In & out

Group, Jan/Feb 2001

the limited

cell phones

disco

pogo sticks

the gap

pagers

raves

razor scooters

faith in action

A Christian-action video game that matches its secu. lar counterparts challenge for challenge and thrill for thrill? Sounds unlikely, but that's the word on Catechumen (N'Lightning), a first person shooter in which players take on the role of a neophyte Christian in Rome A.D. 171. Assisted by angels, the Catechumen battles demons, soldiers, lions, and the hounds of hell to rescue imprisoned Christians. Scrolls containing the Word of God help to increase his faith as he makes his way through the game's 18 levels. Seriousgamers.com says Catechumen "proves without a doubt that a first person shooter can be immensely fun without extreme levels of violence and gore." (Evil opponents aren't killed-they're bathed in light, drop to their knees, and bow to pray!)

future fun

In record stores of the future, kids will preview songs online and then credigital "kiosks" that provide instant CD burning. A taste of the future has already arrived with the launch of a pilot program by the Wherehouse Music chain: .Com by Wherehouse features the RedDotNet kiosk system and offers personalized selections that start at $4.48 for the first song and $1 for every additional song. The fun's limited for now, though, by the scarcity of legitimate online music.

shhh shoes

Sha Sha Shoes give new meaning to the word "sneakers." The pricey, thick-soled shoes popular with skateboarders and club-goers come in a variety of styles, but they all contain a hidden feature: a secret 2-inch-long, 1-inchdeep compartment in the insole. Sha Sha Shoe cofounder Billy Ruff says the company's intention was to give kids a place to stash money or keys, but U.S. Customs warns that the shoes' hiding places are being used for more clandestine purposes.