NEWS
Microsoft Games News
1. Urban Assault Trial Version Storms onto
GameSpot
2. Motocross Madness Badness - Ride the Trial Version!
3. The Rise of Rome Revealed on the Web
4. Combat Flight Simulator Wows Oshkosh Crowd
5. Going to Vegas: Monster Truck Madness 2 Tourney
6. Just Say No to Errors: The Baseball 3D Strategy Guide
*********************************************************************
"Space isn’t remote at all. It’s only an hour’s
drive away if your car could go straight upwards."
Sir Fred Hoyle (b. 1915), British astronomer. Observer (London, 9
Sept. 1979).
From the Columbia Dictionary of Quotations in Microsoft Bookshelf
'98 Edition
*********************************************************************
1. Urban Assault Trial Version Storms onto GameSpot
The Urban Assault Trial Version is available as of Thursday,
August 13th! In an exclusive
release arrangement with GameSpot, the trial version of this
innovative and unique
combination of first person action and real time strategy can now
be yours simply by pointing your Web browser to http://www.gamespot.com/.
The trial version includes 6 single-player levels, including two
training mission levels that are completely unique to this trial.
Each level exhibits a diverse sampling of vehicles, technology
upgrades, and enemy adversaries that will test your reactions and
real time strategies. With this trial version, players will be
able to:
- Create 7 different types of vehicles out of the 15 available in
the Retail Version (even more in multiplayer).
- Jump into and take control of any of the available vehicles.
- Deploy squads to various targets using the map.
- Use the Squadron Manager to reorganize squads and set their
aggressiveness levels.
- Conquer important power stations and technology upgrades.
- Combat against a multitude of enemy vehicle classes and host
stations.
Two multiplayer levels are available out of the 55 in the retail
version. Both are playable over a LAN with IPX or TCP/IP
protocol, and one can be played over the Internet Gaming Zone
with a low-bandwidth connection. Online HTML Help is also
available, providing complete details on game features,
background story, and strategies.
The trial version will also be available for download later in
the day on August 13th, at the Official Urban Assault Web site
at:
http://www.microsoft.com/games/urbanassault/downloads.htm
*********************************************************************
2. Motocross Madness Badness
Motocross Madness is Gold! The Trial Version is
Coming! On retail shelves soon!
In the mean time, you can catch big air and get ready to grab
some throttle as we
unveil the trial version for this high-flying, dirt-busting
motocross title.
The Trial Version debut is Friday, August 21st on Gamecenter (www.gamecenter.com)!
The Motocross Madness trial version will include multiplayer
capability as well as Supercross and National Outdoor tracks to
whet your appetite for the full on retail release.
Details and downloads are at the official Microsoft Motocross
Madness Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/games/motocross/
The September issue of PC Zone gave Motocross Madness a 91%
rating and described it as,
"probably the best bike game in the world." So, you’ll
definitely want to download this trial version and find out for
yourself just how much fun you can have on two wheels.
Additionally, on August 27, the Zone will be hosting a developer
chat and challenge to
celebrate the retail-version debut of this amazing game. Talk to
the developers first, then
rocket past them in the quarry afterwards! Chat begins at 6 P.M.
Pacific Time. Tournament
starts at 7 P.M. after the chat. The Zone is also planning a
drop-in tourney for the 29th, time to be announced.
Stay tuned for this event on the Zone.
http://www.zone.com/
*********************************************************************
3. The Rise of Rome Revealed on the Web
Ok, we admit it. We’ve been teasing and taunting you with
the smallest tidbits of information on this hot upcoming release,
Age of Empires Expansion: The Rise of Rome. But now, we’re
not holding anything back as we bust out the bubbly and christen
our newest Web site dedicated to the Rise of Rome.
Detailing all the new civilizations, added units, additional
technologies, maps, buildings, game screenshots, et cetera, the
brand new Rise of Rome Web site will keep you in the know for
Expansion Pack facts all the way through the November 5th release
date.
Come check it out, it’s live on the Web at:
http://www.microsoft.com/games/aoeexpansion/
Of course, don’t forget to keep your browser tuned to the
Ensemble Studios Web site. Lately,
the Archangel has been running a special showcase section
detailing the new units with
screenshots and play-by-play commentary discussing the
inspiration behind the additions with
Ensemble game designer Sandy Petersen.
This new section debuted with a run through of the Camel Rider,
but expect some dialogue
about the other units shortly.
http://www.ageofempires.net/aok/weekly/showcase.shtml
And lastly, if you’re still craving some Rise of Rome
information, check out Gamecenter’s big feature story,
including interviews with Bruce Shelley and Sandy Petersen, which
goes live on their site on Friday, August 14th.
http://www.gamecenter.com/
*********************************************************************
4. Combat Flight Simulator Wows Oshkosh Crowd
The EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) AirVenture Oshkosh is
the world's largest
recreational aviation event, annually drawing more than 800,000
people and 11,000 airplanes
to Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. This year’s
event took place from July 29th to August 4th.
Of course, we were on hand in good old Hanger D with five PCs up
and running with Combat
Flight Simulator and Flight Simulator 98. This was the first time
we put Combat Flight
Simulator on display to the public and the reception was great.
We put together a one page addition to the Combat Flight
Simulator Web site, which includes
some snapshots of the event. Fly on in and check it out at:
http://www.microsoft.com/games/combatfs/oshkosh.htm
*********************************************************************
5. Going to Vegas: Monster Truck Madness 2 Tourney
Two lucky winners emerged from the Internet Gaming Zone’s
Vegas or Bust Monster Truck
Madness 2 Tournament held over the first weekend of August.
Scott S., a.k.a. RIP_Behihm and Jeff L., a.k.a. Redline, took
home the wins and now get an all expenses paid trip to Vegas on
us, to compete in the Monster Truck Madness 2 Vegas
Challenge ’98, August 21st-23rd.
