The World of CD-i Chronicles #24

Here is the 1st review of a Digital Video on CD-i title, that means you will need the Digital Video Cartridge to play this title.
As I am Portuguese, I had to start with a Portuguese CD-i release of course, a Portuguese exclusive title.
I am not a fan of Abrunhosa & Bandemónio music as I do not like his way to sing (just like if he talk instead of singing…).

Thank you Alan Bradford for offering me this title. Alan was the owner of Philips CD-i Zone Facebook page, now used by someone else without asking for permission to use it…

SOME HISTORY:
Pedro Abrunhosa & Bandemónio developed by C.I.T.I. in 1995, the very first Portuguese Multimeda dedicated to music and video for CD-i.
Today he is doing a solo career. The Bandemónio ended in 2010.
C.I.T.I. with a good experience on CD-i titles has been chosen to release this title that provide a very good amount of multimedia resource and options!

SOME FACTS:
Pedro Abrunhosa is a very famous singer in Portugal and this CD-i title is based on his first album who got a triple platinium (240 000 sold) and got the special participation of Maceo Parker, James Brown’s saxophonist.

THE TITLE:
This title is divided in several parts. Every time you will choose a category and/or subcategory, you will see a little video of Pedro Abrunhosa talking to you to show you what you are going to see.

Choosing the 1st icon from the main menu, you will gt to the subcategory with 3 options.

Choosing the 1st icon, you will be able to cut 3 songs and play any or all parts of the same song randomly. Fantasia, Socorro and Estrada.

Choosing the 2nd icon, you will sing karaoke of one of the 2 songs. Não Posso Mais and Tudo o Que Eu te Dou.

Choosing the 3rd icon, Pedro Abrunhosa will answer many questions from the fans.

Choosing the 2nd icon from the main menu, you will get to another subcategory with 3 more options.

Choosing the 1st icon, you will learn who are the Bandemónio and the history of the band.

Choosing the 2nd icon, you will listen to the full audio album. 10 songs that are:
– Não Posso Mais.
– Não Tenho Mão Em Mim.
– Lua.
– É Preciso Ter Calma.
– Socorro.
– Estrada.
– Fantasia.
– Viagens.
– Mais Perto Do Céu.
– Tudo O Que Eu Te Dou.

Choosing the 3rd icon, you will watch a video with scenes of several concerts.

Choosing the 3rd icon from the main menu, you will get to another subcategory with 3 more options.

Here, you will watch 3 video-clips of his hit songs:
– Não Posso Mais.
– Tudo O Que Eu Te Dou.
– Socorro.

Other information:
– Not compatible with a Video-CD or DVD player.
– Digital Video Cartridge required.
– Remote can be used.

CD-i Emulator Compatibility:
Not tested

Good Points:
– Very interactive!
– Many menus and subcategories.
– Very good audio quality.

Bad Points:
– Only for the people who like this kind of music.

EVALUATION:
Graphics 8/10
Music 10/10
Creativity 9/10
TOTAL 9/10

Find all the Chronicles at www.theworldofcdi.com
Contact: omegalfa@theworldofcdi.com
Twitter: @omegalfapt
Facebook: Support Group

Written by omegalfa, © 17/07/2020

Alien Gate – Review

SOME HISTORY:
This is not my favourite game, by far, but there is some very cool graphics on it. When Philips was still balancing between the family multimedia player and the gaming introduction, SPC Vision came with a demo of this game and Philips loved it! Very worked graphics for the early 90’s.
This is how Alien Gate came to the Philips CD-i, from a scratch demo made by a new programmer that became a SPC Vision employee.

THE GAME:
We are talking about a vertical shoot’em up where you are driving a little spaceship with… hands and foots…? Really?
That’s right, nothing to see with the high tech spaceship from the cover.
The control isn’t really hard when you are using a gamepad, but as this game was made in 1993, players was mostly using the Thumbstick remote control. And believe me, this is a complete different vision of gaming… to beat the 30 levels!

The intro background sound is pretty cool, like an underwater orchestra sounds. But the game doesn’t have any music, just sound effects from the shoots, hits and enemies moving. A very basic game where you get more power shoots when passing each levels.

Each time you are starting a level, a story is telling to you, the story of the game to understand how this war started and the evolution of it. This part of the game was used to entertain the player while the game was loading.

There is no much more I can tell you about this game, unless the team that made it is the same (or part of) as the one who made other games like The Apprentice and Lucky Luke, one of the best CD-i games! An Huge evolution in the gaming and graphics!

You have 3 live when you start the game, but you can win more with your score until a maximum of 5 lives.
In the end, when you lose all your lives and die and can get access to the hall of fame by inserting your name.
The hall of fame is accessible from the main page of the game.

When exiting the game you will get access to the credits of the Alien Gate.

Here are the Level passwords:

Level selection:
Level 05 -> CWOA
Level 10 -> ASJA
Level 15 -> VZOA
Level 20 -> SAKA
Level 25 -> TNNB

A interesting point about the game cover arts is the fact you have 2 different covers, one for the USA and one for the Europe, check this out!
The 3 of the top are the American version, and the bottom 3 are the European version.

Other information:
– 1 player.
– No Digital Video Cartridge required.
– Gamepad recommended.
– 2 different covers (USA/Europe).

CD-i Emulator Compatibility:
Working – Small sound issue at the game menu.

Good Points:
– Good intro music.
– Variety of enemies.

Bad Points:
– No music while playing.
– Easily boring.
– No difficulty levels.

EVALUATION:
Graphics 7/10
Music 3/10
Gameplay 4/10
TOTAL 4/10

Contact: omegalfa@theworldofcdi.com
Twitter: @omegalfapt

Written by omegalfa, © 28/03/2020

Atlantis – The Last Resort

Created by Philips Research Laboratories (PRL) back in 1997, this DOOM like game will blow your eyes!

Is it really a CD-i title?
No way the CD-i have a game like this one…!

This addictive game will blow your mind!

