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╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ║ ║ EGA TREK ║ ║ Version 3.00 January 22, 1992 ║ ║ ║ ║ Nels Anderson ║ ║ 92 Bishop Drive ║ ║ Framingham, MA 01701-6515 ║ ║ U.S.A. ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ A space combat game similar to EGATrek was one of the first computer games ever written. The first versions were written for mini and mainframe computers back in the early 1970's. There have probably been more versions of this game written than any other as there is probably at least one version around for every type of computer ever made. This game is definitely a classic. The version you now have is related to the other versions in its basic game play, but fully takes advantage of the high resolution of the EGA or VGA display. I originally discovered the game around 1974 running on a DEC System 10 mini and was soon hooked. I've since written several other versions of the game for computers including the Timex-Sinclair ZX81, Apple ][, Prime 50-series minis and MS-DOS machines, all using BASIC of one sort or another. This game requires an MS-DOS computer with an EGA or VGA capable card and monitor. It should work fine on VGA systems as well. If you're still running an older display adapter that doesn't support EGA or VGA I'm afraid you're out of luck running this particular game. I suspect you can find a version that supports your system though. SHAREWARE EGATrek is distributed under the "shareware" concept, also known as "user-supported software". Under this concept, you save the high cost of packaging and distribution while still receiving high quality software. You are free, and in fact encouraged, to distribute this software to your friends, to BBS's and to user groups. Companies that provide software duplication services may include EGATrek in their catalog and provide copies for a reasonable duplication fee. All copies must include the files "egatrek.exe", "egatrek.doc", "egatrek.ref", "orderfrm.txt", "egatrek.txt", and "file_id.diz". You are not allowed to modify the files in any way, and this shareware notice must be kept intact. The author retains all other rights to the program. Under the Shareware system you may freely try out this program, but if you continue to use it you are expected to register with the author and pay the $15 (plus $2 shipping/handling) registration fee. In return for your registration you'll receive the latest version of the game, and if possible another game to try out. There is also a "deluxe" version available which includes a binder, printed manual and quick reference card. The "deluxe" version is $22 (plus $4 shipping/handling). I'd be happy to hear of any improvements you'd like to see, as well as any bug reports. Many of the new features since the original version of the game came about as suggestions from users. When you register, please let me know what version you have and I'd also be interested in knowing where you got it from. Please, make sure to put your name and address on the letter! It's amazing how many people don't do this. Or, you can use the instant registration form in the file "orderfrm.txt". Just copy the file to your printer. If you live outside the U.S., the best way to register appears to be by using postal money orders. I've received these from quite a few countries. In general, foreign checks are not accepted by U.S. banks (Canadian checks are an exception, but please allow for the difference in U.S. and Canadian dollars). EuroCheques, for example, are not acceptable to the bank. You can also charge your registration to VISA or MasterCard. If you live in the U.K. you can register through Nildram Software. Please print the file UKORDER.TXT for an order form all ready to go or just send #12.95 to: Nildram Software 26 Stanley Hill Avenue Amersham Bucks HP7 9BD When registering, or writing for any reason, please include the following: * EGATrek revision (this information is at the top of the title screen) * where you obtained your copy from * a description of your system * your full name and address If you have any suggestions or discover any problems with the program you can reach me via the )(evious BBS system (300/1200/ 2400/9600-HST/v.32, 8N1) at 508-875-3618 or 617-449-7322. Leave a C)omment to the sysop to reach me. )(evious is the official support BBS for all my software and the latest versions are always available for downloading there. )(evious is also a member of RelayNet so if you use a local BBS that is also on RelayNet you can mail me by sending a routed message to node XEVIOUS. The Shareware conference is the preferred place to do this. I'm also available through CompuServe's mail system. Send mail to me at 71020,2613, or join me and other authors in the Shareware forum (GO SHAREWARE). You can also reach me through InterNet at address 71020.2613@compuserve.com. CHANGES IN V3.00: o All items renamed to avoid copyright infringement o MSGS command improved o Minor change in impulse