
+-------------------------------+
|      Super Cobra Arcade       |
|       Demo Instructions       |
|                               |
|     (c) 2017 Champ Games      |
|    https://www.champ.games    |
+-------------------------------+


*** ABOUT ***

This ROM file is a fully playable demo version of Super Cobra Arcade for the Atari 2600 with the following restrictions:

- ADVANCED and EXPERT skill level has been disabled (NOVICE and STANDARD are included).
- The continue feature is disabled.
- 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 ends when the Base Stage is complete (after 10 stages for Level 1 have been completed).

If you enjoy the demo of Super Cobra Arcade 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.super-cobra-arcade.champ.games
Cartridge from Champ Games:                 http://cart.super-cobra-arcade.champ.games
Champ Games store:                          http://store.champ.games

For additional information about the game:  http://super-cobra-arcade.champ.games

Thank you for your support and have fun! 


*** COMPATIBILITY ***

* TV type *

The Super Cobra Arcade 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 Super Cobra Arcade.  The demo version of Super Cobra Arcade will detect a SaveKey but the save 
functionality has been disabled and is available in the full version only.

- For more information about the AtariVox:          https://atariage.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1045
- For more information about the SaveKey device:    https://atariage.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1194


* Genesis 2-button controllers *

The Sega Genesis controllers are compatible with the Atari 2600 and allow games to support 2 buttons by using the B and C buttons on the Genesis controller as button 1 and 2, respectively.

Super Cobra Arcade has support for the Sega Genesis controller 2-button option.  See the "Player Control" section below for more details.


* 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.

Here is a list of multi-carts that Super Cobra Arcade has been tested with and the current compatibility.  
Where applicable, the version in () indicates the minimum BIOS requirement for the multi-cart.  

Multi-carts                 Compatible?         Website
----------------------      ---------------     --------------------------------------------------------
Harmony (v1.06+)            Yes                 https://harmony.atariage.com/Site/Harmony.html      
Harmony Encore (v1.06+)     Yes                 https://harmony.atariage.com/Site/Harmony.html
Unocart                     No                  https://thebrewingacademy.com/products/uno-2600-cartridge
PlusCart+                   No                  https://pluscart.firmaplus.de/pico/


* 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 Super Cobra Arcade has been tested with and the current compatibility:

Emulator                    Compatible?         Website
---------------------       ---------------     --------------------------------------------------------
Stella (v6.0.1+)            Yes                 https://stella-emu.github.io/downloads.html
Stellarator                 Yes                 https://6502ts.github.io/stellerator/#/cartridge-manager
Javatari                    No                  https://javatari.org/
Gopher2600                  Yes                 https://github.com/JetSetIlly/Gopher2600/releases


* 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)         Yes*                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

*requires the firmware of the RetroN 77 to be upgraded.  Details can be found at https://atariage.com/forums/topic/289929-stella-6-on-the-r77-the-eagle-is-landing/
                                        

*** GAME OPTIONS ***

* Players *

Super Cobra Arcade is a one player game only.  


* Skill levels *

To select the skill level, move the joystick left and right from the TITLE screen or press the SELECT switch:

- Novice:           Player starts with five lives, wider tunnels, fewer enemies, slower speed.  
- Standard:         Player starts with four lives, standard tunnels, enemies and speed.

# Available only in the full version: #
- Advanced:         Player starts with three lives, narrow tunnels, guided missiles wrap around screen, faster enemies.
- Expert:           Same as Advanced plus:
                    - Rockets launch on all stages.
                    - Tanks with rotating turrets and more precise aim.


* Menu screens *

Move the joystick up/down to cycle through the 3 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
- Scoring screen
- High scores

A demonstration of the game play will start after the High Score screen and return to the Title screen once it is completed.
You can start a game from any screen by pressing RESET or the fire button.

