TI-99/4A Pole Position Instructions

ColecoFan1981 · September 15, 2011

eBay Auction -- Item Number: 260830489537 1?ff3=2&pub=5574883395&toolid=10001&campid=5336500554&customid=&item=260830489537&mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]

For those of you who wish to complete the collection of TI-99/4A video game instruction manuals, here is the link for you.

In the meantime, I will write the instructions from the snapshots of the auction:

POLE POSITION - TI 99/4A

From ATARISOFT

AND THEY'RE OFF!

INSTALL YOUR ENGINE

Load the POLE POSITION cartridge into your TI 99/4A Home Computer as explained in your computer owner's guide and turn on your computer. The master title screen should now appear. Now you can press any key to display the master selection list.

Next, press the numbered key which corresponds to Pole Position and the game title screen will appear. Press any key to display the option screen to choose one of three difficulty and/or the number of laps in a race (1-.

Press ENTER to start the game. Press "P" to pause during game play and any other key, joystick or fire button to reactivate the game after a pause.

NOTE: Make sure that the ALPHA LOCK key is in the up position when using joysticks.

The object of Pole Position is to pit yourself against the clock and the competition (other high-performance racers). Now is the chance to prove you've got the nerve and skill to be a professional race car driver.

You can steer your racer by moving the joystick to the left or to the right. Increase or decrease your speed by moving the joystick up or down, respectively. Pressing the "FIRE" button allows the driver to change from low to high gear. In the extreme upper-right-hand corner of the playing screen, is your current Lap Time Counter (0'00). The Time Clock at the center, which determines the remaining time your car has to cross the finish line, winds down as your Lap Time Counter increases. Also at the top right is the high and low gear indicator (HI/LO). Your speed as shown can reach a max of 195 MPH.

KEYBOARD CONTROLS

Increase speed: E (LH) / I (RH)

Decrease speed: X (LH) / M (RH)

Left: S (LH) / J (RH)

Right: D (LH) / K (RH)

Gear shift: Y or . (LH) / Q or V (RH)

Upper-Left: W (LH) / U (RH)

Upper-Right: R (LH) / O (RH)

Lower-Left: Z (LH) / N (RH)

Lower-Right: C (LH) / , (RH)

When the game screen first appears, you are ready to qualify for a race. Before you can compete in any of the races, you must qualify for one of the eight starting positions. You have 90 driving seconds in the qualifying run, but must achieve a lap time of 73" (seconds) or better to qualify for a race. Once you've qualified, the race that was selected begins in a matter of seconds.

The first lap in a race has a maximum time limit of 75 seconds. More cars appear on the course in each successive lap. But you begin a new lap with additional time to complete it -- only if you've finished the previous lap in the allotted time.

If you hit an other (sic) car, your car will explode, costing you precious time. You'll also wipe out if you run into a road sign. No matter how many times you crash, you'll receive another car until your time runs out.

Part of the playing strategy is to try and keep your car on the road -- you lose time (and thus points) when the car is off the track. Skidding also causes your car to slow down. Gun it on the straightaways. If you find yourself going too fast, downshift or reduce speed to ease around the more difficult turns.

STRATEGY TIPS

1. Always shift from low gear to high gear around 100 MPH for the best acceleration.

2. Try to stay on the center striped line most of the time. You can squeeze between two computer cars in the position.

3. The beginner should play the game with his car at the lower speeds, not 195 MPH!

4. For a double braking effect when needed, slow down by reducing your speed and simultaneously shifting to low gear.

5. If the other cars immediately ahead of you are packed tightly together, wait for them to separate before attempting to pass.

6. If no billboard signs are obstructing your path, you might be able to pass other cars by driving on the grass.

7. Try to take the curves with a series of small turns rather than one large turn, as this will reduce skidding which slows your car.

NOTE: Compatible with all TI 99/4A computers except units with a Version 2.2 Operating System.

SCORING

Playing Pole Position, you score points in several ways, as shown below.

Every lap completed is worth 10,000 points.

Each car you pass is worth 50 points.

After you cross the finish line, each second of time left on the Time Clock is worth 200 points.

The chart below lists the qualifying lap times for the eight starting positions in the race, and the number of bonus points awarded for each qualifying time.

STARTING POSITION

1 - Lap Time 58"50, 4000 Bonus Points

2 - Lap Time 60"00, 2000 Bonus Points

3 - Lap Time 62"00, 1400 Bonus Points

4 - Lap Time 64"00, 1000 Bonus Points

5 - Lap Time 66"00, 800 Bonus Points

6 - Lap Time 68"00, 600 Bonus Points

7 - Lap Time 70"00, 400 Bonus Points

8 - Lap Time 73"00, 200 Bonus Points

"TI" and "99/4A" are trademarks of Texas Instruments. This software is manufactured by ATARI, INC. for use on the TI 99/4A computer and is not made, sponsored, authorized or approved by Texas Instruments.

~Ben