• Category Archives DOS
  • Computer Arcana » DOS

  • Merchant Prince (DOS)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    https://darth-azrael.tumblr.com/post/655811550249107456/retrocgads-usa-1994


    Merchant Prince is a strategy game that was released for DOS based PCs in 1994. It is set in Venice during the Renaissance. Merchant Prince is a 4X strategy game, a term coined when Master of Orion was released in 1993. The ‘4X’ refers to the four primary actions of eXploring, eXpanding, eXploiting and eXterminating. Of course, many modern games referred to by that nomenclature have expanded to include other complex actions.

    In Merchant Prince, you compete with three other families to be the most successful family in Venice. These families can be computer controlled or they can be other players. You can hold various political offices and there is much political intrigue. You can even become Pope. Besides managing your political career, you send trade or military out into the rest of the world to explore. You may control Venice’s armed forces or mercenary forces depending on your situation. Exploration can result in discovering valuable relics. Trade is also an important aspect of the game with the player directing ships and caravans. The end goal of the game is to be the first to acquire a million florins.

    Merchant Prince can be compared to other similar games of the time like Civilization. Compared to Civilization, Merchant Prince is a bit simpler but it arguably does a better job creating a true sense of exploration. In any case, if you like strategy games of this type, then this is one you will definitely want to try. Just keep in mind that it emphasizes trade and politics over conquest so if you are looking for more of a wargame then you will want to look elsewhere.

    Merchant Prince was followed up in 1995 with Machiavelli the Prince (also DOS based) and Merchant Prince II in 2001 for Windows. If you like the first game then you will probably like these as well. However, they don’t add much to the original and both are more remakes than sequels. If you are going to pick just one, stick with the original. Unfortunately, they have not been re-released as far as I know so if you don’t have a DOS PC around, you’ll have to make do with an emulator.


    Computer Arcana DOS Retro Games 📎and tagged

  •  PC Review (May 1992)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Source: PC Review – Issue Number 7 – May 1992

    PC Review is a PC gaming magazine that was published in the U.K. in the early 1990s. It also included a 3.5″ floppy with demos and sometimes full games and other programs. The May 1992 issue includes:

    Features

    • Book of the Game – You’ve played the game, now read the book. Paul Rigby looks at the wealth of help and background books available for PC games, and what you can expect from them.
    • Ad Lib Gold – Sneak preview of Ad Lib’s upgrade to its standard Music Synthesizer soundboard.
    • Give Your PC Some Pace – In this installment of our First Steps series, Peter Gloster explains some of the pros and cons of processor upgrades, accelerator boards and other ways of giving your PC some go-faster stripes.
    • Wizardry – US firm Sir Tech is a purveyor of RPGs to the elite. Robin Matthew explains why the little-known Wizardry series should soon be making headlines in the UK.
    • Competition – Your chance to win helicopter flying lessons, courtesy of MicroProse.

    Cover Disk

    • Disk 7 – Hold tight to your seat with a playable demo of Delphine’s suspense thriller Another World. Then there’s Timelord, a complete program which will help you and your PC get organized. Plus screens from new games in the Gallery.

    Shareware

    • Good software doesn’t have to be expensive, as you’ll see if you dip into our comprehensive shareware guide. You’ll find a list of recommended titles, each one described in detail, and an exclusive order form.

    Buyers’ Guide

    • About to upgrade your PC or expand your software collection? Then check out our fully updated guide to PC hardware, software and peripherals before you part with your hard earned cash.

    Cover Story

    • The Essential Guide to PC Flight Sims – Whether it’s civilian or military aircraft, helicopters or Spitfires, technically accurate simulations, or just a good dogfight, the PC has it all. Peter Worlock takes a personal view of the best – and the rest.

    Regulars

    • News – The mouse that thinks it’s a joystick, Sir Clive Sinclair’s electronic bicycle and crashing printer prices are all making the headlines this month.
    • Coming Soon – Revolutions Lure of the Temptress promises much in the way of graphic atmosphere, while the Bitmaps attempt to recreate the success of Gods with Magic Pickets.
    • Reviews – Create your own cartoons with the Disney Animation Studio, or take on the Vikings in Heimdall. Plus Another World, Sherlock Holmes on CD-ROM and Ocean’s Elf.
    • Tips – Help is on the way with Monkey Island 2, plus part two of our gide to Gods in an expanded QED section.
    • Letters – All PC life is here – news, views and caustic comment.
    • Q & A – Got PC problems? Mike James is here to help.
    • Quit

    Computer Arcana DOS Retro Games 📎and tagged

  • Home Computer Magazine (August 1984)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Source: Home Computer Magazine – August 1984

    Home Computer Magazine started life as a magazine dedicated to the TI-99/4A under a different name. As it became clear that the TI-99/4A was not going to maintain its success, the magazine branched out to cover other popular systems as well, in particular the Commodore 64, IBM PC and Apple II. The August 1984 issue includes:

    Features

    • Snap-Calc – Creating this mighty math matrix is a snap.
    • Bars and Plots – Colorful graphs can chart your figures.
    • Elementary Addition and Subtraction – An educational program for the preschool crowd.
    • Spider Graphics – Ah, what a tangled (and colorful) web we can weave.
    • Convertible for Comfort – Automatic conversion of machine language programs to DATA statements.
    • Programming: The Name of the Game – Pick a game, any game…and design it.
    • Colorfun – Match the color swatch to its name.

    Product Reviews

    • Personal Editor – Ease of use makes this an outstanding text editor.
    • EasyWriter II – A powerful word processor for the PC…and Junior.
    • PFS: File, PFS: Report – Database management without intimidation.
    • Home Accountant – Financial management comes home.
    • Count-Sil – A Spreadsheet program for home use.
    • Doublestuff – Double the Apple’s normal color and resolution.
    • Chivalry – Knights and Ladies abound in this board/video game.
    • Burgertime – Burger-building in a chaotic kitchen.
    • Alpha-Pak – Learning the alphabet is as easy as A-B-C.
    • In Search of the Most Amazing Thing – A nonviolent, educational, fantasy adventure.
    • Murder by the Dozen – Use your wits to track down “who ‘dun’ it.”
    • Necromancer – Chasing zombies was never like this.
    • Microsurgeon – A “fantastic voyage” through your patient’s bloodstream.
    • Trickster Coyote – Don’t let the wily coyote cry wolf.
    • EasyScript – An inexpensive word processor for the C-64.
    • Companion – A helpful companion can esy writing’s burdens.
    • Home Budget Jr. – A valuable program that’s easy on your budget.

    Logo Times

    • Binary Forest – ‘Branching Out’ with Smokey the Bear.
    • LOGO Flakes – Creative explorations with snowflake desings.

    Gameware Buffet

    • Robochase – Pits you against rampaging robots.
    • Cyber-Cipher – Break the top-secret computer access code.
    • Wild Kingdom – Trapping tigers in a jungle maze.
    • Speeder – A game to make your own.
    • Boolean Brain – Wander down logic paths inside your computer.
    • Missile Math – Launching interest in multiplication.

    Deparments

    • Inside/Outside HCM
    • On Screen
    • Letters to the Editor
    • HCM Review Criteria
    • Contents
    • HCM Product News
    • Program Listing Contents
    • Program Typing Guide
    • Industry Watch
    • Group Grapevine
    • DeBugs on Display
    • Index to Advertisers
    • HCM Classifieds
    • Home Computer Tech Notes:
      • TI
      • IBM
      • Apple
      • Commodore

    …and more!


    Apple ][ Commodore 64 Computer Arcana DOS 📎and tagged