========================================================================== * ST Format - JULY ISSUE - CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE. Issue #60 * ========================================================================== * * * COMMENTS! The JULY ST Format has been on sale in Europe for * * about 4 days. This summary is once again weeks early due to * * the thoughtfulness of Clive Parker. He got a copy to me of * * this historic, gala issue, marking 6 years of ST Format! * * He did so, weeks before US distributors have received their * * bundles of STF. If you appreciate reading these summaries, * * please send a note of thanks to Clive Parker on CIS. Another * * way to thank him is to buy ST Format and/or subscribe! There * * have been changes and loses in the Atari World this month, * * but more of that a little later. As for buying this packed * * issue in the US, STeve's Atari Sales will take pre-orders on * * this issue #60, for it will not be on sale in the US for * * another 8 days. Please read the accompanying BUY_IT.TXT * * file for pertinent purchasing information. My apologies to * * those that were looking for this summary 2 or 3 days ago. * * I also write for STeve's AtariNOTES! which came due the same * * time of this summary. I finished my part, but it is still * * being assembled as of this moment. Look for STeve's Atari- * * NOTES!, issue #2, the second week of JUNE from the same file * * base from which you get the ST Format summaries. The new * * on-line newsletter-catalog format seems to be catching on * * with close to 300 downloads of it recorded in total from all * * 3 of the major information services. With the new GEM * * interface being used for issue 2, we hope that enthusiasm * * will not wane as STeve's AtariNOTES! grows in size by a * * factor of 3. If you have constructive criticisms or * * comments, do not hesitate to send them my way on CIS or the * * Fido Atari ST echo, or to S.Kipker on GEnie and Delphi. I * * hope STAN2 is a significant issue establishing that STeve's * * AtariNOTES! is here to stay as another avenue of support * * available for Atari computer users. * * * * Sad news for Atari users is that we have suffered major * * loses in the Atari world. The publication, ST APPLICATIONS * * is no more. Unconfirmed statements for its demise were, * * extremely small circulation numbers and lack of advertisers. * * From reading ST Format and my visits to STeve's Atari Sales, * * it certainly was not from lack of product to write about. * * The MAGIC RAM Gizmo, DIAMOND BACK 3, KOBOLD, and ROCK 'N' * * ROLL CLAMS were all new items in stock for June. There * * continues to be new product, but the loss of a quality * * support magazine is not good for the Atari Community. * * * * The second major loss is that Bob Brodie has announced that * * he is resigning from Atari as director of communications. * * This will be effective June 3, 1994. This comes only a month * * after he was re-instated in his panoramic corner office, once * * again as Atari's Director of Communications. I think that * * Bob still appreciates all the communications that were * * directed to Atari in regards to what a great job he was doing * * and how badly he was needed by Atarians. But, Bob Brodie * * in his communication concerning his resignation cited that * * he wished to be closer to home and that the new job has * * shorter hours (not to mention better pay). With Bob Brodie * * racking up over 60,000 miles per year, one cannot blame him * * for wanting a change at this time. He will be severely * * missed. Without his position at Atari, user group support is * * at a virtual standstill. Bob Brodie has always been a * * friendly harbor in the tumultuous world of Atari computing * * and marketing. He had his critics and detractors, but even * * they should admit Bob's departure marks an ominous and * * substantial decrease in Atari support for us end users. I * * doubt they will find another person that will give as much to * * supporting the Atari public as Bob did, let alone relish the * * work (actually LOVE is a better word). If it was not for * * Bob Brodie, STeve's Atari Sales would have closed its doors * * a year and a half ago. Whenever we in Yolo County heard from * * Atari Corp., it was from across the desk or modem of Bob * * Brodie. I am sure that everyone else can say the same. * * I hope everyone joins me in wishing only the best to Bob * * Brodie in his new job and future endeavors. Bob will still * * be an Atarian, but now he will be truly one of us, once * * again. Bob's final lines in his communication were: * * "My thanks go out to all of you (and there are far too many * * to mention here!) that have been such a special part of my * * life. I have made friendships with people via GEnie that I * * expect to be a part of the rest of my days!!" * * * * STeve's NOTE!: "This is a SAD :-( Day for Atari users * * everywhere..." * * * * The third loss to the Atari world is very pertinent to this * * summary. Paula Richards has left ST Format to become editor * * for one of FUTURE PUBLISHINGS' clone support magazines, PC * * ANSWERS. She is the second editor that has come and gone * * since I started doing these ST Format summaries back at * * STF36. I first noticed Paula in January 1992, when she was * * the new Production Assistant for STF. And with her came a * * whole new look to ST Format. I really liked the layout * * changes to the magazine, including: larger pages, more more * * use of color, creative use and placement of sidebars, and * * just an overall festive feel that has since become the * * hallmark of ST Format. I will be very interested in what ST * * Format will be like in August. I really wonder about what * * the layout will look like with Paula now gone. I will miss * * her countenance, smiling from the pages of ST Format. I have * * to admit I fell in love with her picture back in STF33 page * * 87, which had the caption: "Richard's prose is like the * * lapping of warm water on a sun drenched beach." And, this * * was for her debut as a games reviewer for ST Format (at least * * to my knowledge). With such a vivid review of her writing * * skills and exceptional production skills, is it a wonder that * * she became one of my two favorite editors of ST Format? I * * will always state that Paula saved STF from the self- * * described "psychotic...mad wibblings" and "RANT"ings of the * * previous editor. She also weathered at least 3 crisis that * * I am aware of. Lastly, I refer you to that picture in STF33 * * if you really want to know what Paula looks like when she is * * decked out for partying in The Big Apple! (At least * * according to certain Atari Corp. employees) Good bye Paula, * * don't be a stranger, and don't you dare go raiding the STF * * staff for your new magazine. As