Software Reviews by Michael L. Parker


The Frank Lloyd Wright Collection

The ultimate collection of Frank Lloyd Wright photos, QuickTime movies and reference material. This CD-Rom is a must have for any FLW aficionado.


The Print Shop Ensemble

If you can think it you can print it with the PSE Ensemble. Tons of clip-art and templates for business cards / banners / certificates / birthday cards and dozens more.


Volcanoes...Life On The Edge

Hot stuff here... this CD-Rom contains hundreds of breath taking photos of live volcanoes taken by photojournalist Roger Reesmeyer on a year-long study these "Killer Mountains"


Sacred And Secular

The Aerial Photography of Marilyn Bridges

The artistic talent of Ms. Bridges really shines in such work as the Texas oil refineries that seem like endless trays of giant cream puffs and in shots from Peru of mystical circles and other strange shapes carved into the earth by person or persons unknown.


Leisure Suit Larry

For die-hard Larry fans or just anyone who wants a million laughs, this CD-Rom will keep you chuckling for hours. Five episodes of hilarious mis-adventures by that Lovable, Laughable, Lonesome, Loony Loverboy - Larry Laffer.


SpyCraft: The Great Game

This is much more than a game, it's a VIDEO MYSTERY, a WEEK AT THE MOVIES, it's an EXPERIENCE that you won't soon forget!


Alphabet Express

For ages 3 thru 6, one of the best learning tools to be put on a CD-Rom.

Games / Fun / Excitement !

( I really had a ball reviewing this one, just like being a kid again :>)


Daryl F. Gates' Police Quest: SWAT

In this adventure you will be put in the role of a "SWAT" pup (Special Weapons And Tactics Trainee). The realism in this game is phenomenal, full screen video and interaction with real SWAT officers and cast members make for outstanding action and include several different scenarios depending on how well you apply techniques learned during training. For example, on your first call-up you are assigned the position of Lead Assaulter and must deal with a delusional old woman who, after taking potshots at her husband and daughter, has barricaded herself in her home. Use of your special training will result in a solution where no one will get hurt, but if you forget or disregard orders you might just end up killing the old lady or even worse, one of your team members may catch a stray bullet from your weapon.


RIVEN the Sequel to MYST

Unbelievable special effects, Uncompromising 3D Video, Beautiful futuristic scenes, Audio CD quality sounds and Music. Just like the best "Can't Put It Down" book you have ever read, this adventure will keep you mesmerized with all the gorgeous video and still scenes Broderbund has packed onto five CD's.


The History Of Music

It's true that music is the universal language, before there was any written language at all, there was music. People from all over the world have used a variety of utensils to make music. Items such as sticks, animal hides and dried out fruits (rattles) have been used to communicate feelings since the dawn of time.

With the HISTORY OF MUSIC, you can journey through dozens of musical archives dating as far back as early African, Native American and Polynesian cultures. You will also travel through the age of Jazz and Rhythm and Blues and learn how these early styles gave birth to the modern era of Rock & Roll, Country and Western and yes, even Hard Rock.


Links LS 1998 Edition

One of the oldest and longest running golf games just got better. Dozens of new features and system enhancements make this the best Links LS EVER!

Play AS or AGAINST Arnold Palmer and watch as airplanes, blimps and balloons fly across the sky. Hear the roar of the crowd as you make a hole in one or feel the disappointment when your ball lands in the drink. With Links LS 1998 Edition you'll even battle haze and fog just like that round you played before Christmas with Bernie and the guys. The fantastic realism must be seen to be believed.


Privateer 2 The Darkening

The universe is yours, you're a business man, a capitalist, an adventurer. But this is not the 1990's this is the future and you are:

Ser Lev Arris

Age: 30

Sex: Male

Species: Humanoid


The cinematic techniques and full screen graphics of Privateer 2 (The Darking) are spectacular. whether in the cockpit or interacting with any of the dozens of characters you meet, the realism is awesome. Full stereo sound, Hi-speed chases and incredible inter-galactic space battles make this one of the most exciting space games ever.

Each mission brings new challenges and surprises. Start out at Sinners Tavern and talk to Joe the bartender, he'll give you some tips on how to stay out of trouble. Next head on over to the terminal area and purchase your first ship , you don't have many "cred's" in your account so you'll have to settle for a vessel that's slightly used.


Deer Hunter Interactive Hunting Experience

There's no need to wait until the first day of hunting season anymore. Now with DEER HUNTER it's open season year-round.

"Deer Hunter Interactive Hunting Experience" truly is interactive, every game is different because it's up to YOU to find and track the big Bucks in their natural habitat. You decide whether to use an attractant scent or a cover scent - and by keeping an eye on the wind indicator at the bottom of the screen - you can stay downwind so as not to spook any game. A little practice at the Target Range is a good idea too because if you to scare away your quarry, it will be necessary to use your map and compass (in combination) to follow his movements.

