JAG Journal NOV/DEC 1994
JAGUAR JOURNAL
November/December
TABLE - O - CONTENTS
Item page
Editor's Ship.........................................01
"Don't Get CD Yet"....................................01
Game Reviews..........................................02
Doom......................................02
Alien vs Predator.........................03
Club Drive................................04
Checkered Flag............................05
Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story...............06
Brutal Sports Football....................07
Game Previews.........................................07
Val D'Isere Skiing and Snowboarding 07
AirCars 08
Troy Aikman NFL Football 08
Burn Out 08
Double Dragon 09
Rayman 09
Ultra Vortex 09
Blue Lightning CD 09
BattleMorph CD 09
Iron Soldier 09
Release List..........................................10
Most Wanted/Most Popular Jaguar Games.................10
Press Releases........................................11
Atari Unveils 4 Games.....................11
AvP Nearly Sold Out.......................12
Jaguar Available In Japan ................12
Atari, Sega Close Transactions............12
Time Warner Cable Network to Offer........13
Atari Corp Results -3-....................13
Atari Corp Results -2-....................13
Sega and Atari Announce Long-term.........13
Atari and Williams Ent to Create .........14
"Have Video Games Gone Too Far?" article..............15
"Have Video Games Gone Too Far?" feedback.............17
Late Breaking News....................................17
Contest...............................................18
Cat Nap...............................................19
Editor's Ship
Welcome to the second issue of the Jaguar Journal - made especially for the Cat's Club members. Last time, over 30 copies were downloaded from the CatScan BB, and it was overwhelmingly loved. This time, it is being E-MAILED to you at no charge. It will later be put up on the CatScan BB. We expect close to 100 copies to read between now and the next issue.
As apart of the second Jaguar Journal is a contest where you could win a very helpful ZIP'd file that contains maps to all seven floors in Alien vs Predator, and has all the cards (except 4, 5, & 8; read explanation) weapons, airducts (with directions on how to get through them), the escape pod, Med-Lab locations, and more. It is located at the end of the issue - but don't go down, because we've got tons of reviews and previews, and also a lot of news on the Jaguar and Atari as well.
Also in this issue is a piece of work that was published in The 21st Century newspaper. This paper circulates through 750 schools in the NYNEX area (New England and parts of New York). This is not a realtor's paper (that would be Century 21).
Please do enjoy the issue, and write to the editor soon. I'd like your feedback.
Don't Get CD Yet
by Jeffrey Norwood
Note: this article is an opinion of the writer and does not reflect the Jaguar Journal's staff's thoughts.
I will be the first one to say DON'T GET THE CD...YET. Not until Atari can prove it is ready to produce a constant supply of CD software while maintaining and equal amount of cartridge based software. The Atari Jaguar CD has a lot of great specs and numbers - but they haven't even announced the official release date, or what game, if any, will be included with the Jaguar CD. Atari is going to have a hard time not becoming another TTi (Turbo Technologies, Inc). What TTi did is when they brought out the Super CD, within 6 months, carts had become halted. I feel Atari should wait to bring out the CD and concentrate on games. I got a recent demo tape from my local retailer (by request, on loan) which contained over 30 titles for cartridge. Some of the best games (of the future) included Val D'Isere Skiing and Snowboarding, Cannon Fodder, Dragon's Lair, Fight For Life, Burn Out, and Rayman. It also contained a bunch of carts out or about to be released, such as Doom, Iron Soldier, Ultra Vortex, and Bubsy. The only CD material shown on the tape was the VLM (Virtual Light Machine) which was being demoed with the Tempest Soundtrack (which we are all still waiting for). With all the carts coming out in the next four months (Dec-Mar), I wouldn't consider the CD - yet.
I would get it around Summer '95, where the software will start to balance and the games should be out for it. If they're aren't 15-20 titles by June, then just forget about it til Christmas 95.
But now, lets show that you do not need a CD to get 3DO power.
GAME REVIEWS
Game Name: Doom
Publisher: Atari
Developer: id software
Game Size: 32 Meg Cart
Game Type: 1st Person Shoot'em Up
MSRP : $69.99
Game Rating: M (Mature Audiences)
Some things in life are certainties. The Cubs never winning a World Series is a certainty. The Bills never winning a Super Bowl is a certainty. But now, a new certainty is coming into view. With Doom, the Atari Jaguar is certainly the system of choice for 3D gamers.
For those unfamiliar with Doom, the gameplay is simple. Kill, kill, kill. That's it. While Alien vs Predator was more of a strategy type first person game, Doom has no strategy. And that's the whole fun. Forget about mapping or planning methods of attack, in JagDoom simply pick up a chaingun and slaughter bad beasties from the infernal depths of hell. It may not be good for your impressionable mind (according to that beastly Janet Reno and that sissy Senator Lieberman) but boy, will you have fun!
The graphics in JagDoom are top notch, surpassing all other versions of the game. The enemies are finely detailed, much more so than the computer version. You can actually see the strong, thick abdominal muscles of the imps or the jagged teeth of the pink, humanoidish blobs.
In fact, after more than a week of playing this game, I can find no flaws what-so-ever. None. Oh sure the resolution could have been better, but who cares? This came is as close to perfection as a game can get. The only way id can top this masterpiece is JagDoom 2-in ultra resolution.