a STF tribute to Paula, a * * number of layout glitches were allowed, like truncated * * sentences on pages 74 and 75 (the new editor's feature * * article!) and a new file size notation 10LK. How many more * * can you find? I really am going to miss you, Paula. No, all * * the fine pictures of Clive Parker in the pages of STF are not * * going to make up for yours leaving... * * * * * * SUBSCRIBER'S: Since once again I do not have to strain my eyes to do * * so this month, I will describe what is in the SUBSCRIBER'S * * NEWSLETTER and WONDERDISK. We get our first look at the new * * man in the editor's chair, Trenton Webb. You can see his * * picture, sort of, on page 35. What I take to heart is his * * statement: "And for ST Format to work it has to be the * * essential guide to the ST and an integral part of your * * computing. So ST Format is going to have to squeeze every * * ounce of every aspect of every application or bit of kit we * * feature." Now, that is what I like to hear. I think that * * Clive Parker with his monthly installments, DIY, MASTERCLASS * * and FILE MANAGEMENT for beginners, already have set the way * * for this new editor's commitment. A significant announcement * * is that if you have a DIY project idea and STF uses it in its * * pages, they will send you 100 pounds sterling! That would * * more than cover the one-year subscription price of STF, no * * matter where in the world you live. Send your proposed * * project to: "I Did It Myself," ST Format, 20 Monmouth St., * * Bath, Avon BA12BW. Another significant announcement is that * * ST Format is looking for a new Staff Writer. You must of * * course be willing to relocate to Bath, England. For those * * professional writers, that may be hesitant to apply, I remind * * you that ST Format is part of Future Publishing. They have * * so many sister publications covering so many systems, the * * opportunity for advancement and lateral movement has always * * seemed to be there. At least there has always been a talent * * drain from ST Format to the other magazines, the most notable * * of which are Mark Higham, Ed Ricketts, Chris Lloyd, and now * * Paula Richards. Trenton Webb comes into the editor chair * * from within the Future Publishing family. The STOS column * * position, advertised in last month's newsletter, was given to * * Frank Charlton, a name that most STF readers will equate with * * graphic application reviews from past issues. So, it goes to * * show that you have a future when you work for Future * * Publishing (could not resist, sorry). * * * * This month's WONDERDISK is something very special. Clive * * Parker with impeccable timing presents the highly STF rated * * STAR TREK(TM)--KLINGON WAR. I have always maintained that any * * program rated by STF 80% or more is worth acquiring. At STF * * rated 85%, this is one Trek battle simulator you will want to * * have. It uses sound samples from The Original Star Trek show * * (TOS) to give it a realistic feel, the most notable being the * * battle klaxon blaring with Captain James T. Kirk calling all * * hands to red alert! It may take some doing to assemble the * * 800K working disk from the 2 self-extracting files, but it is * * well worth it. Clive tells you step-by-step how to do so * * using a 1 floppy drive ST system. I think most of you know * * STAR TREK tng is ending its first run syndication, MAY '94. * * This game is un-paralleled by any other Trek game for the ST * * in terms of simulating the look and the feel of stellar * * combat portrayed by the 2 Trek series, both TOS and ST tng * * (the next generation). As I was battling 3 Klingon birds of * * pray, being pummelled by their disrupters on the ST, on the * * TV a similar battle was being waged by Captain Picard. As * * I struggled to maintain shields and make phasers and photon * * torpedoes, Capt. Beverly Picard was endeavoring to do the * * same. The sound and graphics of the game merging with the * * stereo sounds of battle from the final ST tng episode, "All * * Good Things..." brought new meaning to the word "battle * * simulator". And as the USS PASTUER's shields buckle and crew * * die, my NCC 1701's shields start to buckle under the double * * thrashing from the 2 remaining Birds of Prey. This is the * * first ST simulator that truly portrays the desperation of * * battle in real time action as shields fail and damage mounts. * * And finally, there is the agony of defeat as your ship * * expands into a new, small constellation of shining points. * * With 3 levels of game play difficulty and 2 settings for the * * number of Klingon ships you have to destroy, this game has * * long play value and will keep you coming back for more. All * * I can say is that you are really missing out if this game is * * not part of your ST library, or if you are not a ST Format * * subscriber. If you are a STeve's Atari Sales STF customer, * * you may download this program from SOARing STar BBS, as * * consolation. Otherwise, you really should subscribe. If you * * need more background sounds, play the game with the ST tng * * episodes, "YESTERDAY'S ENTERPRISE", and two parter, "THE BEST * * OF BOTH WORLDS", running on the VCR at full volume over the * * TV or stereo system. That these are 3 of the 5 most popular * * ST tng episodes according to a Paramount a phone poll may * * have something to do with the degree of game play enhancement * * that will be experienced. Now, if only they had a Trek * * simulator using sound samples from these episodes depicting * * battles fought at next to hopeless odds. * * * * Other programs that are on the WONDERDISK are: BACKDROP, a * * program to load a picture on the monochrome desktop; CAD * * TOOL, a utility program for 3D2 file users with a wide array * * of functions; EXTRA, a new STOS extension that adds a * * whopping new 53 commands to STOS; STOS FIX, a patch that * * allows STOS to run on any ST system (including STes); SENTRY, * * a file packer/unpacker program for the FALCON 030; SYSTEM * * INFORMATION, the latest version of the system information * * program given on the 2nd WONDERDISK; and RUNNER, an alternate * * desktop especially designed for the 520 ST. I would like to * * say with this month's STOS files, and all the others STF has * * given to its readers, by now the loyal readers STOS library * * can be nothing less than awesome. The only excuse I can * * think of for not writing STOS programs is lack of time. * * * * THEME: MAKING A SPLASH! Hurray, the spline line returns for easy * * access and notation of this issue upon my library shelf! STF * * once again has the most beautiful cover of any computer * * oriented magazine, announcing "The new wave of ST games!" To * * this end STF has a huge, 5 page feature article on the * * publishing houses that are still supporting the ST and STe * * with new