THE
POWER
OF
STARMASTER.
Only after much training and experience
can you assume the power of supreme starmaster.
Let this manual be your guide.
THE
POWER
OF
STARMASTER.
Your mission in StarMaster by Activision is an extreme test of strategic,
flying and combat skills. Learning the basics is just the beginning of your
adventure.
You must possess a determination, skill, sensitivity and power beyond the
ordinary to perform your mission quickly and efficiently. To sense danger, to
be calm in the face of crises, to move from power to finesse with equal
proficiency, to be the master of your ship and your galaxy--this is the
challenge. This is The Power of StarMaster.
STUDY. MASTER. BELIEVE.
THE POWER CAN BE YOURS.
------------------------------MEET MACC----------------------------------------
Your on-board computer is code-named MACC--Mission/Attack Control Computer. He
is an extension of your senses, monitoring the vital functions of your
spacecraft. He is critical to the success of your mission.
ENERGY RESERVES
MACC provides you with a constant reading of your energy reserves (E:___). You
should check this constantly. Firing your laser cannons, taking a hit from
meteors or incoming enemy fire, travalling at warp speed from sector to sector,
even cruising peacefully at normal speed--all cost you precious energy. Do not
be caught short! Always leave enough to complete your mission or reach a
starbase and refuel. If you run out of energy, your mission is ended.
____________________
| . . . |
| . + . <> |
| . . . |
|____________________|
| L: |
| W: 0300 |
MACC ---------------> S: 0006 |
| E: 0390 |
|_____D:_____________|
When you are selecting a sector to reach by warp travel, MACC will instantly
calculate the energy needed to warp (W:____). Be sure to check your energy
reserves against the warp energy needed. Remember, the warp energy needed will
be twice as high when warp engines are damaged.
Your mission evaluation is affected by how many times you have to dock with a
starbase to refuel. Use your energy wisely for best performance.
STARDATE
MACC keeps you continuously informed of the elapsed time in your mission
(S:____)--Each Stardate represents about 4 seconds of Earth time. Your
evaluation is aaffected by how long you take to complete your mission. Though
this factor is not as critical as others in the final evaluation, every second
counts when the enemy is closing in.
After much practice, you will develop a sense of how much time is necessary to
complete a successful mission. Monitor your performance against that target as
each mission progresses. Keep moving forward to complete your mission with all
deliberate speed.
BE ALERT. BE RESPONSIVE. BE SURE.
DAMAGE CONTROL
This is MACC's most crucial function--to warn you when your ship has been
damaged. When a damage alert sounds, MACC will instantly tell you the
problem(s):
L: Laser cannons destroyed. You cannot fight the enemy, nor can you blast
away meteors during warp travel. Return to starbase immediately for
repairs.
S: Shields destroyed. This is the most dangerous and critical damage you can
sustain. Your shields protect your ship from enemy fire and meteor
collisions. When your shields are gone, one burst of enemy fire or a
collision with a meteor will destroy your ship.
This is a life and death situation and requires your immediate return to a
starbase for repairs. Do not continue to fight. Dodge all enemy fire.
Steer past all meteors.
W: Warp engines damaged. See "Energy Reserves." Don't be caught short.
Leave enough fuel to make your way to a base for refueling.
R: Radar damaged. This is not a critical situation until you need to consult
Galactic Chart. With radar damaged, enemy fighters can no longer be
detected and are not displayed on the Galactic Chart.
The only ways to locate the enemy after radar damage has been sustained are
to (a) rely on your memory of enemy locations when you last consulted the
chart or (b) return to a starbase to have the radar damage repaired. Since
the enemy is constantly moving from sector to sector, relying on memory
can be a hit-and-miss proposition. A return to base is almost always the
wisest decision.
If radar damage occurs during a fight with the enemy, you usually can
proceed to clear the sector of enemy fighters before returning to base,
without any great risk.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------STEADY ON THE STICK--------------------------------
Your spacecraft is a very sophisticated, sensitive and highly-maneuverable
intergalactic spacecraft. It will respond very quickly to your movement of the
Joystick. Pushing the stick forward will lower the nose of your ship; pulling
back will raise it. Pushing left or right moves your ship in those directions.
Getting the feel of the controls is an important step to becoming a Supreme
StarMaster. Take plenty of time to do so before you tackle a major mission.
There will be times when your ability to steer your ship quickly, smoothly and
accurately--while under intense pressure--will mean the difference between
success and destruction.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------THE STRATEGY OF THE SUPREME STARMASTER-----------------------
How well you read, analyze and respond to the information on your ship's
Galactic Chart will ultimately determine the speed and effectiveness with which
you can complete your mission. Deciding which sectors of the galaxy to which
to travel is a significant determinant of mission performance.
You must consider all of the following elements when consulting the chart:
1. Where are the enemy? Which starbases are in the greatest danger of
being surrounded and destroyed?
2. How much energy is needed to warp to a sector--and how strong are your
energy reserves?
3. How far can you go, how long can you fight, and how much enemy fire
can you take with the energy reserves you have left?
4. Where are your starbases? Will you be able to get to one quickly if
you're in trouble?
All of these factors must play a part in your selection. And you must make
your decisions quickly and accurately for best results.
