Techwatch: Dec. 15, 1997

MONSTER MADNESS

Why mess with a winning formula? Ever since it released Wolfenstein 3D (1992) and Doom II (1994), ID Software has been a leader in “splatter games” that tap into the killer instincts of the adolescent boy in all of us. So it’s no surprise that Quake II, due out this week, bears a striking resemblance to last year’s best seller, Quake. “Quake II is an entirely new game,” insists ID’s Barrett Alexander, pointing to a new setting, new weapons and updated storyline. Judge for yourself:

QUAKE I QUAKE II

PLOT Obliterate everyone in Obliterate everyone in sight before they sight in order to save obliterate you the earth from aliens

SETTING Medieval world of caves, Futuristic planet with tunnels, pools of red tunnels, pools of red lava and green murky water lava and green slime

BAD GUYS Primitive monsters armed Cyborg monsters armed to the hilt to the hilt

WEAPONS Shotgun, nail gun, rocket A really big gun that launcher… kills everyone in sight

GROSSEST The grenade launcher that Machines that consume SCENE turns zombies into mounds humans and spit them of quivering, decaying flesh out in bits and pieces

WINDOW WATCHERS: THROUGH GLASS, SMARTLY

Face it: no matter how stunning the view, the blinding glare of winter sun on a ski slope or in an office building can be a pain. That’s why Research Frontiers thinks its “smart glass,” which lets people electronically control the light that shines through windows, is such a bright idea. By next year, the Woodbury, N.Y., firm’s high-tech tinting should be incorporated into ski goggles, car sunroofs, skylights and, of course, windows. In homes, it could help regulate temperature and conserve energy, something even Mr. Sunshine would approve.

NET NANNY: FEDS SLAP FINES IN RED SMUT SCAM

Kids aren’t the only ones the government wants to protect from cyberporn. The Federal Trade Commission has negotiated refunds of $2.75 million for thousands of U.S. customers who unwittingly racked up charges in a Net sex scam in which supposedly free Websites rerouted modem connections through the former Soviet Republic of Moldova, taking lascivious surfers on a very costly ride.