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Covert Action 1.1 Page 1
Copyright © 1990 by Matt Kaufman
All Rights Reserved
Covert Action
Version 1.101
by
Matt Kaufman
Introduction
Covert Action is a simulation where you take the helm of a United States attack
submarine. You will conduct manoeuvres in locations such as the Black Sea, the
Straights of Gibraltar, the Persian Gulf and the East Coast of the United States. In
each area, you will have the opportunity to complete several missions focusing on the
strategic value of that region.
Covert Action is similar to a complex game of hide and seek. When you begin each
mission, you will be presented with a satellite report telling you the last known
location of your targets and their intentions. With this information in mind, you can
plot a course to intercept these vessels. Moving along the surface, you will be able to
utilize your long range radar systems. Once these systems have acquired a target, it
would wise to submerge. Although you will not be able to make direct contact with
the enemy at this distance, do not worry. The computers on board your submarine
will be continually giving you information on the whereabouts of the enemy. This
information is based on the last statistics received by your radar or sonar. Under
water, you will be able to sneak up on your enemy without them detecting your
presence. Always keeps in mind that if you have direct contact with the enemy,
chances are that they have contact with you.
Once the enemy vessel comes into sonar range, you will establish direct contact
again. At this point, you can plot your attack and move into position. There, you can
lie in wait until the enemy ship comes to you. On board computers will alert you to
any ship within weapons range. As your weapons accuracy builds and the distance
between you and the enemy falls, you can fire. Be careful, however, don’t make too
much noise or the enemy will acquire your position and launch its own attack. In the
event that you are struck by a torpedo, you must run from the enemy and make time
for repairs. If the damage is too extensive, your only option will be to try and sail
your crippled sub back to the rendezvous point where rescue equipment is available.
After hitting the enemy with a torpedo, you are by no means safe. Undoubtedly,
the damaged ship will alert its partners and a consorted attack will begin. You can be
sure that the enemy will do everything possible to eliminate your submarine. This
includes chasing you into traps and laying mine fields around your position. Most of
all, be careful for the enemy submarines. Just like you, they are difficult to detect
and extremely lethal.
If you are successful in your initial battles, you will soon come upon your
primary targets. Destroying these target should be your primary concern
throughout your mission. Once you have successfully destroyed them, you can return
to the rendezvous point. There, your submarine will be refurbished and you will be
given the option to take part in another mission.
Getting Started
Covert Action can be played on a Macintosh ® Plus, SE, SE/30, II, IIcx, IIci, IIfx
or Portable. To start the game, insert the Covert Action disk and double click on the
application icon. Once the game has loaded, you will be presented with the About
Window. This will be followed by the Select Player Window. Here you can choose, or
create, a character to command the submarine. When the game first loads, all of the
characters will be deceased. Therefore, you will need to replace one of them.
After you have selected a character , the Select Mission Window will appear on
the screen. Here you can select a mission to take part in. On the left, there will be a
list of five locations and on the opposite side of the window, you will find a list of five
mission titles from which to choose. Once you have selected a mission, the computer
will load the game and you may begin playing.
It is important to understand that Cover Action is played on a turn system. While
your submarine’s position and systems are updated constantly, the enemy is only
updated at the end of each turn. A turn can range from 15 seconds to several minutes
depending on your wishes. There is, however, one exception. When torpedoes are
active in the water, the turn time must be set to 30 seconds or less. The computer
will automatically shorten the turn time during these situations. A benefit of the
turn time is that you can speed up the rate of play by ending a turn before the turn
time has actually expired. The Advance command, in effect, allows you to jump ahead
in time. This means of playing was implemented because of the mass of information
which must be processed for the enemy to make a decision.
The following sections will present information on each major system on board
your submarine
Navigation System
By far, navigating is the most part of playing Covert Action. You have several
modes of navigation to choose from. The most rudimentary is the Manual Mode. Here
you can select a course, speed and depth and the computer will do its best to maintain
it for an indefinite time.