Graphics: Great graphics with rich colors. Only flaw is
relatively low resolution. (98)
Audio: Pretty good sound effects. Gunshots sound realistic.
Just wish there was music during game. (90)
Gameplay: Simple controls + addictive gameplay= great fun.
(100)
Theme & Fun: This game really rocks! (99)
Overall: The best game on the Jag-so far. Beats out AvP by
the slimmest of slim margins. The game is nonstop fun.
Perfection. Almost. (99.5)
ADVISORY: THIS GAME IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ANYONE UNDER 13, AT
LEAST. THE GAMEPLAY IS TOO INTENSE AND GORY. THE GRAPHICS
ARE DOWNRIGHT SATANIC IN SOME PLACES WITH UPSIDE DOWN
CROSSES AMONG OTHER DEMONIC SYMBOLS. (in other words, don't
take this game to your next Church picnic!)
[The previous review of DOOM was written by Josh Fritsch]
Opinions
C: 9 J: 8 D: 9 M: 10
Game Name: Alien Vs. Predator
Publisher- Atari
Developer- Rebellion
Game Size- 32
Available- now
Game Type- 1st Person Strategy Shoot'em up
MSRP- $69.99
With their first release on the 64-Bit Interactive Multimedia System, Rebellion LTD has not only become one of the elite next generation system developers, but the leading 3D developers around.
Alien versus Predator is a first person-kill-everything-that- moves- game from Rebellion, a British software house. In AVP, you assume the roles of either the Alien, Predator or Marine-each with their own storyline and purpose. As the marine, you awaken from a deep sleep to find your space-station overrun by strange creatures from
hell-the Alien and Predator. Your goal is to self-destruct the beast and escape via and escape-pod. The Predators goal is simple: kill the Alien queen take back her skull as a trophy. As the Alien, your mission is to rescue your Queen from the evil clutches of the Predator.
AvP is an amazing game. The graphics are realistic-to the point of being photo realistic. I swear to you, sometimes I forgot I was just a guy playing a video game. Instead, I believed that I was a marine, trying to stay alive. Or a strange alien who is trying the find its destiny. The graphics are that real. From the moment you enter the
station to the last fight of the game, you shall be dazzled by some of the amazing graphics none to mankind. You have not lived until you're being chased down a dark hallway by twelve hungry Aliens-without a single round left in your weapon.
But this game isn't just eye candy. Unlike Doom, this game requires a real strategy. You can't just run into a room full of Aliens and expect to survive. You have to pick and chose your fight.
Remember, you're not trying to be a hero -you're trying to stay alive.
Is this game perfect? Nearly. Even though the extreme closeup graphics are a bit chunky and the frame rate could've been increased a frame or two, this is one of the most satisfying games you will ever play. The great graphics and sounds, coupled with the need for a strategy make this a sure bet for any Jag owner. If you're not a Jag owner, well, it's about time you became one!
Graphics: 98
Audio: 100
Control: 98
Theme & Fun: 97
Overall: 99
(Look for my reviews of Iron Soldier and Val D'Isere Skiing and in the next Jag Journal)
Opinions
C: 7 J: 10 D: 9 M: 9
[The previous review of ALIEN VS. PREDATOR was written by Josh Fritsch]
Game Name: Club Drive
Publisher: Atari Corporation
Developer: Handmade Games
Game Size: 16 Meg Cart
Available: December 7, 1994
Game Type: Driving Simulation
MSRP : $59.99
You may have read the GameFan review and ratings and may be thinking not to buy this. But, from what I saw, the game is a good game for entertainment. There really is no storyline (not included with the EP-ROM I reviewed), but here are the objects. In mode 1, you are just racing against the clock - being timed. Another mode is "tag", which can be against a friend or the computer. It's fun. I spent quite some time playing it the first time around (abut 70 minutes). And, collecting powerballs is pretty fun. The biggest strength is not what GameFan said - the freedom of movement. Instead, it is the two player options. The game is worth two player. It's fun.
The graphics are nothing spectacular, but aren't that bad either. In the house, at the 3/4 view, it looks like a little toy car. The house is nice. Cabinets, closets, the kitchen, and more are graphically resembled. There is even a TV with Pong on it (and I have a feeling a code or secret will allow you to access the game). The little car seems slow, but still enjoyable. I like that fact you can "see" through the car - there is no one driving it. It gives it a "matchbox" feeling.
The music in the game is nice to hear. Although nothing in comparison to Tempest 2000, and the engine seems weak, the music is cute, bouncy tunes. Nothing distracting. One sound that WAS distracting is when you rev up the engine to around 130 M.P.H., it makes this awful screech!
Play control. Better than Checkered Flag. There are no major play mechanics; it's just a regular controlled game.
Fun? I loved it. Checkered Flag was too hard to control. While this may not have the great graphics or sound, it is nice to see that I can play a Jaguar game without a gun! This game is also one of the only $59 games set for release this December. If you love two player games, then this just might be the one.
I think that if Atari did spend a little more time, then it would have even better graphics. But then again, we are kind of rushing them to get these games out, understandably. It's a good buy.
