• Tag Archives 1990s

  • Byte (May 1993)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Source: Byte – May 1993

    Byte was probably the best multi-format computer magazines from the 1970s all the way until the early 1990s. Byte’s coverage tended to be a little more technical that other mainstream magazines. The May 1993 issue includes:

    Cover Story

    • Intel Launches Rocket in a Socket – An introduction to Intel’s new Pentium processor. At introduction, the fastest Pentium (66 MHz) was about twice as fast as the 486 DX2-66. The first systems would be announced in May but these would be mostly expensive workstation and server class machines. More affordable Pentium systems wouldn’t really be available until 1994.

    News

    • Microbytes – Researchers build first general purpose optical computer, first Mac clones, British company develops 1 GB CDs, plug and play for ISA, and more.
    • First Impressions: AutoCAD Draws on Windows – A look at AutoCAD Release 12 which was the first version for Windows (3.1).
    • A Heavy-Hitting Unix for PCs – A first look at Solaris 2.1 for Intel based PCs.
    • NetWare 4.0 – A look at the latest version of NetWare which was a network based OS. Windows and Linux server OS variants have since taken over the tasks NetWare used to do.
    • Canon’s NoteJet 486 – An interesting 486 based laptop that includes a built-in printer.
    • HP LaserJet 4Si and HP LaserJet 4Si – Reviews of two network laser printers from HP.
    • PagePlus 2.0 – Review of a low cost desktop publishing package.
    • Compel – A review of presentation software with multimedia features.
    • Painter 2.0 – An art program for Windows.
    • What’s New – The DTR-1, a handheld 486SLC based computer that runs DOS and Windows 3.1 with a pen interface; Tangent and Diamond Technologies releases PCs with both EISA and VLB interfaces; PST-MO128 rewritable magneto-optical drive; two new color scanners; SmartLink V.32bis Fax Modem; VIP-C programming environment for the Mac; Magic 5.0 visual application development system; POET object-oriented database for C++; and much more.

    Features

    • Oberon: A Glimpse of the Future – A look at an object-oriented operating system.

    State of the Art

    • Should Encryption Be Regulated – I always thought this was a dumb debate. The answer is obviously no. Otherwise encryption isn’t very useful.
    • Stealth Virus Attacks – A look at new viruses that use stealth to attack network computers.
    • Resource Guide: Virus Protection for Networks – An overview of available anti-virus software.

    Reviews

    • Lab Report: Hands-On Testing 126 Printers – A massive survey of dot-matrix, laser, ink-jet, and portable printers.
    • Making the MPC Upgrade – A look at ten different kits to make your PC multimedia compliant as well as complete multimedia systems. Upgrade kits generally included a sound card, CD-ROM drive and sometimes speakers.
    • Personable PIMs – An overview of Personal Information Managers. These days, everybody uses Outlook and/or their phones for these tasks.
    • Banyan’s “StreetTalk for NetWare” – Software designed to simplify administration of multiserver NetWare networks.
    • Windows Video Recorders – A look at video capture cards for windows from AITech, Matrox, Creative Labs and others. These cost between $500 and $1500 and peaked at 320×240 resolution.
    • Tape Backup on the Go – A look at four portable (external) tape backup drives including the Colorado Jumbo Trakker 250, Iomega Tape250, Micro Solutions Backpack, and SDI Model 250P.
    • Lotus 1-2-3 Release 3.4 for DOS – The latest iteration of this spreadsheet software that was arguably the first killer app for computers.

    Hands On

    • Under the Hood: Computing on Wheels – A look at the latest computer technology being used in cars.
    • Some Assembly Required: The Power of Inheritance – A tutorial for using multiple inheritance in C++ programs.
    • Beyond DOS: Getting a Handle on Windows NT – A look at Microsoft’s new Windows NT operating system from a developer’s point of view.

    Opinions

    • User’s Column: Once More into the Breach – Commentary on protectionism, plus a look at UPSes, Intel OverDrive processor, and more.
    • Stop Bit: Losing the Human Edge – An article on how computers are getting better than humans at games.
    • Letters – Letters from readers on topics such as OS/2, the trend towards GUIs, computer language translation, and more.

    …and more!


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  • GamePro (January 1997)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Source: GamePro – Issue Number 100 – January 1997

    Next to EGM, GamePro was probably the most popular gaming magazine in North America. The 100th issue of GamePro from January 1997 includes:

    Special Features

    • 100th Issue! – A timeline of GamePro dating back to April/May 1989.
    • Hanhelds for the Holidays! – A guide to new handheld games available for the holidays. Games covered include Donkey Kong Land 2 (Game Boy), X-Men Mojo World (Game Gear), Tetris Attack (Game Boy), FIFA Soccer ’97 (Game Boy), Bugs Bunny in Double Trouble (Game Gear), Pinocchio (Game Boy), Madden ’97 (Game Boy), Street Racer (Game Boy), Sword of Hopell (Game Boy), and Battle Zone/Super Breakout (Game Boy).

