M.M.A / SPEED CO.'97
In the last two or three years, the whole country has been under tension (220V) in anticipation of the first real DOOM clones for the ZX-SPECTRUM platform. At first, some information about the possible development of the games CIVILIZATION and DOOM in Russia flashed somewhere in SPECTROFON, then an unidentified music demo appeared, where one could walk through an endless corridor and look at the photographs hanging on the walls, and finally, the author himself was found, the well-known Mr. STALKER. And while the younger generation is running around the mazes of CITADEL DEMO and saving money for the full version, we will dive into the world of a rather old but very cool game - THE EIDOLON.
Naturally, EIDOLON was far from the first; there were other 3D games. How can one not recall the famous INCENTIVE and their epoch-making creations - DRILLER, DARK STAR, TOTAL ECLIPSE, and many others? But in those games, too much space was devoted to the flight of thought, and too little was left for shooting at enemies. I don’t want to say that EIDOLON is a mindless shooter; it just harmoniously combines the ACTION and ADVENTURE genres.
We did not create our own description of the game but took a ready-made one from the book: "Best Games for ZX-SPECTRUM 2-3". This description is a translation of the official manual for the program, and inventing the wheel in this case is simply sacrilegious towards users. It is much more interesting to learn the author's backstory than to read a novella born in the inflamed brain of an independent expert.
However, a lot of effort had to be put into the game itself. In the first found cassette version, there were only 5 levels. Then two more versions were discovered, one cassette (MAC) and the other disk (*L*F*A*). In these versions, there were seven levels each, but the last eighth was missing!
The disk version *L*F*A* turned out to be buggy, as it hung after completing the third episode. But the worst part was that in all versions, the data for the last phase of the "mushrooms" in the fifth level was corrupted, causing the program to simply refuse to work further. Unfortunately, by the time this glitch was discovered, too much effort had been invested in the program to back down. Thus, after several sleepless nights and dozens of missed lectures, thanks to the efforts of the Samara hacker MAXSOFT, the fifth level was fixed! A splash screen was also drawn, and a memory driver was written to load all levels in 128K mode. Meanwhile, the eighth level was still missing, as it is to this day!
Of course, the version we are placing in the application is not complete, but it is playable. And most importantly, you can win in it!
During the restoration, a branded loader was found, from which it is clear that besides the 48 version that made it to our country, there was also a 128 version with music and effects for the coprocessor!
So let’s all together ask the "kind uncles" from the INTERNET to search for this complete version and release it to the people:
CODE BUSTERS! RUSSIAN PRESTIGE!
FLASH INC.! ZERO!
Give the people:
128K MODE!
With all levels!
With AY-music!
the version of this cool 3D game!
(By the way! It's been a while since we heard anything about 3D CONSTRUCTION KIT! Has anyone searched for this program online and how successful was it?)
We remind you that the disk version of THE EIDOLON, placed in the BOX, is fully functional and only lacks one level.
So play for your health and thank:
MAXSOFT/SPEED CO. - for the restoration from non-being.
M.M.A /SPEED CO. - for the ideological guidance
FREEMAN - for the drawn maps, and the "typed" description.
BIOMAX - for the new splash screen.
DAGMA - for the music in the INTRO.
THE EIDOLON
(by ACTIVISION'85)
"The sleep of reason produces monsters"
Francisco Goya
* * *
It all began over a hundred years ago in the residence of Dr. Vincent Egon. He was engaged in unraveling the mysteries of the human mind. He conducted a series of experiments on humans and animals. The course of his experiments was reflected in the pages of his diary. Unfortunately, when he was about to publish the sensational results of his research, the diary disappeared without a trace...
Many years passed, and people forgot about Dr. Egon, and his huge castle gradually overgrew with weeds. But there was one person who remembered what the doctor was doing. It was his nephew Atar. Even as a child, he became interested in his uncle's research and decided to find his diary. Atar was already 18 years old, and on his birthday, he decided to go to his uncle's laboratory.
Upon entering it, the young man was struck by a strange glow emanating from the furniture. Step by step, he moved deeper into the room towards the desk. Not reaching it by two steps, he stumbled upon a complex mechanism with the inscription "EIDOLON". Not knowing its purpose, Atar walked around it, and as he approached the desk, he opened one of the drawers. There he found a manuscript, and immediately he was pierced by the thought - could this be what he was looking for? He lit a candle and began to read...
