael's Announces Hardball III - ~~~ This is a new title that Accolade did a good job of hiding for a while.  It will be the baseball version of Ditka Football, I think.  Very graphically oriented, with play, manage, or play and manage features.  Award winning sportscaster Al Michaels calls the play-by-play.  You can also import teams from LaRussa baseball or Earl Weaver 2.0.
Gateway (Legend) - ~~~ This is the first of a series of products from Legend since they have signed on as an affiliate with Accolade.  They were previously handled by Microprose.  With these new adventures, Legend is going beyond their normal 640x350x16 color screens to a full-blown 256 color mode.  The sample screens I've seen are gorgeous!  The storyline is still a mystery, but I know it takes place in outer space.
ACTIVISION
Leather Goddess of Phobos 2: Gas Pump Girls - Wow!  This one is definitely rated PG-13.  You have three voluptious babes working for you at a gas stations with ALL the right proportions. I don't know the storyline yet, but it uses a parserless interface and spectacular 256 color graphics (and I do mean GRAPHICS).  ###  With the problems at Mediagenic, this title has slipped a full year.  Not sure if we'll ever see it now or not.  $$$ Update.  The game is still going full guns and should be out in February. ~~~ It lives, it breathes!  It should be out any day now!
AD-LIB
Adlib Gold - I'm including this in CAPSULES primarily because I believeit to be a significant gaming product for our industry.  This board should start shipping in volume towards the end of November.  $$$  Check that.  Now they tell us just after Jan. CES.  ~~~ And still the wait continues!  Middle of April now they tell me.
BAO  (Bruce Artwick Associates)
Flight Sim. 5.0 for Windows - This will likely be the hit of the year, but it's totally shrouded in secrecy at this point, and it's not even known if this will even happen.  It's rumored to be a major upgrade to the most successful entertainment title of all time.  Full sound support is supposed to be included as well as an integrated function of FS:ASD.  Full ATC is also expected.  ###  I'm now moving this title officially to BAO as they are who is creating this, and I can get a little more info from them than I can from Mickeysoft.  ~~~ More and more rumors seem to be pointing at this program ending up being a full blown Windows application to provide for much more memory usage.  Should be interesting to see how it pans out.  Several other add-on developers have stated publically that they are doing Windows versions for the future, so this should be easy to figure out what BAO is doing for the next major rev.
BETHESDA SOFTWORKS
NCAA Road to the Final Four - The next attempt in a long line from many developers to create a realistic basketball simulation.  This one is being programmed by the same developers who created (are creating) Earl Weaver Baseball 2, so it has good heritage.  Plenty of coaching and statistical options about, but not at the sacrifice of graphics or presentation.  The 64 team final tournament will be integral to the game.  ###  Being developed by the same staff who did Earl Weaver 2 (yecch), we can only hope this doesn't turn out as bad.  ~~~  Yup, it's as bad!  Maybe worse!!  Shipping now. To be deleted next issue.
Gretzky Hockey III - Yet another in the iterations of this hockey game trying to be perfect.  The 3rd installment of this should be great.  Much bigger players from a top-down perspective is planned so it's easier to follow the action.  More player control, and even better sound is planned. $$$ If you've seen NHL Hockey on the Genesis, you'll get the idea of what they are trying to do with the player sizes in GH3.
Terminator 2029: Man's Battle for Survival - $$$ Remember the opening few scenes from T2?  The battle scenes against the Terminators in the future after the world has blown up?  This is the scene from this new Terminator game.  No EGA graphics this time.  Full VGA/SB will be included.  You'll play John Connor as he attempts to sieze control and destory Skynet.  Too bad there isn't a movie about the same!
2300 A.D. - $$$ This is a role-playing, strategy, science fiction space fantasy game.  Is that clear enough for you?  Honestly, not a lot is known about this one yet.
NCAA Football - $$$ Bethesda is planning on trying their hand at the strategic football simulation market way down the road, but are going after the college level like they are doing with the sport of basketball.
BRODERBUND
Where in Space is Hans Solo - Undetermined at this time, but originally was planned to be a "Carmen SanDiego" type of series, but you're exploring outer space.  On the back burner for now.
Ancient Art of War in the Skies - AAWIS is the only "air combat" game I know of that accurately reflects the early real wars, by incorporating the fighters ability to hand-drop bombs from a small, rickety plane without being shot down by an enemy fighter.  Includes historical WW1 scenarios and opponents.  May not be a megahit, but could be fun.  $$$ Been put on hold indefinitely.  ~~~ It's alive again,but don't get all hot and bothered over this one.  More arcade like than anything else.
Prince of Persia II - Broderbund has committed that they have contracted the programming talents of Jordan Mechner of Prince of Persia fame to do a sequel.  Nothing is known about the storyline at this point, but his mind-boggling animation capabilities will be included.
LodeRunner 1991 - I'm making this title up, because there's a major campaign going on right now to try to convince Broderbund to do a remake of the original hit and bring it into the 90's with VGA graphics, sound support, hard disk support, and other enhancements.  Let the game stay the same, but update it with new mazes and challenges.  Call Broderbund and tell anyone you can there (especially Doug Carlston) to do this!  ###  The latest I hear about LR2 is that there are definite plans to do this in 1992.  This is Claude's favorite game of all time.  $$$ Write your letter to Doug Carlston!!  ~~~ Continue that letter writing campaign.  Looks like it will still be a while.
Carmen Sandiego Deluxe - CD/ROM - $$$ The high quality Deluxe C.S. was a big hit and they are going to stick TONS of animations, sound, speech, and an almost endless supply of "missions" for you to complete.  Very fun game, especially if you have young kids.  ~~~  Shipping now.  To be removed next issue.
CINEPLAY INTERACTIVE
~~~ No new products announced yet for 1992.
DATAEAST
Ultrabots Sanction: Earth - Programmed by Novalogic, this is one HOT looking title.  You basically can control up to four robots on a combat mission to rid the earth of some alien invaders.  Great inside "remote control" views are available.  Two modes are available: Macro- gaming where you match wits against your alien opponent in a strategic battle, or a micro- gaming level where you control the tactical movements of your robots in combat.  ###  This looks ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!  ~~~ Been delayed way back, and there is the possibility that it will only come out on the SNES.  I still think it will happen for the PC.  Late in the year though.
Battlefield 2000 - Also from Novalogic, this is a modern warfare tactical combat simulation using state-of-the-art graphics and sound.  Set in the year 2000, you control and face off against an awesome arsenal of weaponry and firepower over a three-dimensional landscape.  You must allocate resources, plan routes of attack, call in air support, and command a squadron of four vehicles.  Great looking stuff here!
DIGITEK
Hext - Nothing known at this time.  ###  This is another strategy game with a twist on the game Tetris, but it's still a bit of a mystery.
Second World - Pseudo adventure/RPG title released earlier this year in German only.  More details later.  ###  Actually, this game is more of a "SimWorld" type of game rather than an adventure.  Still pretty murky, but you must control the destiny of a planet habitat for the colonists to survive on.
U.S.S. John Young - A naval simulation, but no details are being given yet as to the era of the ships involved.  ###  This is definitely WW2 era stuff.
DISNEY SOFTWARE
Dog Eats Dog World - Unannounced product at this time with no published storyline.  ~~~ This is a fun adventure/simulation that puts you in the environment of corporate business and you have to face the reality of office politics to get to your goals.
Roller Coaster Construction Set - Unannounced product with no further details....but you can probably figure something out about it, right?  ~~~ Now officially announced.  This is basically what you thought it would be.  You can construct a wide variety of roller coasters and play them back, movie style as you fly through them.
Stunt Island: The Flying and Filming Simulation - The player selects a plane, flies some outrageous stunts, then takes on the role of film director, which involves camera placement, choreography, directing, and editing.  ~~~ This is going to be a HOT simulation.  A public focus group was held recently with rave reviews.  Disney is going to shake up some established players with this one.
Heaven & Earth - $$$  New title with absolutely no info about it yet.  May come out under the Buena Vista software line.  ~~~ This is a new type of puzzle game along the lines of Puzzle Gallery and Castle of Dr. Brain.
DOMARK
Game Compilation - ~~~ Nothing to get too excited about here.  It's basically 5 games that have already been available for some time.  Not a bad value though.
Harrier Assault - ~~~ Preliminary information shows this to be a flight simulator along the lines of Mig  29 but using the VSTOL capabilities of the Harrier aircraft.  Not much else known yet.
