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SpaceTanks

Contents Page

General Information, Epilepsy Warning! 2

Introduction 3

Installation 4

The Idea of the Game 5

Let’s Get Started 6

Options 7

New Game 8

The Tank Shop 9

Loading and Saving 10

Game Situations 11

The ‘Control Panel’ 13

Controls 15

Strategy 16

Strategies A-Z 20

The Use of Arms for Future Tank Commanders 22

Ranks 28

Points 28

Credits 29

We, the programmers and designers of SpaceTanks would like to thank you for

choosing to purchase this game. We have worked endless hours and have been

active day and night in the effort to produce this game, leading it to its maturity,

eliminating the possibility of errors and making it highly entertaining. The game

combines the charm of 8Bit game classics with the capabilities of today’s PCs. We

ask you to please respect this by accepting the conditions given in the licence, which,

so we believe, has been made easy for you by keeping the retail price as low as

possible.

We wish you lots of fun…

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General Information

Epilepsy Warning

Please read the following Information before you or your children play the game.

Some people experience epileptic seizures when viewing flashing lights or patterns in

our daily environment. These persons may experience seizures while watching TV

pictures or playing video games. Even players who have never had any seizures may

nonetheless have an undetected epileptic condition. Should you or members of your

family have experienced symptoms related to epilepsy (seizures or disturbances of

consciousness) when viewing flashing lights, consult your doctor before playing the

game. Parents should always supervise their children when they are playing

computer or video games. Should you or your child experience any of the following

symptoms during play, stop playing IMMEDIATELY and consult your GP: dizziness,

altered vision, muscle twitching, other involuntary movements, loss of awareness or

your surroundings, mental confusion, and/ or convulsions.

Precautions during the game:

•

Do not sit too close to the screen. Sit as far away from the screen as possible.

•

Use a small screen when playing the game.

•

Don’t play when you’re tired or haven’t had enough sleep.

•

Make sure the room you’re in is well lit.

•

Rest for at least 10-15 minutes per hour when playing a computer or video

game.

System Requirements

•

AMD or Intel Pentium CPU with 500 MHz or higher

•

128 MB RAM

•

150 MB free hard disc space

•

Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP

•

OpenGL compatible graphic card with 32 MB RAM, installed and updated

drivers

•

DirectX compatible sound card

•

DirectX 8

Recommended System

•

AMD or Intel Pentium CPU with at least 600 MHz

•

256 MB RAM

•

150 MB free hard disc space

•

Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP

•

OpenGL compatible graphic card with 32 MB RAM, installed and updated

drivers

•

DirectX compatible sound card

•

DirectX 8

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Introduction

A ”beautiful” Thursday in May… Suddenly the light goes out! The sun glows one last

time as a supernova before eventually vanishing into complete darkness. All

humanity has long fled planet Earth. New, widely scattered worlds have now been

inhabited. On them, SpaceTanks have been strategically positioned as a defence

against possible aggressors. Fully automatic android tanks, equipped with complex

arsenals and artificial intelligence. Unfortunately, however, the final gigantic energy

blast caused by the exploding sun has been underestimated. All electronic

appliances are responding with huge errors. Worst affected, however, is the main

Computer, responsible for the maintenance of all SpaceTanks For a long time this

computer has not been challenged to its full potential anyways, and all this waiting for

action ultimately got to it, affecting its circuits! Incidentally, its digital conscience is hit

with a seizure of schizophrenia triggered by a shower of gamma rays. The Computer

is going nuts. All it wants now is play! In search for pastime the confused machine is

now out to look for challenge. Like gladiators, it has SPACETANK after SPACETANK

confront one another in duels. From the side of the small minded settlers no help is

expected… More capable brains should now accept the final duel! A fascinating

conflict considering gravitational fields and asteroids, atmospheres, black holes and

antimatter. A challenge to the capacity of three-dimensional thinking, intelligence and

strategic skills.

A game that must be won!

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Installation

Should the installation program not start automatically after inserting the CD, start

“Setup.exe” from your CD-ROM or DVD drive directory.

Setup will ask you “SpaceTanks

is now being installed. Would you like to continue.”

Click on >Yes<.

The Setup assistant will start and open a welcome window.

Click on >Next<.

A window containing the licence agreement will appear. Please read this agreement

and tick “I accept agreement.”

Click on >Next<.

