A game for IBM and compatibles, including XT, and IBM AT (6 MHZ)
and IBM model 30's. Anything faster may run too fast.
Strategic Defense Initiative
SDI (Strategic Defense Initiative) is a very controversial
and difficult subject to discuss. Especially since everyone,
including myself, likes to believe that the Soviet Union is truly
changing. However, the changes are taking place slowly, and
there is still a lack of trust on both sides. Too many people
still remember the cold war. So there is, unfortunately, still
tension between the US and the USSR.
At first, a computer controlled defense system that would
provide an impenetrable shield against nuclear missiles seemed
like wonderful idea, an idea that could actually make nuclear
weapons obsolete. However, when people began to think about the
technology that "Star Wars" would require, many became skeptical.
Scientists, programmers, and engineers began to figure out what
would be necessary for such a system, and soon came to the
conclusion that we don't yet have the technology necessary to
make SDI one hundred percent effective. Obviously, a defense
against nuclear missiles is worthless unless it is completely
effective, because if only one missile were to get through, there
could be millions of people killed.
The Russians began to protest the development of SDI
because, while it may not be a good defense, it would surely
strengthen the United States offensively. The Soviets are opposed
to SDI for several reasons, one of them being that SDI would
remove their first strike capability. If they launched their
missiles first, and we had the ability to shoot most of them down
before they hit American missile bases, the Soviets would be at
our mercy. Since a few missiles would probably have gotten
through, a US retaliation might seem justified, and the US could
simply blow them away.
Some people think that SDI is worthless because the Soviets
are working on an SDI-like system of their own. True, if both
sides build SDI, SDI's usefulness is doubtful. However, if the
Soviets build a space based defense system, and we don't, I think
we would be in serious trouble. So personally, I think we have
no choice but to develop an SDI system, even though it may not be
100% efficient.
If you want to find out more about the subject, go to your
library and read back issues of TIME, US News and World Report,
and The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, and other magazines.
No two articles will agree in every point, so you'll have to
decide for yourself what your position on this controversial
subject will be.
I am aware that the SDI system will require many
satellites, but it was easier to program with just one. Protect
the satellite from anti-SDI missiles that will attempt to rise
above the satellite and destroy it from behind.
The scoring system was designed to give the player the
priorities that SDI might have. According to my research, the
missile bases would probably get first priority. (Scary, isn't
it?) Actually, missile bases and military installations would
logically be the Soviet's high priority targets. Protecting the
missile bases is vital to doing well in the game. Missile bases
appear as red or magenta cities.
Missiles come from three areas:
1. Over the horizon. These were launched in the USSR.
2. From the right lower corner. These were launched
from a Soviet Sub off the coast of Florida.
3. From the left middle side. These were launched by a
Soviet Bear-H bomber. SDI can vaporize the bomber,
so, it is a good idea to take care of it right away.
Otherwise, it will fly over California and end the
writers strike.
HOW TO PLAY
To move your cross hair, use the CURSOR keys. Pressing the
SHIFT key and one of these keys simultaneously will make the
cross hair move in larger increments. You use this feature to
zip from one side of the screen to the other. (If you have one
of those new keyboards with the new cursor keys, don't use the
NEW cursor keys, since they won't work with the shift key. Use
the old cursor keys, the ones on the number pad)
On all IBM/compatibles, if you have NUM-LOCK turned on, the
function of the shift key will be REVERSED.
To destroy a missile, move your cross hair to the front of
the missile's trail. When you have it lined up, press the "Z"
KEY (think "Zap") to fire your satellite's laser.
The easiest way to position your hands is to place your left
index finger on the "Z" KEY (for firing) and your left middle or
ring finger (depending on the keyboard you have) on the left
SHIFT key. Use your right hand to press the CURSOR keys.
After the United States retaliates, the post-war scenario
will be displayed. Press return to continue. If your score was
high enough, (or low enough) you will be asked to enter your
name. You can enter your full name or anything up to 20
characters. Your score will be recorded to disk, and will appear
on the top ten list, flashing to show your rank. It is possible
to get a negative score. If it is low enough, you will have the
distinction of having the title of "Worst Player Ever". (a joke)
After a while, you may want to re-initialize the high score
file. To do this, just erase the file SDI_HIGH.SCR
Have fun with this game! Since the thought of a nuclear war
is not exactly the most entertaining notion, I put a different
twisted quote or saying at the beginning of each game.
Above all, don't take this game too seriously!
If you would like source code, send a formatted disk (5.25 inch)
and a self addressed stamped disk mailer. If you like the game
or have suggestions for improvements, or, if you are strongly
for or against SDI, write to;
Georg Zimmer (No, I didn't forget the 'e' after Georg)
Varsity Village B-6
Greenville SC 29609