Columbus - ~~~ An interesting adventure where you take on the lead role of Christopher Columbus as you set sail in 1492.
Campaign - ~~~ Military simulation with not much known yet.  Wonder if they have contacted Empire Software yet?
Shadowland - ~~~ No storyline yet.
DYNAMIX
Aces of the Pacific - The long-awaited sequel to Red Baron.  The second in the "Great Planes" series.  This one will pit the American Pacific carrier forces against the Japanese in the WW2 Pacific theater.  Expect nothing less than mind-boggling.  ###  Check out the GIF files I've included with this issue of RELEASES and you'll see what I mean.  This will top Red Baron.  Also will include ground strike missions.
Rise of the Dragon II - The next detective adventure series for our hero.  No storyline known yet. ~~~ Cancelled.  To be removed next issue.
Heart of China II - Because the original is selling so well, Dynamix may bump this up in the priority list.  No storyline yet.  ~~~ Cancelled.  To be removed next issue.
Red Baron Mission Disks - Just like the name says.  This will add a lot more playing life to an already terrific flightsim.  ~~~ Actually, this will be a combination of mission disks, plane disk, and mission builder.  Good way to add life to a great flight simulator.
The Continuing Adventures of Willie Beamish  - This headline title has
done so well that Dynamix is already considering the sequel to the original and making it a priority project.  No plotline known yet though.  ~~~ Although the original Producer, Jeff Tunnell has left Dynamix, the sequel to Willy is in good hands, we're told.
"Rift-War" RPG - $$$ No known quantity yet, but the rumors are clear that the 
president of Dynamix wants to get into the RPG genre now.  It should be great.  ~~~ New title bears the name of the book series.  Although I haven't read any, the sci-fi quality should make for good playing.
Pinball for Windows - $$$ This is new too, and if it's a 1992 version of Night Mission Pinball from one of the hottest developers in the industry, it should be great!!  ~~~ For pinball fans, this looks totally hot.  Requires Windows to run, with great looking screens.
Aces over Europe - ~~~ The sequel to Aces of the Pacific, this 3rd in the "Great Warplanes" series takes the ACES engine and applies it to the European WWII theater.
RAF in the Pacific - ~~~ This new ACES add-on disk will be a fictional account of what might have happened in the Pacific war effort if the RAF had joined in the fray.
WWII: 1946 - ~~~ This is another ACES add-on disk that is also fiction and portrays what might have happened in the Pacific war if we had not dropped the bomb.  Some interesting aircraft would have started to show up as a result.
Dynamix "Football" - ~~~ Wow!  That's all I can say about this for now.  Imagine the technology, skill, and expertise that went into Red Baron and apply it to the gridiron?  It's going to be an awesome program.
Dynamix "Golf" - ~~~ Double Wow!  Dynamix has also stated that they are going to really expand into the sports titles in the future and golf was another one of their titles that they are going to take on.
ELECTRONIC ARTS
Powermonger PC - Out on the Amiga for some time now, it's an ancient "dominate or be dominated" kind of conquest game with incredible attention to detail.  Weather is depicted and causal relationships abound throughout the game.  Playable for years!  ###  Continues to be delayed.  We're hearing mid '92 now!  $$$ Check that.  Early Jan. now.  ~~~ May!!!
Car and Driver - Not much known at this point, but similar in style to Test Drive III with a much better expected implementation.  On the back burner for the time being.  ###  Now called Hot Car and it should be an interesting implementation of the Test Drive theme.  $$$ Tennis match going on here with the name.  Now officially called Car and Driver because they got the license to use the name of the same magazine.  Appears to be "Test Drive"-like. ~~~ Great news on this one.  SVGA support with a smooth driving model so joystick control should be pure.  I hope they use the joystick routines from Indy 500.
Earthling - By the author of the best-selling Centurion, this new hybrid action/adventure game pits the player to fight tactical space battles in order to save his cosmic Robin Hood type character.  There are six races of aliens to deal with throughout the game.  This should be a decent adventure. $$$ Sadly, this is on hold for the time being.  ~~~ Still on hold.
Birds of Prey - Perhaps only an Amiga flight simulator with a wide variety of planes and missions to choose from, but may be coming to the PC next year too.  ###  Something like 40 different types of aircraft to fly!  ~~~ Out on the Amiga now and it's hot.  Sad about the 40 aircraft all having the same cockpit, but perhaps the PC version will be better.
John Madden Football II - Well, now many of us have now seen the demo, and I'll agree - this is a super upgrade.  The play and animation look terrific.  Plus, the sounds should be superb.  Could give Ditka a run for the money.  $$$ Definitely being done for 1st quarter, '92.  ~~~ Backburnered~  Back to end of summer for now.  It's still going to be a great title.  Madden will give you his calls on every play if you want them.
Cyberfight - This is a new title many of us have been looking forward to for some time.  I could summarize this with one phrase - sequel to Mech Warrior.  Not much is more than this at this time, but rest assured it will include VGA graphics and great sound support.  Plenty of Mechs will be included for terrific play.
Populous II - $$$ This announcement may make many people ecstatic!  It's more of the same "God-like" game as the first, but with many more "effects" and controls.  You can send fire from heaven raining down on your opponent.  The volcano shows spewing lava running down on your helpless little communities. Great fun!  ~~~ Delayed significantly by the developer.
Michael Jordan Flight - ~~~ A basketball 3-on-3 simulation featuring our star player.  He will be digitized in all kinds of various moves so the action you see and control will be very lifelike.  Michael will probably be taking on some other NBA players as well, but time will tell.  Should be very graphic, but not sure about the long-term playability of this.
Sherlock Holmes:  The Case of the Serrated Scalpel - ~~~ A "Sierra-like" adventure for EA where you play the feature detective trying to solve a murder mystery.
Rampart - ~~~ I haven't played the board game of the same name, but, much like Castles, you build Castles and defend them with a variety of designs and weapons.
Heroes of the 357th - ~~~ This flight simulator was picked up from Activision after they dropped it.  It doesn't offer much new in the way of graphics, but does faithfully replay the missions this famous squadron fought in WWII.
Hong Kong Mahjong - ~~~ If you've played Mahjong of any kind under any title, you'll know all about this matching tile game.  I think it will have to go pretty far to beat Shanghai II.
4D Tennis - ~~~ Finally!  I get to say some great things about this.  This is the long-awaited sports program that matches 4-D Boxing in capability.  Very fluid animation and human movement are featured in this tennis simulation.  Stay tuned.
Global Effects - ~~~ This is a new title that EA is bringing over from the U.K. from the Amiga platform.  It is a combination of Civilization and SimEarth.  Should be an interesting title.  Has some Powermonger effects thrown in there too.
ELECTRONIC ZOO
Star Collection - A greatest hits collection of arcade titles.  ~~~ Shipping now.  To be removed next issue.
Galactic Empire - A space oddysey and simulation of interplanetary exploration and conquest.  ~~~ Shipping now.  To be removed next issue.
Son of Zeus - $$$ New title from this U.K. company.  It's a new adventure set in ancient Rome (Greece?...Claude isn't up on his ancient mythology).
Abandoned Places - $$$ New RPG/Adventure that is rumored to be a real sleeper. Could catch the big boys by surprise.  I don't know the story line yet, but watch here next issue
Tennis Cup 2 - ~~~ Sequel to the abysmal first edition.  Just plain tennis.  Don't get excited!
Dark Spyre 2 - ~~~ The second edition of the same name.  This RPG will have new 256 color screens and a much improved soundtrack.  Surprisingly, the first wasn't that bad.
Magic Garden - ~~~ This is a new title (arcade) that comes from the Amiga I have no idea what it is about.  
EMPIRE SOFTWARE
Team Yankee 2: The Pacific Islands - Contrary to what has been described in certain places as this, this is a new, follow-on program to the original in which you control a battalion of tanks in a tactical and strategic mode against various enemies.  ~~~ We've now discovered the venue for these new tank battles at least.  A much improved version over the first.
Eye of the Storm - Military strategy game.  No further details.
The Cool Croc Twins - Adventure game.  No storyline at this time.
Campaign - A very ambitious strategic military simulation with unknown theater of operations.
Cyberspace - A cyberpunk role-playing/adventure game.  No further details.
International Sports Challenge - $$$ Originally being done by Merit Software, this new title is a collection of individual sporting events, ala the Olympics etc.  Being brought to the U.S. through Readysoft.