Some of the best MTM'ers in the world will be competing in this
tournament, racing anywhere
from 15 to 25 races across three different tracks. The tourney
even might include a "Blind
Track Challenge" with a track specially designed for the
event.
Follow all the action on the Vegas Challenge home page at:
http://www.rli-net.net/~spreker/vegas.htm
*********************************************************************
6. Just Say No to Errors: The Baseball 3D Strategy Guide
Outfield errors getting you down? Losing some steam on your
fastball? Finding it tough to
track down those nasty knuckleballs at the plate? Well, fret no
more because we recently
added an extensive Baseball 3D strategy guide to the official
Microsoft Baseball 3D Web site.
Start playing like an All-Star with these complete walkthroughs
of pre-game preparations,
pitching, fielding, batting and much more.
Step up to the plate and check it out at:
http://www.microsoft.com/sports/baseball/strategy_guide.htm
Internet Gaming Zone
Play it on the Zone!
http://www.zone.com
In this issue...
1 -- TANARUS: NEW PREMIUM GAME ROLLS ONTO THE ZONE
2 -- MOTOCROSS MADNESS MAKES RETAIL AND ZONE DEBUT
3 -- URBAN ASSAULT TRIAL VERSION GOES LIVE
4 -- EVENTS, EVENTS, EVENTS
5 -- FIGHTER ACE NEWS: COOL EVENTS; COMBAT FLIGHT SCHOOL
6 -- ULTRACORPS NEWS: KING KRUEL; ONLINE-MAG TOURNEY
7 -- ZONER'S CORNER: AOE EXPANSION PACK AND RATINGS; PREMIUM-GAME
PRE-PURCHASE OPTION
8 -- ZONESTATS
******************************************************************
1 -- TANARUS: NEW PREMIUM GAME ROLLS ONTO ZONE
Pilot a virtual-reality tank through a near-future combat zone!
"The hell-raisers top the rise, three o'clock, plowing
toward your flag. Your flank guard takes them head-on, blooms
like a rose of fire. Chest tight, heart stomping, you split your
mind to push throttle and turret at right angles.
Harder...harder... You get your bead...
"It's payback time."
Moving into formation with the Zone team, 989 Studios brings you
Tanarus, a fantastic Premium game of futuristic tank combat. With
an array of energy and conventional weapons and armaments, load
up a machine that suits your style -- hard-hitting Devastator,
stealthy Chameleon, and slippery MagRider, among others -- then
hit the streets of mayhem to capture the enemies' flag.
Your base and Recon Stations transmit power to your tank within a
limited range. Plan your runs and use your weapons strategically,
or you'll crawl defenseless through the heat. Extend your power
reach by capturing more Recon Stations. Breathe deep, and watch
those mines!
Tanarus offers war-like scenarios involving rescue, formation,
retreat, feints, and more; cool features for maintaining leagues;
and killer force feedback joystick support. What's more, you can
drop in and out of a game anytime -- no waiting around for
everyone to agree on options. We're really stoked to offer this
massively multiplayer blockbuster!
Be sure to join the Main Event in the Tanarus game rooms, August
15 and 16! We'll be teaching people how to play and giving away
great prizes by random drawing. Details to be posted on the
Tanarus News page.
http://www.zone.com/asp/script/default.asp?Game=tana
******************************************************************
2 -- MOTOCROSS MADNESS MAKES RETAIL AND ZONE DEBUT
You've never seen mud quarries look so beautiful, or felt such
vicarious pain for a virtual-reality wipeout. Motocross Madness
rides the absolute leading edge of racing simulators with
unparalleled 3D-accelerated graphics and sound, and separate
real-physics modeling for rider and bike that makes body
adjustment critical. Watch those rear springs expand on the jump
as you shift your weight forward!
Win with speed and handling on indoor and outdoor racetracks, or
blow them away with style and audacity in the stunt quarry. With
quarries, outdoor terrain, 20 tracks, and a built-in course
editor, you'll be making the fans cheer till the wee hours.
On August 27, we'll be hosting a developer chat and challenge to
celebrate the retail-version debut of this amazing game. Engage
them politely with questions, then feed them dust as you
"Superman" over the berms! Chat begins at 6 P.M.
Pacific Time. Tournament starts at 7 P.M. after the chat. We're
also planning a drop-in tourney for the 29th, time to be
announced. Oh, yeah, AT ALL EVENTS THERE WILL BE PRIZES. During
both the chat and challenges, we'll be giving away Zone and MCM
T-shirts, Motocross Madness CDs, and possibly...some cool
hardware.
Finally, we're so confident you'll love the gritty taste of this
game that we're not making you wait for the full CD serving. Come
mid-August, you can start racing the trial version against up to
three other riders FREE here on the Zone. Watch the Motocross
Madness page for details.
http://www.zone.com/asp/script/default.asp?Game=krst
******************************************************************
3 -- URBAN ASSAULT TRIAL VERSION GOES LIVE
Imagine a real-time strategy game that lets you toggle from an
overview of the action to first-person control of any unit you
want. Cool, huh? Well, Urban Assault brings a lot more than that
to the table, with stunning 3D graphics and an intriguing science
fiction backstory. As a cyborg linked to a worldwide computer
network, you synthesize intelligent tanks and aircraft, then
control them through telepresence. Save humanity from vicious
aliens/your friends. We're counting on you!
Starting on August 13, the Zone will be hosting the FREE
multiplayer trial version, which you can download from Gamespot
or through the Zone that same day. The trial version will have a
total of eight scenarios -- including two two-player -- none of
which will be offered on the retail CD. Look for the full retail
version to start rolling into stores mid-August, with full
distribution by the end of the month. Be sure to check out the
coming Urban Assault pages for complete info.
http://www.zone.com/asp/script/default.asp?Game=urba
******************************************************************
4 -- EVENTS, EVENTS, EVENTS!
