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(C) MAD MAX Music
You, dear readers, have probably noticed the somewhat grim design of this issue of "ADVENTURER". The thing is, we were initially somewhat disappointed by the inactivity of the Sinclair users in the city of Rybinsk. This struck us as very surprising, as programs are being purchased quite actively, and they are surely doing something themselves, yet no one comes to us. Therefore, the entire design was conceived in dark, bloody tones.
How surprised we were when we found out WHY no one from the outside is in a hurry to become our correspondent. It turns out the issue is ... not having a sufficiently good (or being unsure about having a sufficiently decent) knowledge of ... RUSSIAN LANGUAGE!!! We have heard expressions like: "Of course, I wouldn't mind writing, but my Russian is not very good, I don't want to be embarrassed..."
My friends, no one is going to publish an article in the magazine that is written with mistakes. It will first be read by the editor-in-chief (your humble servant, who doesn't care about your education level), who will correct the mistakes. Then this article will be reviewed by other editorial members, and only after all this process will it be published in the magazine. So, DON'T BE SHY, we are just as human as everyone else, and we understand everything.
And now let's talk about something pleasant, namely games. It so happened that instead of letters with questions, we have accumulated a number of oral questions that were asked by some Sinclair users to our distributors at the market. Because of this, half of the questions were forgotten, but for those we remembered, we will try to answer.
Many questions were asked about the game "Star Legacy". We could, in principle, answer these questions in the magazine, but we faced a problem: most of the answers have been published in SPECTROFON, and we try not to repeat this respected publication. Therefore, we made a Solomon-like decision. In the appendix, you will find the HELP program for "Star Legacy", written by SIGMA and JOKER. In it, you will find all the information you are interested in.
There was a question regarding the "ELITE-3" Treasure - additional missions are not given. Be patient; they will be given, but you will have to wait a l_o_o_o_n_g time. Whether this is the author's "gift" or a "glitch" of the hacked version - the question remains open.
And now...
Undoubtedly, the hits of the month (February-May) were the games "48 IRONS" and "LASTBATTLE". You can read the novella inspired by the latter game in our magazine. The game is certainly cool. But there have been no questions about it yet. The other matter is "48 IRONS"! This software product about DIZZ mutants kept both me and my friends awake for two weeks. And it was awesome! Now that the game has been completely completed, I can share some information about how to get through it. However, don't expect a list of "hints". You will have to use your brains. I will only highlight some non-obvious points that are very difficult (or impossible) to guess. And also: use items or talk to characters when the main character is on the ground, not in the air. Don't waste time searching bushes, trees, and the like - in this game, unlike DIZZY, nothing is hidden. I won't hint where to use the Talker - find it yourself, it's not hard at all.
Level one. No password
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You need to take the scythe from the skeleton. To do this, jump on its head from the cloud.
It's better to gather hay from separate bushes.
There are no more problems in this part of the game.
Level two. Password LEVEL TWO
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The swings act as a catapult. To use them, place a stone on the ledge above the swings and "pull" the bomb in the area of the bushes.
To start the grinder, you need to finish the sharpening machine - you need a chain (a motorcycle chain will do), but you will have to return it later.
To get out of the cave, place a peg at the highest point and jump onto it.
The towel found in this cave must be used strictly above the goat's horns, that is, in the air above its head.
Grandpa has not only lost his tools but also his finishing materials.
Give the cap and cheese to the crow.
The absurdity in this part is for fun.
Level three. Password ЁSOFTLANDЁ
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I don't understand why such a terrible level was made in such a wonderful game. This is no longer an arcade adventure, where you can try a bunch of items and methods to achieve a result, but a walk of a prisoner - a step to the left, a step to the right - is punished by death (even CHEAT) does not save.
Therefore, it is worth stopping at this level in more detail.
To breathe underwater, you need a can of air. On one of the islands, you will find a jar of honey. Feed the hungry, and this will count for you!
You need to cut the blue algae with a knife in three places. From the three pieces obtained, weave a rope.
In the longest algae (the blue ones), a strange mechanism is hidden.
Lead needs to be used in two places: 1. to squeeze a nut, 2. to use on the blue cloud (which is to the right of the island).