Graphics - 77
Audio - 65
Play Control - 77
Theme & Fun - 85
Overall - 76
Opinions
C: 6 J: 7 D: 6 M: 7
Game Name: Checkered Flag
Publisher: Atari Corporation
Developer: Rebellion Software, LTD
Game Size: 16 Meg Cart
Available: December 5, 1994
Game Type: Racing
MSRP - $69.99
It's about time we get a new game for the Jaguar. We keep on waiting and waiting and waiting. Atari would not release a batch of games until they were of perfect quality. Well Atari, next time lets go for perfect.
In Checkered Flag, you have to race through 10 different courses in under set amounts of time. As you go along, you will go up against up to five drones who just never leave your side. They just ram into you and almost force you off the course.
The game itself was nice graphics. Huge clusters of smooth polygons combined with almost realistic skies make this worth seeing over and over. If you decide to chose a sunny forecast, then that's what your going to get - a nice blue sunny sky. You can chose between multiple colored cars (the version I was reviewing had 4) - although I though the car could have been done better. The polygons are nice - from the canyon-like race tracks through the bridge scenes, the game is a sight to see.
The game also contains good music. Of the ten games available, five don't have music, or at least good-for-the-ear music. This one does.
The game also contains tons of options. You can choose the color of your car, the weather, airfoil design, the tire texture, how the gears will shift, and more. You probably won't find many games with this many options.
The control is a killer. You will probably be thrown off by the way the car turns, but you'll get used to it real fast. Unfortunately, even when you catch on, you will have a hard time. It's just to jerky to let go and have fun. For the first few minutes of playing, you won't even find the road itself. I got used to it, but still find myself in a bunch-o-pieces once in a while (more like once every 7-10 minutes!). As Game Fan said, "Just remember, when you're cornering, the position the car is in when you release it, is the direction it is going to go. There is NO over steer. The control is touchy, very touchy." And that is the problem. Too touchy.
Managing the control can be a task - and got my younger brothers frustrated often. They did get used to it (in the review version) Once you get used to it, you will be very pleased with the graphics. These graphics could have been done on 3DO or 32X (with color loss), but not Super NES or Genesis. You know how much a 3DO costs? $399. Do you know how much a 32X costs (including Genesis - cause you need it for the 32X)? $268. Virtua Racing DLX costs $69-79. But, unfortunately, it is worth it versus Checkered Flag. Atari - don't keep making us wait and then come out with games that don't show off the whole system
Graphics - 90
Audio - 82
Play Control - 65
Theme & Fun - 75
Overall - 75
Opinions
C: 7 J: 7 D: 8 M: 7
Game Name: Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story
Publisher: Atari Corp
Developer: Virgin Interactive
Game Size: 16 Meg Cart
Game Type: Action/Fighting
Available: November 30, 1994
MSRP : $59.99
Game Rating: T (Teen)
Here's my opinion on the game Dragon after playing the game for 5 hours. It is a so/so Jaguar game that is deserves more credit from GameFan than it received. It would be a better than average SNES game, but we all bought Jaguars for more than "better than average SNES games". The box art is nice, and the directions are adequate. There are many options for one and two player, and this game is tough.
Punches and kicks do limited damage and there are no special moves unless Bruce's chi reaches a certain level. It is nice to hear music on the Jaguar, and the music in this game is fairly well done. The sound effects could have been better. The characters have the look of a 16-bit game and the backgrounds are colorful, but half look 16-bit and half look more like 64-bit. On the plus side, I found myself
playing this game for a while and despite getting frustrated on the "easy mode" I kept coming back for more, since I have nothing better to play. If you can't wait for UV or even KN then buy Dragon>
[The previous part of this review was written by Thomas Wheeler]
Graphics - the graphics aren't that bad, but most of them could be done EASILY on SNES. (75)
Audio - the game contains good music and shouldn't annoy you. (85)
Play Control - no hard to play, but then again not many moves to use.
(80)
Theme & Fun - the game will keep you entertained for a while, but no special moves and 16-bit style graphics will probably keep you away - plus the difficulty level. (73)
Overall - the game is worth a try, but UV is definitely the one to wait for. (75)
Opinions
C: 5 J: 5 D: 7 M: 6
Game Name: Brutal Sports Football
Publisher: Telegames
Developer: ???
Game Size: 16
Available: NOW
Genre: Sports/Action
MSRP: $59.99
Graphics - 78%, nice color and very smooth animation. Not 64 bit quality, but very good.
Music/Fx - 70%, it's there, but you won't pay much attention to it. As for fx, they add nicely to the game, but again, you're in it to kill!
Control - 80%, its like a regular action game. Simple to control, and great to push that button and just slice your opponent's head off!
FunFactor - 88%, it's really fun. Good killing fun is what we need, and we get that a lot on the Jaguar - but not this style. A sports type action game with blood in it. Really good.
Overall - 80%, is it worth buying? For 64 bit power? Not really. For fun? YES, YES, YES! This game is another Jaguar game that scores high in the fun area. I hope more games will be just as fun.
