New Products

As we enter spring, we find many new and varied software and hardware products hitting dealer shelves. Dimension X, the long-awaited game from SYNAPSE, is similar to several Battlezone-type programs on the market (including SYNAPSE's own Encounter). Although Dimension X's graphics are somewhat flashier than those of Encounter, the gameplay isn't very innovative and probably won't hold your interest too long. The only outstanding feature of the game is the scroll-in-any-direction moire pattern landscape. When you're not flying over the ground zapping Rigillians, you're flying through tunnels connecting more enemy sectors. Navigating these tunnels consists of centering a cursor between two moving verticaI planes and avoiding horizontal "gate" lines. This part of the game, unfortunately, doesn't live up to the promise of the landscape graphics. (For a further review of Dimension X, see page 88.)

Fortunately, SYNAPSE rebounds with Relax, the most innovative and controversial piece of Atari software to be released so far this year. Comprised of both hardware and software, Relax uses bio-sensory techniques, allowing you to monitor your own stress levels. I had a chance to experience Relax first-hand, and found it quite fascinating and not at all "gimmicky." A headband containing sensors registers the wearer's muscle tension. With the aid of several programs included in the Relax package, you may display an analytical scrolling graph, a colorful kaleidoscope display, or a game where you must control the path of a balloon floating over obstacles. A workbook and audio cassette are also included.

Relax

Space Cowboy is a new game from AVALON HILL. As the title character, you must escape from imprisonment on the feudal planet Dungeon and make your way back to your spaceship. You must traverse a three-quarter view 3-D landscape, not unlike BRAM's Zombies or the landscape in Zaxxon. Your escape is made difficult by oil slicks, pitfalls and robot lasers.

Space Cowboy

From DATASOFT comes Bruce Lee, based on the film exploits of the late martial arts expert. As Bruce Lee, you must penetrate up to 20 secret chambers of the menacing fortress of the Evil Wizard, capturing treasure along the way. In your journey through the fortress, you must fight the forces of the deadly Ninja, the massive Sumo wrestler Yamo and the magic of the Evil Wizard. Suggested retail price for the game is $34.95. DATASOFT is also releasing The Dallas Quest, based on the hit nighttime soap opera; Nibbler, a translation of Rock-Ola's arcade game; the educational program Heathcliff, based on the syndicated cartoon character; Letter Wizard, a follow-up to DATASOFT's earlier word processing programs; the survival games Genesis and Lost Tomb, the latter based on STERN ELECTRONIC's arcade game.

MICROBITS has released a 64K memory module for the 600XL computer (see review on page 28.) They also have MicroFiler, a file management program for $49.95 that has user-adjusted screens and cassette/disk storage capability. RKS INDUSTRIES' new filter protects your modem and equipment against surges over communication lines. And ADVANCED INTERFACE DEVICES has a serial bus modem adapter for the 400/800,600XL/800XL lines. This unit permits most modems and RS-232 devices to be used on the Atari without the 850 interface module. The cost is $49.95.

Advanced Interface Devices' adapter

RKS Industries' filter

FIDELITY INVESTMENTS of Boston has announced a computer-based home brokerage trading service. This allows customers, on a 24-hour basis, to enter buy and sell orders on posted and OTC stocks and options. Investors can also receive quotes, updates, and review their tax records. FI can be reached at (617) 292-7040.

ADVANCED FINANCIAL PLANNING offers an Atari compatible program, Life Insurance Planning, capable of calculating inflation rates, the user's total estate needs (including future expenses), and other factors (Social Security, outside sources, etc.), after all data has been input into the computer. The program requires 32K and costs $29.95. When purchased with the company's Retirement Planning programs, the total cost drops to $49.95.

Stomper and C'est La Vie are two new products ADVENTURE INTERNATIONAL touts as innovative arcade games. In the latter, you play a character who picks up money off the streets, attempting to build a fortune. His pursuers include loan sharks, tax collectors, and criminals. Players may invest the money in banks and the stock market (the next best thing to the Massachusetts Megabucks jackpot). Stompers pits you against pests at a picnic-outing.

AI is also releasing #13 in their adventure series, Sorcerer of Claymorgue Castle. Aimed at the experienced adventurer, the scenario is that of a medieval magic theme. XLENT SOFTWARE now has Mode Mixer, a display list altering programs, and Battle Stations, a war game.

COLLECTOR'S DATA SERVICE provides a huge gallery for those interested in nearly any topic: stamps, cars, yachts and travel represent only a small fraction of what this system could support for the serious collector. Hundreds of local phone numbers put you in touch without toll calls. For more information call (206) 281-7273.

Two programs from HOME COMPUTER SOFTWARE are Plaqueman and Kids Say the Darndest Things... to Computers. The latter, based on Art Linkletter's "KIDS SAY" books, centers around creating and telling stories.