ZIPZAPS
The object of the game is a fairly simple one, that being to destroy the four droids (or zaps) on each of
the forty levels of the game. You play the part of zip ( which, on starting, is the object at the centre
of the screen). Zip can be moved in four directions only, these being North, South, East and West.
To move Zip a joystick must be connected to port 2. The fire button has no function in this game.
As you move Zip an energy line will be laid directly beneath Zip in the direction of movement. If Zip
is moved again then a second energy line is laid, joining up with the first one (and so on).
On the laying of the fourth energy line the first one will immediately disappear. This is because Zip
can only supply the energy for four lines and no more.
The Zaps (so called because they fire) are Droids whose sole occupation is to destroy Zip. On each
level there are four Zaps.
Each Zap in a level is programmed to follow a particular path on the screen. These paths are usually
different for each Zap. Zaps also possess shields (except on the early levels) which must be destroyed
before the Zap can be destroyed. A blue coloured Zap has no shields, an orange Zap has one shield and
a red Zap has two shields. You will also find that on later levels the missiles (which the Zaps fire)
will increase in speed and tracking ability.
So, I hear you ask, how do you destroy Zaps? Well, it goes something like this. The only way that Zip
can destroy a Zap is to surround it on all sides by energy lines. This can only be achieved if the energy
lines are laid to form a box. In so doing the energy line (forming the box) breaks down destroying
anything within the box. However, enclosing two or more Zaps in a box will have no effect on them.
A box must only contain one Zap to have any effect. If the boxed Zap has a shield then the Zap will not
be destroyed but the shield will be lost. Note also that all Zaps must be brought down to the same shield
level before boxing will have any more effect. i.e. boxing a blue Zap will have no effect if there are
still orange or red Zaps remaining.
Although Zip is allowed to pass over energy lines they must be at right angles to Zip's motion.
If an energy line is laid directly on top of another energy line then they shall break down resulting in
Zip's destruction!
If Zip collides with a Zap or wreckage (from a destroyed Zap) then Zip will be destroyed.
To progress to the next level all four Zaps must be destroyed. After two levels have been completed
an extra life is awarded.
Scoring is based on the time taken to complete the level and the shield strength of the destroyed zaps.
Well, that's everything I think you will need to know. Goodluck!