The story:
A resort have been attacked by a virus and no one can solve this problem…
Meanwhile you have been sentenced to prison for so many years… you’ll need 2 lives to conclude them…
But an opportunity that you can’t refuse knocked to the door…
Shutdown the resort reactor and they will forget your past… You will be free forever…
And here we go into the game, with a rocket launcher on hands!

The game:
As I said, this is a DOOM like game, a 1st person shooter in 3D, not usual on CD-i.
You will need a Digital Video Cartridge (DVC) to play it.
A gamepad is highly recommended to play this unrealistic game!

The main game screen show you on the bottom a compass for your orientation, your health level and your weapon/ammo.
This is a fast game with 3 levels of difficulties, Easy, Tricky and Hard. This last one is absolutely insane but with a lot of fun!
Avoid enemies attacks, kill them before they hit you!
You will need keys to open some gates, each gate need a specific key colour, find the right key for the right gate.
Some gates just need to be manually opened by pressing button 2 while need the gate command.
There is no time limit in this 20 levels with many different enemies!
Hours of fun even if sometimes you will feel you are a little bit disoriented with all the movements you have to do to avoid the bad guys.
They will come from the air, from the underground and from the floor…

When under pause mode (press 1+2) , more options will appear:

You will get access to the map. This map will only show the places you have visited (in black) and your position.
RESET will make you start again the same level.
Also, an unique CD-i option is available from this menu, I am talking about the EJECT button.
This is the possibility to play your favourite audio CD while playing the game!
This is the only CD-i title with this option.
You will have to put the game disc again each time you complete a level (to load the next).

Back to the game, you can use a rocket launcher, a gun or a mini-gun. You have limited ammo, but you will find boxes all around that automatically regenerate to use again (at the same place). Also health bonus are available.
You even can eat the dead enemies to increase your health.
Ammo starts at 99/99, once at 0/99 you will have to find more boxes to kill enemies.
Health starts at 100/100, but if you eat enemies, it can reach a maximum of 120/100.
You have unlimited lives, once you die (0/100 of health) you restart the level.

The goal of each level is to reach the main gate, after opening all the different gates with the keys.

You will really enjoy the game, the music is cool and put you into the ambience.
There is some secret passage that will let you load all the ammo and health.

After each areas are divided by some levels, some have 5 levels other less.
After each areas you will get access to a bonus stage. In each bonus stage you will have to avoid reach the end of the corridor without touch the walls (or touching the less as possible). No guns, no enemies, just avoid walls. In the end you will get a health bonus points. It is very fast… Good luck!

After every bonus stage you will see an animation that will present you the next area and the evolution of the story. All in Full Motion.

A password will be given to you after you conclude each level, you can write it on a paper to continue another day.
Many cheat codes are available for Atlantis – The Last Resort:

All unlimited
In the game main page, with the cursor, go to the upper – left side of the screen and press 1, 2, 2, 1 buttons sequence.
Screen will change automaticly…

You just have to activate:
– Unlimited ammunitions.
– Unlimited keys.
– Unlimited lives.
– Choose levels.

Reload guns and life:
(It will not work if you have already used the code above, obviously.)

During the game, if you finish ammunitions, lives, or if you don’t find any key…
Go to the map screen, with the cursor, go to the upper – left side of the screen and press 1, 2, 1, 2 buttons sequence.

Here is what will happen:
– All keys will appear.
– Life will be at maximum.
– Your ammunitions will be at maximum.

Attention! Your live will not be unlimited… neither ammunitions…!
You can do this code evry time you want!

Bonus stage
Level 05 -> CHIDUNI
Level 10 -> JFVTLDG
Level 12 -> JDUFDBZ
Level 17 -> YBNDIKG

This game born after the development of RAM Raid, the very first online multiplayer game, available on CD-i with the CD-online internet kit.

Good Points:
– 1 player.
– Any addicted gamer will love this game, a must have in your collection!
– DVC required.
– Audio CD option while playing feature.
– Cool soundtrack.
– Lot of cheat codes.
– Fast and vicious!
– Unlimited lives!
– Fully compatible with the latest version of CD-i Emulator.

Bad Points:
– Easily disorientation.
– No side movement (to avoid turning around).

EVALUATION:
Graphics 8/10
Music 7/10
Gameplay 9/10
TOTAL 8/10

A special thanks to Paul Clarke, our website member, who wrote this amazing game!

Contact: omegalfa@theworldofcdi.com
Twitter: @omegalfapt

Written by omegalfa, © 20/03/2020

The World of CD-i Chronicle #16

I decided to review this game because it remind me good days back in the mid 90’s, while playing in Paris with my 2 best friends. I was the only one of all my friends with a CD-i, so many of them used to visit me just to play some games. CD Shoot was one of our favorite at that time because we all could play alternatively.

SOME HISTORY:
CD Shoot is a shooting sport game also called Ball, Trap created by Eaglevision back in 1992, so a very early game after the European launch.

THE GAME:
This is a really, really, really, basic game. Don’t expect to much form this game…
Aim and shoot, simple…
You can choose from one of the 8 different languages that are:
Dutch, English, French, Deutsche, Japanese, Italian, Spanish or Portuguese.

Then you will be asked to choose the controller you are using for the game. Choose between:
Tracker Ball, Remote Controller, Mouse and Roller Controller.
It is also possible to play with the Peacekeeper Gun, but it is not possible to calibrate it as at that time, the gun wasn’t yet available.

After this screen, you will be able to Play, Get an Explanation of the game listening to a voice or Exit.

Choose the difficulty level:
Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced.
And Choose the up to 5 players! This is a cool feature!

Then Choose the Game Mode between:
Sporting, Olympic Trap, Balltrap and English Skeet.

Each one of them will always give you 25 targets to shoot, the mode will define from where the target are launched.
I will play a 5 player game so you can view how it is.

Each player play alternatively after one target each.
You can see who is playing looking at the bottom left side, the player number is shown on the table.
Each player will also have a different hat color.

