From: vrman@crash.cts.com@cts.com (John Schultz)
Subject: ONLINE: VR Slingshot and demo now available
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Organization: Virtual Entertainment
Summary: Physics based stereoscopic 3D game with 3D sound
Keywords: VR Virtual Reality Stereoscopic 3D Flight Simulator Cyber Sport

We have just completed our World Wide Web presentation for VR
Slingshot.  The presentation (or ad) has 256 color screen shots from
the game, one auto stereoscopic image pair (cross your eyes to see
3D), and an example sound file in .au and .wav formats.  A freely
distributable shareware version is also present, as well as general
information about the product (order information is present too).  The
URL is:

http://www.cts.com/~vrman

What is VR Slingshot?  It's two 3D flying and driving
cybersports. Plus, it's the first commercial product to combine:

Real-time 3D Physics:

  Real-time computational fluid dynamics airflow simulation.
  Real-time physics based interaction, including full 3D collision detection and 3D collision dynamics.
  Full 3D motion dynamics for flying in the air, driving on the ground, and everything in between (3D 
rigid body with spring and dampers plus static and dynamic friction).

Real-time 3D Sound:

  Using Digital Expression's DMX sound system, up to 8 digital stereo
sound effects plus MIDI music are possible on SoundBlaster and
MediaVision and compatibles (Possible GUS support in the future).  We
compute real-time 3D sound effects using spatial positioning, distance
from listener, and Doppler effects.  Thus, up to 8 simultaneous 3D
sound effects are possible at once.

Real-time stereoscopic 3D Graphics (This is an optional feature. The
glasses are available from 3DTV):

  Using liquid crystal shutters and a head-mounted visor, your monitor
or projection screen becomes a 3D window into and out of space.  The
objects are rendered in 320x200 256 color mode using flat shading,
Gouraud shading, and lit textures (The textures are .pcx files which
you can easily change).

Real-time head to head play: The TeleVirtual Arena (Optional):

  Using a 1200 bps or faster modem (or direct serial link), you can
play head to head at up to 70 frames per second.  For minimized lag,
we recommend 14.4 kbps or faster modems.

Hardware and Memory Requirements:
   We recommend a minimum of a 486-25 with 4MB of RAM, local bus
graphics, a SoundBlaster or compatible stereo sound card, and a CH
FlightStick.  For 3D stereoscopic viewing, we recommend a 486- 66 or
Pentium.
    Since VR Slingshot was created as a 32 bit protected mode
application using Watcom C and Rational Systems DOS Extender, your
autoexec.bat and config.sys files should not need to be changed unless
you are low on extended memory (Only a small amount of low memory is
required).

About Gameplay:

  The first cybersport, Energy Duel, is a dogfight style game where
you try to drain your opponents energy before you run out of your own.
You recharge by landing on 3D objects (some more challenging than
others).  When you hit your opponent, they do not die or explode.
Instead, the physics of the shot are computed and applied to the rigid
body to cause the craft to spin, tumble, and lose energy.  The shots
ricochet off of everything, for some very interesting effects.

  In Cyberball, both players try to pick up and carry a giant ball and
either fly through or shoot the ball through their opponent's goal.
The background texture maps are standard .pcx files and can be easily
changed.

Our philosophy was to create two truly virtual, highly interactive,
non-destructive, and non-killing worlds.  We feel that full 3D
physics, 3D sound, and stereoscopic 3D graphics with total
interactivity are the future of computer based entertainment.  Please
let us know if you would like to see more products with this theme, or
any other suggestions or feedback you might have.

Thanks!

John Schultz
Developer, VR Slingshot
vrman@cts.com
8/19/94