Be careful when you select a sector. Position the cross + accurately, before
you press the red button to enter warp travel. Once you've pressed the button,
you can't turn back. Warping into an empty sector will cost you precious time
and energy (although any sector is better than an enemy sector when your
shields are damaged). Overshooting a starbase sector and entering into an
enemy sector when your ship is damaged could be devestating.
CONCENTRATE, BUT DON'T HESITATE
BE PRECISE, BUT ACT QUICKLY
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------AT WARP SPEED-----------------------------------
Don't allow the roar of your engines and the dazzling display of stars
streaking past your ship's window to lull you into a false sense of security
during warp travel. There's danger in the galaxy--meteors which can seriously
damage your ship before you've even begun to fight. These meteors also can
destroy your ship if your shields are damaged.
Your best strategy is always to steer around these meteors. If you must
destroy one with your laser cannons, you will consume precious energy. A
collision with a meteor both drains your energy and can damage your ship.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------ENGAGING THE ENEMY---------------------------------
High-speed battle with deadly enemy starfighters requires the utmost in
concetration, reflexes, flying skill and marksmanship. Your ship is equipped
with two front-mounted, medium-range laser cannons. These weapons are
calibrated so that their beams intersect precisely at the area centered on
your gunsights.
[screen shot]
[Enemy Starfighter, Enemy Fire, Gunsight, Laser Cannon Fire, MACC]
Your ship's cannons are effective only when the enemy is in range (visible)
and centered in your sights. Likewise, you can only destroy incoming fire when
it is centered in your sights. Firing wildly into space will only waste
precious energy.
Quick and careful control of your Joystick is required tokeep the enemy in
your sights and insure maximum laser cannon effectiveness.
CONCETRATE. CONTROL. MASTER.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------COLORS ARE VERY SIGNIFICANT-----------------------------
Enemy ships explode in a burst of red when hit by your fire.
Enemy fire explodes in a burst of blue when you successfully intercept it with
your cannons.
A yellow explosion signifies that your ship has been hit by enemy fire or
meteors.
And, of course, MACC lights your control panel with colors signifying the
status of the sector in which you are flying:
Green: a clear sector
Red: enemy fighters present
Blue: a starbase is in the sector.
You must be aware of--notice--interpret everything to reach the status of
Supreme StarMaster.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------YOUR STARBASES-----------------------------------
The targets the enemy ultimately seeks are your starbases. They know that by
surrounding and destroying your starbases, they can ultimately destroy you.
The enemy is always on the attack, no matter where you are or what you're
doing. They are relentless in their pursuit of your bases.
At the start of each mission, you have four starbases located strategically in
the galaxy.
They never move--they are always in place--unless the enemy destroys them.
Know where your starbases are. Monitor the enemy's movements carefully. You
are the only defense for your bases.
DOCKING WITH A STARBASE
Your mission evaluation is maximized when you complete the mission with a
minimum number of dockings. Nevertheless, only the most skilled of the
StarMaster corps will be able to complete a full mission--destroying all enemy
fighters--without at least one docking.
[screen shot]
[Starbase, Sight, MACC]
Docking with a starbase is one of the most sensitive maneuvers in StarMaster.
Each base is in an elliptical orbit within its sector and will approach you
and recede from you as you pilot through the sector.
Docking is completed when the approaching starbase is centered within your
ship's sights at its closest approach. You must relax, no matter how intense
the pressure, and ease your ship carefully into place. Be gentle, but sure, in
your control of the Joystick. A confident hand at the controls is all that is
necessary.
Practice until you can dock quickly, without missing. Your mission and the
security of your bases may depend on it.
Remember, your starbases are under constant attack and can even be destroyed
right before your eyes.
BE QUICK. BE SURE. MASTER THE POWER.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENTERING "THE ORDER OF SUPREME STARMASTER"
Tips from Alan Miller, designer of StarMaster
Alan Miller is a Senior Designer at Activision. A fierce video game
competitor, he's also the designer of Checkers, Tennis and Ice
Hockey by ACTIVISION.
"StarMaster is a game that requires the mastery of a wide variety of skills to
achieve the best performance. Careful analysis of all information, good
strategic planning, the skilled control of a master pilot and accurate
marksmanship in the heat of battle are all needed to succeed.
"A Supreme StarMaster will have lightning-quick reactions, a keen eye, a clear
head and the ability to remain calm and in control at all times.
"A Supreme StarMaster will use all of the tricks available to complete a
successful mission. Use your Joystick controls to dodge meteors; don't try to
destroy them with your cannons unless absolutely necessary.
"Pick your targets carefully and keep your laser fire to a minimum. Do not
fear enemy fire. Keep your cool and dodge incoming fire whenever possible.
Get a clear shot at the enemy before firing.
"Many of us at Activision have practiced long hours to reach the level of
Supreme StarMaster. I hope you enjoy the challenge.
"Please drop me a note and report on your missions. I'd love to hear from
you."
[Alan Miller]
[NOTE: StarMaster by ACTIVISION is designed to be played on color television
sets only.]
(c) 1982 Activision AX-016-03B
-------------------Atari 2600 Instructions Archive-------------------
This document obtained from the History of Home Video Games Homepage,
�1997-1998 by Greg Chance