TERRAPIN for Sinclair Spectrum
by Ian M. Collier
from Your Computer, March 1985

Tired of Ken Livingstone's newt? Try Ian Collier's Terrapin.


Terrapin is a machine-code game for any Spectrum. It features high-
resolution movement, colour graphics, sound effects and a high score
table.

First, to set up the program, type in the first machine-code listing.
The data is carefully checksummed so that virtually any error will be
detected. If a length error occurs when you RUN the program, check the
left- and right-hand columns of the line concerned. The error will be
between the last correct number - or letter - and the first wrong one.
In the case of a checksum error the position is more vague but,
generally, the larger the difference the further along the line it is.
There is always the possibility that you have typed in the checksum
wrongly - this is the first six digits. When this new program runs
without errors, save it - just in case - and type NEW. The program
will disappear but not the code.


Run completed version

Enter the second program and RUN it in the same way, then save it. 
Type NEW again and enter the short Basic listing. The whole program
can now be saved by RUN 9000. It will almost certainly be error free
because of the checksum. 

You can now RUN the completed version. If you switched off at any time
between typing, LOAD and RUN the machine-code listings before typing
in and saving the completed version.

The control options will appear on the screen. The keyboard option
uses keys QWER and T - left, right, up and down and bomb respectively
- which is perhaps a little awkward, but was easier to program and you
may be in practice already from using other programs. If you wish to
use the cursor keys, press 2 and get the Cursor joystick option. When
you are ready press 0 to start. The object of the game is to stay away
from the red bugs and to save as many baby terrapins as possible. You
do this by entering a question mark.


Go on to next level

A baby terrapin will probably climb onto your back. You must take it
home by passing through the house which appears. However, if you are
unlucky, another bug will emerge and you have to get away as quickly
as possible. In the eight question marks there are two bugs and six
babies. When you have helped all six you go on to the next level,
which is the same, but a little more difficult and a different colour.

You get 100 points for entering a question mark containing a baby, 150
points for taking the baby back home, 50 points for stunning a bug and
80 points for entering a question mark containing a bug. If you get a
high score you are asked to enter your name.

The levels differ in the method of controlling the bugs. They start
off random and become more attracted to you as you finish each level.

