The Age from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia • Page 44

COMPUTERS TUESDAY 12 AUGUST 1997 THE AGE 9 Some bright spots in this 'dark' space sim Darklight Conflict (G) Playstation Electronic Arts THE porting of games from PC to console systems are notoriously problematic, due largely to inferior resolution and the limitations of control pads. But occasionally there comes a game that tran-' scends these bounds. Darklight Conflict is such a game. It follows the tired-and-true formula of space-combat simulators: complete a series of missions (50 in this case), beginning with dull but necessary training exercises that teach you the disciplines of space combat. From there it's into he game proper.

As well as basic dog fights there are bombing runs, defensive missions that have you riding shotgun for larger ships, and retrieval missions that utilise a tractor beam. After missions, you usually have to dock with a mothership, which isn't as easy as it sounds. One false move and you're history. This would only be mildly annoying if there was a save-game facility, but there isn't. Weapon selection is good, and includes energy weapons, missiles and bombs.

Your ship is also equipped with shields, and mastering their use is the key to success. They can save your bacon, but expend a lot of energy. For a reasonably complex game, the interface is fairly simple. Each button performs just a single function, and the screen is fairly uncluttered, despite the resolution and the information it conveys, which includes a damage report, energy bars, 3D radar, navigational arrows, weapon selection and sights. The game is very easy on the eye, with very smooth action and some nice effects.

Darklight Conflict won't send any pulses racing, but fans of this type of game could spend their money in far worse ways. Jed Bowtell Images from Betrayal in Antara: There are enough brigands and creatures to keep you amused, and reality and fantasy are balanced nicely. What, no booby-trapped roads? Like ce its precursor, this game offers more than 100 hours of gameplay and a thoroughly immersive plot. When being a roadhog is a real challenge Hard Core 4x4 Publisher Gremlin Interactive Format: Windows 95, Playstation, Sega Saturn By SIEW-CHING GOH FOR SOMEONE whose idea of a drive in the country is setting the family wagon on automatic pilot down a pretty Olinda mud track, Hard Core 4x4 comes as a rude culture shock. You get your country lane pure and simple.

But there the country simile ends and the hard driving begins. The potholes in Hard Core tracks are big enough to tuck a couple of tanks in, snugly. Your fellow drivers bump, smash, grind and tear through at every turn. They are not drivers, they are road hogs. And therein lies the challenge: get yourself a new mind.

It's not a sin to be a hog. Unlike most racing games, in which the raceways are built for speed, Hard Core courses are designed to test the lust for speed. The novice has six courses to choose from. The first, High Camber Pass, winds through humpy, rocky trails, a couple of steel bridges and some sharp 'V turns. The other courses are run through tight forest trails, gorges, sand dunes and even glacial ravines.

Each course is designed to "test man and If you play at championship level, the courses are pre-set, and you are awarded more tracks to race on as you progress. At all times during the races, you are told of the position you're in: first is first, sixth is last. It helps, though, to follow the leader when you first try any course, as this gives you a better idea of which part of the track to stay on. The computer drivers are not dumb, but they, too, roll over and take bad turns, and that's when you catch sight of a split in the field to take poll position preferably near the finishing line. You also have six vehicles to choose from.

The newbie can get by with the basic Grass Grappler, but be prepared to run a few races before you can win. My main gripe with Hard Core is a small hitch with the main menu, from which I could select race and truck type, but only with the joystick, not with cursor keys. You get used to it, though, just as you get over the imprecision of steering a 4x4 with either the cursor keys on that unwieldy stick. In other respects, this is a well-designed CD that gives a fresh turn to the traditional driving game. The graphics are surprisingly good, even if you never get the chance to stop and admire the scenery.

And you can race against human drivers in a two-car split-screen mode, or other players on the Net. There's something compulsive about vrooming everywhere and nowhere in the company of manic drivers. Hard Core is demanding and strangely addictive. But it is not for you if a ride on the wild side means trotting the 4x4 up to Mount Buller. Reviewed on a Pentium 166 PC running Windows 95, with 32MB RAM.

8x CD-ROM, Soitnd Blaster 16, 2MB video RAM. Distributed by Mainstream Interactive (9879 3588). Rrp $79.95. sensation, Aren opened his eyes. A few paces away, a broad swathe of beach sand looked like a dark green, bubbling mass.

