The BBC and Master Computer Public Domain Library
REBEL PLANET
Professional, Originally Released On Cassette Only
Game Type : Text Adventure (Rated Moderate)
Author : Brian Howarth
Standalone Release(s) : 1986: REBEL PLANET, Adventure International, £7.99
Compilation Release(s) : None
Stated compatibility : Electron
Actual compatibility : Electron
Supplier : ADVENTURE INTERNATIONAL, 85 Summer Street, BIRMINGHAM
B19 3TE
Disc compatibility : Unknown
Instructions
"F"ighting "F"antasy/Adventure International UK Ltd.
"As the might of the alien Arcadian Empire tightens its hold on our galaxy, the leaders of the secret Earth organisation, SAROS, gather their slender resources into one last daring and fooolhardy mission to strike at the heart of the invaders' home planet.
"YOU are their last hope. Equipped with a forbidden laser sword, your mission is to seek out the underground resistance and piece together the vital code you need to destroy the enemy. But time is running out and only YOU stand in the way of the Arcadians' complete domination of the galaxy!"
Mission Background
As the mighty alien Arcadian Empire tightens its hold on the galaxy, the leaders of the secret Earth organisation SAROS gather their slender resources into one last daring and foolhardy mission to strike at the heart of the invaders' home planet.
Preparing for your secret mission has been a long and patient task. The Search And Research Of Space organisation (SAROS) has had to change; although it has been doing all it can to overthrow the strangle-hold of the Arcadian Empire.
A full scale military attack is out of the question and the only hope of success is a solo mission to destroy the Arcadian's queen computer which controls and organises the minds of the Arcadian troops.
You are the perfect choice for the mission: you are courageous, resourceful and dedicated to liberation.
Your cover is excellent; you will travel as a merchant to the planets Troops, Halmurus and Arcadion all of which form part of the Arcadian Empire.
On board the merchant ship CAYDIA you will discover many useful items for your mission, not least of which is a laser sword. (Warning - deactivate the laser when not in use!)
SAROS has been able to send spies on ahead to gather information before your arrival - find these contacts for new data.
The building that houses the queen computer on the planet Arcadion can be entered by using a numerical code of nine binary digits. (Binary digits are either 0 or 1; so, 110 would be three binary digits.) The underground spy networks may know something to help you discover these digits.
You must locate the rebel leaders, learn the digits, then destroy the queen computer before it destroys you!
Conducting Your Mission
REBEL PLANET has an extensive vocabulary of words (approx. 400) which you can use to enter player COMMANDS.
To enter a COMMAND, just type in what you want to do, to give you an example, some possible commands are listed below:
GET SCANNER DROP THE CARD
EXAMINE THE SCREEN WEAR THE LIMCOM
GO WEST AND EAST THEN OPEN THE DOOR REMOVE THE LIMCOM
PRESS THE RED BUTTON CLIMB THE STAIRS
ATTACK THE POLICER WITH THE LASER DROP WENCH IN THE KUBE
ASK THE DROID FOR HELP TALK TO THE HOTELIER
GET CAPSULE FROM KUBE
These are just a few simple COMMANDS but as you can see, they range from simple two word (VERB-NOUN) instructions to multiple action COMMANDS. Phrases of multiple nouns should be separated from each other with the use of AND or by a comma:-
GET THE DELTRACTOR AND THE DISK
GET THE WRENCH, THE CRYSTAL AND THE BOOK
Several separate actions may be included in one COMMAND but actions should be separated by a comma or the word THEN. If a noun is repeated in an ation, the noun may be replaced with the word IT:-
GET THE BATTERY THEN EXAMINE IT
DROP THE LASER AND THE TICKETS THEN GO DOWN
DROP ALL THEN GO SOUTH
OPEN THE DOOR, GET THE GRENADE AND THEN PULL THE PIN
The use of the word THE is optional and no full stops are needed to end a COMMAND.
If you are new to playing adventures then stick to two word (VERB/NOUN) COMMANDS until you get the feel of the game; you will then find that the computer will soon tell you if you type a COMMAND it doesn't understand.
