Counting swords with the enemy at the gate
Article Abstract:
Interactive Magic's $49.95 Knights and Merchants strategy game challenges players to manage a complex medieval village. Responsibilities include defending the village from neighboring provinces' armies, overseeing sophisticated supply lines and ensuring productivity from the serfs. The game begins with players attempting to rescue their burning village from an invading army and undertaking an expensive reconstruction of the entire economy. Losing the battle will result in the village's demolition and possible death of contributing inhabitants. Players therefore learn the consequences of military devastation and its impact on the home economy, which reflects the experience of its producer, Germany-based Joymania. Knights and Merchants also continues a popular German computer-game trend of managing a complicated task that involves numerous people. By contrast, US sports games and military games stress the individual doing whatever is necessary to achieve a performance-based objective away from home.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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In the mainstream: dead deer, not demons
Article Abstract:
Wizard Works's $19.99 Deer Hunter, the top-selling computer game in the US, demonstrates how technology is reaching the mass market. The inexpensive game's authenticity appeals to hunters and fishers, especially deer hunters, according to Wizard Works. Players can select from among various US habitats and then wait from 10 minutes to 30 minutes for the deer to arrive. A .270-caliber rifle, 12-gauge shotgun or bow are available as weapons. Hunters who hit their target will see the deer's head go onto a plaque for the trophy room, but a miss will likely scare off the deer and force hunters to resume waiting. Wal-Mart sold 250,000 copies of Deer Hunter while it held an exclusive 90-day stocking right between Sep 1997 and Christmas 1997. Deer Hunter, now available at Target and Kmart, has sold more than 500,000 copies and reached the leading position on PC Data's sales chart.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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Replaying, or twisting, Battle of Gettysburg
Article Abstract:
Sid Meier's Gettysburg wargame allows virtual participation in the famous Civil War battle, but it also raises questions about historical accuracy. Players may choose from three authenticity modes to command their own re-enactments. The Historical mode allows players to carry out the battle as it occurred in Jul 1863. By comparison, the Random mode may produce completely unrelated scenarios which demand quick decisions and allow new interpretations. Mixed accounts for the other mode in the game's 40 different outcomes. Excellent graphics and a user-friendly interface display battlefield tactics such as firing while retreating. Soldier morale also plays a critical role in affecting a commander's decision. Younger players may increase their Civil War knowledge but complicate the historical process.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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