METAL MUTANT

INTRODUCTION

Constructed by the computer genius, Grand Master Isaac, the Arod 7 Management
Computer was invented to control the actions of many colonists throughout the
galaxy. In its unwavering pursuit of creating a peaceful and harmonious
colony, the systems of this machine became intolerable for thousands of
inhabitants, leading to the rise of rebellious factions against the arrogant
and intolerant computer.

As human free will perished under the harsh regime, strengthening Arod's
position, the future of the colonists and the freedom of oppressed planets
was taken into the hands of the rebellion leader, Kenrae. In his
preparations, he was mentally linked with the best creation of the rebels'
technology - the Metal Mutant.

Designed for combat in any terrain, the Mutant can take on one of three
forms, each adapted for performing different tasks. Additionally, despite the
fact that the current capabilities of the Mutant far exceed those of its
predecessors, they can be expanded in the future. Armed to the teeth,
possessing the strength of an entire army of humans and the intelligence of
the greatest scholars in the universe, the Mutant was deemed the last hope of
the galaxy in the fight against Arod 7. According to spies, Arod's system is
located in a complex on the planet Kronax and is constantly patrolled by
dangerous creatures. The Mutant's power capabilities make it capable of
defeating enemies, but it is unknown how it will handle a series of difficult
tests requiring a sharp mind, set along the way by Arod's creator, Isaac.
What these tests entail is kept in strict secrecy, but it is known that
before the evil tyrant is defeated, every area of the planet must be cleansed
of its disgusting contents, and all tests completed.

GAMEPLAY

The game Metal Mutant is a challenging test of skill, featuring 130 different
locations. Controlling the Mutant, each game screen must be completed, and
its enemy content neutralized before access to the next area is granted. The
Mutant is controlled via a joystick or keyboard, allowing it to be commanded
to move left or right and to jump over obstacles. Directions combined with
the pressed fire button activate the Mutant's weapons or transform between
its three forms.

Depending on which form of the Mutant is currently in use, access to
different weapons is granted, such as a laser cannon, bite, or powerful
strike. Initially, the Mutant is not fully equipped, but its capabilities
will increase as the game progresses. Arod 7 populates individual areas with
forty different species of alien beings and machines. Thanks to assistance
displayed in the form of a computer interface below the game screen, it is
known what type of weapon is needed to pass a specific location.

CONTROLS

The joystick without the fire button pressed directs the movement of the 
Mutant. The joystick with the fire button pressed activates one of the
following combat actions (if the Mutant is equipped with the appropriate KYO 
cartridge):

     CYBORG      Jump
                  |
          Rope    |    Power
               \_ | _/
                 \|/
   Move back -----+----- Battle axe
                _/|\_
               /  |  \
          Save    |    Trident
                  |
          Transform to Dino

     DINO       Flame
                  |
     Cyberstyx    |    Hypnotic ray
               \_ | _/
                 \|/
   Move back -----+----- Bite
                _/|\_
               /  |  \
    Tail flame    |    Shield
                  |
          Transform to Tank

    TANK      Fire up
                  |
 Fire diagonal    |    Fire diagonal
               \_ | _/
                 \|/
   Move back -----+----- Fire forward
                _/|\_
               /  |  \
         Radar    |    Torpedo
                  |
         Transform to Cyborg

The numeric keypad replaces the joystick's directional functions, and the
SHIFT key acts as the fire button.

The F1, F2, and F3 keys summon the three forms of the Mutant, and the ESC key
pauses the game.

SAVE GAME STATE

The state can only be saved in specific locations within the game. To do
this, one must connect to the ALOG survival module using the CYBORG mode. The
game can then be loaded from the main program menu.

STARTING THE GAME

The game begins with the START command from the DOS command line.

TECHNICAL PROBLEMS

Problem: The program hangs during startup.

Solution: Increase the amount of free conventional memory. The current size
of free conventional memory can be checked with the DOS command MEM /C and
looking at the line titled "Conventional." The "Free" column should be above
620kB.

Problem: The program hangs during sound effects playback.

Solution: The cause is an inappropriate sound card. The game should be run
without sound using the command START S.

Problem: The program works poorly with the connected joystick.

Solution: The cause is an inappropriate joystick. To rule out that the
program is malfunctioning, the game should be run using the command START J.

JOHN BOLTON

Our cover artist, John Bolton, gained fame in the comic world thanks to his
graphic stories and cover illustrations. Born in London, he studied graphic
design at Eastham Technical College, where he created his first comic, IANA,
consisting of one hundred A2-sized drawings.

John drew for British magazines HALLS OF HORROR and WARRIOR. In the early
1980s, he illustrated for Marvel