engine use o Planets needing evacuation now report their quadrant CHANGES IN V2.31: o Several bug fixes related to saved games o Updates to documentation CHANGES IN V2.3: o The previous version had a serious problem in loading saved games which has now been fixed CHANGES IN V2.2: o Replays allowed o Expanded help screens o Added rank names to rank numbers in hall of fame, etc. o Long range scanner/galaxy chart now operates automatically o New repair status chart on screen at all times o Bug fixes CHANGES IN V2.1: o Boss Mode replaced with shell to DOS o MAX command added o Saved games now have default file name available o Several minor bug fixes CHANGES IN V2.0: o Enemy ships are generally tougher o New enemy ship types o Enemies have some other new abilities o MINE and LOAD commands replaced by LAND and USE o Additional random occurrences o FIX command enhanced to allow fixing specific devices o Games can be saved by file name o Top two scores for each level saved in Hall of Fame o Move command and coordinates can be entered together o Warp command and warp factor can be entered together o Laser temperature/efficiency graph on screen o MSGS command replays most recent messages o Viewer shows closest enemy ship instead of closest object o Successful rescues increase score o Enemy lasers shown on short range scanner o Black holes o Enemy ships can be scanned using INFO command o Death Ray weapon ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ EGATREK QUICK START ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ If you're already familiar with this type of game and just need enough information to get started, here it is... Start up the game from DOS command level by typing "EGATREK". When the title screen comes up hit any key to go on. You will first be asked if you want a briefing or not. Your choice... The "command level" you select determines the difficulty of the game. Unless you've never played this type of game before skip level 1 and possibly level 2. Once the game starts up, use F1 to view the command list as needed. ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ BRIEFING ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ As humans ventured into deep space it was inevitable that other races of intelligent beings would be discovered. While many races are friendly and some have even become allies several hostile and violent races have been discovered. The two most notable hostile races are known as the Mongols and the Vandals. Though these are not their real names (the words they use for their names being impossible for the human tongue to pronounce) these terms have been assigned as standard terminology based on the convention of using the names of appropriately violent early human cultures. Recently, the Mongol Empire has declared war on the Union. As a result, a Mongol invasion fleet is now present in parts of Union territory. A large number of enemy cruisers, a few command vessels and a Mongol starbase have been observed. The Vandal Empire has joined the hostilities in some areas but should be avoided if possible. They will generally only be found near their own territory. Their actions in response to your contact are unpredictable. You will be in command of the Class IX Research/Battle Cruiser Lexington, fleet designation RCB-92. As is common fleet procedure the ship is named after a historic earth ocean ship. It is fully battle ready with 430 officers and crew members on board. Your mission as commander of the Lexington is to secure a 64 quadrant section of the galaxy as quickly as possible. You will have to destroy any Mongol vessels you find, including normal Mongol battle cruisers, command vessels and possibly other types as well. Depending on the command level (your military rank) that you enter when starting you will be given a more or less difficult section. In general, higher levels must contend with more enemy ships and with more abilities and phenomena in the enemy. Success in your mission may earn you a promotion to a higher rank. Ranks are as follows: Level Number Name of Rank ------------ ------------ 1 Lieutenant Commander 2 Commander 3 Captain 4 Commodore 5 Admiral Any officer in command of a ship may be referred to as captain regardless of his actual rank. The Lexington has a cruising speed of up to warp factor 6, and is allowed warp 8 in emergencies. The main engines are for moving between quadrants of the galaxy. Beware of excessive speed as damage to the engines is a possible result. Within a quadrant, you have the use of impulse engines. If your main engines are damaged your maximum warp speed will be lower than normal. Travel at warp speeds with the shields raised requires double the normal amount of energy. All energy is provided by the Space Industries EnergyConverter. The energy conversion system is normally adequate to supply all needed power for many years of operation. However, war with the Mongols is hardly normal operations. Because the ship is moving more often than normal