At the right lower side, the table will show the 5 first targets.
A X is as a hit target, a – is a missed target.
By clicking on the green icon at the middle of the bottom table, you will check your position on the field, and clicking on the circular white and gold one, you will see the result table.
To exit the game, choose the golden icon at the right side.

To launch the target, press any button, you will listen your character say “Pool”, and in a multiplayer mode, each player will have a different voice.

When you are moving the cursor, the character will always follow it, turning left, right, up and down.
If you hit the target right in the middle, and not to far away, you will see a blast!
The shooting sound is very good and clear.

At the end of 25 targets each, the final table will automatically appear to show the results and the winner.
The game finishes here and you can start again… simple… very simple…

Other information:
– Up to 5 player.
– No Digital Video Cartridge required.
– Gamepad, mouse, tracker ball or roller controller recommended.

CD-i Emulator Compatibility:
Working – No issues.

Good Points:
– Up to 5 player alternatively.
– Realistic environment.
– 8 languages.
– 4 different game modes.

Bad Points:
– No Music.
– No possibility to calibrate the Peacekeeper Gun.
– No introduction video.
– Easily boring.

EVALUATION:
Graphics 8/10
Music 2/10
Gameplay 7/10
TOTAL 6/10

Find all the Chronicles at www.theworldofcdi.com
Contact: omegalfa@theworldofcdi.com
Twitter: @omegalfapt

Written by omegalfa, © 22/05/2020

The World of CD-i Chronicles #21

Here is Escape from CyberCity® a Hard to Hell game!
This game is the reason why I have a CD-i! When I saw the back cover with the full motion pictures… Man… I need to get a CD-i! I bought the game before having the player!

SOME HISTORY:
Released in 1992 by Fathom Pictures and published by American Interactive Media (AIM), this is based “Galaxy Express 999”. Another version was released on LaserDisc caller “Freedom Fighters”, with some difference (more animations between action scenes).

SOME FACTS:
In the USA, Philips sent is people to promote the CD-i into the schools with several titles (games and edutainment) Escape from CyberCity® was one of them. The full screen animations was absolutely mind-blowing and got success with the young guys!

But do you know how much time you need to complete the game? Just 5 minutes…

THE GAME:
You are Tetsuro Hoshino who is trying to reach Guardian’s planet and destroy it.
To do this you need to get to the train (the famous Galaxy Express 999 train) that fly and go to the space.
This is an iconic game, pure interactivity, you can choose your way after each action scene, you decide where to go!

At the main screen you can choose between “Start a Game”, “Exit the Game” or “Cyber City Tour”.
The Cyber City Tour will explain what you have to do and will show pictures and videos of the game.

Note a thing… the game’s name is CybeCity, but on the main screen, you can see Cyber City Tour, (CyberCity/Cyber City).

Choosing Start Game will brings you to the next screen, the level difficulty. Well, unless you love to scream and destroy you gamepad throwing to the wall… Play Rookie!

A man from the resistance, one of the latest human on earth gives you a gun.
From now one, this is a 1st person shooter!

At the 1st intersection, you can go  to the game (Train), or practice (right side). After the practice the game will continue just like if you had chosen the Train way.

This is a very difficult game, there is no pause option, and it is very fast!
The use of a gamepad or a mouse is highly commanded.

Avoid enemies or obstacles moving the cross (target) to the opposite side.
Shoot the robots or the vehicle passing by to explode them all.

If you miss, you will get arrested and get to prison, or you will be hit ad die.
You only have 3 lives, and no indication of how many lives remains.
The idea was to immerse you into the action without anything else on screen except the videos.

This video will show you the complete gameplay. Only 5 minutes are needed to finish the game. It took 3 days to the guys from www.push-start.com (a now closed French web-radio) back in 2005.

Other information:
– 1 player only.
– No Digital Video Cartridge required.
– Mouse highly recommended.

CD-i Emulator Compatibility:
Not working

Good Points:
– Just like the animated series.
– Pure interactivity.

Bad Points:
– Extremely hard.
– Difficult to aim the ennemies.

EVALUATION:
Graphics 9/10
Music 7/10
Gameplay 7/10
TOTAL 7,3/10

Find all the Chronicles at www.theworldofcdi.com
Contact: omegalfa@theworldofcdi.com
Twitter: @omegalfapt
Facebook: Support Group

Written by omegalfa, © 26/06/2020

We tested this unique in its kind CD-i title called Exit 7.
This is an Harley-Davidson showcase full of videos… but not only…
Produced in 1993 by Master Communications, a Dutch company, all the videos have been shot in The Netherlands.

Let’s start from beginning, we are talking about a Digital Video Cartridge (DVC) optional title, that means if you play it on a CD-i player with and then without a DVC, you will see differences. Follow me to discover which ones.

We will first play it without DVC.

The startingscreen will always be the same, with or without a DVC. You will see the credits page.

Then you will get to the Museum and have to choose between 4 options. Each one will show Harley-Davidson motorbikes from different decades.

If you click on “Back on track”, you will get to Joe’s Custom Shop and be able to customize 2 motorbikes.
Every time you choose an option, you will see the motorbike changing with the different stuff added.

You will always be guided by a host voice to help you make your choices.
And that’s is, the no DVC version ends here.

Let’s now turn off our player, insert the DVC and play again to see what’s new!

Like I said before, this screen is always shown, with or without the DVC insert.

We now have this screen and it click on “Hit the road”, your journey will start will a Full Motion Video (FMV) and take a ride on a bike.

The video starts with a woman (a Dutch woman by the way) that invites you to ride on her motorbike, yes… ride only the motorbike… what a dirty mind you have…

She will drive on the road and stop on several points as shown upwards.
Events – Get your kicks on the best runs.
Museum – Look at some of the finest old Harley’s.
Madame Rose – For just having a great time.
Joe’s Custom Shop – To give your bike a personal touch.
Boothill Saloon – Best bar and best drinks.
Dealers – Officially licensed Harley-Davidson dealers.
Parking – The place where it all starts.

