**************************************************************************** >C O M P U T E R U N D E R G R O U N D< >D I G E S T< *** Volume 1, Issue #1.07 (May 5, 1990) ** **************************************************************************** MODERATORS: Jim Thomas / Gordon Meyer REPLY TO: TK0JUT2@NIU.bitnet FTP SITE: RJKRAUSE@SUNRISE.bitnet COMPUTER UNDERGROUND DIGEST is an open forum dedicated to sharing information among computerists and to the presentation and debate of diverse views. -------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: The views represented herein do not necessarily represent the views of the moderators. Contributors assume all responsibility for assuring that articles submitted do not violate copyright protections. -------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- Just Say "Whaa.....???" -------------- (Eds Note: We did not make this up, nor is the press release dated April 1st) Press Release: Jeff Mackler Communications 15301 Ventura Blvd Suite 300 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403-3102 (818) 783-1688 (voice) (818) 783-6516 (FAX) TAITO'S 'WRATH OF THE BLACK MANTA' DELIVERS STRONG ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE (LOS ANGELES, CA) APRIL 12 -- With the popularity of video games continuing to increase at a dizzying pace, one software publishing company believes it has an added responsibility to the consumer public. Taito Software, Inc., a major creator of video game software for the Nintendo Entertainment System, has taken up the lance in the fight against drugs and international terrorism by publishing the hard-hitting "Wrath of the Black Manta," which brings a strong anti-drug, anti-terrorism message directly into the home. Alan Fezer, President of Taito said, "Taito has the opportunity to deliver a message to today's youth. Video games have a strong impact on the playing public. In general, they are both entertained and educated by the message of the game. Taito has made the decision to make it's anti-drug message loud and clear." "Wrath of the Black manta" comes wrapped in state-of-the-art technology including advanced graphics, sound effects and music. This provides a greater dimension to the game and allows players of this five-level, martial arts, action/adventure video to participate in an exciting drama. The stakes are as high as they are in real life. The player assumes the role of the "Black Manta," and in the process a student-master relationship develops, imbuing a human-like quality to the play of the game. As the player acquires greater skill through having to develop memory and reading skills, he/she moves up to a higher and more difficult level of play. In describing a psychological process called "mastery," achieving simulated victory in a fantasy situation over an actual conflict, such as the terrorism of international drug cartels, a player is more apt to believe that that goal is obtainable in real life. Taito heightens player involvement and positive reinforcement by making "Wrath of the Black manta" interactive. The story's dialogue is shown simultaneously in script, running along the bottom of the screen at key intervals. In addition, the player receives a series of cryptic messages, including spoken clues from the treacherous thugs and the kidnap victims. Throughout the game, the Master strongly reinforces the drug themes, reminding the player to never use drugs. The action, which takes place in New York, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro, provides for character development as the player's abilities increase. In the process, he challenges the international gang of formidable foes as he tracks down the ruthless drug lord, El Toro, eventually succeeding in the achieving a single-handed victory over drugs and terrorism. "Black Manta" maintains a continuous story line, level by level, rather than a simple recapping of the narrative. As "Black Manta," the player must become a master of the four groups of Ninpo Arts, with such exotic powers as the Paralyzing Fire Rain, the Veil of Invisibility, and spider-like Underground Travel. With each new level the player reaches, the added Ninpo Arts and skills he masters fuse to give him the added strength and proficiencies (sic) to achieve the final result - destruction of El Toro and his powerful, parasitic (sic) drug cartel. The characterization of a high-concept foe creates much more excitement in play than does a series of anonymous enemies. The stakes in "Black manta" are not simply over turf, but over the insidious power welded by drug lords. Although many "bad guys" challenge the "Black Manta's" skills (Voodoo Warriors, Robot Guards, and the monstrous "Tiny"), the action culminates in a final show-down with El Toro, the mastermind of DRAT (Drug Runners and Terrorists). The game was recently accorded high honor by GAME PLAYER'S NINTENDO GUIDE, which proclaimed that, 'Superior graphics and animation, together with a strong story line, make "Wrath of the Black Manta' a strong contender for the best martial arts game around." NINTENDO POWER (March/April 1990) also gave "The Wrath of the Black Manta" high marks, with a 4 our of a possible 5 rating for graphics and sound, 3.5 out of 4 on play control, 4 out of 5 on challenge, and 4 out of 5 on theme/fun. To introduce "Wrath of the Black Manta" to the public, Taito has established the "Black Manta Sweepstakes" in which the Grand Prize-winner will earn the right to a $5,000 shopping spree in the store of their choice. Game players enter by dialing 1-800-777-2WIN. Taito Software Inc develops and markets entertainment software for the consumer market. The company is the North American home entertainment subsidiary of $500-million Taito Corp., based in Tokyo, the world's largest arcade game manufacturer. Founded in April 1988, Taito Software is committed to providing superior products the incorporate high production values and technological innovation. # # # CONTACT: Gene Lesser Anita Deiter Jeff Mackler Taito Software, Inc Jeff Mackler Communications (604)984-3344 818/783-1688 =+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ + END THIS FILE + +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+===+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=  Downloaded From P-80 International Information Systems 304-744-2253 12yrs+