Carga de Profundidade (ZX Spectrum)

MISSION

In an alternate reality, the Third Reich abandons its invasion of the Soviet Union and shifts its complete military focus westward. The Axis invades Mainland Portugal, and the Portuguese government takes refuge in its southern African colonies. Thousands of civilians are received in Brazil aboard merchant vessels.

A portion of the Portuguese navy finds safe harbour in the Azores archipelago, which American forces have occupied. At this strategic base, the Allies worked to ensure the safe passage of merchant ships, keeping the flame of British resistance alive.

The destroyer NRP Douro (D332) patrols the waters of the North Atlantic on a reconnaissance mission near the Canary Islands. Suddenly, a radio transmission from the Ponta Delgada Naval Base warns of an approaching squadron of enemy submarines.

According to intelligence reports, the enemy is preparing a coordinated attack on a convoy bound for the British West Indies, carrying key Allied diplomats and numerous refugees — lives that must be protected at all costs.

As the destroyer's commander, you immediately order your crew to prepare the MK6 K-gun vertical launchers and all available depth charges as you head straight into danger.

INSTRUCTIONS

In Carga de Profundidade (for the ZX Spectrum), you command a destroyer tasked with eliminating all types of submarines that come within range of your depth charges. You control a targeting sight represented by a horizontal dashed line, which can be moved up and down using the “Q” and “A” keys. Pressing “M” or “Space” launches a depth charge that explodes at the depth corresponding to the sight’s Y coordinate.

Use “O” and “P” to steer the destroyer left and right on the surface, avoiding floating mines or incoming torpedoes. Each submarine destroyed grants you a base score, with bonus points awarded based on the submarine’s speed and depth.

You have just 300 seconds to beat the high score of 2000 points. If a torpedo or mine hits the ship, your score is halved. Press “1” to pause the game for a brief strategic break.

Controls:
Q – Up / A – Down / O – Left / P – Right
M, Space – Launch / 1 – Pause

ABOUT THE GAME'S DEVELOPMENT

Carga de Profundidade was inspired by two arcade classics from the 1970s:  Depthcharge and Destroyer, both released in 1977. While they share the same theme, their gameplay differs subtly. In Depthcharge, you control the ship’s direction, and charges detonate on contact with submarines. In Destroyer, you only control the ship’s speed, and the charges explode at depths set using a dial.

In my version for the ZX Spectrum, I combined both mechanics: directional control and floating mines from Depthcharge, plus the depth targeting and variety of submarines from Destroyer. I extended the time limit and added a torpedo launched by the largest submarine.

Carga de Profundidade was specially developed and published as a cover tape for the 40th anniversary edition of Micro Sistemas magazine in 2021.

CREDITS

Game: Filipe Veiga

Artwork: JRR_arts

Loading Screen: Clive Townsend

Beta Testers: André Luna Leão, Robson Rangel

Special thanks to Jose Rodriguez-Rosa (Boriel ZX BASIC) and Britlion.