EPYX
Getaway - $$$ This is a new "laptop" collection of games for the executive on the go.  The games are designed to be very readable and playable on a monochrome laptop screen.  ~~~ Shipping now.  To be removed next issue.
FTL
Dungeon Master / PC - This may be the most acclaimed game on the Amiga of all time, and it's finally coming to the PC.  What Eye of the Beholder was patterned after, DM is a first person dungeon-exploring game with plenty of twists.  To ensure quality sound effects for all, those without a sound adapter will be able to use FTL's own DAC you plug into the parallel port. This may also be the protection device.  It's been in development for a long time.  $$$ I'm beginning to doubt whether this is really coming out or not.  ~~~  Now, I'm almost sure.  In light of U-Underworld, this looks pretty pale by comparison.
Chaos Strikes Back - The sequel to Dungeon Master, it is planned for the PC and will continue the storyline of the first.  Because so much of the development investment will occur on DM, Chaos Strikes Back SHOULD be out quicker than it took for the first.
GAMETEK
American Gladiators - Patterned after the FOX T.V. show of the same name, this "simulation" will pit you in several athletic events after the likes of Blade, Velvet, and Gemini.  Sounds decent, but Gametek hasn't shown us much in the past.  ~~~ I've seen some shots of this game and it looks VERY nice!  The gameplay will determine whether it's a winner or not though.  Has promise.
Humans - ~~~ Kind of an arcade kids game featuring prehistoric characters.  Not sure what to make of this yet.
Daemonsgate 1: Dorovan's Key - This title really signifies Gametek's new attitude towards the game market.  A VERY aggressive, very detailed new RPG done by a 45-person U.K. development team.  Two years into development, the insiders are comparing it to the scope of an Ultima 6 or 7 project.  Should be very interesting to see if this elevates Gametek to a tier 2 status.
Gadget Twins - More of a kids game, I can't speak at length about the theme of this title yet.
INFOCOM
Infocom Classics - $$$ This is a collection of the 18 (?) Infocom text adventures that are true classics in the gaming world.  You aren't a true gamer if you haven't played (and finished!) Zork 1.  Go to Jail, Do not pass Go, do not collect $200.  The packaging is supposed to be really top notch for this too.  This is something very collectable.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
The Lost Treasures of Infocom: Vol.2 - ~~~ Hasn't been set in stone, but there is some possibility that this second edition will be out this year.
INNERPRISE
Sword of Sodan - Supposed to be coming as a direct port from the Amiga with very large on-screen graphic characters.  This hack'n slash scrolling action adventure should be very good, if it ever makes it to market.
Mutant Warriors - What can I say.  Aliens are on the loose, you go shoot them.  Novel idea.  ###  Tier 3, Neil, Tier 3.  $$$ And it remains tier 3. It may redefine a Tier 4.  ~~~ Neil!  Definitely a 4 now!  Approaching 5!  How high can we go?
INTERPLAY
Lord of the Rings II: The Two Towers - Continuing in the tradition of the first, the Two Towers is the second in this series of three.  You continue to control your party through the wilderness of Middle Earth while facing the expected foes of Orcs, Wolves, Wargs, and Oliphants.  Lord Sauron and the evil wizard Saruman are after your ring of power.  Automapping is included in this edition.
Star Trek: The 25th Anniversary - This project, set to coincide with the release of the movie from Paramount.  The features a Wing Commander-like combat portion, as well as a space exploration and role-playing elements. You will control phasers, photon torpedoes, shields, communications, and warp drive in realistic 3D space combat.  Sounds like a winner.  ~~~ Shipping now.  To be removed next issue.
Dragon Wars II - This is the long-awaited sequel with an entirely new interface and design.  It's likely it will use an 'Eye of the Beholder'-type of interface.  ~~~ Been back-burnered.
Mean Time - This is a Time Travel adventure game, but not similar to Future Wars which Interplay licensed from Delphine.  No further storyline known at this time.  ~~~ Backburnered for a while.
Battlechess: CD-ROM - This is the multimedia version of Battlechess with many, many more animations for the combat piece positions.  The details of the motion, plus the terrific soundtrack and sound effects makes this a "must-have" for anyone with a CD player or contemplating getting one.  ~~~ Shipping now.  To be removed next issue.
Checkmate for Windows 3.0 - This is a strong contender into the chess market with not that many frills, but a very strong algorithm.  Remarkably, it will be a Win 3.0 app.  ###  This title has been put on hold for sometime.  Not sure if it's been cancelled or not yet.  ~~~ Still planned, but put back.
Buzz Aldrin's Race into Space - This is a new addition for Interplay where you must plan and control a full mission to the moon, plus you're racing other teams to try and get their first.  Very graphical and mission oriented.  Sounds pretty decent so far.
Omar Sharif on Bridge - For any cardplaying Bridge players out there, this must be for you.  You even get Dr. Zhivago with the game!!  How special!  ~~~ Shipping now.  To be removed next issue.
Dvorak's Top 30 - $$$ I can't figure Interplay out.  This is a collection of the top 30 P.D. shareware games.  I think we can all do without.
Dvorak on Typing for Windows - $$$ A decent typing trainer for those who didn't pay attention in junior high.  Nice interface into the Windows world.
Out of this World - $$$ Not exactly clear what this is yet, but it's a light-hearted space exploration game, but not clear how in depth it gets.  ~~~ OOOH!  This one is going to be HOT HOT HOT.  Very fluid solid filled polygon animation with a great sound track and effects.  Reminds me a little of Prince of Persia.
Mario Teaches Typing - ~~~ Interplay must really be into teaching typing to people.  The Dvorak teaches it to adults and Mario (think Nintendo) teaches it to kids.  It really will be a fun way to teach kids how to type.
Castles II - ~~~ Sequelitis strikes Interplay.  This is more castle-building and defending but with some new resources and graphics.  If you liked the first you'll love the second.  If you didn't like the first, you might like this second chance.
Classics 5 - ~~~ 5 good P.D. shareware games.  yawn.
Lord of the Rings III: Return of the King - ~~~ A long way off, but count on it.  The final edition.  I'm still waiting for someone to do a decent version of The Hobbit.
Battlechess 4000 - ~~~ Interplay likes chess too!  This new Battlechess will be pretty cool though.  Imagine the claymation techniques you see with the California Raisins used with chess pieces.  Should be spectacular.
INTERSTEL
Star Fleet III - This is still in the rumor category, but it has been heard from several sources that it is being planned, with full bitmapped graphics this time, instead of the previous ASCII graphics.  It will be very 'Empire'-like, with conquest and exploration your whole motive.  ~~~ Definitely in the TBD category.
Dusk of the Gods - Done by the same group that produced Dark Spyre for Electronic Zoo, this will be a new RPG where you enter the halls of Vahalla and become one of Odin's champions.  You'll travel all over the world of the Vikings to change events so the Norse gods may defeat the badguys at the battle of Ragnorok.  Bitchin'.  ~~~ Shipping now.  To be removed next issue.
Dark Star - ~~~ A new RPG from this small company.  It has promise, but I don't know the scope or the story yet.
INTRACORP/CAPSTONE
The Taking of Beverly Hills - Modelled after the movie coming out this Christmas, this 'Die- Hard' type of game will pit you against some urban terrorists set in, of all places, Beverly Hills.  $$$ Hmm.  This flop of a movie is already here and gone, but the game is soon to arrive.  ~~~ Shipping now.  To be removed next issue.
KOEI
Liberty or Death - This is Koei's first strategy game outside of the far east, and they have chosen to model the heart of the American Revolution. You will relive the struggle between the tyrannical British rule and the colonists determined to gain their independence.  As the revolution unfolds, you can take the side of the British under Cornwallis or the colonists under Washington as you manage all aspects of military command.
Uncharted Waters - This is Koei's first RPG adventure, where you take on the role of a great sea explorer during the time of the victory of the Spanish over the Ottoman Turkish empire. You can make a fortune in profitable trading or when you are greedy, resort to piracy and gambling.  Your objective is to achieve great fam and wealth so that you may become a duke and request the hand of the princess in marriage.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Pacific Theatre of Operations - ~~~ A new tactical battle in the Pacific during the WWII conflict.  Ironic that a Japanese company is making this. (?)