April 29, 1822.
Finally managed to launch the Eidolon. I have been working on this device, intended for studying the human mind, for over 10 years. Today I embark on my first journey through the labyrinths of the human brain. Pressing FIRE, I found myself in a dark grotto with many nooks and crannies. Strange balls of various colors (blue, red, yellow, and green) flew past me. Perhaps these are the clusters of my thoughts. Suddenly, I bumped into a troll and was so frightened that I don't remember how I returned to the laboratory.
April 30, 1822.
A very memorable day. Today I concluded that the inhabitants of this world feed on the energy of the Eidolon. It seems that they draw strength from my nerve cells. This happens every time after contact with the device - they lose energy and end up in the laboratory.
May 7, 1822.
I established that the multicolored balls are carriers of energy and began to study their structure. The greatest danger comes from the red balls. If such a ball collides with the Eidolon, the energy reserve of the Eidolon decreases. However, if I manage to deflect it towards one of the inhabitants of the maze, the latter temporarily loses strength. After some time, the monster regains its strength and attacks the device again. I also noticed that the yellow balls increase the energy of the Eidolon. I just need to catch these balls. They change the appearance of the monsters. The danger is that you can never know in advance whether the newly formed monster will be even more terrifying than before. The behavior of the blue balls remains the most puzzling. Firstly, if caught, they change the flow of time; secondly, they have a paralyzing effect on the monsters after colliding with them. However, this effect is short-lived but very useful for the Eidolon at a critical moment. Over time, I have gained some experience; even my head hurts less after returning. I constantly think about the problem: how to increase the energy of the device so that it is sufficient for a long journey. I even have one idea. It seems to me that catching all the balls except the red one increases the power of the device. But this requires mandatory testing. I also confirmed that throwing balls takes away a lot of energy.
May 24, 1822.
I discovered another inhabitant in the nooks of the brain. When I threw a ball in its direction, a sparkling crystal of the same color appeared. I took it with me into the Eidolon to find out its purpose in the laboratory.
May 29, 1822.
Another surprise. Today I reached the statue of a dragon. Attempting to touch it ended in failure. A barrier of red color surrounds this statue. I still don’t know how to get around it.
May 30, 1822.
I finally figured out how to catch the red ball. You need to throw another red ball at it. After that, it will change its color to yellow, and then it can be safely taken. Balls with the same energy parameters merge with each other; otherwise, balls with greater energy absorb those with lesser energy. I also managed to obtain red and blue crystals and learn about their purpose. If I approach the red barrier that surrounds the statue of the dragon again, the red crystal will disappear along with it. After that, the dragon will come to life, and its attack will deprive the Eidolon of energy. This will happen so unexpectedly that any attempt at defense will be useless. So, I find myself back in the laboratory without any signs of life, and if it weren't for timely help, I would no longer be alive.
June 1, 1822.
I found a way to deal with the dragon. I simply started throwing balls at it in different combinations. I didn’t even notice which ball killed it. After that, the Eidolon transported me even deeper into the labyrinths of the brain. It seems I have reached the largest layers of the subconscious.
June 7, 1822.
I noticed that this part of the brain is even more complex than the previous one, and I also discovered that the world being explored consists of many levels, which become more complex the further you penetrate into them. The entrance to each level is guarded by a dragon, and there are no two similar dragons; each has its own weak spot. I suspect that to reach the brain center, one must pass through at least seven levels.
July 1, 1822.
After the last journey, I was ill for a long time, so, to the best of my ability, I began repairing the Eidolon, as it had long needed repairs. One day, in a fever, I dreamed that I had overcome the seventh level. What I saw terrified me. The multi-headed monster staring at me still sends chills down my spine. But, as a scientist, I cannot refuse further research. I want to reach the mystery guarded by the dragons. And although returning to the laboratory is becoming increasingly difficult, each time I sit in the Eidolon, hoping that if I do not return, I can at least pave the way for another who will continue my research. I hope that it will be Atar - he is such a smart boy.
CONTROLS: KEMPSTON, SINCLAIR, CURSOR, KEYBOARD. "SPACE" - capture balls and crystals with energy after preliminary fixation with a frame on the screen. "P" - pause. "1","2","3","4" - select the color of the thrown ball.
