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Text File | 1990-09-13 | 22.2 KB | 704 lines

N O V A 9 Welcome to Amiga Nova 9. We at Dynamix have strived to take advantage of the Amiga during production of Amiga Nova 9. We have also tried to improve upon the game where possible. Here is a list of special features of Amiga Nova 9. Please take the time to read this file before playing Nova 9. ---------------------------------------------------------------- ° The Amiga Control section in the manual is almost entirely wrong. See the control card found in the game box for correct control information. ° Additional views. The F2 through F4 keys bring up new standard views that our users and testers have found convenient for different segments of Nova 9. Give them a try. You can get back to the standard "through the window" view by pressing F1. ° Full-screen rocket view. Once Sparky has supplied you with the rocket upgrade, you can switch to firing rockets by pressing the 4 key. You can steer the rocket as long as you hold down the space bar or the joystick button. If you want a rocket view, hold down the shift key while firing. If you want to always switch to a rocket view when firing rockets, turn on Caps Lock. ° Modified steering control. When you're moving backwards, The left/right actions of Amiga version of Nova 9 are opposite of the control method described in the manual. Most players prefer this configuration. ° EHB suggested. Amiga Nova 9 uses many different video modes, including EHB, HAM, and dual playfield. Nova 9 also uses sprites, custom copper lists, and other Amiga-specific effects. Although the game can be played with an Amiga 1000 with an older Denise chip, we recommend an EHB-compatible Amiga. ° PAL mode support. If your Amiga uses the European PAL mode video system, automatic analog joystick sensing will not work. To use an analog joystick on a PAL system, press the period (.) key. Do not press this key if you do not have an analog joystick. ° Optimized disk layout. If you play Nova 9 from floppy disk, we suggest that you turn off story panels from the preferences menu (just press F10 during the game to get the menu). When you're asked if you want to play the game or play the introduction, choose Play Game and you'll never have to swap disks. ° Amiga Nova 9 has a password feature that lets you start play on any level. When you make it past the first level, you'll be given a password on the high-score screen at the end of the game. To return to that level, press P during the title screen (the one with the music). A window will pop up onto the screen. Type the password and press Return. ° Hard Drive Installation. To install Nova 9 on your hard drive, insert disk 1 (Nova1) and double-click on the Install icon. ° Running Nova 9. To start Nova 9 from floppy, boot up your Amiga with disk 1 (Nova1) in your boot drive. From hard drive, click on the Nova9 icon or type NOVA from the CLI or Shell. ° Expanded preferences menu. Press F10 during the game to select preferences. You can choose between wireframe (for speed) or solid polygons (for realism). You can also change the difficulty level during the game. However, changes in difficulty level only take effect after you warp to a new world. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOVA 9 MISSION FILES Captain John Alex Personal Log Subsection 8292-2:8392-2 NOVA 9 Mission Classified Files PERSONAL LOG Captain John Alex Raindel Base Archive Personal Log: Data Request #329 Captain John Alex Personal Log Entry: 8292-2 It has been two years since the devastation of Stellar 7. Two years since the disappearance of Draxon. I thought the isolation of space would help me to forget, but it seems some things never go away. The pain of Sarah's death still haunts me and I sometimes see her face when I climb alone into bed. While the Engram computer made in her image keeps the memory alive, it also fans the emptiness in that dark place of my heart. So many died during the nightmare of Stellar 7. I miss my wife. As of this writing, reports have just begun to come in from the unexplored system of Nova 9. They are reports that manage to chill my numb senses. They tell of a man/creature that has spread like a disease across the nine planets of the system. In a matter of days, the first three planets have been raped and laid barren in a fashion that defies imagination. I pray the reports are wrong. END Personal Log Entry: 8392-2 Final testing on the newly completed Raven II has begun. Utilizing some of the larger asteroids of the Raindel Belt, I have just completed initial testing of the craft's new shield and modular expansion units. Due to the limited resources of the Raindel bodies, further testing of the expansion units will need to be conducted off-base where the craft's ability to convert raw energy can be thoroughly documented. The Engram computer has done a remarkable job of enhancing the technical specifications of the Raven's original expansion system. Much testing will be needed to fully determine the new design's capabilities, but I feel confident that it will exceed all previous expectations... Sarah always did have a flair for binary conversion. I wish she were here to see the results of her work. END Personal Log Entry: 8492-2 The secondary report from Command has just come in. I am to proceed with the dispatched cargo ship to the first planet of the Nova 9 system. Final testing of the Raven II has just been completed. Reports from deep space probes