Opinions
C: 6 J: 8 M: 8 D: 8
(full review in Sept/Oct Jaguar Journal, available by request)
GAME PREVIEWS
Val D'Isere Skiing (Week 2 in December) - by the time you read this, you should be playing this. But, going into print there were no EP- ROMS available, and the game wasn't on sale at stores yet. I got a demo tape, from 11/14, which contained 2 1/2 minutes of game footage. The game made me blink more than twice. The graphics were superb. Realistic backgrounds made this one good looking game. And the music in the tape was also very upbeat. I'm not sure how the control is (I didn't get to play it yet), but I'm guessing it can't be that hard at all. Non-snow people will enjoy this one - Snow lovers on skis and boards will crave this one. Created and designed by Atari Corp and Virtual Studios, to be published by Atari Corp. Preview Rating: B+
Due for a review in the January/February issue.
AirCars (Week 2 in December) - and we'll go to the next preview. You're wondering why? The game sucks big time. It is almost a duplicate of CyberMorph with much worse content. The graphics are same colors the whole game; it has a voice in it (like Skylar) that is barely understandable; there's no music; and it seems out of focus. The only advantage is that you will be able t have eight players at once with the CatBox. The game is created and published by MidNite Entertainment. This is one game you DO NOT want to get or even rent...or look at.
Preview Rating: D
Due for a review in the January/February issue.
Troy Aikman NFL Football (Week 2 in January) - the game has been delayed to fixed it up a little bit. The game looks a little better than the SNES version, but that's not saying much. I kind of like it though. While the sound is only average (although the voice samples are great), the options are very likable. Create your own team on a set amount of money, raising it buy funds and advertisements. The game features all 28 NFL teams (no player's license). It has a 3DO Madden behind the QB view - not bad. A little out of focus, but the colors seem to be smooth. A little more work could pay off big time. Originally designed by Tradewest, which was bought over and is a part of Williams Ent. So, designed by and published by Williams Entertainment.
Preview Rating: B-
Due for a review in the January/February issue.
Burn Out (April-June '95) - this is one @#$%^&* good game. It's a motorcycle game GOOD ENOUGH TO MATCH ROAD RASH FOR THE 3DO! The graphics are wonderful - full real-life stuff. The music is hip-hop and rockin' away. 3DO people - get ready to get a taste of your own medicine. To be published by Atari (designer unknown).
Preview Rating: B
Double Dragon V (Week 4 of December) - Ultra Vortex all the way!!! Double Dragon V is a very, very, very, very (did I mention very?) poorly designed game. While it sports maybe 24 bit backgrounds, the rest is Genesis. The game contains blood which look like red-barbecue chips and just disappear. Jag owners don't have time to waste $60 on garbage. Designed and published by Williams Ent (when is the last time they put out a "bad" game?)
Preview Rating: D+
Rayman (Week 3 of January) - now this game will sell systems (as you've heard in every other magazine). The game features very nice backgrounds, and super animation. The game is really fun. For example, there is a jump you can't quite make without a little help. What do you do? Pack some seeds in the ground and a flower appears, which you can use as leverage. The sound is top notch, and it easy to play. Designed and published by UBI Soft.
Preview Rating: A-
Ultra Vortex (Week 2 of January) - Kasumi, get out. DDV, go back to Genesis. MK, go combat somewhere else. Because this game is so unbelievably awesome. You play as one of eight characters (Mercury, Grok, Lucius, Nice To Beat You, Skull Crusher, Buzzsaw, Dreadlock, and Volcana). The music in really upbeat and well fit, while the graphics, especially the backgrounds, are wicked smooth and great to look at. The control was only 60% complete in the version - I just hope they improve it a tad, and this game will be perfect. Designed and published by Beyond Games.
Preview Rating: A-
Blue Lightning CD (Week 4 of December) - rumored to be packaged with the CD unit, this game is looking and doing great. The game has nice textured-mapping, no slowdown, and has a good soundtrack. You can tell it is a "first" game (for the CD), because it doesn't really contain any FMV shots or anything the CD is capable of. Still, if you're looking for a good simulation (CyberMorph just didn't cut it), then I'd get the CD. Plus, with all the great games planned for the CD next year, it might be worth it. Designed and published by Atari. Preview Rating: B
BattleMorph CD (Week 4 of December) - or this might be the one to come with the CD. This was shown on a 10 minute tape - it looked okay. The game was only 50% done on the tape. There was music on the tape, and it wasn't bad (although it wasn't great either). One thing that is good is you can be different "things". One level you might be in a tank; the next a jet; or the next a boat. This game had good textured mapping. Designed by ATD and published by Atari.
Preview Rating: B
Iron Soldier (Week 2-3 of December) - at press time, we did not receive an EP-ROM or our copy of the game. A video had the game on it, so we can't judge control. But the game has superbly smooth graphics. They are very well done, and there is some music in the game. The play control doesn't LOOK hard. The only thing I've heard is that it is a hard game.
