
+-------------------------------+
|         Elevator Agent        |
|       Demo Instructions       |
|                               |
|     (c) 2023 Champ Games      |
|    https://www.champ.games    |
+-------------------------------+


*** ABOUT ***

This ROM file is a fully playable demo version of Elevator Agent for the Atari 2600 with the following restrictions:

- The game is 1 player only (no 2 player alternating or versus modes).
- ADVANCED and CHALLENGE skill levels have been disabled (NOVICE, STANDARD are included).
- SaveKey functionality has been disabled, but high scores are still maintained for each skill level during play until the game is turned off.
- The game loops back to Level 1 after Level 4 is complete.
- MISSION selection is disabled (only ARCADE mission is included).  The full version inludes three new missions plus options
  to rotate through all missions in order or in a random order.
- The option to skip the intro scene using the left difficulty switch is disabled.

If you enjoy the demo of Elevator Agent and would like to purchase the full version, it is available either as a ROM file 
or as a physical cartridge (includes box, manual and poster) from the Champ Games store:

Full ROM from Champ Games:                  http://rom.elevator-agent.champ.games
Cartridge from Champ Games:                 http://cart.elevator-agent.champ.games
Champ Games store:                          http://store.champ.games

For additional information about the game:  http://champ.games/elevator-agent

Thank you for your support and have fun! 


*** COMPATIBILITY ***

* TV type *

The Elevator Agent Demo ROM can be played on NTSC or PAL60 systems.  Please ensure that the version you are playing matches the TV type of the monitor you are using.


* AtariVox and SaveKey *

The AtariVox and SaveKey are devices that allow high scores and game settings to be saved when playing Elevator Agent.  The demo version of Elevator Agent 
has disabled the high scores and SaveKey functionality and is available in the full version only.

- For more information about the SaveKey device:    https://atariage.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1194


* QuadTari *

The QuadTari is a device that allows you to plug up to 4 joysticks and other compatible controllers to an Atari console (2 joysticks per port).  Elevator Agent takes advantage 
of this device by supporting two controllers plugged into the QuadTari connected to the left controller port and an AtariVox or SaveKey device connected to the right controller port
for two-player alternating and two-player versus modes.  

- For more information about the QuadTari:          https://www.bitethechili.com/quadtari/


* Multi-carts *

Multi-carts are special cartridges that plug into a real Atari 2600 (or compatible) and allow you to play various ROM files either on an SD card or via WiFi.

Currently, since Elevator Agent is using a new cutting-edge bank-switching scheme (CDFJ+ 64K), it is not supported by any multi-carts.  The makers of the Harmony carts
are actively planning either an expansion module for existing Harmony carts or an updated Harmony cart in the near future that will support Elevator Agent and other 
larger games (including Champ Games' Turbo Arcade).


* Emulators *

An emulator is a special program that runs on a PC that emulates an Atari 2600, allowing you to play ROMs on your computer.  

Here is a list of emulators that Elevator Agent has been tested with and the current compatibility:

Emulator                    Compatible?         Website
---------------------       ---------------     --------------------------------------------------------
Stella (v6.7+)              Yes                 https://stella-emu.github.io/downloads.html
Gopher2600                  Yes                 https://github.com/JetSetIlly/Gopher2600
StellaDS		    Yes			https://github.com/wavemotion-dave/StellaDS
Stellarator                 No                  https://6502ts.github.io/stellerator/#/cartridge-manager
Javatari                    No                  https://javatari.org/


* Emulator consoles *

An emulator console is a physical game system that emulates an Atari 2600.  These systems allow you to play ROMs on devices like HD televisions (or in some cases, on the go).  
Some of these systems allow you to play game ROMs via an SD cart or even have a cartridge slot.  

Emulated Console            Compatible?         Website
---------------------       ---------------     --------------------------------------------------------
AtGames Flashback           No                  https://www.atgames.us/products/atari-flashback-9
AtGames Flashback Portable  No                  https://www.atgames.us/products/atari-flashback-portable-2019
RetroN 77 (cartridge slot)  No                  https://hyperkinlab.com/retron-77-hd-gaming-console-for-2600-hyperkin/
RetroN 77 (SD card)         No*                 https://hyperkinlab.com/retron-77-hd-gaming-console-for-2600-hyperkin/
Atari 2600+	            No                  https://atari.com/products/atari-2600-plus
Atari Gamestation Pro       No                  https://www.myarcadegaming.com/products/atari-gamestation-pro

*The latest community firmware of the RetroN 77 is using Stella 6.6, but since Stella 6.7 is required for Elevator Agent it is currently not compatible.  
When the community build is updated to Stella 6.7, Elevator Agent should be compatible with the RetroN 77 from an SD card.  

