From: bruce@coos.dartmouth.edu (Bruce K. Johnson)
Newsgroups: alt.games.lynx
Subject: BATTLEWHEELS: new lynx game info
Date: 23 Nov 92 01:09:20 GMT
Organization: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH

To all Lynx fans:

I posted word nearly a month ago concerning a new game under development titled
BATTLEWHEELS.  Then it was just a rumor, but now, after speaking back and forth
with various people I managed to get in touch with the company directly.  The
company, BEYOND GAMES, is a third-party developer for the Lynx based out of
Salt Lake City, Utah.  Their first release will be a multi-player game titled
BATTLEWHEELS --- up to 6 players via the comlynx, solo (everyone for themselves)
or team play, first person perspective (ie. 3-d dimensional perspective as in
other games such as WARBIRDS) with views including front/left/right/rear and
radar/damge report/hit ratio.  There are 12 different battle fields to select
from ranging from cities to desert wastelands.  The game itself begins with the
selection of a car: either a prebuilt or a custom design where the player can
add various degrees of armor around the car including the under carriage and
then add on any of 10 different weapons which include machine guns, missile
launchers, mine layers, paint sprayers, flame throwers, etc.  There are several
engines to choose from and several suspension cobinations as well.  Of course
weight concerns must be taken into consideration when selecting the right
suspension (ie. the better the suspension, the more armor and weapons the car
can carry...).  Also, there is a given amount of money each player has to build
his or her car, thus motivating different styles of cars --- heavily armored
cars with few weapons, lightly armored cars with large supply of weapons, or
well-balanced cars...

The beginner will generally start with a prebuilt car, though once he has the
game down, the option is there to further enhance the entertainment of play.

The game then moves into the arena.  Players will fight to the death against
each other or selected teams.  Computer opponents can also be added for futher
challenge.  Once in the arena, players can remain in car or opt to duel against
others on foot.  If on foot, only a machine gun and a hand missile launcher
with a limit of four missiles can be carried.  The CYBER BRAINS (computer 
opponents) have 7 levels of difficulty with a beginner mode.  The survivors
of each round are awarded cash prizes based on the number of kills they have
made, which can be used to make improvements to their cars... 

BATTLEWHEELS fully supports the new Lynx's stereo capabilities and has many
option settings to keep the game challenging.


NOW, the GOOD NEWS!

As I mentioned, I have been talking directly to BEYOND GAMES about getting a
copy of BATTLEWHEELS.  I mentioned this network and suggested that many people
have expressed interested in information concerning new Lynx games.  It turns
out that they are in the process of creating a hundred ir so test cartridges
that will be used to find any final bugs in the software before producing the
final version of the game.  I managed to get two of these test copies for a
$35 dollar deposit per cartridge.  The game looks great!!! and plays great!!!
I am hoping to get four more so my friends and I can all play.

BEYOND GAMES is interested in building up a network of game-play testers where
people can put down a $35 dollar deposit on the test cartridge and receive a
pre-release version of the game.  Any comments that the player has and
suggestions will then be taken into consideration before the final version is
produced.  The play-tester can then receive one of the first copies of the
new game upon return of the test cartridge (or return the cartridge for a
refund of his deposit).  I recommended that a message should be posted on this
network along with the Lynx site over GENIE, to find interested people who
actually play the Lynx.  For it is these people who can evaluate a game and
provide valuable advice for any improvements...

So, wouldn't you know that they asked me to go ahead and try it!!!  What a deal,
especially considering that I'll be able to have first pick at their future
releases...

ANYWAY, as I mentioned, there are a limited number of cartridges available.
And, what I've decided to do is post this message to get feed back and to
find out any interest in this pursuit.  People who are interested in reserving
a copy of the pre-release version of BATTLEWHEELS should e-mail me back
immediately to guarantee a spot.  I will use the time and date of your message
(in the case that I receive multiple messages in one session), on a first come
first serve basis.  You can reserve one to six cartridges apiece (maybe more)
and they will be $35 dollars apiece for deposit.  This $35 deposit can be
used toward receiving the final version of BATTLEWHEELS when produced or will
be refunded upon the return of the test cartridge.  Once I have received your
email, I will mark you down for the number of requested copies and will send
back a purchase order number and further instructions as to obtaining your
cartridges.

Anyone who is interested in just receiving information about BEYOND GAMES and
BATTLEWHEELS can email a request for information with which I will pass on to
BEYOND GAMES.

Also, I live in Hanover, New Hampshire if anyone lives close and wnats to come
play it, or any other multiplayer game...I have two lynxes and generally know
other people to lynx up tih in the area...

So get psyched to see BATTLEWHEELS in stores sometime in January or early FEB.
It blows any game I've seen out of the water!  Especially with its six player
support, stereo, graphics, action, and many many options...

BRUCE JOHNSON
Newsgroups: alt.games.lynx