GAMES

The games I enjoy playing are multiplayer based, either via modem with one other friend or over the Internet. The spontaneity and interaction introduced by another human being in game play is fascinating.

MUDS

FLIGHT SIMS

SPACE SIMS

SHOOT 'EM UPS

MUDS

A MUD is a Multi User Dimensional game. These are typically fantasy/role-playing games and vary in graphical interface. A fantasy or role playing game is typified by the creation of a character through the development of attributes during game-play. These attributes often include appearance, description, prowess, and role. Roles can include mage/ wizard, warrior, or adventurer. The character usually starts out at the lowest level. By fighting monsters or casting spells the character gains experience and advances to other levels. The following levels often allow the character access to other more powerful weapons, spells, etc. There can also be quests, favors, errands, and message delivery where the player interacts with the Non Player Characters (NPC's) to obtain special spells, privileges or items. NPC's are game character's controlled by the Artificial Intelligence (AI) programmed into the game.

ALPHA/BETA TESTING

In this phase of game development, online play time is typically free, all you have to do is register and download the software. Be warned that these games are exactly as advertised, in a test phase. Program updates, and even character wipes are frequent. Server hardware is also typically altered to find the best value configuration. This is the process where the people playing are expected to aid the game developers in finding and reporting bugs. If you are expecting to play a game that is free from trouble, DON'T play a game in the alpha or beta test phase. If your expectations are set on a full released game, you will be disappointed and very frustrated. With current technology, allowing hundreds of people to be online playing the same game at the same time requires dedicated hardware and software. The game developers have to maintain the servers which requires equipment, time, people, and therefore money. The ultimate goal of the game developers is to release a final commercial product and charge access fees in addition to the game software.

PLAYER KILLING/JUMPING

Pking or Jumping is a very controversial issue. However, most if not all game developers implement some form of this. The basic premise is that allowing players to combat other players in addition to the NPC monsters makes for a more enjoyable game. That is largely a matter of personal opinion. The fact is that there are enough people who want to attack each other in cyberspace that it is a profitable market and game developers want their product to appeal to as large of a market as possible. It is a matter of economics. However, the implementation of Pking differs. Some games allow Pking without the consent of the player being attacked. Some require the consent of the defending player. I am an advocate of parental supervision and player's choice. In other words, I urge parents to remain cognizant of what their children are doing online and that these games be made to allow for the selection of participating in such activities.

GUILDS

A guild is a group of people in an online game that organize themselves with each other by consent usually due to similar goals.

GAME MASTERS/GUARDIANS/GODS

People that have earned a status granted by the game developers or the game developers themselves are given special privileges. Sometimes they are identified, sometimes they are not. Their duties range from helping newbies (new players) and enhancing the cyber world to maintenance and policing actions.

MUD GAMES

THE REALM

The interface for this MUD is a third-person point of view where the player watches their character from an external view. I played The Realm when it was in the test phase. When I was playing it, you could be "jumped" by another player.

MERIDIAN59

This MUD uses a first person point of view where the player is looking at the game world through the character's perspective (eyes). This game finished beta testing in September of 1996 and transitioned to commercial sale in October of 1996. I have played it from time to time since it went commercial. On certain servers, the character can be assaulted without provocation, warning, or concurrence. There are special servers where PKing is not allowed, I played on one of these servers. Click here MERIDIAN59 for the game developers homepage. And here is a map of Meridian59.

ULTIMA ONLINE

UO uses a third person perspective. I played this game when it was in Beta testing and have not played it on the commercial servers. However, a group of people have written a publicly free version of the UO server called UOX. I am currently running a UOX server and playing the game.

The FALCON line started with 1.0 and we are currently playing 4.0. This is the landmark of flight sims, the first foray into a PC based modem or networked linked multiplayer flight simulation. This game has had a series of problems and bugs, all versions of 3.0 up to and including GOLD were bug fixes. Some were even marketed like the add on disks "Operation Fighting Tiger." I have not played this game since the release of the GOLD version which is a CDROM final release. GOLD introduced several other very serious bugs that make it impossible to play multiplayer.

This multiplayer flight simulation has fairly decent graphics and artificial intelligence, unfortunately, my friends are more interested in role playing or shoot em up games.

It takes a lot of concentration to fly a helicopter flight sim and patience. This game plays fairly well over Kali, but since my upgrade to win95, play has been limited. This game has a serious flaw for modem play, it doesn't work.

An older Microprose game but suffered modem bugs as well which limits play seriously.

This game is what got me started a few years ago. To me, computer gaming is defined as BX or AX, before Xwing or after Xwing. This game marked a landmark in technology, it represents a period of time where the PC industry had matured in both hardware and software to a point that made computer gaming interesting. This game was playable when the EISA/VESA 486DX2-66 was king of the heap, 240MB of SCSI-II hard drive was plenty, a 16 Bit Sound Blaster sounded wonderful, an ATI Mach32 video card screamed, and 16MB of 60ns RAM ruled! The artificial intelligence, sound effects, speech, music, and graphics were significant enough to immerse the player into a virtual world reminiscent of STAR WARS, a world where an outgunned, outnumbered group of freedom fighters were battling overwhelming odds against evil and tyranny for truth, justice, and the good of all. This game like all space/flight sims requires a significant amount of dexterity and an amazing amount of tenacity. It is unusual in that it requires a significant amount on the spot tactical planning, decision making, and maneuvering that requires a special talent best described as "the force." I guarantee you that all missions of all campaigns are achievable at the highest difficulty, I have played this game all the way through on all three difficulty levels, several times. If you cannot achieve a particular level it is because you have either misjudged the proper tactical solution or you are not yet deft enough. Remember to practice energy management. If you can not dodge laser fire, you need more practice, use the force, it is a powerful ally! Some levels are extremely difficult and require Herculean effort, others are milk runs. I do not remember the levels off of the top of my head, but if you are having difficulty with a particular one and you have no other option, email me. I will replay the level and email you back my solution. Could you imagine an online or modem version of XWING? It would be unbelievable. I emailed Lucas Arts tech support and asked them if they had any plans a while ago. At that time, they said "it was under consideration". What's there to consider? It would rule!

A fascinating game from Interplay that can be played online with KALI or over a modem. You can often find me online at KALI Central or KALI St. Louis. There are lots of add on missions and updates, just search for descent with your favorite search engine. A remarkable feature of these games is that they also support many different 3D graphics cards and virtual headsets.

Still another adaptation from the original DOOM makers with better graphics.