and using a great deal of energy to fire lasers and provide shielding you will most likely be using energy faster than you can regenerate it. The converter will supply 400 units of energy per stardate when working at 100%. The ship is provided with two types of scanners. The short range scanners show you everything in your current quadrant. Because of their importance they continue scanning at all times and the display is always available and up to date. The most important thing you will see is, of course, Mongol ships of which there are several types. Standard Mongol battleships will display in light blue, command ships in red, scout ships in purple and supply ships in green. Your long range scanners show what is in adjacent quadrants and thus are very useful for planning your movements. The ships computer keeps a record of all past scans and this galaxy chart is shown at all times unless the computer is damaged. Damage to the scanners will affect their performance of course. A small amount of damage will prevent them from seeing smaller objects (including, unfortunately, enemy ships) but they may still be able to see stars. If damage becomes too severe they will fail to work at all. The long range display is numerical; the three digit number for each quadrant represents the number of Mongols, type of friendly star base, and number of stars (respectively) that the scanners have found. Quadrants containing Mongols are highlighted in red. Bases are highlighted in orange and the number indicates base type (1 is a StarBase, 2 a research station and 3 a supply depot). Quadrants with supernovas cause the scanners to overload and display all 9's. You also receive information through the main viewer. This display alternates between a view from outside the ship and a graphical display of some ship function. When looking outside the ship the viewer always looks in the direction of whatever enemy ship is closest to your ship. The view includes an identification of the object and its relative distance and direction from the ship. Directions are based on 0 degrees being directly to the right as seen on scanner displays. The graphical displays appearing on the viewer can be more or less useful depending on what's currently going on. Some of the displays are not of much use to a ships commander however. You will constantly be receiving communications from both inside and outside your ship. Each message will include the ships department that originated it. It is important that you pay attention to all incoming messages. Up to four messages can be displayed on your command console at a time. Each new message will overwrite the oldest existing message or you can acknowledge one or all messages and so leave space for new ones. Your ship has two major weapons available, energy torpedoes (EnTorps) and lasers. Torpedoes are very effective at close range, with a single torpedo being capable of destroying a standard Mongol ship. However, you are limited in the number of torpedoes you can carry and they can only be replenished at a StarBase or supply station. At longer distances they are less effective and their accuracy is also thrown off when fired with your shields raised. Lasers are your general purpose weapon. The damage lasers do is highly influenced by distance to the target. There are two gauges that monitor laser performance. You should watch the laser temperature gauge when firing to prevent overheating. The laser effectiveness gauge shows how well the lasers are working. Laser effectiveness goes down due to excess heat and due to damage from enemy fire. The ship is capable of repulsing enemy fire through the use of its shields. When the shields are raised and at 100% energy no enemy fire will penetrate them; the only effect will be that energy will drain from the shields. It is thus to your advantage to have shields raised when in direct battle. Once enemy fire starts to penetrate the shields main energy is lost and ships systems may be damaged. Raising the shields draws a small amount of energy from the main energy banks so you do not want to raise the shields needlessly. Lowering shields causes no energy change. Because the shields affect the performance of other ships systems their correct usage is very important to the success of your mission. The Lexington was originally used for exploration and is well suited for this purpose. Obviously, with the Union under attack there is no time for normal exploration at the present. However, there are planets in the galaxy that may contain the energium used to power the ship and it is worth exploring these planets for emergency energium supplies. Note, though, that regulations prohibit the use of raw energium except in extreme emergencies; your shields must be under 50% and main energy under 20%. There are several types of Union bases in space. A StarBase is the most useful because you can replenish all ships supplies there. Supply stations can provide life support supplies and energy torpedoes. Research