First the BAD news. Remember those super new machines mentioned in
the last issue? Well, according to one of the trade papers, Atari (UK)
have no plans to introduce the 1400XL or the 1200XL in the U.K. That's
not too bad but the real stunner is that when they introduce the
1450XLD they are going to strip out the modem and voice synthesiser.
Apparently they say there are compatibility problems with the modem
(comments please from Atari owning GPO technicians) and voice
synthesis is not something that the British market wants! Atari
thereby deal themselves another body blow as far as the British market
is concerned. Communication between computers is going to be a big
thing in the next couple of years and another manufacturer is going to
introduce a machine with voice synthesis. In fact I believe that the
BBC already has the facility although I don't know if the chip is
currently available. New buyers are impressed by technology which hits
them in the eye and what could be more impressive than a machine
telling you of it's own features? What happens when all the software
using voice synthesis starts appearing in the States? Atari surely
cannot realise the amount of Third Party software that is bought by
U.K. owners. Think again, Atari.
Recent software which is NOW available in the U.K. includes BLUE
MAX (32K) - a WW1 flying game with 3-D graphics like Zaxxon, and
SHADOW WORLD (32K) both from Synapse. From Datasoft, O'RILEY'S MINE
(16K) - a Dig-Dug type game. A new one from Infocom - WITNESS (48K)
which is a follow-up to Deadline. This one is a whodunnit based around
the classic murder mystery novels of the 1930's. Pm ANIMATOR from
Don't Ask - reputed to be the finest player-missile utility yet. From
Santa Cruz, TRICKY TUTORIALS 8/9/10 (all 16K) on Character Graphics,
GTIA and Sound Effects.
Coming soon . .. Word Wizard, Script Wizard and Money Wizard, all
on ROM from Datasoft and six new titles from First Star Software who
brought you the excellent Astro Chase. These are BRISTLES, RENT WARS,
FLIP-FLOP, TOP SECRET, SAVIOUR 1 and DANGEROUS CARGO. At the time of
writing, none of these products were available, even in the States, so
be patient.
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