Star Tech Journal

S*T J
July 1981
3
ATARI "ASTEROIDS DELUXE" PROGRAM CHANGE KIT
The read-only memories (ROMs) in this kit contain a
new program that changes the "Asteroids Deluxe"
game play. To attract new players, the game play is
now operator-adjustable to be either easy for ap-
proximately the first 30,000 points or hard through-
out the game.
The technical manual describes the game play
correctly if the game PCB option switch at RS is set
to "hard". If you set the switch to "easy," then the
following game-play changes happen:
Four large asteroids begin the game. The second
wave of asteroids begins with five, and the sub-
sequent waves start with six through nine large
asteroids. In addition, the asteroids move much
*
o o o o o o o o o o o o
0
O
0
O
0
0
0
O
O
0
O
O
O
more slowly across the screen. (If the option
switch is set to hard, the waves begin with six to
nine large asteroids.)
The large ships ("death stars") when shot will
break up into three slowly-moving diamonds. (If
the option switch is set to hard, diamonds would
immediately begin chasing the player's spaceship
at high speed.)
After installing these five ROMs, we recommend
you set your game to easy game play. To do so, refer
to the figure that follows. You should note also that
the self-test now displays an additional O or 1 to
represent your game difficulty selection.
*
o
GAME OPTION SETTINGS o
o o o o o o o o o o o
0
To change toggle positions on the switch assemblies, 0
When changing the options, verify proper results on
you need not remove the game PCB. The switches, 0 the monitor display by performing the self-test. Note
usually colored blue, are easily accessible when the 0 that changing an option on any of the following eight
toggles will cause an immediate change on the
Asteroids Deluxe"' Game PCB is mounted in place.
0
monitor screen during the self-test.
0
8
Toggle Settings of 8-Toggle Switch on Asteroids Deluxe PCB
(at RS-LEFT switch when PCB is in game)
7
6
5
4
3
2
On
On
Off
Off
On
On
Off
Off
On
Off
On
Off
On
Off
On
Off
On
On
Off
Off
On
Off
On
Off
$ Manufacturer's suggested settings
On
Off
On
Off
Option
English language $
German language
French language
Spanish language
Game
Game
Game
Game
starts
starts
starts
starts
with
with
with
with
1-play minimum
2-play minimum
2
3
4
5
ships
ships
ships
ships
$
If set for no bonus
ship or 50¢ play, add
1 ship per setting.
$
Easier game play for first 30,000points
Hard game play throughout game
Bonus ship at every 10,000 points
Bonus ship at every 12,000 points
Bonus ship at every 15,000 points
No bonus ship
$
$