The Goto a Point mode is also a very basic type of navigation. The computer will
ask for a specific point, speed and depth and the computer will automatically set your
course to that point. Once you are within one mile of the destination position, your
speed will be reduced to one knot.
Once you have completed your mission, you can select the Rendezvous Point
navigation mode. Like the Goto a Point mode, the computer will automatically set the
course to the rendezvous point and then slow down as soon as you are within one mile
of the point.
There are three modes of navigation which involve monitoring of an enemy target.
The first one is the Pursue Target mode. When you are in this mode, the computer
will automatically pursue a designated target at any speed or depth. The opposite of
this mode, where you essentially run away from a target, is the Evade Target mode.
The Trail Target mode allows you to select a target and then tell the computer to
maintain a certain distance away from it. In all of these modes if the computer ever
stops projecting the target's position, navigation will revert back to manual on the
most recent course, speed and depth.
Maximum speed and maximum depth are directly effected by the capacities of the
hull and engine. If they are ever damaged then performance will fall. Maximum
speed is also effected by fatigue. If you try to run at the maximum speed for too long,
the speed will slowly drop.
Radar/Sonar System
Radar and sonar are your eyes and ears throughout the game. The radar system
works as long as the you depth is above fifteen feet, any deeper and the sonar system
will take over. Both systems can give an immense information about a target. Some
of that information is the target's speed, direction, depth, equipment, name and type.
To get a complete listing of all information available about a specific target, use the
Evaluate Target command under the Radar/Sonar menu.
You will be able to see some targets farther away than other targets. This is
because some targets will make more “noise”. You also make "noise" and the
enemy's radar range is effected its intensity. Things that will increase "noise" are
speed, weight, radar and sonar power, weapon's status, amount of damage and ship
type. Certain events will increase "noise" so much that detection is assured. They
include launching a long range torpedo and being struck by a torpedo or mine.
Mines laid by the enemy will be remain invisible to you until detected by your
sonar. For this reason it is advisable to use caution when you are operating with
very low sonar ranges. No matter your sonar range, you will always see any enemy
torpedoes fired at you.
Weapons Systems
The outcome of the game will depend on your careful use of all of your weapons.
Each torpedo type has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most obvious is
range. Long range torpedoes out distance short range torpedoes by about two to one.
This is due to the nature of the two systems. Short range torpedoes are standard
torpedoes directed by on board sonar towards their target. They may be slow, but
they are almost undetectable during launch. This means that you may launch a short
range torpedo without being detected. The long range torpedoes are powered by
powerful rockets which propel them out of the water and into the air. There, they
fly like surface to surface missiles. They are not only fast, but also incredibly
noisy. Once they are launched they reveal their originator's exact position. The
accuracy of the torpedoes is based on the interval between the launch time and the
time that you last had direct contact with the target. Once launched, a torpedo's
accuracy will not change.
When a torpedo is fired at you, there are several escape tactics to keep in mind.
The first is to release a noise maker. These devices mimic the sounds of your
submarine and draw sonar guided torpedoes away from your vessel. The farther your
are from the deployed noise maker, the better. Another tactic is to change your
speed, heading and depth immediately. This will hopefully confuse the torpedo.
Above all, fire back. A damaged enemy vessel is much less of a threat.
Mines are an all purpose weapon. Use your imagination when placing them.
Perhaps place them between you and the enemy. Then, make a lot of noise and draw
the enemy into the mine field which you just created. Remember, the enemy will
also be doing this and mines are hard to detect. So, when you suspect that enemy
mines may be near by. Slow down occasionally and use your sonar to pinpoint their
positions.
The Windows
There are hundreds of variables which will need to be taken into account for you
to make decisions during play. For this reason there are ten windows where you will
find information about the game’s status. On color systems, you will notice a color
scheme that helps discern the different types of information (ie. navigation and radar
information each have different colors).
Within the ten windows, there are three which you will be using most often. The
first of these windows is called the General Information Window. It basically gives
an overview of all the systems on your submarine. More explicit information, which
is not needed in most cases, can be obtained through more specific windows, like the
Navigation Window.