Events
Choose between Daytona, Motorsale, H.O.G. and Homecoming Tour.
Each one of them will give you access to Full Motion Videos of those specific events.

Museum
It is the same as the one you saw before, when played without the DVC.

Madame Rose
The girl will not let you go there! It is not a place for respectable people!

Joe’s Custom Shop
It is the same as the one you saw before, when played without the DVC.

Boothill Saloon

Dealers
Take a look at many Harley-Davidson stuff available to get the perfect ride!

Parking

Other information:
– Digital Video Cartridge optional.
– Remote can be used.

CD-i Emulator Compatibility:
Working – No issues.

Good Points:
– A different way to promote!
– Many menus and subcategories.
– A lot of information about Harley-Davidson history.

Bad Points:
– What about to choose your way when driving?
– I want to visit Madame Rose…

EVALUATION:
Graphics 9/10
Music 6/10
Creativity 8/10
TOTAL 7,5/10

Contact: omegalfa@theworldofcdi.com
Twitter: @omegalfapt
Facebook: Support Group

Written by omegalfa, © 28/01/2021

ゴルゴ13 (Golgo 13)
小学館ビッグコミック連載
(Serialization on Shogakukan Big Comic)
©1991さいとう・プロダクション (Copyright 1991 Saito Production)
ジャパン インタラクティブメディア (Japan Interactive Media)

Let’s talk about one the rarest CD-i game you can find out there, Golgo 13, a Japanese title published by Japan Interactive Media (JIM) back in 1992. It is completely in Japanese and its owner, Alan_CDiZone (one of the biggest CD-i collector I know) wrote this review for The World of CD-i.
Hopefully our Community is big enough to find someone able to read Japanese, I am talking about VAN-Gluon of course! A living legend!

I have arranged Alan_CDiZone‘s review and mixed with VAN-Gluon‘s translations to make it as simplest as possible for anyone to read and understand it.
Thank you both for your excellent work!

SOME FACTS:
Officially, six Golgo 13 games have been created, but the CD-i version isn’t included on the list… They just forgot the best one 😉 So, seven Golgo 13 games exists (until 2021).

SOME HISTORY:
Golgo 13 is a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Takao Saito. It is the oldest manga serie still in publication, started in October 1968. Published in Shogakukan‘s seinen manga, it is for sure one of the most famous manga in the world. Golgo 13 is a professional assassin and no one knows his real name…
Takao Saito passed away on September 24th of 2021 from pancreatic cancer, aged of 84 years old, but the publications will continue as he wished.

THE GAME:
Before you get to choose which game you’d like to play, a synopsis of the game appears in pictures – with ”frenetic” music alongside – suggesting a difficult situation is coming.

ゴルゴ13……デューク東郷…… 国籍地、出身地、本名、いっさい不明……
(Golgo 13……Duke Togo…… Nationality, Birthplace, Real name, Everything unknown……)

M16アーマライト変形銃を使用する 超A級スナイパー
(He is Super-A class sniper uses M16 ArmaLite variant gun)

精神面、肉体面ともに忍耐力は抜群で、 拷問などに屈することは決してない
(Both mind side and body side are very tough, never daunt on torture, etc)

The CD-i cursor appears as a target in red, and each time you click, it produces a gunshot – adding to the feeling that this game is all about avoiding Golgo 13 and being shot.

The first choice is ”Story”. This is the comic book adventure. As soon as you choose this, black & white comic strip storyboards appear and then you must choose whereabouts in the World you’d like to travel to. The next email will contain these pictures…

また、背後に音もなく近寄られることを 嫌い、決して握手をしない 車に乗るときは、いちばん後から……
(And, he hate approach at back quietly, never do handshake When ride a car, at last……)

 

「ゴルゴ13」とは…… ゴルゴダの丘で、主イエスに いばらの冠をかぶせ
(“Golgo 13” means…… Cover crown of thorns to Jesus Christ on Golgotha Hill) (※Text maybe show at halfway)

 

国際的テロリスト、ゴルゴ13接近!! 彼の目的は、現在のところ不明……
(International terrorist, Golgo 13 is approaching!! His purpose is unknown at this time……)

I’ve chosen to travel to South America.

I’m then presented with several more black and white comic book storyboards, but this time complete with audio and sound effects to accompany the situation (e.g. the sound of a plane).

The interaction in this game is very limited – it is about choosing storyboard I or II (as shown) and it is pure luck as to whether you’ve chosen correctly – i.e. choosing the wrong path leads to assassination from Golgo13. If this happens, the screen ”The End” appears (next email). I’ve never been successful in avoiding him!!!

北アメリカ ヨーロッパ 南アメリカ 中東・アフリカ どこへ向いますか?
(North America Europa South America Middle East/Affrica Where do you want to go?)

アマゾナス どこへ向いますか?
(Amazonas Where do you want to go?)

 

The 2nd choice of game to play is ”Database”. This is a multiple-choice quiz game, in Japanese.

You have 5 ‘lives’ as shown on the right – each time you get a question wrong, another part of Golgo13 is revealed.
The fast, pulsating music alongside this game gets louder as you get closer to losing to him.
You are also against the clock on each question, as shown by the coloured bars.

Again, I’ve never won and I don’t know how many questions you need to get right to beat him!!
The same ”The End” screen appears as the ‘Story” comic book game.

怪盗メスリーヌの相棒を暗殺するときに 使った武器は? 1.ナイフ 2.パチンコ 3.吹き矢
(What did he use weapon at assassination to phantom thief Mesrine’s sidekick? 1.Knife 2.Slingshot 3.Blowgun)
(※This episode is “Mesrine’s cat”(No.168, SP Comic Vol.47). Answer is 3.)

ゴルゴと対決したソ連の見え
(Confronted to Golgo, U.S.S.R’s invincib…)
(※Text maybe show at halfway, can’t translate all. Choices isn’t show. This episode may “Invincible Army”(No.246, SP Comic Vol.72).)

