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                            © 1992 Odyssey Software

                    Written by Ben Ashley, using AMOS v1.32
 
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The rattlesnake helicoptor, was first used in GIVE `EM HELL, v1.3.  It was
used as a simple collecting chopper, and it did not fire.

Now, comes the revised edition.  The Rattlesnake mkII.  With its high
powered shielding, and Infra-Dead missiles, it can send an LHX to hell.  It
can send an APACHE to Pluto, and a COBRA to Betelgeuse.

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Rattlesnake, is a 2 player BLAST game.  But, you can fiddle with options,
to suit your tastes.

On loading, you`ll be presented with a simple menu.  Giving you the option
to CHANGE THE PLAYER NAMES, VIEW THE BEST PLAYER, OPTIONS, START THE GAME
or QUIT.

I advise you not to select quit right now.

1. Changing the player names
   ------------------------
Quite simply enough, you`ll be asked to input an ID or name for each
player.  Whatever the length of the name you put in, it will all be kept,
but only 8 chars are displayed during the game.

2. View the Best Player
   --------------------
Shows the player who has had the most kills, and the number he killed, and
out of how many games he won!

3. Options
   -------
Here, you can tailor-make the game for your own tastes.  You can turn WIND
On and Off ( Initially off), turn background animations on and off (
Initially On ), and Sound FX On and Off ( Initially On ).
Also, you can set how many fights will take place.  The least is 1, and the
most is, well, anything!

4. Start Game
   ----------
Starts the game, utilising the current settings.

5. Quit
   ----
Exits out from Rattlesnake.  


When the game starts, you`ll see 2 helicoptors, 1 yellow, 1 blue, in the
top-left corner, and the bottom right respectively.
At the top of the screen, is the status panel, depicting the names, scores
and damage levels of both players.

Player one uses a joystick in PORT 2, and Player two uses the cursor keys,
with SPACE for fire.
The game begins when either player presses fire.

Controls
--------
Controller Up   - Accelerate
Controller Down - Decelerate, and reverse
Controller Left - Rotate helicoptor Left
Controller Right- Rotate helicoptor Right
Controller FIRE - fires the Infra-Dead missiles.  You can`t fire another,
                  until the old one has left the visible screen.


Damage
------
Every time a player gets hit by a missile, or they hits the other helicoptor,
is damage increases.  If it goes over 15, then their helcoptor explodes in
mid-air, leaving the rotor behind!


Wind  ( Optional )
----
When turned on, a random force will buffet the helicoptors in all 4
directions.  This can be awful, and when gale force, almost
un-controllable.
The wind occurs for a set-length of time, at set points during the fight.


Mystery Crates
--------------
Every now and again, a mystery crate will float down.  A player must shoot
it, to find out its contents.  It can either increase or decrease your
score and damage, or give you a brilliant SHIELD which stops all incoming
missiles for a set amount of time.


Background Scenery  ( Optional )
------------------
Not important, but cars move along the road and a train goes along the
tracks.  Something for watchers to look at!
Background also includes the shadows of the helicoptors...

Please note, having this option, up to 9 extra bobs are displayed and
moved.


Sound FX  ( Optional )
--------
You`ll get the sound of missiles, explosions and the rotor blades!


Please note:  Sounds and Background Animations, slow the game down a
little.  Its up to you whether you want it flashy and slow, or simple and
quick.




Make sure you get the next issue of TOTALLY AMOS.  It`s TOTALLY BRILL!


Utilities used to create RATTLESNAKE
====================================

AMOS v1.3     - To program it of course !
Dpaint IV     - To draw all of the graphics,( 32 Colour mode )
Icon Utility  - I thoroughly recommend this utility.  I use it to cut 
                out all of the graphics.  You can find it on APD 150.


Very boring technical facts.....
--------------------------------
* The helicoptor shadow, missile shadow, cars and train are all made within
  AMOS, and are not part of the main sprite bank!

* I DID THE GRAPHICS.  They are`nt that bad for me.  I usually draw REALLY
  crap graphics ( See UNPLEASANT WAYS TO DIE.  Or rather, don`t ! ).

* It was programmed in 2 days!    