Preview Rating: B+
Release List (Including Current Games)
*Air Car Wars (MidNite Soft) December 6, 1994
*BattleMorph CD (Atari) December - end
*Blue Lightening CD (Atari) December - end
*Bubsy (Atari) December - mid
*Double Dragon V (Williams Ent) December 30, 1994
*Hover Strike (Atari) December 30, 1994
*Iron Soldier (Atari) December 9, 1994
*Kasumi Ninja (Atari) (M) December 15, 1994
*Rayman (Ubi Soft) January 15, 1995
*Space War (Atari) December - end
*Syndicate (Ocean) December 15, 1994
*Theme Park (Ocean) December 15, 1994
*Troy Aikman Football (Williams Ent) December 21, 1994
*Val D'Isere Skiing & Snowboarding (Atari) December - early
*Ultra Vortex (Beyond Games) January - early
*Zool 2 (Atari) December - mid
Total Carts: 26
Total CDs: 2
Total by Christmas: 21
Total by year's end (Jan games not included): 26
Here are the games presently available:
Alien vs Predator - $69.99 - available nationwide
Brutal Sports Football - $59.99 -
Checkered Flag - $69.99 - available nationwide
Club Drive - $59.99 - available nationwide
CyberMorph - $59.99 - comes with system - available through Atari separately
Doom - $69.99 - available nationwide
Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story - $59.99 - available nationwide
Evolution: Dino Dudes - $49.99 - available nationwide
Raiden - $49.99 - available nationwide
Tempest 2000 - $59.99 - available nationwide
Trevor McFur in Crescent Galaxy - $49.99 - available nationwide
Wolfenstein 3D - $59.99 - available nationwide
Prices are MSRP (Most Suggested Retail Price) - it is what they most likely will be found at - but some games, like Tempest, can be found cheaper.
Most Wanted Games for the Jaguar:
1. Kasumi Ninja 2. Rayman 3. Iron Soldier
4. Doom 5. Checkered Flag
Most Popular Games for the Jaguar:
1. Alien vs Predator 2. Doom 3. Wolfenstein 3D
4. Brutal Sports Football 5. Tempest 2000
The following CD games will be released in the 1st Quarter of 1995. (January - March). BattleMorph and Blue Lightening will be released simultaneously with the CD (one will come with it)
Charles Barkley Basketball
Brett Hull Hockey
Creature Shock
Demolition Man
Jack Nicklaus Cyber Golf
And some other game that begins with "C".
Also in the works for the Atari Jaguar CD that we know of is:
Return to Zork, by Activision
Hammerhead, by Atari (being developed by Rebellion)
Legions of the Undead (once again, Rebellion)
Those games are due out in the 2nd Qtr (April-June)
Two rumors are rapidly circulating. We here do not like to publish rumors, but we will, and under no circumstances is this our word or idea - SO DON'T BLAME US!
Rumor Numero Uno (for those Spanish friends of ours!)
Myst is in the works for the Atari Jaguar CD. The game will contain all the original stuff in it plus a special Jaguar only level. It is rumored that this is all true and the game is due out this coming Summer.
Rumor Numero Dos
Electronic Arts is going to sign on and bring John Madden to yet another system (it has been on every other system; SNES, GEN, GAMEBOY, 3DO, and even the TURBODUO!), and FIFA Soccer to the Jaguar CD.
If those are true, then the Jaguar will definitely get a big jump from it. And a rumor in last issue has been confirmed! Mortal Kombat 3 has been confirmed and should be out when the Super NES and Ultra 64 versions are released, probably between Oct 95 and Feb 96.
PRESS RELEASES (recent, from mid-November)
11/29/94 Atari Unveils 4 Games For Its Jaguar System >ATC
SUNNYVALE, Calif. -DJ- Atari Corp. (ATC) unveiled four titles
for its Jaguar video game system.
In a press release, the company said Doom and Checkered Flag
will retail for $69.99 each. Atari said Club Drive and Dragon:
The Bruce Lee Story will retail for $59.99 each.
An Atari spokeswoman said Doom and Dragon are available
immediately. She said Checkered Flag and Club Drive will be
available before Christmas.
(END) DOW JONES NEWS 11-29-94
1:23 PM
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11/23/94 Atari Says Alien Vs. Predator Game Nearly Sold Out >ATC
SUNNYVALE, Calif. -DJ- Atari Corp. (ATC) said initial production
of its new Alien Vs. Predator game, launched Oct. 21 in stores
worldwide, has nearly sold out.
In a press release, the company said it is working with
suppliers to get additional quantities to stores for the holiday
shopping season.
''In less than three weeks, over 50% of our installed base
purchased Alien Vs. Predator,'' said Atari. ''We have also seen
a strong increase in sales for the Jaguar system coinciding with
the release of this game and the launch of our expanded
advertising program.''
(END) DOW JONES NEWS 11-23-94
11:23 AM
---------------------------------------------------------------------
11/22/94 Atari's Jaguar Game Available In Japan Toys 'R' Us
Stores>ATC
SUNNYVALE, Calif. -DJ- Atari Corp. (ATC) said its 64-bit video
game system, Atari Jaguar, will be available at all 25 Toys 'R'
Us Inc. (TOY) stores and other selected stores in Japan.
In a press release, Atari said Mumin Corp. of Tokyo will
handle distribution and sales.
(END) DOW JONES NEWS 11-22-94
1:13 PM
----------------------------------------------------------------------11/16/94 Atari, Sega Close Licensing, Equity Transactions >ATC
SUNNYVALE, Calif. -DJ- Atari Corp. (ATC) said it received
regulatory approvals for its previously announced pact with Sega
Enterprises Ltd. (J.SEL), and that the two companies have
completed the transaction.