The final choice to make from the start screen is ”title”. This takes you to the same Golgo13 start screen as before, except it has the ‘Exit’ option available.

Click on this, and you are taken to end credits – mainly in English!!!

ゴルゴ13 (Golgo 13)
小学館ビッグコミック連載(Serialization on Shogakukan Big Comic)
©1991さいとう・プロダクション (Copyright 1991 Saito Production)
ジャパン インタラクティブメディア (Japan Interactive Media)

Different from other CD-i softwares so far, it has a story line from the beginning through the end, where you can find excitements happenning.
In the Data Base Mode, there are some quiz about Golgo 13.
When you clear all the standard quiz, you can protect yourself from Golgo 13’s attack.
In the Story Mode, there are 13 stories picked out of the original story, with sound and effects added.
There are multi stories / multi endings for you to experience the case “if chose the other way, I might have run away from Golgo 13.”
CD-i Golgo 13 has pictures from its original work with BGM and narration added on it.
The most different point from the comics is that, to protect yourself, you have to act as a person concerned in the enemy sometimes.
And when you don’t see why you missed, go back to beginning and try other selections.
You may not feel so good when you are killed without knowing the reason why.
You have to realise that you are facing World #1 sniper.
It is almost impossible to run away from him.
But on the conditions of the offer client shows to Golgo 13, you might be able to get away from him for all your life.
Depending on the story you select, you may have to solve difficult problems.
As you enjoy the original work, I hope you appreciate this software.

今までのCD-iソフトと異なり、オープニングからエンディング迄、一つのストーリーに基づいており、息をつかせぬ展開が続きます。 目を離すと、話(?)(※too low resolution for read)やストーリーが解らなくなるかもしれません
(Unlike until now CD-i software, from opening to ending, based on one story, continues breathless scenes. When I take my eyes off you, may can’t understand conversation or story.)

データベースとストーリーの二つのモードに分かれています
(Two mode has, Database mode, and Story mode.) データベースモードはゴルゴ13に関する情報がクイズ形式で出題されます。 基準をクリアすると、ゴルゴ13の狙撃から身を守ることが出来ます。
(Database mode will be given quiz about Golgo 13’s information. Meet the standard then, you can protect from Golgo 13’s shoot.)

ストーリーモードは物語から13話を抜粋し、サウンドとエフェクトを追加して構成しています。 マルチストーリーを採用しており、「もし、あのとき、こうしていたらゴルゴ13の狙撃から逃れられたのでは?」を体験できます。
(Story mode is composed of 13 stories, extract from comics, add sound and effect. This mode is adopting multi story, you can experiment to “If when do this… they can dogde to Golgo 13’s shoot?”)

(※Comic’s Golgo 13’s shoot success rate is “99.8%”.)

Conclusion:
If you understand Japanese, you will for sure get fun with this game. As the booklet says, “There are multi stories / multi endings for you to experience”.
Overall, this game is unique on CD-i (as many are 🙂 ). Interactivity on the main storyboard game is very limited, and there is no skill needed whatsoever (and knowing Japanese is a distinct advantage – especially for the quiz element – where knowledge is king!!). But the sound quality is exceptional – leading to the storybook adventure in particular being an immersive experience. It is extremely rare but if you look hard (suggest Japan Yahoo Auctions) you may just be lucky and track down a copy…

Other information:
– No DVC required.
– No gamepad or touchpad required.

CD-i Emulator Compatibility:
Not tested

Good Points:
– The ambience is excellent.
– Perfect game for Golgo 13 fans.

Bad Points:
– Only for people who knows Japanese.

EVALUATION:
Graphics 8/10
Music 10/10
Creativity 8/10
TOTAL 9/10

Review by Alan_CDiZone;
Translations by VAN-Gluon;
Screenshots by Alan_CDiZone;
Arranged by Omegalfa.
© 30/11/2021

I really enjoy writing reviews, but when we are talking about different kind of titles, especially Multimedia ones, the need to share my experience with all of you is even bigger.

It took me two complete weeks to write it as we are talking about 4 titles. Tons of screenshots and image edition has been released to give you the best overview as possible of this very rare complete set of 4 titles.
I want you to feel just like you was playing the title yourself.

Many of you already know the existence of Iberoamerica – 500 Años Despues (500 Years After), this is a set of 4 titles sold separately:
Iberoamerica – Descubra un Continente
Iberoamerica – Descubra su Historia
Iberoamerica – Huellas del Futuro
Iberoamerica – Arte y Cultura Iberoamericana

This is a Spanish titles set produced by Sociedad Estatal Quinto Centenario and published by Philips Media Iberica in 1992.

SOME HISTORY:
The word Iberoamerica became stronger after the 1st summit in Guadalajara (Mexico) between 18th and 19th of July of 1991 called “Primera Cumbre Iberoamericana” and joined together 21 countries from South America and Europe, speaking Spanish and Portuguese, represented by their presidents.
They was:
Argentine, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, Venezuela and finally Puerto Rico but as associated country (so only 21 and not 22).

They defined bases about political, economical and cultural common aspects for the future, and still make summits every year until nowadays.

SOME FACTS:
This title has been developed to celebrate the 500 years of the discovery from Spain and Portugal of the South of America, it also have been release due to the Sevilla Expo 92 in Spain.

THE TITLE:
We are talking about a set of 4 titles, all sold separately.
All titles starts the same way. The sponsors who did participate in any way into the development are all shown, even if only a monetary help.

You can choose between 4 languages right from the beginning and can change at any moment during the game-play, but we will see it later.
Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and English.
Flags are still image and you can see an old European map.
Each flag is placed over the respective country.

I am starting with Iberoamerica – Descubra un Continente.