    SWATPro Strategy Section

    • Star Gladiator PlayStation ProStrategy Guide – A detailed strategy guide for this sci-fi themed fighting game from Capcom for the PlayStation.
    • The Fighter’s Edge Power Move Pro Wrestling – Strategies, moves and more for Power Move Pro Wrestling for the PlayStation.
    • Silverload – A walkthrough of this difficult point and click adventure for the PlayStation.
    • Game Enhancers – Game Genie codes for Alien 3 (Genesis), Castlevania Bloodlines (Genesis), Super Metroid (Super NES), and Scooby Doo Mystery (Super NES).
    • SWATPro – Tips and tricks for Mortal Kombat Trilogy (PlayStation), Formula 1 (PlayStation), Street Fighter Alpha 2 (Saturn), Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (Genesis), Madden ’97 (PlayStation), Wipeout XL (PlayStation), Andretti Racing (PlayStation), Black Dawn (PlayStation), Die Hard Trilogy (PlayStation), The king of Fighters ’95 (PlayStation), Guardian Heroes (Saturn), Twisted Metal 2 (PlayStation), Project Overkill (PlayStation), Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (Genesis/Super NES), Star Gladiator (PlayStation), Bogey: Dead 6 (PlayStation), and Gunship (PlayStation).

    Departments

    • Role Player’s Realm – A reviews of Suikoden for the PlayStation and a preview of Magic: The Gathering – BattleMage for the PlayStation and Sega Saturn.
    • Head-2-Head – Editorial reflecting on 100 issues of GamePro.
    • The Mail – Letters from readers about Star Wars games on the Saturn, Nintendo 64 controllers, and more.
    • ProNews – Many games facing delays including the PlayStation version of Duke Nukem 3D, Independence Day for the PlayStation and Saturn, MegaMan 8, Marvel Super Heroes, Final Fantasy VII and more. Sega cuts price on highest price Saturn games from $69.99 to $59.99. American Laser Games ceases development of live action games. And more.
    • NetPro – A guide to using four online multiplayer gaming services including DWANGO, Mplayer, TEN (Total Entertainment Network), and Engage.
    • Overseas Prospects – A preview of the upcoming Japanese release Castlevania X: Moonlight Nocturne for the PlayStation.
    • Sneak Previews – Early looks at Crusader: No Remorse (PlayStation, Saturn), Cruis’n USA (Nintendo 64), Spider (PlayStation), MechWarrior 2 (PlayStation, Saturn), Tunnel B1 (PlayStation), Pitfall 3D (PlayStation), Broken Helix (PlayStation), Amok (Saturn), Wild 9s (PlayStation), Apocalypse (PlayStation), Scorcher (Saturn), Starwinder (PlayStation), Dare Devil Derby (PlayStation), Samurai Showdown III (PlayStation), SWIV (PlayStation), XS (PlayStation), Mega Man 8 (PlayStation), and Sonic 3D Blast (Saturn).
    • PC GamePro – Reviews of Toonstruck starring Christopher Lloyd (definitely seems inspired by Who Framed Roger Rabbit), ZPC: No Flesh Shall be Spared (a Doom-like game), Screamer 2 (racing game), Descent II, and XCar. Plus a look at a PC based arcade system designed for multiplayer over the Internet play.
    • Hot at the Arcades – A look at WarZard, a fantasy based fighting game from Capcom.

    …and more!


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  • Electronic Gaming Monthly (May 1992)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Source: Electronic Gaming Monthly – Issue Number 34 – May 1992

    I still have this particular issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly which I bought off the shelf back in the day. Consolidation has its advantages but I miss the variety of systems that used to be around. At this time, EGM was covering the Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, TurboGrafx-16, Neo Geo, and a variety of portable systems including the Game Boy, Sega Game Gear, and Atari Lynx. The May 1992 issue includes:

    Departments

    • Insert Coin – An editorial on the inevitable wave of CD-ROM based games and whether or not the gaming industry is really ready for it.
    • Letters to the Editor – Letters from readers about the Super NES version of Street Fighter II, The Super NES CD-ROM, Genesis coverage, the Magicom and Super Magicom, Mega CD coverage, the Consumer Electronics Show, and more.
    • Review Crew – Four reviewers give their score for a variety of games including Super Scope 6 (SNES), The Rocketeer (SNES), Spanky’s Quest (SNES), Might & Magic (NES), Blues Brothers (NES), Lemmings (Genesis), Earnest Evans (Genesis), D&D: Warriors of the Eternal Sun (Genesis), Jordan vs. Bird (Genesis), Star Saver (Game Boy), Top Gun (Game Boy), Batman: Return of the Joker (Game Boy), Outrun Europa (Game Gear), and Hydra (Lynx).
    • Software Calendar – A list of planned releases for May 1993. There are a total of 38 games listed including Batman: Return of the Joker (Game Boy), George Foreman KO Boxing (Game Gear), Last Resort (Neo Geo), Steel Empire (Genesis), Rampart (Lynx), Ballistix (TurboGrafx-16), The Empire Strikes Back (NES), Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Super NES), and others.
    • Gaming Gossip – News and rumors regarding the new Street Fighter 2 Competition Joystick from Capcom, a new “Quad” development system for the Super NES, Camerica’s Aladdin project, Super high Impact from Acclaim for the Super NES, Cool World for the Mega CD, Dolphin for the Genesis, and much more.
    • International Outlook – A look at new and upcoming games being released internationally (mostly Japan). Games covered this month include Axelay (Super Famicom), Adventure Island 3 (Famicom), Parodius (Super Famicom), Gargoyle’s Quest (Famicom), Astral Bout (Super Famicom), Macross (PC-Engine Super CD-ROM), Spindizzy Worlds (Super Famicom), Thunder Force IV (Mega Drive), Loom (TurboGrafx Super CD-ROM), After Burner III (Mega CD-ROM and cart), Blazeon (Super Famicom), Cameltry (Super Famicom), Ultimate Football (Super Famicom), Battleblaze (Super Famicom), Dinosaurs (Super Famicom), and Twinkle Tale (Mega Drive).
    • Tricks of the Trade – Tips, tricks, codes and strategies for Super Smash T.V. (Super NES), The Legend of the Mystical Ninja (Super NES), Joe & Mac (Super NES), Snow Bros. Jr. (Game Boy), Sim City (Super NES), Hole In One Golf (Super NES), Rolling Thunder 2 (Genesis), Batman: Return of the Joker (NES), Snow Brothers (NES), Captain Planet and the Planeteers (NES), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3 (NES), Faceball 2000 (Game Boy), and Parasol Stars (TurboGrafx-16).
    • Next Wave – Previews of upcoming games including Return of Double Dragon (Super NES), American Gladiators (Super NES), Super Soccer Champ (Super NES), Wordtris (Super NES), World Trophy Soccer (Genesis), Muhammed Ali Knockout Boxing (Genesis), Dragon Strike (NES), Barcelona ’92 (Game Gear), Double Dragon (Game Gear), and Spanky’s Quest (Game Boy).
    • Super NES Times – A quick look at a variety of recent and upcoming Super NES games including Rival Turf, Super Battletank, Jack Nicklaus Golf, Pebble Beach Golf Links, and Might and Magic II.
    • Nintendo Player – A quick look at a variety of recent and upcoming NES games including Stanley in the Search for Dr. Livingston, Baseball Stars II, and Fire Hawk.
    • Outpost: Sega – A quick look at a variety of recent and upcoming Sega Genesis games including Splatterhouse 2, Bulls vs. Lakers, Cyber-Cop, and Cadash.
    • Turbo Champ – A quick look at Bonk III and Parodius for the TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine.
    • GameBoy Fan – A quick look at a variety of recent and upcoming Game Boy games including Nail ‘n Scale, NBA All Star Challenge 2, and Yoshi.
    • Atari Lynx – A quick look at Basketbrawl and Rampart for the Atari Lynx.

    Features

    • Behind the Screens – A look at the making of the Wondermega. This was the all-in-one Sega Genesis/CD unit created by JVC.
    • Leading Edge – A look at some of the latest and upcoming arcade games, including Blazeon from Atlus, Seibu Cup Soccer from Seibu Kaihatsu, and Undercover Cops from Irem.
    • Super Play – A strategy guide for Contra III: The Alien Wars on the Super Nintendo.
    • Game Over – A look at the last stage and end of Super Castlevania IV for the Super Nintendo.
    • Double Dragon 4 – The first info along with some screen shots of what would become Super Double Dragon for the Super Nintendo.
    • Fact Files – In addition to those games already mentioned above, there are also additional quick looks of Mutation Nation for the Neo Geo and George Forman KO Boxing for the Sega Game Gear.

    …and much more!


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