The two companies announced in September that Sega would pay
Atari $50 million as a licensing fee for a library of patents
held by Atari. In addition, Sega made an equity investment in
Atari of $40 million.
The two companies also struck a cross-licensing agreement
through the year 2001 that allows them to publish on their
respective platforms.
In a press release, Atari said the funds it received from Sega
will be used to increase software development and promotional
activity.
(END) DOW JONES NEWS 11-16-94
4:54 PM
---------------------------------------------------------------------
11/16/94 Time Warner Cable Network To Offer Atari Jaguar Video
Games
MAITLAND, Fla. -DJ- Time Warner Cable's Full Service Network has
agreed to offer Atari Corp.'s Jaguar 64-bit interactive video
games on demand to network customers.
Consumers will access the Atari games on the Full Service
Network using the 64-bit Jaguar game system device. The games
are digitally compressed and stored on magnetic hard drives, and
downloaded to the game device at the consumers' request, the
companies said in a press release.
In addition, using a Hewlett Packard DeskJet 550C printer,
consumers will be able to print out game instructions with
full-color graphics.
About 30 Atari Jaguar game titles will be available on the
network next year, the companies said.
(END) DOW JONES NEWS 11-16-94
---------------------------------------------------------------------111/14/94 Atari Corp. Results -3-: Cites Higher Mkting Costs >ATC
Atari Corp. (ATC) said a ''substantial portion'' of the revenues
for the latest periods were derived from its Atari Jaguar 64-bit
multimedia system. The company attributed the loss in the third
quarter to increased marketing expenses to promote Jaguar and to
the limited software library available during the quarter.
(END) DOW JONES NEWS 11-14-94
7:58 AM
---------------------------------------------------------------------
11/14/94 Atari Corp. Results -2-: 3Q, 9 Months Financial Tabel
>ATC
Atari Corp.
3rd Quar Sept. 30:
1994 1993
Sales $7,173,000 $4,411,000
Net income (3,886,000) (17,633,000)
Avg shrs 58,809,000 57,140,000
Shr earns
Net income (.07) (.31)
9 Months:
Sales 23,523,000 20,280,000
Net income (8,211,000) (26,294,000)
Avg shrs 58,263,000 57,138,000
Shr earns
Net income (.14) (.46)
Figures in parentheses are losses.
(MORE) DOW JONES NEWS 11-14-94
7:49 AM
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09/28/94 SEGA AND ATARI ANNOUNCE LONG-TERM LICENSING AGREEMENTS,
EQUITY INVESTMENT, AND RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES
SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- Sega Enterprises, Ltd., and Atari Corporation (AMEX:ATC) announced today an affiliation that includes several agreements designed to serve as the basis of future working arrangements between the two video game manufacturers.
Under the terms of the agreements:
-- Sega will receive worldwide, non-exclusive rights with
certain exceptions to Atari's extensive library of
patents, a number of which extend beyond the turn of the
century. The agreement covers Sega, its subsidiaries,
its licensees, and its customers for more than 70 U.S.
patents and applications, for a fully prepaid royalty to
Atari covering the remaining 7 years of certain patents,
amortized at approximately $7 million per year. Atari
will therefore receive a total of $50 million, less
Atari's contingent attorney fees and costs.
-- Sega will purchase approximately 4.7 million shares
of Atari common stock for a total price of $40 million.
-- Both companies will enter into software license
agreements for a specified number of games that would be
made available on each company's present and future
platforms.
-- Atari will dismiss its legal proceedings against Sega,
and each company will release all claims against the
other.
The agreements are subject to approval by the United States
Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission
under Hart-Scott-Rodino and to certain other conditions.
"We are extremely pleased with this relationship that has
potential long-term benefits for both companies," said
David Rosen, Co-Chairman of Sega of America.
"We at Atari are very pleased with this new affiliation.
The increased cash position will be used among other things
to enhance our marketing position this fall," said Sam
Tramiel, President, CEO of Atari Corp.
Atari designs and markets interactive multimedia
entertainment systems and is located in Sunnyvale,
California.
Sega Enterprises, Ltd., Tokyo, is a nearly $4 billion
company, recognized as a leader in interactive digital
entertainment media with operations on five continents. ----------------------------------------------------------------------
9/26/94 ATARI AND WILLIAMS ENTERTAINMENT TO CREATE 64-BIT VERSIONS
OF POPULAR ARCADE GAMES
Innovative Deal Brings Hot Games To Both Jaguar Fans and
PC Game Players
SUNNYVALE, CA --
Atari and Williams Entertainment have agreed to work together to
bring vastly enhanced versions of Williams' popular, classic arcade
games to the Atari 64-bit Jaguar system and high performance PCs.
According to the licensing agreement, Atari will exploit
the Jaguar system's 64-bit power to create new versions of
such Williams' hits as Joust, Defender, and Robotron.
These new games will offer features such as first-person
perspectives in a realistic, three-dimensional environment.
