Laserbirds (ZX Spectrum)

LASERBIRDS (ZX Spectrum 48K/Plus)

The origin of the so-called Ornithoids is unknown and tramples over our sciences. Despite some popular outcry in favour of the new species, their countless number and radioactive toxicity make coexistence in our environment impracticable.

Though little we know about these beings, we have uncovered that they are in fact belligerent. They possess good memory, hearing, and adaptability. Added to their offensive through deadly beams, they can teleport themselves across short distances - among other skills never dreamt of. It is best not to underestimate them, for when they feel outsmarted they will behave like nothing ever seen in the natural world.

Little by little they're becoming the masters of all Earth, but it's in the highest altitudes where they paradoxically seem to become more vulnerable. We know also that they're able to count up to four. Even if none of this sounds useful by now, that's all we are able to tell you.

Communication was impossible. Their quasi-indestructibility challenged our capabilities to design this defensive action. Duty comes to summon you at the last minute to ensure our survival. There will be no parley and there will be no glory. Traitors and defectors shall be punished severely; this is our hour of need, the apex of a calamity. There will be no time for anything but bravery beyond the gates of this hangar. Embrace your fear!

REQUIREMENTS    

The present version of Laserbirds was designed for the classic ZX Spectrum 48K/ZX Spectrum Plus. It won't work properly in 128K models. It is functioning on clone equipment and also cannot be guaranteed. It also works on the new ZX Spectrum Next as long as in 48K mode and the refresh rate is set at 50 Hz, using VGA or RGB.

CONTROLS

Press “1” in the presentation screen for Kempston start, and “0” for the keyboard. Keys can be redefined and default to QAOP-Space. 

Guide your vehicle to aim at the creatures. Keep the fire button pressed for rhythmic shooting. Release the button to cease fire. The player can fire two shots, after which at least one will have to go out of reach before another can take its place. Using joysticks is strongly advisable as it may extend your equipment’s life span, providing the best from this experience. 

Each dead creature scores you one point. Every hit on the Alpha creatures is also worth one point. A bonus vehicle will be awarded every 500 pts. If your score is high enough you’ll be welcomed to the hall of champions. To achieve the highest score, however, the player must take on the challenge and go beyond 129 stages.

CREDITS

Design/Code/Graphics/Special Effects/Music: Wilton.
Loading screen: Andy Green.
Technical Advisor: Richard  Atkinson.
Bit/Tek Logo: Ricardo Nunes.
Beta Testers: André Leão, Robson Rangel, Mario Cavalcanti, Paolo Pugno.

Sleeve Design:  Matheus Graef, JRR_arts and Leonardo Bussadori.

We want to thank Chris Cowley (Beepola),  Jonathan Smith (FuzzClick) and Claus Jahn (ZX Modules).

Special thanks to Clive Townsend (text revision).

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