KONAMI
Champions - Based on the pen and paper game, Champions, the computer game is a RPG based on stories rather than wandering around on a map.  You go from ineresting event to interesting event that leaves out the boring repetitive moves that take up most of your time in the map-based game.  Superheros battle each other in this interaction-based game, and the graphics are quite stunning.  You can see all the action from each character.  You also have complete character generation control.
Ninja Turtles Arcade - Pretty simple concept.  Save April O'Neil.  In order to get to her and Shredder, you must defeat 7 levels of foot soldiers with your favorite weapons.  You can have two players playing simultaneously too. This is based on the original coin-op and NES game.  ~~~ Not actually shipping yet for the U.S. market.  Stay tuned and get the original.
Ninja Turtles Adventure - Go out on a mission to save Manhattan from crime block by block. You must search for clues and fight crime wherever it appears.  Automapping, inventories, character attributes are all present. You can go on a mission or perfect your Ninja fighting skills during practice.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Simpson's Arcade - Based on the coin-op game, as the Simpsons clan you must rescue baby Maggie from the thieves/kidnappers in pursuit of a stolen diamond.  Using household items, you fend off the thieves and rescue Maggie.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Roller Babes - Basically Roller Derby with traps, hazards, and gorgeous babes trying to rough you up.  Sounds like my kind of game!  These are not normal roller skates though.  They are jet-propelled rocket skaters, plus the game includes league play, statistics, and very off-the-wall announcers.  ~~~ Cancelled.  To be removed next issue.
NFL - Yes, sports fans, there will be a sequel.  Not too soon, so we don't know many details yet, but it will have to be good to keep pace these days.  ~~~ Renamed.  Has full endorsement from the NFL Players Association.  Yea!
T.V. Sports Basketball II - Yes, this too will be 'sequelized'.  Given how buggy the first one was, this one doesn't have to be THAT good to be an improvement over the original.  ~~~ Cancelled.  To be removed next issue.
Gods - ~~~ The U.S. final release of this classic will come from Konami.
Magic Pockets - ~~~ The second Bitmap Brothers arcade hit to be released for the U.S. market.  Another great platform, shoot'em up arcade game.
Chaos Engine - ~~~ Even more detailed than the other two.  I love the mini-nukes you get to use as weapons throughout the game.  More 'walk-around-shoot-the-bad-guys' type of game.  Should be a lot of fun.
Utopia: Creation of a Nation - ~~~ Another world/God simulation that is along the lines of Powermonger/Populous.  Throw some SimCity in there too.
Plan 9 from Outer Space - ~~~ A campy adventure (tongue-in-cheek) of a old B movie classic.  Really bad movie though :-).
LIVE STUDIOS
Dream Web - Supposedly an action/adventure game, but no details are known at this time.  ###  Delayed considerably.
LUCASFILMS
Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis - Unique in that it doesn't follow a movie script, but Indy takes on new Nazi enemies (of course) in uncovering the secret of Atlantis and a material supposedly held there that would affect the course of the war if gotten into the wrong hands. This game is unique in that based on which puzzles/choices you make the game will adjust it's type of challenge, it can be pure puzzle solving, arcade like, or maze exploring. ###  Delayed until 1st quarter.  ~~~ Still put off till May.
The Secret of Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge - At the end of the first installment, Guy triumphs over LeChuck, but "Chuckie's back" and with a vengeance.  You have various plot branches to explore in this one.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Loom CD-ROM - $$$ This is a last second addition that adds the full voice and speech capabilities to the great adventure, Loom.
P-80 Shooting Star - This is also a last second addition.  It's not clear yet whether this will be a new program or another add-on disk for Luftwaffe.  ~~~ Shipping.  To be removed next issue.
SWOTL Expansion Disk: HE 162 - ~~~ The third disk for SWOTL.  Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
SWOTL Expansion Disk: Dornier 335 - Fourth, and final disk for enhancing SWOTL.  Can't say I know too much about this plane.
Monkey Island CD-ROM - ~~~ New CD featuring voices for all the characters.  Should be a lot of fun.
Monkey Island 2 CD-ROM - ~~~ Although much further out, the sequel is planned to have voices too.
MALLARD SOFTWARE
~~~ No new announcements yet.
MAXIS
SimAnt - You conquered city building and earth building, now let's see how well you can do in your own backyard.  You're an Ant!  You belong to a colony, and there's a competing colony trying to wipe you out.  Your objective?  Get into the house where all the "Motts" are; an unlimited supply of food!  Watch out for the dog and the lawn mower though.  Lots of fun!  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
SimCity 2 - Not much in the way of detail for this yet, but it will add a tremendous amount of depth to an already complete game.  You will have to manage things like water supply, sewage, more detail being applied to things like transportation systems, etc.  Should fully utilize sound boards this time around too.
Simcity/CD-ROM - This will be a multimedia version of the first Simcity with a lot more scenarios, sounds, graphics, and a much greater appeal to people who have alread played the first.
Simcity for Windows 3.0 - Yes, while you're calculating your Excel spreadsheet, you can tax your citizens and build new power plants and airports.  Fully utilizing the Windows interface, this will make using this program a lot easier to use.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Robosport for Windows 3.0 - Also utilizing the Win interface of pull-down menus, this is a strategy/programming type of game where you have two competing robots in a city-type environment and you must "program" how you want your robot to do battle.  The very early Origin game "Omega" started this concept, but this is vastly different and improved.
A-Train - $$$ This is going to be a KILLER product.  Imagine combining Simcity and Railroad Tycoon.  This will be one of the major hits of '92 and should be out mid-year.  There are plenty of things to do.  Check of the review of it in the Strategy Plus game magazine a month or two ago.
Sim-Life - $$$ Yes, folks, it's finally happened.  A genetic engineering software toy.  Now we're really expanding the limits of what software entertainment is all about.  Bio-engineering is always something I've wanted to do anyways.
SimFarm - ~~~ But wait! There's more!!  You also get this neatly packaged, ready to run Farm simulation.  Can you keep up with the McDonalds??  How does YOUR garden grow???  Can YOU get those parsnips to grow and make a profit at the same time!??  For real!  We're going to be Farmers!!  Wonder if we can get tickets to Sim-FarmAid V?
MERIT SOFTWARE
Tom Landry Football - Nothing known at this time.  ###  May not be as graphical as Ditka or JMF2, but this title should be able to hold it's own. Very strategic in nature rather than a "joystick wiggler".
Final Conflict - ~~~ European import I know nothing about.
Fight for Rome - ~~~ European import along the lines of Centurion.  Defend Rome.  Fiddle while Rome burns, that sort of thing.
Merchant Colony - ~~~ European import that is basically a resource management, buy-sell, and control power game.
Traders - ~~~ More resource management, but this one strikes me as being from some other place.  A little investigative reporting is due on this one.
MICROLEAGUE SPORTS ASSOCIATION
MicroLeague Basketball - A new title for MLSA to go after.  To date, I can't recall a single basketball sim that has done anything for me, so this could be a valiant effort.  Basically, this is not arcade basketball, but rather a coach's perspective game from the sidelines, where you call strategy, plays, defenses, etc.  We'll see, but I'm skeptical.
MicroLeague Baseball: USA Today Edition - ~~~ Much more arcade like than the pure statistical model that the first few editions have been.  You can plug into USA sports network too and get the daily up-to-date stats.
MicroLeague Hockey - ~~~ Not much more to say about this one, but it will definitely be on the statistical slant.  Not sure it can compete with WGH2.
MicroLeague Boxing - ~~~ I'm not a skeptic, but do we really need another boxing simulation?  I'm not a fan of the sport, but there could be some managerial merit to this title.  Don't know much detail yet.
MICROPROSE
Conquest - Made by the same people who did Command H.Q., this will be a military/strategy game on other planets where you are trying to conquer the other alien races. Other technology will abound in this title.  $$$ Now called just Conquest.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Hyperspeed - A sequel to Lightspeed.  In the new one you will have more clusters to explore and the feedback from the combat will be much improved. Same general genre though.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Civilization - SimEarth from a different perspective.  You start as a nomadic tribe in 4000 B.C. and you try to develop civilization and maintain it for hundreds/thousands of years.  Compete with other "players" as they try to develop their own version of civilization.  ###  Big hit this year!!  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
A.T.A.C. - A flight simulation that pits you against the drug lords of South America.  Not much more is known about the flight dynamics at this point. ###  New name for the same game plan.  $$$ Confirmed to be A.T.A.C. F-23.  ~~~  Now called just A.T.A.C.
