People will enter a world being turned upside down as the forces of order and chaos battle for control of neutral lands. Armed with mysterious powers, gamers will be critical in resolving a power struggle that threatens the universe. As the game progresses, people become a master of more than 60 spells distributed among 21 types of creatures--some with fireballs and lighting--that can be summoned and controlled.

Depending on how the plot unravels--there will be some freedom in choosing the sequence of scenarios--more than 30 epic confrontations can be had before facing the ultimate challenge. Full 360-degree movement will be realized in 3D environments that provide limited cover behind burning trees and collapsing walls. In the quest for peace, a series of missions will pose various battles that need to be fought and won in order to unite a divided world.

Charybdis were the developers behind Acclaim's strategy title, Machines. Their latest project, Art of Magic, will be published by Bethesda in North America, and published overseas by Virgin.

- Seth Gecko

Set in the near future, the human race faces extinction after a devastating war against alien invaders. With the military forces and governments of the world in ruins, people command the last hope of the human race--a resistance force called the Terran Liberation Army. Starting with a meager cache of captured weapons and technologies, gamers must repel the invaders and free the Earth from alien domination.

Throughout, people will participate in a deep plot and uncover the truth about Area 51, alien abductions, and more. Mission objectives include creating new bases to equip forces and protecting the remaining civilian population. Cash is now worthless, so weapons and ammo must be obtained through force. Need new recruits? You must fight to free civilians.

Tactical squad-based combat will be conducted against alien foes at hotspots all around the globe, and all manner of weapons and vehicles will be available to drive away the alien menace. Virtual squad leaders will even be able to establish control of the air and space through researching and capturing advanced aircraft and alien technology. Hardware accelerated 3D graphics and a robust physics engine promise to provide spectacular effects, such as collapsing buildings and terrain deformation. Dreamland, which is not the final title, is slated for a Quarter 4 2000 release. Virgin will be publishing the title overseas.

- Seth Gecko

Porsche Unleashed also boasts two new modes that will enable people to progress through a career or drive in open road situations that reward them for pushing the cars to their limits. The first mode is a deep career mode in which cars need to be purchased and can be upgraded through performance and other modifications. This mode is set within an operating economy simulating supply and demand as well as factoring in inflation. A car's history will be followed, affecting its future value. Additionally, car parts need to be repaired and maintained. The second mode features mission-based driving, including rewards for highlighting your driving abilities, such as 360-degree turns, as well as dealing with challenging situations such as when police appear. The new modes are complimented by a series of fast-paced single-race modes.

Up to four people can compete on the PlayStation via the multi tap; multiplayer support on the PC will be provided via LAN, modem, and serial connections as well as over the Internet through a new distributed server model for up to eight players. The PlayStation version will allow gamers to race in five countries using a new grid based course technology that allows for more realistic city environments with multiple routes. A four-point physics model that simulates the subtleties of each car model, car upgrade, detailed car settings and damaged car parts are featured, as are more than 80 historic and future Porsche models people can race in the PC version and over 50 on the PlayStation. A damage model is incorporated to affect both car's performance and appearance.

In terms of graphics, the developers at EA Canada are hammering in some special features. For starters, 3D animated drivers move and even turn around when reversing. New for the PlayStation version is the ability to drive convertible models with the tops down. Various times of day and changing weather conditions as well as bigger and more dynamic collisions will be included. Drivers will also appreciate the Porsche showcase that features video, slides, narration and statistics on the Porsche history of the past 50 years.

PC racers will have some exclusive features to boast about. Their version will feature nine open road courses based in Europe as well as race courses with true multipath capabilities that allow alternate routes, road intersections, true on and off ramps, and short cuts. Detailed interiors that incorporate authentic animated and illuminated dashboards, as well as authentic engine sounds and noises such as shifting and rattles, and 3D hands that animate to shift gears, will leverage the power of the platform. Camera technology in the first-person mode will simulate actual head movement within a car.

- Seth Gecko

Project C will include a fully diverse and populated game world; multiple villages, cities, dungeons, caverns, catacombs, and terrain types; a new character development system; a large variety of spells and weapons; an intuitive user interface and multiplayer support.

- Seth Gecko

Shadowpact was a real-time strategy game set within a detailed world of conspiracies and secret societies. People assumed the role of leader of one of the cabals warring for global domination, and manipulated a web of agents and allocated resources to achieve devious goals. Each agent--with their own abilities, disposition, and agenda--was to lead a team of operatives on a wide range of missions throughout the globe. Through managing resources of manpower, minds, cash, and materials, new technologies and artifacts were possible.

Remaining on Blue Byte’s product slate for 2000 and beyond are Battle Isle 4, The Settler’s IV, Stephen King’s F13, and Dragon’s Lair 3D.

- Seth Gecko