The folks back in Briala were going to have a bit of trouble swallowing Aren's latest fishing tale As luck would have it, Aren has rescued the fourth son of the regional governor. Impressed by Aren's gift, William Escobar invites Aren to accompany him to the city of Panizo, to be trained by Finch, chief mage to House Escobar. Panizo is a fair hike from Briala, and a fairly unpleasant one. About a day's travel north of Briala, William and Aren stumble across a pack of ruffians attacking a young woman. At first, she refuses any assistance from William and Aren.

However, the young noble's clever insults soon provokes the desired response from the thugs. Annoyed, but grudgingly oughly immersive plot. This sequel is more than a cosmetic nip and tuck of its predecessor, even though both games are similar. Krondor had a very basic system for creating spells, so the structuralist approach used in Antara might puzzle some old Krondor hands. As before, the main travelling screen is represented in first-person, 3D perspective.

Combat encounters are resolved in a shallow isometric 3D view. But unlike the earlier game, Antara does not appear to contain any booby-trapped road sections. To be sure, there are more than enough brigands and creatures to keep you amused, so the omission of these traps speeds up travel between cities. Treasure chests and supply caches are still in evidence, although a tifiendish, new locking device called a "bead lock" has supplanted the "riddle locks" used in Krondor. Betrayal in Antara is every bit as good as its worthy ancestor.

Reality and fantasy are balanced nicely here, so that neither property interferes with the flow of gameplay. It's advisable to play this game at 640x480 resolution, because anything higher than this turns the main screen into a squidgy little mail-slot. It's still quite playable at higher resolution, but critical terrain details can be lost to all but the sharpest eyes. Reviewed on a Microtel PI66-l'lus with Sound Blaster 1 6 card. Audience rating MI5 (animated violence).

Graphics 90 per cent. Challenge 80 per cent. Sound 90 per cent, knter-tainment 85 per cent. Software provided by Metro Gamesl'Iaycorp (tel 9329 2999). Rrp $79.95.

Betrayal in Antara Publisher: Sierra On-Linc Format: Windows 95, Windows 3.1x By LEE PERKINS THIS WAS no way for a tavern-er's son to die. Armed only with a small fishing knife, Aren Cordelaine had charged in to defend two shipwrecked travellers. Unfortunately, his impromptu rescue plan failed the moment he had the gargoyle's undivided attention. Aren closed his eyes, throwing up his arm in a futile attempt to ward off the swooping gargoyle. Just as the creature reared to deliver its killing blow, a massive surge of arcane energy flooded through Aren's body.

Suddenly, a bolt of white-hot flame shot from his fingertips, consuming the creature instantly. Still bewildered by the unexpected thankful, Kaelyn offers an alliance until her debt of honor has been repaid in full. Betrayal in Antara is a sequel of sorts to an excellent 1993 vintage RPG based on Raymond E. Feist's novel, Betrayed at Krondor. Like its precursor, this game also offers more than 100 hours of gameplay, highly detailed 3D landscapes, a simple user interface, and a thor It's war, but get the hang of it before you shoot Register on-line at http:www.etx.com.au Muzzle Velocity From Digi-4-Fun Distributed by Manaccom By RICHARD MOORE Six month contract available lor experienced Sys Prog to peilorm support and problem determination.

Very competitive market rales on oiler. Requiring highly technical person with HP-UX, Solans and TCPIP ANDOR NT. Great opportunity to learn aboul security. controls for each type of unit differ slightly, but the basics are much the same. Use the and keys to speed up or slow down, change views with the arrow keys, keys 1-4 for weapon selection and space bar to fire them.

After a few minutes, you can get the hang of the system and can concentrate on the action, although a list of commands at your side can be a big help. The graphics in Muzzle Velocity are good, particularly in urban areas, although if you opt for the low-resolution setting (key G) they will break up. This is not an easy game, as the huge array of equipment and real time make life very difficult, so it is important to use the 10 training scenarios before attempting one of the 15 missions. Then, it's off to campaign through the lush fields of France in 1B44. For $39.95 (rrp), Muzzle Velocity is a very good buy.

