I took your code and pasted it in my code and : IT WORKED !!!!!!!

1. is your Layer high enough ?
2. is your new_game_str not empty ?

3. the (german)manual (Feb.2001) says :
" Text..(A5)alpha ...(not all versions)..."
- perhaps you need A5-professional ?!?

Hmm... interesting. Yes, all my strings and layers are set up fine - the new text appears over the other text - it's black over white, so with the transparent flag set I'm just getting grey lettering, meaning that everything is working except doe the alpha settings. Thanks a lot for testing it for me - I've now mailed Doug and JCL to see if text alpha is Pro only (even though in the new manual it has a big E for Extra up next to it...).
Thanks again,
Keith

I ran the code in your first post under Commercial 5.106 (the latest update version) and it runs great. Make sure your loading window says:

A5 engine - commercial release V5.106 - May 8 2001

Thanks - I have that version, so it's obviously something I'm else that I'm doing wrong, but at least I know it's a problem my end.

Thanks again,
Keith

P.S. Using a voodoo III should make no difference here, right?

Well, that last little tid bit of information did it. The problem is your Voodoo. Try moving it to a computer with a GeForce or something to that effect. It is a problem with alpha settings and D3D with the Voodoo. Sorry for the very late response, but I just happened to be searching strings with alpha as a keyword and your cuaght my eye.