This is a port of the Vectrex classic Mine Storm, ported largely by Claude AI by Tursi, using libti99ALL. Some optimizations were done by hand to improve performance, and some of the graphics were redrawn by hand. Both a cartridge image (MINES32k_8.bin) and EA#5 files (MINES1-3) are provided. The cartridge image also includes an F18A version - this version runs entirely on the GPU, with the TI only providing input and sound interface. This manages a solid 50hz, just like the original console! (It could do 60hz, but the speedup was noticable.) Use joystick or ESDX and space. The keyboard play is not optimized for multiple keys, so it will be easier to play with joystick. Left and right rotate the ship. Up to thrust, and down to hyperspace. Note that hyperspace is risky - you could land right on top of a mine! Fire button or space to fire. Since this is an AI conversion, I don't expect to do much more with it. It could use some optimization - playing in Overdrive where it manages 60fps is a hoot! COLECO NOTE: Only the F18A version is provided here. The base game uses more than 1k of RAM, so porting it would require SGM or other expansion. At this time I've declined to add that to my toolchain. This will run on F18A, Pico9918 (probably), and Phoenix consoles. I'll just copy the Minestorm manual notes here: Game Play --------- The enemy minelayer will move through your galaxy and will seed the first mine field. Your ship will come into view once he disappears. Four large mines will suddenly become activated. Maneuver your ship within the galaxy in an effort to destroy the mines. Use your joystick to rotate your ship and button 3 to thrust forward. Button 2 allows you to mysteriously move to a new location on the screen. Use it cautiously... it might put you in a more difficult predicament! As you travel through space, use button 4 for fire at the mines. As you destroy them, additional mines will become activated. Be careful... the minelayer may reappear to seed the field, but you can blast him as well. Once you make that part of the galaxy safe, you immediately travel to the next mine field. There are 13 different mine fields, each one becoming increasingly difficult. Getting Hit ----------- If you are hit by a mine you will lose one ship. The minelayer will reseed the field you are currently in and you will have another chance to clear out the field if you have any ships remaining. Types of Mines -------------- There are 4 kinds of mines which appear at different stages of the game. Floating Mines: [Three-pointed star] These are "dumb" mines which simply drift through space. Fireball Mines: [Four-pointed semi-square star with dot in middle] These mines hurl a fireball at you as soon as you hit them. You can avoid the fireball or destroy it with a rocket. Magnetic Mines: [Four-pointed "true" star] These mines will follow you anywhere in the galaxy you go. Magnetic-Fireball Mines: [Kind of a "bent" Fireball Mine] These mines have the traits of both Magnetic and Fireball Mines. Each type of mine will appear in 3 sizes -- large, medium and small. Field Types ----------- Each of the 13 mine fields gets more difficult, but each starts with 4 large mines. Once a large mine is destroyed, 2 medium-sized mines are activated. When a medium-sized mine is destroyed, 2 small mines are activated. The first field has 4 floating mines. Each new field starts with harder combinations of mines. Will you discover the types of mines in Field 13? If you can survive 13 mine fields, you will enter a new type of universe. Space dust and alien forces make this new world a difficult challenge! Number of Ships --------------- In each game you will start with 5 ships. A bonus ship is awarded if you clear out 4 fields Scoring ------- Points are awarded for destroying the mines, as follows: Types of Mine Large Medium Small ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Floating 100 135 200 Fireball 325 360 425 Magnetic 500 535 600 Magnetic-Fireball 750 785 850 Additionally, 110 points are earned for hitting the fireball itself and 1000 points for hitting the minelayer.