Determined to remain in the big time when it moves to the 64-bit R-series RISC processor with its Project Reality games-playing machine, with which it is receiving copious help from Silicon Graphics Inc, Nintendo of America Inc has signed up Toronto-based Alias Research Inc to develop custom software tools for use by developers writing games for Project Reality. Terms of the multimillion-dollar deal were not disclosed. To build brand recognition and loyalty, Nintendo plans to launch the first 64-bit game, Killer Instinct, in US video game arcades by the end of the year. The $250 home version of Project Reality is not due until late 1995. The use of 64-bit graphics should represent a great leap forward in the visual quality of games, and Alias is impressed: The technology they’re developing is absolutely fabulous, said president Rob Burgess.
