Games Computers Play, Inc. is a new telecommunications service designed to make the most of Atari's graphics capability, in real time.
GCP is more like a world unto itself. What you see are buildings, corridors and, most importantly, tiny robots. You're here in the guise of one of these little mechanized marvels, as are the other users of GCP.
You can interact with them, by using the joystick to walk up to them and start up a conversatim. By "walking" into the Post Office, you can check on "mail" from other users... or stop in at the conference room for a private (or crowded) discussion. Multi-player games are available, plus a bulletin board system.
Disk software supplied allows the use of Atari direct connect modems, MPP-1000C, or a modem connected through an 850. Initial sign-up cost is $30.00, which includes software and five hours of connect time ($6.00/hour).
Games Computers Play, Inc., 112 East Market Street, York, PA 17401 - (717) 848-2660.
Haydon Books' latest Atari-oriented release, titled The Computer Workout, is aimed towards children 7 or older. Technical terms and computer operations are taught, using word games and "solve it" programs. More than forty different crossword puzzles, word-searches and mix-and-match games are included in this 62-page book.
Written by Jim Keogh and Software Lab East, the price is $2.95 (specify Atari version); Haydon Book Co., 10 Mulholland Dr., Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 - (210) 393-6306.
Two additional software titles have been entered in the Sprout software line by Mindscape.
Aimed at 4- to 8-year-olds, Castle Clobber assists in teaching children logic, concentration, memory and other skills, while putting them in a game-type scenario.
The child must help Tonk rescue toys from the evil Gork in TinkTonkLand. This graphics adventure is comprised of five distinct educational games.
In Subtraction Fair, a child maneuvers Tink to five different game booths: a Magic Show, Bear Dare, Ring the Bell, Witch's Brew and Dunk Gork. Each of these contests helps to teach basic mathematics, memory and concentration skills. Both games feature bright graphics, music and animation.
Priced at $24.95 each, from Mindscape, Inc., 3444 Dundee Road, Northbrook, IL 60062 - (312) 480-7667.
The Print Shop enables you to design, write and print your own stationary, letterheads, banners and greeting cards, using easy text-editing features plus left and right justification. Eight type styles are supported in several solid, outline and three-dimensional fonts, along with nine different border designs, ten abstract patterns and several dozen pictures and graphics.
The Print Shop also includes a colorful variety of pin-feed paper and matching envelopes, along with an illustrated manual and reference card. Most printers with graphics ability are supported.
Price is $44.95 through Broderbund Software, 17 Paul Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903 - (415) 479-1170.
The FACPAC disk storage line is available in five different formats: for the 5 1/4" disks, there is a 5-, 10- or 50-pack disk holder; for the newer 3 1/2" disks, a 10- or 25-pack holder is manufactured.
The 10-pack containers feature a pivoting lever that opens the case and allows its use as a handy desktop disk holder. The 5 1/4 " floppy holder that stores five disks is ideal for safely transporting disks.
FACPACs retail at: $6.95 for the 3 1/2" 10-pack; $19.95 for the 3 1/2" 25-pack; $6.95 for the 5 1/4" 5-pack; $6.95 for the 5 1/4" 10-pack; and $24.95 for the 5 1/4" 50-pack. From Norwesco, Minneapolis, MN 55420.
The long-awaited sequel to Miner 2049er is now available, and it features Bounty Bob in twenty-five new screens. Slightly improved graphics and new sound effects also add to this 40K ROM cartridge.
New "hardware' is an attraction - things like suction tubes, a grain elevator and a gravity lift. Other additions include an extensive option list, which allows you to (semi-)tailor the game to your abilities, and an elaborate high-score screen. A colorful instruction sheet/poster is also included in the package.
Bounty Bob sells for $49.95, from Big Five Software, P.O. Box 9078-185, Van Nuys, CA 91409 - (213) 782-6861.
This game is designed to teach its players "the cause and effect relationships of current events and prices." The actions of each player affect the whole game, as good and bad fortunes are seen by all.
By investing in the stock market, trying your luck in the casino or sabotaging your opponents, you try to amass the largest fortune in the game, thus receiving all of Aunt Prunelda's money - and winning the game.
A game for one to four players; requires 48K and a disk drive; printer optional. The cost is $27.95, Market Directions, 20 East Milwaukee St., P.O. Box 702, Janesville, WI 53547 - (608) 754-7818.
Lifetree Software has recently reached an agreement with Digital Research Inc. to develop application programs for Digital's GEM (the operating system in the new STs). Lifetree is known for their bestselling Volkswriter word processor.
The first translation in the works is said to be an enhanced version of Volkswriter Deluxe, with the GEM graphics added to increase its ease and power.
Digital Research is planning to handle the marketing of any programs thus developed.
The model CT137, an arborwood vinyl finish computer desk by Bush, is out. It features "vertical storage," designed for the computer user whose working area is limited ... or for those who simply want the most efficient computer center possible.
With its dimensions - 52" high, with a width of 49" and a depth of 24" - this attractive desk can easily support a wide variety of your computer equipment, while taking up the minimal amount of space in your home to do so.
The large desktop with its tapered front contains a drawer for convenient storage of paper or other supplies. Both the monitor and storage shelves are adjustable, while a very useful, fixed bookshelf can be found on top of the unit.
The model CT137 is available at a cost of $219.95. For more information, you should contact Bush Industries, Inc., Oak Street, Little Valley, NY 14755 - (800) 228-BUSH (in New York, call 800-248-BUSH).