Malagai [Model ASC 1001]

43 Years old Atari 2600 cart. ASC [Answer Soft. Corp.]

Malagai © 1983 Answer Software Corporation.

Help Commander Harrington Crag of the starship 'Endless Search' escape the hot pursuit of the MALAGAI. A game that offers different playing speeds and strategy levels that is sure to challenge your mind and skills. Get ready to enjoy the action! This is the first of ANSWER SOFTWARE's new and exciting series of video game cartridges designed specifically for user programmability.

You are put into a Malagai base for repairs but now the Malagai are holding you ransom. They want your advanced technology.

There are three airlock doors per starbase. You must get the correct key for each door. Each is held by one of three Malagai. The order of which Malagai is holding which key is shown by the pictures above the starbase.

If you are away from your assigned compartment for too long, as indicated by the line at the bottom of the screen, the Malagai will attack and you will need to return to your compartment to make them friendly again. When you touch a Malagai and, if it is the correct one, get the airlock door key, the Malagai will attack and the airlock will flash, on most game variations (see below). You must then make your way to the airlock. One door will disappear and the Malagai will become friendly again. After you open the third door, it is off to the next starbase.

Game Variations:
Version 1: All the Malagai have different shapes and colors
Version 2: All the Malagai have the same shape but different colors
Version 3: All Malagai are the same shape and color and the airlocks do not blink to show you got the right key.

TECHNICAL

Model ASC 1001

Difficulty switches set to B=10 seconds from compartment before Malagai attack
Difficulty switches set to A=15 seconds from compartment before Malagai attack

SCORING

Touch a Malagai while they're friendly = 100 points (50 point bonus if it has the correct key)
Open airlocks one or two = 100 points
Open airlock three to exit starbase orange or teal = 150 points
Open airlock three to exit blue starbase = 250 points

TIPS AND TRICKS

* When you are trying to catch a MALAGAI they will run from you. You can use this to your advantage by 'herding' them towards the airlocks to increase your chances of reaching the airlocks before being captured.

* After you have captured a MALAGAI, they will begin to chase you. You may have to lead them away from your true destination temporarily to get them out of the immediate vicinity of the airlocks or compartment.

* Keep your eye on the time line at the bottom of the screen. If you are running out of time, return to your compartment quickly so as not to lose a crewmember - and you will regain additional time.

* When you capture (make contact on the screen) a MALAGAI, immediately point the joystick in the direction you wish to go in order to reach the airlock in time - you are only allowed a small head start and if you take too long you will be captured immediately!

STAFF

👥

Programmer: Mike Wentz

SOURCES

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ROM dump (MAME).