Flames of Freedom - Essentially Midwinter 2.  This is the sequel to one of the real sleepers of last year.  Midwinter 1 was a very good title and this will add significant improvements to it. You go underground and covertly try to overthrow the corrupt government ruling your lands.
Grand Prix Circuit- Actually, Gunship 2000 started as this title, but it made more sense to use the developed technology to develop a helicopter sim.  They're dusting off the plans to actually make a decent driving/racing game.  ### Early versions of this game on the Amiga/ST in Europe show TREMENDOUS promise.  Let's hope they don't botch this one up.  We need another Indy 500.  ~~~ A big hit on the Amiga.  Should be even better on the PC.  Tremendous detail and driving capability.
Greens - Possible only for the Amiga or the ST, other than the obvious, nothing more is known at this time.   ###  Now called Microprose Master Golf. Coming from Microprose in the U.K., the main guy in MPS/UK claims this to be a "Links-Killer".  Frankly, I'm a doubting Thomas on this one.  $$$ Definitely called Greens now.  ~~~ With what Access has in store for Links, I don't see this as a serious contender for the golf crown now.  May ship with fictional courses!!!  Boo hiss.
Darklands - Microprose's first RPG and it will be a blockbuster.  Set in the age of Medieval Europe in Germany, you must muster your skill and overcome many obstacles in a time of violence and corruption.
UMS II Planet Editor - This is an add-on product for Universal Military Simulator II so you can create your own military scenarios for World warring.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Sea Rogue - $$$ Not much known about this now, but it will be a marine simulation set in the WW2 timeframe.  ~~~ Wrong.  It's an undersea salvage simulation, and it's shipping.  Will be removed next issue.
B-17 - ~~~ Microprose is going to take on SWOTL and Aces over Europe for the king of the B-17 crown.  There isn't much more to say here than what has been said about SWOTL.  You flight the flying fortress over Germany doing daylight bombing raids over the industrial complex during WW2.  What a concept!
F-15 Strike Eagle III - ~~~ Woah!!! This one is VERY HOT.  The intro screens are all I've seen so far and they look magnificient.  Let's hope they finally figure out that an F-15 doesn't take off and land on an aircraft carrier.  This should feature some ground-breaking graphics technologies and will definitely be a major hit.
Johnny Crash - ~~~ I can't speak too much for the storyline, but this is Microprose' first entry into the graphic adventure market.  Look out Sierra!  Johnny is supposed to be a recurring character in future Microprose adventures.
Task Force 1942 - ~~~ Microprose's first entry into the strategic level battles that were fought in the Pacific theater of operation during WW2.  Kind of a Harpoon for the second world war.  They aren't alone in this effort however.
Task Force 1942: Flight Sim - In '93 Microprose plans on combing the operational capability of Task Force: 1942 with a relevant era flight simulation so you can actually fly the missions to get the Japanese Navy.
Botts - ~~~ I hestitate in even including this as a potential new Microprose title, but there are some nodding heads there that may lead you to believe this is being considered.  Probably the most stunning coin-op video game I've ever seen (and yes I've seen that damned SF2!!).  Botts on the PC would be killer!  Still in the TBD category.
Rex Nubular - ~~~ Can't say I like their choice of names, but Rex is the Microprose equivalent of Sierra's Roger Wilco, so I'm told.  Kind of Space Quest from Maryland.
Pirates Gold - ~~~ I'm sure my reporting of this will make a lot of people happy.  Microprose is finally redoing Pirates! to bring it into todays hardware standards.  No info on the story yet.
F-22 Advanced Technology Fighter - This is the next era in flight sims from Microprose.  They are going to realistically model the new F-22 Air Force fighter.  No word on the theater of operations yet, but this should be a beauty.
Attack Sub 2000 - This is also one of those "out in the ether" titles.  It's been rumored to be kind of a 1992/93 version of 688 Attack Sub.  We need one of these.  Combine 688 with Red Storm Rising, and use today's hardware graphics and sound.  Should be an instant hit if they do it right.
MICRO SPORTS
College League Football - $$$ This is a new version of the NFL Pro League Football program that is already on the market.  It's a college football version of the same.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
NFL Football '92 - ~~~ Essentially the same as the Pro League Football that is already out, but with new statistics.  Same gameplay as the original.
College Football '92 - ~~~ Same as the first college football but with new stats.
NBA Basketball - ~~~ Looks like someone else is going to take on basketball.  By far, I think that basketball is the toughest game of all to simulate well.  Micro Sports is going to use their statistical expertise to take on the NBA.  Don't look for flashy graphics with this, but it could be strong for those who want to dig into the numbers.
College Basketball - ~~~ Much the same as the above but with College teams and a 64 team tournament.
MINDCRAFT
The Magic Candle II - The second edition of this series, this time you face similar foes, but you get the benefit of auto-mapping and auto-notetaking to help you in your quest.  A pure RPG.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Siege - Another strategic military game where you have to manage a siege of your opponents castle.  This one is still a bit of a mystery.
Frozen Jungle - A science fiction RPG from Mindcraft.  No more details known at this time.
The Magic Candle III - Yes, 3.  I know they haven't gotten the 2nd one out yet, but the 3rd is supposed to solve all the unanswered scenarios left unresolved by 2.  Be nice to see 2 first, right?
Mercenaries - Along the same lines as Breach 2, but this time you'll be able to control the movements and actions of individual soldiers and command them separately to accomplish your missions.  Very strategic in nature.
"Planetary Exploration" Game - ~~~ Mindcraft has said they are looking at a "Planet's Edge" type of game.  Way off still.
NEW WORLD COMPUTING
Planet's Edge - A very large space exploration and conquest type of game where you must explore up to 60 planets for the secret that will save earth.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
NINGA SOFTWARE
Civil War - This Canadian company is taking a very new approach to modelling the American civil war.  The graphics are very nice and the overall playability seems to be good.  Not much more is known about this at this time.  ~~~ Been delayed significantly.
Cribbage for Windows MPC - $$$ This will be a really nice title for card players out there.  It will run under the Multimedia version of Windows and will feature full speech throughout the game.
Backgammon for Windows MPC - $$$ This also will run under the Multimedia Extensions for Windows and will include speech and great sound effects too.
OCEAN
Epic - This is a spectacular offering from Ocean similar to a Wing Commander type of game. You battle an enemy force in outer space, but in the process you enter planet's atmosphere's and actually land your craft on the ground too and conduct ground missions.
Robocop 3D - Supposedly patterned after the 3rd movie coming out, this will get Robocop in ths skies as he flies his combat plane after the bad guys.
Elf - A cute Mario Brothers type of jumping/maze game.
Darkman - Based after the movie.  Foil the bad guys.  Euro only for now.
Navy Seals - Cheapo arcade again, I think.  Don't get too excited.  Euro only again.  ~~~ Cancelled.
Special Forces - ~~~ More U.K. stuff.  Arcade - military stuff.  Gee.  Can't wait.
ORIGIN
Strike Commander - This may well be the game of the decade.  It's a futuristic flight simulator that pits you as hired mercenaries against none other than the IRS!  Brand new technology will blow you away such as fractal-generated landscape and gouraud shaded polygons.  Sounds funky, but all this translates into a game the likes of which we have never seen before. ###  Rumored to be 28 MB!!!!!!  OHMIDOG!!!  $$$ Been moved back a bit, but still will be the game of '92.
Ultima 7 - The latest in the saga takes place 200 years in the future of Britannia where the land sounds a lot like our inner cities today.  Drugs, pollution, crime, etc. abound and the origin of all this trouble is the ultimate bad-guy trying to open a door from his dimension into Britannia.
Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss - This is a new adventure from Origin which resembles The Eye of the Beholder in its appearance.  It will feature smooth scrolling 360 degree views, not the 90 degree views you see in Beholder.  It will take place completely in the dungeons of Ultima.  ###  Slight name change from last time.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Trade Commander - $$$ Not much is known about this yet, but Origin is giving us some indication that they want to do something about the Space Station development and space colonization.  Stay tuned.  ~~~ New name.  Best way to describe this is 'Taking over the universe like Wing Commander, with trade instead of weapons'.
Wing Commander 3 - $$$ Yes kiddies, it's true.  The saga isn't over yet.  I'm starting to think we may have another Star Trek movie thing going here.  Maybe Freddie Krueger will be the new leader of the Kilrathi!  Seriously, we don't have any idea of what the story line will be, but rest assured it will amaze. The new technology that will be revealed in Strike Commander will be used in WC3.
