Source: Computer Gaming World – Issue Number 61 – July 1989

Computer Gaming World was the best computer gaming magazine out there for most of its life, at least if you had a PC. While it did cover other computers, at least in its earlier days, it always seemed to emphasize DOS and Windows coverage particularly in regards to multi-platform games. It was an excellent magazine and had a very long life but a disappointing end. It was bought by Microsoft in 2006 and retitled ‘Games for Windows’. It only lasted another two years after that. This wasn’t really Microsoft’s fault as they pretty much kept up the same quality, but gaming and computer magazines in general had been dying in droves for years already by 2006.

The July 1989 issue included the following:

Features

• Special Report: Trends in Computer Games – Covering the Summer 1989 C.E.S with an emphasis on multiplayer and online gaming via modem and online services such as Compuserve.

• Air Traffic Control, Can You Handle It? – A review of TRACON for the PC (DOS). This was essentially an air traffic control simulator. While quite accurate and stressful, it’s probably only fun for a select few.

• The Gamers Guide to Joysticks – A detailed analysis of joysticks from Gravis, Mindscape, Epyx, SunCom, and Kraft on various computers including the Apple IIgs, IBM PC, and Commodore 64.

• Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade – A preview of the then upcoming Indiana Jones game. This was a graphical adventure game available on multiple platforms using a similar interface to Zak McCracken and Maniac Mansion.

• MacArthur’s War – Review of a strategy war game by SSG using their ‘Battlefront’ system which had been used on many previous games. This game covers the Korean War.

• Sniper! World War II Telegaming – This was a two player game available via Compuserve. While the graphics were simply the game play could be addictive and there weren’t many things like it at the time. However, playing on Compuserve would cost you $6 to $12.50 per hour depending on the speed of your modem.

• SSI’s Overrun! – Review of this strategy war game by SSI. This one is a “modern” warfare simulation using a similar system as Panzer Strike and Typhoon of Steel.

• Getting ‘The Scoop’ On The Competition – Game hints for The Scoop, a murder mystery in graphical adventure form.

• Is VGA Worth It? – VGA was the latest graphical standard for computers (PCs anyway). It offered up to 256 colors at 320×200 resolution or 16 colors (out of 256) at 640×480. This article gives an overview of video cards and monitor that supported this standard.

• Marbles From Hell – A review of Ballistix by Psygnosis for the Amiga and Atari ST.

• Cinemaware’s Lords of the Rising Sun – Set in 12th century Japan, this game combines action and strategy reminiscent of Defender of the Crown but with different action scenes and more strategic elements.

Departments

• Taking a Peek – Short previews of recent releases and upcoming games including:
  • Speedball by Cinemaware for DOS, Amiga and Atari ST
  • Navy Seal by Cosmi for the Commodore 64 and DOS
  • Axe of Rage by Epyx for the Commodore 64
  • Devon Aire by Epyx for the Atari ST and Commodore 64
  • Omnicron Conspiracy by Epxy for DOS
  • Cosmos by Ishi Press for DOS
  • Slots & Cards by Microdeal for the Amiga and Atari ST
  • Fire King by SSG for the Commodore 64
  • Slipheed by Sierra On-Line for DOS
  • Space Quest III by Sierra On-Line for DOS
  • Sky Shark by Taito for DOS and the Commodore 64

• Conversions Received – I’m not sure what this list of games is meant to convey. Perhaps games that have been previously released but have recently been converted to other platforms.

• CGW Hall of Fame – CGW’s top 100 games along with their rating and other info.

• Reader Input Device – A survey for readers.

…and more!