Play Meter

Volume 21 , No. 11 • OCTOBER 1995 DEPARTMENTS FEATURES Game Development 48 Good for what ails you! That's what some think of a proposal to develop a universal video game platform or system that would allow for a greater range in game choices with the added benefit of reasonable prices. Learn what industry members think about the possibility. AMOA Expo '95 67 An unbeatable combination: New Orleans, party city of the Deep South, and the largest game expo of the year. It all came together Sept. 21-23 amid the sounds of cool jazz and the aroma of rich French cuisine. Our special section tells the tale in words and photos. FEC Focus 99 Make a visit to your location a memorable experience through the use of colorful costumed or animated characters sure to leave an indelible impression on both children and adults. Learn what six suppliers have to offer and how such characters can influence your bottom line. Fun Expo Preview 114 With the theme "Survival of the Funnest" the 5th annual Fun Expo in Orlando, Fla., beckons visitors and promises 50-plus educational sessions along with an impressive display of games, food service, go-karts, miniature golf, bumper boats, soft modular play systems, and more. COVER At Williams Bally /Midway the hits keep coming, most notably the successful Mortal Kombat series that joins the company's impressive run of pinball and video releases. Building on this solid foundation are, from left: WWF Wrestlemania, Mortal Kombat 3 , Open lce,]ohnny Mnemonic, and Indianapolis 500. News Notes . . . 3 From the Editor . .. ... . . ... 8 Letters . .. . . .10 Equipment Poll . . .. . .. 18, 20 Up Front .. . . ... . . .. .24 Coin-Op News .. . . ... . . . .26 Who's News . . . .. . .. . . ... 34 Beyond the Playfield . 38 International Scene .. . ... . ... 42 News Feature .. .. 62 Cover Story . . .. . ... 132 Scoring Success . . ... 144 State Show ... . . . ... 146 Tournaments & Leagues . ... . 152 Player's Perspective . 156 Technical Topics . . . . 161 Ticket Tech 163 What's New .. . ... . . 166 Classified .. . . .. . ... 172 Calendar .. ... .. . . .. 218 BEST PRICES. BEST SERVICE. BAR NONE. GIVE US A CALL... Dan Highcove Mark Jakubiak 1-800-435-3456 or Fax: 1-800-448-1775 19 Industrial Lane, Johnston, RI 02919 PLAY METER We supply toys I novelties to family entertainment centers, amusement parks, bowling centers, roller skating centers and arcades. 6 OCTOBER 1995