are minimal. it doesn't matter. I know what is waiting. I know all too well. God help up... END To: Captain John Alex From: Terran Command Transcript of Nova 9 distress call NOVA 9: Terran Command, this is Nova 9. We are under attack! The Arcturans came out of nowhere... ...no warning!... ...can't hold out much longer! They appear to be able to control. END NOVA 9: Terran Command, this is Nova 9. Cancel alert. Everything is fine. Repeat: Situation normal. Nova 9 out. END ENEMY BRIEFING Personnel & Ships ENEMY PERSONNEL FILE REACTIVATED CLOSED Gir Draxon Gir Draxon, Arcturan Empire Supreme Overlord, commanded enemy forces in the bloody war of Stellar 7. Known for his insatiable thirst for power, Draxon would not have settled for anything less than total control of the galaxy. Even though the war of Stellar 7 was very costly, it was imperative to stop Draxon from completing his plans for absolute domination. Gir Draxon demanded complete loyalty from his troops. He ruled with an iron fist and never tolerated failure. To fail was to die. He instilled so much fear in his armies that they followed his orders mechanically and without hesitation. Anything or anyone in Draxon's way was systematically destroyed. Any resistance to his plans enraged him. If someone dared stand up to Draxon and his forces, he would become obsessed with destroying them and everything they held dear. Life held no value and Draxon was known to kill just for the pleasure of it. The worlds and civilizations that Draxon conquered were plundered of their resources and left wastelands. At this point in time, Gir Draxon has still not been brought to justice. Neither wreckage of Draxon's ship nor Draxon's remains were ever found. It is now assumed that both he and his ship were destroyed. ENEMY SHIPS From: Terran Command To: Captain John Alex These pictures, transmitted with the distress call from Nova 9, are all that we know of the invading forces. The message was terminated before any additional information or photos could be transmitted. Darter Armament: Lasers Notes: Good night vision. Able to alternate between ground and air. Montrose Armament: Cannon Notes: Hovertank with very heavy armor. Phoenix Armament: Lasers Notes: Lightly armored tank, very quick & maneuverable. O.J. 1000 Armament: none Notes: Attacks by ramming and drilling. Ptera Armament: Dual Lasers Notes: Airborne. Tends to weave back and forth. Wobbly Armament: Lasers Notes: Limited field of vision. NOVA 9 SYSTEM From: Terran Command To: Captain John Alex Please note that due to the unfortunate backlog in the Department of Planet Research & Exploration, the Nova 9 system has not yet been explored. Only preliminary data is available. In response to the current crisis, all level-1 personnel have been reassigned to the Nova 9 project. We hope to transmit any new data as it becomes available. General Data Note: All data, except current position and class, is speculative and has not been verified. The Nova 9 System has nine recorded and classified planets. Most orbits are grouped fairly close to the Nova 9 sun. Hydros Position: -43.37, 2.0311AU Class: 5 Satellites: none Composition: iron, silicates, carbon compounds Atmosphere: hydrogen, nitrogen, argon, oxygen, water vapor Surface features: unknown Life forms: unknown Research notes: Swirling cloud layers over most of planet and moderate surface temperatures increase probability of life. Typhieus Position: 62.-13, 3.9725AU Class: 3 Satellites: expansive metallic and carbonaceous dust ring Composition: carbonaceous silicates probable Atmosphere: nitrogen-oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapor Surface features: unknown Kryon Position: 86.67, 26.9588AU Class: 3 Satellites: carbonaceous dust and meteoroid cloud, one moon observed Composition: hydrogen, helium, ice Atmosphere: hydrogen-methane Surface features: unknown Life forms: unknown Research notes: The planet itself appears very bright. This may be indicative of reflective substances in the atmosphere and surface; possibly ice particles. Pestula Position: -68.23, 1.5679AU Class: 28 Satellites: 4 moons -2 transit, 1 just off upper right horizon, 1 in occultation Composition: nickel-iron, silicates Atmosphere: nitrogen-oxygen, carbon dioxide Surface features: dark, mottled color Life forms: unknown Research notes: Changes in surface color may indicate an abundance of plant life or micro-organisms. Searon Position: 37.-39, .6892AU Class: 14 Satellites: 2 "moons" actually share Searon's orbital path around the sun. It is possible that Searon may be very gradually overtaking the leading "moon". Composition: silicates, sulfur Atmosphere: unknown Surface features: unknown Life forms: unknown Research notes: Probably the youngest planet in the system. High surface temperatures are likely because of its close proximity tot the sun. Malevolon Position: -39,-71, 1.9293AU Class: 8 Satellites: Veil-like gaseous cloud envelops planet and several moons (20+). Composition: unknown Atmosphere: unknown Surface features: unknown Life forms: unknown Research notes: Increased fluctuation in energy readings recently observed. Matricon Position: 54.83, 2.4975AU Class: 9 Satellites: 2 moons Composition: nickel-iron, silicates Atmosphere: hydrogen-oxygen Surface features: unusual vein-like markings Life forms: unknown Research notes: There has been debate over whether or not all of the striations observed on the surface are natural formations. Sporadic energy emissions have been detected. Teflar Position: -23.