ELECTRONIC ECSTASY

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Last year's best computer entertainment includes prodigious details and
masterful fantasy

Computer entertainment took a mature turn in 1990. It meant fewer brainless
blasters for game players and an upswing in brilliantly detailed strategy,
role-playing, and simulation games. MS-DOS computers also took their place as
the leading computer game machines. Excellent products continued to appear for
the Commodore Amiga, but the dropping prices and enhanced technology of PC
compatibles made them the number one platform for computer entertainment. Many
gamers achieved electronic ecstasy using a 386SX-based PC-compatible with
256-color VGA graphics and a Sound Blaster audio card.

GAME OF THE YEAR: Wing Commander (Origin Systems for MS-DOS). Start with the
most stylish graphics and animation yet to appear in a computer game. Add a
vivid point-of-view spaceflight simulator. Bring them together with
edge-of-your-seat drama and a heart-thumping musical score. The game charts a
course toward the interactive video of the future in this watershed
action/strategy game.

BEST ARCADE GAME: Shadow of the Beast II (Psygnosis for Amiga). The original
was unbelievable. This sequel is even better. Only arcade virtuosos are up to
the difficulties of this brutal jump-and-punch spectacular. But even the
defeated return again and again to roam eerie caverns, challenge horrifying
monsters, and savor animated graphics that rank with the finest fantasy art.

BEST SHOOTER: Turrican (Innerprise for Amiga). It's fast. It's colorful.
It's nonstop destruction. Once again the action masters of Innerprise take
honors for a futuristic laser fest. The task is simple: Chase robotic bad guys
through 13 levels while wielding an array of high-tech firepower.

BEST ROLE-PLAYING GAME: Ultima VI (Origin Systems for MS-DOS). Richard
"Lord British" Garriott reaffirmed his role-playing brilliance with the sixth
and best Ultima yet. Ultima VI: The False Prophet boasts an ingeniously
improved interface, remarkable 256-color graphics, and a vast world of
prodigious details.

BEST PUZZLE GAME: Pipe Dream (Lucasfilm Games for Macintosh, Amiga, MS-DOS).
Green slime oozes relentlessly through the sewer system. Only you can pull new
pipes off the assembly line and keep the gunk contained. It's a disgusting
proposition that remains endlessly fascinating.

BEST STRATEGY GAME: Railroad Tycoon (Microprose for MS-DOS). Some kids
dream of becoming Donald Trump; others with computers imitate J. P. Morgan,
profitably stretching a ribbon of rails from coast to coast. The re-creation of
railroad empire building is remarkably deep, yet instantly accessible.

BEST SIMULATION: SimEarth (Maxis for MSDOS), the follow-up to the admired
SimCity, is an enormously comprehensive world simulator. It takes a probing
mind to control the ecological, sociological, and geographical depths in this
scientifically accurate simulation. Even so, SimEarth remains the best way to
amuse yourself while training for employment as a divine being.

BEST SPORTS GAME: Indianapolis 500: The Simulation (Electronic Arts for
MSDOS, Amiga). Eye-popping 3-D graphics allow you to watch the race from the
sky, from the stands, or from behind the wheel. State-of-the-art computer
technology combines with a fine-tuned driving "feel" to make Indianapolis 500 a
freewheeling thrill, particularly when you accidentally spin 180 degrees and
drive straight at your oncoming competitors.

BEST ADVENTURE GAME: The Secret of Monkey Island (Lucasfilm Games for MS-DOS).
This tongue-in-cheek send-up of pirate lore is one of the most laugh-filled,
engaging adventure games ever made.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Wings (Cinemaware for Amiga) is the first war game
with a conscience. This interactive drama and flight simulator conveys both the
triumphs and loss experienced by World War I pilots. Thrilling, touching, and
enlightening, Wings tempers and intensifies its action sequences with vivid
flashes of humanity.