Box Browsers May Miss Out
Illawarra Mercury
Monday March 6, 2000
I wonder what drives you when you go out to buy software for your computer?
When you walk into the shop do you already have a set idea about the features and benefits of the software you want to buy, even if you haven't set your heart on a specific title?
Or do you simply start browsing with an idea about what the software you are after should do and make your final decision based on which box catches your eye?
If you are a box browser or if you only consider mainstream computer shops when looking for software then chances are you will miss out on a new gem of a program developed right here in the Illawarra.
The newly released ``3D Reading Adventure - featuring Mick Millennium" breaks the mould as far as marketing software is concerned. Firstly there is no box, this is an environmentally friendly game consisting of a CD slipped into a stiff card folder around the size of an A4 sheet of paper.
Secondly the price of this software is cheap enough for anyone to buy it simply to see if it works or would be useful for them. At under $20 for a fully functional educational game it would have to be the most reasonably priced software I have seen in a while.
Cheap, however, in this case does not mean nasty. This is a fun game to play and while the movement with the mouse will take some getting used to, it will be entertaining children and adults alike for hours at a time.
Thirdly the way this game is being distributed is a little outside the norm for computer software. Powervision Multimedia (the game manufacturers) are releasing 3D Reading Adventure and re-releasing ``Trev to the rescue" through newsagents rather than regular retail channels.
3D Reading Adventure is, as the name suggests, a 3D game where you are free to wander around the world collecting gems, special bonuses and of course slime for throwing at all the nasties that abound.
In each level you will need to collect words by running through them. Some words will be lying around for just anyone to find while others will be released when you destroy objects in the world (such as giant flies).
Once you have the words you can use them to unlock the word doors on the level and progress through the game.
3D Reading Adventure should be on the shelves of your local newsagent sometime in the next week or so.
***
For those of you who like to get your hands dirty with the nitty gritty of making a computer game, the creator of 3D Reading Adventure, Geoff Wilkie, will be giving a talk at this month's Illawarra Computer Enthusiasts (ICE) club meeting.
The meeting starts at 7.30pm in the rear hall of the Unanderra community centre (corner of Factory Rd and Princes Hwy) and Geoff will be presenting his thoughts on what it takes to make a computer game.
Given that Geoff has three titles under his belt, The Adventures of Downunder Dan, Trev to the Rescue, and 3D Reading Adventure, his experience in the field cannot be questioned and I'm sure his experiences should be mandatory knowledge for any would-be computer game developer.
Geoff will also have some copies of his new software for sale at the meeting at discount prices.
You can find more information about ICE on its web page at: http://www.wollongong.starway.net.au/ ice_pcug/ as well as upcoming meeting plans and e-mail contacts for more information.
Before people start sending me e-mail messages about being ``platformist" (yes I just made that word up) I should point out that while ICE has a number of members who use Macintosh computers there is also a local Macintosh users group.
With the advent of the new breed of Macs there are more than a few Illawarriors using them, particularly the iMacs.
The Illawarra Macintosh enthusiasts group's (iMeg) next meeting is on Wednesday, March 15, starting at 7pm at the ITSP Centres, 245 Princes Hwy, Corrimal (it's upstairs next to the newsagents, with parking at the rear).
If there are any other computer or technology clubs in the Illawarra who would like their regular meetings publicised or who have special events coming up drop me a line at computers@illnews.com.au.
© 2000 Illawarra Mercury