The control panel instruments of the Eidolon:
1. TOP LEFT - proximity indicator to the dragon.
2. TOP RIGHT - indicator of available energy.
3. CENTER - stopwatch showing the time spent in minutes.
4. BOTTOM RIGHT - timer counting down the minutes until the dragon awakens.
5. CENTER - four indicators of energy balls (the blinking indicator marks the color of the selected ball).
6. BOTTOM LEFT - indicator of crystal availability.
7. AROUND THE EDGE OF THE STOPWATCH - direction indicators.
TIPS:
1. The barrier hindering access to the dragon statue immediately disappears as soon as you have the crystal in your hands. Otherwise, it will flash the color of the crystal needed for further advancement.
2. Each level contains 3 monsters, each guarding its crystal. To score more points, you should try to seize the crystal before destroying them. Try to collect all the crystals before the dragon awakens.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME CHARACTERS:
Fly "Helicopter". Trusting character, not dangerous but annoying. One red ball is enough to neutralize it.
Bird "Biter". Calm character, but treacherous - attacks without warning. 3 balls.
Troll. Calm character. 3-6 balls (depending on the level).
Goblin Prep. Calm character, but if offended, capable of anything. 3 balls.
Gnome "Bottle Neck". Reserved character. A dangerous opponent, and it's hard to bypass him. 3 balls.
Bird "Puff". Reserved character. Grabs energy balls and throws them aside. 3 balls.
Sprayer. His character inspires fear. This monster will chase you until you spend 9 balls on it. After each thrown ball, retreat.
Something like mushrooms. Reserved character. Throw a green ball at each, and the one hit by the last ball will turn into another creature. You can kill it with a red ball.
"Unmatched". Extremely nasty character. You can deal with it if you have enough energy. Wake it with a blue ball (this will temporarily paralyze it and give you the opportunity to throw several red balls at it). If your energy is running low, run away immediately. Gather more balls and return for a second attempt. 15 balls.
DRAGONS AND WAYS TO DEFEAT THEM:
There are eight of them. To neutralize, you need to throw:
LEVEL 1 - 3 red balls, having a red crystal.
LEVEL 2 - 4 yellow balls, having a green crystal.
LEVEL 3 - 5 green balls, having a blue crystal.
LEVEL 4 - 6 blue balls, having red and green crystals.
LEVEL 5 - 7 yellow balls, having green and blue crystals.
LEVEL 6 - 8 blue balls, having red and blue crystals.
LEVEL 7 - 9 balls, having red, green, and blue crystals.
LEVEL 8 - as many balls of the same colors and in the same sequence as in all previous levels. Start with 3 red, then 4 yellow, 5 green, 6 blue, 7 yellow, 8 blue, and 9 red.
-════════════════════════════════════════ * * * * *
Contents of the publication: Oberon #03
- From the Authors
The editorial of the third issue of Oberon reflects on its wide distribution across Russia and nearby countries, overcoming production challenges, and its aim to cater to various readers, including gamers, programmers, and hackers.
- How to Write in Oberon - M.M.A
Guide on submitting articles to Oberon using ZX-WINWORD. Detailed format and process explanations for text, graphics, and music. Insight into editorial practices and preferences.
- Scroll - M.M.A
A historical overview of the game THE EIDOLON on ZX Spectrum, covering its restoration process and gameplay mechanics, including level challenges and story background.
- Scroll
Dark Star is a space shooter game where players pilot a ship against a tyrannical alien race. Players customize settings, navigate space, and combat enemy forces on various difficulty levels. Strategic planning and skill are vital for successful gameplay.
- Scroll - M.M.A
Detailed gameplay mechanics for the game with Mechnotech klp2. Strategy involves disarming reactors and managing droid transformations. Insight into different droid types and weapons available.
- About Everything - M.M.A
Discussion of reader interactions with the 'Oberon' editorial team, including feedback on previous issues and commentary on game compatibility and magazine content improvements.
- About Everything - M.M.A
The autobiographical article explores the author's role in Samara's ZX Spectrum scene, detailing his contributions and aspirations. M.M.A positions himself as a leader and innovator in the community. It highlights the importance of local distribution and cultural impact.
- Amiga rulez? - M.M.A
Critical essay on contemporary computer culture, contrasting IBM and Amiga platforms. Discusses societal impact of IBM standardization and advocates Amiga as a symbol of creativity and individuality. Reflects on the evolution of computer usage and preferences since the ZX Spectrum era.