Wing Commander 2: Special Ops. 2 - $$$ The continuation of the storyline. Not much to say here, other than it will exist later in '92.  ~~~ Been moved up!  Should be arriving shortly.
Ultima 7 1/2: The Serpent Isle - ~~~ This is a new title from Origin of the "Worlds of Ultima" theme.  Lord British himself will be more personally involved so this might be interesting.  It is NOT Ultima 8.
Ultima 8 - ~~~ The second in this third trilogy is already being planned so we should start talking about it here.  In 7, you never really totally dispatch the Guardian, so in 8 you're at 'm again.  Quite a ways off.
PARAGON SOFTWARE
Megatraveller 3: The Unknown Worlds - Supposedly using a similar graphics appearance to what you see in MT2, but we don't the story line yet.  ~~~ If memory serves correctly, this includes 3 major missions, but more info later.
Mantis Experimental Fighter - This will be an outer space shoot'em up where you're commanding one the earth's finest space fighters.  Looks like many people are getting into the Wing Commander act.  This will be along those lines.
Twilight 2000 - In the aftermath and destruction of WWIII, the rival faction parties struggling to gain control are fighting and you are among the good guys.  Terrorists and mercenaries are trying to keep fear and anarchy reigning over the land, and your job is to thwart them.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
"Paragon Golf" - Not officially named yet, but they have committed that they are going to try to take on Links.  Good luck!
Spellbound - ~~~ New from the Paragon Studios, this new highly graphic adventure will surely please.  It has some groundbreaking new graphics in it that should elevate Paragon to higher status.  Storyline to come later.
PSYGNOSIS
Atominoes - This isn't the strongest title on tap from Psygnosis, but it seems interesting.  You must control the reaction of certain atoms to make the desired molecules.  Jury is still out on this one.
Armorgeddon - Basically a ground and air assault game to try to find the missing pieces of a neutron bomb that will destroy the country.  Very smooth scrolling graphics, but will have a good piece of competition from others. Coming over from the Amiga.
Obitus - A scrolling action/adventure/RPG game.  This is actually many different kinds of games all in one.  You're lost and alone in a strange world and you must discover where you are, how you got there, and how you are going to get out.  You talk, trade, and fight with tons of characters inhabiting a huge playing area of forests, mines, caves, dungeons, 9 maze sections and 4 castles.   ###  The demo of this was magnificient.  Big hit here!  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Barbarian II - Hegor the Barbarian is back and he's been significantly upgrade with much improved graphics and sounds.  This is a horizontally scrolling hack'n slash where you must face the dark magic of Necron. ###  Word is coming slowly that this and other's below may not make it to the PC at all.  Boo! ~~~ Cancelled.  To be removed next issue.
Amnios - No information on this one yet.   ###  May not make it to the PC after all.  ~~~ Cancelled.  To be removed next issue.
Aquaventura - This is a 3D simulator with 3 distinct parts:  a first person perspective adventure, a horizontally scrolling action/adventure, and a joystick juggling tunnel section.  Your ship gets blown to bits and you land on the nearest planet with the bad guys in hot pursuit.  ###  Possibly Amigaonly.  ~~~ Cancelled.  To be removed next issue.
Leander - An action/adventure where you must try to rescue the princess being held in the "dungeon".  (What a concept!)  There are three worlds you must travel across fighting enemies and find and using spells, potions, ans weapons to your advantage to help you find and save the princess.   ### Again, may not be coming out on the PC.  ~~~ Cancelled.  To be removed next issue.
Lemmings Construction Set - This is just what it says.  It will allow you to create your own challenges to drive others nuts with.  It greatly extends the life of Lemmings as many others can create new worlds for the Lemmings to deal with.  ~~~ Backburnered.
Hired Gun - Psygnosis is apparently working on a multiplayer modem/network game where you enter a maze with other players and try to waste them.  Kind of an electronic paintball competition.  Sounds fun.  No official name yet.  ~~~ Still fairly vague about this one, but I think the name change is now correct.  Will find our for sure at CES.
Planetside - $$$ Apparently, there is something spectacular that Psygnosis has developed with regard to fractals, and Psygnosis is planning on putting a product around it.  If you have seen the CDTV flight demo that Psygnosis has put out where you chase down a couple of cruise missiles, you'll know how spectacular this can be.  ~~~ Well, at least it has a name now.  Been put on hold for a while to make room for Microcosm and Air Support.
Microcosm - ~~~ A new CD title that effectively duplicates the storyline of the Asimov book, Fantastic Voyage.  You enter the body and explore systems to deactivate some viruses (real ones) that are set to kill the president.
Air Support - ~~~ Not much detail known about this new CD title yet, other than it will be a flight simulation type of title.
Lemmings II - ~~~ They're baaaack.  New mazes and adventures for the little critters, but this time they tell me that the Lemmings will have new personalities and characteristics which makes this second edition even more addicting than the first.
The Tomato Game - ~~~ Could be an Amiga-only game, but time will tell.  It's an arcade game and it involves tomatoes.  Can't say anymore yet.
QUANTUM QUALITY PRODUCTS
The Lost Admiral: Scenario Disk - $$$ New missions to extend the life of the Lost Admiral, one of the better marine simulations available today.
Castles and Catapaults - $$$ QQP is very tight-lipped about this one, but it appears to be destined to be a megahit in '92.  It's a medieval strategy/military game of sorts, and sounds terrific.
Solitaire's Journey: 1998 - $$$ This will be a collection of over 100 types of solitaire integrated into some kind of pseudo storyline.
RAW ENTERTAINMENT
Space Inc. - This is an outer space epic along the lines of Wing Commander, but with more emphasis on the characters and the role playing elements rather than the shoot'em up part of the game.
Suez'73 - Basically, a strategist replay of the Israeli/Egypt 6-day war in 1973.  For historical wargamers, this should be very good.  ~~~ Cancelled.  To be removed next issue.
Battle for Guadalcanal - For military buffs, you'll be able to replay this famous battle in the Pacific during WW2.
Fleet Commander - Imagine combining the graphics of Wing Commander scaled back somewhat and combining it with the strategic elements of Rules of Engagement.  Kind of a thinking man's Wing Commander.
Dominant Species - ~~~ New title for RAW that kind of approaches the feel of a SimEarth and genetic engineering.  Simulating Darwin's theory of evolution is what this is all about.
Spoils of War - ~~~ Set in medieval times, this title is a military strategy game where you are at war again, but in a different time period than most.
READYSOFT
Space Ace II: Borf's Revenge - Borf's back trying to get even from his demise in the first in the series.  Still the same quality of animation you saw in the first with full soundblaster support for all the digital effects.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Guy Spy - This is another in the horizontal scrollers that will be a followup to Wrath of the Demon.  Basically, just arcade play with some twists.
SIERRA ON-LINE
Quest for Glory 3: Wages of War - The third in the series will be taking place in the jungle (we think!) and you can still be a thief, a warrior, or a cleric (?).
Quest for Glory 4: Shadows of Darkness - Inasmuch as this is a 1993 product, not much is known at this point.
Laura Bow II:The Dagger of Amon Ra - Second in the Colonel's Bequest series, we don't know anything about this next in the series yet.
King's Quest V/CD-ROM - Same game as the disk version, but with full spoken speech throughout.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Ecoquest I: The Search for Cetus - Help attack environmental problems with your friend dolphin, Delphineus.  You get to attack drifting fishing nets, toxic wastes, oil spill, etc.  Very educational.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
King's Quest VI - No storyline published yet.
"Codename: Iceman Sequel" - Jim Walls will be attacking this when his Police Quest III is done. No idea what the storyline will be.
Space Quest IV/CD-ROM - Same game as the disk version with full speech.
Police Quest I/VGA - The next in the line to upgrade the older Sierra successful titles to glorious VGA and full sound support.
King's Quest II/VGA - Actually, this hasn't been confirmed yet, but there are strong indications this will be upgraded next year too.
King's Quest III/VGA - Same thing for this one.  Don't know how much they can take on at once, but these all need an upgrade badly.
Space Quest V - Even though Mark Crowe, one of the Two Guys from Andromeda has bolted for Dynamix up in Oregon, there are definite plans to do a SQ5.  Don't know much more than that for now.  ~~~ Actually, this one may appear from Dynamix rather than Sierra, but it should be good.