Atari then will market these games for its Jaguar system,
while Williams will license the new versions to market them
for high performance PCs. "64-bit power will make our best
games even better by creating a compelling, immersive,
experience for players," said Byron Cook, president of
Williams Entertainment. "We are very excited about the
Atari Jaguar 64-bit platform and are happy to support it
with our finest titles."
This is not the first cooperative venture between Williams
and Atari. Williams and Atari have been promoting the
Jaguar 64-bit system with Williams' Troy Aikman NFL
Football through radio promotions in 25 top markets
nationwide. Williams will make the game available in
November on the Jaguar. Williams also is publishing a
Jaguar version of its popular game Double Dragon Five,
which also will be available in November.
Williams Entertainment Inc. is the new home video
subsidiary of WMS Industries, the company that created
Mortal Kombat and NBA Jam video games.
Since its release in November 93 Atari's Jaguar game system
has been named the industry's Best New Game System (Video
Games Magazine), Best New Hardware Systems (Game Informer)
and 1993 Technical Achievement of the Year (Die Hard Game
Fan). Jaguar, the world's first 64-bit video game system,
retails for $249.00 and is the only video game system
manufactured in the United States.
Atari Corporation, based in Sunnyvale Calif., designs and
markets 64-bit interactive multimedia entertainment systems
and video games.
(Note: the following is a reprint of an article that appeared in The 21st Century. This is a New England and part New York school paper which has a circulation of 750 schools. More than 160,000 students read this paper monthly, as it is published monthly. This article was printed by the editor of the Jaguar Journal, president of the Cats Club, Jeffrey Norwood. It was printed in the October 1994 issue. Take a look a write some feedback.)
HAVE VIDEO GAMES GONE TOO FAR?
by Jeffrey Norwood, '97
Auburn High School
Blood. Full Motion Video. Sega. Discrimination. Kids. What do all those terms have in common. They all have something to do with video games.
In August 1993, Night Trap, by Sega, was banned from Great Britain. Why? The adults and teachers in England saw students copying the acts that were performed in Night Trap for the Sega CD. And, in December 1993, Toys R Us took the game off its shelves.
September 1993. Acclaim releases Mortal Kombat simultaneously on Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Game Gear, and Game Boy. The Sega versions had a code that when entered, would let you see blood come out of a guy when he was hit, and saw unbelievable, disgusting "Fatality Moves". Sega does allow blood in their video games. Nintendo's versions had "sweat" come out instead of blood, and the "Fatality Moves" were dramatically toned down.
May 1993 Summer CES (Consumer Electonic Show) in Chicago. Sega announces rating system and labels that will be put on each game for what type of content it contains. In January 1994, at the Winter CES in Las Vegas, 3DO, a highly advanced $500 CD system, reveals their rating system.
July 1994. Atari releases Wolfenstein 3D, uncensored, with Nazi symbols and blood. The game receives no rating, and is sells the limited first 3000 copies in under 48 hours.
The US Senate has taken this violence issue into their own hands. They have clearly stated that if the game companies do not issue an industry rating system, they will.
Well, Senate people, there's more happening in 1994, and you may one of the many things.
September 1994. Mortal Kombat 2 will be released for all four systems as Mortal Kombat 1 was, all having blood. They will get MA-17 ratings or "Not appropriate for those under the age of 17; parental guidance recommended" symbols.
September 15, 1994. Kasumi Ninja for the Atari Jaguar will be released, with similar Fatalities and blood features as in Mortal Kombat. It will have no rating, but will have a programmable password protection system where when the password is entered by a parent and activated, the blood and fatalities will be lessened.
November, 1994. The industry will release a nation-wide rating system for all systems and their games.
What do you think? I have mixed feelings. A little blood and horror shouldn't be so surprising, but discrimination to women, as in Night Trap, is uncalled for. First, I'll tell you why the blood and horror should be allowed, and not shocking. Every human body has blood in it. You're telling me that if you get a paper cut, and see blood, your life is going to be over? Or, if you watch Home Alone 2, and see the pigeon lady, and it scares you for about two seconds, the movie should be banned from all theaters and homes. Come on wake up. Oh yeah, here's one that I heard from a CNBC anchor: "...when the Coyote takes a rock, and tries to hit the Road Runner. That's violence too, ya know." And, the answer to that was: "That's different."
No, not really. That's violent. Cartoon or not, its violence. That means we should rate Loony Toons PG-13! I may sound like a fool, but, this video game violence issue with blood and horror is just plain dumb.
But discrimination against women is uncalled for. That type of game should be banned before it even gets out to the stores.
Fourty-million people world-wide play the old Nintendo daily alone, and with tons of systems out there, I would guess at least another twenty-five-million people do.
Go ahead, start a rating system. It would solve lots of trouble to the Senate and cause less harassment to the video game industry. But one thing you should know is that we play the games cause their good and fun, not because we want the blood and violence that are in them.
(Note: the following is feedback printed in the November 1994 issue of The 21st Century. This person is not a Prodigy member or apart of the Cats Club)
HAVE VIDEO GAMES GONE TOO FAR? (OCTOBER ISSUE)
I am in full agreement with Jeffrey Norwood's article on the ever- changing world of electronics. The delirious U.S. Senate seems to think that slapping a rating system on video games will solve their problems of telling which game carts are appropriate. They and some complaining parents have the unrealistic idea that kids will begin tearing their friends apart because the kids have witnessed a similar act on a violent video game.
