Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri: Power of the Mind Worms
YA-Flat, airbrushed images illustrate this game-derived fantasy in which a future society still must confront human transgressions against the environment. Fast paced, with clear delineations between good and evil-both qualities requisite to any text intended to attract those who play the electronic version-this tale nonetheless offers interesting characterizations and plot twists. The hero here is, in fact, a heroine who, although scantily clad, wins through intelligence rather than seduction. The mind worms of the title are gruesome and wondrous, used to excellent effect in the denouement as well as the climax. Although the primary audience for this tale will be those Alpha Centauri players who want to expand into book peripherals, it stands alone and has appeal to fantasy and science-fiction readers unfamiliar with the game.-Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CACopyright 2000 Cahners Business Information, Inc.