Scary Tales - Another Roberta Williams project, probably WAAAYY out there, but being planned.
Quest for Glory I: VGA - $$$ More in the editions of remakes with vastly improved graphics.
SIM-SYSTEMS
Scenario Construction Set - For those that have gotten into the Fireteam 2200, this program will allow you to create your own missions for the strategy game.
"Fantasy Multi-Player Game" - Sim-Systems has hinted that they are working on a fantasy multi- player game that will be played over a network.  No further details.
SIR TECH SOFTWARE
Crusaders of the Dark Savant - For Wizardy lovers, this will be the richest offering so far BY far.  It will feature FULL 256 color graphics, FULL sound support, and the richness of the storyline that we've all come to expect from Sir-Tech.  As we learn more about the storyline, we'll let you know here. ###  Having not played Bane, I don't know much about the storyline, but Crusaders continues the story.  
Ambush - ~~~ This title will be brand new for Sir-Tech as it will be a military strategy type of game.  Still a long ways off.
SOFTWARE TOOLWORKS
Paperboy II - A sequel to the first with changes in the graphics and sounds, but the same general game play.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Captive - No information as of yet.  $$$ No such PC title.  To be removed next issue.  ~~~ Fending off 'death', Captive has made a return.  Don't know what it is yet, but it will ship now.
Casino Game Pack for Windows - $$$ A collection of quality casino games for Windows.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
SPECTRUM HOLOBYTE
Warthog - The second in line for the Electronic Battlefield series.  You will fly the infamous A-10 Tank Killer in detailed missions, individually or connected into Falcon 3.0 to fly cooperative missions.  Expect the best for this one.  ~~~ Name change.
AH-64 Attack Chopper - The third in line for the EBS.  There hasn't yet been a very realistic helicopter game put out that accurately models the flight and control of the Apache (or any other helicopter for that matter), but this one should be true to life.  It will feature very realistic controls included rudder, collective, and tail rotor controls, plus be connected into Falcon 3.0 and Warthog.
Crisis in the Kremlin - Let's see if you can do better than Gorbachev did! You get your chance to take the Soviet Union into the 21st century and into Perestroika.  Economic and political rivals will be your obstacles along the way.  Strangly, humor is present throughout the game.
Race Drivin' - Sequel to the successful "Hard Drivin'", "Stunts", and "Stunt Driver", this will be more of the same with some extra graphic and sound bells and whistles.  $$$ On hold pending further resources as SH.  ~~~ Cancelled.  To be removed next issue.
Super Tetris - A remake of the original with improved graphics, sounds, and backdrops.  It's fundamentally the same game with a few extra twists thrown in.  ~~~ Shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Sphere of Influence - Here you play the global leader trying to balance sociology, economics, natural disasters, and all other facets of civilization.  Kind of a 'heady' Civilization.  More of a cross between SimCity on a global scale and "Guns and Butter".
Tank 2.0 - The fourth (last?) in the EBS.  This will be a major rewrite of the Tank game Spectrum Holobyte put out a year ago, or so.  It will also integrate into missions of Falcon 3.0, Avenger A-10, and AH-64 for full battlefield experience.   $$$ YEA!!! I've set a new record.  This will be a  1994 product!  Farthest product out so far in my history!
Operating Flying Tiger - $$$ I hate to even bring this up because of how long we had to wait for the original, but it's going to happen.  ~~~  Name change for this Falcon 3.0 mission disk.  Takes place in Japan, Korea, and Phillipines (?).
Star Trek: The Next Generation - ~~~ New license with Paramount allows SH to do their rendition of the new t.v. series.  Should be quite good now that the bar has been set for Star Trek games by Interplay.
El Grito Del Jaguar - ~~~ A CD MPC title that is edutainment.  You'll go on a detective mission while learning Spanish at the same time.  Kind of like Carmen Sandiego.
Spectrum Holobyte Chess - ~~~ This new chess program takes the same old game and throw the animation graphics and sound into it.  Basically, SH's version of Battlechess.
Tetris Classic - ~~~ NOT Supertetris II.  This is the same original Tetris (go as long as you can go) game with updated graphics and sound.  Bleeding the horse dry!
SPORTTIME
Horse Racing: Jockey Competition - This is supposed to be an add-on module for the Omniplay Horse Racing game that puts you right in the saddle itself while you race around famous racetracks.
Basketball: Pro League Module - This is another add-on module that provides league capabilities for the NBA and the playoffs. Similar to the College add-on module that was released some time ago.
Omniplay Football - This company hasn't put out much in a LONG, LONG while, so this is a little suspicious, but we'll give them the benefit of the doubt.
Omniplay Baseball - Ditto here!
S.S.G.
Carriers at War - This is supposed to be a terrific game with great graphics and sound that depic the great naval battles our Carrier Battle groups have had in previous wars.  It's a true-blue war game.  ###  Check out the great graphics of this game in the GIF files I've included in this edition of RELEASES.
Warlords II - No, this isn't version 2.0, it's a totally new game along the lines of Warlords, but with much better graphics, gameplay, and sound.
S.S.I.
Carrier Strike - Another wargame from SSI, this will portray in strategic format the battles fought in the Pacific like Iwo Jim, Guadalcanal, and Midway.  ~~~ Name change.
Eye of the Beholder/2:Legend of Dark Moon - The next in the long-awaited Legend series following the megahit EOTB.  Significant enhancements will be present (such as an ENDING!) and group combat as well as towns to explore as well as the typical dungeons.  ###  This is gonna be killer!  Watch for ads starting to show for it next month in the rags.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Citadel of the Black Sun - No information at this time.  Likely to be an AD&D game.  ~~~ Backburnered.
Baseball Fantasy Manager - This is a very much-needed add-on to Larussa that will let you print statistics, view opposing player statistics during game play, and add new managing features.  Larussa appears to be winning the fall "Who's got the best baseball sim?" war.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Matrix Cubed - $$$ Well, this isn't much to get too excited over unless you are big into Buck Rogers.  Definitely an outer space RPG.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Conflict: Korea - $$$ This is also a new title, likely brought by the same people who did Western Front.  ~~~ Name change.
Carrier Strike - $$$ A WW2 military/marine sim. that frankly, I can't figure out any new innovative way to simulate the marine battles of that era.  ~~~ See above.  To be removed next issue.
The Dark Queen of Krynn - ~~~ Third in the Krynn saga.  More AD&D adventuring.
Line in the Sand - ~~~ A pretty interesting war simulation of the Gulf War.  See how you do against Saddam's forces.  (This is going on third person info, so this needs to be confirmed).
Bismarck - ~~~ Take on the famous German battleship in another SSI military WWII simulation.
Prophecy of the Shadow - More AD&D stuff, but you're heading out on your own this time instead of in a party.
Treasures of the Savage Frontier - ~~~ AD&D seque.  Shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Eye of the Beholder 3 - ~~~ They are going to go ahead and make a third installment in this highly successful RPG series.  No storyline yet.
SUBLOGIC
California Scenery - Same as above, but modelling vitually all of California.
FS:AFPT - Flight Simulator: Air Force Primary Trainer - This is NOT a combat simulation where you are up in the air trying to shoot down some "bogeys". You are involved in a serious simulation teaching you the flight dynamics of air combat.  You will learn maneuvers, counter- maneuvers, and all the while being tutored on-line by SubLOGIC assistants.  ###  Well, ol' Claude got this one wrong last time.  This has NOTHING to do with combat tactics at all. It's a military perspective of how you fly an airplane, nothing more.  There are no bogeys involved in this at all.
The "Cowboy" Collection - Scenery disks covering south-central U.S. (Texas, O.K., etc.).
SYMTUS
Time Gates - This is the next arcade/adventure in the Cybergenic Ranger series.  Basically, this is a scrolling arcade game where you must shoot your way to success.
T&E SOFTWARE
True Classics Golf: Wailea - This is a new entertainment company coming from Japan that's going to break into the market with Super Nintendo products and then convert them to the PC market.  The PC versions won't be out until next summer.
True Classics Golf: Pebble Beach - Ditto for this version as well.
TANAGER SOFTWARE
New Cypher Adventure - $$$ More from the company as the original Cypher.
THREE-SIXTY
Patriot - A land version of "Harpoon".  This will pit you in a very high-level strategic role in control of the battle direction, but NOT anything to do with the tactics of the battlefield.  It will be one of the first games from a major player that will support 640x480x256 colors.