There is, however, absolutely no room in video games for sexist discrimination against women. Playing a female discriminating game like "Night Trap" may imprint the word "inferiority" in the minds of many young viewers. This is a characteristic unhealthy for any person. Quality is what draws avid agme players toward games, not the violent content, and the pointless rating system that goes into effect this month is the result of misled individuals.
Response by Todd Newman, Seymour, CT
Late Breaking News!!!
This was just picked up off the CatScan BB. It is about Fight For Life. Take a look.
CATNIPS.... Jaguar Notes from Don Thomas
Below is an excerpt from text issued by Atari's PR firm;
Edelman Worldwide. It was issued to selected contacts
regarding Atari's "Fight For Life" game revealed by
Francois recently on the online services.
(Thanks to Travis Guy from AEO Magazine who has found
forwarded me a copy of this text online and saved me
some typing) [routed Oct. 12, 1994]
--------------------------------------------------------
TAPING SESSION for new Atari video game.
Atari producers are using live Martial Arts experts and
BioVision(tm) full motion technology to create the most
accurate and realistic Martial Arts fighting game ever
made. Thanks to BioVision technology and the Jaguar's
64-bit power, the characters in the "Fight For Life"
video game will have fluid and natural motion.
At the video shoot, Martial Arts experts will perform the
required 250 different moves (attack, defense, collision,
moving, etc.) needed for the game's 3D animation.
25 different markers will be attached to each of the
Martial Arts experts. Signals from each marker will be
picked up by the camera and sent to a central system
(monitors will be set up to view this action). The rate
of the shooting is an incredible 200 frames per second.
All the data will then be processed, adjusted and
modified for the Jaguar's 3D engine.
Atari has invested in BioVision's advanced production
technology to fully utilize the superior power of the
Atari Jaguar 64-bit technology. Although BioVision's
technology has been used to create other video games, it
has never been used to produce 3D games for a system as
powerful as the Jaguar 64-bit system.
BioVision offers state-of-the-art motion capture service
for the Video Game Development and Computer Graphics
Animation Industries. BioVision software in conjunction
with 3D optical data acquisition system, captures,
calculates and animates motion.
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! CONTEST ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
As part of our second Jaguar Journal, the editor has come with the first contest. You must answer the 5 questions below, about video games, correctly. By doing so, you will be entered into a special "Player's Tournament". This would be done by entering to into a computer wrestling program. Your names would be entered, and you all would have the same number of Strength, Endurance, Skill, and Speed (all would have 10). You would face off in the tourney, and we will see who wins and how "long" it takes. The winner will receive:
A GIF file of the Alien vs Predator maps - containing all sub levels plus the Alien and Predator ships. On it it tells where each card, weapon, air-duct, etc. is. The map does not contain cards 4, 5, and 8. However, it shows where Card 6 is and it isn't that hard to get. It shows where the pod is, the Motion Tracker - everything but those three items. I may add that I have found no use for card 5 and 8. But, getting card 6 (which like I said is really easy to get) will. When you enter your submission, please tell me if you have a program that will UNZIP zip'd files, and if you have a GIF viewer. If not, and you win, then you will get a prize of equal value (in this case, bytes). The file is over 69,000 bytes.
Questions (multiple choice)
1. What was the first video-game machine ever marketed?
a) Atari 7800 b) Nintendo c) Colecovision d) Atari 2600 e) none of the above
2. Doom won Best Game of the Year from which new television show, hosted by Leslie Neilson and Jonathan Thomas Taylor?
a) the Academy Awards b) CyberMania c) WWF Mania d) none of the above
3. The Tempest 2000 designer was who?
a) Jeff Minter b) Sam Tramiel c) Bill Clinton d) Adolf Hitler e) Moe
4. Two Jaguar games were partly developed by Rebellion Software - which two? (please write two letters)
a) CyberMorph b) Crescent Galaxy c) Dino Dudes d) Raiden e) Tempest 2000 f) Wolfenstein 3D g) Alien vs Predator h) Brutal Sports Football i) Doom j) Dragon: BLS k) Club Drive l) Checkered Flag m) one of them is not listed n) both are not listed
5. Which game is not being developed or published by Ocean, for the Jaguar?
a) Lobo b) Ape Sh*t c) Theme Park e) Syndicate f) there all being published by Ocean
Just E-Mail me back the correct answers and you could win the map which could save the walls around you a little beating (nothing personal)
For the wrestling tournament game:
please also respond with your AGE, HEIGHT, WEIGHT, and whether your MALE or FEMALE. NONE of this info will be given to anyone or posted anywhere without your written permission.
Send answers to WTMJ44B
Subject: CONTEST ANSWERS (if it doesn't fit, just write CONTEST ANS)
Make sure you put your name and ID at the end.
CAT NAP TIME
I really hope you have enjoyed in this issue of the Jaguar Journal. Our next issue comes out in late-January. Once the Jaguar games start coming out at a faster rate, we will probably have the Journal come out once a month instead of once every two months. (Probably around March). Thanks for reading.
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