Fighter Ace -- Combat School every Monday at 6 P.M. Pacific Time.
Open Battle Night every Friday at 6 P.M. Pacific Time in the
private-arena Deathmatch room. Fighter Ace Generals Night every
Saturday at 6 P.M. Pacific Time.
http://www.zone.com/asp/script/default.asp?game=TBLT
***August 9*** -- Hearts -- Tournament of Champions: August 9 at
2 P.M. Pacific Time in Hearts tourney room. All winners of
tourneys in Hearts for the month of June are eligible to compete.
Please contact [email protected]
for details and include "Hearts TOC" in subject line.
***August 13*** -- Chess -- Chat with International Grandmaster
Yasser Seirawan. Come and talk Chess with this three-time
qualifier for the World Championships, three-time U.S. champion,
seven-time member of the U.S. Olympic Chess Team, and
best-selling Chess author. Mr. Seirawan's February Zone forum was
our biggest and most acclaimed chat event yet. We are deeply
pleased at his return!
***August 15 and 16*** -- Tanarus -- "Main Event." Come
to the Tanarus game rooms, where we'll be teaching people how to
play and giving away great prizes by random drawing.
***August 19*** -- Fighter Ace -- "Trident" Squadron
Tourney. Three groups of four pilots compete for the top squadron
honor. Is your squad up to it?
***August 20*** -- Mind Aerobics -- Chat with Alexey Pajitnov,
world-famous creator of Tetris and the Zone's Mind Aerobics
puzzles.
***August 21-23*** -- Monster Truck Madness 2 -- The Vegas
Challenge will be held at the Las Vegas Tropicana Hotel and
Casino. Some of the best MTM'ers in the world will be there,
including the two lucky winners of the Zone's own pre-tournament
event. You MUST pre-register in order to be allowed to compete in
the Challenge, as no on-site registration will be available.
Participants are expected to compete in anywhere from 15 to 25
races, and will race on three different tracks. There's even
going to be a "Blind Track Challenge" with a track
specially designed for the event. Winners receive prizes.
http://www.rli-net.net/~spreker/vegas.htm
***August 26*** -- Fighter Ace -- King of the Mountain 2. Be the
last one flying, and win great prizes.
***August 27 and 29*** -- Motocross Madness -- Developer
chat/challenge August 27 at 6 P.M. Pacific Time, followed by the
challenge at 7 P.M. Prizes given out by random drawing. MCM
drop-in tourney on August 29 (time to be announced) -- the Events
Coordinator reports, and we quote, "Giving away a lot of
goodies for this one!"
***August 29*** -- Spades -- Tournament of Champions: August 29
at 2 P.M. Pacific Time in Spades tourney room. All winners of
tourneys in Spades within the previous four weeks are eligible to
compete. Please contact [email protected]
for details and include "Spades TOC" in subject line.
Note! Joe Andrews reports that the charity Heart for Hearts event
in Cincinnati has been officially scheduled for October 9, but
you'll want to book your room early to grab the special discount
rate. For full information see:
http://www.freeverse.com/ahspa/heartchamp.html
******************************************************************
5 -- FIGHTER ACE NEWS
EVENTS -- Fighter Ace has two BIG events for the month of August,
so mark your calendars! First, on August 19, there is a unique
squadron-level event, code-named Trident, that will pit 4 vs. 4
vs. 4 -- three squadrons -- against each other in a battle for
supremacy. Squadrons will vie in a single-elimination format for
the top squadron position.
We will follow that with a reprise of the successful King of the
Mountain tournament on August 26. KOM2 will draw together the
best Zone pilots in a winner-take-all battle royale. The WINNER
will receive a Microsoft FORCE FEEDBACK JOYSTICK and a Zone
Champion T-shirt.
Don't forget about our Open Battle Night every Friday at 6 P.M.
Pacific Time, where all pilots can come and compete for prizes.
Also, for those elite few, we offer Generals Night, open to all
Generals, every Saturday at 6 P.M. Not a General yet? Well,
you've got something to look forward to, don't you?
And there's more coming! In September we'll debut a number of
different squadron-level events, including a historical battle
scenario, North Africa 1942, and a 6 vs. 6 Squadron Challenge.
Check out the URL for more details:
http://www.zone.com/asp/content/games/pm/tblt/scoop.asp?Game=TBLT
COMBAT FLIGHT SCHOOL -- Whether you're just starting out and
puzzling over how guys materialize on your tail or need some
extra finesse to reach that next officer rank, our skilled
Fighter Ace Instructor Pilots can help. FREE courses are offered
every week in "Basic Flight and Air Combat" and
"Realistic Arena Flying." For registration and related
listings check out the Flight School URL:
http://www.air-combat-aces.org/
******************************************************************
6 -- ULTRACORPS NEWS
KING KRUEL -- Fear has struck the hearts of UltraCorps Commanders
across the universe -- King Kruel lives in Genesis 14. For 30
turns, one per day, you must set aside your squabbles and unite
against this threat. His fortresses are vast; his resources,
profound. Even now, his armadas begin their stretch across the
universe. The Kruel campaign started August 1, but you can still
join the action! Go to Genesis 14 and help out your fellow
UltraCorps Commanders now, or before you know it, it'll be YOUR
empire spinning in the void of chaos.
