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Discount Store News, Feb 6, 1995 by Pete Hisey

Time Warner also introduced a three CD Official Super Bowl title that includes stats, still photos and video clips from every Super Bowl, a must-have, at about $40, for every football fanatic. Similar titles may be on the way for baseball and basketball fans, Giuffre said.

Time Warner is also developing Atmosfear, based on the hit board game Nightmare, and Fast Attack, a submarine warfare game. On the kids' side, Peter & the Wolf will be joined by a Thumbelina title.

Viacom Newmedia, which has developed a strong niche with older kids, in the 8-year-old to 14-year-old range, may push that envelop with its second MTV title, Aeon Flux, based on a cartoon series run within the hit Liquid TV series. The title will come out for Play Station first, the company's Betsy Vorce said, then on multiple platforms, including PC. Two major new movies will also become games for various platforms, including Phantom 2040, based on the cartoon strip, television series and upcoming movie, and Congo, based on Michael Crichton's next blockbuster, due this summer. Vorce expects Congo to become a major property, in large part due to the lead character, Aimee, an animatronic gorilla that learns to speak English. Viacom vp Al Nilsen, who has seen previews of the movie, feels the character could become a major new license in several areas, including toys.

Multi-platformed

An emerging leader in the computer software market is Interplay, which combined with sister company Macplay, has flooded the market with hit product for virtually all platforms. Its Dungeon Master II is already well known, but it was Frankenstein: Through the Eyes of the Monster, which stole the spotlight. In the game, the player adopts the point of view of the resurrected monster and must escape Frankenstein's castle to save the daughter he was executed wrongly for killing. This may have been the most mesmerizing game at the show, boasting a strong and compelling story line, full-screen video and fiendishly difficult game play.

Another strong Interplay title was Virtual Pool, in which the player's mouse becomes an amazingly realistic pool cue. The feel of the game, every click and thud, is absolutely real, and the game rewards the subtle touch of a truly good player.

Similarly, The Skins Game offers a highly realistic golf experience, with full video of the actual course.

For those who can't get enough of Doom, Descent offered a truly 3-D version of the experience, with labyrinths that dive deep into the earth.

Interplay also broadened its line by becoming the exclusive distributor for Great Wave Software, a leading publisher of educational titles for younger children.

Hyperbole Studios, which developed the interactive movie The Vortex, one of the most innovative titles of 1994, is working on what is sure to become 1995's most controversial game, 10-State Spree. The object is to stop a serial killer, but it's almost certain to register a hefty splatter quotient.

Packard Bell, which issued its first software titles at the end of the year, plans to expand its line of value CD titles (list $19.98) with a full offering of interactive storybooks, and is now in the process of searching out new kids' authors. "Then we plan to grow the line by appealing to new age groups," said PB Software's director of marketing services Glen Uslan.