ISSUE: 21Content
PRIMARY SYSTEMS COVERAGE
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Nintendo Entertainment System
-
Nintendo Game Boy
-
Nintendo Super Famicom (news coverage)
-
Sega Master System
-
Sega Genesis
-
Atari ST
-
Atari Lynx
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IBM PC
-
Amiga
-
Commodore 64
-
Commodore CDTV (news coverage)
-
NEC TurboGrafx-16
-
Arcade
(Table of Contents (ToC) and select excerpts follow. Bullet lists and (notes) added for clarity. Tentative and working titles purposefully retained.)
FEATURES
A View Into High-Tech Battle With Konami's Laser Scope by Andy Eddy
The fun of NES light-gun games may be revived with this innovative headpiece. (hardware shown; two pages)
The Gods Themselves: A Player's Guide To The Battle Of Olympus, Part I by Clayton Walnum
Your journey through ancient mythology can be difficult, so refer to the first part of our guide to the game gods for help. (NES; includes level maps; eight pages; part 1 of 2)
Video-Game Companies Address Book
If you've ever wondered how to reach the people who make video-game products, we've got an up-to-date list for you. (game company contact information; addresses, phone numbers, game counselor phone numbers; three pages)
Ninja Gaiden II Strategy Guide, Part II by Donn Nauert
Ryu Hayabusa is up against the wall - perhaps literally - in his battle to avenge his father's death. Our control-pad captain will help you find your pathway to victory. (NES; includes level maps; eight pages; part 2 of 2)
The 1990 Gamers' Poll: What Computer Gamers Like - And What They Play by Arnie Katz
The second part of our look at what VG&CE readers boot up when the look for entertainment. (three pages, including 'Three Types of Electronic Gamers' section; part 2 of 2)
The Making Of Origin Systems' Wing Commander by Andy Eddy
People will be talking about this computer game for some time to come. VG&CE gets behind the scenes with the designers to tell you how this space battle was created. (Chris Roberts interview commentary; includes screenshots; three pages)
Winter Computer-Game Preview: Quality Up, Quantity Down by Arnie Katz, Bill Kunkel and Joyce Worley
There will be lots of wild games on disk on store shelves for Christmas. Our computer-gaming experts offer a comprehensive guide to what you'll have to choose from. (survey of upcoming holiday-season software; many games discussed, some shown; six pages)
Computer-Game Strategies by Frank Tetro, Jr.
This month you can get Grade-A advice from our resident expert on Low Blow and DragonStrike. (two pages; includes screenshots; this article is listed in the Reviews section of the ToC)
-
Low Blow (PC)
-
DragonStrike (Amiga, C64, PC)
Semi-Tough! Electronic Football Enters The '90s by Bill Kunkel and Arnie Katz (survey of American football-themed computer games; this article is not listed in the issue's ToC; many games discussed, some shown; six pages, including two-page 'The Electronic Footballography' companion article)
REVIEWS
(includes screenshots; each game rated on 1-10 scale for the following categories: Sound & Music, Graphics, Playability, Overall)
Video-Game Reviews (sixteen pages)
-
TV Sports: Football (TG16)
-
RollerGames (NES)
-
Splatterhouse (TG16)
-
Kickle Cubicle (NES)
-
Phelios (Gen)
-
Mechanized Attack (NES)
-
Thunder Force III (Gen)
-
Battletank (NES)
-
Devil's Crush (TG16)
-
Thunderbirds (NES)
-
Boulder Dash (NES)
-
Sonic Spike (TG16)
-
Narc (NES)
-
Mission: Impossible (NES)
-
Zany Golf (Gen)
-
Insector-X (Gen)
Computer-Game Reviews (nine pages)
-
Aquanaut (Amiga, ST)
-
Loom (Amiga, ST, PC)
-
Railroad Tycoon (PC)
-
Centurion: Defender of Rome (PC)
-
Strike Aces: International Bombing Competition (Amiga, C64, PC)
-
Bad Blood (Amiga, C64, PC)
-
Code Name: Iceman (Amiga, ST, PC)
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Street Rod (Amiga, PC, C64)
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DragonStrike (Amiga, PC, C64)
DEPARTMENTS