ONLINE-MAG TOURNEY -- Ten teams of 10 players, each team
representing a leading online gaming magazine and/or site, are
competing throughout August in Genesis 14. Sorry, but the teams
were chosen in a signup contest a while back; however, that
doesn't make it a private event. Go in and join them in the
struggle against King Kruel! Here's your chance to become famous
(or infamous) with any of the following delegations: CDmag,
Gamecenter, GamePen, Gamepower, Gamesmania, Gamestats, Microsoft
Games, THE INTERNET GAMING ZONE, OGR, and Games.net. You can
follow their saga from the Genesis 14 game room.
Remember, conquest is job one:
http://www.zone.com/asp/script/default.asp?game=ultr
******************************************************************
7 -- ZONER'S CORNER
AGE OF EMPIRES EXPANSION PACK, RATINGS NEWS -- As you probably
know, the Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome Expansion Pack is
coming to stores November 5, but what do you think about the
Expansion Pack Web site that Microsoft's rolling out August 8? Or
the August 14 preview on Gamecenter, featuring interviews with
Bruce Shelley and Sandy Petersen? Then of course there's the
Ensemble Studios weekly feature, with screenshots of each new
unit in action and play-by-play with Sandy Petersen. Pretty cool,
huh?
Aren't those new units amazing? The Camel Riders, the Scythe
Chariots, the Fire Galleys, the-- well, you know. We shouldn't
even mention it, but you've been practicing an alternative to the
Archer Rush, right? I mean, imagine those poor suckers who don't
know about-- Nah, we won't waste your valuable time.
In case you've lost them somehow, here are the URLs for Microsoft
Games, Gamecenter, and the Ensemble Studios weekly screenshot
features:
http://www.microsoft.com/games
http://www.gamecenter.com
http://www.ageofempires.net/aok/weekly/showcase.shtml
By the way, have you ever joined a game of Age, forgotten to
check the settings for "no cheating," and then had some
guy immediately drive a rocket-launcher sports car over your
Stone Age settlement? Well, now the oversight won't cost you like
it used to. If you're dropped or resign from a Rated game within
the first four minutes, you get an "abandonment"
instead of a loss. By itself, this doesn't cost you any rating
points, but don't make a habit of abandoning games: every 10th
abandonment costs you...a whopping 100 points.
FIGHTER ACE AND ULTRACORPS PRE-PURCHASING -- Ever find it a drag
having to wait for your Premium game subscription to expire
before you could buy a new one? Well, wait no more. You can now
buy a subscription ahead of time so you won't miss a single step
toward worldwide gaming fame.
Got some gaming stories to tell? Drop us a line at [email protected]. We'll
share your story with the rest of the gamers!
******************************************************************
8 -- ZONESTATS
* More than 11,700 users connected simultaneously to the Zone at
peak times (yep, we're still growing!)
* We had over 3,000 people simultaneously playing Spades on
August 2!
* During the month of June, the Zone served up well over 400
YEARS of game time
* You'll always find a worthy opponent on the Zone!
MS Press Editor
In This Issue:
1. Microsoft(R) Windows(R) 98 Titles Now Available!
2. Microsoft Windows 98 Resource Kit-It's Worth It!
3. Microsoft Windows 98-Works Better, Plays Better Sweepstakes!
4. Hot off the Press
5. Webmaster's Pick
6. Chats-Microsoft Windows 98!
7. Events
8. Ordering and Subscription Information
.................................................................
1. Microsoft Windows 98 Titles Now Available!
.................................................................
To create the Microsoft Windows 98 operating system, Microsoft
added thousands of enhancements to the popular, easy-to-use
innovations of Windows 95. Microsoft Press has many reference
and training products to suit your needs in learning all about
this exciting new operating system.
Microsoft Windows 98 Starts Here(TM)
New users and users of Windows 95 alike will learn Windows 98
quickly
and reach new levels of productivity with this interactive,
multimedia
training tool.
http://mspress.microsoft.com/prod/books/1451.htm
Running Microsoft Windows 98
The in-depth user's guide and reference for intermediate and
advanced
users that will help with accessing the Internet and tapping new
features of Windows 98.
http://mspress.microsoft.com/prod/books/1359.htm
Microsoft Windows 98 At a Glance
The visual, right-now way to tap the power of 32-bit desktop
computing
for users of all levels.
http://mspress.microsoft.com/prod/books/1342.htm
To check out more Windows 98 titles from Microsoft Press,
go to: http://mspress.microsoft.com/sections/win98sweeps.asp
.................................................................
2. Microsoft Windows 98 Resource Kit--It's Worth It!
.................................................................
The Microsoft Windows 98 Resource Kit is a great tool for helping
corporations planning to deploy the upgraded desktop operating
system. Read more in this PC Week review.
http://www.zdnet.com/adverts/eprints/microsoft/pcwk/80528mc.html
.................................................................
3. Microsoft Windows 98--Works Better, Plays Better Sweepstakes!
.................................................................
Microsoft Windows 98 Works Better, Plays Better Sweepstakes.
Don't miss your chance to win a Micron Millennia(TM) 400 PC or
another of the great prizes that will help you start faster and
go farther with Microsoft Windows 98. Enter today.
http://mspress.microsoft.com/sections/win98sweeps.asp
.................................................................
4. Hot off the Press
..................................................................
HOW THE WEB WAS WON: Conquering the Digital Frontier.
Brought to you by Microsoft Site Builder Network members, this is
a practical tactics and strategy guide to what works and what
doesn't
in Web development.
http://mspress.microsoft.com/prod/books/2011.htm
MICROSOFT PRESS COMPUTER USER'S DICTIONARY
Get fast, easy explanations of terms covering the most recent
trends
in computing, including the Internet, the Web, multimedia,
virtual
reality, hardware, networks, and workgroup computing.
http://mspress.microsoft.com/prod/books/1580.htm
RUNNING MICROSOFT INTERNET INFORMATION SERVER
This comprehensive book for system administrators and IIS
professionals
covers practical administration and integration into
businesses and organizations using Microsoft Internet Information
Server 4.0.
http://mspress.microsoft.com/prod/books/1270.htm
.................................................................