programs. Eight of these just released or ready for * * release software creations are discussed. In the same vein * * one of Future Publishings finest writers, Chris Lloyd, reviews* * and rates 4 new programs from independent developers. The ST * * line of computers continues to be supported, and we do not * * own orphans (unlike AMIGANs)! * * * * WHAT'S INSIDE: STF reviews over 3 ST, STe, & FALCON game packages, * * 1 of these is definitely new and runs on the ST. There is a * * mixed bag of 4 ST and JAGUAR game previews. On the product- * * ivity and hardware side, 3 productivity software packages, * * the DESKJET 560 color printer, and the CLARITY 16 sound * * sampler for the FALCON030 are reviewed and rated. All of * * these are NEW RELEASES. In the public domain sector STF * * reviews over 6 games, 1 disk magazine, 1 ST demo, 2 ST * * productivity-utility programs, 1 FALCON utility package, 2 * * FALCON demos and 1 music editor. There was very little * * JAGUAR coverage this month. This is noteworthy, considering * * the volume of coverage of past issues and something US STF * * readers will miss. * * * * WHY BUY THIS MAG?!!: Besides a very creative and artistic cover (STF * * should offer a poster of this one), ST Format has 3 programs * * of 7 on the cover disk that I find useful or exceptional. * * They are SNACMAN, a PACMAN clone enhanced for the STe (there * * is a glaring STF discrepancy, see the COVER DISK section for * * my discussion of it); AUTORAM, an all in one RAMdisk program * * that will replace CODERAM and FD COPIER on my system; and * * DISKFREE, a program that keeps an accurate record of your * * disk usage. The latter keeps a log, which can help you in * * determining how your hard drive is being used. For those * * that are well into using QUARTET after close to 20 pages of * * support in ST Format, you are given 20 more instrument * * samples to use and another MASTERCLASS lesson on their use * * this month! * * * * On the feature and regular article side, ST Format tells you * * all about the new software products for the ST. You can get * * a look at EXPOSE', the first TRUE COLOR video digitiser for * * the FALCON, appropriately brought to you by the hardware * * master, Clive Parker. If you are looking for a new word * * processor, Peter Crush (seasoned reviewer of all things DTP) * * lets you know how to determine if you really do need a new * * one and how to select one that meets your needs. He reviews * * and rates a good number of them, from freeware to expensive. * * In NOW WE ARE FIVE, the new editor recaps the first 2.5 years * * of ST Format's 5 year history of publication. This even * * tells you a little about the story behind the lines and about * * the personalities and personality conflicts that made STF * * what it was and is. He even tells you where you can find * * some of these personalities today. * * * * On the educational and informative side Clive Parker tells * * you in one of his DIYs, how to install a power keyswitch on * * your ST. GAMEBUSTERS tutors readers on how to beat the games * * FRONTIER and CHAOS STRIKES BACK in lengthy, reader submitted * * tutorials. The ST ANSWERS section continues to be a wealth * * of information and a reason all by itself to buy ST Format. * * Read this collection of answer columns and you may see your * * specific problem described and its solution given. If not, * * you should write ST Format and ask about it and look in the * * future issues for the solution. Clive Parker continues the * * ST Answer's in depth coverage of a single problem with his * * massive tutorial on how to use ST ZIP on a system with only * * 1 floppy drive. Other MASTERCLASS lessons include one on * * using MOUSE-KA-MANIA 2 and another on using QUARTET. Lastly, * * after those 3 lessons Clive found time to pen another chapter * * for his treatise on the ancient art of file management. This * * month it covers file attributes with sidebars about using * * KNIFE and SEARCHER DELUXE to change them (both programs were * * given away in the past by STF to its readers on cover disks). * * All together this is why I say that ST Format not only tells * * and shows you how to get the most out of using your ST, STF * * instructs you and gives you file support to get the most out * * of your cover disks. This means ST Format is an exceptional * * value for your money!!! * * * * If you need any more reasons to buy this month's issue, do it * * just to read the last issue edited in part by Paula. You * * can read her final replies to readers in the LETTERS section. * * You can also read about the demise of Captain Blunder in what * * is for me the most entertaining installment of this question * * and answer column to date. We will have to await next * * month's issue to find out if the Captain's wounds were fatal * * and if he survives Paula's exit from STF--a real cliffhanger. * * If he does not, will there be a Captain Format or Captain * * Future to replace him? I guess not Captain Future. Moebius * * would probably claim copyright infringement and ride the * * Chunnel to deliver the court challenge, personally. * * * ************************************************************************** ************************************************************************** * * * COVER DISK: This month's cover disk is packed with files, some * * compressed. There are 2 sound utility demos, 1 arcade game, * * 4 utilities, and a collection of sound samples. * * * * AUTORAM is a RAMDISK program that not only automatically sets * * up a RAM disk, the program automatically loads it with files * * at boot-up. I use CODERAM with FD COPIER to load the * * dictionary files of my spell checker into RAM. In this way I * * take advantage of the fact that RAM disks speed up operations * * or programs that are floppy, or even hard drive, access * * intensive. I had to buy CODERAM (from the CODEHEADS) and FD * * copier only works from floppy. This program just may be the * * answer to combine the work of two programs into one and to * * unfetter my boot-up from requiring a specifically configured * * boot disk in drive A on my hard drive based system. For * * those of you that still are using only one floppy drive, a * * RAMDISK is the answer to speed copying of files from one disk * * to another. Just select and copy all the files from the disk * * to the RAM disk, swap an empty disk with the original in the * * floppy drive, and select and copy all the files on the RAM * * disk to the empty disk. This means no more endless disk * * swapping! The major advantage of this RAMDISK program over * * all others is that it is FREEWARE. Experiment with it and * * see if you can find other ways to use it to speed your work * * on the ST. If you do come up with one or two, write ST * * Format and tell them so we can all benefit