Long before my novel, Cyberdrome became a reality, my brother Dave and Icreated a real Cyberdrome inside a computer. It was huge and detailed virtual environment filled with thousands of independent digital creatures that ate, slept, fought, and "procreated," all without human control. They also evolved over time in ways that couldn't be predicted. That made it a simulation. However, it was also a place where you (and a friend) could enter and explore, using virtual vehicles called Tracers. You could work together (or compete) to explore, map, find weapons, and blow things up to complete levels. That made it a game. The first magazine reviewers called it "too cerebral" for most players. We liked that. So is it a game or a simulation? You decide for yourself. Stage 1: Atari Cyberdrome The First True Multiplayer Game for the Atari Computer When Cyberdrome™ was first released for the Atari-ST computer in 1992, itbecame the first retail computer game specifically designed to be multiplayer, and could be played equally well by either a single pilot or two pilots using separate computers linked by direct-connection or modem. Absolutely all elements of single player mode were active in two player mode [How many current Games can honestly make that claim?]. In addition, while the two player game was designed to be cooperative, with each pilot helping its wing man, at any time the players could opt to go head-to-head against each other (known elsewhere as 'death match'). Also, a special head-to-head game of "capture the flag" was available where pilots could compete against each other in a series of tests designed to build their fighting and piloting skills. Cyberdrome combined the realism of a "normal" flight simulator with the action and strategy of a two-player arcade game, plus the exploration and problem-solving of a "dungeon" game. Six Mission Levels allowed for novice to advance training, and a special randomizer made every Mission unique. Update:If you still have an old Atari ST/Falcon (or an emulator)you can now download the Atari Shareware Version 1.2 of Cyberdrome for free: The following Zip file contains the following: All files needed to install Cyberdrome on an Atari-ST/Falcon computer Keyboard controls and 2-player communication instruction in text format User's Manual in text, rtf, and pdf formats. Ihave also included a Cyberdrome ST image file for use with the free WinSTon Atari Emulator (WinSTon allows you to play Cyberdrome and other Atari games on your 32 bit Windows-based PC). After installing WinSTon, unZip the file below and place the Cyberdrome image file "CBDv12.ST" in the C:/Program Files/WinSTon/disk/ subdirectory (or where ever you have it set up) and follow all instructions. atari_cyberdrome.zip Note that while this software worked on my old 1040-ST system, it is no longer supported and is being given to you for free with the understanding that you will be using it at your own risk. As will all downloaded files, you should scan for infections before installing. Finally, if you enjoy playing Cyberdrome, you might enjoy reading the Cyberdrome novel. Click here to learn more >> Work on the Atari game ended in the early 1990's but then a new and much more advanced version of Cyberdrome was realized on the PC computer.   Stage 2: PC-based Cyberdrome Simulator PC-Based 3D Artificial Life Simulation:An adventure into a virtual environment containing genetically-evolved artificial life forms. Cyberdrome™ Simulator is a 3D digital worldcreated to grow and evolve artificial life (ALife) programs, and to allow humans to explore and interact with these creatures in a massive environment. Cyberdrome™ Simulator consists of 9 memory sectors, each covering a scaled area equal to 100 square miles. Inside each of these sectors there are up to 2000 independently moving artificial life (ALife)programs which have been allowed to evolve over time without human control. These life forms include Raptors, Spiders and Mantises. [Click image to watch 6-minute preview movie] We have to tell you that work on the Cyberdrome™ Simulator has been put on hold, but we hope to bring it back someday soon in a brand new format - a Massively Multiplayer Online Game!   Stage 3: Cyberdrome MMOG Massively Multiplayer Online Game What if you were given the opportunity to enter the Cyberdrome™ Core and explore hundreds of square miles of virtual reality from your phone or personal computer? Would you take it? What if you could actually sit inside your very own TRACERand do battle with a growing army of genetically-evolved robotic life forms? What if these robotic life forms were the size of a three-story building and had weapons far more powerful than yours? Would you have the skill to defeat them? What if you were asked to enter Earth-based simulations with the goal of rescuing humans held captive there by a dangerous and intelligent enemy? What if you were told that you had to complete this mission without the use of game saves or extra lives. Would you have the courage to attempt it? And finally, what if a few hundred of your friends could join you? Would that be cool? That could be Cyberdrome™ Click here to buy the book and help make it happen! [ RETURN TO TOP ]