5. Webmaster's Pick
.................................................................
MICROSOFT EXCHANGE SERVER TRAINING KIT
This kit contains everything you need to succeed on the MCP exams
and on the job. Working at your ideal pace, use step-by-step
lessons
and hands-on lab exercises to learn to support and administer
Microsoft
Exchange 5.0 and Microsoft Exchange 5.5.
http://mspress.microsoft.com/prod/books/1468.htm
.................................................................
6. Chats
.................................................................
July 16, 6-7 p.m. PT: Get Inside DirectX(R)
Get Inside DirectX with Brad Bargen and Peter Donnelly, authors
of
Inside DirectX and members of the Microsoft DirectX team, as
they discuss how DirectX works and the best techniques for
incorporating
the power of DirectX into your development projects. Head to
Computing
Central's FreeWire Café to join.
http://computingcentral.msn.com/broadcasts/freewireintro.htm
For book information, go to: http://mspress.microsoft.com/prod/books/1432.htm
July 29, 6-7 p.m. PT: Microsoft Windows 98 with Kim Komando!
Get tips and tricks to being a power user of Windows 98 - even if
you're
just getting the hang of computers!
Chat with best-selling author, editor, Los Angeles Times
newspaper
columnist, and TV and TalkRadio host, Kim Komando, in Computing
Central's
FreeWire Café at: http://computingcentral.msn.com/broadcasts/freewireintro.
To find out more about Kim Komando, head to her Web site at
http://www.komando.com.
.................................................................
7. Events
.................................................................
Microsoft TechNet ITHome Event Listing
Looking for a technical conference? Let Microsoft TechNet
ITHome's
event listing help you find the right one, in the right place, at
the
right time.
http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/events/ithome/events/default.asp
Editor
1. Senate Passes CDA II
http://www.developer.com/news/stories/072498_cda2.html
2. Microsoft blames 'break' on RealNetworks' bug
http://www.developer.com/news/stories/072498_real.html
3. More MS hearings coming?
http://www.developer.com/news/stories/072398_micro.html
Tech Focus
4. Distributed object support in JDK 1.2
http://www.developer.com/journal/techfocus/072098_docjdk12.html
Tech Workshop
5. Advanced JavaScript windowing -- part one: Self-closing popups
http://www.developer.com/journal/techworkshop/metcalfe/072398_jswin1.html
Users' Choice
6. Books for Learning Java
http://www.developer.com/journal/userschoice/072298_javabooks.html
Online Reference Library
7. Featured Book: Client/Server Computing, Second Edition
http://www.developer.com/reference/library/0672304732/ewtoc.html
[email protected]
8. Using SSIs and JavaScript to restrict page access
http://www.developer.com/classroom/experts/answer146.html
Job Bank
9. Magnet Interactive, Database Programmer - Washington, DC
http://jobpost.developer.com:80/Scripts/cgihndlr.exe/RT=TE/TEM=teDTL01.nst/L
R=R/JB=4/S1=141035/R=141000
Discussions
10. C and Java
http://discussions.developer.com/HyperNews/get/forums/PHPTRThinkingInJava/15
.html
11. Quote of the Week: Keep in mind that Win98 is a dot release
http://www.developer.com/community/discussions/quotes.html
Special
12. Call for authors!
Contact: [email protected]
Directories
13. Featured Resource: Active Server Paint
http://www.developer.com/directories/featured/asp.html
What's Cool
14. JEditList Swing JavaBean
http://www.developer.com/directories/pages/cool.html
_________________________________________________________________
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Survey
The developer.com Software Developer's Combat Manual is back!
Clinch one of
these posters hot off the presses by answering seven short
questions.
http://www.developer.com/finance_survey.html
_________________________________________________________________
News Central
1. Senate Passes CDA II
Defeated last year in the Supreme Court, the Senate is taking
another shot
at censoring "indecent" Net content.
http://www.developer.com/news/stories/072498_cda2.html
2. Microsoft blames 'break' on RealNetworks' bug
Responding to allegations that Microsoft is blocking the proper
function of
RealNetworks' products, officials from the software giant say the
fault
lies with the streaming media firm.
http://www.developer.com/news/stories/072498_real.html
3. More MS hearings coming?
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Orrin Hatch plans to
call at least
one more session to investigate Microsoft's impact on the
software business.
http://www.developer.com/news/stories/072398_micro.html
Tech Focus
4. Distributed object support in JDK 1.2
With the release of the latest beta of the Java Development Kit,
we revisit
RMI and CORBA to see what's new.
http://www.developer.com/journal/techfocus/072098_docjdk12.html
Tech Workshop
5. Advanced JavaScript windowing -- part one: Self-closing popups
This two-part article demystifies multi-window UI design. In part
one, the
author discusses the utility of popups for enhancing site
accessibility and
user experience.
http://www.developer.com/journal/techworkshop/metcalfe/072398_jswin1.html
Users' Choice
6. Books for Learning Java
There are tutorials and guides aplenty about Java. Which one is
best? We'll
leave that decision to you. If you use Java to develop
applications or
applets, take a moment to cast a vote on your favorite text.
http://www.developer.com/journal/userschoice/072298_javabooks.html
Online Reference Library
7. Featured Book: Client/Server Computing, Second Edition
Learn why client/server computing is the technology capable of
bridging the
chasm between user expectations and the ability of information
systems
organizations to fulfill them.
http://www.developer.com/reference/library/0672304732/ewtoc.html
[email protected]
8. Using SSIs and JavaScript to restrict page access
Restricting page access is a popular topic in our discussion
forums. Now
you can get some input from an expert on how to do this with
JavaScript and
SSIs.