From the next window you will be able to choose a directory for the installation. Select a

suitable directory and click on >Next<.

You will now be asked to choose a file name for the start menu. Choose a name or click

on >Next< if you want to keep the default name “SpaceTanks”.

Decide whether you want to install an icon on your Desktop (recommended). Then click

on >Next<.

Setup has now all necessary information to continue the installation. Click >Install< to

install the program on the system. Setup will now copy all necessary files onto your

hard disk.

In the last window you will be informed if the installation has been successfully

completed. Click on >Finish<.

To start double click the symbol on your desktop or select the corresponding entry from

the start menu.

To Uninstall:

To uninstall, select the entry “Uninstall SpaceTanks” in the programs file folder, which

has been given during installation; or go to Control Panel through the start menu, click

on Add/Remove Programs, select the program “SpaceTanks” and click >Remove<.

Click >Yes< to confirm the removal of SpaceTanks from your computer.

You will be notified when the software has been successfully removed from your

computer. Click >OK< to close the assistant.

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The Idea of the Game

Don’t panic! Controlling the game is not hard to do. Nonetheless,

and to make sure that no questions will remain unanswered, we will give you a few

tips and some information to provide you with a shortcut into the matter. Basically,

you will be able to control the game intuitively.

SpaceTanks is designed for two players. However, you may alternatively challenge

your Computer, or have two Computer opponents duel one another. Each player

completes his move before it is the opponent’s turn, which means that you will not be

under time pressure, unless your opponent puts you under pressure by his skilful

choice of weapons - this will be dealt with in the strategy section. There are however

real time components in the game, which may result in crucial turns during one’s

move (during controlling), i.e. by flying debris, asteroids, etc.

Select 1 Player, 2 Players or 2 Computer opponents. You receive a starting capital of

2,500 Space dimes spending money – that is what we will call our currency. From

this money you should get yourself a fine tank from the Tank Shop. There are 50

models to choose from. Each has different qualities, some of which vary a great deal

from others. So beware! Carefully compare the various qualities and choose a tank

you think suits your mentality. Generally, the cheaper models are less armoured and

often have a lesser fuel supply compared to the more expensive models. After

purchasing your tank, you will receive a pay for the next round.

After both players have selected their tanks and are ready, the game can begin. In

the lower screen area you see the control panel of your tank. You can select the

design of the control panel in your options menu.

You may now select a weapon you consider suitable. But take a good look at the

costs, or else, at a later stage in the game, you may find yourself in a favourable

situation but with no sufficient funds to purchase the exact weapon needed. That

would be a shame, wouldn’t it.

Should you emerge as the winner in a duel, you will be rewarded in Space pence and

points. If you perform especially well, you may even be promoted. The pay depends

on your current rank at the start of each round.

The aim of the game is to climb the ladder of ranks to the champion’s level or simply

to win against your opponent.

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Let’s Get Started

To change the default settings you can execute the file “GLSetup.exe” (from your

windows start menu), with the help of which you can modify the screen resolution

and colour settings. Further, you can choose if you want to play in full screen mode

(recommended) or in window mode. To adjust graphic resources you can modify the

number of particles

(graphic effects) by

adjusting the slider.

Click >OK< to

apply all settings.

Fig. 1 “GLSetup”

After starting Spacetanks you are presented with the main menu. Here you have the

options to start a new game >New Game<, load a game

>Load Game< (continue a previously saved game) or edit the >Options<.

Fig.2 Main Menu

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Let’s turn to >Options< first, for here you can apply several settings before starting

the game.

Fig.3

Options Menu

Here you can select

basic settings.

In Particles, the number of particles activated in explosions, fires and other graphic

effects can be modified. Naturally, the more particles activated the more CPU

capacity (graphic resources) is required.

The setting Weapon Flight Time determines how long a projectile will take to reach

its target. In a situation i.e., where the projectile has entered into orbit of a planet or a

planetary system, extra waiting time may occur. In order to create a fair situation for

both players, a set time limit may be agreed before starting the game. If you find

enjoyment in watching a flight path, you may set an accordingly longer flight time.

Minimum = 15 seconds, maximum = 10 minutes.

The setting Size of Game Area establishes the sizes of the planetary systems. If it is

set for small, your projectile cannot take a huge detour around the planetary system.