too! * * * * DISKFREE is a useful utility, that not only informs you how * * much disk space is free on all your drives and partitions, * * it allows you to save a record of the disk space usage. This * * can help you track partition usage and help answer questions * * like: is it time to unfragment files and maximize your hard * * drive; or is it time to back up a partition? With its use of * * a visually efficient color or shade coded display system, you * * can read the display at a glance. It even has a print option. * * This program is SHAREWARE, so you should register and pay the * * author to use it. * * * * MUSIC MON 2 is a functional demo with its save functions * * disabled. As the name implies, it is a music sequencer for * * use on the ST or Falcon to generate sounds and music. What * * sets this one apart from all others, you do not need a MIDI * * keyboard to "play" music. You just use the ST keyboard, * * somewhat like an organ's, I think. As I have stated before, * * I am not musically oriented in my ST endeavors. So, I leave * * it to you to figure out the specifics of this demo that * * includes both a monochrome and color program version. * * * * DESKPIC is for those of you that are tired of the look of the * * ST desktop screen or for those of you that suffer from "PC * * envy." Its selling points are that it works in all screen * * resolutions on all STs and the FALCON030, and it uses * * extremely small graphic files. How it gets by with the * * latter is that it pastes the file image as repeated tiles * * over the entire screen. This means that ESCHER-type, tile * * pictures are the best to use with this program. STF supplies * * this program with 18 GIFs that take advantage of this effect. * * You are not limited to using GIF files. The program can load * * IMG, STAD-PAC, Degas PI?, NEO, DOODLE, and TGA formats, * * though with some of these you negate the file size savings. * * The documentation is all in German, but ST Format in its well * * illustrated 1 page tutorial tells you all that you need to * * know to use it. * * * * SAM 2 DISK is the second sound application demo that is fully * * functional, except for the save routines. This program gives * * owners of the sound sampler hardware, MASTER SOUND, STEREO * * REPLAY, STEREO MASTER, and REPLAY 16, added features and * * functions not found in the software packed with the hardware. * * The selling point is that you can use the above hardware to * * record directly to hard drive. You are no longer constrained * * by how much RAM you have as to the length of the sequence. * * On the other hand with only a 512K machine you can define up * * to 1000 sample blocks and arrange them in sequence for play * * back in new and novel ways. Too bad I own the SOUND OFF * * sampler, not supported by this program. But, for the rest of * * you Microdeal hardware owners like master Mark Rose, this * * could be something you can really get into. That is the goal * * of ST Format demos, to let you try it out and find out if you * * cannot live without it. If you cannot, ST Format tells you * * where to send the check or cheque to purchase it. * * * * SNACMAN is a wonderful new PD clone of PACMAN that takes * * advantage of the STe's sound capabilities. SNACMAN still * * runs easily on a 1 MEG ST and under TOS 1.0. You may have * * problems is you try to run it on a 512K system. SNACMAN has * * a unique multi-player mode that allows you to play against 2 * * other players that control 2 of the ghosts that are out to * * get you, or you them once you eat one of the 2 power pills * * found in the maze. What keeps the play session going is that * * for every 20,000 points, you get another PACMAN life. The * * problem that I mentioned in a previous section of this * * summary is that STF describes the game as "...one of the best * * packman [sic] clones ever seen on the ST" in its COVER DISK * * guide. Schizophrenicly, in this same issue's PUBLIC SECTOR * * review of this game the reviewer states, "SNACMAN is fun, but * * wins no prizes. Damningly, the ghosts don't move in * * patterns... And the collision detection is dreadful..." The * * game is rated in the 3 game compilation containing SQUISH, * * another STF cover disk offering from the past, at a dismal * * 41%. It is like, STFs own reviewer is trumpetting that ST * * FORMAT is foisting junk on its cover disk. I would also like * * to point out that the third part of this compilation is * * described in one line as "a gambling sim." The reviewer * * neglects to inform us if it is a horse racing, craps, poker, * * black jack, or etc. simulation. This is a glaring omission. * * I am also disappointed by the insulting jibes at STF readers * * in this same review as, "(PACMAN, embarrassingly slow on the * * uptake fans.)", and to those answering his very own question * * challenge put up to the STF readers, "...remarkably obscure * * and fundamentally flawed computer fans." All in all I think * * this should tell you where this reviewer is at. I say do not * * believe him and go with the GAME DISK GUIDE assessment. ST * * Format guarantees the high quality of its cover disks. "You * * won't find a better Cover Disk on any ST magazine. That's * * why ST FORMAT outsells all competition." as quoted from this * * month's STF backcover. Well, ST Format IS looking for a new * * staff writer. * * * * BASS INSTRUMENT SAMPLES is another example of ST Format's * * commitment to its readers to give them resources and infor- * * mation they can use to get the most out of the cover disk * * offerings. These 20 instrument samples support STF58's * * offering of the complete and fully functional QUARTET. Next * * month you should look for drum samples. At this rate you * * should have enough samples to construct a band by the end of * * summer! * * * * COVER DISK BACK-UP is included this month. With this wonder- * * ful program you can BACK-UP your cover disks, and with less * * disk swapping and work for you single drive users than * * formating an 800K+ disk and copying the files, one by one. * * * ************************************************************************** ************************************************************************** * * * FEATURES: * * * * EXPOSE' EXPOSED is a preview look at the first TRUE COLOR * * video digitiser for the FALCON030. This is by the hardware * * expert Clive Parker, so it tells you all you have to know in * * not only an instructive manner, but an interesting one. * * Since this is a preview, there is no rating, but pricing and * * specs are important. Previews like this are good, for at a * * suggested list price of 299 British pounds, you are given * * time to save up if you decide to buy it................. [18] * * * * RIDE THE NEW WAVE is a compilation of articles telling you * * that there are 8 new programs that are