Special Command Words
LOOK - This will redescribe your current loaction. (For a close inspection of an object use the word EXAMINE then the name of the object)
I or INVENTORY - This will tell you what you are carrying.
WEAR - This together with an object name allows you to wear an item.
REMOVE - You can remove a worn object with this command.
QUIT - This command will ask you if you want to plaay again and also ask if you want to RESTORE a saved game.
SAVE GAME - This allows you to save the current game position. The saved game position may be reloaded by using the quit command, the answering YES to "Do you want to restore a saved game mission?"
WAIT - There are times in the game where being able to wait has distinct advantages. This command will let the game move on one move - longer waits can be entered by WAIT 5; WAIT 10; WAIT 20: These commands can be useful when you have missed the bneuma-tube on Halmurus.
ADVANCE CT & RETARD CT see hints on play.
Travelling And Exploration
We have already seen examples like GO NORTH AND THEN WEST but to save on the old fingers abbreviations can also be used for directions:- N, S, E, NW etc. also U for up and D for down.
Hints On Play
The Caydia has a pre-programmed flight plan (examine screen for further data) which is controlled by CAYDIA TIME or CT for short. So; not only are you fighting to accomplish a dire mission but you have the CT factor to consider as well - the Caydia could take off without you! You will find that you have the means to monitor CT but you will also have two special COMMANDS that could be invaluable as the game progresses.
ADVANCE CT and RETARD CT
The ship's clock can, at certain times, be adjusted to speed up or slow down the CAYDIA's countdown sequence. ADVANCE CT will move time on, RETARD CT will move the clock back.
WARNING: RETARD CT can only be used once during your mission to delay the ship's take-off to the next planet! This is due to the Zorton crixium configuration or put another way, we don't want to make things too easy now, do we?
Ensure that both personal status levels are replenished before leaving the ship, carrying a spare HCAP is recommended.
The ARCADIANS have banned humans from carrying weapons, therefore unless you plan on using a weapon, keep it out of sight of the Officials.
Remember to TALK to people (even some ARCADIANS might listen to you). At times this can give you valuable clues.
Finally, examine everything for clues or information on use etc. Brains can sometimes be more effective than brawn, and lets face it, SAROS reckon you are their number 1 agent, so take it away MAESTRO!
REBEL PLANET "How?" Cheat Sheet
Look up the item you are stuck on in the index of objects. The description will describe what each object does. But, for the real cheats out there, I tell lies!
HOW?
ARCESS CARD Insert to purchase
ALLOY STRIP Soft and bendable
ANALGESIC AMPOULE A comfort to the dying
ARCADIAN PATROL Best avoided if the odds are against you
ATOMIC BATTERY Needed in the Queen Computer Room
ARCADIAN BIBLE Reading material for a lonely galactic traveller
AGRICULTURAL STATION You'll need directions to get there: probe ahead
ARCADIAN OFFICER Do your duty. Pay taxes and do exactly as they suggest
ANGRY ARCADIANS Impress them with your generosity. Give tickets
ARSENAL Attack with burning laser
BLACK BOOK Interesting reading
BRANCH Carrying this will be good exercise
BONES A mouth-watering treat for someone
BUTTONS Avoid the red. Examine all openings before you enter
BASE FENCE Needs disabling & cutting. Meet Professor first!
BATTERY Remove from Limcom. Implant in Elmonite
COFFEE Tastes like all vending machine coffee - treacely mud!
COS-MOP Buy everything
CABLE-CUTTERS Easy!