stations can provide only life support supplies. You are responsible for the protection of all bases in your designated area. During warfare many of the ships systems may be damaged. The effects of damage on your mission can vary greatly depending on what systems are affected: EnergyConverter: The ship's energy converter generates energy for the ship at a rate of 400 units/day times percentage of repair. Shields: The shields percentage of repair indicates how efficiently the shield generators can convert the energy available in the shield system into actual shielding of the ship. Warp Engines: The warp engines are virtually impossible to destroy completely, but their level of damage affects the maximum possible warp speed. The maximum warp speed is approximately warp 1 plus 0.09 times percentage of repair. Impulse Engines: Impulse engines are much simpler than warp engines; they either work or they don't. When they are at less than 50% they simply stop functioning. Lasers: Laser percentage of repair is a direct indication of what percentage of energy is converted to destructive force at the point of impact. In other words, for a given level of laser energy, 100% working lasers will do twice the damage of 50% working lasers. EnTorp Tubes: Like impulse engines, torpedo tubes either work or they don't. At 100% there are three functional tubes, 67-99% only two tubes work and 34-66% only one. Short Range Scanners: Short range scanners lose resolution when they are damaged. Above 90% they are fully functional, but below 90% they are unable to detect anything smaller than a star. Below 50% they do not function at all. Long Range Scanners: Long range scanners also lose resolution when damaged. When less than 100% repaired they can no longer detect enemy ships. Below 50% they are not functional. Computer: A modern starship is highly computerized, so loss of computer function affects a number of things. Portions of the ships charts can be lost if the computer is sufficiently damaged and can only be recovered by re-scanning. Automatic navigation requires the computer to be 100% repaired. Life Support: Life support systems must be 100% to generate food and oxygen needed to sustain life. Without a functioning life support system the ship can last only two days on reserves. Transporter: The transporter must be at 100% to be used. Shuttlecraft: The shuttlecraft must be at 100% to be used. When your mission ends, one way or another, you'll receive a detailed evaluation of your performance from headquarters. If you get one of the top two scores for your command level, your name will be entered in the hall of fame. If you wish to delete the hall of fame simply delete the file trek.scr. ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ COMMANDS ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ To start the game, enter "egatrek" from the DOS prompt. If you do not want sound during the game, enter "egatrek -n"; note that the space before the dash is required. The following is a list of commands and their description. Most commands can be abbreviated to just their first letter. Use the "HELP" command at any time to get the list of commands and their abbreviations. A#: To acknowledge a message you should enter the letter A immediately followed by the number of the message you wish to acknowledge, i.e. A2. Messages are numbered from 1 to 4 going from top to bottom. To acknowledge all messages enter just A without a number. DOCK: You will need to visit StarBases often to refuel your ship as well as to make repairs. When you are in a sector directly adjacent to a StarBase, issue this command. You can also dock at Research Stations and Supply Bases, but they cannot provide everything that a StarBase can. When docked at a StarBase its shields will protect your ship from enemy lasers. ENERGY: Energy is used by a number of different systems aboard the ship and you can use this command to move energy between systems as needed. It will also show you the exact energy levels of all systems. FIX: Engineering has a certain number of crewmen available to do repairs on damaged systems and they normally divide their time evenly among all damaged systems. Since some systems are more important than others you can use this command to concentrate repairs on one system at the expense of other systems. When the system you selected is repaired, repair work will automatically be divided among all damaged systems once again. In addition, you will be asked if you want to spend time just making repairs. In space, repairs will take place no faster than normal. If docked at a StarBase you can use their facilities to speed repairs. Relative repair speeds are as follows: 1x Normal repairs, work evenly divided among systems 2.5x Normal repairs while docked at a starbase 3x Repairing only a selected system 5x Repairing a selected system while docked at a starbase HAIL: Use this command to hail a StarBase. If none is close by, it will take some time to receive a reply. HELP: Use