But remember, if the strategic side of this game gets too much, hit enter and indulge in a bit of shooting 'em up. Reviewed on a Pentium 200 with 40MB of RAM, 2MB video RAM, Windows '95 and Microsoft sound system. Opportunity to project manage. develop and implement Unix OK, OK. This is a confession.

Shoot-em-ups can be fun. Whether it is hunting down Nazis in a fortress IWolfenstein), or tracking grotesque aliens through seedy streets and sleazy clubs Duke Nukem). They can be enjoyable up to a point. Warily checking around corners for the next target does get the adrenalin level up, and blowing the living daylights out of everything you see has a certain anarchistic charm. But, at the end of a shoot -em-up session, can you say that the mind has been stretched? Some computer hotshots do not care about thinking too hard (it's relaxation, after all) but for those who want an additional challenge there is an S-E-U with a difference.

Muzzle Velocity is a World War II simulation that is played in real time and has the double attraction of being a systems. Excellent communication skills and extensive understanding For real-time excitement in a World War II simulation, Muzzle Velocity offers both strategic and first-person challenges. ot Unix required. Several positions aie available toi experienced Ops Analysts with good mainlrame skills. You begin Muzzle Velocity at the strategic level, working out objectives, disposition of forces and generally getting the hang of how things work.

A bit of time is needed here, because it's not an obvious game system and, as is the case with many products nowadays, the instruction book is far too strategy game as well as allowing gamers to get close to the action with a first-person firelight. Forget about aliens, imagine turning a corner and running into a platoon of enemy soldiers or a German Tiger tank! lean. And don't you just hate electronic help files. Once you are up and running, it is easy to plunge into real-time warfare with a flick of the Enter button. You have a choice of units ranging from infantrymen and armored personnel carriers, right up to tanks.

The Perm positions available. Skills in VB and NT highly desirable Perm high profile roles, financial company New NT envirn. Expertise in MS Oflice Experience ol 95, 97 or NT required. Microsotl quals desirable. Exposure to VBasic Human Services Access an asset.

Pcoptyirsf Ten quals. Ability to build training education programmes. Experience ol Toolbook or Authorware is required. Wide range uniL4iUUU.il ol training assignments. Cont posn, competitive rates new proiect.

Functional areas Fl, AM. CO. SD. MM. PP.

Proven skills in ABAP, SAPScript. ABAPOuery. Long term com. large proj envirn, .5. tert quals.

Strong SQL and Windows development Basic. Access. Major vendor.teit quals. Experience ol WIN NTJCPIP. Administer a range ol servers and envirn; Excellent rates MPE, IMAGE, COBOL Strong HP AP needed to support production systems.

You will get involved in data conversion for SAP R3. North of the City. ORACLE, PLSQL. GUPTA AP urgently required for development work. Exciting project, 6 months, ongoing.

Start ASAP. SAP R3 Exciting new concept in 24 hour support Excellent money for those with irvdepth R3 experience and flexible on working hours. Multiple positions. NT, VB State of the art online transaction project requires multiple AP's. Strong RDBMS experience an advantage.

Immediate start. Several positions. VB, SQL PLUS, ORACLE AP Hands-on applications developers required for this financial industry client. Long contracts. Challenging work.

VBA an advantage. URGENT. START NOW. SQL, INTERNET AP required with strong Internet and Client Server skills for Document Management application. DB2, CICS, COBOL IMS Join this key project and learn new valuable skills.

Senior handson roles. Not NAB. COBOL JCL aid 062 Lots of jobs on this large project. Take your pick of Analysis, Design, Testing and Programming with or without database work. Long contracts.

Embark on this once in a lifetime opportunity with the Unisys Team 2000. Experience of working within complex mainframe systems environment Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to become an effective, consultant Highly analytical and methodical approach to problem solving. Project Managers Test Analysts QA Analysts Project Office Co ordinators COBOL Programmers Recent Graduates with experience We -have roles from Entry-level consulting and technical management through to senior client relationship management All roles could be offered on a contract or permanent basis. Unisys was ranked No. I in the Fortune 500 as the largest computer and data service company by revenue.