CONSOLE Contains an exit
CRYSTAL A sonic opener. Tap with the fork
CAYDIA Don't change course
CRAG-SNAPPER Likes a good tune
COMPUTIK Insert card in Computik
CELL Bend bars with wrench & leave with burning laser
DISPLAY CASE The glass will melt. Use sword
DELTRACTOR Removes covers especially in vandalised visiphone booth
DYING MAN Inject ampoule into man
DROID Programmed to maintain functioning star-ship
DORADO The shadow will help you with the password
DISPENSER Insert card into dispenser - regularly
DUSTMAN DROID You'll never catch him - he cleans away items left in the complex
DISK Insert in vandalised visi-phone
ELMONITE The answer to your problems
FUEL CAPSULE Will refuel a domian rat trap - but little else
GRILLE Can only be opened by pressing yellow button. Examine the passage first
GUARD MUSEUM Easily bribed with the chuckling stuff
GUARD ARSENAL Attack with burning laser
GRAVITY BOMB Not to be used in normal gravity
HATCH Press I.H. which means Inner Hatch to open and close O.H. which means Outer Hatch
HAL-WOLF Hungry - but short on patience. Give dog a bone
HOTEL RECEPTION Help the wounded. Examine the fist and even the
(TROPOS) desk
HOTEL RECEPTION Read the adverts on the pneumo-tube
(HALMURIS)
HCAP Concentrated protein. Carry a spare
HALMURIAN BREW Don't drink it! Give it to someone who needs a laugh!
HALMKEY Opens alcove
HOVER CAR A quick ride home. Do as you're told
IMPALED HEAD Wear mind-probe after making sure you have all you need to continue
IMPERIAL CODE BOOK Unbelievably difficult to find, good thing you won't need it. Now stop cheating!
JET PACK Refuel - wear, pull joystick to cross river, get to cave and get to small building.
KEY (HOTEL) Would you believe it unlocks the hotel room?
LIMCOM Press button. S.S for Ship Status, P.S. for Personal Status, I.H. for open and close Inner Hatch and O.H. for open and close Outer Hatch.
LIMPET MINE Kills 99% of household limpets!
LITE KUBE Examine it to set what's inside. Drop things in the kube. Get things from the kube. Anti-gravity makes them lighter so you can carry more!
LASER SWORD Activate to use, de-activate when not in use to avoid over-heating and exploding
MIND PROBE Wear it when with impaled head to communicate
MESSAGE FROM UNDERGROUND Follow the message after viewing tropean temple which has five circles over the door (00000 = X010X = 010)
MUSEUM Don't fight here!
OPENING IN SEWER Fire rope gun and climb
PASSENGER Talk to the poor, demented alien twice then ask for help
PNEUMA-TUBE Buy a pass, get on and wait for your stop
POLICIER Odds on you'll have to be prepared to attack before he summons help! Activate the laser before you get here
PASSAGE FROM INTEROGATION Examine before entering
GATION
PHOSPHATE STROBE Serpents hate intense flashing lights - so switch it on!
PAPER Read it in the precinct and muse
PHASER Dr. Spock probably beamed up without it!
PHOTON GRENADE Limited explosion. Perhaps a little too limited!
PHONIC FORK Try tapping the crystal in the presence of sonic sensors
PANTANIUM POWER PAK Aids fence disablement
PASSWORD (DORADO) Shadow has it - Give Staff
PASSWORD (TROPOS) Well, who did send you?
QUEEN COMPUTER Set your explosive, get out fast and wait for the sound of the explosion before you return
ROPE GUN Shoot it when you come across an opening
RIVER Cross with Jet Pak
REGENERATION UNIT Use it to build up energy. The unit burns up protein so be sure your protein level can take the strain!
ROTUND HOTELIER Ask for... (Read the ad on the Pneuma-tube)
SPACEPORT Go Caydia - if it's still there!
SEWERS Remove sewer cover in visi with the deltractor
SERPENT Switch strobe on - or run for it!
SECURITY ROBOT Throw blanket over the robot
SCANNER View scanner in dark cave
SCOOTER It's not functioning - no parts availble - besides, you won't need it on this trip
SEWER COVER Remove with deltractor. The question is which one?