Live Video, Animated Sequences and Realistic Sounds, plus your own hunting skills combine to make game after game unique and exciting. After each success your prize will be displayed in the Trophy Room along with time, date and location of the hunt. So put on your boots, don your favorite hunting cap and get ready to bag the largest rack in the woods.


NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE

From paper and ink - to plastic and binary code, the National Geographic Society has been marvelously successful in their quest to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge". Now with the complete National Geographic on CD-ROM it's possible to have over one hundred years of this fantastic magazine at your fingertips.

Each volume contains actual full page scans of every issue printed during that period. Covers, text and photos in each issue are printable right from the program and the included Web browser allows direct access to the National Geographic web site.


MYTH The Fallen Lords

MYTH The Fallen Lords has it all! From the moment you launch your first game till the wee hours of the morning and you finally switch off your computer, you'll be captivated by it's astounding realism and addictive Multiplayer capabilities.

Gruesome battles combined with 3D scenes and stereo sounds make for super exciting game play. Play against the computer, over the internet or via modem with a friend. The included telecom software makes it easy to connect with dozens of opponents for hours and hours of competitive battle.


Imperialism The Fine Art Of Conquering The World

It's the nineteenth century, a revolution is about to take place, a revolution among great industrial powers. An INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION like the world has never seen!

You are already one of the worlds great powers and with strategic planning, careful industrial expansion and diplomatic finesse it's possible for you to become THE most powerful nation on the planet. With IMPERIALISM, The Fine Art Of Conquering The World, you are in charge. Each and every games success or failure is in your hands.

IMPERIALISM, The Fine Art Of Conquering The World is truly a masterpiece of strategy, planning and projecting, with a little bit of scheming thrown in for fun.


Ultima Online

THERE'S NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT ON THE PLANET. AS A MATTER OF FACT, YOU WILL HAVE THE ENTIRE PLANET AS YOUR PLAYGROUND.

ULTIMA ONLINE truly is the ultimate in gaming. Other games may allow you play against individuals and to play over the internet. But only ULTIMA ONLINE is a planet wide role playing experience.

There really is nothing else like ULTIMA ONLINE. The 3D action scenes and stereo sounds make for outstanding game play and help build excitement. And the constant interaction with real people in live situations help to keep the action at a frenzied pace. Plus, there are always new players logging on so there is never a dull moment.


Douglas Adams Starship Titanic

Most of us can be very thankful we were not on the maiden voyage of the H.M.S. TITANIC, the supposedly unsinkable luxury liner that struck an iceberg in the chilly waters of the north Atlantic on April 15th, 1912. The H.M.S. Titanic went down in less than three hours with over 1500 passengers still on board. But times have changed, our mode of travel has changed and with a bit of luck and your own skills, this maiden voyage of the whacky Starship Titanic won't be doomed like that cold dark night in 1912.

From the world renown publishing house of Simon & Shuster and the folks at TDV (The Digital Village) comes: Douglas Adams: Starship Titanic. A zany spoof based on the grandest ocean going vessel of all, only this time you are booked aboard a Starship. An intergalactic luxury liner with all the trimmings (gorgeous art-deco styling, the latest in entertainment and all the pampering that your little heart desires.). Trouble is, this lovely ship is operated by mal-functioning, rude and sometimes downright incompetent robots. Your task (after boarding as a third class passenger) is to earn first class status, take control of the ship and guide it safely home.

This big three CD set will keep you amused for hours. From the time you check-in and find your cabin, till you earn your first-class passage voucher and help guide the ship safely home, Starship Titanic will provide ton's of humor that the whole family will enjoy.


RODIN


This CD named after a man who's works are recognized the world over, is one of the most complete studies of it's kind. It's divided into three parts, Visit - Works - Book and each section is chock full of photos, audio and textual works that together create a complete chronology of the artist's life, from his birth in 1840 till his death in 1917. Born - Francois Auguste Rene' Rodin in Paris on November 12, 1840 - son of Jean-Baptiste Rodin, a minor police official and Marie (Cheffer) Rodin.

In his early years at school Rodin was not an excellent student, he in fact failed to past the entrance examinations at Ecole des Beaux Arts and was forced to spend much of his early adult life in the employ of others. It might be because of this that he worked with such fervor at his trade and eventually became the famous and prolific sculptor who's work we enjoy today.


Final Fantasy VII

In this latest adventure from SquareSoft, the game starts with a gorgeous FMV (full motion video) of a futuristic steam train that unloads you and several of your partners onto a heavily guarded platform. Once off the train you will begin the RPG (role playing game) by killing off the guards and joining your comrades in many ATB's (active time battles). (See how easy it is to learn the Lingo?). You will meet dozens of characters on your journey around the planet and travel to places such as the Forgotten City and the Icicle Inn. Some of the people you meet will become good friends and others will just be natural born enemys. By gathering magic potions and solving all the puzzles that you come across you will be able to stay alive and defeat the competition.


