Stix ==== Introduction ------------ The Stix is a bundle of energy that roams the universe destroying everything in its path. However, a freak cosmic storm has trapped the Stix in a warped hypersquare, giving you the opportunity to harness its evil power for the good of mankind. To keep the Stix under control you must restrict its movement by constructing force fields inside the hyper square using your field synthesizers. There are four hazards to overcome... Above all, avoid being hit by the Stix - if it touches any part of an incompete force field, the field synthesizer will disintegrate. The second hazard results from a design fault in the field synthesisers (the manufacturers have tried to correct it, but have only made it worse). If you pause for more than an instant while constructing the field, the field stabilizer will disengage, destroying the field synthesizer unless you can complete the field in time. You will get warning of this by the field flashing red and green, so watch out! The third threat comes from two primitive particles of matter left over from the cosmic storm, a quark and an anti-quark. They move in opposite directions around the boundary and will cause a localised nuclear explosion if they collide with your synthesizer. Finally, you must ensure that your energy cells do not discharge (the level is constantly monitored and displayed below the hyperspace). If the energy level falls to zero your entire supply of field synthesizers wil be lost in the ensuing holocaust. How To Control The Field Synthesisers ------------------------------------- To begin construction of a new force field you must hold down the fire button as you move. If you keep it down throughout the construction of the field, you will score 20 points for each 1% of the hyperspace that you fill; if you release the button, you can move more quickly, but score only two points for each 1%. A field can be competed only by joining to the boundary of the hypersquare, or to an already completed force field. When more than 75% of the hypersquare has been captured you will move into a new dimension; each 1% above 75% that you can capture before this scores 100 bonus points. You begin the game with four synthesisers. Unfortunately this model has been discontinued so no further supplies are available. Game Controls ------------- W - Up, A - Left, S - Right, Z - Down Hold down < to move slowly or > to move quickly. To start a new game, press RETURN. Loading ------- Tape: CHAIN"" (RETURN) Disc: Hold SHIFT and tap BREAK to boot.