CyberPassage -- Introducing the world's first VRML 2.0 browser, CyberPassage. CyberPassage is a feature-replete browser that obviously delivers the unprecedented. For the first time ever, MovingWorlds technology has been incorporated into a VRML browser, giving VRML the ability to showcase 3-Dimensional worlds like Sony's own Circus Park. Showcase is an apt word for this app, as the unique features of CyberPassage are revealed en masse by exploring Circus Park and the VRML samples included with CyberPassage. Multiuser VRML worlds (complete with your own Avatars), background sound (check out the birds chirping in the sample files included with CyberPassage), animation (drive through Sony's obstacle course), text-based chatting, collision detection, navigational tools (including Jumping Eye, Scouter, HeadLight, and Flyer modes), VRML bookmarks, and of course MovingWorlds technology highlight the impressive collection of features. Integration of these features enables what I predicted for VRML nearly a year ago when Worlds Chat was released -- check out the similarities between the Worlds Chat Space Station and CyberPassage's Circus Park and you'll be amazed. Circus Park may even rival the Space Station with attractions like a Ferris Wheel, Big Cannon, Parade, escaped animals from the local zoo, tents, buildings, puzzles, and secret passages. Click on the Jump icon and get an arial view of the area as you sky high above the park. For VRML to deliver all of this is absolutely amazing and almost too good to be true. In fact, at this point it may indeed be to good to be true. Despite all of its cool features (or perhaps because of), CyberPassage has more than its fair share of bugs. In fact, the current release has a technical glitch that inhibits its ability to run Circus Park. For this reason, you'll likely need to download one of the earlier versions in order to try out the theme park. Additionally, there are some features not found in CyberPassage that you will find in the competition. For example, Pioneer's unparalled VRML authoring capabilities, VRealm and WebSpace's extremely helpful navigational tools (Viewpoints), and VR Scout's use of Intel's 3DR and Microsoft's Reality Labs to deliver lightning-quick performance are all distinctive competencies lacking in CyberPassage. Overall, though, thanks to CyberPassage VRML 2.0 is here and definitely worth checking out. The future of the 'net has indeed arrived... Pros: VRML 2.0 is, in a word, awesome; animated 3-Dimensional worlds; Avatars and more Cons: Lacks VRML editing tools and some features found in other VRML browsers New: This is the initial review for CyberPassage Version Reviewed: 2.0 Beta 2 Date of Review: 7/5/96 apps conference Main Menu