VERISIMILITUDE
One of the oldest computer games involves traversing a maze, collectingrewards andtrying to avoid a ghost. But are today’s games any more complicated? The Player of a new intense strategic life-simulation game is about to discover what happens when you combine updated graphics and involved simulated reality algorithms with old-school game-play and the wrath of a scorned woman. The art for this story is taken from the top-selling, life-sapping, video game The Sims 2 ™. My original plan, to usescreen shots as reference points, fell through due to lethargy and lack of artistic talent.
SIX MOVES AHEAD
Machines, they are all around us. They maintain our transport systems, manage our communications and arrange our defences. Our silicon servants spend their days calculating, analysing and evaluating. But what happens when one machine decides it’s had enough and thinks about implementing a new programme? This story was written after many years of shouting and swearing at my PC. It’s dedicated to all the hard working machines out there. Please don’t crash my web site.
FLOOD WARNING
Every culture across the globe has a legend about the great deluge.Once, long ago, mankind was washed away by the torrential forces of nature. Now, it has come again. Only this time the rain comes from Beyond Space. Amalevolent intelligence, in liquid form, threatens todrown all of mankind and usher in a new era of wetness. How will we respond to this most perilous precipitation? Personally, I like the rain. Although I don’t think I’d like to have to swim to the shops any time I wanted something.
UNIVERSAL TRUISMS
There are some things which are true no matter where you go; there’s never a policeman around when you need one, toast always lands butter side down and no matter who you vote for, the governments always gets in. This tales is all about weird visitors and their utopian visions for our fair race. Whilst this story may not add anything to Rousseau, John Stuart Mill or Karl Marx’s classic treatises on government, I’m sure it does say something about those who would choose to rule us. Maybe…
HEAVEN SENT
From the dawn of time man has dreamed of meeting his divine creator. On a lonely, empty planet a monk sits waiting for God to arrive. I’ve a feeling he’s not going to like what happens when he gets there. This story, originally titled Throne of God, was first conceived as a vehicle for Metron of the New Gods (see Fanboy Corner, unenlightened ones.) It was rejigged and instead became a homage to my dog Timmy. Keep your eyes peeled and you might just spot him.
