Thunder Blade

The meanest fighting machine ever to storm the skies...

Hold onto your stomachs, unscramble your brains and get ready to pilot the meanest fighting machine ever to storm the skies. Fly through the wartorn skyline of Skyscraper City, plunge out to sea for an epic battle with the enemy, race on for a shoot-out in rocky canyons and lush dense forests. The action never ceases!

Scenario

Your country is being overrun by the marauding rebel forces of a merciless and unforgiving dictator, General Swindells. Battle weary troops accede to the superior power of the rebels' sophisticated weaponry and it is only a matter of time before the government is overthrown. KIXX H.Q. have summoned you as their last remaining hope to vanquish the enemy using the ultimate flying machine; Thunder Blade, an advanced attack helicopter. An experienced veteran of many an aerial campaign, can you accomplish the seemingly impossible?

The mission details are outlined to you in various strategical stages:

1. Skyscraper City
2. Mountain/Desert
3. River Delta
4. Refinery

In each sector, you will come up against both ground and air forces, all trying to defend one of their super fortresses, which must be destroyed at all costs. Once the last stronghold has been defeated, you'll deserve a good rest.

Gameplay

You start the game with five reserve helicopters. The game is over once all of your helicopters have been destroyed or once the last stronghold has been taken. An extra helicopter is awarded on achieving a pre-defined number of points.

You engage the enemy from both vertical and horizontal viewpoints. Thunder Blade's advanced weaponry system comprises a rapid-fire Chain Cannon, used for aerial targets such as enemy helicopters and airplanes. One quick burst is all that is needed. Straight line air-to-ground missiles take care of your land and sea enemy targets. Remember though, missiles are not suited to rapid fire, so accuracy and timing is of primary importance. They also cannot shoot at enemy aircraft, only ground craft, so remember Cannon for Air, Missiles for Ground.

To hit your target on land or sea, position yourself in a direct line with the enemy's vehicle and press the Fire button.

Game Controls

O - Left, P - Right, Q - Up, A - Down, SPACE/SHIFT - Fire
E - Accelerate, D- Decelerate, H - Toggle Pause

You may use a joystick if you wish. With fire pressed, pushing up will accelerate. With fire pressed, pulling down will decelerate.

Otherwise, pushing up or pulling down will dive or climb respectively.

Note: Once joystick has been selected you can choose joystick speed control or keyboard speed control.

Scoring

Points are awarded for destroying the following enemy aircraft:

1. AH-6NS Sparrow Hawk Attack Helicopter
2. Type-74 Bengal Tiger Tank
3. F-14 Meercat Jet Fighter
4. A4U-N2 Corsair Fighter Aircraft
5. ASH-07 Barracude Torpedo Cruiser
6. Stage 1 Mobile Fortress: SRS-78A1 Blackbird
7. Stage 2 Mobile Fortress: Marauder Troop Carrier
8. Stage 3 Fortress: BA-001 Mermaster Invasion Craft
9. Stage 4 Command Fortress

The Command Fortress is the rebel nerve centre and by destroying this your country will be liberated. The identity is scarcely known as many who have seen it, haven't lived to tell.

Bonus points are awarded at the end of each level. The bonus depends on the number of craft destroyed. A time bonus is also awarded.

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On 128K machines, use Tape Loader option. Note that the game loads from side 1. Game plays from side 2. Game levels are on side 2.