Applied Research Technologies is reportedly using a 3D game engine to simulate hazardous material accidents and cleanups, to help train rapid response crews. This marks the fourth time in a short while we've had an announcement regarding a 3D engine used for a real-world application. The first being the Unreality architectural project, the second being Delta Force Land Warrior's use to train the army and the third was the use of Steel Beasts to train modern tank crews.
This application will help specialists avoid toxic goo and other hazardous materials found throughout the world. Like sewage, and of course, lava. Training these crews to jump from platform to platform over molten lava is no doubt going to be essential for their survival in the future.
Featuring Madden 2001 and Backyard Football
Many of you wrote in to gloat and mock me as to how wrong I called the Playoffs last week. But it was not I who was at fault, my friends; it was Madden 2001, who couldn't mount a successful and accurate assault on the teams I chose to play (or maybe I should just own up to it and admit I portrayed the wrong teams…). Regardless who is at fault, it was the Ravens who beat the Raiders and the Giants who caused the Vikings to, once again, choke spectacularly mere inches from the ring and Lombardi Trophy.
Since I'm on hiatus next week I'd better call the Superbowl now. This time I used Humongous Entertainment's Backyard Football to model the game. In “the only game that features child versions of your favorite players” the Giants beat the Ravens 18-7. Their defense just couldn't stand up to the simplistic 2D attack the mini-Giants had in store.
Then I went to Madden, which also showed the Giants to be the victors. Giants won the toss and elected to receive. Three plays later Collins threw a bomb to Barber for the opening score. The next drive saw Dilfer and the Ravens go three and out and the Giants move it to the 30 and score a 40-yard Field Goal. The Ravens scored three times in quick succession by the fourth quarter, all tosses to Ismail making the score 10-21, with a mere five minutes remaining. By the two-minute warning the score was 17-21, and the Giants opted not to risk an onside kick. With no time outs left and a mere 21 seconds left, I, portraying the Giants, had a bit of fool's luck. I mistakenly called a running play (not the sort of thing you want to do when you can't stop the clock). The draw went to Dayne who found the crease and ran it – all – the- way! Thus, eating up the clock and winning the game in one very easy and stupidly lucky play. 24-21 was the final score and Baltimore went home beaten and plucked.
And that ends my season-long odyssey with football games, hope you liked it. I know fans of the game did and I got a few letters from non-football fans who enjoyed it. Maybe we'll do it again next year. Remember, if I'm wrong about the Superbowl, blame it on the big white doofus, not on me.