Wave of Future Carries Flood of Film Titles, CD Technology

Sequels and CDs are in the future for computer game players.

Publishers are following Hollywood’s lead. Movie titles and sequels to successful games were prominently featured at this week’s huge COMDEX computer convention, which closed here Friday. On deck: U.S. Gold’s interactive version of “The Godfather”; Virgin Games’ PC adventure based on “Dune,” the Frank Herbert cult novel turned into the David Lynch film; a new Indiana Jones game, and a sophisticated Sherlock Holmes mystery that combines computer sleuthing with live-action characters.

The biannual COMDEX trade show, which attracted a reported 125,000 buyers and sellers from around the world, is one of the computer industry’s principal markets for introducing new technologies. Hardware giants such as IBM and Epson display new products here alongside software publishers hawking everything from esoteric programming languages to the soon-to-be-latest video and computer games.

Game publishers are heading in two directions at once: They are making safe bets with sequels and established names such as “Monkey Island,” Elvira and Tetris, while also venturing into the uncharted territory of interactive CD technology and storytelling.

For some time, game publishers have been inching toward so-called CD-ROM (compact disc-read only memory) technology, which circumvents the installed memory of a personal computer. The new technology--which can cost $600 or more--features a CD and a player much like those already attached to home stereos. One compact disc can provide the graphics detail, sound and action that could take more than a dozen floppy discs and most of a standard personal computer’s resident memory.

Among the game highlights from COMDEX were:

* Lucasfilm Games is readying a CD-ROM reissue of the fantasy-adventure “Loom,” featuring characters speaking their own lines. The game is expected to be in stores by March at a suggested retail price of $49.95.

* MicroProse Software, which produced the popular “Railroad Tycoon,” hopes to match that critical success with “Civilization” and “Darklands.” “Civilization,” due out next month, simulates the evolution of a civilization beginning in 4000 BC. “Darklands,” expected by spring, is the company’s first foray into the fantasy-role-playing genre.

* Among the CD-ROM entrants, ICOM Simulations’ “Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective” looks especially compelling. The game’s various whodunits feature fully scripted and directed video segments shot with live actors. The CD-only game, currently a bestseller in Japan, features 90 minutes of video action. The company expects to have it out by Christmas.

* Olympics fans might want to check out Accolade’s just-released “The Games: Winter Challenge.” The company didn’t secure rights to the Olympic name, but the athletes and the eight events will be familiar.

* Spectrum HoloByte got lots of press in August when Moscow’s hard-liners decided to help out with the marketing of “Crisis in the Kremlin,” a coup game then in development that included an unexpected illness for the Soviet President. The simulation even features some actual news footage. The company wants to get the computer model out in time for Christmas.