Star Raiders II

STAR RAIDERS II

===============



The future of the Atarian Federation is in your hands as the evil Zylon Master, Chut,

plans to destroy the Celos IV star system. Pilot the hottest fighter in the galaxy, the

Liberty Star, and wipe out the Zylon Master Force and its super Attack Bases.



The sequel to the game that astounded the world, STAR RAIDERS II will leave you stunned;

there is simply no other game to compete with its sheer excellence.





INTRODUCTION



Star Raider Commanders are scarce in this galaxy. After wiping out the Zylon Empire most

of them scattered and retired. But not you! You spent your time hyperwarping Federation

Express Cruisers from one star system to the next. But now the Federation needs you - and

we’ve got some real action!





THE PROBLEM



Remember Celos IV, that peaceful star system? And its planet, Teris, a temperate paradise

where battle-weary Star Raider Commanders went for rest and rehabilitation? Well, guess

what! Teris is being invaded - by Zylons!



Some Zylon warriors who promised good behavior were freed to resettle on their home

planet. But their upstart leader, Chut, preached revenge and changed their loyalties.

Then he orchestrated a takeover of Zylon and the entire Procyon Star System.



Chut now commands an awesome Zylon Master Force. And he’s built Attack Bases capable of

producing new Attack Squadrons in minutes. Zylon fighters are attacking Teris as we sit

here!





THE MISSION



We need action fast! The Federation is asking you to pilot the hottest new fighter in the

galaxy - the Liberty Star. The mission is simple: Wipe out the entire Zylon Master Force.

You must also penetrate their stronghold, the Procyon Star System, and destroy all their

Attack Bases. If you don’t, Zylon slaves will build enemy Squadrons as fast as you can

eliminate them!





THE BATTLE ZONE



The battle zone covers two star systems: Celos IV, which you defend, and Procyon, where

you attack. You must also protect the Federation Space Stations-your harbors for

refueling and repair-from being destroyed. Without the Space Stations, you’re in serious

trouble.!



Celos IV Star System



Our shimmering Federation star system is made up of its star, Celos IV, three planets,

Arcanum, Seridus, and Teris, and the moon Imbri.



Arcanum - A glacial giant with glistening cities of ice.



Seridus - An arid desert with small adobe villages.



Teris - A temperate paradise with exotic mega-cities and lush, secret valleys.



Imbri - Teris’ moon, with hi-tech civilian centres surviving on barren terrain.



Procyon Star System



This lopsided, inhospitable star system, now ruled by the revenge-ridden Chut, is made up

of its star, Procyon, and three planets, Gaon, Morkoth, and Zylon.



Gaon - A steamy, jungle-covered ball sprouting Attack Base sweatshops.



Morkoth - A gaseous giant with floating Attack Bases.



Zylon - The dry, savanna-like home planet of the Zylon Master Force.





WEAPONRY



The Liberty Star



Your Liberty Star Fighter packs three computer-guided offensive weapons systems:



Pulse Laser Cannons - Twin weapons for destroying Zylon Fly Fighters.



Ion Cannon - A torpedo thrower for exploding Zylon Destroyers and Command Ships.



Surface Star Bursts (SSB’s) - Double-action missile volleys for destroying Zylon Attack

Bases.



Zylon Starcraft



You will face three kinds of Zylon starcraft:



Zylon Fly Fighters - Acrobatic attack ships armed with laser cannons.



Destroyers - Agile, saucer-shaped starcraft equipped with zithium spiral beams. They

also deploy deadly macro-waves that vaporize Federation cities.



Command Ships - Slow-moving but powerful supply ships armed with antiproton spiral beams.

These ships carry Zylon Commanders.



Chut now intends to destroy all Federation cities. If he and his Master Force succeed,

the battle - and the Celos IV Star System - are lost!





PLAYING THE GAME



To load the program, veteran Star Raiders can follow Steps 1 to 3 below. Rookies should

read and follow Steps 1 to 13 carefully. Then you're ready to launch a serious offensive

against Chut and the Zylon Master Force!



