TomXP411

Actually, you could do just that in Ultima Online. The tamer class was super powerful - some would say a bit OP - until it was nerfed.

Troll, actually. Different mythological creature entirely. Of course, the problem is that trolls regenerate, and this one will be back with a different name, but the same game.

Your file is empty. That's just the tape header with no data.... the snip below is the whole file, all 48 bytes of it.

The Ultimate II+ works fine in stand-alone mode, or with the cartridge plugged in to one computer and the IEC cable going to another. You have to use a Commodore 64, 128, or a Telnet connection over the network to actually control the U2+, but the disk drive connection can be to any Commodore computer with an IEC port. however, the SD2IEC is probably a better choice for a Plus 4 or C16, as it can be controlled directly through DOS commands or using the FB file browser.

The cardboard shielding was not unique. That was common in transistor radios and other electronics when a minimal amount of RF shielding was needed. Heat problems... should not be a thing, but even a little air circulation, such as a small fan or blower pushing air into one of the ports, can help. The power supply is definitely a problem. Look into new power supplies from Ray Carlson or Commodore4Ever. Trust me, we've been complaining about the disk drive since 1982. And there are dozens of solutions. Epyx FastLoad or JiffyDOS are the two most reliable options, but plenty of others work. The best way to use those is to get an EasyFlash 3 and either download the Epyx Fastload Cartridge ROM (CRT file) or buy the JiffyDOS ROM overlays. JiffyDOS does require installing a modified ROM chip in your computer and 1541, so that's a solution for braver individuals. (I did it in my 128 and 1541-II, and it works great. I am also using a downloaded version in my Ultimate 64, which also works great.) There are other options for storage, too. The 1541 Ultimate is among the best, although if you're going to go that route, you might consider the Ultimate 64, which is a complete replacement motherboard that outputs HDMI video and uses USB storage devices. Other solutions include the SD2IEC (fastest IEC storage, but not fully compatible), and the Pi1541. The Pi1541 seems like a great choice at first, but one you count up all the costs, it's no cheaper than a 1541 Ultimate II+.

Actually, the better way to do maps is to store them on disk. Either use a file per map, or use a random access file and store your maps with fixed sizes.... So say your map fits on exactly one screen. You can store map as a PETSCII text file, then just loop INPUT# and PRINT to display it. Or you can go the Rogue route and randomly generate each level, placing, say, 5 rooms on the map, then connecting them with hallways. If you put the newly generated map directly in screen RAM and never store it in main memory, that's 1000 bytes you don't have to worry about.