@L}5 _$% l0$)$$Hȱ$ UhL" `e$$%`$%`  R@P!( L(1   Y I`  d  Ld M * @  $ % CC$$) BFDEI"H TU VTL d M * @  $ % CC$$)%1 Udߥ$9%: !0 S$%} DD˙`  }J)Lr J  ((  p L ()   J}L= ( L 0q A    IB JC;? D W } LL  ` W )LA!  ߰")-݆ p" } $G@LL 08`Q")<2Q0 -G$Ș݆ UL# ; p8(()(0ʥ)NQ` }$GȘ݆LU )L ݆ L GȘ ݆LL )W>Z   HH)H }p h  hyhy D L> L JJ    ! LA*` BF }7'8  M HN H` 8 Z  \LdJJ!"! GFE@F (!L }EE !E^ ^ E E7EȩEdE/EȩE  D } .L }  ;F d  ;?F7F? ( .   Z D LL d } . D  L    p  E` , d)  D L) 0BM݊L݉} ML  N݆ L NLML [ TEqEHȱEqEh 0Gȹ G} HLL GɛL  LFREE SECTORS G) *Gȩ GȽG GȌ*jj >G} C8jJ3j2CD( C202C ԠBX` N 1? l LlD:RAMDISK}.COMLu L1 L ;LHL  T`  `1  ɐ     `TU  } L ? .  t`GBJ ~DEHI B V0dV!}QDEHI VF9 ,0 ,0 s0hhL  L` H hDHEh"}DEL8HI4 0 HI,0 0  9 .G VLO#},0 L4*IJ`llD1:AUTORUN.SYSNEED MEM.SAV TO LOAD THIS FILE.D1:MEM.SAV J y08 B|DEHI$} V0 0`B;DEL`?<0LV`@ʆ v s? F0Ξ05: [ BDEHI%} VY8 B V  @  /DE `E:D1:DUP.SYSERROR-SAVING USER MEMORY ON DISKTYPE Y TO &}STILL RUN DOS B;DE J  (` 9 V⪍ ઍ  -'}LLu ÝDEHILV 9 .l 9 .l  `` s$B BH(}I|DE V BLV nB,DE JLV B V BLVDEIʩ BꭝLu  } ЎX J`8532 25.$0)#,/!$2"!3hAX{a J `*} J`8532 25.$0)#,/!$2"!3hAX{a J `C-MAINMODENAMEd&&;A0,;@a,;@,n6,}. D:TITLE.PIC7@e)-A$AT-"37 ee162,16,169,0,157,72,3,169,0,157,73,3,32,86,228,192-},0,48,9,238,31,4,208,3,238,32,4,96,104,104,966GG6.=h01eeAO ݩ֩N`Tww67.}@,.dhBDE   D     Yww67A/},.d!  XY X!  FD))   ^ww67A,.d0} ]GPee`/ee(ecm-67A,.e1}ee`M67A<A,.>:@4,m67AW<AW,.>:@4,<AdAU A0<@2}@8+@%@!6-?:C:,,-6-?:C:,,8@%-A! AP% %Ad3}AU%% D:SHARE.SYS& F:Ad,AUA@0$D:PICLOADR.BASA! AP% %AdS(v Z0 0,ÆÄ0? qMUU UAMU 5}*]EAEAEAEA@*UEAUAEAEO*EA@E}EAE@ 6}AE}OEUE}EM@0AEUEUEAEUEU@ªAUUAUU@ 7} :  *꿪 8}ª* 0    9}***4  ??<?TTTPUTUPUUP0PPPP UUP :}0PPPU@UU@PPPUU  PPPU U  TUPUPPUTUT0U5P0UP ;} UU@UU0UQU < UQT?? UQT00<? <}   0 <<300<?< =} 0 <<00 0? < >}0 0?<? 0 ?}0 1 REM \ Ů̆ /6-A f}d APn! A@ A0! A ؛M6-?:<]6-AY @%-.768,-k}C67,.>:,]6-?:C:,<<<@9<,H@@6-?:C:,,")."@'3= A%@$RU+"@a)"A&l},*!'6-&36-@:7,,?8,KAU A!\!!@2*AUA! fO(-4(!END OF FILm}E -- Press any key...;)E A%O A! p 6-% A! қ` A"(-&%5( n} ;-`( Pause between pages (/)? ( )(@*@xA"F6-"@6-8, 6-o}&(.-%F(Now printing page #\ -1(" ٠٠ϠŮàϠԈ76-A AbOAd&V)p}\("@'A"' 6-%-@(( ('(=16-?:C:,<<<@y%$<@V%@$,6(=(q} A"@&@$ (>:,6- Ab A%$ Λ P -%(56-?: - 4(" ň È ň> A%0 **(" s}Ԉ Ԉ Έ 0-(% Next page Prev Page Quit reading0$ ՛ %A26-@#% A0` t}46-?:C:,,@w")."@a46- "@E6-6 -!@d* @f%-6-+&@e,& "u}A0p / 6-6-%6-""6)!/6-$+"6, 76-?:<<<@3,-6-?:<<<@3,7 A0 "AUv} A56- $"@'!6. DOMINFO.DAT$$ "@ A 6- -"@ A`6.) A8w}-%& %"@ A9%6-@0 "@ A3: A0 ԛ 9 -)( QUIT: asic ebx}oot-9( OS 9 ),@f*@*@h$6 A99$  A`"@f "@h. y} "@6-?:B, Λ  8," A $ +6.7$%<$%,8,"%6.('+$ M 6-$ Abz} A`2( Loading the :(8,C(M/LM A5@ \P( BASICRUN >:@4,D:MENU>:@4, to return to{} this menu.\-@ ,( program-6(7<,4 ,  1'6.7<, A8&(...-8,1% .|}+6-?:C:hji jL,,.% 6.D:67 A8IS B 0}*BEGINA@ &&AAK -&(>:A%, /B67$%<$%,.K68},-B 67$%<$%,.(68,-40NODOX:-B(' 0*END6-%' A@@d6-}-@##(:-@$&B:,@#?(d6-?:<%A !<%A<@#,_6-@P Ab>6-?:<%AY}<%A`<@,[-+@&B:,',$@_("-+&B:,',$@("$ ͛O A` ABD}(Loading DOM menu incarnation #...O%D:MENUgϠϛhA A` AB6(Loading an older menu...}A%D:MENUr'$(This is not a Futura disk!' ԛU6-@6-%6-%'6-%/6-%76-%?6-$I6}-%%U6-AV;@%,;@9,;@Y,;@,;@9,;Av,;A$,;A,;A,}9%,9%,;@,HH;%,;%,;@9,;@9,;,;A@,;,9,;,c16.'hhhhhhh}֑`Q6.hJhhhȑh`Z6-C:,c6-C:,`E6.;hhhXХYhhi(ХiшeЅХih}hIЈ`N6-C:,`6. DOMINFO.DATaa6.Wh@;۩($ ʢ }`pp6.fhhh hh hhhhݩˢߥυ8υۅЦ̩BDEHI V˥߅ -/΅Х}tt67A,.a ΅Ъ ΝЯМޥߝѦͩ BDIEѝH V!ʥޝO,67A},.ΐЭ˅ԩ`;6.>:AU,F67,. O67,.uu67@,.b}uu67@,.b}????uu67A,.b?????}????? uu67A,.b????????}???????uu67A,.b??????????}?????ii67A,.V????IJKLMNO}PQRSTUVWXPJEAY86-F:@,%F:@,$>+%JAYZa6-F:@,%F:@,$;6-F:A`},%F:Aa,$J6-F:Af,aAfF:Af,%_U#6-?:>> SIDE A <<>>INTRODUCTION - Issue 17 Introduction.CONTENTS - Y(}ou're reading it!EDITORIAL - The Dangerous Decline.ATARI 8-BIT NEWS - J.F. Software, Micro Discount.DEDICATION - Futura(} issue 17 is dedicated to David Ewens.AMS95 REPORT - Kevin Cooke reports from the show of the year.THE ATARI 8-BIT BOOKSH(}ELF - Atari Adventures, a book review by Kevin Cooke.DTP ATARI8 - Dot-Magic!TURBO BASIC FLYER - Ron Fetzer's programming (}column.ADDING A MOUSE - Part 6 (GOE Demo)PROGRAMMER PROFILE - Lucasfilm's David Levine.THE BLACK AND RED- The Jaguar C(}D ROM package reviewed by Michael Clatworthy.- Dino Dudes review and level codes.VCS FUTURA - Cartridges by Atari (CX26100(} - CX26192).ATARI 8-BIT TRIVIA - Kevin Cooke issues a trivia challenge!FUTURA SUBSCRIPTIONS - How to become a Futurian!(}The following articles are on SIDE B. They can be read from the Side A menu by flipping the disk before making your selectio(}n. Don't forget to flip the disk back again after reading them all.NOSAUG PD UPDATE - More new disks!QUICKREF 1.2 - docs(}.PROGRAM HELPER - docs.SEE-YA! - Influences for issue 17.>>> SIDE B <<< This side features a number of programs (}from Cenacle-News, the newsletter of Club Cenacle, France (re-issued with permission - thanks Remi!). The main program is an(} excellent desktop package from Cenacle News 6. As well as the Club Cenacle programs, there is also BSA 73, an original (}title by Futurian Alan Hitchen. The side is rounded off with some bonus programs. Here are the details:DESKTOP - Boot(} with BASIC and the desktop will auto-load. Use a joystick (or the arrow keys) to move the pointer to D.1 and press the joys(}tick button (or Return). A list of all the files on the disk will appear. Select a file to load by moving the pointer over (}it and pressing the joystick button. This desktop will load both BASIC and machine code files. To return to the desktop fro(}m BASIC, enter RUN"D:HELLO".Desktop utilities:CHANGCOL.BAS - Changes the background colour.CHANGICO.BAS - Changes the po(}inter.LOADPIC.BAS - This is a slideshow utility which loads and displays Micropainter files. Load this first and then use t(}he desktop to load your pictures. Press RESET and enter RUN"D:HELLO" to exit the slideshow mode.NIBBLER.PIC - A picture for(} use with the above utility.MUSICDMO.BAS - Loads music into the desktop. Load this first and then use the desktop to load y(}our music files. Press RESET and enter RUN"D:HELLO" to exit.ARNAQUE.SEQ and GRANBLON.SEQ are music files for use with MUSIC(}DMO.BAS.Other Club Cenacle programs:CHOPP THE ROBOT - A colourful, challenging arcade game from Cenacle News 1. You must(} guide Chopp the Robot down the screen, rescue the stranded human and return to the mother ship. To load, select CHOPPE.BAS.(} Also requires CHA and PGM.BIN files.ANAGRAM - A utility which computes anagrams (up to six letters). From Cenacle News 6(}.OTHELLO BLITZ - Also from Cenacle News 6. Use a joystick to move the pointer and press the button to lay a piece. The ke(}y commands are:[N] computer lay black[B] computer lay white[A] back one move[R] replay moves[P] place piece mode[ESC] (}return to play modeBonus programs:BSA 73 - Version 2 of an enjoyable strategy game written by Alan Hitchen.QUICKREF 1.2(} - Docs supplied.PROGRAM HELPER - Docs supplied.FMT.COM - A very useful utility which allows you to format with or withou(}t DOS files. Works with the desktop. FMT.COM is from ANALOG 39.FUJI 128 - Demo.PARAM.TUR, SPACEBAR.TUR, DECIMALS.TUR an(}d GRLOADER.TUR are the programs from the Turbo BASIC Flyer on Side A. Load them with Turbo BASIC.>>> SIDE C <<< ** 1050(} density **LINE-UP is a superb game from Chile which describes itself as the ultimate version of Tetris in the public domai(}n![P] pauses game[ESC] resumes play[SHIFT] makes falling blocks disappear (twice per round only)Boot WITHOUT BASIC.(}>>> SIDE D <<< ** 1050 density **THE BITTER REALITY MEGADEMO is a 9-part extravaganza which shows the power of the XL/XE!(}Requires a STANDARD 1050!Will NOT run on a US Doubler enhanced drive!Boot WITHOUT BASIC.Enjoy!Stu.r of the XL/XE!