1. Set-up your computer system as detailed in the handbooks that accompany your computer.



2. Switch your computer system and TV/monitor ON. (Owners of machines with more than 48K

RAM should select 48K BASIC at this point).



3. Insert the "STAR RAIDERS II" cassette into the cassette player, label side up, and

ensure it is fully rewound.



Type LOAD"" and press the (ENTER) key.



4. The program will now load into your computer's memory. This will take a few minutes,

so now is a good time to brush up on the controls of your Fighter, the Liberty Star,

and some background to your mission.



Control of the Liberty Star is mostly from joystick and all instructions throughout

this booklet refer to joystick movements. You may choose to use the keyboard for

control, as follows:



Joystick Control Equivalent Keyboard Key

Joystick LEFT (5)

Joystick RIGHT (8)

Joystick FORWARD (6)

Joystick BACKWARD (7)

Joystick BUTTON (0)



5. When the program has loaded, you should first select the CONTROL method you wish to

use for controlling the Liberty Star. If your press the (J) key several times, you will

see that the right-hand portion of the Message Window will cycle through these words...

KEMPSTON - CURSOR KEYS - INTERFACE II - Ensure that the Message Window displays the

control method you require before starting your mission.



(NOTE: Select INTERFACE II if you are using a Spectrum +2 and a Sinclair joystick.

Also, select INTERFACE II for an alternative keyboard control set, which gives (6) for

LEFT, (7) for RIGHT, (8) for FORWARD, (9) for BACKWARD and (0) for FIRE).



6. Next press the (L) key to alter the DIFFICULTY LEVEL (shown on the right-hand portion

of the Message Window, prior to starting a Mission). Level 1 is the easiest level.



7. Now, press the (CAPS/SHIFT) key to begin your Star Raiders Mission. In a few moments

you'll be at the controls of Liberty Star, looking through the Battle Window onto

planet Teris in the Celos IV Star System. Your Pulse Laser Cannon (bracketed) appears

in the centre of the Battle Window as a pack of Zylon Fighters swarm in to attack.



8. Press (P) to PAUSE the mission and identify the elements on the screen display.



The game display has indicators for monitoring your ship's systems. The most important

indicators are:



Energy Level Gauge - Shows the Liberty Star’s fuel level.



Weapons Bar - Shows the weapon you’re currently deploying. Press [W] to switch between

Pulse Laser Cannons (star fire) and SSB’s (ground fire). During spacefights, the

Liberty Star’s computer automatically switches between Pulse Laser Cannons and the Ion

Cannon as needed.



Surface Star Burst Magazine Each light represents one available Surface Star Burst

missile. SSB’s are used in pairs.



Message Window - Displays Alert Messages and Damage Reports.



Pulse Laser Cannon Sights (bracketed) - Guide your Pulse Laser Cannon shots. These

automatically change to crosshair sights for the Ion Cannon when you’re firing on

Destroyers and Command Ships.



Scoring: Your current mission score is displayed just above the centre of the Message

Window. The previous Hi-score can be seen just before each new mission commences in the

centre of the Message Window.



Battle Window - Displays your view of the battle.



Tactical Scanner - Displays in two modes: Target Mode shows the location of attacking

enemy starcraft. Weapons Systems Mode displays your weapons, shields, and engine

systems. Press [T] to switch between modes.



Pulse Laser Cannon - Temperature Bars Show the increasing heat level as you continue

to fire. Holding down the joystick Fire button too long overheats the cannons, causing

them to misfire.



9. Press [P] to continue the game. You are now computer-locked into orbit above Teris.

Fire on the Zylon Fighters as they come into range within your sights by pressing the

joystick Fire button. Chase the Fighters by pushing the joystick handle forward to

speed up or backward to brake.



10. Protect the Liberty Star by activating its shields. Press [T] to view the outline of

the Liberty Star on your Tactical Scanner. Your shields are activated if a row of dots

surrounds the outline. If not, press to activate them.



When your shields are undamaged, you’re safe. When you get a message that your shields

are damaged, you’re in trouble and need to warp to a Space Station for repairs.