Editor's Letter by Andy Eddy ('Letter From The Editor'; editorial; Dr. Mario drug-theme controversy; one page)
Reader Mail (reader mail column; approx. three pages)
Tip Sheet by Donn Nauert (Q&A; tips & strategies; two pages; not shown unless noted; games discussed:)
-
Revenge of Shinobi (Gen)
-
Last Battle (Gen)
-
Adventure Island (NES; screenshot)
-
RoboWarrior (NES; screenshots)
-
Dungeon Explorer (TG16; screenshots)
-
Phantasy Star (SMS)
News Bits compiled by Joyce Worley (news section; capsule news stories; four pages)
-
Commodore Introduces CDTV (hardware shown; Commodore interactive consumer products division general manager Nolan Bushnell comment; Tiger Media's Airwave Adventure: The Case of the Cautious Condor (CDTV); includes screenshots)
-
Nintendo to Launch 16-bit Game Machine in Japan (Super Famicom; Super Mario Brothers 4)
-
Activision Is First American Famicom Developer (Mediagenic (aka Activision) first U.S. company to be named Super Famicom licensee; Mediagenic chairman and CEO Bruce Davis comment)
-
Live Studios Future Classics Have Alternating Screen (Future Classics Collection (Amiga, PC); split screen when played head-to-head two-player; includes screenshots)
-
Asuka Joins Atlus in Attempt to Put Stadium in Game Boy (Pocket Stadium planned (NES, GB))
-
Activision, Philips Reach Settlement Agreement (debt payment plan)
-
Nintendo Postpones Financial Services Network (NES Fidelity financial services no longer planned; online network delayed)
-
Bright Light for Game Boy (Greer & Associates' Illuminator (light accessory for GB))
-
Sound Source Gives Disney New Voice (Walt Disney Computer Software's The Sound Source; PC accessory produces digitized speech, music and sound effects; hardware shown; compatible with Mickey's 123s, Mickey's ABCs, Mickey's Colors and Shapes and future software; includes screenshots; Electronic Speech Systems licensing agreement)
-
Turbo Zone Opens in California (TG16-only store; Serramonte Shopping Center in Daly City, CA; future stores, nationwide club planned; NEC vice president Ken Wirt comment)
-
Atari Gives and Takes (Atari stock buy-back from Namco; Namco to purchase Atari Operations)
-
Accessories for Hand-helds Keep the Fun Clean (Doc's High Tech Products GB and Lynx products and accessories; MegaBoy Cleaning Kit, MegaBoy and MegaLynx A.C. Adaptor, MegaBoy and MegaLynx Auto Power (car adapter), MegaBoy and MegaLynx Charge-It Battery Pack, MegaBoy and MegaLynx Protector (carrying case))
-
Good Memory Will Win Trip to Sierra ("Come Home and Meet the Family" contest)
-
Cabinet Turns Vid-Games Into Home Arcade (Arcade Masters, Inc.'s G.A.M.E. (Genuine Arcade Machine Entertainment) deluxe game room arcade cabinet for Gen, TG16, NES consoles; cabinet shown)
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CopyHolder Ends Map-Reading Blues (Hunt Data Products' MediaMate CopyHolder computer accessory; monitor-mounted clipboard)
-
Video Exec Honored (Acclaim Chairman and CEO Gregory Fischback named "Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year")
-
Top Coin-Ops of June 1990 (Replay Magazine top lists; Best Upright Videos, Best Coin-Op Software, Best New Uprights)
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Controller Lets Special Kids Play NES (NES Hands Free Controller; hardware shown)
-
New Owner Gets Time Out (Sega's Time Out chain of arcades sold to Edison Bros. Stores)
-
Michael Jordan to Co-Design Games (with Electronic Arts)
-
New Cleaning Products Won't Harm Ozone (Geneva Group's VR-109 Super Blast air duster; The Manual Compact Disk Cleaner; The Turbo Disc CD Lens Cleaner)
-
Philips Consumer Electronics Cleans Up (cleaning kit for PCs; Philips marketing manager Rebecca Alexander comment; shown)
Easter Egg Hunt (tips, codes, strategies; includes screenshot(s) unless noted; four pages)
-
Ghouls 'n' Ghosts (Gen)
-
Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES)
-
Super C (NES; not shown)
-