At any moment, by pressing button 1, you will get access to this menu bar.
– The flags to get access to the language selection.
– The up arrow will brings you to the Theme menu.
– The Globe with the flag will show you the locations (on a world map) of the places they are talking about.
– The Hourglass will brings you directly to the timeline events of the specific theme.
– The “i” will send you to the Narrated option where you will be able to read most part of the audio, without images.
– The “?” is the help. Click to learn how to use navigate the title, click once again on it to return to where you was.

When clicking on the flags icon, this new bar will appear.
You can at ANY MOMENT change audio track of the  presentation you are viewing.
Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and English are the available languages (just like in the beginning of the title).

By clicking on button 2 when viewing a presentation, this bar will appear and automatically it will be on Pause mode.
To continue, press button 2 again.
The following icon will let you do (from left to right):
Previous theme, previous slide, next slide, next theme and help.

Now that we know how to navigate through the titles let’s keep going on!

This main screen still picture is taken from the 1st title of the set.
Look closely and you will verify the picture is mirrored from the cover.
Also, this main screen picture is ALWAYS THE SAME for any of the 4 titles, independently of the jewel case cover image.

By clicking on one of the 6 icons, you will discover many things about Iberoamerican countries.
1, 2 and 3 will let you learn respectively about Geography, Emigration & Demography and finally Agriculture.
4 will let you surf into the Database of the disc with a virtual keyboard to write the keywords you want to learn about.
5 will send you to more options (we will see it later).
6 is used to leave the program and watch all the different credits.

Clicking on Geography, you will see many full screen pictures as a slideshow with a short audio introduction about the subject. You will then be able to choose between 3 options. After making your choice you will learn more information about each themes.
All themes are also under a slideshow with audio format.
It is possible to choose the one you want, or play all of them by clicking on the “play” button placed on the downer left side. Using the menu bar, you can skip theme to theme, pause, or return to the main menu.

Clicking on Emigration & Demography, you will see many full screen pictures as a slideshow with a short audio introduction about the subject. You will then be able to choose between 3 options. After making your choice you will learn more information about each themes.
All themes are also under a slideshow with audio format.
It is possible to choose the one you want, or play all of them by clicking on the “play” button placed on the downer left side. Using the menu bar, you can skip theme to theme, pause, or return to the main menu.

Clicking on Agriculture, you will see many full screen pictures as a slideshow with a short audio introduction about the subject. You will then be able to choose between 3 options. After making your choice you will learn more information about each themes.
All themes are also under a slideshow with audio format.
It is possible to choose the one you want, or play all of them by clicking on the “play” button placed on the downer left side. Using the menu bar, you can skip theme to theme, pause, or return to the main menu.

Let’s now take a look at the Database section.
Again, 5 options are available:
Choose 1 for the cartography, 2 for Chronology, 3 for Lexicon, 4 for Cities & Countries, and finally 6 for Narrations.

For the Cartography, using the arrow, move into an area of the world, it will zoom into the selected area. Only Europe and the Americas are available. For Europe, only Portugal, Spain and Italy. For the Americas, all countries are available including the United States and Canada.

 

For the Chronology, you will know all events that appends between 1492 until 1992 (the year of this title got published).
Choose between parts divided in 100 years each.
After that, you will be able to turn the pages and discover Politics and Culture & Society. These are tons of information!

This screen is the more options from the number 5.
1 will show you the authors of the title.
2 Special thanks and people who help.
3 To watch the introduction presentation.
4 To restart the title from the beginning.

Let’s now try the second title, Iberoamerica – Descubra su Historia

Clicking on Pre-Columbian and Colonial America, you will see many full screen pictures as a slideshow with a short audio introduction about the subject. You will then be able to choose between 3 options. After making your choice you will learn more information about each themes.
All themes are also under a slideshow with audio format.
It is possible to choose the one you want, or play all of them by clicking on the “play” button placed on the downer left side. Using the menu bar, you can skip theme to theme, pause, or return to the main menu.

Clicking on Science and Technology 1492 – 1900, you will see many full screen pictures as a slideshow with a short audio introduction about the subject. You will then be able to choose between 3 options. After making your choice you will learn more information about each themes.
All themes are also under a slideshow with audio format.
It is possible to choose the one you want, or play all of them by clicking on the “play” button placed on the downer left side. Using the menu bar, you can skip theme to theme, pause, or return to the main menu.

Clicking on Europe 15th Century, you will see many full screen pictures as a slideshow with a short audio introduction about the subject. You will then be able to choose between 3 options. After making your choice you will learn more information about each themes.
All themes are also under a slideshow with audio format.
It is possible to choose the one you want, or play all of them by clicking on the “play” button placed on the downer left side. Using the menu bar, you can skip theme to theme, pause, or return to the main menu.

On the Data Base, on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th title, you will find a new icon that will let you access the Biographies, all based on the personalities from the specific disc you are watching.

Let’s now try the third title, Iberoamerica – Huellas del Futuro

Clicking on Independent America 1808 – 1910, you will see many full screen pictures as a slideshow with a short audio introduction about the subject. You will then be able to choose between 3 options. After making your choice you will learn more information about each themes.
All themes are also under a slideshow with audio format.
It is possible to choose the one you want, or play all of them by clicking on the “play” button placed on the downer left side. Using the menu bar, you can skip theme to theme, pause, or return to the main menu.

Clicking on Latinamerica – The 20th Century, you will see many full screen pictures as a slideshow with a short audio introduction about the subject. You will then be able to choose between 3 options. After making your choice you will learn more information about each themes.
All themes are also under a slideshow with audio format.
It is possible to choose the one you want, or play all of them by clicking on the “play” button placed on the downer left side. Using the menu bar, you can skip theme to theme, pause, or return to the main menu.

Clicking on Europe 500 Years After, you will see many full screen pictures as a slideshow with a short audio introduction about the subject. You will then be able to choose between 3 options. After making your choice you will learn more information about each themes.
All themes are also under a slideshow with audio format.
It is possible to choose the one you want, or play all of them by clicking on the “play” button placed on the downer left side. Using the menu bar, you can skip theme to theme, pause, or return to the main menu.