(mEDITORIAL - Futura Issue 17THE DANGEROUS DECLINEby Stuart J. Murray At NOSAUG, I have noticed a distinct decline in ,}user support over the past six months. I must say that it becomes very difficult to maintain your determination and enthusia,}sm when orders do not arrive for weeks on end. Put simply, the last few months have been disappointing and I can only hope t,}hat things will pick up soon. I have worked for three years on the NOSAUG PD Library. The completion of the 1995 Catalo,}gue took up most of my spare time this spring and summer. Since sending out over 100 catalogue disks I have received only SE,}VEN orders! I would like to thank those dedicated users who showed their support by ordering disks! However, with such a po,}or response to the Catalogue, I'm beginning to wonder if there is a market out there for Atari 8-bit PD software (just ask Be,}llcom, Excel or BaPAUG). It's not the software that's the problem. The quality of Atari 8-bit PD is at an all-time high,} and many of the latest titles would have been considered for commercial release in the 1980s. It seems that with fewer and ,}fewer commercial titles being released, users are determined to buy as many as possible to ensure further releases. This is ,}of course very important and we must make sure that so long as programmers are willing to write and release commercial softwa,}re for the XL/XE their efforts are supported. However, it does seem to me that public domain and shareware is being neglecte,}d by many. This is very dangerous as the public domain is undoubtedly the future of Atari 8-bit software. Most of the P,}D libraries in the UK have stated this year that orders are in decline. After the last few months I must agree with their co,}mments. The decline in support for PD libraries is also perhaps due to the fact that we have become a tight-knit communi,}ty and people have more contacts than in the past and therefore more access to PD software. This is healthy for any computer,} community but the importance of the PD library must not be overlooked. Without a number of quality PD libraries many titles,} will be lost and most will become very hard to find. My goal with the NOSAUG PD Library was to build a superior PD libr,}ary of quality software which would serve the worldwide Atari 8-bit Community for years to come. I believe I have done this ,}and have great plans for the future of the library. However, these plans have been thrown into doubt with the lack of suppor,}t shown for my efforts. I was planning to spend time adding dozens of new disks to the library, including the entire Ant,}ic issue disk collection, but have delayed this until I see some support for my current efforts. Don't get me wrong, if you ,}are not bothered about the future success of the NOSAUG PD Library then that is entirely your choice and as a fellow Atari 8-,}bitter I will always respect your viewpoint. If this is the case then I will simply concentrate on Futura. It is you wh,}o will shape the future of the NOSAUG PD Library. What little profit there is to be made with it is used to search out new t,}itles. I run the library simply to offer a service to the Atari 8-bit Community. Obviosuly, if the service is not required ,}it will eventually cease. It's over to you now...Atari 8-bit forever!Stuart.Thanks again to the Futurians who continue,} to show their support for the NOSAUG PD Library - enjoy your disks peeps!tuart.Thanks again to the Futurians who continue,KATARI 8-BIT NEWS* J.F. SOFTWARE Recently launched by John Foskett, J.F. Software is a new supplier of programs writ0}ten exclusively for the Atari 8-bit. Titles currently available are The Cave (Ver.2), Ye Olde House (Ver.2), Where Dinosaurs0} Rule, Rose Gardens, Space Fighter, Turbo Assembler, and Address Database & Envelope Printer. Prices range from 1.50 to 6.000}. Where Dinosaurs Rule was provisionally entitled Jurassic (see Atari 8-bit News in Futura Issue 13). Send for details to: 0}John Foskett, 26 Auckland Road, Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey, KT1 3BG, UK.* MICRO DISCOUNT Catalogue 17 (October 19950}) is now available from Micro Discount. It includes three rare cartridges from Atari USA - Berzerk, Deflektor and Tower Topp0}ler. They are priced at 12.50 each, a reasonable price considering how rare they are. Incidentally. I was offered a pr0}ototype of Deflektor from Best Electronics (USA) in 1993. They wanted $25 and offered to take it over when they attended a c0}omputer show in London. I turned them down because of other financial commitments (i.e. I'd just bought a pile of books for 0}university!). It's good to see these titles now appear on our shores. Well done Derek for getting them over! Now let's hop0}e that stocks of Xenophobe, Super Football and Midi-Maze can be found. Also in Catalogue 17 is the Atari Disk Drive Inte0}rface (ADDI). Priced at 65 pounds, this interface allows you to connect third party disk drives to your Atari 8-bit. Th0}ere is a special offer on some Atari cartridges (3.50 each / 3.00 to Data Base members) and a number of special deals for Dat0}abase members, e.g. Dark Chambers and Ace of Aces for 7.50 each, Newsroom for 12.50 and the Spy vs Spy Trilogy for 2.50. 0} Many titles have been reduced in price since Catalogue 13. Not only that, recent additions are very competitively priced. 1}For example, new games such as Barbarian, Battleships, Starball and Technus are only 4 pounds each. This is very good news f1}or the future of the British Atari 8-bit Community! Micro Discount are now the largest XL/XE supplier in the UK. With a1} sensible pricing policy and high level of service they will undoubtedly retain the support of the 8-bit Community. Afterall1}, both are important to each other. It is a pity that they have retained their policy of telephoning to check P&P before1}hand. It would be easier for many customers if P&P charges were included in the catalogue. This would allow non-local custo1}mers to order goods without adding to the huge profits of British Telecom. I realise that Micro Discount is a small family b1}usiness and P&P must be covered but perhaps individual P&P costs could be given next to each item, as in the current Page 6 A1}ccessory Shop. Micro Discount Catalogue 17 is available from 265 Chester Road, Streetly, West Midlands, B74 3EA, England1} (Tel: 0121 3535730). It is priced at one pound (send cash or postal order as MD do not accept cheques for purchases of unde1 }r five pounds). To join the Micro Discount Database send six pounds. You will then recieve six issues of the catalogue and 1 }gain access to any special offers. Over the past two years I have not recommended Micro Discount to NOSAUG members. Pri1 }ces were getting too high and the service was average. However, there now appears to be a sensible pricing policy in operati1 }on and if this is coupled with good service I will be delighted to renew my support and recommendation of Micro Discount. De1 }rek and Pam are making a concerted effort to return to the Micro Discount of the early 1990s, i.e. low prices and quality, fr1}iendly service. Also, Derek is making continued efforts to bring new software and hardware into the UK. These efforts shoul1}d now be supported so send for Catalogue 17 if you can.That's all the news for now!are into the UK. These efforts shoul0X +*+*+*+* DEDICATION +*+*+*+* Futura Issue 17 is dedicated to David Ewens who died suddenly on 12th October. On beh5}alf of NOSAUG and all Futura subscribers I would like to pass on our deepest sympathies to his wife Margaret and daughter Gil5}lian. David was central to the success of the Tyne & Wear Atari User Group (TWAUG). He was also a friendly Atari contac5}t to 8-bitters all over the world. He will be sorely missed by the entire Atari 8-bit Community. Rest in peace my friend. 5}I will think of you often.Stuart J. Murray, NOSAUG.issed by the entire Atari 8-bit Community. Rest in peace my friend. 47AMS95by Kevin Cooke, November 1995 For those that didn't know, it was THAT time of the year again - the time when ev9}ery Atari user tries to make it to the All Micro Show (AMS) held in Staffordshire, England. Once again, I will tell you abou9}t my experiences there, not only describing what happened at the show but also what happened before and after.Before F9}or many users, I'm sure the show starts on the day itself. For me, preparing for it starts weeks beforehand. Being a studen9}t, I only have a part-time job and so have to save in advance. This time I managed to save over 150 pounds - pretty good goi9}ng. This year I decided to pre-order a few things as I thought it might be be easier than trying to remember everything 9}on the day of the show Thus, I ordered some ST PD disks from Page 6 (for my newly aquired Atari ST) and XL/XE software from 9}Derek Fern. I was now ready for the big day.On the day The day always starts for me with an early rise and a bit 9}of breakfast. As I don't drive, this also means that the same applies for my Dad who always volunteers to take me, bless him9}! After leaving 15 minutes late, we stopped off to pick up one of my friends (an Amiga owner) and spent what seemed like the9} next century traveling through pouring rain. A quick stop at a motorway station for a bacon sandwich and a cup of tea each 9 }(costing an incredible total of ELEVEN POUNDS!) and we were at the show ground. As usual, there were plenty of places to9!