To the right of the center of this cloud, use the can of oil. Now you can walk on water as if on dry land.
In the tower, take the sword. Use the sword to remove the atlantean.
In the oasis, use the rope at the fern. After going down to the submarine, tie the propeller to the rope. Use the tail of the tail-saur to open the hatch.
Charged battery + strange mechanism + propeller = N2 fan.
Place the fans at the one-numbered posts. Leave the Talker at post 1, after which, at post 2, use the shell.
Level four. Password BRED-STORY
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In the hall on the left is a secret library.
The tamper is a weapon.
You need to take the kris knife from the skeleton, then drink the "water of life" there.
The knife must be given to FREEMAN.
The plugs open like bottles.
Give the form to the second FREEMAN.
The contract is needed to obtain spice from the duke. Spice is for getting advice and giving a bribe.
If you rummage through the storage room, you can dig up a cart and a box.
Level five. Password ELKI-PALKI
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This is the easiest level in the entire game. I will give just two tips:
You can jump on the sofas.
Sprinkle salt on the cloud above the antenna.
Epilogue. Password ЁEPILOGUEЁ
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Actually, this is no longer a game, but just two SCROLLs, in which the authors tell about themselves and the history of writing this program.
I remind you that immortality in this wonderful game is established by pressing after START GAME (key "1") simultaneously with the ARISE keys. It should be noted that the programmers of the GALAXY company made a smart move - they built their own CHEAT into the program. This way, they secured their creation from hacking for a long time (why "pick" the game when it already has a CHEAT?). However, the disk deformatter when trying to dump the program by pressing the MAGIC-BUTTON is already "perversion". I would like to criticize the game's interface a bit, in particular, the dialog mode with other characters. If you don't have a reed switch or a new film keyboard - forget about being able to read the dialogues in time: the program does not provide key "bounce" control. Therefore, even on my film keyboard, sometimes 2-3 dialog boxes would "fly by" in a row. What will happen on mechanical keyboards - ... let's not talk about the sad. But let this not scare you. As one of my acquaintances says: "It's hard to live doing nothing. But we are not afraid of difficulties!" You can try to improve your keyboard. For this, check the "Experience Exchange" section.
Oleg Smirnov shares a tip on how to quickly complete the game "Rapid Response Team".
- There are two ways:
1. Right after the game starts, take off and fly at maximum speed towards the enemy base. If you're lucky, after losing a couple of lives, you will break through the barrier of two anti-aircraft guns. Then bomb the base calmly. But not everyone is lucky all the time. So there is another, slightly longer, but significantly more reliable way.
2. Take off and fly to the first enemy anti-aircraft gun. Land there, and the anti-aircraft gun should be at the very edge (left) of the screen. Then calmly shoot at it (and at other appearing enemy vehicles) with all your ammunition. At the same time, do not forget to release reinforcements. Ideally, these should be tanks (key "1"). When you run out of ammo, or your fuel is running low, return to base. When you fly back, the first enemy line will already be broken, provided you released enough tanks. And so on. In the end, either you will manage to fly to the enemy base without problems, or your troops will reach it first.
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Regarding compatibility...
We have received complaints from owners of "SCORPIONs" about the program "UFO.ENEMY UNKNOWN". In battle mode on the screen - some "mush". We do not know what this is related to. Maybe someone can explain this "phenomenon" or suggest how to deal with it.
And now let's gossip a bit. Once, as a student, when I gathered my first "Leningrad-48", I enthusiastically "played" all night in STAR RAIDERS II. Back then, there were very few 128-kilobyte machines, but there were rumors that there was STAR RAIDERS 128, where there were several galaxies, and with the earned points, you could buy additional weapons. I wonder if this is just a rumor or if such a program really exists? It would be a shame if it doesn't. But in this case, there is this idea - maybe someone will like it and someone will implement it?
In the last issue of ADVENTURER, the program OCTOPUS was mentioned in the review. The game based on the film about agent 007 could not go unnoticed, and we "got hooked" on it. (Naive people...) It turns out being a super agent is not easy (impossible?). We found four items: a whistle, a coin (token?), a cup for bones, and a wine glass, as well as the places where these items are used. BUT... After this, Bond dies! After "messing" with the program, we found out that the snake charmer should give you something. But what exactly and for what - we could not find out. Therefore, we appeal to everyone: H E L P, W H O C A N!