A message appears: projectile has left galaxy. If the size is set for larger, the

projectile’s path may lead far into the galaxy. Minimum size = 6.0 and maximum size

= 36.0.

Panel Left Player and Right Player: here, each tank commander can choose his

favourable dashboard design. Do you like tiger skin design or rather metal or would

you maybe prefer a gloss with a patriotic design. During setting in the options menu

there will be a small preview.

The Volume of sound effects and music can also be set in the option’s menu.

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New Game...

… and good luck with it! You have decided to have a go, well done. So in this

window, you will select whether you want to play against the Computer or against a

friend sitting next to you. To set the players click on >Left<, >Right<, or on the

symbols on the left of the window.

Now enter your and your opponent’s names by clicking on the respective name fields

first and then by typing.

Fig.4

New Game

It makes sense to set

left and right players in

same order of their

seating in front of the

monitor.

Tip: In the odd case the

Computer may even

play against itself

(Demo)

Here, you also select the >Difficulty<. A click on the right arrow increases the

difficulty, a click on the left arrow brings you down by one level, controlling the

occurrence of obstacles (asteroids, atmospheres, black holes, etc.) in the two player

mode. Go ahead with all your settings now applied by clicking on >Start<.

The Tank Shop

We see! You are accepting the challenge after all. Well then, first of all you will

require a tank. There are 50 models to choose from. In the upper area of the screen

you find the exclusive showroom of the Tank Shop - with a view of course. Use the

left and right arrows to view the various tanks. In the lower left of your screen, you

find a brief description. In the lower right of your screen, you can view all detailed

data. The categories are cannon, chassis, antenna and tracks.

Choose a tank. But do keep an eye on your account, for you don’t want your funds to

dry up before you’ve had a proper firework! Once you’ve made your choice you may

buy the tank using the button (glass window) between the arrows. The tank will then

be shown in the lower window. Click on >Next< to finalise the step. The second

player or CPU-player may then go on his spending spree.

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Fig.5

The Tank Shop.

There’s something for

everyone. The

presentation is surely

worth a closer look.

A click on the button

‘Score’ shows you details

on the current game.

If the price of a tank (or weapon) is displayed in red, you have to look elsewhere, for

you don’t have enough money. However, no need to go red! After purchasing the

right tank you will receive an additional small injection of capital (sum depending on

rank) as a budget for the fight ahead. The Tank Shop is also where you go, if you

need a new tank or if you need to have your damaged tank fixed. In the centre of

your lower screen you find a button for complete repair and to fill up. Demands of

smaller specified repair jobs and fuel amounts are made through the symbols on the

right, next to the display showing a tank’s condition.

Fig. 6

The Tank Shop after the

purchase of a tank or

respectively after a duel.

Here someone got a clip

around the ears.

You should always keep a good eye on the antenna, an important item when using

remote controlled weapons. If the antenna is damaged, you will not be able to

detonate those weapons.

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Antennas are not always recognisable as such, for reason of camouflage. They may

appear as a flower here, a lamp there or in the looks of a cannon another time.

If you think that you desperately need a new tank, you can sell the present one. Be

cautious, however, the sale is also linked with a certain decrease in value. Here

again, a click on >Next< will finalise the step. Here, in the Tank Shop you also have

the opportunity to save your present score by clicking on >Save< or on the floppy

disk symbol. (right hand side, screen centre)

Loading and Saving

Even the most experienced tank commander will be tired at some point. Therefore

you have the chance to save a game and continue playing at a later point in time. By

clicking >Save< in the Tank Shop you will get into the save menu.

Fig.7

Loading and Saving

There are eight files you can save your score in. Select a number (Score 7 in fig.7)

and click on >Save< to save your present score. If you overwrite an old score you

need to confirm again. If you have chosen to load a game in the main menu, you can

choose one of the score files for loading. In the window, general information like date,

time and difficulty of the loaded game will be displayed.

Details of the score will be displayed in the lower screen. You can view the present

balance of the account, the rank and the tanks owned by the players.

To load a saved game select >Load Game< from the main menu. The same window

as described above will open, with one difference: you can now load an old score.

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Game Situations

During the game, the action can be seen in the upper area of your screen, while the

dashboard of your tank is displayed in the lower area of your screen. Here you can

undertake various settings to influence the flight path of your missile.

Fig. 8

The situation here is

easy, as there are no

obstacles. The player

(left) is in complete

control.