} park although the parking area did look a lot fuller than normal - a good sign from the point of view of the exhibitors. Un9"}usually, our car didn't end up in a muddy space - things were looking up! At this point I must congratulate Sharward Ser9#}vices for their entrance pricing policy - as usual, entry was very cheap at 2.50 (or 1.50 if you are an OAP, student or have 9$}one of the hundreds of money-off vouchers which are sent out). Once inside, I made straight for the TWAUG (PO Box 8, Wal9%}lsend, Tyne and Wear NE28 6BU) stand. Sadly, as most readers will know, David Ewens from TWAUG died just a few weeks before 9&}the show. I knew how much he was looking forward to it so it was a shame that he didn't get to attend just one last time. 9'} Whilst there, I stopped for a few minutes just to say hello to Max, John and Tommy. As usual, TWAUG had some great offers9(} - Tommy was even trying to give the cassettes away! How about buying one of the disk games and getting a couple of cassette9)}s for free? Or how about cassettes at 5-20p each? As you can see, all bargains. Next, I went to the Atari Self Help Gr9*}oup (2 Northcote Street, Easton, Bristol BS5 OJS) stand. Mark Rice seemed to be running the stand and had loads of 8-bit/ST 9+}hardware for sale at reasonable prices. He also had a few 8-bit cassette games and LOADS of ST software. I had a quick chat9,} with him (he lives quite locally and fixed my Atari ST when it broke down - cheers for that!) but I didn't purchase anything9-} at this time - I intended to come back again later. Next I went to Derek Fern's stand, Micro Discount (265 Chester Road9.}, Streetly, West Midlands B74 3EA). Again, Derek had loads of bargains such as cartridges for 50p each and a couple of "barg9/}ain boxes" in which everything was 10p - there were even a couple of disks in this box but it mostly contained Zeppelin tapes90}. I was intending to collect my pre-ordered software but, upon seeing the size of the box it was all nicely packaged in, I d91}ecided to leave it there and collect it later. I also took the opportunity to buy Crime Buster (a light gun cartridge) for 792}.50 - about half it's normal price. Next I went to the Page 6 (PO Box 54, Stafford, ST16 1DR) stand. They had loads of 93}cassettes for sale and some magazine back-issues but not much else. However, that which was being sold was at bargain prices94}. Again, I was going to collect my PD software but decided to collect it later on. I next visited LACE, the London Atar95}i Computer Enthusiasts (14 Nicholas Close, South Ockendon, Essex RM15 6NJ). They had loads of software on their stand, again 96}selling at quite cheap prices. There was also a load of ST software so I bought some of each. By now my money was alrea97}dy decreasing but I had a look at Dean Garraghty's (62 Thomson Avenue, Balby, Doncaster DN4 ONU) stand. Unusually, he didn't98} have much second-hand software for sale but he did have some hardware. Richard Gore was also exhibiting on his stand and wa99}s selling quite a few items of software - Tube Baddies, GTracker, Black Lamp, etc. I bought Clip Tracker XE but, unfortunate9:}ly, couldn't buy anything else as I already had most of them. Well, that was all of the Atari 8-bit specific stands. Ho9;}wever, there was much more besides. If there was ANYTHING you needed for your computer you could have probably bought it at 9<}AMS. Mice, mouse mats, disks, disk boxes, printers, monitors, computers, etc. all at either reasonable or bargain prices. T9=}here were also stands selling ST, PC, Amiga, Commodore, Spectrum, Dragon and Amstrad software and hardware. This year, the P9>}C did seem to be more prominent. Let's hope that this isn't a trend for future shows! At 2pm I went back to the TWAUG s9?}tand as I had arranged, by letter, to meet John Foskett. It was very interesting to meet someone who I had written to but ne9@}ver met before - we both agreed that neither of us looked like the other had imagined! John told me about the new software w9A}hich he has planned but also had some bad news. At the moment, support for his software has been almost non-existant. If th9B}is continues, he says that he will have no choice but to move over to the PC. He is already planning to buy one BUT will con9C}tinue working on the 8-bit if people buy his software. I urge you all to contact him immediately and at least enquire about 9D}his software - I've tried some of it and it is excellent. His address is 26 Auckland Road, Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey, KT19E} 3BG. Don't let us lose another Atari supporter. After re-visiting most stands (and bumping into Tommy from the TWAUG s9F}tand three times!) and having a last minute spend at each, it was time to leave. I said my goodbyes, collected my ordered so9G}ftware and we set off on the long journey home, all carrying considerably lighter wallets! We stopped only once on the way b9H}ack, this time for a doughnut and cup of tea each, and it cost us a ridiculous SEVEN POUNDS! How do they get away with it! 9I}With weightless wallets we finally arrived home.After Of course, the show doesn't end when you leave. When I got home9J}, I still had to unpack, examine and sort out all of my software. I still have LOADS left to try and, even worse, my order o9K}f 10 PD disks from NOSAUG arrived this morning! So whilst I'm sipping tea from my Atari mug, I'm still enjoying the show a w9L}eek later. If you didn't go this year, why not try your best to go next time and, for now, write to the companies listed abo9M}ve and ask them for information. For those that did go, I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did. See you there next year9N}!-----Ed: Another Futurian has written with a mini-report of the show. It is an uncompromising report, and as such he 9O}wishes to remain annonymous... "The TWAUG stand was not up to its usual standard without David Ewens. I just hope tha9P}t the club can continue without him. Derek Fern was very busy but it was rather disappointing to find that he hadn't reduced9Q} any of his prices for the show (none that I noticed). Page 6 was there, I don't know why they bothered. LACE seemed to be 9R}doing well - they had a well-stocked stall and there were some bargains to be had. DGS were down to their usual standard, an9S}d Mark Rice had a well-stocked stall with bargains to be had, especially for ST enthusiasts. Overall, I can't see the 8-bit 9T}being supported at the shows much longer."argains to be had, especially for ST enthusiasts. Overall, I can't see the 8-bit 8+THE ATARI 8-BIT BOOKSHELFATARI ADVENTURESA Book Review by Kevin Cooke The introduction to Atari Adventures describes=V} the adventure game in detail. The author wrote regular columns for two magazines and as such is well informed. The fir=W}st chapter describes the origins of adventure games - going into just enough detail so as to get the information across and n=X}ot get bogged down with the nitty-gritty. The following chapter is devoted to "The Golden Rules of Adventuring" and the =Y}sort of vocabulary you might use. Chapter 3 takes a look at the adventures of Scott Adams and Infocom, while Chapter 4 l=Z}ooks at games like Ghost Encounters and Jumpman. The author makes a very convincing argument here for why these should be gi=[}ven their own heading (Arcadventures) and goes into detail about why he feels they owe their origins to adventure games. =\} Chapter 5 looks at role-playing games while Chapter 6 looks at arcade games with a mythical and adventure-type influence. A=]}rchon receives a fairly detailed examination. Even if you are a novice at adventuring, by the time you get to Chapter 7 =^}you will know enough information to understand what makes an adventure game. Chapter 7 gives information about the sort of m=_}onsters and items that you might find on a typical stroll through an imaginary land. A helpful feature for those who have ne=`}ver played an adventure game before is a section taken from a real game. This goes through the computers' statements and the=a} thoughts that are going through the author's head as he plays it - this is one of my favourite parts as it really helps you =b}to realise how you SHOULD be playing! Chapter 8 goes on to discuss the merits of both text and graphic adventures - an a=c}rgument that has gone on since the very first graphic adventure. After Chapter 8 you can do one of two things - this is =d}because from here on, a type-in adventure game (with listing included) is given a complete breakdown. The second half of the=e} book is taken up with this and the program itself. If you are hoping to eventually write an adventure of your own you will =f}find this section useful. For those who aren't at all interested in writing their own games, you can simply skip all of this=g} and type in the program. I won't mention what my typing skills were like in the days when I attempted to enter this pro=q}b%DOS SYSb)AUTORUN SYSb +PICLOADRBASb"4TITLE PICb VSHARE SYSb<`MENU bDOMINFO DATbSUBMENU YAPbSUBMENU JAGb INTRO DOCb"CONTENTSDOCbEDITOR DOCbNEWS DOCbDEDICATNDOCb@AMS95 DOCbUBOOKS DOCbtDTP3 DOCbFLYER DOCb(MOUSE6 DOCb PROFILE DOCbVCS DOCbJAGCD DOCb.DINODUDEDOCbSUBINFO DOCbTRIVIA DOCgram. Suffice to say, it remains unfinished! I'll get it finished one day... maybe not today, maybe not tommorow... but soo=r}n! (cue evil laughter!). The book states that memory constraints prevent you from saving the adventure to disk. XL/XE 64K+ =s}owners should ignore this.e book states that memory constraints prevent you from saving the adventure to disk. XL/XE 64K+ <DTP Atari8Part 3By Eric Bemrose Dot Magic is a text processing program written by 'The Cryptic Wizard', and is heaAu}vily based on Daisy Dot II by Roy Goldman. Like DDII, Dot Magic produces high quality proportional text using the same speciAv}al NLQ fonts. However printing does seem to be noticeably slower than DDII, which is not fast to begin with. It is a coAw}mpiled Turbo Basic program that needs a minimum 64k to run. It supports the Epson EX/FX/JX/LX/RX/MX and compatibles, the StaAx}r Gemini SG/NL/NP/NX, and the NEC Prowriter. The program is in the public domain and is available from most PD librariesAy}. Further Dot Magic documentation and utilities (not in the public domain) are available direct from the author. The diAz}sk contains the text processor and printer configuration files, NLQ fonts, two picture files used in the documents, a font saA{}mpler listing and six pages of basic documentation in Dot Magic format. The fonts have been created with the Daisy Dot editoA|}r and so can be used by both programs. Like Daisy Dot, Dot Magic requires a pre-formatted text file (printed to disk) crA}}eated with any word processor. Dot Magic also has its own commands that must begin and end with a period (.). The font/A~}format command allows the font selection to be changed, boldface or centered printing to be selected, or to change the characA}ter spacing or density in any combination as required. The heading command will underline, boldface or centre the text, A}seperately or all at once. Inverse text will be printed with underlining, this is the only way to underline less than a wholA}e line of text. The link file command will join text files together to create a long document. The include picture A}command will load standard or compressed files in Graphics 7.5/8/9/10. The picture will be printed as a positive centred imaA}ge in size two unless these default values are altered. The picture can be blocked left or right in three sizes and negativeA} if required. From the main menu, the print option allows selection of font and text file. Print density and character A}spacing can also be changed. The boldface selection is in fact double width print as on DDII. The centre command centres alA}l text. All these commands can be overridden by local commands in the text file. Three page lengths can be selected: 18A} lines to suit 3 x 5 inch index cards; 66 lines for 8.5 x 11 inch paper; and 84 lines for 8.5 x 14 inch paper. The output isA} fixed at 6 lines per inch. Page width can be set in inches, this determines the page centre and line length. All pA}ages, a selection of pages, or odd and even pages may be selected for printing, with up to 99 copies at a time. The mainA} menu also offers a typewriter mode, where text can be entered and edited, before being sent out to the printer a line at a tA}ime. Ideal for experimentation. A labelling mode is also provided for creating up to five lines of text on 1 x 3 inch lA}abels And finally, there is the picdump mode, which will print a picture to the same parameters previously mentioned. A} As you can see Dot Magic has its advantages and disadvantages when compared to Daisy Dot II, and therefore it forms a usefA}ul adjunct to, but is not a replacement of the original program. Another point against it is that, with my copy at least, itA} suffers from a tendency to 'hang up' during printing for no apparent reason.-----Ed: Dot-Magic! is available from the A}NOSAUG PD Library as Disk U39.ng up' during printing for no apparent reason.-----Ed: Dot-Magic! is available from the @THE TURBO BASIC FLYERby Ron Fetzer, Ol' Hackers Atari User Group.A WORD ABOUT MYSELF I have been working on the AtaE}ri 8-bit computer for many years. I am a math and computer studies teacher in a JHS in Brooklyn N.Y. When I went to CollegeE} there were no courses in Computer Science so most of my computer knowledge I learned by myself. In school we use Radio E}Shack TRS-80 Model 4 computers (yuk!) and also the APPLE IIE (double yuk!). In these computers there is no such thing as copE}ying in 1 pass per disk. On the TRS-80 with 1 disk drive you switch disks about 15 times. The APPLE IIE has 2 graphics modeE}s and the sound is 1 channel. Anybody who will use an APPLE IIE instead of an ATARI 130XE is INSANE. I hope you will enE}joy the FLYER.A WORD ABOUT THE TURBO BASIC FLYER This flyer is published and written by me (mostly) for the enjoymentE} of and help in using TURBO BASIC. It is intended for the beginning and intermediate Atari 8-bit user. The programs will onE}ly work on Atari 8-bit computers. The Turbo BASIC language is one of the easiest and most versatile languages written foE}r the Atari 8-bit. In addition it comes with a great compiler. Turbo BASIC is available from many public domain sources forE} $2 to $3. It is the bargain of the century!FINDING THE PARAMETERS OF NUMBERS If you have a series of numbers, you cE}an find the LOW, HIGH, AVERAGE and TOTAL of the series. This technique is frequently used in programs dealing with business E}situations, grade averaging, science work, score keeping, etc. In line 110 [PARAM.TUR is on Side B of this disk] we compE}are each element for the high number in the array. In line 120 we compare each element for the low number in the array. In E}line 130 we find the total of all the numbers. In line 140 we find the average of the series of numbers. We store the nE}umbers in an array. See the Turbo BASIC Programming Kit on arrays. In this way we can manipulate the numbers easily. The aE}rray has to be DIMed for the number of elements you expect to have. In our example, the array is N(T). We set the HIGH= to E}element 1. We set the LOW= to element 1 in line 80. This is so the comparison of the elements will always start with elemenE}t 1. You could have made line 80 outside the loop such as line 95.ENABLE SPACE BAR ONLY Frequently you want a routinE}e to disable all keys except the SPACE BAR. This routine [SPACEBAR.TUR] can be used to restart scrolling by pressing the spaE}ce bar. It can also be used with documentation files and games. Line 60 clears the key handler and tells it NO key was E}pressed. Line 70 will become an infinite loop until 33 (the raw key code) for the space bar is pressed. The program then goE}es to 80.SELECT THE NUMBER OF DECIMALS You frequently do not want all decimal digits to be printed. If you are usingE} money you need only 2 decimals. This program [DECIMALS.TUR] demonstrates how to print the number of decimals that you want.E} When you multiply and divide by 10 you get 1 decimal. When you multiply and divide by 100 you get 2 decimals, etc.GRAPHE}ICS LOADER This program [GRLOADER.TUR] will load an uncompressed graphics file (62 sectors) and show it in Graphics ModeE} 15. In line 120 we use an infinite DO-LOOP so the graphic stays on the screen. In Line 100 we put the graphics on the E}screen. In Line 110 we get the colour information.Contact me at this address: Ron Fetzer, 22 Monaco Avenue, Elmont, N.YE}. 