just now being * * released or near completion. The article goes on to tell you * * about the software houses and the programers that are still * * supporting our computer. If you want to know if these * * programs are of the type or genre that you are interested in, * * I suggest you read this article. To give you a glimpse there * * is a uniquely multi-featured PINBALL game, a STe enhanced * * ASTEROID clone, a STe enhanced THRUST/OIDS clone, ROCK 'N' * * ROLL CLAMS platform game, a STe enhanced platform game using * * totally new game play concepts, a 3D helicopter battle * * simulator and others.................................... [21] * * * * WHICH WORD PROCESSOR? by Peter Crush, veteran reviewer of all * * things related to DTP (printers and software), writes a * * definitive guide that gives you enough information to * * determine whether or not you have the need to upgrade from * * the word processor you are using. From there he breaks down * * what is available by cost. He first covers 3 word processors * * that can be yours for the cost of a download or a disk from * * a PD library -- virtually free. Interestingly, one of these * * is the word processor I use to produce all my professional * * manuscripts. He then reviews and rates 7 commercial programs * * listing for as little as $39 to as high as $179. Three of * * these are ***RATED ST FORMAT GOLD***. If you completely * * digest this article you will know exactly which program will * * meet your writing needs and you may be surprised that it may * * not even be one of the premium priced ones. If you do not * * have the time or patience, there is a comparison table that * * can help you decide at a glance on which word processor to * * buy..................................................... [27] * * * * IS YOUR MACHINE SAFE? is a do it yourself hardware hack for * * your ST by Clive Parker based upon a reader's suggestion. * * Matthew Weinel earned 100 British pounds, cash, for his used * * submission. What this particular DIY does is lets you * * install a power key lock, like those found on many PC clones. * * This could be quite useful for those that need a secure * * system from roommates, spouses and children. Or, it may be * * just the thing to fight off that latest pang of PC clone * * envy. On the other hand no one I know, who regularly reads * * ST Format each month suffers from this psychosis. Clive * * Parker makes this DIY easy to do with need parts listed, * * tools listed, and ample discussion and illustrations. I * * would read the text and not just go by the sidebars for Clive * * tells you what to look out for, so you will not get * * ZAPPED!@#$%............................................. [32] * * * * ATARI'S OTHER FACE is a compilation article, a genre that I * * always enjoy. Interestingly, the title of the article, COIN- * * UPS to CONSOLES, does not match the one listed in the table * * of contents. But, that does not matter for this is a good * * article for its historic ramifications. Next time someone on * * the Fido Atari ST echo or the Internet lets loose with some * * factually incorrect statement about Atari Corp., Atari Games, * * etc., you can quote them the correct facts as written in ST * * Format. What I really like about this article is the return * * of the sidebar lists of humorous anecdotes or off-beat * * definitions that have been few and far between since Andy * * Hutchinson left ST Format with his "top 10" sidebars, * * probably the only thing of his I miss................... [71] * * * * NOW WE ARE FIVE is a nostalgic look at the first 3 years of * * ST Format by the new editor. I applaud him not only for an * * entertaining article, but for taking the time to examine just * * what the history has been like of the magazine he will now be * * directing. I believe that by studying ST Format's past, one * * cannot help but appreciate what has made it The World's Best * * Selling ST Magazine -- the one with widest world distribution * * and most loyal readership. This is also another opportunity * * to arm yourself with Atari trivia to spout and dazzle others * * on the networks and information services. In this month by * * month chronology, you get a thorough coverage of past events. * * What I also appreciate is that Trenton tells us what has * * become of past ST Format personalities, like Mark Higham in * * illustrated sidebars. Mark, we are told, is the development * * editor of GAMES PLAYERS, a game consoles magazine published * * out of San Francisco. I am going seek this magazine out and * * buy it each month. Mark Higham is one of the best editors in * * the business............................................ [74] * * * * MOUSE MANIA is a MASTERCLASS lesson instructing you on the * * finer points of using MOUSE-KA-MANIA 2, the latest version * * (1994 Copyright) of this mouse cursor animator by Charles F. * * Johnson. CFJ is of CODEHEAD and LITTLE GREEN FOOTBALLS fame. * * This is SHAREWARE and well worth the $15 it takes to register * * this utility. With this Clive Parker tutorial, you definite- * * ly will get your moneys worth out of using it. Clive not * * only tells you how to "BUILD AN ANIMATED MOUSE CURSOR IN * * THREE EASY STEPS", in an accompanying, well illustrated * * sidebar, he defines every single feature of the MOUSE-KA- * * MANIA user interface. Such definition cannot be achieved by * * the text-only documentation supplied by CFJ with this * * package. To remind all, MOUSE-KA-MANIA 2 was given away on * * last month's STF cover disk. Once again, ST Format lends * * support to its loyal readers, allowing them to get the most * * out of STF cover disk offerings!........................ [88] * * * * HEARING VOICES is another glitch that toasts the parting of * * Paula Richards, as it is not listed in the table of contents. * * This is a second, Clive Parker MASTERCLASS installment on * * using QUARTET. QUARTET was given away on STF58, the MAY * * issue. This MASTERCLASS installment not only tells you more * * about using QUARTET, it tells you how to use the 20 * * instrument samples supplied on this month's cover disk. Need * * I repeat myself about ST Format cover disk-reader support? * * The best testament I can give is that even though I am not at * * all musically inclined on using the ST, with all this support * * it seems ridiculous that I not try out the software, so I * * will. (I pray that my childhood piano lessons do not come * * back to haunt me and that I will not get the urge to buy a * * MIDI keyboard!)