You printed a letter from Terri Madsen in the Professor column on Softdisk G-S #15 in which she said she was interested in articles about the Finder. I don't think your answer was very helpful, so could you please tell her that GS+ Magazine had a three part series on the Finder. The articles were in the following issues: Vol 1, numbers 2,3, and 4. Prices are $4.50 for the magazine, $6.50 for the disk, and $9.50 for the disk and magazine. The text of the articles can only be found in the magazine. Write to:
I'd like to see something that modifies the printer driver so that a box comes up like when you print from SDGS. I liked Games from Around the World on the Softdisk Classics disk. Why don't you bring it back with more games for SDGS?
We enjoy your disk very much and it has some very good utilities and programs on it. The one thing that upsets me is the reuse of certain programs every issue (eg. Jukebox, PS Viewer, etc.). Could you not use these once and then we would get them out whenever we needed them to access files. For new subscribers you could give them a starter disk with these programs. This would free up valuable disk space for new programs or data files. Keep up the good work!
I just recieved Softdisk G-S #15. I read the review and your comments on Rastan by Taito. I was very interested as I am the sponsor of my High School's Computer Club. We are always looking for GOOD software (games) to buy. I called to order the game and found that you can no longer get this game. Also, my club has been trying to buy Arkanoid II by Taito. I was finally told that Taito no longer makes games for Apple, and there was no way of getting their games. I was wondering if you knew of any way to get Arkanoid II? Is there a way to get Rastan?
Joseph P. Karwoski
Johnstown, PA
Dear Joseph,
Sadly, Taito is pulling out of the GS market. I'm not sure why they can't sell the games already released (so many people want Rastan), but that isn't the case. This is just another company forced to abandon the GS because of Apple's lack of marketing commitment.
But you're in luck! Big Red Computer Club has purchased all copies remaining of Taito's games and they're selling them at reduced prices! Call them at (402) 379-4680 or write to: Big Red Computer Club, 423 Norfolk Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68701. Tell 'em Softdisk sent ya!
Now THAT is a company supporting the Apple market. Too bad this spirit isn't shared by Apple.
As the kids say, "Rad" magazine guys! I really love almost everything you put in it. The games are superb, the AWGS templates are fab, and the Department sections are great. I only have a few suggestions, gripes, and questions. Why don't you make up a nice binder and disk holder for us to buy, with your logo, etc. on it, for those of us who have cataloged the disks for twelve issues? On your Softdisk G-S #15, you inserted a pamphlet selling Uptime Classics disks. Are these stand alone programs or do you need Appleworks 3.0 or something? The introduction was not very informative. By the way, I think Jukebox is a waste of space in my opinion and I don't have Arkanoid II or Mean 18 Golf. I have all your G-S issues and I am like a little kid waiting for my disk to come every month! Thanks for putting out a great product.
Karen Brown
Bakersfield, CA
Dear Mrs. Brown,
In the future, we will be moving toward more of a variety of things that are self-contained on Softdisk G-S. There will be more to run so that the issue's success doesn't rest so singularly on the main feature's shoulders.
Uptime was our competitor. They put out a monthly disk just like we do. When they went out of business, we got all of their stuff. A lot of the Uptime stuff looks like our second year of 8-bit Softdisk--text-based, a little clunky, sort of quaint. Some programs do shine out, like Dangerous Dave and so on. If you want advice for which issues to get, I'd consider the issues for games. The other stuff might be somewhat scary. If you're an Apple history buff and you have all of our back issues, then go ahead. At some point we may publish a "Best of Uptime," but nothing is set in concrete yet.
Professor Know-It-All is the most useful feature a person could use, not being a programmer myself, it helps us to run the different programs on the IIgs. You're doing a great job, keep all the information on the GS coming.
After reading all the glowing reviews in your Readers Write column, I feel just a little bit bad about the complaints I feel I must voice. But, voice them I shall. When was the last time you published a decent arcade game? Let's see, on issue #7 you did Sargo Noidz, a full ten minutes of fun for us arcade lovers, on issue #8 you did Legend of the Star Axe, with ten easy, repetitive levels. Another ten minutes of fun. Since then have appeared the hated and feared added levels to all the arcade games I don't have. Oh, I almost forgot, issue #11 did a very bad Parashooter game. Enough said, either you get the message, or you never will. Thanks for listening.
In the Review section Tom said that in Task Force if you run out of ammo you just get to stand there. Well that's true, but if you're playing one player- you can bring the second player up and he can shoot down the bad guys until more bullets appear. Also, I have noticed that the bullets stop appearing after the arrow starts to flash. Once I see that arrow, I quit shooting as much as possible and head for the next level. Also, picking up another gun will give you a full weapon.
I have just received the first issue of my trial subscription. I admit I was not expecting much, perhaps a glorified 8-bit Softdisk. But I have been pleasantly surprised. Your Softdisk G-S is great! I am very impressed, the moving icons, interesting columns, matter-of-fact reviews, up to date system software, spiffy user interface, etc. I will definitely renew when the time comes.