11. Press the (SPACE) key (or the SPACE BAR on recent models). The System Chart showing

Celos IV Star System appears. Press (P) to pause your mission while you study the

elements in the chart.



This System Chart shows the locations of planets and other elements in the Celos IV

Star System. Special elements are indicted as follows:



Zylon Squadrons Groups- of small lights. The System Chart tracks their movements

into the Celos IV Star System.



Space Stations - Outside the outermost planet orbit.



Procyon Star System - Large white light in the upper left corner of the chart.



The hand by the planet Teris shows your present location. The Readout Box at the

bottom of the chart tells the planet’s name, characteristics, status of existing

cities, and the number of enemy Destroyers and Fighters present. This information is

your guide to action. You must wipe out the enemy ships to protect your cities and

the Federation.



The Liberty Star can warp to these locations.



Planets and moon of the Celos IV Star System - These are yours to protect. Warp here

to battle enemy Fighters and Destroyers attacking your cities.



Zylon Squadrons penetrating the Celos IV Star System - Warp here to destroy enemy

starcraft. The Readout Box does not show the number of ships in a Squadron.

Destroyers will attack the Liberty Star only after you eliminate the Fly Fighters.

When you finish off the Destroyers, look for a Command Ship lurking nearby.



Space Stations - Warp here for refueling and repairs. Remember: To stay alive, you

must monitor your fuel supply and Message Window.



The Procyon Star System Warp here to carry out ground attacks on Zylon Attack Bases.

You must destroy the bases or they will continue to build enemy Squadrons.



12. Press (P) to continue the game. Move the joystick handle in the direction of another

location on the chart. A dotted Trajectory Line appears to mark your path. When the

path reaches a potential destination, a circle appears around it and the Readout Box

displays important information about it.



Pressing the Fire button now will warp you to the new location. You can choose either

to warp there or to stay on Teris. Press the (Space Bar) to return to Battle Window

action.



13. Keep checking your Energy Level Gauge and Message Window. When your fuel supply runs

low or a Damage Report appears, warp to the nearest Space Station. Press the (Space

Bar), set the Trajectory Line to a Space Station and press the Fire button on the

Joystick. At the Space Station, the Liberty Star will automatically dock refuel and

undergo repairs. When the Energy Level Gauge showsfull, warp back to battle.



Controlling the Liberty Star and defeating Chut's Master Force will take practice,

skill and strategy. The rest of the information in this manual, especially the next

section, Warping to Procyon, will help you succeed!





WARPING TO PROCYON



Destroying the Zylon Attack Bases is the key to saving the Federation. Until they’re

eliminated, those bases build enemy starcraft at breakneck speed.



Penetrate the Zylon stronghold by following the steps below:



1. Press the (Space Bar) draw a Trajectory Line to the Procyon Star System and press the

Fire button on the joystick to warp to enemy territory.



2. You’re now in orbit over Morkoth. Ignore the attacking enemy fighters. Press [W] to

activate your Surface Star Bursts. An “X” - your target sight - appears on the surface

of the planet in your Battle Window.



3. Pull the joystick handle back to slow down. You're on a bombing run! Watch the Tactical

Scanner and manoeuvre your ship directly towards an Attack Base "blip" on the screen.



4. Keep one eye on the Battle Window. On the planet's horizon, look for a cluster of small

shapes to appear. That is your target - a Zylon Attack Base! The instant you sight an

Attack Base, fire the Surface Star Burst missiles. Manoeuvre the "X" so it's directly

over the base when the missiles hit.



5. Destroy Attack Bases on all three planets of the Procyon Star System. Continue your

bombing runs until you get a Damage Report, discover you're not moving correctly (your

engines have been knocked out), use up your SSB's or run low on energy. Immediately

warp to a Space Station for refueling and repairs.





HANDLING THE JOYSTICK



The joystick controls the Liberty Star and your weapons systems.



- Pushing the joystick handle to the left or right moves the Liberty Star in that

direction.