Gettysburg

In this exciting and realistic game of strategy you can play the role of Union forces under the command of Joseph Hooker or play as General Robert E. Lee and change the course history by wrestling control of Washington DC from the Feds. Either way you must keep control of your troops and make sure that the strategies and objectives you set are carried out.


Ultimate Collector for Beanie Babies

The Ultimate Collector for Beanie Babies comes as a complete CD-romBeanie database that includes release date, retirement status, market value, full size picture and many more special notes and interesting facts about these collectibles. From this information you build your own user database by simply filling in a form. Just type in the first few letters of your new Beanies name and the software will fill in the rest. Everything about your new Beanie including the stock code # from the manufacturer gets put into the proper place making typing a breeze. Each form also provides space for you to enter unique information such as this Beanies condition or special Tag notes. And updates to the database are available on the World Wide WebFree as new Beanies are released.


le louvre

The roughly eight hundred year history of the Louvre is really a story unto itself. Originally built as a fortress during in the twelfth century (1100-1199), the structure(s) that we know today have evolved from a series of buildings and palaces that served as the home to France's royalty for more than three hundred years. Each occupant of the palace had his own sentiment towards the arts and their value. During the reign of Louis XIV, for example, the French government actively promoted the arts and hundreds of artists and craftsmen actually lived in the Louvre as guests of the king.


James Cameron's, Titanic Explorer

There is no single story of this glorious ship, the history of the Titanic is really hundreds of stories, all intertwined. Each passenger, each member of the crew, each and every person who helped with building, outfitting, preparing or sailing the Titanic has their own story to tell, but here Cameron allows us to take a deep long look into the history of this great ship and some of the people who's lives are still effected by it even today!


Winnie The Pooh and the Honey Tree

One in a series of Animated Storybooks from Disney Interactive, Winnie The Pooh and The Honey Tree begins when you meet Piglet on the road to the Hundred Acre Wood. Here Piglet will offer you several choices on which way to travel. Click on the How To Play sign and listen to Piglet give instructions on how to use your mouse to move around the screen. Click on the Read or Read & Play signpost to hear the story read aloud with games and interactive sing-alongs. If you click on the Spanish signpost all words and music will be changed to Spanish. If you know where you want to go, the Pick-A-Page signpost will take you right to your favorite part of the story. And no matter what part of the story you are in, you can always return to Piglet's help page by clicking on the little door on the bottom of each page.


123-Dance

Learning how to dance is reallyjust memorizing a series of steps and repeating those steps in a routine fashion. In the Dance Interface,you will be able to see and hear exactly what each person (Man or Lady) must do to complete each series of steps. You will learn the Basics of each routine and how each is repeated in order to complete a move. By clicking on the Basic Elements button you will see a demonstration of each basic step and hear a description of how each one is performed. Use the play button to re-play the steps repatedly or you can use the nifty Frame Slider which allows you to play each video one frame at a time. The frame slider works either forward or backwards so you can see excatly how each step should look.


Gangsters / Orginized Crime

Gangsters, is a simulation game in which you play one of four mob bosses all of who are trying to out-wit and out-gun each other for control of the city. Set in the Chicago like town of New Temperenceduring the prohibition period, the action and realism are quite good. The strategy of Gangstersis very complex so it's a good idea to start by playing the tutorials.


Alpha Centauri


Millennium is the buzzword as we approach the year 2000 and in this game Sid Meier takes full advantage of the hype. The game begins a short time after the start of the new millennium as the Starship Unity- with you and 1000 others on board - touches down on Chiron, a planet with an atmosphere and climate comfortable for human beings. Unfortunately there have been a multitude of problems with the starship and by the time you land on your new home the damaged spaceship prevents any means of returning to, or having contact with earth. You must use whatever can be salvaged from the wrecked ship, or any discoveries that lay on the planets surface to build a new society. To make matters worse, the long and troublesome journey has splintered your shipmates into several different ideological factions, each with it's own leader and agenda.


Astrology


Developed by professional astrologer Adrian Ross Duncan, Astrology For Lovers unravels a type of astrology known as Synastry. Synastry is a very complex form of astrology that is created when horoscopes of people in partnership are compared and the results of those comparisons are then interpreted by an expert. Mr. Duncan's expertise in the field of astrology and his 17 years of experience consulting with hundreds of couples is what helps make Astrology For Lovers unique.


Austin Powers


You've seen the movie, now team up with Austin Powers or join Dr. Evil's team and play the Shagadelic Pop-Culture Party Game, Operation Trivia. Choose sides and become a super swinger as Austin's sidekick or (if you're feeling naughty) you can help Dr. Evil destroy the world.


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