The Map Window will appear just below the General Information Window when
the game first begins. This window’s purpose is to give you a visual representation
of where your submarine is located in relation to the other elements of the game. To
the right of the map, within the same window, is a list of targets which your radar
and sonar systems are currently tracking. The Map Window is accompanied by a Map
item within the menu bar. This menu allows you to toggle some of the information
displayed on the map as well as the ability zoom in and out. Refer to the section on
available commands for more information.
At the end of each turn, the Update Information Window may appear automatically
to give you important information such as inbound torpedoes or mines located in the
immediate area. Radio buttons at the bottom of this window allow you to select which
information you would like to view.
The other windows can be displayed by selecting their name under the Window
Menu. For the most part, they contain more detailed information about the systems
summarized in the General Information Window.
The Enemy
You should not picture the enemy as individual vessels, but instead as a team.
Communications between them is constant so if one of the enemy detects you then they
all know where you are. Their objective will be to destroy you at all costs.
Remember, the enemy can do everything that you can, but combined they are a
greater force.
There are ten types of enemy vessels which you will come upon in your travels.
They are listed below along with some general statistics outlining their ability.
Enemy Vessel Types
Attack Submarine Ballistic Missile Submarine
Battle Ship Cargo Ship
Command Ship Destroyer
Fishing Boat Frigate
Oil Tanker Patrol Boat
Enemy Weaponry
Long Range Torpedoes
Maximum Speed: 370 knots
Maximum Range: 10 nautical miles
Short Range Torpedoes
Maximum Speed: 80 knots
Maximum Range: 6 nautical miles
Other Weaponry
Mine Range: 2,500’ horizontal, ± 150’ vertical
Enemy Radar / Sonar
Maximum Radar Range: 38 nautical miles
Maximum Sonar Range: 14 nautical miles
Your Submarine
Damage inflicted on your submarine is automatically fixed over time. If,
however, the overall capacity ever goes below 20% then you will sink. Damage to
the hull can lead to an uncontrollable depth, speed and course management. The life
support, when damaged, has reserves for 60 minutes. Once these reserves are gone,
the crew will die unless the sub is at the surface. If any system ever has a capacity
below 30%, it will not be fixed automatically.
The following are the general characteristics of your submarine.
Navigation
Maximum Speed (submerged): 40 knots
Maximum Sustainable Speed (submerged): 32 knots
Maximum Speed (surfaced): 28 knots
Maximum Sustainable Speed (surfaced): 22 knots
Maximum Turn Speed: 17 knots
Maximum Depth: 2100 feet
Weaponry
Long Range Torpedoes
Maximum Number: 25
Maximum Speed: 380 knots
Maximum Range: 11 nautical miles
Short Range Torpedoes
Maximum Number: 25
Maximum Speed: 94 knots
Maximum Range: 7 nautical miles
Other Weaponry
Maximum Number of Mines: 20
Mine Range: 2,500’ horizontal, ± 150’ vertical
Maximum Number of Noise Makers: 15
Maximum Noise Maker Endurance: 15 minutes
Radar / Sonar
Maximum Radar Range: 40 nautical miles
Maximum Sonar Range: 15 nautical miles
Points System
While playing Covert Action, you will accumulate points. These points will be
given for destroying enemy targets. A break down of the points awarded is as follows:
Evading an incoming torpedo: 5 points
Damaging an enemy with a torpedo: 10 points
Damaging an enemy with a mine: 15 points
Sinking a Cargo ship: 30 points
Sinking a Military vessel: 40 points
Sinking a submarine: 60 points
Destroying a primary target: 150 points
Available Commands
The following is a list of all the commands, which can be selected in Covert
Action, and a complete description of each.
Menu Location: Game
Command Name: Advance Game
Description: This will update the enemy and all weapons systems for the entire
Turn Time. It is possible to change the Turn Time using the Set
Turn Time command. Once Advance is selected, the Update
Information Window may appear and give information about the
game's progress.
Menu Location: Game
Command Name: Pause Game
Description: This will stop all of the games functions indefinitely. This is
handy in case the phone rings or you have a sudden urge to get
something from the refrigerator.