- Pushing the joystick handle forward or backward speeds up or slows down the Liberty

Star when in orbit over a planet. When in space, this motion controls up or down

movement.



- Pressing the Fire button on the joystick deploys your weapons or initiates a warp to

another location.





KEYBOARD COMMANDS



[P] Press once to pause, then again to resume action.



[W] Press to switch weapons systems.



[T] Press to switch your Tactical Scanner between Target Mode and Weapons Systems Mode.



Press to activate or deactivate shields.



[Space Bar] Press to switch between the Battle Window and System Chart.



(CAPS/SHIFT) To start or end a mission





STRATEGY/SURVIVAL TACTICS



Use these strategies and survival tactics to defeat the Zylon Master Force.



- Protect your planets first unless a Space Station is under severe attack.



- Protect your planets closest to Procyon first. Zylons can reach them fastest after

entering Celos IV.



- De-activate your shields before warping to conserve energy.





STALKING DESTROYERS



You will face three classes of Destroyers. The stronger a Destroyer is, the more shots

you must fire to destroy it.



Destroyers are equipped with force shields, shadow shields, zithium spiral beams, and

macro-waves. But when Destroyers are macro-waving your cities, their shields are down.

Now’s the time to attack!



Position your crosshair sights on a Destroyer. Fire your Ion Cannon and keep firing until

you score a hit. Repeat this tactic until you’ve exploded all the Destroyers. (You may

have to warp to a Space Station in between for energy and repairs.)





ENERGY AND REPAIRS



The Liberty Star refuels and undergoes repairs at a Space Station. But for emergency

re-energizing, you can experiment with an untested feature: Direct Star Recharge. Warp to

a star. If you’re skilled, you’ll re-energize and escape from the star’s superheated

atmosphere before it melts your hull - and you!





MESSAGES



You can receive up to 24 different messages in your Message Window while flying a Star

Raiders II mission. Below are key messages that demand immediate attention:



Pulse Laser Cannon, Ion Cannon or SSB Damage - Your weapons are knocked out. Seek

immediate repairs at a Space Station.



Shield Damage - One or more of your 17 shields has been damaged. Zylon Fighters will know

that you're unguarded and really pour it on. Seek repairs at the earliest opportunity.



Engines Damaged - The Liberty Star moves spasmodically, out of control. Warp to a Space

Station at once!



Scanner Malfunction - The Tactical Scanner suddenly shows a jittering, sporadic display.

You can still put up a good space-fight, but it's extremely difficult to have

a profitable bombing run. Get it fixed!



Sub-Space Radio Damage - You can fight with this function knocked out, but you'll miss

valuable messages and Damage Reports. Plus you won't be able to determine the positions

of Zylon Squadrons on the System Chart. Better get the radio repaired ASAP!





DIFFICULTY LEVELS



Level 1 - Attacking Zylon Squadrons move at a slow pace into the Celos IV Star System.

You have three Space Stations for refueling and repair.



Level 2 - Attacking Zylon Squadrons move faster into the Celos IV Star System. You have

two Space Stations. The Zylons quickly launch new Squadrons from Procyon if you fail to

destroy their Attack Bases.



Level 3 - Attacking Zylon Squadrons streak into the Celos IV Star System. You have one

Space Station. Zylon Attack Bases work overtime, launching wave after wave of Squadrons.

You may face as many as 30 Fighter and Destroyers on one planet!





GAME POINTS AND RATINGS



Points



Zylon Fly Fighter = 100 points

Zylon Destroyer = 500 points

Zylon Command Ship = 5000 points

Zylon Attack Base = 1000 points



Ratings



Aim to earn a higher rank by improving your score on each mission. The lowest rank is

an ‘Ensign’ moving up through other ranks until you reach ‘Fleet Admiral’.



"STAR RAIDERS II" was designed by Gary Stark and Bruce Poelhman



Originated for the Spectrum by Senor Freeman



A Software Studios Production "STAR RAIDERS II" TM & © Atari Corporations 1987



All Right Reserved.



Electric Dreams Software Authorised User



Spectrum Game © 1987 Electric Dreams Software