Phantasy Star II (Gen; not shown)
-
Baby Boomer (NES)
-
Dig Dug II (NES; not shown)
-
Cybercore (TG16)
-
Conflict (NES; not shown)
-
Splatterhouse (TG16)
-
King of Casino (TG16)
-
Devil's Crush (TG16)
Yea & Nay
...the high points and low points in the electronic-game industry. (opinions of industry news and trends; one page)
-
Nay (Nintendo wins restraining order against Galoob (Game Genie; shown))
-
Yea (SMS II; hardware, games shown)
-
Yea (Philip Morris USA fighting trademark infringements with kid products)
-
Nay (Nintendo hush-hush on SNES (aka SFX) release date)
Gaming On The Go - Holiday Handhelds by Maurice Molyneaux (portable video game reviews; includes screenshots unless noted; approx. 3.16 pages)
-
Pipe Dream (GB)
-
Klax (Lynx)
-
Dexterity (GB; not shown)
-
Chip's Challenge (Lynx)
-
Flipull (GB)
-
Todd's Adventure in Slime World (Lynx; not shown)
-
Gauntlet: The Third Encounter (Lynx; not shown)
Destination Arcadia by Donn Nauert and Brent Walker (arcade video game reviews; includes screenshots; approx. 2.66 pages)
-
Combatribes
-
Columns
-
Smash T.V.
Game Doctor - All Questions Answered All the Time! by the Game Doctor (Q&A; two pages)
Inside Gaming - Ten Hot Gaming Trends by Arnie Katz
In this issue Arnie looks at the major trends that will shape electronic gaming. (commentary; two pages; includes 'Fandom Update' sidebar)
Advertiser Index (0.5 page)
COVER
Origin Systems' Wing Commander is filled with stunning movielike images that will amaze you. Our look behind the scenes at the making of this computer masterpiece starts on page 132. Inset Photography: Garry Brod, Model: Donn Nauert
PRIMARY SYSTEMS COVERAGE
- Nintendo Entertainment System
- Nintendo Game Boy
- Nintendo Super Famicom (news coverage)
- Sega Master System
- Sega Genesis
- Atari ST
- Atari Lynx
- IBM PC
- Amiga
- Commodore 64
- Commodore CDTV (news coverage)
- NEC TurboGrafx-16
- Arcade
(Table of Contents (ToC) and select excerpts follow. Bullet lists and (notes) added for clarity. Tentative and working titles purposefully retained.)
FEATURES
A View Into High-Tech Battle With Konami's Laser Scope by Andy Eddy
The fun of NES light-gun games may be revived with this innovative headpiece. (hardware shown; two pages)
The Gods Themselves: A Player's Guide To The Battle Of Olympus, Part I by Clayton Walnum
Your journey through ancient mythology can be difficult, so refer to the first part of our guide to the game gods for help. (NES; includes level maps; eight pages; part 1 of 2)
Video-Game Companies Address Book
If you've ever wondered how to reach the people who make video-game products, we've got an up-to-date list for you. (game company contact information; addresses, phone numbers, game counselor phone numbers; three pages)
Ninja Gaiden II Strategy Guide, Part II by Donn Nauert
Ryu Hayabusa is up against the wall - perhaps literally - in his battle to avenge his father's death. Our control-pad captain will help you find your pathway to victory. (NES; includes level maps; eight pages; part 2 of 2)
The 1990 Gamers' Poll: What Computer Gamers Like - And What They Play by Arnie Katz
The second part of our look at what VG&CE readers boot up when the look for entertainment. (three pages, including 'Three Types of Electronic Gamers' section; part 2 of 2)
The Making Of Origin Systems' Wing Commander by Andy Eddy
People will be talking about this computer game for some time to come. VG&CE gets behind the scenes with the designers to tell you how this space battle was created. (Chris Roberts interview commentary; includes screenshots; three pages)
Winter Computer-Game Preview: Quality Up, Quantity Down by Arnie Katz, Bill Kunkel and Joyce Worley
There will be lots of wild games on disk on store shelves for Christmas. Our computer-gaming experts offer a comprehensive guide to what you'll have to choose from. (survey of upcoming holiday-season software; many games discussed, some shown; six pages)
Computer-Game Strategies by Frank Tetro, Jr.