Menu Location: Game
Command Name: Set Turn Time
Description: This allows you to change the Turn Time. The Turn Time is the
amount of time you are allowed to enter commands and the time for
which the enemy and all weapon systems are updated when you
select the ADVANCE command or you run out of time. You cannot
change the turn time to less time than has already passed. When
in-bound torpedoes are present the maximum value for the Turn
Time is 30 seconds.
Menu Location: Game
Command Name: Mission Information
Description: When selected, the Mission Information Window will appear and
give you a description of the mission you are currently playing.
The information will include which targets your have been
instructed to sink and their last known positions.
Menu Location: Game
Command Name: Sound
Description: This simply toggles the sound system on and off. It will, by
default, be turned on when the game begins.
Menu Location: Game
Command Name: Quit
Description: This will turn off Covert Action and save the game automatically.
Menu Location: Map
Command Name: Zoom Out
Description: This will make the region which the Map Window covers enlarge.
Once it has reached a maximum size, you will no longer be able to
select this command.
Menu Location: Map
Command Name: Zoom In
Description: This will make the region which the Map Window covers decrease.
Once it has reached a minimum size, you will no longer be able to
select this command.
Menu Location: Map
Command Name: Close Up
Description: This toggle the map close up mode on and off. When it is toggled on,
you will be able to see a very close up view of your submarine and
its surroundings. No land masses are displayed in this mode.
Menu Location: Map
Command Name: Gridlines
Description: This will toggle the display of grid lines of and on. You will only
be able to see the actual value for each line in the Close Up mode.
The default is for the lines not to be displayed.
Menu Location: Map
Command Name: Target Headings
Description: The Map Window will display line leading from the targets
number, indicating its direction and speed. This command will
toggle these lines on and off. The default is for the lines to be
displayed.
Menu Location: Map
Command Name: Target Radar
Description: This will toggle the radar and sonar ranges of the targets to be
displayed on the map window. The default is for the lines to be off.
Menu Location: Map
Command Name: Target Weapons
Description: This will toggle the weapons range of the targets to be displayed on
the map window. The default is fro the lines to be off.
Menu Location: Map
Command Name: Redraw Map
Description: If for some reason the map is not fully visible. Select this
command, and the map will be redrawn on the screen.
Menu Location: Map
Command Name: View Map Key
Description: A small window containing information about the map window and
wits contents will appear on screen when you select this command.
Menu Location: Navigation
Command Name: Manual
Description: This lets you specify any desired course, depth or speed. If you
are pursuing, evading or trailing a target which is no longer being
tracked, the navigation systems will revert to manual.
Menu Location: Navigation
Command Name: Goto a Point
Description: This allows you to designate a point, on the 500nm x 500nm map,
for the navigation systems to head to. Depth and speed can be
selected manually using this command.
Menu Location: Navigation
Command Name: Evade Target
Description: This will automatically set the submarine's course, and
continually update it, so that you will be on a heading directly
away from a selected target. You can specify any depth and speed at
which to evade the target. This is useful if you have suffered
significant damage and wish to move out of the weapon's range of a
target.
Menu Location: Navigation
Command Name: Pursue Target
Description: This will automatically set the submarine's course, and
continually update it, so that you will be on a heading directly to a
selected target. You can specify any depth and speed at which to
pursue the target. This command is useful if you wish to enter a
battle with a specific target. Once you are within one nautical mile
of the target, you will automatically slow down.
Menu Location: Navigation
Command Name: Trail Target
Description: This allows you to specify a target and a distance to trail behind it
at. Your speed and course will automatically be adjusted to
maintain the specified distance, but your depth can be set
manually.
Menu Location: Navigation
Command Name: Rendezvous Point
Description: This will set your course to the rendezvous point. Depth and speed
can be set manually. Once you are within one nautical mile of the
point, your sub will slow down and surface automatically. Be
careful when you are surfacing to make sure that there are no
hostile targets within weapons range which could fire on you.