NOTE:
ECU was the original name of the actual European currency, the Euro also known as €.

And now the last title of the set, Iberoamerica – Arte y Cultura Iberoamericana.

Clicking on Art in Latin America, you will see many full screen pictures as a slideshow with a short audio introduction about the subject. You will then be able to choose between 3 options. After making your choice you will learn more information about each themes.
All themes are also under a slideshow with audio format.
It is possible to choose the one you want, or play all of them by clicking on the “play” button placed on the downer left side. Using the menu bar, you can skip theme to theme, pause, or return to the main menu.

Clicking on Urbanism and Architecture, you will see many full screen pictures as a slideshow with a short audio introduction about the subject. You will then be able to choose between 3 options. After making your choice you will learn more information about each themes.
All themes are also under a slideshow with audio format.
It is possible to choose the one you want, or play all of them by clicking on the “play” button placed on the downer left side. Using the menu bar, you can skip theme to theme, pause, or return to the main menu.

Clicking on Cultural Exchanges in the 20th Century, you will see many full screen pictures as a slideshow with a short audio introduction about the subject. You will then be able to choose between 3 options. After making your choice you will learn more information about each themes.
All themes are also under a slideshow with audio format.
It is possible to choose the one you want, or play all of them by clicking on the “play” button placed on the downer left side. Using the menu bar, you can skip theme to theme, pause, or return to the main menu.

ADDITIONAL SCREENSHOTS
Toke from several parts, randomly from both 4 titles to let you discover the quality of the pictures.

CONCLUSION:
All titles will start with a slideshow introduction, but ALL introductions, from BOTH 4 titles have the SAME introduction (pictures and commentaries)…

We can define this set as an Iberoamerican Encyclopedia.
Besides the very first small video shown at the main screen, you will find no videos… it is really disappointing, not using what the CD-i could offer… even if from the early days of the system, without the Full Motion Video (the Digital Video Cartridge was still missing), videos would be really relevant for this kind of titles.

This is a good tool if you are learning at school or working on a project about this subject, but I keep saying the videos would also be very important to complete this collection, even if just short ones.

It is a very rare set, that can be found sometimes separately, but it is not a must have if you don’t care about the Iberoamerican history.

Other information:
– No Digital Video Cartridge required.
– Remote can be used.

CD-i Emulator Compatibility:
Not tested

Storage % used:
This title use no memory at all.

Good Points:
– All you need to know about South America is here.
– Tons of information (pictures, audio and text).
– 5 languages available at any time.

Bad Points:
– No videos.
– Only Full Screen Pictures.
– Each title was sold separately.

EVALUATION:
Graphics 6/10
Music 6/10
Creativity 6/10
TOTAL 6/10

Contact: omegalfa@theworldofcdi.com
Twitter: @omegalfapt
Facebook: Support Group

Written by omegalfa, © 03/03/2021

International Tennis Open 2 player

After you managed to create your own Port splitter using our guide from the Open-Source section, you are now free to use your different wires controllers to play 2 player games! And what better game to try a 2 player game than International Tennis Open – 2 Player Version (ITO)? Well, let’s go for this review!
You don’t like playing tennis? you don’t know what you are missing my friend! This game will make you love tennis! … or hate… because it is hard like hell!

Take you original or homebrew Port Splitter, and connect it to your CD-i player (if your CD-i player needs it of course) and choose 2 wired controllers to play this photo-realistic game!

The 1st time saw this game, it make me think the guys on TV was real ones! An amazing game for its time!
I recommend you to connect your Sound Surround while playing this one!
You will feel you are in fact in the tennis court loaded of people!

The story:
You are Victor Player, an averaged tennis player who is trying to enter into the world ATP ranking! And you finally classified to 1 of the 3 most important tournaments of the world!
Train you services, and gameplay to win the cup! A fully commented game by George Eddy, an ex NBA player, with an unique voice for this job!

The game:
Infogrames, the producer of this game, hit almost the perfection with this amazing game back in 1992, the early days of the CD-i system!
Then, 2 years later, a 2 player version was created, and this is the one I am reviewing for you.
In this game, you need the Port Splitter (unless you own a CD-i player with INPUT 2 working as Player 2) with both 2 wires controllers connected to be able to experience the Head-to-Head version. If the system do not recognize both controllers, then you will get this message just after the language selection:

After everything well connected, restart your CD-i player and you are ready to feel a complete 2 player experience!
You will be get to the main game screen. From there you will be able to choose between those icons:

Friendly match (1 player or Head-to-Head), Tournament (1 player only), Training (1 player only), Options, Nationality, Info (game explanation).

Let’s discover each of them in a different sequence, starting from the Nationality, Options, Training, Friendly match and finally, Tournament.

NATIONALITY

Choose the nationality of your character. You can choose between (in order from the selection):
Japan, Germany, USA, Italy, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Sweden, Spain and France (no Portugal  😥 )
Each time you choose a country, you will listen his National Anthem.

OPTIONS

Here you can set many options that will definitely influence the gameplay.
– Commentary
Minimum or Normal commentary from George Eddy.
– Language:
Change the Language of the game.
– Game styles:
Fully Manual, Manual Moves, Manual Shots Defensive, Manual Shots Offensive.
– Levels:
Level 1 is the easiest level.
It includes a service visual help, using a yellow cross when the ball will hit the correct area, and a black cross and it will not.
You can see where the opponent service ball will hit, and also see the yellow cross if it will hit the correct area.
The ball and opponent speed are slower.
Level 2 is the medium level.
It doesn’t include any service visual help (cross is always black).
You can see where the opponent service ball will hit, but can’t see the yellow cross.
The ball and opponent speed are a little faster.
Level 3 is the hard level.
It doesn’t include any service visual help (cross always black).
You can’t see any cross on the opponent service.
The ball and opponent speed are pretty fast.
– Sets:
3 Sets or 5 Sets
– Load a saved game:
This is where you load your saved games.
You can load up to 3 saved games.
– Leave the game:
no need to say much more… right?
Remember to save your settings by pressing ITO logo!

