Southtown Star from Tinley Park, Illinois • 69

19 THE STAR: THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 1992 VGA card puts the 'wow' in computer games "Visually, the game raises space and adventure to a new plateau with its ultra-brilliant 256-color graphics of hyperspace, 3-D rotating planets and fractal-generated planet surfaces, as well as its detailed alien portraits and stunning ship-to-ship combat imagery." In a much more simple word, "Wow!" This trend towards games designed for VGA is going to increase in the coming years. It is the surest sign, on the gaming level, that the time of the Commodore 64s, the Apples, the older MS-DOS machines without VGA, and perhaps even the Amiga and the Atari ST is over. It will be interesting to see how many of these new "super graphics" games are released in formats capable for non-MS-DOS machines. Those of us, and that includes the Gamer, who have 'MS-DOS machines with CGA graphics may still be able to play a lot of these games, but our graphics will only be a shadow of what the designer intended. Considering what it costs to upgrade to the newer MS-DOS machines the $200 16-bit video game systems begin to look better and better.

VGA is the "in" technology for computer games in 1992. As games become more and more graphics-oriented, there is a natural tendency to design games that take advantage of all the capabilities of the best graphics available on the computer most widely sold. And that is the VGA color graphics card available on MS-DOS computers (IBM and compatibles) using either the 80286, 80386, or new 80486 chip. The Gamer first noticed a spate of games geared the VGA color graphics coming on the market about a year ago. By "geared to VGA" I mean games whose graphics really demand the use of VGA color to get the full potential of what the designer has put into the game.

Prior to that, while a lot of games were capable of being played on a VGA equipped machine, they were really geared There are ways to reduce the cost of downhill siding to the less sophisticated EGA or even more common and very basic CGA color systems. Two new games due to be released in the next few months by Accolade underscore the point. In April, Accolade will release "Grand Prix Unlimited," a very sophisticated Grand Prix driving simulator that has a course architecture module that allows the gamer to design his own course. In the second quarter of 1992, they will release a mega-space opera, "Star Control II," which combines features of arcade, strategy and adventure games in one grand package. "Grand Prix Unlimited" stresses the graphics with a very realistic 3-D course that does more to make you feel you are really in the driver's seat than previous driving simulators.

Utilizing VGA capabilities to- Fitness Beat Suzanne P. low tions as diverse as Taos, N.M., Winter Park, and Big Mountain, are all accessible by train. 3. Try driving. 4.

Don't get lured by fancy destinations. Although Vail and Aspen sound wonderful, great skiing can be found in many other resorts. Get out of the long lift lines and try places like Big Sky, Telluride, Sun Valley, Idaho, and Taos. 5. If you have children, look for resorts that feature "kids stay freeski free" packages.

Crested Butte, Colo, and Sun Valley are two examples. Most shops in Steamboat Springs go one step further by offering kids free ski rentals if their parents rent. 6. Build a rapport with a local travel agent who under- Intrepid Gamer Jim Zerkel produce high resolution pictures of great detail, the course generator will produce flawless custom courses of tremendous detail. Granted, the greater computing capability of newer chips found in today's MS-DOS machines makes a lot of this possible, but it is the capabilities of the VGA graphics system that makes it worthwhile.

"Star Control II" creates a universe that would not have been possible three years ago. In the words of Accolade, stands skiing and can sniff out a bargain for you. 7. Be willing to commit early. Last fall, airfare to Denver could be found for $235, Saturday to Saturday.

Now, midweek fares are up to $338. 8. Avoid peak ski season. Out west, ski before mid-December and after March 30. In the Midwest, avoid weekends and holidays like clean-up week and Pulaski Day when teachers and students will be out in droves.

9. Use Ski Americards. They offer 10 percent to 50 percent discounts. The phone number for more information is (800) 525-SNOW. 10.

For equipment, go to the "ski swap" at the Chicago Ski Show held each November at the O'Hare Expo Center. On clothes, Winter offers this last suggestion: "How you are dressed doesn't take away from how much fun you are going to have. "Make sure you have a good pair of waterproof gloves and bibs. If you are just trying skiing for the first time, don't spend a fortune and let it sit in your garage. "Make sure you like the sport before you buy all the toys." back gives you new insight You have a hard time stabilizing with all the attention.

Simply enjoy what is being offered. GaaxmIa ir fin XT 0 1 7 are the epitome of desirability. Insecurity suddenly hits later, and you find yourself jealous and coveting. Sagittarius (Nov. You are so busy (and happy) you want to cram more hours into each day.

You settle down soon, but you're still so happy, you may want to indulge the entire universe. Everyone should have a week like this. Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19): Focus on your friendships and 1 what you want Someone throws a boomerang your way, and it causes you to rethink your priorties.

Aqu arius(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Accept what is and you'll be much better off. This could look like being another's slave (this too could be fun). Piaces(Feb.

19-March 20): You may have a hard time getting practical, but then, when don't you? The only hint of escape (touching base with life's lighter side) comes later. By King Features Syndicate Aries (March 21-April 19): Stay focused on the "bigger picture and you won't be disappointed. Your imagination knows no limits and "can create the wildest of scenariosT- Taurus (April 20-May 20): Make the most of those magnetic rays. Make special time for one-to-one chats, and there's time for daydreaming. Gemini (May 21-June 20): Rest up while you still can.

You begin to come to terms with a partnership. You function best on a one-to-one level. Cancer (June 21 -July 22): You are the epitome of sensuality and creativity. Try to get some snooze time in because you're in demand again. Relish it.ttt- Leo (July 23-Aug.

22): Focus on the priorities in life. Don't worry about fun and games. Count on being taken care of and adored. You don't have to lift a finger. Virgo (Aug.

23-Sept 22): Work on your communications and you'U be much happier. Look inside for answers. You could be living a charmed life. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct 22): Watch that needy, possessive side it can backfire on you.

Some feed- As a fitness activity, downhill skiing has a lot going for it It's a real energy burner (200 to 500 calories per hour), it's easy to learn, and it's a low-impact exercise that most people can maintain for hours at a time. Best of all, it's FUN! In fact, in the three years since I've learned to ski, I have found only one drawback to the sport. 'It can be expensive. Luckily, I am a frugal person at heart and persuaded Shari Winter, president of Ski the Rockies, a local ski tour wholesaler, to share some money-saving tips with The Star'a readers. She suggests: 1.

Join a ski club. An individual could not expect to get the bargains that are available to groups. I joined Sanctuary Ski Club (Box 5, Brookfield, IL 60513) for a $25 fee and traveled with some of their members to Steamboat Springs, early this winter. I paid $575 for airfare, ground transportation, seven nights in a luxury condo and a five-day lift ticket. I figured I saved about $300.

2. Travel by train. "Right now, train fare to Denver is $143 round trip, half price for kids," reports Winter. Destina- ANTIQUE, COLLECTIBLES, FLEA MARKET SHOW! Jtfar February 1st and 2nd 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

WHY FIGHT THE MUD COLD? All Indoor, Heated Showroom Food llUCAGOlMi (MHMQIV and Washroom Facilities Free, Paved Parking Soon Dailtr Spice Available DOOR ADMISSION $2.00 160 W. JOE ORR RD CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL (708) 709-0524.