It is the world's fifth-largest systems integrator' and the sixth-largest US management consulting firm. Unisys has 40,000 employees serving 50,000 clients worldwide, including many of the world's largest banks, airlines, transportation and communications companies, health care companies as well as 1600 government agencies. The Unisys strategy is services-ted, client-driven and technology-based and aims to help clients get more value from their information. It was one of the first major IT companies into the Year 2000 field, licensing conversion methodology and engaging partners very early in the development of the issue. Unisys track record already includes a long list ofyeading organisations which have their approach to Millennium Conversion to the Unisys team.

The Unisys Millennium Solutions approach has been developed and tested in real life environments over five years and has been proven very successful In minimising the risks. CONTRACT COBOL CICS URGENT AP's required with strong COBOL. CICS and some DB2 skills for a variety of different projects PL1, CICS, DELTA Skilled PL1 AP required for this challenging role in financial services industry. Immediate start. Long contract.

ORACLE DBA Strong ORACLE exp. as a DBA required for this interesting development role. CONTROL M0PPS. ANALYST Opps expert with experience In JES2, JES3, JCL and CA products required for this prestigious client in the financial services sector. 6 month contract.

URGENT START SAP R3 BASIS AOMIN. High level role for a BASIS Administrator. Prestigious client, top dollars. Immediate start Long contract. COBOL SOL Multiple AP's needed for new development work.

Prestigious client. 6 months. Start August OpMROADOpwiHMRES Team Leader for team of AP's involved in development and maintenance. Long term contract. MM MF ANALYST -Experienced Analyst required for this key project Financial service, broking experience an advantage.

Call now. SAP R3, ABAP4 Six (6) AP's required for development, data conversion and interfaces. PERMAfOJT WC)AMCUvMMMtM I7W (MR)' Pr6 funi rtquktd fee MpNfbcMtd -QMCUE IftkttMfciA FORMS njwrtiflot tn 3 mth cont. with possibility ol ext. to provide 1st 2nd level support.

Skills in Wind 3.1. MS Office IBM Mlrame req. Project Manager Acute Health Division VPS-5 (Salary negotiable Fixed Term position for 12 months (with possible extension) The Acute Health Division collects data on behalf of the Department through the Agency Information Management System (AIMS) from public hospitals. The Division is responsible for collection, quality assurance and distribution of the data to stakeholders and users, and general system maintenance. The Division is also responsible for the development of AIMS application development.

The prime tasks are: I Manage key projects relating to the development and implementation of information systems. I Develop project plans, consultancy briefs, tender documents and contracts, and evaluate proposals. I Undertake high level analysis of information technology requirements and provide systems design and technical specifications. I Provide high-level recommendations and consultancy to senior management on information technology issues. The successful applicant will possess: Demonstrated ability and a record of achievement in project management and planning with experience in information systems from a strategic perspective.

High level ability in the analysis and design of information systems to provide innovative, cost-effective and workable solutions. Demonstrated high level interpersonal, consultation and negotiation skills. Excellent writing skills, including the ability to develop reports and briefings of a high standard. Note: This position is located at 555 Collins Street Melbourne. All applications must be submitted on an "Application for Employment in the Department of Human Services" form, available from the contact officer David Diprose on (03) 9616 7857.

Applications quoting position number 30.02.0018.0 to: David Diprose, Acute Health Division, Department of Human Services, Level 17, 555 Collins Street, MELBOURNE VIC 3000. Applications cIom! 3 Septemberi 1907 Former Victorian Public Sector Employee! who were recipient! of a voluntary departure package (VDP) art ineligible to apply within tb ipecffled that jJit-stLi Mm Good developer skills and a background in the finance industry required by major company. Prior exp with AS400 or Synon well regarded but not essential. Excellent conditions and remuneration. Systems Engineer or Developer with dclence or large systems Integration experience req'd by Markets will not disappear, only competitors.

major, international company. ADNMMMO Our cHtnt requires DBA wWi i tow btckfround MS andor DB2 and dstcNng databases. 4 mnth cont poss extn. Seeking -as Hit PowerBuilder 5 and good Oracle knowledge plus Unix or NT lamiliarity. MfeMMMnfflNflft lUPyA Ctf now tof 9521 19771 CVS- 1 6f ttak pvtMNtf Victoria oNtMMov.