*** DIFFICULTY SWITCHES ***

* Left difficulty switch *

The left difficulty switch controls the firing mode:

- Difficulty A:  Single shot mode.  One missile or bomb (2 button mode) or one missile and bomb (1 button mode) is fired each
time the corresponding joystick button is pressed.
- Difficulty B:  Burst mode.  Fires up to 5 shots (3 missiles and 2 bombs) when pressing and holding down the corresponding 
joystick button.


* Right difficulty switch *

The right difficulty switch enables or disables the star field.

- Difficulty A:  Turn off star field.
- Difficulty B:  Turn on star field.


To start a game, either press RESET or joystick 1 button.


*** PLAYING THE GAME ***

* Object *

The object of Super Cobra Arcade is to guide your helicopter through the 10,000 miles (ten unique stages) to the BASE and recover the stolen loot while avoiding or destroying numerous enemies, including rockets, missiles, UFOs, drones, tanks, mines and meteors!


* Player Control *

Use the joystick to guide your helicopter through the scrolling terrain.  

- One button joysticks:  Press the button to simultaneously fire a missile and bomb.
- Two button joysticks:  Press Button B to fire a missile and press Button C to drop a bomb.


* The Enemies *

- Rockets:              Launch straight up from the terrain towards your ship.  Be careful as some move twice as fast as others!
- Guided missiles:      Launch in a curved trajectory and are difficult to avoid.
- Stationary tanks:     Fire missiles towards your helicopter.
- Roaming tanks:        Same as stationary tanks except they move along the terrain and are more difficult to destroy.
- Falling mines:        Drop from the ceilings in the caverns and must be destroyed or avoided.
- Glaive drones:        Move in the sky in erratic patterns before making a direct line of attack to your ship.
- UFOs:                 Fly in a wave pattern and fire missiles towards your ship.
- Meteors:              Dodge the fast-moving meteors.
- Homing meteors:       These slower-moving meteors will move towards your ship; avoid them or destroy them before it's too late!


* Fuel *

While flying across the terrain, your helicopter will expend fuel.  Keep an eye on the FUEL meter to make sure you don't run out!  
To get more fuel, destroy the fuel pods with your missiles and bombs.


* Base * 

After completing stage 10, you will enter the enemy base.  Maneuver your helicopter through the obstacles and pick up the booty to 
complete your mission!


In the demo version, the game will end once you have completed your mission.  In the full version, there are 99 levels to complete.

GOOD LUCK!


*** SCORING ***

- Travel one parsec:            10 points
- Rocket or guided missile:     
    - On the ground:            30 points
    - In flight:                50 points
- Glaive drone or UFO:          100 points
- Mine:                         50 points
- Fuel:                         50 points
- Homing meteor:                150 points
- Stationary tank:              100 points
- Roaming tank:                 ??? points

A bonus helicopter is awarded at 10,000 points and every 50,000 points.  You also receive a bonus helicopter for successfully 
retrieving the booty.


*** CONSOLE SWITCHES ***

During a game the console switches do the following:

- Reset:                        Restarts the game with the current game 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 burst firing mode.
- Right Difficulty:             Enable/disable star field.


*** GAME OVER ***

If your helicopter is destroyed and there are no reserves, the game ends and GAME OVER is displayed.  

In the full version, players can continue the previous game at the last level and stage (with a score of 0) up to 5 times.


*** HIGH SCORE ***

If the current player achieves a high score for the current skill level, the score will be added to the top ten scores on the SCORE RANKING screen for that skill.

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


*** CREDITS ***

Programming and Design:         John W. Champeau
Graphics and Level Design:      Nathan Strum
Level Generator & Code:         Thomas Jentzsch
                                Darrel Spice, Jr.
Music and Sound Effects:        Mike Haas
Additional Music & SFX:         Bob Decrescenzo

For the physical boxed release:

Packaging & Illustration:       Nathan Strum
Illustration assistance:        Dave Dries
Publishing:                     Champ Games