this command to get a list of all available commands and their abbreviations. INFO: This command allows you to get information about the enemy ships in the present quadrant from the computer. The display will show the ship type, location, distance and heading from you, and the condition of its shields. LAND: If you are orbiting a planet which has something of interest on it you can use this command to land on the planet. You have the option of using the transporter or shuttlecraft to reach the planet. Normally the transporter is the better choice since the shuttlecraft takes 0.2 stardays to make the round trip whereas the transporter is virtually instantaneous. To use this command, you must first successfully use the ORBIT command. MAX: This command diverts the maximum possible amount of power to the ship's main shields. You can do the same thing with the E)nergy command by transferring power to the shields until they are at 2500. This command is a quick way to make sure that your shields are at full strength. MOVE: This ship is quite sophisticated, so getting from one place to another requires only that you specify where you want to go. The galaxy is divided into 64 quadrants and each quadrant is divided into 64 sectors. You need only to specify the quadrant and sector you wish to move to; for example 6,2,3,5 moves you to quadrant 6,2 sector 3,5. Vertical coordinates are always entered first. To use impulse power to move within a quadrant specify only the sector you wish to move to (i.e. 3,5). If the navigation computer is damaged, however, you will have to calculate movements manually. You will be asked first for a DeltaX (vertical) movement which can be negative, positive or zero. The number before the decimal point is the number of quadrants to move, and the number after the decimal point the number of sectors. Both digits must be in the range 0 to 7. The DeltaY (horizontal) movement works the same way. For example, if you want to move one quadrant down and two quadrants plus two sectors left (i.e., from 1,8,1,8 to 2,6,1,6) DeltaX would be 1.0 and DeltaY would be -2.2. If you prefer using this method even when the computer is functional, enter just an "M" when asked for the coordinates and the computer will switch movement entry to manual. The key to understanding manual movement is that you are specifying a distance to move relative to your current position whereas with automated movement you just select the actual position you wish to move to. If you prefer, you can enter the move coordinates without anything separating them. For example, 6,2,3,5 is equivalent to 6235 and 3,5 is equivalent to 35. When using the long form, you can use whatever is most convenient for separators between the numbers. For an even more abbreviated way of entering move coordinates, enter them right on the initial command line along with the "M". For example, use m6235 for quadrant 6,2 sector 3,5 or use m35 to move to sector 3,5 within the current quadrant. When using this method do not use any spaces, commas, etc. to separate the "m" and the coordinate numbers. MSGS: Often during a heated battle messages will come for you so fast that it's possible to miss some of them. You can use this command to review the most recent messages that have appeared. The newest messages will be displayed at first and you can use the up arrow and down arrow keys to scroll through the messages. Hit the ESC key when done. ORBIT: Use this command to enter a standard orbit around a planet. This will allow the planet to be scanned for the presence of energium crystals and other things. Once in orbit, you can use the LAND command to visit the planet surface. LASERS: Use this command to fire the laser banks. The laser control officer will request instructions on firing at each enemy vessel in the quadrant. QUIT: Use this command to quit the game. You can also save a game before you quit; see the SAVE command. RAY: This command fires the experimental death ray. This is a very powerful weapon that will destroy every enemy ship in the whole quadrant...if it works. If it doesn't work, there's no telling what may happen, since the technology is not yet completely understood. REPAIR: This command is a request to engineering to provide the state of repair of all ship systems. Any systems that are damaged will include an estimated time to repair. SAVE: You can save your game so that you can come back and continue it later. After saving, the game continues until you give the quit command. You can only restore a saved game when first starting up; you will be asked if you want to restore a saved game right after you are asked if you want a briefing. You select the name of the file that is to contain the saved game information. Any valid MS-DOS file name can be used; just hit <Enter> to use the default name "egatrek.sav". SELF: If the situation becomes hopeless, use this command to self- destruct. With any luck, you will at least take a few enemy ships along with you. SHUP: This command