http://www.developer.com/classroom/experts/answer146.html
Job Bank
9. Magnet Interactive, Database Programmer - Washington, DC
The Database Programmer is responsible for developing and
maintaining
database applications for Internet deployment. Responsibilities
include:
programming Informix/Oracle/Other relational databases and
following a full
development life cycle in designing, developing and maintaining
Web-based
database applications.
http://jobpost.developer.com:80/Scripts/cgihndlr.exe/RT=TE/TEM=teDTL01.nst/L
R=R/JB=4/S1=141035/R=141000
Discussions
10. C and Java
How would one use _outpw() function in Java? Get the word on this
and other
C/Java integration questions from Bruce Eckel, the man who wrote
Thinking
in Java.
http://discussions.developer.com/HyperNews/get/forums/PHPTRThinkingInJava/15
.html
11. Quote of the Week: Keep in mind that Win98 is a dot release
Steve has a new complaint about Microsoft: the company butchers
version
numbers.
http://www.developer.com/community/discussions/quotes.html
Special
12. We need book authors ...
... especially client/server programming authors. We are
currently seeking
experienced authors and client/server programming developers who
have a
familiarity with distributed objects, CORBA and COM-DCOM. If you
are
interested in writing for us, please contact us at the e-mail
address below.
If you have additional book ideas for EarthWeb Press, we’d
love to hear
from you. Our editors will promptly review your proposal and
respond if we
are interested. If you’d like to write a book for us, you
should request a
copy of our author guidelines to assist you in preparing your
proposal.
To participate in our book, submit a book proposal or request our
author
guidelines, send e-mail to: [email protected].
Directories
13. Featured Resource: Active Server Paint
Dynamically generate GIFs and JPEGs in any Active X language with
this
handy tool.
http://www.developer.com/directories/featured/asp.html
What's Cool
http://www.developer.com/directories/pages/cool.html
14. In the past seven days, 247 resources have been added to our
directories, including the following "Cool" item:
JEditList Swing JavaBean
Users can interactively modify, reorder and navigate this Swing
(JFC) JList
JavaBeans component. It provides full JList compatibility
plus insert,
delete, edit, cut/copy/paste, drag, sort, jump-to, page scroll,
undo/redo
and more!
Scoop
1. What's New: Newest stuff at Happy Puppy
2. Bite the Vote: multi-player
3. Heather Barks Back: Answering your questions
4. Freebies
5. Sister Sites: mpog
6. Review and hints for N2O: Nitrous Oxide
7. Guest Section: free roaming
8. Kibble: All that stuff about subscriptions, removal, etc. . .
------------------------------- By the Numbers
-------------------
****This Scoop is sponsored by The IBM Brain Game!****
COMING SOON:
Don't let that brain turn to mush this summer. Play the upcoming
IBM
Brain Game and you could win a brand new IBM Laptop Computer
valued
at $3,762! Answer the first five questions correctly and
we'll send
you the SECRET URL for Round 2. The first person to complete
Round 2
WINS. http://happypuppy.com/freebies
****Thank you for supporting our sponsor****
- 1. WHAT'S NEW:
-------------------------------------------------
send ideas to [email protected]
Get a taste of I '76 Arsenal! We have the demo for this
add-on to
Interstate '76. The demo allows you to try out two of these
new
levels. Plus use these new weapons: chemical mortars, caltrops,
4Get-U-Not missiles and Balls O'Flame!
http://happypuppy.com/press/scoop/arsenal-n.html
New web games from Pepsi and Toyota. Both of these big-name
companies
have created some very spunky web games, from the Spice Girls to
growing yourself a Huge Fro!! Lots of fun, check 'em out!
http://happypuppy.com/press/scoop/webgames-n.html
Are you an X-Files fan? Considering buying the game but not
sure
whether to or not? Read our review to help you make the
decision.
Even if you already own it you can get a few tips to help you in
your journey! http://happypuppy.com/press/scoop/xfile-n.html
New Mac game poking fun at politics. You are president
Clinton.
Worn thin by so many accusations you are driven over the edge and
begin blowing away the big wigs on Capitol Hill! Go Bill go!!!
http://happypuppy.com/press/scoop/willie-n.html
- 2. BITE THE VOTE - Free
Gear------------------------------------
Vote at [email protected]
How much of a role do the multiplayer capabilities play in your
enjoyment of a game?
Everyone who votes is eligible to win a piece of vintage Happy
Puppy
gear! Each week one person, drawn at random from the voters wins!
Send your vote to [email protected].
Last week's question:
How do you feel about strategy games like StarCraft being
converted
to PSX or N64?
Your responses:
First off what is all this business about the N64 controller
being
more apt to the genre? Why don't you take a nice long look at the
PSX's new dual analog controller and tell me that that isn't
double
what N64 does and then some. Enough of that, sorry I get off
track
sometimes. This is what I think about strategy games for the
consoles.
They just won't sell. Now, I am an avid PSX owner, but I also
know the
difference between a PC game and a console game. When the public
goes
out and buys a $200 money sucking machine like these consoles,
they are
simply looking for action games. They want physical play with the
game
and they want to control one person, not a town. We want to go on
adventures and kill things using our own talent, not to watch
some
little orc just sit there mindlessly and hack at something. Don't
get
me wrong, those games are good, but they do get long and boring.
(especially without multi-play over the net) So they just don't
work
on consoles. That is what I think about them. They are long and
boring
at times, but it is a totally different kind of thing. I will
tell you
what though. The best strategy game ever made was made on the PSX
and
if you think you can handle it it's called Carnage Heart. (I
swear
you have to have a PHD to play that game, but it's worth it)
That's it.
