Cosmic Swarm

Cosmic Swarm for Atari 2600

Overview:

In the vast expanse of space lies WAYPOINT, a major interstellar trading hub operated by a small crew at a strategic crossroads among the stars. It’s a role that promises tranquility but hides unexpected dangers. Lurking within one of its compartments, a colony of giant, alien, mineral-eating termites from Section Seven awaken. These creatures start to overrun the main power-conversion chamber, constructing a chaotic nest and threatening the depot’s operations. As the crew scrambles to deploy remote-controlled probe ships, the task falls to you to navigate the perilous chamber, eliminate the termite threat, and ensure WAYPOINT’s safety.

Getting Started:

Choose your game difficulty using the console’s difficulty switches (referred to as “skill switches” on the Sears Tele-Game version, with “a” for expert and “b” for novice settings).

• Beginner: Both switches to “b”.
• Novice: Left switch to “a”, right to “b”.
• Challenger: Left switch to “b”, right to “a”.
• Expert: Both switches to “a”.

1. Position the joystick with the red button in the upper left corner.
2. Start the game by pressing the game reset switch.

Controlling Your Ship:

Use the left joystick to pilot your probe ship. The red button’s position (up or down) changes the ship’s movement and firing capabilities:

• Red Button Up: Navigate in all directions, including diagonally.
• Red Button Down: Allows vertical movement, rotation (clockwise or counter-clockwise), and fires your ship’s weapon when released. Only one projectile can be in the air, with a new shot cancelling the previous one.

Gameplay:

Avoid contact with Termites or their nest blocks to prevent destruction. Termites are eliminated with a direct bolt shot from your ship, but nest blocks are impervious unless energized. You start with three probe ships and earn a new one for every 100 points, with a maximum of six in reserve. Failing to refuel or running out of ships ends the game. Refuel by docking with a ship that appears when your fuel is low.

Scoring:

• Termites without a block: 1 point.
• Termites with a block (not hitting the bottom): 2 points.
• Termites with a block (hitting the bottom): 3 points.
• Energized (red) blocks: 1 point.

Difficulty Switches:

• Left switch adjusts one termite’s speed; “a” is faster.
• Right switch affects termite aggression; “a” makes them more likely to pursue your ship.

Navigate the dangers of WAYPOINT, utilize your strategic skills to outmaneuver the termite threat, and safeguard this critical space crossroads.