......................................... [90] * * * * THE ART OF FILE MANAGEMENT is Clive Parker's second install- * * ment in his soon to be classic treatise, THE ANCIENT ART OF * * FILE MANAGEMENT. The great sensei not only explains the * * nomenclature of file attributes, he explains their finer * * points and how to make use and take advantage of them. In * * sidebars Clive touches upon the use of KNIFE ST and SEARCHER * * DELUXE in managing files. These two programs are STF cover * * disk offerings from the past. This is another well illus- * * trated tutorial written for the beginner and intermediate * * user alike.............................................. [94] * * * * JAGUAR COVERAGE is now part of SCREENPLAY. * * * ************************************************************************** ************************************************************************** * * * ST Format REVIEWS AND RATES; Over 10 software programs and packages * * are reviewed and rated, 1 of them is a new game and 3 of them * * new productivity packages or significant updates. This month * * has one of my favorite reviewers, Chris Lloyd, perusing in a * * thorough manner 4 software offerings from independent * * developers. One of them gets high enough marks, THE MARK OF * * CAIN, that I say that it is worth acquiring. This is a 2 * * player, combat simulator that uses the first person perspec- * * tive through the use of 2 STs interfaced by MIDI cables. I * * hope everyone knows that I love these type of games that pit * * human against human. There is not a computer algorithm * * around that truly duplicates the experience of competing head * * to head with another sentient being. With the choice of * * armour, weapons and battle accessories, and the included maze * * editor, this game has long play value -- as long as you have * * another ST and a human opponent to play against. * * * * On the gaming front we have previews of 3 ST and 1 JAGUAR * * game package. Of these ISHAR 3 for the ST and DOUBLE DRAGON * * for the JAGUAR seem well-worth waiting for. As for ST games * * that have been re-released, only the recycled for budget * * title, CADAVER, is rated over 80%. The 1 newly released game * * reviewed this month is fittingly found on page 60 of this * * birthday issue, STF60. * * * * Of the productivity software reviews, Digital Arts VECTOR PRO * * merits its ***RATED ST FORMAT GOLD*** award. This vector * * graphic art program has a good number of its features * * described and there are a lot of them. THOUGHT! is reviewed * * by a familiar name, Tony Wagstaff. This application is * * described as a "unique ideas processor and development tool." * * A demo of this program was given away on the April, STF57 * * cover disk. Probably after reading this review, it would * * behoove you to go back and give it a second look. With its * * flow chart and highly organized structure, I think that it * * can live up to its claim to be able to organize projects and * * increase efficiency. Lastly, when you think that you have * * bought THE multi-tasking operating system software for use on * * the ST, MAG!X comes along. Being the first to be written in * * 100% machine language makes it the fastest around. This is * * a well written review that not only critiques, it educates. * * More importantly it discuses software compatibility and you * * will learn that MAG!X is more compatible with the present * * software that is available and the software that is now being * * written for future release. One of these future programs is * * NEODESK 4, which is touted to enhance this system software's * * performance. You should carefully read this article and its * * sidebars to learn of its shortcomings (which are very few) * * and hard drive software incompatibilities. Well, it works * * with ICD utilities, so I have nothing to worry about. Did I * * mention that MAG!X is ***RATED ST FORMAT GOLD***? * * * * The CLARITY 16, a D2D sound sampler for the FALCON by * * MICRODEAL, is found to be a little wanting this month. But, * * at 1/8th the cost of the suggested alternative, CUBASE AUDIO, * * I think that the mentioned shortcomings are trivial to those * * on a budget. It is loaded with features and bundled with * * other MIDI applications. I suggest you read this before * * going out and buying CUBASE. CLARITY 16 may have all the * * features you need. The other hardware item reviewed is the * * HP DESKJET 560C. The experienced Peter Crush reviews this * * printer and he tells you why he thinks it deserves to be * * ***RATED ST FORMAT GOLD***. This is the fourth, new HP * * printer to be reviewed in 3 months. Hewlett Packard continues * * to improve and widen its DESKJET line. The big difference is * * that unlike last month's reviewed HP printer, this one is * * already supported by the HP printer drivers present in most * * WP and DTP packages on the market. PROTEXT 6 and IMAGE COPY * * 2 are but 2 of these. The big advantage over the other HP * * colorjets is in the B/W output. It is much faster and gives * * you a true black print, not a sickly greenish black. This is * * another example of where you thought you had the best, but * * technology marches on to make it obsolete. * * * * The guide to the top selling ST games in the UK is part of * * SCREENPLAY this month. Called CHARTS, it is listed in the * * TOC. SCREENPLAY and CHARTS can be found on page........ [55] * * * * Productivity Software [ATARIPRO] * * * * Vector Pro.............................................. [40] * * * * Thought!................................................ [44] * * * * MAG!X ***RATED ST FORMAT GOLD***........................ [50] * * * * Hardware * * * * Deskjet 560C printer ***RATED ST FORMAT GOLD***......... [48] * * * * Clarity 16 (Falcon)..................................... [46] * * * * * * SCREENPLAY: ST, Falcon, and Jaguar games reviewed and rated. * * * * Football Tactician...................................... [60] * * * * Leisure Suit Larry 3 (re-released bugetware)............ [62] * * * * Cadaver (re-released)................................... [74] * * * * Previews * * * * ISHAR 3................................................. [56] * * * * Premier Manager 2....................................... [56] * * * * Robinson's Requiem...................................... [57] * * * * Double Dragon 4 (Jaguar)................................ [58] * * * * * * PUBLIC SECTOR; ST Format reveals the best in cheap ST software -- * * FREE. There is no GOLD here this month. I think by now you * * know that I think one of the reviewers here has a screw loose * * (challenging the disk editor) and I think another review * * really goes overboard giving a rating of 3% to one game. I * * personally believe that SPACEWAR 2000 should have been rated * * STF 80%. Though panned at STF 33%, from reading the review I * * think my son would love the TRIBAL DEMO with the dancing * * LEMMINGS. I would like to TOCMB this reviewer (reviewer * * techno-babble or techno-gibberish, you decide). If some * * think I am unduly harsh, I apologize, but that SNACMAN review * * really has me pushed out of shape. To really summarize, all * * the ST software is said to be dismal, except for the ST * * utilities and the FALCON productivity-utility ware. This * * month has well over 6 games; 2 utilities; 1 disk magazine, 1 * * demo, 2 Falcon demos, 1 Falcon music, and 2 Falcon utilities * * that are reviewed and rated. There were no educational * * applications or FALCON games found for STF60............ [36] * * * * Demos * * * * Tribal Demo (dancing LEMMINGS!)......................... [38] * * * * PD Utilities * * * * Data Chess.............................................. [38] * * * * Everest (text editor for all TOS computers)............. [38] * * * * PD Games * * * * Spacewar 2000 (MIDI cable, 2 players & 2 STs needed).... [36] * * * * Snacman, Squish and Gamble compilation.................. [36] * * * * Boomrock................................................ [36] * * * * Mobsters City........................................... [37] * * * * Disk Magazines * * * * Nova 1.................................................. [38] * * * * Falcon Demos * * * * Papa was a Bladerunner.................................. [37] * * * * Arrival................................................. [37] * * * * Falcon Music * * * * Mjuzakk................................................. [39] * * * * Falcon Utilities * * * * Master Browse........................................... [39] * * * * Floppyshop (compilation of 37 utilities!)............... [39] * * * * Indies Corners * * * * It dawned on me just now that I should have moved the intro * * text about this section down here. But as it stands, it * * gives me a second opportunity it to announce: Chris Lloyd * * Reviews in ST Format! I guess I should mention the INDIES * * pun or play on words in the title subheader, amusing.... [52] * * * * The Mark of Cain........................................ [52] * * * * Music Tutor-Part One.................................... [52] * * * * The Ultimate Cheaters [sic?] Guide Database............. [53] * * * * Premier League Manager.................................. [53] * * * ************************************************************************** ************************************************************************** * * * REGULARS * * * * COVER DISK; Get more out of your STF cover disk with these * * additional instructions and copiously captioned illustrations * * written and assembled by Clive Parker and Paula Richards. * * These can really clear up those points that the accompanying * * text and doc files on the disk seem to only confuse. Included * * once again are "TEN TIPS FOR COVER DISK SATISFACTION", a must * * read if you are having problems with the cover disk. Also * * included is a 10 step primer on how to extract the compressed * * files on the cover disk.................................. [7] * * * * NEWS; ST Format informs us about the JAGUAR CD card for the * * PCs that Atari plans to market by Christmas. Sidebars inform * * you of new ST product information that STF received as they * * were going to press. These include a new version of FAMILY * * ROOTS, the genealogy program; CANNON FODDER PLAYING GUIDE; * * and RAINBOW, a true color art program. STF even tells you * * where to write if you want to purchase these products, direct * * at the listed price. STF also reports on a couple of British * * shows where they saw new products for the ST, TT, and FALCON. * * These include KOBOLD, the speed file copier; MAG!X; MagXdesk; * * NEODESK 4; CUBASE AUDIO 16; and the FA-8, hardware expansion * * for the DSP port aimed at the desktop musician. Lastly, * * there is a sidebar on new JAGUAR software under development * * and another with the news that parts of Commodore are being * * liquidated, closed, or are no longer open for business with * * the public. Rumors that I have heard are that Japanese, * * German, and Korean companies are interested in purchasing * * subsidiaries. Sanyo is rumored to be bidding on the AMIGA * * hardware rights. The ISISnet twisted the press releases and * * instead of posting that a German company was interested in * * Commodore, that the German company was going to buy out * * Atari Corp.............................................. [13] * * * * PRESENTING... After the change in format last month, it has * * disappeared. * * * * GAME NEWS, the new section of SCREENPLAY that premiered last * * month has been merged back into NEWS. I say, good decision. * * * * FEEDBACK; Paula Richards for the last time replies to STF * * reader letters from the editor chair. Does she lash out with * * parting shots? No, she maintains her even, professional hand * * in reply and demonstrates why she moves on to the new * * editorship of a Q & A magazine. She replies to more letters * * that are trying to justify piracy or to deflect the blame * * piracy has earned for destroying the ST software industry. * * Two letters attack Paula's equating piracy with rape. Paula * * tries to impress upon them again the true emotional meaning * * of the analogy. She is nice about it. I have to say that * * people that do not understand the emotional analogy after * * reading her reply, never will. They will not until they have * * a friend that is a software author or in the industry and see * * him crushed as the program that he has worked months, even * * years upon, is found posted on a pirate BBS. They have to * * see their friend's emotional response as he reads message * * base posts that brag about this "zero warz" (meaning acquired * * and posted on the BBS the first week of commercial release, * * for those unfamiliar with pirate lingo). You cannot tell me * * that this is not mental rape. You cannot tell me that this * * drives people away from developing software, let alone sell * * it or in anyway depend upon computer software to make an * * honest wage to exist upon, let alone support a family. Now * * that I have vented my opinion on those letters, Paula awards * * 25 pounds, cash award, to a reader that has submitted his * * schematics for a foot peddled joystick assembly. Have you * * ever heard the joke "made with tinfoil and baling wire"? * * That is exactly what is needed to assemble this, along with * * 1 resistor, scotch tape, and a discarded copy of ST Format? * * There are many more letters concerning reader interests and * * opinions, but I leave them for you to read.............. [97] * * * * SUBSCRIBE! This is the place for you non-subscribers to see * * what was on this month's Subscribers Only WONDERDISK (see * * the SUBSCRIBER'S section, well above). You even get a * * glimpse of a color picture of Trenton Webb, the new ST Format * * editor, on a picture of the subscriber's only newsletter. I * * say once again, if you live in the UK, it is well worth your * * while to subscribe. You get the WONDERDISK, STF's well * * written versions of WONDERDISK program