Brandon
I think games ported from PC to consoles are excellent, as long
as
they are different in some way. They must have something extra to
make
you buy it. In the case of StarCraft, they should add more levels
for
the N64 version to make up for Multiplayer and lack of a mouse.
But
they ARE making an N64 mouse.
Brian Mattucci
I think it would totally suck because it would be harder to
control
your units and guys because of the limitations of controllers for
PSX
or N64 controllers. The mouse and keyboard combination gives you
the
user much more ease because you can react faster with the mouse
instead of a controller. With the mouse, you can move the viewing
screen faster to where something is happening and most likely
with a
controller, it will be set to move the cursor at a pace. That
will
slow you down a lot! The other side of the story is that people
without a computer can play famous strategy games at home instead
of
going to a friends house to play it. This could mean more people
to
discuss strategies on the web!
Christopher Eve
This week BuffyWB22 wins Happy Puppy hats!
Congratulations!! Thank you for all your submissions!
-3. HEATHER BARKS BACK
-------------------------------------------
by Heather Hughes
[email protected]
Question #1
Remember the Bite the Vote addressing the morphing of one's face
onto
their character? When I posed the vote I was unaware that
is was in
the works. Thank you to a heads up from one of you, I found
out that
Sierra's upcoming release Half-life will have this option.
I
contacted Valve Software, the developer, to find out about the
option.
They say that the option will be available for multiplayer
gameplay
and that is totally fun to see the face of a buddy cruising
around in
the game!! More as we get closer!!
Question #2
Hi! I would like to ask about Peter Molyneaux, formerly of
Bullfrog,
who is now with his new independent company Lionhead. My question
is
if there is a way to find out information about this new company
that
he had formed. I have always been a fan of games he had produced
and
would like to find out about any new and upcoming projects that
he
might be working on. Any information is welcome. Thank You.
Ekson
Answer #2
Lionhead's project is Black & White. This title is to
be published
by Electronic Arts and out in 1999. To get the details on
the game
and to find out about Lionhead, check out their website.
http://happypuppy.com/press/scoop/lionhead-n.html
Question #3
Slot 2
The Slot 2 motherboard was
designed for Intel's new Xeon processor. The Xeon is aimed at
server and higher end workstations running 3d apps or large
databases. It supports the running of multiple processors and
multi-threading (running different parts of a program [threads]
simultaneously) and unless you are running some really serious
stuff in the background (say unzipping a 100 meg file while
playing Quake2 AND Unreal at the same time) you won't have a
noticeable difference.
Tracy White
- 4. FREEBIES!
---------------------------------------------------
http://happypuppy.com/press/scoop/freebies-n.html
Did you get Giggy in the SyQuest Sweepstakes? Find out if you
were a
daily winner, -OR- if you were the LUCKY DOG who won a SparQ 1.0
GB
Drive! Daily winners are already listed; the Grand Prize
Winner will
be announced July 20th.
http://happypuppy.com/press/scoop/freebies-n.html
How would you like a Happy Puppy membership card?? It's easy to
get
one. Be one of the first 5,000 to register to be One of Us. It's
free, gets you discounts and secret privileges, helps us make
Happy
Puppy a better place for you, and you can win awesome prizes!!!
http://happypuppy.com/press/scoop/oneofus-n.html
Only two weeks to go in the HEAT.NET Daily Game Giveaway! EACH
DAY
someone will walk away with a copy of FLESH FEAST. Other winners
will
be lucky enough to win a severed arm! Enter today, and tomorrow,
and
the day after that, and even the next day...just make sure you
enter
by July 31st or we may just send the zombies after you.
http://happypuppy.com/press/scoop/flesh-n.html
Get FREE movie tickets when you buy Hoyle Classic Card Games,
Board
Games and Casino! Not only are they fun, but they are a great
value
too. Check it out!
http://happypuppy.com/press/scoop/hoyle-n.html
Have questions about our contests? Find all the answers in our
Freebies FAQ: http://happypuppy.com/press/scoop/freebies-n.html
- 5. Sister Sites----------------------------
MPOG
http://www.mpog.com
JULY FEATURE:
http://www.mpog.com/reviews/hardware/systems/micron/xku333/index.html
In the market for a new PC? Just want to drool over the
possibilities?
In MPOG's July feature, our own John Graham takes a close look at
the
Micron Millennia Xku 333. Loaded with everything from the
heart-stopping Cambridge Soundworks MicroWorks speakers, to an
amazing
Diamond Multimedia Monster 3D II (Voodoo2) card, this machine is
sure
to leave you with your mouth hanging open. Don't miss this
review!
PVP:
http://www.mpog.com/pvp/
Have you been following PVP, MPOG's exclusive comic strip? It's
quickly becoming the talk of the gaming community. Browse through
the
archives for any you might have missed, and check back often.
There's
a new PVP every day, with full color on Sundays!
- 6. Review and hints----------------------------
N2O: Nitrous Oxide
Developed by: Gremlin Interactive
Published by: Fox Interactive
Reviewed by: Raymond M. Padilla
Overview: This fast and furious shooter featuring music by the
Crystal Method provides hours of addictive entertainment.
What do you get when you mix Tempest-like gameplay with
kaleidoscopic
graphics fueled by music from the Crystal Method? Why, you get
Nitrous Oxide of course. Maybe I missed this chapter in
chemistry class but the developers at Gremlin Interactive did
their
homework and Fox Interactive hopes to get straight A's with N2O:
Nitrous Oxide.
Nitrous Oxide is a shooter that can be best described as a
modern day Tempest that's mildly reminiscent of Virgin
Interactive
Entertainment's Nanotech Warrior. The gameplay is basic but
classic:
you fly down a tunnel and shoot things. If it moves, kill it.
Gremlin
Interactive did a nice job combining this classic gameplay with
sparkling graphics and a groovin' soundtrack.