Right from the very first shot, the player must decide whether he can afford the risk to

miss his target using one of the very effective (and more expensive) weapons, or

whether he should rather use a “Rotten Egg”, which is a cheaper weapon but useful

to estimate a flight path. In a situation like this try to make a good guess as to what

your opponent is up to, for he faces the same problem as you, but may have made

better calculations. However, the player has the auxiliary line as an aid: The first part

of it can actually be projected prior to the launch. But the higher the difficulty, the

shorter the auxiliary line.

Fig. 9

Tank with auxiliary line, which is activated by pressing

the key ‘H’ or clicking the button ‘auxiliary line’ in the

‘Control Panel’

But beware! This practical aid has its disadvantage, too. Nothing in life is ever easy.

The Computer responsible for allocating points will penalize you with a lesser score

at the end of the duel. So, consider whether the loss of a few points in a less

spectacular duel weighs milder than the loss of a brilliant tank.

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To get a better picture it may well be an advantage to view the scene from a

distance. The zoom symbols in the upper right screen area will help you out there. A

click on zoom “+” will take you closer to the scene, a click on zoom “-“ will move you

back out again (see fig. 10 and fig. 11)

Fig. 10, 11 While

scientists still speculate

about the existence of

matter between the

galaxies, the Space

Tanks player knows

that there could very

well be pumpkins there.

In the case of an unstable planet being in the way, the tank commander can decide

whether he will look for an alternative launch route or whether he will eliminate the

obstacle without further ado. The “Big Guy”, “Planet Eater” & Co could come handy

as your tools for this kind of manoeuvre.

Fig. 12

Hindering obstacles can

be eliminated pretty

effectively at times.

Here, an instable planet

has been hit

successfully.

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The ‚Control-Panel’

Fig.12 The ‘Control Panel’

1. Choosing a weapon

You can choose a weapon by clicking on the arrows or on the upper or lower area of

the control element respectively. There is a summary of the various weapons in the

chapter “The Use of Arms for Future Tank Commanders”. You can scroll fast through

the list by dragging with your mouse.

2. Compass with degrees display

Use the compass and the degree display for orientation on the planet. The degree

display will help you to easily find a position you’ve been previously in.

3. Direction Control Switch (left)

Click on the arrow to move your tank anticlockwise on the planet. (only works while

there is sufficient fuel in the tank)

4. Fuel Display

Gives you a fair idea of your present fuel amount. Detailed information is given in the

small display (6), if you move your mouse onto one of the control direction switches

(3) and (5).

5. Direction Control Switch (right)

Click on the arrow to move your tank clockwise around the planet.

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The ‚Control-Panel’

6. Info Monitor ‘Monitor-Man’

Gives you details about the chosen weapon and damage on your tank, a planet’s

mass etc., while the Computer is waiting for your command and by moving the

mouse over the relevant object.

7. Remote Control

Use this button in connection with weapons that are operated by remote ignition, like

i.e. cluster bombs. Whether a weapon can be used via this button, you will see at the

green blinking remote control lamp (8), and also at the equivalent symbol in the

display (up and right in ‘Monitor Man’).

8. Remote Control, Display

If this ‘lamp’ is flashing green, you can fire the selected weapon.

In ‘Monitor Man’, the symbol for weapons with remote ignition

9. Help Line (Auxiliary Line)

This button activates the display of a help line (auxiliary line), which helps you to

estimate the first part of the flight path. However, don’t forget that strong gravitation

fields can change its angle by a good deal.

10. Firing Button

Once all your settings are done and you are pretty certain that your opponent will get

it this time, press the firing button. After that, you will have no more chance to

influence the flight path.

11. Energy Controller and display

Here you preset the energy level you want to fire the missile with. The energy

controller reacts differently to a number of possible settings. It can be controlled by

the slider button/handle (general control). With a click right or left, directly next to the

‘handle’ you can go up and down by one unit, and with the arrow keys on the side

you can increase or reduce settings by units of 1/10. Minimum = 0, Maximum = 100

12. Cannon Artillery Angle and Display

Here you set the angle of the gun barrel. This controller works exactly like the energy

controller. Slide for general control, whole units up/down by clicking next to handle,

setting of 1/10 units via arrow keys.