We declare a storm on this game.
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If you are eager to make something with your own hands, but lack ideas - the next section is for you. Some of them are already in progress. But there are few of them, and if anyone wants to participate - you are welcome!
T H E R E I S A I D E A !
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1. STAR RAIDERS 128 (see above)
2. A series of graphic adventures under the general title ALIENS (ALIEN-1, ALIENS-2, ALIEN-3, ALIENS-4 (!) ) Your eyes are fine, and this is not a typo - there is a script (based on a book, but not Revenge or Strenton) ALIENS-4! The game's interface will be borrowed from the game ZOMBI.
3. Mega-game JUMANJI. The idea is borrowed from the film of the same name: a common shell-loader and a variety of subgames.
4. Many, surely, remember the game SKY RANGER by MICROSPHERE. Maybe it’s worth trying to create something similar, but at a qualitatively new level. Add a city map to the game, make the skyscrapers "flooded," and instead of the dull capture and shooting of some balls, insert various missions into the game. The flight in SKY RANGER reminded me of the film "Blue Thunder". Why not use ideas from this film to create missions?
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Contents of the publication: Adventurer #02
- Guests
Interview with SURDAKAR GROUP discussing their origins, notable projects, and future plans in software and game development.
- Modifications for PENTAGON 128
The article presents modifications for the PENTAGON 128 computer, including a keyboard fix to prevent accidental key presses and a joystick improvement for multi-player gaming. It also describes a stereo DAC development for enhanced sound quality with the AY 8910 audio processor. The author encourages programmers to create software supporting this DAC.
- Interface
The article discusses the ongoing engagement and challenges faced by the Adventurer magazine team, particularly in fostering contributions from readers. It highlights the importance of clarity in language and communication for potential contributors. The piece also provides game tips for several ZX Spectrum titles, emphasizing community support and collaboration.
- Interface
The article discusses the role of hackers in the SPECCY community, highlighting their contributions to software development and maintenance. It contrasts ethical hackers with those who engage in software piracy, illustrating the importance of hackers for preserving the legacy of ZX Spectrum. Ultimately, the author defends the positive impact of hackers on the gaming scene.
- Novella
This article presents a sci-fi novella detailing an interstellar conflict where Earth faces a malevolent alien race. A skilled coordinator must navigate through alien territories using robots to secure resources and defeat enemies. The story highlights strategy and exploration in a galaxy fraught with danger.
- Review
The article reviews various games from CODEMASTERS and others, evaluating them based on graphics, sound, and playability. The review highlights the evolution of game quality and the significance of user feedback in shaping perceptions. Overall, the article emphasizes the ongoing development in the gaming landscape.
- Experience Exchange
The article discusses essential assembly programming procedures for ZX Spectrum, aimed at beginners. It outlines several crucial routines, including memory clearing, screen commands, and mathematical operations. The text provides practical examples to enhance understanding and application of assembly language in programming.
- Advertisements
Article presents advertisements and calls for collaboration in the ZX Spectrum community, inviting programmers, artists, and musicians to contribute. It highlights the acceptance of any ZX Spectrum-related materials, along with details on available software and hardware for sale. The issue emphasizes the importance of participation and partnership among enthusiasts.
- Presentation of ROBIN OF SHERLOCK Adventure Game
The article presents the adventure game ROBIN OF SHERLOCK by DELTA 4 SOFTWARE, emphasizing the need for a good command of English to fully appreciate its humor and dialogues. It highlights game mechanics, including item collection, character interaction, and the interconnectedness of game parts. The text also offers tips on navigating the game and solving crimes within its storyline.
- Presentation
Авторская презентация игры 'МИНЕР', аналог MINESWEEPER для ZX Spectrum, с подробным описанием игрового процесса и особенностей управления.
- System Overview for ZX Spectrum
Overview of various utility programs for ZX Spectrum, including disk utilities and graphic editors, discussing their features and shortcomings.