SMALL DISK Insert in vandalised visi-phone
SHINY METAL Grag-snappers like collecting rubbish
STAFF Give to shadow
SPY MISSILE Crag-snappers like collecting rubbish
SHADOW Give Staff
TICKETS Give to impress angry arcadians
TWEEZERS Bend strip - will fit battery back in Limcom
TUBE PASS To ride
TIN Fuel for jet
TRAVEL VALET Talk to Valet
UNIVERSITY DOOR Tap crystal with fork
UNDERGROUND H.Q. Climb rope
VALET Talk to Valet
VISI PHONE Insert card and give number required. If listed, you'll be connected. If not, it will be foxed
WRENCH Bend bars in the cell with the wrench and climb out
WIRE Connect to power pak at the fence
ZELTA BLANKET Throw over security robot
WARNING: Over-indulgence can spoil your fun!
REBEL PLANET "Where?" Cheat Sheet
Look up the item you are stuck on in the index of objects. The description next to it will describe where each particular object can be found. But, for the real cheats out there, I tell lies!
WHERE?
ARCESS CARD Goodies from the Travel Valet
ALLOY STRIP In Cargo Hold
ANALGESIC AMPOULE Goodies from the Travel Valet
ARCADIAN PATROL In Restricted Area
ATOMIC BATTERY Inside Limcom (Remove Back)
ARCADIAN BIBLE Hotel Bedroom, Halmuris
AGRICULTURAL STATION On the Tundra, Halmuris
ARCADIAN OFFICER At the Customs, Tropos
ANGRY ARCADIANS Space Complex, Tropos
ARSENAL In the Queen Computer Building, Arcadion
BLACK BOOK Examine the decapitated police officer
BRANCH By the river, Tundra
BONES Under the museum. Melt glass with laser.
BUTTONS Policer's Desk
BASE FENCE One location from Tundra Station.
BATTERY On your wrist. Remove Limcom and remove back!
COFFEE In the University
COS-MOP N, NE from Sewer cover
CABLE-CUTTERS In the University
CONSOLE Policer's Desk
CRYSTAL In the museum
CRAG-SNAPPER In the cave across the river
COMPUTIK On the station platform
CELL Exactly where you don't want to be
DISPLAY CASE In the museum
DELTRACTOR In the cos-mop
DYING MAN In the hotel, Trosleeze
DROID On board the good ship Caydia
DORADO Outside the agricultural station
DISPENSER On board the good ship Caydia
DUSTMAN DROID It moves around a lot
DISK In the dead man's fist
ELMONITE In the arsenal
FUEL CAPSULE In the lite kube
GRILLE In the interrogation room passage
GUARD MUSEUM Guarding a door beneath the museum
GUARD ARSENAL Guarding weapons arsenal
GRAVITY BOMB In the arsenal
HATCH On board the good ship Caydia
HAL-WOLF Across the river, Tundra
HOTEL RECEPTION In the hotel, Trosleeze
(TROPOS)
HOTEL RECEPTION In the hotel, Zoddi
(HALMURIS)
HCAP In the on-board refreshment dispenser
HALMURIAN BREW In the alcove at the Zoddi hotel
HALMKEY Hidden on the stone steps
HOVER CAR Outside the agricultural station
IMPALED HEAD Across the river, Tundra
IMPERIAL CODE BOOK Hidden in the Romantio Gardens
JET PACK In the lite kube
KEY (HOTEL) The Rotund Hotelier has it
LIMCOM On your wrist. Remove Limcom and remove back!
LIMPET MINE In the arsenal
LITE KUBE In the passenger cabin
LASER SWORD In your cabin
MIND PROBE In the crag-snappers' lair
MESSAGE FROM In the Underground H.Q.
UNDERGROUND
MUSEUM South from Hallis
OPENING IN SEWER From your fall SE, N, N, E, S.
PASSENGER On board the good ship Caydia
PNEUMA-TUBE Calling at all stations, Halmuris
POLICIER The interrogation room
PASSAGE FROM INTEROGATION Press blue button
PHOSPHATE STROBE In the cos-mop
PAPER In the Underground H.Q.