Minimum = 0 (vertical), maximum = 100 (in both directions)

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Keyboard - Keys & Functions

Key Where What

‘H’ during game activates auxiliary line (help line)

[UP] and [DOWN] during game cannon control

[NUM+] and [Pos1] during game energy control

[NUM-] AND [End] during game energy control

[Esc] anywhere main menu or back

[Enter] during game Firing Button

[R] during game Remote Control

[Left] during game tank moves anticlockwise

[Right] during game tank moves clockwise

[Page Up] during game Zoom out

[Page Dn] during game Zoom in

[P] during game Pause

[Return] in menus confirm / OK

[Esc] in menus Cancel / Back

[Y] Yes/No menus Confirm

[N] Yes/No menus Cancel

[I] In Tank Shop Score Info

[F11] Save Screenshot

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Strategy

During the game, Spacetanks holds a few surprises in store. Not only will you be

busy tackling your opponent, but you may also experience extraterrestrial encounters

of many kinds, like the alien Duke Flimsy of Bootee, galactic wasps, alien ships or

galactic pumpkins. This folk generally doesn’t cause any hassle, if you leave them

alone. There are also mined planets, which you can use to your advantage - that is, if

you know what you’re doing. And the list goes on: “Black Holes”, anti-gravitational

fields, planets, moons and suns will challenge your survival skills. They can be both,

friend or foe.

Planets with an atmosphere will change a weapon’s trajectory by air resistance.

Therefore, while launching a missile, it is a good idea not to let it enter into the

atmosphere in too acute an angle, because the missile will be reducing speed on its

course through the layer of air.

Fig. 13

Keep the course through the atmosphere as short as

possible, in order to reduce course deviation.

If intergalactic wasps roam your planetary system,

aim your shot in such a way that they will not be

annoyed.

Fig.14

Don’t annoy the

wasps by any means!

There have been mines placed on some planets. If a mine is hit by a missile or

similar, it will detonate. In the case of a close density of mines severe chain reactions

may occur, even effecting other planets.

Fig.15

Be very careful here!

Mines are pretty sensitive.

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There are some planetary systems where you cannot immediately see which course

is the best to use when launching a projectile. If you are in such a situation (fig.1.12),

and you do not want to send a seeking rocket, try to send your projectile into orbit

around the system. In

many cases the zoom

function (magnifier

symbols, right above in

the game area) help

over viewing the

situation.

Fig.16

Not all that simple.

To create a latent problem for your opponent you can use your resources also

outside technology, in Mother Nature. A coconut catapulted onto a planet with an

atmosphere can grow into a palm forest, which can easily go up in flames if duties of

forestry are neglected. The suitable weapon (Fire Raiser) would be available for such

a wicked plan.

Fig. 17

Don’t throw out any

lighted cigarettes….

Fig.18

A turbulent scene:

matter whirling

around a black hole

In the neighbourhood of black holes the flight path becomes rather unpredictable.

Therefore you’re better off avoiding it.

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You’re better off leaving any galactic citizens alone, while they’re at home. They will

not be a threat to you, but they have good connections to the main Computer,

responsible for the distribution of points, don’t forget. So, if you hit a citizen’s house

or even the resident himself, you will penalised.

Fig. 19

‘Duke Flimsy of Bootee’

just wants his peace.

It’s for that reason that he

emigrated to a deserted planet.

Fig. 20

Here we have a

pumpkin sleeping

peacefully – yet!

But wait ‘til he wakes up!

In a situation where it is impossible to hit your opponent directly, try this: give the

pumpkin a kick and see the consequences when it approaches the tank close

enough.

If your opponent manages to hit you, or at least near enough, you better change

location. For his next shot could be the last thing you see in this round.

Fig. 21

Man against machine!

Who will survive .

Fig. 22

That was close.

Find your nearest

getaway!

It’s impossible to traverse craters like this. You can use them as a tactic to

temporarily corner your opponent. Smaller burn holes caused by weapons hitting the

surface of a planet will, however, not create any obstacles. It is possible to create a

crater underneath a tank by a skilful shot, an action by which it will ultimately be

buried and destroyed. A very effective operation with a small investment of one of the

cheaper weapons.

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Far, far in space, you don’t only encounter black holes but other exotic phenomenon,

too, like these anti-gravitational fields. These objects have a negative gravitation, a

repelling effect so to say. Well, you will get used to it.

