Submarine Computer Games Article

The packages detailed here not only exemplify the latest in game-playing technology, but also present a pretty full view of the whole game-playing spectrum--a world of fantasy and fun for children of any age.

SILENT SERVICE II

This game is the much awaited update of the original Silent Service, which won innumerable computer-game awards and helped define the whole genre of military-simulation software. Players take the part of a . submarine captain in charge of one of nine different submarine classes. These multiple levels of difficulty make the game easy to learn but almost impossible to master completely.

Updated features include great VGA graphics, digitized speech, and Roland and Adlib sound-card support. Players can fight eight historical engagements (including encounters with the Japanese battleship Yamato and carrier Shinano) or head out on a war patrol or complete naval campaign.

Silent Service II is absolutely the WWII submarine-simulation game.

Available for: IBM PC and Tandy

Publisher: MicroProse (301) 771-1151

List Price: $

THE RISE OF THE DRAGON

This is the first of the new Blade Hunter series by Dynamix, and it's unlike anything you've seen before on a computer. Dynamix uses a new technique to digitize, color, and animate comic-book-style, hand-drawn graphics that is absolutely superb.

Players assume the role of a 21st-century private eye in a dark and brooding inner city. A new "point and click" interface allows you to talk to other characters and father items without having to type a single letter. There are puzzles to solve, arcade sequences, and a cast of characters that you won't believe. Dynamix is taking adventure games to a new level with The Rise of The Dragon.

Available for: IBM PC

Publisher: Dynamix (503) 343-0772

List Price: $

KING'S QUEST V

This game is the latest installment of the most popular computer-adventure-game series ever. King's Quest V marks the return of King Graham to center stage for the first time since King's Quest II. His family is in trouble this time, and it's up to the King save them.

The King's Quest series gets a lot of attention from the Sierra On-Line staffers, and this installment is no exception: another great story by Roberta Williams, a professional sound track, and stunning 256-color VGA graphics.

Available for: IBM PC

Publisher: Sierra On-Line (800) 326-6654

List Price: $ (disk version); $ (CD-ROM version)

STRATEGO

This faithful computer adaptation of Milton-Bradley's classic strategy board game takes full advantage of the computer's ability by adding various tournament rules and campaign options. The traditional "capture the flag" concept, however, remains solidly intact. The game comes with several custom-board and game-piece sets, as well as a library of game setups. Digitized battle sounds and music round out this updated classic, which can be enjoyed by gamers of all ages.

Available for: IBM PC and Mac

Publisher: Accolade (408) 985-1700

List Price: $

JACK NICKLAUS'S UNLIMITED GOLF & COURSE DESIGN

This golf package has more bells and whistles than I've seen in any other sports game. The game mechanics are the same as most other golf games with an aiming device and power bar, but Jack Nicklaus's 3D grid over the putting surface is a big improvement over the older aiming methods. Many other added features make this one stand out: players can golf the Muirfield Village course where Nicklaus has his annual tournament or play the Bear's Track course, which was designed by Nicklaus using features included in the package.

With the design package, players can lay out their own courses with a variety of backgrounds. Others will be hardpressed to tell a custom-designed course from one that came with the game.

Available for: IBM PC and Amiga

Publisher: Accolade (408) 985-1700

List Price: $

BLADES OF STEEL

This action-packed game captures all the action of professional hockey: passing, checking, shooting, goaltending, and even fighting. Players go head-to-head with a friend or battle the computer. Either way, 100-mph slapshots, bone-crushing defensemen, and bare-knuckle brawls abound.

Available for: IBM PC, Commodore 64, and Amiga

Publisher: Konami (708) 215-5100

List Price: $ (IBM); $ (Commodore); $ (Amiga) Richard G. Sheffield, an Atlanta-based writer, has written several books on computers and computer gaming.