-45, 7.5743AU Class: 7 Satellites: ring of particles ranging from meteoroids to small asteroids Composition: ice, hydrogen Atmosphere: hydrogen-methane Surface features: unknown Life forms: unknown Research notes: Intermittent shifts and variations in the magnetic field detected. Sauria Position: 45.78, .9251AU Class: 33 Satellites: 4 small moons Composition: nickel-iron, silicates Atmosphere: nitrogen-oxygen, water vapor Surface features: seas & continents, clouds Life forms: unknown Research notes: The surface features are reminiscent of pre-historic Terra. RAVEN II Ship Specifications, Controls & Computer COCKPIT CONTROLS Power Module Bank The Power Module Bank is designed to accommodate eight power modules. Vacant slots appear blue. Nonfunctional slots appear black. Note: The Raven II is able to pick-up and install power modules in the field as well as intact power modules left behind from destroyed ships. Current Weapon Display The weapon display shows the currently selected weapon. A number appearing after the weapon name indicates the amount of ammunition left. No number after the weapon name indicates unlimited firing capability. Shield Status Display A team of four independent Protonic Shields provide protection fore, aft, starboard and port. The shields not only provide protection against shells, lasers, and high-speed impact, but are also capable of absorbing a variety of energy forms including heat, radiation and kinetic energy. The advantage of the four shield system is that if one shield is damaged, it will not affect the other three. Although the shields are designed to withstand almost anything, each hit or impact will diminish the energy level of the shield. Loss of energy will result in shield failure. Raven II Systems Status Indicators 1. ENG - Engine Status 2. LIFE - Life Support Status 3. SHLD - Shield Status 4. Damage Alert Bar The first three indicators show the status for specific systems. A purple light denotes optimum system functioning. A yellow light denotes an impaired or damaged system. A red light denotes system failure. Overall damage to the ship itself graphically represented by the fourth indicator, the Damage Alert Bar. Aiming Reticle The Aiming Reticle aids in focusing the weapon on target. The reticle display changes when a possible target is in the field of fire. Radar The radar module has expanded detection capability. The Raven II is the radar center point. The top of the radar display corresponds to the direction the Raven II is facing. For instance, blips at the top of the display are objects behind the Raven II. Different types of objects (enemy ships, incoming shells & obstacles) appear as different colored blips. Erratic blip movement or a blank display may indicate damage to the radar unit. Planet Identification Screen The name of the current planet is displayed on the Planet Identification Screen. Weapon Ready Indicator A yellow light signals that the currently selected weapon is loaded and ready to fire. A purple light indicates the weapon is not ready. Score This unit tracks, compiles and displays the combat success index. COMPUTER SYSTEM S.A.R.A.H. Synergetic Advanced Resource - Aesthetic Hybrid The new Engram super computer, with its Engram-Neuralnet logic board, provides the computing power to keep all the base and Raven II systems running smoothly. The operating system for the Engram computer, developed by innovative programmer, Sarah Alex, before her death, simulates human thought patterns more closely than any previously designed system. The human-like interface, was one of the features programmed by her husband, Captain John Alex. New information transmitted from Terran Command and field data collected by the Raven II are added to S.A.R.A.H.'s extensive library files. S.A.R.A.H. is continually processing new data as well as searching the library files for related material, and will provide new information as it becomes available. Auxiliary Components Model SP122-KE Robotic Unit "Sparky" The maintenance and repair droid equipped with basic Al language and interface modules, Sparky, is programmed to make repairs and install upgrades. Upon returning to base, Sparky will perform as many repairs as possible before the Raven II has to return to battle. If Sparky is able to complete all the repairs, it may also have time to install upgrades. RAVEN II Simulation Specifications SIMULATION FEATURES Cursors In addition, to the regular cursor icon, there are seven types of cursor icons that appear depending on the scene and position on the simulation screen. These different cursors indicate an action to perform or a menu available from the Control Panel at the start of the simulation. Action Cursors: VIEW View data or look more closely. EXIT Return to the previous scene after viewing or looking at something. ---> Travel in the direction of the arrow. PLAY Proceed with simulation play. Bridge Control Panel: At the beginning of the simulation, use the Control Panel on the Bridge to set preferences or view menus before continuing through the door into the Repair Bay. SCORES Display a menu of high scores. CREDITS Display the game credit list. PREFS Bring up the pre-game preferences menu. Customize game controls by changing Detail Level settings, level of difficulty, or setting the sound, music, joystick, mouse and story (non-interactive scenes) to on or off. Menus Preferences Menu Pressing F10 during the simulation play brings up a menu with options