In the distant future, our galaxy is at war. On the plus side,
traffic
is down thanks to a tube-based interplanetary freeway circuit
called
the Torus. The bad guys want to use the Torus to develop a race
of
super bugs and take over the galaxy. Nitrous oxide, a pollutant
by-product emitted inside the tunnels, provides you high-octane
fuel
for traversing the tunnel but also makes the Torus a perfect
breeding
ground for super insects. Your mission is to journey to Neptune
and
destroy all the insectus superior before they are strong enough
to
destroy the earth. The story backdrop of N2O is silly and
unnecessary considering the solid gameplay. Few people remember
what
Tempest's story line was, but most gamers remember the gameplay.
You have five tunnel runners to choose from for your trip to
Neptune.
Each has different braking and turning abilities. Personally, I
find
braking to be for sissies so I enjoy piloting the Cobra, the
tunnel-runner with the best turning but worst braking
capabilities.
You are armed initially with a laser but various power-ups are
found
as you fly down the Torus. There are more than 14 power-ups to
discover. All of them are fun to use except for the Ninja
power-up
which requires braking for optimum use.
There are a plethora of evil insects waiting to kill you. You
start
off being attacked by basic yellow beetles that make nice cannon
fodder. As you advance, more dangerous bugs try to oppose you.
Some
shoot back, others multiply, some lay mines while others require
multiple shots to kill. There are more than 20 insect nemeses to
combat. The most advance insects will require marksman-like aim
and
precision timing to defeat. After you kill an enemy, more nitrous
oxide is released in the tunnel causing you to fly faster. The
variety of formidable opponents coupled with the N2O's fast pace
makes the game challenging.
Electronic currency also appears in the tunnels. After you kill
an
enemy, it turns into a coin. You can shoot the coins to increase
their value. At the end of each stage, you can purchase
additional
firewalls, which are bursts of energy that obliterates everything
in
its path. The rest of your coins are converted to bonus points.
Bonuses are also awarded based on the amount of each type of
insect
you obliterate.
The Torus itself also ads to the challenge. Each of the 30
Toruses
(Tori?) shrink, expand, turn and split. They are all ornately
animated
and run at a scintillating rate of 60 frames per second.
The lighting
effects used in the Torus are awesome. Not only is N2O a fun
game to play, but it's great to watch.
Nitrous Oxide's music is brought to you by electronica (I
remember when it was called techno) [publisher's note: techno is
still
called techno. the Crystal Method is electronic pop.] kings
the
Crystal Method. The ambient tracks are a nice complement to the
psychedelic graphics. There are ten tracks by the Crystal
Method
including some mixes made specifically for the game. Play Nitrous
Oxide with lights off and the volume cranked for the ultimate N2O
experience.
N2O features two different two-player modes. You can choose to
play cooperatively or in split screens. While the cooperative
mode is
fun, it can be a bit frustrating since your tunnel runner cannot
pass
through your friend's vehicle. This has caused me to hit several
companions upside the head for getting in my way. These
two-player
modes add to the game's replay value.
Dual analog controllers are supported by Nitrous Oxide. While
the dual analog controllers allow for quicker turning, the
traditional
digital controllers offer a higher degree of precision. It's
really up
to your personal tastes and styles. Disappointingly, the game is
not
programmed for dual shock effects.
The game comes with an excellent guidebook describing the
abundant
power-ups and enemies. If you are an impatient gamer who does not
read the instructions, N2O has an auto-help feature that provides
a
tutorial whenever a new element is introduced during the game.
Gamers will either love or hate Nitrous Oxide. You'll find the
gameplay either addictive or redundant. It's easy to pick up but
remains challenging. While N2O should appeal to a wide variety
of gamers, hardcore shooters will be among its biggest
detractors.
Having said that, most people will find that Nitrous Oxide is a
great and challenging game that's good for a quick gaming fix or
hours of vegetating.
Tip 1: Although it's extremely tempting, do not go on a mad
shooting
spree. Precise shots will reap the most benefits. In the words of
the
almighty Yoda, "Control, you must learn control!"
Tip 2: Learn each insect's pattern. This way, when there are
several
bugs in the Torus you can plot your next move depending on you
assailant's patterns.
Tip 3: Centipedes should be shot in the head, naturally.
Graphics: 7/10
Sound: 8/10
Getting Started: 9/10
Documentation: 9/10
Value: 8/10
- 7. GUEST SECTION ... you write the newsletter!
-----------------
send articles to [email protected]
(let us know if we should include your e-mail address when we
print
your article; we reserve the right to edit for clarity)
In response to FuzzX in the Scoop, Issue#35:
I believe that free-roaming games, where you decide when and
where
you want to go and do what you want to do, provide a richer
gaming
experience than traditional "railroad" games where you
must go to
point A to get to point B (or get item A to get to point B). But
there is usually a dilemma: quality is sacrificed for the sake of
quantity. The Elder Scrolls game by Bethesda, Daggerfall is a
great
example. It was a free-roaming, do what you want when you want
while
still having a central story line. Don't get me wrong, this is a
very
good game, but it is over 450mb of data, and is mostly done in a
simple graphics style. Also, there were SO many bugs and patches
that
I think it took five patches before the game was playable, much
less
winnable. Not Bethesda's fault, necessarily, but rather in a game
where there are so many possibilities, there also arise SO many
bugs.
With a railroad game, programmers can focus in on adding more
fluff
to it, such as 3D card support, full-motion video and the likes,
which
gamers today just eat up. But this also sacrifices freedom to
explore
the world as you wish. Hopefully one day will bring about a world
and
story line that is as rich and compelling as the graphics and
gameplay.
But what am I saying? Ultima 9 is on its way ;)
-Quasimodo
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