Fig. 23

Within borderline

of physics. An anti-

gravitational field.

Fig. 24

Another representative of

the anti-gravitational fields

The first type of the anti-gravitational fields comes into account only if your PC is fit

enough. Spacetanks decides according to your PC’s capacity, whether it can

produce the graphics for type 1. Both kinds differ merely visually. Nobody is to loose

out on anything.

A planet’s gravity depends on its mass, which will be displayed by moving the mouse

cursor over the planet, while you are doing your settings. The size of a planet stands

in connection with its mass. But don’t forget that when you are dealing with a sphere

(planet) the slightest increase in diameter (volume) will result in a considerably larger

mass.

The symbol showing a brain above the Monitor-Man lets you know that The CPU-

player is contemplating its next move.

Fig. 25

Brain at work

To get an impression of the CPU-player’s strategy, click on >Demo< in the intro at

the very bottom on the right.

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Strategy A-Z

Antenna

The antenna is a vital instrument for remote control use, signals cannot

be sent from tank to projectile without it. (lamp of remote control button

must signal green light)

Antimatter

possesses negative gravitation, which means that it does not attract

but repel a projectile.

Asteroids

An asteroid belt around the home planet offers a certain protection

against enemies, but at the same time, it makes it harder to launch an

attack. Who can afford it, may use the ‘Big Boy’ to throw all asteroids

out of their orbits. Naturally, tanks also sustain damage when hit by an

asteroid.

Atmosphere

If a planet has an atmosphere, then of course the flight path is affected

as a result. You will require extra energy. It also helps to keep the flight

path as short as possible if its course goes through an atmosphere.

Plants only thrive on planets with an atmosphere.

Projectiles

take a so-called ballistic flight path, which differs depending

Flight Path

on the energy used while firing the projectile. The thrust in missiles

results in a different flight path than that of projectiles launched by

impulse. Seeking missiles will always keep correcting their course onto

their targets.

Black Holes

‘are not all that black’, not only Stephen Hawking claims. If your

projectile approaches any of those ‘mass-monsters’, the flight path is

hardly predictable. The closer the projectile shoots past them, the more

it is accelerated. These Black Holes even eject projectiles. But you

never know in what direction.

Damage

Your tank is a construction of various parts. Therefore, different areas

of your tank can be affected when hit. Tank chain, armour, cannon,

chassis. Watch the condition of your tank carefully, and give it a good

repair now and then. Cannon and armour are vital parts of your tank. If

the condition of your tank chain decreases below 10%, your tank will no

longer be operational.

Defensive

Attack is the best means of defence, so they say. You may, e.g., move

to the far side of the planet, or force your opponent to continuously

change his settings by simply keeping in motion ...good luck!

Gravitation

Planets, moons, suns, etc. all have different gravitations. In the ‘Game-

Monitor’ (by moving your mouse over it) you can view a planet’s mass

before launching your weapon. Black Holes have very high gravitation.

Anti-gravitational fields have repelling character.

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Mines

detonate at contact, resulting in chain reactions, effecting even other

planets.

Auxiliary line

Thanks to latest modern technology, the tank commander is able to

Guidance view the first few yards of a projectile’s flight path. This is a great aid for

avoiding big boobs. In conditions where the gravitation in planetary

systems constantly varies (e.g. through moons and rubber planets), the

auxiliary line is updated accordingly. But attention!! the use of this feature

decrease your score and maybe your ranking too! the real SpaceChamp don't need it!

Pumpkins

can become a threat to Spacetanks. Use them to annoy your

opponent! Firing certain weapons at them you can push them closer to

your enemy.

Remote Ctrl

Some weapons are equipped with remote control. Click on the remote

Trigger control button to activate them. (Only works with operational antenna.)

Rubber

Planets

You can make out rubber planets and their moons by the way they

rotate around their own axis. In contrast to normal planets, most

projectiles bounce off here.

Seeking

Seeking missiles should always be launched with extra energy, which

Missiles they will need as they continuously correct their course to their target

after launch. The energy controller can be used here as fuel controller.

Spaceships

In some planetary systems, there are much travelled space routes.

Don’t mistake commuting spaceships with your opponent

it's a pain in the ass if you hit them via projectiles ;-)

Suns

Projectiles do not bounce off here. As soon as they make contact with

the surface of a sun, they incinerate.