- What Should 'Boot' Be - Unbeliever
The article explores the evolution of boot programs for ZX Spectrum, discussing early developments and key innovations over time. It highlights significant breakthroughs in automation and design, including fully assembler-written boots and the introduction of modern features. The text concludes with reflections on ideal boot characteristics from a contemporary user's perspective.
- Letter from Queen Software
An open letter from Queen Software criticizes ZX-WINWORD's design and Russian keyboard layout, denounces 'Mortal Compot' and the degradation of games, and shares views on demoscene events and computer emulation.
- Review - Unbeliever
The review provides insights into various 128K exclusive games for the ZX Spectrum, highlighting titles like 'Space Gun', 'World Championship Soccer', and 'Night Breed'. Special attention is given to their graphical prowess and gameplay mechanics. Furthermore, the article addresses the acquisition of Spectrum software via the Internet.
- Review of Assemblers - Maxsoft
Review of various assemblers for ZX Spectrum, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Focus on EDAS 3.3, AFS, XAS, ZX-ASM, ALASM, MASM, and TASM 4.1. Each assembler is evaluated on performance, features, and usability.
- Our Answer - M.M.A
Critical analysis of the electronic journal FAULTLESS, highlighting plagiarism issues and content quality. Discussion on the comparison with OBERON and other journals. Suggestions for improving FAULTLESS are provided.
- Our Response - Alex Noman
Debate over the compatibility and capabilities of Scorpion and Profi computers with the ZX Spectrum. Critique of programming claims by Chung Software regarding outdated languages and methods. Discussion on operating systems like CP/M and iS-DOS in the context of their utility in modern computing.
- Our Response
Exploring the varied interpretations of the term 'hacker' in Russian, highlighting distinctions and misconceptions.
- Hardware - Dr.Death
Connection instructions for AY-3-8910 on Spectrum-compatible machines. Solutions for common audio issues in Russian computers. Advice for improving digital sound compatibility.
- Hardware - Dr.Death
Discussion on modifying SCORPION ZS 256 for better performance, focusing on timing issues and TURBO mode. Explanation of improvements and potential problems with multicolors. Suggestions for further upgrades.
- Hardware - Poltergeist Corp.
Analysis of hardware issues with Profi, a ZX Spectrum clone, focusing on INT signal problems causing graphic flickering. A solution is proposed involving a simple hardware modification. The author shares their success and the widespread adoption in Samara.
- Let's Gurm
A microdrama illustrating the chaotic interaction between computer components during a printing task.
- Let's Feast
Satirical story depicting an alternate reality where American culture and symbols are humorously twisted by Soviet influences.
- Let's Feast
The story humorously describes Popov's efforts to help Papuans progress, amid desert struggles, political intrigue, and personal challenges.
- Let's Discuss
Overview of military jargon known as 'Army Absurdities' collected by students, highlighting unique language and instructions used in military training and communications.
- Let's Feast
Satirical article describing military humor and fictional military equipment.
- Literacy Campaign - Paul Atrides
Analysis of hacker misconceptions and societal attitudes, exploring hacker culture's roots and ethical dilemmas.
- Primer - Paul Atrides
Article discusses the role and activities of Russian hackers in the late 1990s, highlighting notable cases and categorizing different types of hackers. It covers the operations, risks, and impacts of hacking on international and local levels. The text also examines the societal perception of hackers and their portrayal in media.
- Contest - M.M.A
A contest involving identifying songs from poorly translated lyrics, inspired by a radio segment. Participants guess the song and artist. No specific prize yet, but a free journal issue is promised.
- Contest
A poetic reflection on personal struggle, misunderstood communication, and the burden of saving the world.
- Contest
A poetic reflection on isolation and inner dreams, contrasting with harsh reality.
- Contest
The article presents a poetic tribute to the community, emphasizing themes of unity, immortality, and strength through metal music.
- Advertisement
Advertisement in Oberon magazine offers free publication and discusses available software, hardware, and stores related to ZX Spectrum.
- Advertisement
Advertisement of computer repair and upgrades with pricing for various services. Options include drive connection, signal normalization, and memory upgrades. Specific services for different computer models like Pentagon and ATM.
