PlayStation games for PCs
Connectix Corporation of San Mateo, California, has finally shipped its Virtual Game Station software for PCs running Microsoft Windows 95/98, about a year after the Apple Macintosh version. Connectix says the emulator is able to run more than 100 games written for the Sony PlayStation, though there is "limited support for PAL games" as sold in the UK. Prospective buyers in this country are advised to check the compatibility list on the website at www.virtualgamestation.com. Meanwhile Bleem!, which has been supplying software to run PlayStation games on PCs for almost a year, has introduced an updated version that works with more than 300 games. Bleem! is also in the process of moving to a new website, but the quickest route is to go to http://207.71.8.31.
Lara special
Eidos Interactive is continuing to exploit its prime property, Lara Croft, and next week will launch a limited edition version of the first three games for the PC. The Tomb Raider Trilogy will also include a mouse mat and a large map showing Lara's travels for £39.99. On the same day and at the same price, the buxom cyberbabe's fourth adventure, The Last Revelation, will also be released for the Sega Dreamcast. This version has improved graphics and sound, including real-time shadow casting and an image gallery.
Monster trading
Nintendo is continuing to push its Pokmon titles as hard as possible, and plans to release a new Nintendo 64 bundle which will include Pokmon Stadium, according to Computer Trade Weekly magazine. The Pokmon Stadium Battle Set will offer a limited edition branded N64, Pokmon Stadium, a Transfer Pak and a video of Pokmon cartoons for £119.99. The Transfer Pak allows Pokmon data from existing Game Boy games to be piped to the N64. Wizards of the Coast has also embarked on a UK tour to promote the Pokmon Trading Card game.
The next event is in Glasgow (March 25-26), and the tour will hit Reading, Gateshead, Manchester and the Bluewater Centre, Kent, next month. A starter pack of the trading cards costs £7.25.
Sony move cuts prices
PlayStation game prices could soon be available in a wider range of prices, following changes to Sony's licensing system due to take effect on April 1. This will enable some titles to appear at £9.99, or half the price of Platinum (£19.99) re-issues. Britain's Codemasters has been the first to announce that it will support the lower price point, and will re-release its original Music Creation program - not the new Music 2000 - at £9.99. However, most full price titles are expected to stay in the £30-£45 range.