Wasps

An especially aggressive species of wasp (Space Wasp). It’s best not

to irritate them!

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The Use of Arms for Future Tank Commanders

This chapter gives you an overview of all the various weapons. In principle, you have

to distinguish between missiles and projectiles. Projectiles are launched by force of

impulse, which means that after their launch they follow the law of gravity. Although

missiles can’t escape the law of gravity, their flight path is different due to the longer

lasting thrust. Seeking missiles, on the other hand, use their fuel for course

corrections while targeting. The bar highlighting the actual weapon in the weapon

purchase control element, changes colours during selection process of different

weapon types.

Blue projectiles

Yellow missiles

Orange seeking missiles

Colours also change accordingly for the auxiliary line button and the auxiliary line

itself. For some weapons, the ‘Monitor-Man’ displays additional symbols, indicating

further qualities of those weapons.

Weapon can be detonated by remote control.

Weapon highly explosive, its destructive force may even form craters.

Weapon extremely explosive

Weapon info and prices are displayed in the ‘Monitor-Man’ by moving the mouse

cursor over the control element ‘buy a weapon’. (In return, you can view the weapon

itself when the cursor is placed over the ‘Monitor-Man’). Points gained with the

penetration caused by a weapon is equivalent to those points lost when your tank is

hit, depending on the condition it is left in. The condition of your tank at any one time

is displayed by moving the cursor over the tank.

List of Weapons:

Rotten Egg Type: Projectile

Minimal damage, minimal cost. Useful to check

settings for your next shot.

Coconut Type: Projectile

Little damage, plants palm trees on planets with an

atmosphere. Strategic advantage: a palm tree forest

restricts an opponent in their mobility, for they receive

damage by bulldozing the trees.

- 23 -

Lady’s Friend Type: Electronic Beaml

Low energy, inaccurate shot, you could easily shoot

yourself in the foot.

Submachine Gun Type: Projectile

Fires a volley of 10 shots, and may therefore be used to

cover an area to some extent.

Chain Glue

Type: Projectile

Spreads a film of glue onto the planet and hinders tanks in

their mobility. You will experience a high consume in fuel

while moving over the glue.

Cluster Bomb Type: Projectile

Deploys up to 5 cluster bombs through a remote control.

Bouncy Ball

Type: Projectile

Rubber projectile, bounces off planets 10 times before

detonating.

TNT-Squib

Type: Projectile

A TNT-charged fire-cracker, jumps 10 times on a planet’s

surface before detonating its special charge.

- 24 -

Trashcan

Type: Projectile

Space trash of a special kind. The trashcan may contain

between 5 and 60 pieces of trash depending on the last

collection day.

Scuttle Robots Type: Projectile

Two small fighting robots equipped with special tools will

emerge from this projectile and set off on the planet.

Fire Raiser

Type: Projectile

Having reached surface it continues burning for a short

time. Interesting weapon in combination with firewood in

the form of palm trees.

Gatling Gun Type: Projectile

Fires a volley of 20 shots in relatively fast intervals, is not

that accurate though.

Yaw Thruster Type: Projectile

Remotely triggered retro missiles. With a bit of cleverness

and skill the projectile should hit the opponent’s tank.

Green Lightning Type: Electronic beam

Medium scaled energy ray.

- 25 -

5 Astro-Killers Type: Projectile

Detonates 5 shots, useful against hindering asteroids.

Tank Buster 1 Type: Projectile

Smallest representative of the burglar family. Penetration

at low cost – the burglar’s way.

Tank Buster 2 Type: Projectile

For the more advanced tank fighter, improved penetration

– value for money.

Tank Crusher Type: Projectile

De luxe model ‘can opener’ for experienced fighters, who

know what they’re doing.

Pepper Caster Type: Projectile

Remote controlled, it releases 30 fragments resulting in

considerably good penetration. Not quite cheap, therefore

rather something for gourmets.

Blue Velvet

Type: Electronic beam

Electronic beam with dangerously high voltage, can cause

serious damage.

- 26 -

Chainbreaker Type: Projectile

Pest control against too many and too much. Two flaming

barrels roll over the planet destroying the tracks of hostile

tanks on contact.

25 Bouncy Balls Type: Projectile

The famous Flubber brought all of his friends. The same

also goes for these: 10 bounces and ‘boom’!