This month you can get Grade-A advice from our resident expert on Low Blow and DragonStrike. (two pages; includes screenshots; this article is listed in the Reviews section of the ToC)
- Low Blow (PC)
- DragonStrike (Amiga, C64, PC)
Semi-Tough! Electronic Football Enters The '90s by Bill Kunkel and Arnie Katz (survey of American football-themed computer games; this article is not listed in the issue's ToC; many games discussed, some shown; six pages, including two-page 'The Electronic Footballography' companion article)
REVIEWS
(includes screenshots; each game rated on 1-10 scale for the following categories: Sound & Music, Graphics, Playability, Overall)
Video-Game Reviews (sixteen pages)
- TV Sports: Football (TG16)
- RollerGames (NES)
- Splatterhouse (TG16)
- Kickle Cubicle (NES)
- Phelios (Gen)
- Mechanized Attack (NES)
- Thunder Force III (Gen)
- Battletank (NES)
- Devil's Crush (TG16)
- Thunderbirds (NES)
- Boulder Dash (NES)
- Sonic Spike (TG16)
- Narc (NES)
- Mission: Impossible (NES)
- Zany Golf (Gen)
- Insector-X (Gen)
Computer-Game Reviews (nine pages)
- Aquanaut (Amiga, ST)
- Loom (Amiga, ST, PC)
- Railroad Tycoon (PC)
- Centurion: Defender of Rome (PC)
- Strike Aces: International Bombing Competition (Amiga, C64, PC)
- Bad Blood (Amiga, C64, PC)
- Code Name: Iceman (Amiga, ST, PC)
- Street Rod (Amiga, PC, C64)
- DragonStrike (Amiga, PC, C64)
DEPARTMENTS
Editor's Letter by Andy Eddy ('Letter From The Editor'; editorial; Dr. Mario drug-theme controversy; one page)
Reader Mail (reader mail column; approx. three pages)
Tip Sheet by Donn Nauert (Q&A; tips & strategies; two pages; not shown unless noted; games discussed:)
- Revenge of Shinobi (Gen)
- Last Battle (Gen)
- Adventure Island (NES; screenshot)
- RoboWarrior (NES; screenshots)
- Dungeon Explorer (TG16; screenshots)
- Phantasy Star (SMS)
News Bits compiled by Joyce Worley (news section; capsule news stories; four pages)
- Commodore Introduces CDTV (hardware shown; Commodore interactive consumer products division general manager Nolan Bushnell comment; Tiger Media's Airwave Adventure: The Case of the Cautious Condor (CDTV); includes screenshots)
- Nintendo to Launch 16-bit Game Machine in Japan (Super Famicom; Super Mario Brothers 4)
- Activision Is First American Famicom Developer (Mediagenic (aka Activision) first U.S. company to be named Super Famicom licensee; Mediagenic chairman and CEO Bruce Davis comment)
- Live Studios Future Classics Have Alternating Screen (Future Classics Collection (Amiga, PC); split screen when played head-to-head two-player; includes screenshots)
- Asuka Joins Atlus in Attempt to Put Stadium in Game Boy (Pocket Stadium planned (NES, GB))
- Activision, Philips Reach Settlement Agreement (debt payment plan)
- Nintendo Postpones Financial Services Network (NES Fidelity financial services no longer planned; online network delayed)
- Bright Light for Game Boy (Greer & Associates' Illuminator (light accessory for GB))
- Sound Source Gives Disney New Voice (Walt Disney Computer Software's The Sound Source; PC accessory produces digitized speech, music and sound effects; hardware shown; compatible with Mickey's 123s, Mickey's ABCs, Mickey's Colors and Shapes and future software; includes screenshots; Electronic Speech Systems licensing agreement)
- Turbo Zone Opens in California (TG16-only store; Serramonte Shopping Center in Daly City, CA; future stores, nationwide club planned; NEC vice president Ken Wirt comment)