Additional details on the RetroN 77 community build can be found at https://atariage.com/forums/topic/289929-stella-6-on-the-r77-the-eagle-is-landing/


*** GAME OPTIONS ***

* Players *

The demo and full version of Elevator Agent has a 1 player mode only.  The full version adds support for a 2 player alternating mode and 2 player versus mode
where one player controls the enemy spies!


* Skill levels *

To select the skill level, move the joystick left and right from the TITLE screen:

- Novice:           Player starts 5 lives.  There are fewer secret documents to collect, fewer enemies and they move and shoot slower.
- Standard:         Player starts with 4 lives.  Standard number of enemies (4 max) that move and shoot at normal speeds.  Most like the arcade.

# Available only in the full version: #
- Advanced:         More difficult than Standard. Player starts with 3 lives.  More enemies that move and shoot quicker, plus more documents to obtain.
- Challenge:	    More difficult than Advanced.  Planned features include power ups and more enemy types, including double agents!


* Menu screens *

Move the joystick up/down to cycle through the menu screens. If you do not move the joystick or start a game, the screens will cycle through after a certain amount of time.

- Title screen
- Mission briefing
- Credits
- High scores

A short demo of the gameplay will start after the Credits screen.


*** DIFFICULTY SWITCHES ***

The left difficulty switch controls whether the startup animation will play each time a new building is entered, giving the player a break between levels.  

- Difficulty A:  Startup animation only plays when entering the first building (available only in the full version).
- Difficulty B:  Startup animation plays when entering each new building.

The right difficulty switch controls whether or not the in-game music is played.

- Difficulty A:  Disable the in-game music.
- Difficulty B:  Enable the in-game music.


To start a new game from the title screen, either press RESET or joystick 1 button.

*In the full version, you are able to select from 4 different MISSIONS, including options to play all missions in order or in a random order.


*** OBJECT ***

You are Agent 23 (codename: Orro) on assignment to break into the enemy headquarters, steal the secret documents and make your way to the basement 
where a getaway car awaits to bring you to your next mission.  Use the elevators and escalators to make your way down to the lower floors 
while avoiding the enemy spies.


*** PLAYING THE GAME ***

Use the joystick to move your player.  Move left and right to walk left or right.  Press the button to fire in the direction you're facing (up to 3 bullets).

Move the joystick down to duck and avoid the enemy fire.  Press up to jump (Sega Genesis 2-button controllers press Button C to jump).

When in an elevator:

- Press up/down to move the elevator up or down.  You must be in an elevator to control it; if you are on top of an elevator you cannot control it's direction.
- You cannot duck while in an elevator.
- For 1 button joysticks, you can only jump left or right in an elevator (press up+left or up+right, respectively).  2 button gamepads can press button C to jump.

Guide your player to the red doors and enter them from the side with the door handle to collect the secret documents.  All documents must be collected before you 
can enter the basement and exit the building.

You can eliminate your enemies by shooting them or drop kicking them (jump into them).  You can also kill an enemy by shooting a light and dropping it onto them
or by crushing them with an elevator.

In the demo version, the game will loop back to Level 1 once Level 4 is completed.  In the full version, there are 99 levels to complete.


*** SCORING ***

Action                           Points
---------------------------------------
Shooting an agent                   100
Dropkicking an agent                150
Shooting an agent in the dark       150
Dropkicking an agent in the dark    200
Crushing an agent with an elevator  300
Collect secret document             500

An extra life is awarded at 10,000 points, 50,000 points, and every 50,000 points after that.


*** CONSOLE SWITCHES ***

During a game the console switches do the following:

- Reset:                        Restarts the game with the current skill/# of players/options.
- Select:                       Ends the current game and returns to the title screen.
- Color/BW (PAUSE on a 7800):   Pause the game; press or flip the switch again or press the joystick button to resume.
- Left Difficulty:              Enable/disable the start level animation for level 2 and higher
- Right Difficulty:             Enable/disable the in-game music.


*** GAME OVER ***

When all a player's lives are lost and there are no reserve, GAME OVER will be displayed.


*** HIGH SCORE ***

If the current player achieves a high score for the current skill level, the high score entry screen is displayed. 

Use the joystick to enter up to 3 initials:
- Move the joystick up/down to change the current initial (blinking) and press the button to move to the next initial. 
- Move left/right to change the initial to update. Once completed, press the button after entering in the 3rd initial 
  to register your name and be added to the TOP AGENTS!

NOTE: SaveKey support has been disabled for this demo.  In the full version, game settings and high scores (for each skill level) 
      is saved to an AtariVox or SaveKey device.


*** CREDITS ***

Programming and Design:     John W. Champeau
Graphics and Design:        Nathan Strum
Music and Sound Effects:    Pat Brady
Testing:                    Jurgen Oster
                            Nathan Withee (McCalliser)
                            James O'Brien (ZeroPage Homebrew)

For the physical boxed release:

Packaging & Illustration:   Nathan Strum
Publishing:                 Champ Games