PHASER In the arsenal
PHOTON GRENADE In the arsenal
PHONIC FORK In the alcove at the Zoddi Hotel
PANTANIUM POWER PAK In the passenger cabin
PASSWORD (DORADO) With the shadow
PASSWORD (TROPOS) Obvious!
QUEEN COMPUTER On Arcadion
ROPE GUN In the cos-mop
RIVER On the Tundra, Halmuris
REGENERATION UNIT In your cabin
ROTUND HOTELIER In the hotel Zoddi
SPACEPORT Where the Caydia docks
SEWERS Beneath the city of Tropos
SERPENT Through the sewers
SECURITY ROBOT In the museum cellars
SCANNER Goodies from the Travel Valet
SCOOTER In cargo hold
SEWER COVER One in the precinct, one in out-of-order visiphone
SMALL DISK In the dead man's fist
SHINY METAL In the crag-snappers' lair
STAFF Past the hal-wolf
SPY MISSILE In the crag-snappers' lair
SHADOW On the Tundra, Halmuris
TICKETS Goodies from the Travel Valet
TWEEZERS In Cargo Hold
TUBE PASS In the Computik
TIN Examine the dome-shaped boulder
TRAVEL VALET In the airlock
UNIVERSITY DOOR South at Yoto
UNDERGROUND H.Q. Through the sewers
VALET In the airlock
VISI PHONE On Tropos and Halmuris
WRENCH A gift from impressionable Arcadians
WIRE In the museum cellars
ZELTA BLANKET Hotel Bedroom, Halmuris
WARNING: Over-indulgence can spoil your fun!
Instructions' Source : REBEL PLANET (Adventure International) Inner Inlay
Review (Electron User) - "Space Capers"
When I was in the salad days of my youth, I enjoyed curling up with a copy of a Biggles or Jennings book. Nowadays, it seems, most 12-year-olds idle away their time reading Jackson and Livingstone Fighting Fantasy adventures. How I longed to see Biggles on TV, but never did.
Today, however, many youngsters' dreams are answered as Fighting Fantasy has now reached the screen, all be it on a computer monitor. REBEL PLANET was the first of this type of adventure I had seen. It is a far cry from the likes of RICK HANSON or SPHINX, as fans of Fantasy role playing books will realise.
The adventure takes place on a merchant space craft called Caydia and three planets in the evil Arcadian Empire. Your task is to locate resistance rebels then destroy the invader's Queen computer, before it destroys you.
As with many other adventures, you spend most of your time collecting artefacts to solve the problems you encounter on your journey: But there the similarity with other adventures ends. You have to cope with a dispenser on the space craft, into which you must regularly insert a card.
A digitised relation of K9 shuttles around while you are on the good ship Caydia. You also have to manage to advance or retard time to ensure you don't miss your transport.
To be successful you must deal with various random conflicts which have to be resolved in order to continue. That is not to say that battle is always the best course of action. For instance, an Arcadian guard needs to be paid rather than killed, and the patrols should be avoided at all costs, especially if the odds are against you.
It is also worth talking to any character you meet as even Arcadians may give valuable information. I really enjoyed the live feel of the game generated by the character movements, even if I found them a little irritating to the general solving of the adventure.
My only real criticism of this adventure - once I had made the quantum leap from the usual fare I come across - was the dire lack of location description. Hence I still feel that REBEL PLANET lacks a lot of the atmosphere which you would find in the book.
I also found the parser rather limited, but having said that, I am looking forward to seeing the second in this series: SEAS OF BLOOD. All in all, a good romp which I would recommend to anyone who would like a deviation from the usual.
Pendragon
* * * Second Opinion * * * (Electron User)
REBEL PLANET is an unusual adventure, and this alone makes it worthwhile considering. However, the poor location description and the lack of good command parser may be put off some adventurers. If these were improved slightly it would make a tremendous difference to the game.
Janice Murray
Presentation .................... 9
Atmosphere ...................... 5
Frustration factor .............. 7
Value for money ................. 8
Overall ......................... 7
ELECTRON USER 6. 2