V for Victory - This is an operational-level game of the conflict on the Normandy coast of France between the 7th of June and the 2nd of July, 1944, centering around the American landing zone at Utah Beach.  The game allows you to accurately recreate the events that followed the June 6th landing.  ###  Name change this time around.  Macintosh verison due first.
B-70 Valkyrie - This is a title still up in the air, but it's still a possibility.  Nothing certain is known, but it should have a similar storyline/missions to what will be offered in Megafortress. Stay tuned.
Harpoon Gold (386) - Essentially, this is a protected mode version of Harpoon which will allow the developer to use megabytes of memory space, instead of something to fit in 640K and shoehorn the rest into expanded.  Using VCPI techniques, this version will be something akin to Lotus 3.0 in it's memory usage.  There has also been talk that it may become a Windows 3.1 program, thereby giving it access to a linear address space.  As far as features go, it will offer more depth in terms of sounds, improved graphics, and many more vehicles, but the general theme of the game will not change.  There's some chance that a WW2 version (scenarios) may be included as well.  $$$ This is a major rewrite of the original and will not be available until late 1993.
Theater of War - If you can think of combining chess, history, and wargaming strategy all into one game, then this would be it.  You play on a 3-D battlefield, somewhat akin to a chess board, but with weapons from all eras. You will fight with everything from a crossbow to a TOW missile.  Very interesting looking graphics.
1992 Winter Olympics - Just in time for the event at Albertville, France, this program will accurately put the player in the heat of competition in the following events: Downhill Ski Racing, Slalom Ski Racing, Ski Jumping, Luge, Bobsled, and Biathlon.  The graphics look spectacular and the digitized sound and voices are very impressive too.  ###  This has been delayed a full year to try to become competitive with the Accolade offering which is excellent.  ~~~ Cancelled.  To be removed next issue.
Megafortress Mission Disks: Operation Sledgehammer - Another set of missions for Megafortress flyers that will take you over Iran and in the Med. Should be great!  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Megafortress Mission Disks: Operation Skymasters - Mission disks for Megafortress taking place in the Phillipines theater.  Read the Dale Brown book, Skymasters.
Megafortress Scenario Editor - Talk is that there will be an editor to create your own missions in Megafortress theaters.
Megafortress 2-Player Co-Op - Very hush hush rumors that there may be a 2 player version of this where one player can fly the Megafortress, while the other flyers CAP during the mission.  Sounds VERY cool!
Harpoon 2.0 - This is a significant upgrade of the original Harpoon which will include some major code changes to support the Pacific ocean and some other new features.
Victory at Sea - ~~~ More or less, this is Harpoon for the Pacific battles of WWII.
TITUS SOFTWARE
No new titles.
UBI SOFT
Light Quest - No further information at this time.  $$$ This is an arcade adventure in the tradition of typical Nintendo games.
Celtic Legends - No further information at this time.
The Koshan Conspiracy - $$$ Nothing known at this time, but a new adventure, for sure.  ~~~ Now we understand!  See below.
B.A.T. II: The Koshan Conspiracy - The original had terrific graphics, but a very marginal plotline and gameplay, so perhaps this sequel will improve significantly on that.
U.S. GOLD
The Godfather - A very graphic adventure that portrays the saga of the three successful movies. I've been told the violence is very graphic and gory. Could be interesting.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Cybercon III - A game similar in scope to Corporation from Virgin games, this is a little less polished, but nonetheless an interesting approach.  A supercomputer has gone berserk, taken control of everything, and you must go in and disconnect it.  VGA and Adlib/Roland support, but not much else to get excited about.
The Godfather Strategy Game - ~~~ I have no idea how you can strategize in this type of game, but maybe you're planning your moves to become the next Don.
Cruise for a Corpse - Delphine adventure that has already been released in Europe.  Detective murder mystery - whodunnit game.
VELOCITY DEVELOPMENT
Jetfighter II Mission Disks - This very small company will be extending the life of Jetfighter 2 with more add-on missions to keep you busy in the air. $$$ You'll also play missions with a wingman, so this could be a lot of fun.
Jetfighter III - Already announced, this new version will FINALLY get us out of California and into some real-life hot-spots, like the Persian Gulf.  They will also be adding some serious and realistic air-to-ground weapons to make up for the dumb iron bombs only contained on the ATF. Finally.  $$$ Well, the news for JF3 is interesting.  Apparently, Hitachi has licensed (read paid) Velocity to develop Jetfighter 3 for their FM Towns machine.  Too bad, in one way, as we'll have to wait a lot longer for the PC version now.  Fortunately, however, this will mean we will have an UNBELIEVEABLE flight sim. eventually for the PC.  It will have to wait until 1993 though.
Spectre - First to be a Macintosh Appletalk game, but it's similar to the Psygnosis Maze game where you try to "paintball" your opponent. Supposedly a PC version due by next summer.  ~~~ Actually, this is more like the old Battlezone tank game over a network.  
VIRGIN GAMES
The Magnetic Scrolls Collection - A collection of 3 games from a few years ago brought into the wonderful interface first shown in the game, Wonderland. They will be Fish (you must fight off The Seven Deadly Fins....I love it!), Guild of Thieves, and Corruption.  $$$ Contrary to some, this title has NOT been officially released yet, as the product manager just informed me that there are still some graphical bugs in this "version" that is latest now.
Thunderhawk - It's 1995 and you've been selected to fly the new AH-73 Thunderhawk.  It's a very advanced helicopter simulation with tremendous controls and weaponry.  Over 60 missions to fly in plus a real world environment with other locations and characters that respond to your actions.  ~~~ Now shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Cybernet - If anyone remembers the movie TRON, then you'll remember the light cycles racing scene.  This game is a multimedia experience of the same. you'll pilot your vehicle through the mazes in first person perspective. Looks to be great fun.
Realms - $$$ New adventure.  Don't know anything more about it yet.  ~~~ Another company's attempt at cloning the fun and play of Populous.
Floor 13 - $$$ New detective adventure.  The U.S. version should be cleaner than the version that has recently been put out in the U.K.  ~~~ Shipping.  To be removed next issue.
Dune (The Book) - $$$ This title will actually be a "re-enactment" from the book of the same name.  You'll be involved with Paul Muad'ib, the Harkonens, the spice traders, and the like.  Could be quite good.
Dune: The Battle for Arrakis - $$$ This "other" Dune title will be more of a strategic military simulation featuring the Fremen taking on the colonizers of Arrakis trying to monopolize the spice.
Monopoly Deluxe - $$$ Virgin must believe there's a huge market out there who are dying for a series of Monopoly games because they are sure giving them all types.  This "deluxe" version will feature all kinds of bells and whistles, but I don't know what they all are yet.
Monopoly for Windows 3.0 MPC - $$$ No mystery here.  Figure it out.
Monopoly CD-ROM - $$$ Full speech and animation (?) will feature on a CD. Hmmm.  I'm not sure I get the gist of this one.
Heimdall - $$$ A Norse God adventure.  Not much more yet.
Kyrandia - $$$ Virgin Games wants to get into the "Sierra" business, so this will be an animated, "move the character around" type of adventure.  New for Virgin games.  No storyline yet.
Legacy of the Necromancer - $$$ A new adventure.  No details yet.
Guest - ~~~ Could possibly be the game of the year!  This hot CD title will put  you in a haunted house and you have to solve some mysteries.  The graphics have to be seen to be believed.  All beautifully rendered with Autodesk 3D Studio, this is as close to virtual reality as we're going to get for a while.  Absolutely gorgeous.
WESSON INTERNATIONAL
Tower Sim - With the success of Tracon II, Wesson has turned to the tower on the airport ground for their next project.  Tower will put you behind the radar screen to control the landing, taking off, and taxiing of aircraft at major airports.  It can be tied into Tracon so you hand off and receive aircraft from other players as well.  Can also be tied into Flight Simulator. You get "out the tower window" views as well as the expected radar screen views.
Race to Mars - A very detailed simulation where you must manage all aspects of a major expedition to the surface of Mars to set up an encampment there. Excrutiatingly detailed is the plan here.
AWACS Sim - Unconfirmed at this point, but Wesson is still interested in doing this project over a major battlefield.  More details later.
XOR CORP
NFL Challenge 3.0 - Not different on the field in terms of graphics, but a significant upgrade in the logic engine itself.  Weather, home field advantage, and other factors are now part of the equation with 1991 updated teams.