Menu Location: Radar/Sonar
Command Name: Set Radar Power
Description: This lets you select the power at which you wish the radar system
to operate at. If the submarine is damaged you may not be able to
set the power to 100%. To see the effect that your change made,
look at your submarine's radar range which is be displayed in the
Radar/Sonar Window. If you choose to set the radar to it's
maximum, the computer will automatically increase or decrease
power to match the systems capacity.
Menu Location: Radar/Sonar
Command Name: Set Sonar Power
Description: This lets you select the power at which you wish the radar system
to operate at. If the submarine is damaged you may not be able to
set the power to 100%. To see the effect that your change made,
look at your submarine's sonar range which is be displayed in the
Radar/Sonar Window. If you choose to set the radar to it's
maximum, the computer will automatically increase or decrease
power to match the systems capacity.
Menu Location: Radar/Sonar
Command Name: Flash Radar
Description: This allows you to momentarily set the radar system to it's
maximum power. By doing so, you can locate targets without
exposing yourself to any long-term detection.
Menu Location: Radar/Sonar
Command Name: Flash Sonar
Description: This allows you to momentarily set the sonar system to it's
maximum power. By doing so, you can locate targets without
exposing yourself to any long-term detection.
Menu Location: Radar/Sonar
Command Name: Evaluate Target
Description: This allows you to see all information known about any one of the
targets you are tracking. If a large amount of time has passed
since you had direct radar or sonar contact with the specified
target, you may be unable to see all of the information. Remember
that when you do not have direct contact, the values displayed are
only approximations.
Menu Location: Weapons
Command Name: Fire Long Range Torpedo
Description: This allows you fire a long range torpedo at any target within
range. Long range torpedoes are rocket propelled and give off a
great deal of noise when launched so they will reveal your position
to the enemy. These torpedoes have relatively low destructive
power. Like other systems, the capacity of the long range torpedo
system must be at least 80% to operate properly.
Menu Location: Weapons
Command Name: Fire Short Range Torpedo
Description: This allows you fire a short range torpedo at any target within
range. These torpedoes are very quiet and will not reveal your
position to the enemy. They also have a huge explosive power
compared to long rage torpedoes, but of course their range is
limited. Like other systems, the capacity of the short range
torpedo system must be at least 80% to operate properly.
Menu Location: Weapons
Command Name: Lay Mine
Description: This will release a mine to the depth which you specify, behind
your sub. Because of your initially close proximity to it, it will
not activate for several minutes, but after that it can cause severe
damage to both you and the enemy. Mines can only be detected by
using sonar, so be careful about running for long periods of time
with the sonar turned down.
Menu Location: Weapons
Command Name: Release Noise Maker
Description: This allows you to release a noise maker from the submarine.
Noise makers will detour inbound torpedoes by reproducing noise
similar to the sub's. The farther you travel away from the noise
maker, the better chance it has of detouring an in-bound torpedo.
This command releases one, which will last for about ten minutes.
Like other systems, the capacity of the noise maker system must
be at least 80% to operate properly.
Menu Location: Weapons
Command Name: Evaluate Target
Description: This command is just like the one under the Radar/Sonar menu.
Menu Location: Weapons
Command Name: Select New Target
Description: This allows you to get offensive weapons information about a
specific target. Once selected, information about the range and
accuracy of your weapons will be displayed in the options window.
General information about the specified target will also be
displayed. Remember that when a target has not been in direct
radar or sonar contact for a long period of time, the values
displayed are only approximations.
Menu Location: Windows
Command Name: Command
Description: This will toggle the Command Window off and on. A check mark
will appear next to the command name if the window is already
visible.
Menu Location: Windows
Command Name: Damage & Supplies
Description: This will toggle the Damage & Supplies Window off and on. A check
mark will appear next to the command name if the window is
already visible.
Menu Location: Windows
Command Name: Evaluate
Description: This will toggle the Evaluate Window off and on. A check mark will
appear next to the command name if the window is already visible.
When there are no targets to evaluate, you will not be able to
select this command.