raises the shields. Engineering will acknowledge when the shields are up, and the image of your ship on the short range scanner will change to yellow. You can also use the up arrow key to issue this command. SHDN: This command lowers the shields. Engineering will acknowledge, and the image of the ship on the short range scanner will return to white. You can also use the down arrow key for this command. SND: Use this command at any time during the game to toggle sound on and off. A message will flash briefly on the screen acknowledging the command. TORPEDO: You have three torpedo tubes available. The torpedo control officer will request instructions on the number of torpedoes to fire and the sectors to fire them at. USE: Any miscellaneous objects that you find during the game, such as energium crystals mined from planets, can be used with this command. WARP: Use this command to inform engineering of the warp speed you require from the engines when moving between quadrants. Invalid warp speeds will be ignored. If you wish, you can include the warp factor on the command line. For example, enter w5.2 to set the warp factor to 5.2. BOSS: Argh! The boss is coming, and he's going to catch you playing games again. Hit Shift-F1 and you shell to MS-DOS. You can now do simple MS-DOS commands, but be careful that you do not run anything that changes the screen mode as when you return to EGATrek you must still be in graphics mode to be able to continue the game. Simple commands like DIR should work fine. When you're ready to return to the game, type 'EXIT'. (If you *are* the boss, you didn't see this command; it's hidden by a cloaking device.) ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ FUNCTION KEYS ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ Some of the more commonly used commands have been bound to the function keys. Use the following chart as a reference: ┌─F1──────┬─F2──────┐ │ │ │ │ Help │ Lasers │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ├─F3──────┼─F4──────┤ │ │ │ │ Fire │ Move │ │ Torpedo │ Ship │ │ │ │ ├─F5──────┼─F6──────┤ │ │ │ │ Max │ Fix │ │ Energy │ Systems │ │ │ │ ├─F7──────┼─F8──────┤ │ │ │ │ Xfer │ Repair │ │ Energy │ Status │ │ │ │ ├─F9──────┼─F10─────┤ │ │ │ │ Set │ Dock │ │ Speed │ │ │ │ │ └─────────┴─────────┘ ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ REGISTRATION ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ Please remember that EGATrek is not free software. As with all Shareware you are expected to purchase it after you've given it a reasonable trial. The registration price for EGATrek is $15 (plus $2 shipping), for which you'll receive by return mail a copy of the latest version, and possibly another Shareware game to try out. A deluxe version of EGATrek is also available. This includes a storage case, printed manual, quick reference card, plus the registered version of the game. This version is available for $22 (plus $4 shipping). Outside North America please include $4 for shipping/handling on all orders. Orders from outside the U.S. should be in U.S. funds. Using a credit card is probably the easiest way to do this, but postal money orders, cash or bank drafts drawn on U.S. banks are acceptable. Eurocheques will not be accepted even if drafted in U.S. funds. If you live in the U.K. you can register through Nildram Software. Please print the file UKORDER.TXT for an order form all ready to go or just send #12.95 to: Nildram Software 26 Stanley Hill Avenue Amersham Bucks HP7 9BD ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ LEGAL STUFF ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ The author hereby disclaims all warranties relating to this product, whether express or implied, including without limitation any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The author cannot and will not be liable for any special, incidental, consequential, indirect or similar damages due to loss of data or any other reason, even if the author or an authorized agent has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event shall the liability for any damages ever exceed the price paid for the license to use software, regardless of the form and/or extent of the claim. The user of this program bears all risk as to the quality and performance of the software. ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ASSOCIATION OF SHAREWARE PROFESSIONALS ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ This software is produced by Nels Anderson who is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442, USA or send a CompuServe message via email to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. _______ ____|__ | (R) --| | |------------------- | ____|__ | Association of | | |_| Shareware |__| o | Professionals -----| | |--------------------- |___|___| MEMBER ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ LIVE LONG AND PROSPER! ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ EGATrek is copyright (c) 1988-1992 by Nels Anderson. All rights reserved.