TRAINING

This is a very important part of the game. I strongly advise you to train here if you are new to this game. It will help you to familiarize to the controls, the service and its cross system.
Press Button 1+2 to exit the Training.

FRIENDLY MATCH

Finally! This is what I talking about! A Head-to-Head match!
The options screen will only appear if you choose the 2 player game.
After all configured, just choose the court floor between Grass, Cement and Clay.

When playing a 2 player game, player 1 will start at the bottom and player 2 at the top. When changing sides, players also changes sides. This is an important point because, when playing a 1 player game, player 1 will always stay at the bottom, even when the players change sides, the view switch but the player keeps playing from the bottom.
You can Pause the game by pressing 1+2 button. Only player 1 can access the Pause.
From the Pause you can access the options and Save your Head-to-Head game to be continued later. You also can leave the match but still keep watching the CD-i playing the match for both players, or just simply leave the match.

TOURNAMENT

Be careful, the ball will respond in a different way when hitting grass, cement or clay.
In grass, the ball will bounce lower, in cement it will bounce higher, and in clay it will bounce medium.
After each match you will see you rank from 99th to 1st, mach duration, 1st service and 2nd service percentage, aces, doubles faults, smashes, volleys, lobs and meters run.

HISTORY FACTS

During Rolland Garros tournament in 1993 and 1994, Philips and FR3 (a french TV channel now renamed as France 3) broadcast a TV show where anyone could call and play against the invited of the presenter.
Using the phone keys from 1 to 9, he could move the player. The option was set as Manual Moves.
If the player win the match he receive a brand new CD-i 220 and International Tennis Open – 2 player Game.
It was a huge success.

TIPS
This is a very hard game, you will need to lost many hours playing to manage to defeat your 1st opponent.
I personally love this game, finished it many times in level 3, but still very challenging.

– Go training!

– Start playing in level 1 with only 3 sets.

– From the easier to harder opponent:
Jimenez, Ullman, Andersen and Garett.

When using button 1 press:
– left or right to place the ball on the sides.
– Up for a longer ball (lifted).
– Back for a shorted ball or lob.

When suing button 2 press:
– left or right to place the ball on the sides.
– Up for a faster ball or smash.
– Back for a drop shot.

Good Points:
– 2 player game (Head-to-Head).
– DVC not required.
– Photo-realistic characters
– Public support!
– Over 1000 different comments in real time!
– Fully compatible with the latest version of CD-i Emulator.

Bad Points:
– Blond player will always appear with black hair.
– No changing side from bottom to top in 1 player mode.
– No female mode.
– No double match mode (2 players against 2 CD-i players).

EVALUATION:
Graphics 9/10
Sound 10/10
Gameplay 8/10
TOTAL 9/10

Contact: omegalfa@theworldofcdi.com
Twitter: @omegalfapt

Written by omegalfa, © 24/04/2020

The World of CD-i Chronicle #18

Here is the first exclusive regional game review!
This is a French game that will takes you through one of the most beautiful place in France, Le Mont-Saint-Michel!
I have the chance to know this incredible place after a visit and a night, and believe me, the game is absolutely identical as the real place!

SOME HISTORY:
L’Ange et le Démon is a French game produced by Smart Move back in 1992.
Have you played Myst? Well, this is a similar game, played as picture-by-picture, but instead of traveling in a 3D environment, you are walking in a real photographs place, at Le Mont-Saint-Michel isle located in Normandie, the north of France.

THE GAME:
You play the role of a person who as to save le Mont-Saint-Michel from an apocalyptic even! The sword of Angel Gabriel has been stolen after an invocation, and you will have to find it to bring it back to its place before the final combat between the Angel and the Demon (the game’s name). With more than 2500 photographs and 250 audio sequences, you will walk through the streets, inside the monastery and visit places not allowed for tourists.

You start arriving to the Mont-Saint-Michel by boat, listening to the demon talking to you, asking to leave right away.

You need to understand French to solve many enigmas, listen some tips and find your way to the top of the monastery.

At the main menu screen you can choose between “Guide” for an explanation of the game, “Générique” to view the credits, “Jouer” to play the game, “Prologue” to re-watch the introduction, “Mot-clef” for passwords, and “Quitter” to leave the game.

You have to find keys and hidden objects on all the 7 levels, always under an mysterious musical ambient that will keeps you on your guard.
The place is empty of visitors (this is one of the most visited French monument), a great way to discover it perfectly!

For the movements, you have to ways. Use the icons on the bottom of the screen to turn left, right, forward, backward and turn back, repeat what you listened using “Bis”, define your location using the map (you are on the red circle), help, and leave the game.
You can also (and it is recommended) to click on the images to choose directions (some are hidden) and take objects.

The game is beautifully created, the music background puts you ready for all situations! The environment is as beautiful as the real place and you will play as you also will discover the Mont-Saint-Michel!
A beautiful game for all who understand French, sadly no multi-language are available…

The game has passwords for each levels.

Level select:
Level 2 -> FLOT
Level 3 -> ANGE
Level 4 -> MONT
Level 5 -> SAGE
Level 6 -> PEUR
Level 7 -> EPEE

Other information:
– 1 player only.
– No Digital Video Cartridge required.
– You can use the remote to play this game.

CD-i Emulator Compatibility:
Not Working – Hangs at start

Good Points:
– The environment is beautiful.
– You really fells you are walking on the real place.
– Easy movements.
– Great history & scenarios.

Bad Points:
– French only, no multi-language.

EVALUATION:
Graphics 9/10
Music 9/10
Gameplay 9/10
TOTAL 9/10

Find all the Chronicles at www.theworldofcdi.com
Contact: omegalfa@theworldofcdi.com
Twitter: @omegalfapt
Facebook: Support Group

Written by omegalfa, © 05/06/2020