Computer Gaming World, October 1988

Computer Gaming World was always among the best PC gaming magazines. While it also covered other machines when they were still viable (Amiga, Atari ST and even the Commodore 64 and others as well) you were usually better off with a magazine dedicated to those machines. But for DOS and early Windows games, I don’t think anything was better than Computer Gaming World.

The October 1988 issue includes the following:

Features

• Big Zak Attack – Review of this classic point and click adventure game for the IBM PC (DOS) and Commodore 64. Along with Maniac Madness, both by LucasFilm, this was one of the best adventure games ever made.

• Pete Rose Pennant Fever – Preview of this baseball game (obviously well before Pete Rose got in trouble for gambling on baseball) for the IBM PC (DOS). Could be played in CGA, EGA, or Tandy graphics modes.

• Rose Hustles the Press – An Interview with Pete Rose, mostly about the new baseball game featuring his name. Ironically enough, he alludes to betting (on horses) at the very beginning.

• Red Storm Rising – A preview of Red Storm Rising by Microprose for the Commodore 64. This is based on Tom Clancy’s book of the same name and features submarine combat simulation during World War III with the option of selecting different time periods (1984, 1988 (same as the book), 1992 or 1996). One of the better games of its type.

• Star Trek: First Contact – A review of Star Trek: First Contact for the Apple II and PC (DOS). This is an adventure game for which the biggest criticism seems to be that it is too easy.

• The Fool’s Errand – Review of this game for the Macintosh which is part adventure game but mostly puzzle game.

• Scorpion’s Mail – Game hints for Wasteland, Ultima IV, Ultima V, Questron II, Bard’s Tale I, and Bard’s Tale III.

• Carrier Command – Review of Carrier Command for the Atari ST. This futuristic game featuring aircraft carriers can be played as an action game or a strategy game.

• Star Trek: Rebel Universe – A Star Trek themed graphic adventure game for the Atari ST and IBM (DOS) with CGA graphics.

• Michael Jordan and CGW Go One on One – A preview of Larry Bird and Michael Jordan Go One on One plus an interview with Michael Jordan.

• Educational Games – An overview of a number of educational software titles available for the PC (DOS), Apple II, Commodore 64, Apple IIgs, and Macintosh.

• Working On Those Knight Moves – A review of Mastertronic’s Knight Games for the Commodore 64. It is given a pretty good review here despite being a budget title.

• Fantastic Voyages – Part of a series of articles that cover various software publishers. This one covers a tour of Electronic Arts.

• Rocket Ranger Saves The World – I thought the NES version of this game was pretty awful but the Amiga version gets a pretty good review here.

• CGW Game of the Year Awards – The big winners this year were Pirates, Panzer Strike, Wasteland, Dungeon Master, and Empire.

Departments

• Taking A Peek – A brief look at new an upcoming games, including screen shots. Games mentioned include Ocean Ranger, Championship Poker, Strategic Craps, Daily Double Horse Racing, Grail Quest, Lock-On, Platoon, Victory Road, Joe Blade, Final Assault, Sporting News Baseball, The Games: Summer Edition, Tower Toppler, Clubhouse Sports, The Colony, Paladin, Bass Champ, Falcon A.T., Sargon 4, Demon’s Winter, Heroes of the Lance, Battle Stations, and Fire & Forget.

• Letters – Topics from readers this month include Stellar Crusade, Deathlord, and both complaints and praise regarding past reviews.

• Inside the Industry – News from the gaming world including Sierra On-Line going public; Broderbund joining forces with Japanese publishers; Electronic Arts selling $50 million in software in 1987; board games making their way to computers including Harpoon, Twilight 2000, Traveler, Tunnels & Trolls, Nukewar, and Battletech; and more.

• Video Gaming World (Katz, Kunkel, Worley) – News and new releases in the video game world. The big news seems to be a chip shortage limiting the available NES carts. Also, Konami forms Ultra Games, Activision to release Ghostbusters for the NES, Double Dragon sells out, Super Skateboardin’ to be released by Absolute for the Atari 7800, Kung-Fu Kid and The Ninja coming for the Master System, Metal Gear to be released for the NES, and more.

…and more!