11003, USA.PARAM.TUR, SPACEBAR.TUR, DECIMALS.TUR and GRLOADER.TUR are included on Side B of this disk. Load and run wiE}th Turbo BASIC.PARAM.TUR, SPACEBAR.TUR, DECIMALS.TUR and GRLOADER.TUR are included on Side B of this disk. Load and run wiDADDING A MOUSEby Kevin CookePart 6 Yes, it's the sixth part of ADDING A MOUSE. I have another PD program to look I}at this time - THE GOE DEMO. For anyone who has seen Diamond GOS, you'll know what to expect. The GOE Demo is an examplI}e of what GOE was supposed to be able to do, i.e. act as a 'desktop' type operating environment. Unfortunately, it never sawI} the light of day, and so all we have to remember it by is this demo. GOE is basically what is called a 'WIMP' based envI}iroment. WIMP stands for Windows, Icon, Mouse, Pointer. This is what each of these are:WINDOW: A box of information or opI}tions that is opened by moving the pointer over the window's name (usually at the top of the screen). When the window then 'I}opens' (a box becomes visible, covering anything behind) you are usually given an option to choose from in the same way as yoI}u opened the window itself.ICON: A small drawing used to represent something, for example, a disk with a number '1' on it cI}ould represent disk drive #1. So, to perform a function with a particular drive, you might first click on the relevent disk I}to select the drive.MOUSE: The controller often used to control the pointer.POINTER: What the mouse controls. In the samI}e way as a joystick might control a spaceship in a game, a mouse would control a pointer which usually takes the shape of a nI}orth-west facing arrow. The pointer has to be moved onto an icon or window name to select it. Don't worry if this soundI}s a little complicated. It really is easy when you see it directly in front of you - after all, ease is the object of a WIMPI} based enviroment! (If you would like a little more information, see the Diamond column in Futura issue 5). Anyway, whenI} you boot-up the GOE demo, you are greeted with a fairly standard desktop screen. The pointer is slightly smaller than that I}on Diamond GOS but otherwise everything looks very similiar. On the left hand side of the screen are two disks - one represeI}nts drive 1 and the other drive 2. At the bottom of the screen is the 'trash can' where anything you don't wish to keep is mI}oved to. At the top of the screen are the names of four windows. The contents of each window is as follows:DESK:InfI}o - Information about GOE.Control panel - Here you can set the time, date, screen backround colour, window backround colourI}, choose between 40 or 64 column text, etc.Calculator - This is basically a graphical drawing of a calculator but by movingI} the pointer over a button you can 'click' on it and make the relevant number appear on the display bar. You can then use thI}e function buttons (division, multiplication, etc) to perform calculations. In theory this one is very useful.FILE:Info I}on desk - Some more GOE info.New folder - This allows you to create a 'folder' on a disk. A folder basically allows you toI} save files under the same 'directory'. An example of this is as follows: You want to do some various pieces of writing forI} your job and so you create a folder called 'job'. When you then save the writing it is put in the 'job' folder. Getting a I}directory while the 'job' folder is open will reveal only what you have saved into it. Anything else on the disk will not shI}ow up on a directory, unless of course you specifically ask for a directory of all files. As you can probably see, folders aI}re very useful for sorting files together.Add drive - GOE is normally set up to recognize two disk drives, but you can add I}more. This is basically the function that allows you to do so.Save desktop - This option will allow you to save your desktI}op to the disk. This means that the desktop will boot-up with your chosen colours, correct number of drives, etc. each time I}the disk is loaded. This saves you having to make it suit your tastes each time you load it.Print screen - This function sI}eems one of the most usefull. It should allow you to print out an exact replica of what is on your TV screen. UnfortunatelyI}, it was disabled for the demo version.Format disk - Pretty obvious!VIEW:This menu allows you to view a disk directory I}in a number of different ways. Firstly, you can have each file appear as either a picture of a folder or in the same way as I}it would in DOS. Secondly, you can have the files sorted into order either by name or type.OPTION:This is the final menuI}, although none of the options are set up to work. They are 'Execute DOS', 'Atari BASIC', 'TOP cartridge' and 'Missile CommaI}nd' which all pretty much speak for themselves. The idea behind GOE was obviously not only to replace all other softwarI}e that performed the same functions but to improve on the application of it as well. If only this had been released in a finI}al form - it would have been brilliant. As it is, it still looks good but is ultimately not much use as a serious tool.--I}---Ed: THE GOE DEMO is available as an ARCed file on NOSAUG PD Disk AIM06 (AIM October 1991). use as a serious tool.--HaPROGRAMMER PROFILEDAVID LEVINE (Ballblazer, parts of other games including Rescue on Fractalus and The Eidolon).[Ed: ThM}is interview was conducted in 1985 and gives an insight into the development of some of the all-time great games.] "I caM}me accoss my first computer at school. It was a PDP8 mini and I learnt to program using that. The first machine I ever had M}at home was called an Imsai, it was built from a kit and used a Z80 processor - that was around 1976. The first professiM}onal program I ever wrote was a Unix utility - I was working for a systems software house in Chicago at the time. Around 198M}3 I started work at Lucasfilms where my job as a computer scientist was to bring state of the art computer applications into M}the computer games industry. The first two games I came up with were BALLBLAZER and RESCUE ON FRACTALUS. [Ed: the FractM}alus project was directed by David Fox, with Levine and others providing support] They were both created on the Atari - M}there was a directive not to create convertible games so I think the Commodore 64 versions are definitely inferior. The M}idea with both those games was to create a 3D environment that would give the player a real sense of being in an alternative M}reality. Computer scientists had already developed mathematically produced computer images to a fine state, but the techniquM}es of maths involved had simply never been incorporated into games before. Rigorous application is all there is to it, thougM}h getting the images to move in real time animation to take fullest advantage of the machine hardware was another problem."gL|VCS FUTURAby Stuart J. Murray, NOSAUG. Here is the second half of the list of cartridges by Atari:CX26100 Preppie [Q}NR]CX26101 Oscar's Trash RaceCX26102 Cookie Monster MunchCX26103 Alpha Beam With EarnieCX26104 Big Bird's Egg CatchCX261Q}05 3D Asteroids [NR]CX26106 Grover's Music Maker [P]CX26107 Snow White [NR]CX26108 Donald Duck's Speedboat Race [P]CX2610Q}9 Sorcerer's ApprenticeCX26110 Crystal CastlesCX26111 Snoopy & The Red BaronCX26112 Good Luck Charlie Brown [NR]CX26113 MQ}iss Piggy's Wedding [NR]CX26114 Pigs in SpaceCX26115 Dumbo's Flying Circus [P]CX26116 Galaga [NR]CX26117 Obelix [P]CX261Q}18 MillipedeCX26119 Saboteur [NR]CX26120 Stargate (Defender II)CX26121 Zookeeper [NR]CX26122 Sinistar [P]CX26123 Jr. PacQ}-ManCX26124 Choplifter [NR]CX26125 Track & FieldCX26126 Elevator Action [NR]CX26127 GremlinsCX26128 Boing [NR]CX26129 MQ}idnight MagicCX26130 Honker Bonker [NR]CX26131 Monstercise [NR]CX26132 Garfield [NR]CX26133 The A-Team [P]CX26134 The LaQ}st Starfighter [NR]CX26135 Realsports BoxingCX26136 SolarisCX26137 Peek-A-BooCX26138 Super Soccer [NR]CX26139 CrossbowCQ}X26140 Desert FalconCX26141 Super Stunt Cycle [NR]CX26142 Crack'dCX26143 Donkey Kong [CO]CX26144 Donkey Kong Jr [CO]CX26Q}145 Venture [CO]CX26146 Mouse Trap [CO]CX26147 Frogger [PB] [NR]CX26148 Turbo [CO] [NR]CX26149 Zaxxon [CO] [NR]CX26150 QQ}*Bert [PB]CX26151 Dark ChambersCX26152 Super BaseballCX26153 Bionic Breakthrough [NR]CX26153 Thunderfox [NR]CX26154 SupeQ}r FootballCX26155 SprintmasterCX26156 Qix [NR]CX26157 Nebulus [NR]CX26158 Slaphot [NR]CX26159 Double DunkCX26160 [VoiceQ} Commander hardware]CX26161 Baseball [VC]CX26162 Star Raiders [VC]CX26162 Fatal RunCX26163 Berzerk [VC]CX26163 32 in 1CQ}X26164 Battlezone [VC]CX26165 Jinks [NR]CX26166 FoxbatCX26167 Street FightCX26168 Off the WallCX26169 Tetris [NR]CX2616Q}9 Shooting Arcade [NR]CX26170 Secret QuestCX26171 MotoRodeoCX26172 XenophobeCX26176 Radar LockCX26177 Ikari WarriorsCX2Q}6178 Saving Mary [NR]CX26183 SentinelCX26184 White Water MadnessCX26190 BMX Airmaster [TNT]CX26192 Klax [PB] Parker BroQ}thers [CO] Coleco[TNT] TNT Games [P] Prototype [NR] Never Released [VC] Voice Commander (digi-speech)Happy VCS-ing!Q}Stu. [CO] Coleco[TNT] TNT Games [P] Prototype [NR] Never Released [VC] Voice Commander (digi-speech)Happy VCS-ing!PTHE ATARI JAGUAR CD PLAYERReviewed by Michael ClatworthyIT HAS ARRIVED!!! After initially being informed that the U}release date for the CD add-on unit would be the end of April, I've finally received the unit five months later. I must convU}ey my thanks to Andromeda Software, who run the Atari Jaguar Club, for keeping me informed of the delay details and reasons dU}uring the summer, and for the prompt delivery of the device. On opening the packaging, I found the CD unit, power adapteU}r and four CDs, which are as follows:1. Blue Lightning game.2. Demo CD of an up and coming game called Myst.3. VidGridU}, a puzzle game.4. A