===============
Highlander (TM)
===============
Document created by [email protected] on 30th May 2000 for
World of Spectrum: http://www.void.jump.org

Taken from the Ocean compilation 'Screen Heroes'.

Highlander, its program code, graphic representation, and artwork are the
copyright of Ocean Software Limited. All rights reserved Worldwide.
Highlander runs on the Spectrum 48/128 micro computers.

There can be only one Victor in this timeless battle. Become a master
swordsman or perish as your foes grow more skillful and you finally
encounter the might Kurgen in this contest for immortality.

Loading (also see important note)
=======
1. Place the cassette in your recorder ensuring that it is fully rewound.
2. Ensure that the MIC socket is disconnected and that the volume and tone
controls are set to the appropriate levels.
3. If the computer is a Spectrum 48K or Spectrum + then load as follows. Type
LOAD "" (ENTER). (Note there is no space between the two quotes). The "
is obtained by pressing the SYMBOL SHIFT and P keys simultaneously.
4. Press PLAY on your recorder and the game will load automatically. If you
have any problems try adjusting the volume and tone controls and consulting
Chapter 6 of the Spectrum manual.
5. If the computer is a Spectrum 128K then follow the loading instructions
on-screen or in the accompanying manual.
6. After loading press SPACE.

The Game
========
Battle through time, develop the skills of sword play and learn from Ramirez,
your first opponent, the arts of defence and attack, timing and position.
When you have defeated him move in time to the present and encounter Fizir,
an ancient and more skillful opponent in modern day New York. Here you must
hone your skills and sharpen your reactions for upon his demise you reach
the final battle with the mighty Kurgen. High above the city streets on a
deserted rooftop the last act of this deadly quest is fought. A dual which
can only be won by supreme exponant.

Energy
------
is the key to the game - when it runs out you're dead! it is expended when
you recieve a blow or when you are unsuccessful in attack - So you win by
a combination of skillful attacking and prudent defence.
As you learn the different attack sequences you will develop the strategy
which enables both objectives to be achieved. The energy is recharged at a
constant rate but recovery is slower than depletion so keep a watchful eye
on the level and if it reaches the red band back off quickly and defend
until your strength builds up for another attack.

Sound
-----
Identify the different sounds made by your sword and your opponents landing
a successful attack and contrast these with the sound of a defence. This is
best achieved in demo-mode and will be a great help to skillful play.

Vary Attacks
------------
Mix your attacks and defences; using the same sequence each time allows your
opponent to pick a winning response (this is especially true in playing
against the computer). The cut-down blow to the head can prove devastating
and win the duel outright but successfully defended can knock you down and
be equally damaging to the attacker so try to achieve the element of
surprise.

Position
--------
Always fight away from the edges of the playfield for as you become pinned
down against the sides it is impossible to execute some of the strokes and
of course backing off for a "breater" is out!

Range
-----
The achieve maximum effectiveness the range of different strokes must be
judged precisely, the "lunge" against the "cut" is a trade off between
effect and risk, skill in making accurate assessment being vital to
success.

Stages
------
There are three main stages in the game, where skills acquired in
completion are necessary to have any chance with the next opponent. Each
stage is loaded in memory separately (see important note) but the increasing
difficulty has been chosen to enhance your ability at each level.
The strategy required to complete each stage is different, even if you have
become expert by defeating Ramirez and Fizir the mighty Kurgen cannot
be beaten by strength alone, strategy must be employed to turn his power
against himself. Swordplay is a balance of risk and reward, a co-ordination
of the senses of sound and vision, to triumph you must be brave... and
careful!

Status
------
Your status and that of your opponent are energy bars at the bottom of the
screen. Each bar is divided into three segments.
Green - Plenty of energy, attack at will.
Yellow - Some vitality has been lost. Proceed with caution.
Red - Reserves dangerously low. Take a breater or run away to battle
again later.

Controls
========
The control of your player and the development of swordplaying skill is
crucial to the enjoyment of the game. It is worthwhile watching the demo
mode and then practicing the moves against Ramirez (stage 1) in order to
put together attack sequences and defence strategies. The instructions
may seem complicated at first but it will soon be apparent that the
sophistication of movement gives animation of the highest order and provides
stimulating and exciting play.

Keyboard
--------
LEFT HAND KEYBOARD (JOYSTICK 1)
W - UP
D - RIGHT
X - DOWN
A - LEFT
S - FIRE

RIGHT HAND KEYBOARD (JOYSTICK 2)
U - UP
K - RIGHT
M - DOWN
H - LEFT
J - FIRE

SPACE - Out of credits/Continue from pause
ENTER - PAUSE
SYMBOL SHIFT - Abort during pause

O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| |
| JOYSTICK 1 - while kneeling |
| |
| |
| STAND DEFEND HEAD |
| | | / CUT BODY |
| | | / |
| | | / |
| | DEFEND NECK -------+------- THRUST BODY |
| | \ |
| | \ |
| | \ THRUST LEGS |
| DEFEND FEET |
| |
| BUTTON NOT PRESSED BUTTON PRESSED |
| |
| |
| JOYSTICK 1 - while standing |
| |
| |
| CUT DOWN |
| DEFEND HEAD \ | / CUT AT NECK |
| \ | / |
| WALK WALK \ | / |
| BACK ------+------ FORWARD DEFEND BODY ------+------ CUT AT BODY |
| | / | \ |
| | / | \ |
| | THRUST AT FEET / | \ THRUST AT NECK |
| KNEEL THRUST AT BODY |
| |
| BUTTON NOT PRESSED BUTTON ONLY PRESSED - DEFEND NECK |
| |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O

O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O
| |
| JOYSTICK 2 - while kneeling |
| |
| |
| STAND DEFEND HEAD |
| | CUT BODY \ | |
| | \ | |
| | \ | |
| | THRUST BODY -------+------- DEFEND NECK |
| / | |
| / | |
| THRUST LEGS / | |
| DEFEND FEET |
| |
| BUTTON NOT PRESSED BUTTON PRESSED |
| |
| |
| JOYSTICK 2 - while standing |
| |
| |
| CUT DOWN |
| CUT AT NECK \ | / DEFEND HEAD |
| \ | / |
| WALK WALK \ | / |
| FORWARD ------+------ BACK CUT AT BODY ------+------ DEFEND BODY |
| | / | \ |
| | / | \ |
| | THRUST AT NECK / | \ THRUST AT FEET |
| KNEEL THRUST AT BODY |
| |
| BUTTON NOT PRESSED BUTTON ONLY PRESSED - DEFEND HEAD |
| |
O---------------------------------------------------------------------------O

Important Note
==============
Highlander has three difficuly levels, which have to be loaded independently.
This means that there are three different parts to be loaded.

Credits
=======
Produced by D.C. Ward (c) 1986 Ocean Software Limited
(c) Highlander Productions Limited MCMLXXXVI. All rights reserved.
TM - Trademark owned by THORN EMI Screen Entertainment Ltd., and used by
Ocean Software Ltd., under authorisation. Movie and Media Marketing Ltd.,
Liscensing Agents.