Maelstrom  (1983 - CommData)
Platform: Commodore 64
Gametype: Undefined
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Decent Centipede clone from 1983, released by Comm*Data, and probably coded by Mike Blackman. Also for the VIC-20. 

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MANUAL:

A cosmic storm has all but destroyed the Earth leaving a new world of unknown creatures and a perpetual nuclear storm. You, the sole known survivor of mankind, have managed to build a small fortress which is attacked nightly by mutant worker drones streaming from above. Add to this the hazards of being stuck by nuclear lightning or being crushed by a damaged robot - how long can you survive the MAELSTROM?

Start the game by choosing the level you wish by using the function keys on the keyboard. F1 is easiest, F7 is SUICIDE. Manoeuver your laser-equipped fortress by using the joystick. Fire your laser with the fire button. Mutant drones will begin streaming out at the upper left. They will zig-zag back and forth, being deflected by the edges of the screen and dead drones. Use your laser to blast the drones before they reach you. You may also blast the drones' bodies once they turn orange, thus clearing the field and giving yourself a clearer shot.

Occasionally a damaged robot will be seen thrashing about near the bottom of the screen. Shoot this robot with your laser if you can - CAREFUL - it can crush your laser base!

Nuclear lightning will totally destroy everything in its path - you will know it is about to strike when you hear distant thunder rumbling. Just before lightning strikes, the sky will develop a yellowish spot - this is where the lightning originates. Do not allow your laser base to be struck!

Your score for the current game is displayed on the upper left of the screen. The current high score is displayed on the upper right of the screen. You will be allowed three laser bases per game (with a fourth being awarded for scores in excess of 10000). Points are scored for shooting the damaged robot (200); for shooting each drone body when it turns orange (25). Start each new game by first selecting the level you wish.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix3BdpxjWyI