music CD containing Tempest 2000 soundtracks. I must stress that I use the term "game" as a lU}oose description, as you have to see these CDs running to believe them!!!THE CD ADD-ON UNIT The CD unit is the same coU}lour as the console, and being slightly smaller, is designed to sit on top of the console during use. The CD unit plugs intoU} the cartridge port on the console, and does itself have a cartridge port to enable you to use standard cartridges without haV}ving to remove the CD unit. The CD unit also has its own power supply adapter, so be warned: you will need three plug socketV}s to use this system. On powering up the Jaguar, you find the usual "Jaguar" emblem on screen with some very fancy effecV}ts enveloping it. The system then checks to see if you have a cartridge plugged on or a CD loaded. The CDs are loaded into V}the CD player similar to a portable CD system, i.e. a top loading door is used, and you position the CD on the central spindlV}e. If there is no media present the screen shows a picture of a CD with a question mark over it, prompting you to take furthV}er action. If there is media present the system recognises what it is and proceeds accordingly. Bear in mind that this is aV} CD player, and will play music and video CDs as well as specific Jaguar Software, which brings to attention the Virtual LighV}t Machine.VIRTUAL LIGHT MACHINE This is built into the CD player's memory and comes into use when the Jaguar CD is useV}d to play conventional music CDs or Video/Graphic CDs. A screen appears which graphically represents the buttons on a CDV } player, i.e play, stop, pause, skip, etc. These functions are utilised by using the Jaguar control pad. Believe me, when yV }ou press "PLAY" and the music starts playing, you won't believe your eyes. Jeff Minter (author of Colourspace) is responV }sible for the Virtual Light Machine (VLM) and has let his imagination run wild! The VLM works by creating patterns/effects iV }n time with the music/beat which is playing on the CD, and there are over 80 patterns for the machine to utilise; each one isV } a kaleidoscope of colour and patterns. In essence the VLM is a hybrid of Colourspace, only with 64-bit power, millionV}s of colours to choose from and programmed to follow music. When I fist tried the VLM, I loaded Biosphere's Patashnik CD andV} I could not believe my eyes, the colours and patterns are phenomenal with patterns of starscapes, spirals, pulsing bars of cV}olour to name a few; each pattern merging with the next when changed. The VLM can be programmed to change patterns randoV}mly or allow you to change them manually, as well as playing disks randomly, programmed or just single tracks. CD+G disks caV}n also be played on the Jaguar CD. This is the most inventive idea I have seen (yet) for CD-related consoles and computeV}rs! It gives the Jaguar another dimension to that of just a games machine. The Jaguar could easily be plugged into the Hi-FV}i system and video system if you were having a party for example, creating one of the best home lightshows around!BLUE LIGHV}TNING Blue Lightning first appeared on the Atari Lynx hand held system, so some of you may be familiar with the gameplayV}. It is broadly based on the arcade hit Afterburner but incorporates ground attack and escort/rescue missions as well. V}On loading up you are presented with the title screen featuring a "BLUE LIGHTNING" emblem spinning towards you. You are thenV} treated to some of the best CinePak I've seen. It shows an aircraft flying along as you pan smoothly around it. When the aV}ircraft comes under attack it receives instructions to "engage and destroy" and promptly knocks its' adversaries out of the sV}ky! The detail in this sequence is stunning, with very smooth, almost lifelike graphics. Throughout the game there are V}CinePak sequences for almost all "inbetween" periods, e.g. landing and selecting your mission. These can be turned off if reV}quired. But why? You may as well treat yourself to these tremendous graphic displays every moment that you can! On iniV}tial start-up the system looks for the memory cartridge (which is expected in the UK shortly). This is used to save game infV}ormation from any CD, as obviously you cannot save onto CDs yet. As there is not a memory cartridge present, a relevant warnV}ing message is flashed on-screen. The options screen asks you to select a pilot. This will come into more effect when tV }he save game cartridge is available. If you select the "Play Now" pilot you go straight into missions, whereas if you selectV!} to enter your name, you have to go through five training missions first to prove that you are capable of being a member of tV"}he Blue Lightning squadron. The mission vault is another CinePAk sequence, showing a first person perspective view of waV#}lking into the mission room, placing your I.D. card into a slot and hence gaining access to the mission computer, all very taV$}stefully done! The computer then informs you of the mission objective which can be air to air, air to ground, escorting anotV%}her plane, etc. You next go to the plane and weapon select menu, where you choose which plane you want to fly. For thosV&}e who are aviation minded, you start with a F-18 Hornet, then after 50000 points you can select a Saab Viggen, then for everyV'} next 100000 points scored you are awarded, in ascending order, a Mig-29 Fulcrum, A-10 Thunderbolt, F-14 Tomcat, Av-8 HarrierV(} and finally a Tornado. In simple terms you start with one life and are awarded extra lives at 50000, 150000, 250000 and so V)}on. It can be important which plane you choose for a mission, as the characteristics of each is fairly accurately followV*}ed within the realms of arcade playability. For example, if you keep finding that you are losing fast, lightweight jets on aV+} ground attack mission, it may be advisable to use the A-10 (if you have it) as it can take more damage and flies slightly slV,}ower, giving you more chance to hit targets. On the plane select screen you can also choose weapons, either carrying youV-}r full complement of missiles or giving a few up to accomodate napalm or cluster bomb weapons. Next you enter the take-oV.}ff scene, another CinePak sequence showing your plane in the hangar preparing for take-off. Each different plane is accurateV/}ly portrayed in perfect detail. You now enter the actual arcade sequence, showing the rear of your plane centrally locatV0}ed on the 3D perspective screen. You have three different styles of view to choose from, selectable by using 1,2 and 3 on thV1}e number pad, allowing an in-cockpit view, a normal rear view or a wide angle rear view. The actual arcade sequences areV2} very fast and quite well detailed, but instead of using polymor 3D effects, which you may expect with a 64-bit machine, the V3}game creates a 3D playfield by using "layered" graphics. My guess is that this type of playfield is used to ensure that the V4}speed of the game is not sacrificed by polymer drawing, as there can be quite a few moving objects on the screen at the same V5}time - although you would not expect this to be a problem for a machine with the power that the Jaguar is claimed to have. IV6}n retrospect though the game does not suffer for this and is fast and playable. Each mission is around five stages long,V7} usually involving at least one air-to-air, one air-to-ground and one support mission. On missions which require you to escoV8}rt a transport plane, look out for the packages dropped when the dropzones are reached. During arcade sequences there arV9}e a number of adversaries to contend with, namely aircraft, tanks, anti-aircraft missiles and helicopters. You may also be rV:}equired to destroy lorries, missile launchers, oil tanks and buildings. You have an unlimited supply of cannon shells, but aV;} limited supply of guided missiles (the number you can carry depends on the plane you fly). Also, depending on mission detaiV<}ls, a small number of napalm or cluster bomb weapons. On completion of a stage there is a Cinepak sequence of you landinV=}g, then you receive orders for the next stage and a chance to choose your plane and weapons again... unless you've only got oV>}ne plane left! On completing all the stages of a mission, you return to the global map to select the next mission. V?