Grenade Thrower Type: Projectile

Fires off 5 volleys each loaded with 5 grenades. Very

effective weapon, but not inexpensive.

Tesla Coil

Type: Projectile

Most effective in causing great damage, if aimed very

close to your opponent. An electronic beam is fired from

the coil onto metal objects. Beware: There is no sensory

mechanism for friend or foe.

Fat Granny

Type: Projectile

Watch out! This weapon’s massive explosion may even

throw asteroids out of their orbits. If your opponent gets his

hands on this explosive, all you’re left to do, is pray.

Silver Surfer

Type: Missile

Missile with a parfume payload. Not without a reason are

they banned. Cheap and effective.

- 27 -

Clusterrocket Type: Missile

Missile with remote ignition, deploys 15 cluster bombs at

the push of a button.

Erna & Berta Type: Seeking Missile

A dynamic duo, “bounces” off planets, occasionally gets in

its own way. Value for money seeking missile and comes

in a twin pack.

Faithhealer

Type: Seeking Missile

Seeking missile with a payload of 10 cluster bombs.

Gravedigger

Type: Seeking Missile

Effective seeking missile with a repelling effect.

Planet Eater Type: Seeking Missile

Repels off planets 10 times leaving permanent impressions

in the form of craters. Also useful for removing unstable

planets.

6 Mavericks

Type: Seeking Missile

If you are fond of missiles, you will like this one. The

launch of this weapon deploys 6 seeking missiles with a

repelling effect. A six-pack of a special kind.

- 28 -

Ranks

Climbing the ladder is not that easy. But so that you know your way up, here is a list

of the various Spacetank-ranks.

1. Private

2. Private II

3. Private 1st Class

4. Specialist

5. Corporal

6. Sergeant

7. Staff Sergeant

8. Sergeant 1st Class

9. Master Sergeant

10. First Sergeant

11. Sergeant Major

12. Command Sgt. Major

13. Sgt. Army Major

14. Warrant Officer

15. C.W. Officer II

16. C.W. Officer III

17. C.W. Officer IV

18. C.W. Officer V

19. Second Lieutenant

20. First Lieutenant

21. Captain

22. Major

23. Lieutenant Colonel

24. Colonel

25. Brigadier General

26. Major General

27. Lieutenant General

28.

General

29. General of the Army

30. Space-Champion

Points

For the calculation of points, the Computer watches your every step applying certain

rules and conditions. For example: Did you use the auxiliary line (

e

deduction),

defeat your opponent with the first shot of the round (“Hole in One”,

e

bonus),

manage to survive the aliens (Wasps, Spaceships) (

e

bonus).. The Computer, by

the way, may also succeed with the “Hole in One”, a bull’s-eye with the first shot,

which can lead to promotion for the CPU-player.

Frequent saving and loading comes to the Main Computer’s dislike (

e

deduction).

If you defeat your opponent using a precision weapon (e.g. Tank Buster) the

Computer will give you a higher reward than for using surface weapons (e.g. Cluster

Bombs, Tesla-Coil).

The man on the planet is an old friend of the Main Computer, so should you target a

hit on his house or the man himself you will have to endure a point deduction.

The number of defeated opponents will also influence the score board. The higher

the number of defeats, the higher the score.

The difficulty level will also be considered by the Computer. A higher difficulty level

will, therefore, earn you more points.

A series of victories will be marked with a higher score. So, a robust tank can really

pay off. If a player succeeds in defeating an opponent who is in possession of a

stronger tank, it will earn him hard cash.

- 29 -

Credits

We thank everyone who has participated in the development of Spacetanks:

PressPlayOnTape, Spacetanks title

music in trailer video

http://www.pressplayontape.com

Daniel Renner aka da_duke

[DBKI], video trailer

(graphics + rendering)

http://www.dbki.de

Game Development:

Game engine, coding Stefan Nagel

Game graphics Jens Grabow

Additional coding Florian Schwindling

Sound engine, coding, sound-FX,

Music (composed+arranged), Booklet Christian Nagel

Booklet Translation German into English Sonja Matz

Concept Yawthrust

Testing Stefan Nagel,

Christian Nagel,

Jens Grabow,

Florian Schwindling

Level-Design Your Computer ;-)

SpaceTanks A game by YAWTHRUST…

http://www.lunarleisureliving.com

http://www.yawthrust.com