for customizing game controls: Detail Levels - The smoothness and speed of simulation play depends on the speed of your computer and the amount of graphic detail displayed. Adjusting image detail can slow or speed up action. Adjusting the "time" detail can also affect action by allowing the game to take larger or smaller "steps." Adjust the slider bars by pressing down either RETURN, SPACEBAR, a mouse button or a joystick button, and then using the arrow keys, mouse, or joystick to move. The sound, music, joystick and mouse may be toggled on or off. Joystick Calibration Pressing ALT-C brings up a menu for adjusting your joystick for optimum game play. Game Paused Pressing P suspends play and displays a message that the game is paused. Abort Game? Pressing ESC, ALT-Q or CTRL-Q brings up the Abort Game Menu. Select YES to return to the bridge at home base. High Scores A log at the top scoring Raven II Pilots appears at the end of the game. Quit to DOS? Pressing CTRL-ESC or CTRL-ALT-DEL brings up the Quit to DOS Menu. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- AMIGA: QUICK REFERENCE NEW FEATURES are listed on this card along with Amiga installation, loading and game controls. This card REPLACES the Amiga information included in the manual. General Display Preferences Menu.......F10 Center Analog Joystick.........PERIOD Abort Mission/Restart Game.....ESC Pause Game on/off..............P Quit...........................CTRL-ESC Go directly from home base bridge to cockpit..............ALT-G Game Controls Movement Controls To steer or move the viewpoint of Raven II, use the arrow keys or joystick. Viewpoint Cockpit View...................F1 Outside Elevated-Rear View.....F2 Outside Top View...............F3 Outside Distant-Left View......F4 Outside Rear View..............F5 Outside Front View.............F6 Outside Right View.............F7 Outside Left View..............F8 Enemy View.....................F9 Floating Camera View on/off....F Note: To zoom the camera view in or out, press the SPACEBAR, Joystick Button 1, or Mouse Button 1 while moving the arrow keys or joystick. Save current outside view......CTRL-F1 through CTRL-F10 Restore corresponding saved view.....................ALT-F1 through ALT-F10 Power Keys Keyboard Power Keys may be used to select and activate a power from the Power Module in one step. To discard a power, press the SHIFT key with the corresponding Power Key. Q W E A D Z X C Weapons ! @ # $ 1 2 3 4 Select Select Select Select Cannon Mines Lasers Rockets Fire Selected Weapon...........SPACEBAR or Joystick Button 1 or Mouse Button 1 Guiding Rockets: Hold down the SPACEBAR and guide the rockets with the arrow keys. With the joystick, hold down Button 1 (Fire Button) and guide by moving the joystick. With the mouse, hold down Button 1 (Left Button) and guide by moving the mouse. Passwords You receive a four-character password everytime you die in the game. It appears in the title bar of the high score screen. This password will let you start the game at the world you just died on. To use the password: Choose to play the introduction. When the Nova 9 title screen appears, press P, and then type in the password for the world you wish to return to. Installation The following are instructions for installing Nova 9 onto a hard disk and booting the system. Both can be done from either the Workbench or the CLI. In the instructions we assume that you are using floppy drive DF0: and hard drive DH0:. If your drives go by different names, replace the drive label in the example with the correct one. For example, if you have an Amiga 3000, you will probably need to replace DH0: with WORK:. Copying Nova 9 to a Hard Disk 1. Boot your system. 2. Insert Nova 9 disk #1 into the first internal floppy disk drive. 3. From Workbench, double click on the Nova1 icon and then on the Install icon. 4. From the CLI, type CD NOVA1: and press the return key. Then type INSTALL and press the return key. The Dynamix Install Utility window will appear. 5. Choose which drive and directory you wish to install the program to. (The installer will automatically detect all hard disk partitions with enough room to install Nova 9. If you have several partitions with room, click on the Drive gadget to select between them.) To change the path, click on the Destination string gadget box and type in the new path. The default directory is: DH0:NOVA9. 6. Click on the INSTALL button. 7. At the prompt, click on CONTINUE to install the program files. To cancel the installation process, click on ABORT. Loading Instructions From Floppy Disks Note: You may run the Nova 9 program from multiple floppy drives. Self-Booting 1. Insert Nova 9 Disk #1 into drive DF0:. 2. Turn on the system. From a Hard Disk From Workbench 1. Load Workbench. 2. Double click on the hard disk icon. 3. Double click on the Nova9 drawer. 4. Double click on the Nova9 icon. From the CLI 1. Open a CLI window. 2. Type CD DH0:NOVA9, then press the return key. 3. Type NOVA, then press the return key. Notes 1. Nova 9 does not multitask with other programs. For best performance, make sure no other programs are running when you start Nova 9. 2. Although your system may have one megabyte of memory, you still may not have enough available memory to run Nova 9. Selfbooting the program from disk should provide you with enough free memory to run the program. Note; Memory allocated for hard disk partitions or resident programs will reduce the amount available for running programs. end.