}In all, Blue Lightning is a good title to have packaged with the Jaguar CD, as it demonstrates the capability of using the CDV@} to obtain Cinepak sequences, speech and music. The game itself is easy to get into, has plenty of options to keep you interVA}ested (there are three difficulty levels as well), is pleasing to the eye and ear, and above all is PLAYABLE! I have to say VB}this as I have started to get the "just one more go..." syndrome, a condition I have not often experienced away from my AtariVC} 8-bit. I think that graphical excellence still doesn't guarantee playability. For example, Virtual Fighter... can anyoVD}ne really be bothered to learn all the moves with the screen constantly showing different perspectives to bewilder you? GrapVE}hically amazing, but unplayable unless you've got twelve fingers to operate the control pad. One thing though about BlueVF} Lightning - the crash sequence is awful!MYST DEMONSTRATION CD An interactive graphical adventure which is already avaVG}ilable on PC formats, this CD demonstrates MYST, which is close to completion for the Jaguar. The software company, Cyan IncVH}., promise that the Jaguar version will be the best version available due to processor speed and colour palette. All this inVI}formation is given during loading of the disk and introduction sequences. I must say that I am impressed with what I havVJ}e seen on the demo disk. The introduction is Cinepak and tells how you have come across a book and by reading it are transpoVK}rted into another world... All very mythical indeed and it seems that the object of this adventure is to find out more aboutVL} where you are and how you can return to your own world, with a few twists and turns along the way. The demo itself alloVM}ws you to explore a small room, classed as the library. You can pick up books and read them. You will find that they tell tVN}he tale of the author of Myst, the book which you started reading before being thrown into this other world. Reading thVO}e books is superb, as they are very detailed with wonderful colours and fonts (loose term!) used for the text. On turning thVP}e pages you also hear the sound of old pages being turned. Everything around you can be touched and may or may not haveVQ} a purpose. Some of the books are fire damaged, as you will see! Although you can only explore the library, it does givVR}e you some insight as to how the adventure will turn out, with atmospheric sound effects and some well thought out ideas to mVS}atch the very detailed graphics and colours. This sort of graphic adventure is the next step in adventure games, being aVT}n interactive graphic experience. Lovers of text adventures may be dismayed by this, but I am sure that if they tried Myst, VU}they would find it very absorbing. When it is released I will probably purchase Myst, as it looks very detailed and wellVV} designed. Using independent software houses may be the best decision that Atari have made regarding the Jaguar, even if it VW}does mean that software titles are taking longer to reach the shelves.VIDGRID On first playing this game, I was amazedVX} by the originality of it all, even though it borrowed old ideas. VidGrid is basically a puzzle game involving a picture splVY}it up into 9, 16, 25 or 36 squares and jumbled around. You must rearrange the squares into the correct order to re-make the VZ}picture. The one problem is that the picture is a moving one, namely a music video! The music featured on VidGrid is:V[} Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel Cryin' - Aerosmith Enter Sandman - Metallica Spoonman - Soundgarden November RV\}ain - Guns n' Roses Right Now - Van Halen No More Tears - Ozzy Osborne Give It Away - Red Hot Chilli Peppers Are YouV]} Experienced - Jimi Hendrix All songs are accompanied by a full-length video. If you can imagine a music video cut V^}into nine equal-sized squares, then jumbled around, this sums up VidGrid. The beauty of the puzzle is that the videos play eV_}ven when jumbled up and each square plays its relevant section of the video, even as you move it around trying to find the coV`}rrect position. This is amazing to see, as the game does not flicker, slow down or freeze and the music continues as normal Va}while you frantically try to rearrange the squares before the tune finishes. The object of the game is to rearrange all Vb}nine of the jumbled up videos in the shortest time possible. High scores can be saved on the high score cartridge (when it bVc}ecomes available). This may sound easy with a 3x3 grid but it gets much harder when the Jaguar starts playing videos upside Vd}down or flipping individual squares, as well as rescrambling the squares if you place one in a position other than its finishVe}ing position! There are also 4x4, 5x5 and 6x6 grids to contend with. You can even select slider puzzles, which takes one sqVf}uare out of the video and only allows you to move squares which are adjacent to the empty position, similar to the hand-held Vg}tile puzzles. With this many options, it is difficult to see many people getting bored with this game, especially when tVh}here are more than one playing. The only problem is musical taste. If you don't like heavy rock music then you are not goinVi}g to be familiar with the videos to start with, and will tire easily of the music. Let's hope that other musical versions arVj}e released to satisfy nearly all tastes. I found Vidgrid a challenging game and enjoy playing it. Some of the videos feVk}atured are difficult to recognise when they are complete, let alone when they are mixed up into little squares! Take a look Vl}at the loading sequences as well, I think they are excellent. Incidentally, videos can be played through normally if you donVm}'t wish to be taxed with trying to rearrange them, demonstrating the Jaguars CD+G capabilities.TEMPEST 2000 SOUNDTRACK CDVn} The final freebie in the Jaguar CD box is the Tempest 2000 CD featuring 12 of the original tunes from the game, remastereVo}d onto CD. The tracks are a mixture of techno, rave and ambient sounds and are designed to be played through the Virtual LigVp}ht Machine. Although not entertaining to all ears, these tracks do give you the chance to try out the VLM and experimentVq} with the numerous patterns available.FINAL COMMENTS The Jaguar CD may be late, but I don't think it is a case of "tooVr} little". The CD is what the Jaguar is really made for, as information can be accessed quickly, and obviously a CD can hold Vs}far more information than a cartridge. Independent software houses are now supporting the Jaguar, e.g. Microprose (authoVt}rs of the wonderful Silent Service), Ocean, etc. As long as there is a market, the games will start coming... and looking atVu} the Myst demo, the quality of some is going to be astounding! With the ability to play normal CDs and video CDs (the viVv}deo cartridge is expected shortly), the Jaguar should appeal to a much wider market than the likes of the Lynx. Let's hoVw}pe that the marketing strategy is up to scratch this time! One worrying thing to note is that, contrary to reports in magaziVx}nes, I haven't seen any Jaguar hardware or software in so-called mainstream electrical stores, i.e. Dixons, Currys, etc in BiVy}rmingham. Our HMV store seems to have "lost" its stock of Jaguar software. One bright note though is that more specialiVz}st stores are now stocking Jaguar software and, with the introduction of the CD, will hopefully strengthen their support. V{} Let's try to keep the flag flying for Atari (even though they have let us down in the past) as the Jaguar deserves more recV|}ognition than it is currently receiving, mainly thanks to poor press from Sony Playstation and Sega Saturn-mad magazines (TheV}} Edge is one of them so don't buy it!). The November 1995 issue of Atari World reports that Jaguars are selling well forV~} Christmas. They also report that although there are some excellent titles in the pipeline, e.g. Zero 5 (described as a VirtV}ua-Galaxians with excellent polygon graphics), Attack of the Mutant Penguins (a sort of Lemmings based game) and Fever Pitch V}(a football game by US Gold), it appears that some Jaguar titles are still retaining Super Nintendo / Sega Megadrive-style caV}rtoon graphics - hardly competition for the Super Consoles! All in all, present reports look encouraging for the Jaguar V}and, so long as Christmas is a success, software should come flooding in. Let's hope so. At least you now know what to buy V}for Christmas...hristmas is a success, software should come flooding in. Let's hope so. At least you now know what to buy TDINO DUDESA Jaguar Review by Michael Clatworthy Dino Dudes can best be described as a platform and ladders game with Z}a more subtle strategy than just collecting items or avoiding monsters. It involves lots of thinking and strategy to ensure Z}progression through the levels. After the regular Jaguar title screen, a cute title appears with some jazzy music to accZ}ompany it. On pressing the