instructions, the * * BETWEEN THE COVERS NEWSLETTER, and ST Format delivered to * * your door. Of course if you feel that you have to help your * * newstand dealer earn the money to send his children to * * school, that is commendable............................. [34] * * * * ST ANSWERS; seven (7!) jam-packed pages of answers to over 39 * * of your difficult, techy problems to help you understand and * * use your ST or FALCON. This month's topics include: GFA * * Basic, Assembly language, STOS, Music and MIDI, software, * * floppy drive and disk, hard drive, printer, Falcon and other * * specific hardware problems. Once again, Clive Parker writes * * the ultimate tutorial for the ultimate question, determined * * by the volume of user mail. This month you are shown step by * * step with text and a sequence of illustrations how to use * * STZIP on a single drive system. In other sidebars Clive * * teaches you the history of archivers and other important * * definitions. One of these is, what postcardware entails. * * The author of STZIP, Mr. Pomey, would like "a nice" picture * * postcard sent to him in payment for this program that he * * continually updates. This is more than fair for such an * * important product that is a virtual keystone of the ST tele- * * communication community, and Clive explains this statement. * * So, read Clive's tutorial and register your copy of STZIP * * v2.6 today.............................................. [80] * * * * GAMEBUSTERS; Cheats and tips (no maps) for more of your * * favorite games, including a huge, in depth solution for CHAOS * * STRIKES BACK continued from last month. There is another * * in depth solution that tells you how to succeed in FRONTIER * * as a good assassin. Finally, there is a smaller cheat for * * players of THE CHAOS ENGINE............................. [66] * * * * CAPTAIN BLUNDER may not survive Paula's departure. In mid- * * sentence he slumps, unconscious. I am dead serious (or as * * serious as you can be when writing about a super fighter of * * ignorance. He bravely keeps the stiff upper lip and answers * * as many STF reader gaming questions as he can until... The * * new management steps in and asks readers to send in their * * answers to fellow reader question about LOOM, LEGEND, and * * LURE OF THE TEMPTRESS................................... [66] * * * * PIXEL PAINTING did not make it into STF this month. If you * * send in your original ST artwork, maybe Trenton Webb will * * continue this place where the best ST artists could have * * their work published, instead of lingering in a forgotten * * folder on a disk somewhere... * * * * SMART BUYING ADVICE; Paula again presents you with her Top 10 * * list of guidelines for buying by mail order. Actually, these * * 10 points are good advice to use when ordering anything by * * mail order. I still maintain the most important advise of * * all is: Once you find the mail order dealer you like, stick * * with him. Not only does your steady business help keep him * * in business, you will enjoy peace of mind and confidence in * * your dealer with each order you place with him.......... [98] * * * * SELF-EXPLANATORY REGULARS * * BACK ..ISSUES........................................... [92] * * SPECIAL OFFERS (bonus disk software & manuals).......... [92] * * ESSENTIAL CONTACTS (phone numbers)...................... [98] * * * * NEXT MONTH.............................................. [15] * * On a layout reminiscent of the palm trees of a south pacific * * island, STF proclaims "THE SIZE OF IT." Next month they * * promise reviews of 200 Mbytes of ST files on four disks and * * tell you how CD-ROM makes this inexpensively possible. STF * * also promises the BEGINNER'S GUIDE to TOS 2, a step-by-step * * cover disk tutorial for MUSIC MON 2, and new software * * reviews. These include: 3D Calc, a spreadsheet; KOBOLD, * * "the blindingly fast new file transfer system"; and DIAMOND * * BACK 3, the world's best hard drive backup system (Not STF's, * * but my opinion, I know the author. He better know me. He * * drinks my wine whenever he comes to Sacramento). Lastly, STF * * promises a cover disk with program features that will change * * your ST forever. I am sure that STF knows that it is under * * the close scrutiny of its competitors, so I would reserve my * * copy of this issue today. Those that did not pre-order or * * snap up STF31 and STF53 are kicking themselves today. Those * * issues sold out because of their cover disks and are not * * available from STF or any distributor that I know! Other * * things to look for next month is the answer as to whether * * Captain Blunder will be back, the second part of the * * chronological history of the last 2.5 years of ST Format, * * and the answer to the question, "What will ST Format look * * like with Paula gone after 2 and a half years of influencing * * its look?" * * * * This summary is early by 3 weeks for the 4th straight month. * * You can be sure that the summary for STF61 will be 2 days * * earlier next month. This month the delay was caused by work * * on STeve's AtariNOTES! with an editor deadline of June 30th. * * Also, I am supporting the democratic process and helping in * * the campaign for city council of Jerry Kaneko PhD, DVM. Of * * course most of you people know how important the city council * * race of "The Republic of Davis" is to the US. It is this * * city council that has passed such resolutions as establishing * * Davis as "a nuclear free zone," officially protesting wars, * * and sanctioning foreign countries. I am sorry to say that my * * motives are not so lofty as to influence national policy with * * the election of my candidate. I just want leverage the next * * time I have to deal with the dog catcher. * * * * This issue summarized, STF60, is now on sale in Europe. It * * should be at US dealers in 8 days, the 3rd week of June. * * Look for STF61 on July 5th in the UK and the middle of July * * in the US. * * * * I hope people are not put off by the larger summary this * * month. I felt it was necessary to fittingly cover the * * departure of 2 people this month from influencing positions * * in the Atari community. I am not exaggerating when I say that * * these loses will be felt internationally. Also, the loss of * * ST APPLICATIONS and ST tng have their ramifications. I hope * * Trekker Clive does not get it into his head that this * * portends change in his life. In closing I hope everyone * * remembers Dad this month for Father's Day. Again, special * * thanks to Clive Parker; best wishes to Chris Lloyd; greetings * * to Trenton Webb; and a heart felt aloha and salute to Paula * * Richards. And of course, salutations to Dale. * * Ry * * George Richard Yamagata * * CIS [72030,140] * **************************************************************************