dwl10@amdahl.uts.amdahl.com (Dave Lowrey) (04/26/88)
This is being posted for a friend, who has lost his news feed. Comments
to the author, not the poster.
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A few months back I posted a lengthy review of Electronic Arts' hydrofoil
patrol boat simulation, PHM Pegasus. In that review, I took exception to
the game's substandard graphics and to the game play, which was better
described as "arcade" than as "simulation".
After this past weekend, I feel I should modify that review.
The main thing that happened was that I tried one of the most difficult
scenarios, escorting a supply ship through a war-torn Caribbean. The result
was a three-hour session which was one of the most enjoyable times I've had
playing games on the '64. This game play for this scenario definitely was
simulation oriented rather than arcade oriented. (Which is to say, winning
depends more on thinking than on reflexes and eye-hand coordination).
It also suggests to me that the most difficult scenario, escorting a ship
which is evacuating Western workers from Kuwait, will be particularly
challenging. In that scenario, one cannot simply assume that any vessel
approaching the convoy is hostile. Further, your orders forbid
indiscriminately firing upon other vessels -- you're not there to provoke an
international incident. Add in the complication of the Straits of Hormuz,
where close approaches with other vessels are unavoidable, and this scenario
should be a real challenge.
The other thing that I learned is that PHM Pegasus is now selling for only
$10 (at least at Toys-R-Us). Not only that, but it's an eligible program in
Electronic Arts' "Buy Two, Pick One Free" promotion.
PHM Pegasus' graphic quality is still substandard, but you might say I've
become accustomed to its face. With the old $24 price tag and the Lucasfilm
name, the graphics were a serious disappointment. But they're quite
reasonable for a ten buck game.
With the new price tag of $10, PHM Pegasus deserves serious consideration.
And particularly so if you're looking for a second EA program to buy
in order to qualify for the free third program (hey, be smart and pick
an expensive one like Advanced Flight Trainer for the freebie, eh?).
--
Doug Pardee {ames,hplabs,sun,amdahl,ihnp4,allegra}!oliveb!edge!doug
Edge Computer Corp., Scottsdale, AZ uunet!ism780c!edge!doug
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"Familiarity breeds attempt"
Dave Lowrey
Amdahl Corp.
Houston, Texas
(713)-850-8828
...!{ihnp4,cbosgd,hplabs,oliveb}!amdahl!dwl10
[ The opinions expressed <may> be those of the author and not necessarily
those of his most eminent employer. ]