button you go to the options screen, where you can change the fire button configuration, select mZ}usic or just sound effects, select the difficulty of the levels or access the password screen (where you enter a password to Z}begin a level previously played). More about this later. Upon pressing a button you enter a pre-level screen informing Z}you of the level's password and how many Dino Dudes you have left. The game then starts with a detailed platform area and DiZ}no Dudes positioned around it. Dino Dudes are in fact simple cavemen who follow your every command. You must help them Z}through each level by directing them about the screen and instructing them to pick up things, throw things and other actions.Z} Sounds similar to Lemmings/Brundles? Or maybe you're familiar with Humans on the 16-bit machines. Dino Dudes is actually Z}based on Humans, which is itself a spin-off of Lemmings. The difference with Dino Dudes, when compared to Lemmings, is tZ}hat you have total control over each individual and they won't move until you take control of them. Also, there are only up Z}to 8 Dino Dudes on each level, as opposed to 100 in Lemmings! Dino Dudes are much larger than Lemmings. The first levelZ} is a basic find-your-feet level in which you have three Dudes and must use them to "discover" the spear. The spear is in faZ}ct on an inaccessible platform, so to pick it up you have to get the three Dudes to the platform beneath it and stack them upZ} on each others' shoulders! The last Dude is then able to climb this human ladder and reach the platform with the spear. HeZ} picks the spear up when you press the button and lo and behold, you've finished the first level. You receive a bonus dependZ}ing on how long it took you. The levels become progressively more difficult, where you have to use the spear to fault gaZ}ps in the platforms or to kill dinosaurs which roam around. The Dudes themselves are beautifully animated, their faces eZ}ven go green when they are in a stack and have to bear the weight of a fellow Dude! The Dude you currently control is hiZ}ghlighted by an overhead arrow, and selecting between them is done by using the number pad. To make a Dude perform an acZ}tion, you select the relevant icon from those displayed at the bottom of the screen. Other items that appear as you progZ}ress through the levels are a torch (for burning bushes), a rope and a wheel! The wheel is worth riding just to see the faceZ}s of the other Dudes when you ride over their toes. Be warned though, the Witchdoctor, who appears in later levels, is none Z}too impressed by this action! Mentioning the Witchdoctor allows me to explain what happens when you reach a level which Z}seems impossible without the aid of a spear, rope, etc, but there isn't one to be found. You then use the Witchdoctor to sacZ}rifice one of the Dudes to make the item appear. To perform this you move the Witchdoctor next to a poor unsuspecting Dude, Z}and select the relevant item at the bottom of the screen. The Witchdoctor then performs his Black Magic, during which he appZ}arently says "BUY JAGUAR GAMES" backwards! Besides discovering items, other objectives for levels include rescuing a hosZ}tage Dude, reuniting a pet dinosaur and collecting icons. Some levels involve the use of pressure pads to remove obstaclZ}es and the use of Pterodactyls to move between platforms. After completing a level you progress to the next, which will Z}have its own level code. This code can be used on the options screen to access the level at a future time. In all, DinoZ} Dudes is an impressive game, simple yet challenging enough to cause problems for most game players. Graphics, sound and musZ}ic are very good, especially the spot effects like when a Dude gets eaten by a dinosaur!LEVEL CODES Z} 2 LIBERTY ISLAND 3 STONE WALL 4 G MEN 5 WILD WEST 6 LEMON ENTRY 7 WAGON WHEEL 8 OIL DRUM Z} 9 MOON ORBIT 10 HARD ROCK 11 TRIP AND FALL 12 ALARM CLOCK 13 BIG COUNTRY 14 HOG TIED 15 CAN CZ}AN 16 CUTE MOUSE 17 SPARK PLUG 18 PONY EXPRESS 19 PADDED CELL 20 LOG PLUME 21 CANVAS SAIL 22 GOLDEN ERA Z} 23 WIDE SEAT 24 BAD KARMA 25 CRASH BARRIER 26 LIME GRASS 27 SURFS UP 28 PENAL COLONY 29 RELIEF ARTZ} 30 TRIBAL DANCE 31 SODA FOUNTAIN 32 PARKING SPACE 33 PIZZA DUDE 34 CROW FLIES 35 TILED ROOF 36 SLATE MISSINGZ} 37 OPENING TIME 38 INNER PEACE 39 BAD DOG 40 SOUR BELLY 41 LARGE MUG 42 HALF A BET 43 SING SING 44 BZ}ROWN COW 45 IRON HORSE 46 WHITE WHALE 47 BOX OFFICE 48 CORNY FUR 49 ATOM CAT 50 FREE WHEELING 51 BUSZ}H FIRE 52 CAR BRA 53 PORK PIES 54 STORMY WEATHER 55 STAGE COACH 56 QUAY BORED 57 SPLASH DOWN 58 BUG POLIZ}TICS 59 SHAKE SPEAR 60 SCHOOL ZONE 61 PINK MARBLE 62 ROLLING PLAINS 63 ICON DRIVE 64 CARROT TOP 65 QUILL Z}PEN 66 TUTTI FRUTTI 67 PUBLIC ENEMY 68 BIG END 69 TAN PARLOR 70 NEVER READY 71 SHARK FANGS 72 STOOL PIGZ}EON 73 PROM QUEEN 74 RED LETTER 75 CORN PONE 76 BILGE PUMP 77 SIXTY FOUR BIT 78 HALF MAST 79 WALKINZ}G BOSS 80 SPACE TO LET4 RED LETTER 75 CORN PONE 76 BILGE PUMP 77 SIXTY FOUR BIT 78 HALF MAST 79 WALKINXFUTURA DISK SUBSCRIPTIONS Futura is now released QUARTERLY. Every second issue is now a 2-disk issue, i.e. six disks ^}will be released over four issues.UK6-disk/4-issue subscription = 10.00 poundsEUROPE- 12.00 pounds Sterlingor- ^}Equivalent sum to 14 pounds (includes 2 pounds to cover exchange costs) in any EC currency (CASH ONLY, PLEASE).ELSEWHERE^}- 15.00 pounds Sterlingor- $25 US dollars (CASH ONLY, PLEASE)or- Equivalent sum to 17 pounds (includes 2 pounds to co^}ver exchange costs) in any major currency (CASH ONLY, PLEASE)Please make all cheques and money orders payable to "S. J. M^}URRAY".NOSAUG,PO Box 10001,PeterheadAB42 6ZN,Scotland.Please make all cheques and money orders payable to "S. J. M\>ATARI 8-BIT TRIVIA Hello and welcome back to Atari 8-bit Trivia. This time we have something a little different. Kevib}n Cooke has written with some tasty trivia for you to chew over. He has also included a trivia challenge. Over to you Kevinb}... "I want to know about ANY interesting pieces of Atari "stuff" which you may own or know about. This could include b}software, books, Atari merchandise, something that no one else knows... anything in fact, as long as it's a little rare, unub}sual or interesting. I'll start off this issue by listing a few things and then, from next issue, it's over to YOU. Don't wb}orry if your finished piece is a bit short as it can be put together with others for a bumper column. Well, what did I b}find when looking through my mountains of Atari bits 'n' bobs?1) THE ALCHEMIST This is a fairly old tape to disk transfb}er system, published by Softscan. OK, I know that there are a few copies about but a lot of people still haven't heard of orb} seen it. Basically, your finished disk versions of cassette games would either load as stand-alone programs (about a 20% chb}ance) or would, very annoyingly, require one of the specified "loaders" on the Alchemist disk to be pre-loaded on EVERY occasb}sion. However, it was the first tape to disk program I owned so it holds a special place in my heart (sniff).2) THE ATARIb} XE ADVANTAGE POSTER I've always been pleased with this poster because, unless you know differently, there aren't many ab}bout. I got my one free inside the box of my Karateka cartridge. For those who haven't seen it, one side contains a mixb}ture of artistic impressions of characters from Atari ROM cartridge games with a big "THE ATARI ADVANTAGE" logo in the middleb} of the page. At the bottom is an artist's drawing of the 7800, 2600 and Atari XE games consoles. The reverse side showb}s one screenshot from each of the Atari games released onto cartridge for the XE games console promotion. Pictured are 36 dib}fferent games. Below are the details of a promotion that Atari were running whereby you had to collect the barcodes from theb} cartridge boxes to claim various prizes. Five barcodes got you a free T-Shirt (black with "Atari" written on it in yellb}ow letters - no Atari Fuji logo though!). Fifteen barcodes got you a free cartridge and twenty five allowed a choice of:a)b} A 7800 system for $25orb) An XE system or XE disk drive for $50 There was also a chance to win a visit to Californib}a for a visit to Atari headquarters and a look at some of California's attractions. OK, so I've started you off. Now wb}hy not look through your Atari things and find something that others might like to hear about? As one particularly annoying b}TV star might say, "Who knows, next time the star could be YOU!!".s might like to hear about? As one particularly annoying `CEnjoy!Stu.er of the XL/XE!Requires a STANDARD 1050!Will NOT run on a US Doubler enhanced drive!Boot WITHOUT BASIC.(