Menu Location: Windows
Command Name: General Information
Description: This will toggle the General Information Window off and on. A
check mark will appear next to the command name if the window is
already visible.
Menu Location: Windows
Command Name: Map Window
Description: This will toggle the Map Window off and on. A check mark will
appear next to the command name if the window is already visible.
Menu Location: Windows
Command Name: Mission Information
Description: This will toggle the Mission Information Window off and on. A
check mark will appear next to the command name if the window is
already visible.
Menu Location: Windows
Command Name: Navigation
Description: This will toggle the Navigation Window off and on. A check mark
will appear next to the command name if the window is already
visible.
Menu Location: Windows
Command Name: Radar & Sonar
Description: This will toggle the Radar & Sonar Window off and on. A check
mark will appear next to the command name if the window is
already visible.
Menu Location: Windows
Command Name: Statistics
Description: This will toggle the Statistics Window off and on. A check mark
will appear next to the command name if the window is already
visible.
Menu Location: Windows
Command Name: Update Information
Description: This will toggle the Update Information Window off and on. A check
mark will appear next to the command name if the window is
already visible.
Menu Location: Windows
Command Name: Weapons
Description: This will toggle the Weapons Window off and on. A check mark
will appear next to the command name if the window is already
visible.
Warranty
MK Systems hereby disclaims all warranties relating to this software, whether
expressed or implied, including without limitation any implied warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. MK Systems will not be liable
for any special, incidental, indirect or similar damages due to loss of data or any
other reason. The person using the software bears all risk as to the quality and
performance of the software.
Technical Support
You may send questions, problem reports, suggestions for improvements and general
comments about Covert Action to the registration address listed below. Comments
may also be sent via electronic mail:
• BITNET system: mdkaufman@ucdavis
• INTERNET system: mdkaufman@ucdavis.edu
• UUCP system: ucdavis!mdkaufman
Distribution/Registration
Covert Action is distributed as ShareWare. That is NOT the same thing as
freeware. I realize that it is hard to justify sending money for a game. So here is the
deal. I would be really grateful if you sent me $10, but, if that seems too much, send
what you feel is appropriate. In fact, I would value a simple letter describing how
you would make the game better. No matter, however, please send the registration
form so I have some kind of idea about who is using this program.
Distribution
You are encouraged to copy and distribute the Covert Action program with the
following restrictions:
• You may not modify any of the files
• You must include the documentation with the program
• You may not charge any fee for the use, copying, or distribution of the
product unless granted permission by MK Systems
If, for some reason, you cannot adhere to these conditions, please contact MK
Systems at the following address. Something can always be worked out.
Registration Form:
Please complete this registration form and send it to the address listed below. If
you would like to receive a copy of the source code, make a careful note of the
conditions which are involved
.
________________________________________________________
_____
(First Name) (Last Name)
________________________________________________________
_____
(Street Address)
________________________________________________________
_____
(City) (State) (Zip Code)
________________________________________________________
_____
(Voice Number) (Fax Number)
________________________________________________________
_____
(Computer Type) (Peripherals)
________________________________________________________
_____
(What you most like about Covert Action)
________________________________________________________
_____
(What you most dislike about Covert Action)
Source Code Registration: YES / NO
In order to receive the original source code to Covert Action Version 1.101, you
will need to abide by the following conditions.
1. You may not use the Covert Action source code, or any portion there of,
to produce a product which is to be sold or used for profit.
2. I, Matthew Kaufman, cannot be held responsible for any changes you
make to the code. If it doesn’t work, it is not my fault!
3. If any portion of the Covert Action source code is used in another
program, a note indicating the origin of the Covert Action source code
must be included within that program. In addition, I would appreciate
being notified.
4. I reserve the right to refuse to let anyone release a program which has
incorporated portions of the Covert Action source code.
5. The preceding conditions can only be amended with permission from
myself, Matthew Kaufman.
Please sign your name here:
_________________________________
Mail Registration To:
Covert Action Registration
c/o MK Systems
19987 Moran Lane
Saratoga, CA 95070