- Atari Gives and Takes (Atari stock buy-back from Namco; Namco to purchase Atari Operations)
- Accessories for Hand-helds Keep the Fun Clean (Doc's High Tech Products GB and Lynx products and accessories; MegaBoy Cleaning Kit, MegaBoy and MegaLynx A.C. Adaptor, MegaBoy and MegaLynx Auto Power (car adapter), MegaBoy and MegaLynx Charge-It Battery Pack, MegaBoy and MegaLynx Protector (carrying case))
- Good Memory Will Win Trip to Sierra ("Come Home and Meet the Family" contest)
- Cabinet Turns Vid-Games Into Home Arcade (Arcade Masters, Inc.'s G.A.M.E. (Genuine Arcade Machine Entertainment) deluxe game room arcade cabinet for Gen, TG16, NES consoles; cabinet shown)
- CopyHolder Ends Map-Reading Blues (Hunt Data Products' MediaMate CopyHolder computer accessory; monitor-mounted clipboard)
- Video Exec Honored (Acclaim Chairman and CEO Gregory Fischback named "Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year")
- Top Coin-Ops of June 1990 (Replay Magazine top lists; Best Upright Videos, Best Coin-Op Software, Best New Uprights)
- Controller Lets Special Kids Play NES (NES Hands Free Controller; hardware shown)
- New Owner Gets Time Out (Sega's Time Out chain of arcades sold to Edison Bros. Stores)
- Michael Jordan to Co-Design Games (with Electronic Arts)
- New Cleaning Products Won't Harm Ozone (Geneva Group's VR-109 Super Blast air duster; The Manual Compact Disk Cleaner; The Turbo Disc CD Lens Cleaner)
- Philips Consumer Electronics Cleans Up (cleaning kit for PCs; Philips marketing manager Rebecca Alexander comment; shown)
Easter Egg Hunt (tips, codes, strategies; includes screenshot(s) unless noted; four pages)
- Ghouls 'n' Ghosts (Gen)
- Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES)
- Super C (NES; not shown)
- Phantasy Star II (Gen; not shown)
- Baby Boomer (NES)
- Dig Dug II (NES; not shown)
- Cybercore (TG16)
- Conflict (NES; not shown)
- Splatterhouse (TG16)
- King of Casino (TG16)
- Devil's Crush (TG16)
Yea & Nay
...the high points and low points in the electronic-game industry. (opinions of industry news and trends; one page)
- Nay (Nintendo wins restraining order against Galoob (Game Genie; shown))
- Yea (SMS II; hardware, games shown)
- Yea (Philip Morris USA fighting trademark infringements with kid products)
- Nay (Nintendo hush-hush on SNES (aka SFX) release date)
Gaming On The Go - Holiday Handhelds by Maurice Molyneaux (portable video game reviews; includes screenshots unless noted; approx. 3.16 pages)
- Pipe Dream (GB)
- Klax (Lynx)
- Dexterity (GB; not shown)
- Chip's Challenge (Lynx)
- Flipull (GB)
- Todd's Adventure in Slime World (Lynx; not shown)
- Gauntlet: The Third Encounter (Lynx; not shown)
Destination Arcadia by Donn Nauert and Brent Walker (arcade video game reviews; includes screenshots; approx. 2.66 pages)
- Combatribes
- Columns
- Smash T.V.
Game Doctor - All Questions Answered All the Time! by the Game Doctor (Q&A; two pages)
Inside Gaming - Ten Hot Gaming Trends by Arnie Katz
In this issue Arnie looks at the major trends that will shape electronic gaming. (commentary; two pages; includes 'Fandom Update' sidebar)
Advertiser Index (0.5 page)
COVER
Origin Systems' Wing Commander is filled with stunning movielike images that will amaze you. Our look behind the scenes at the making of this computer masterpiece starts on page 132. Inset Photography: Garry Brod, Model: Donn Nauert
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