TI-99/4A-Pedia - User contributions [en]

Blasto

2024-07-07T23:29:21Z

Ryandevan2002:

'''Blasto''' is a port of the 1978 [[:Category:Sega|Sega]]/[[:Category:Gremlin|Gremlin]] arcade game <ref>{{cite web|title=The Internation Arcade Museum: Blasto|url=https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?letter=&game_id=7147}}</ref> of the same name.<ref>{{cite web|title=TI-99/4A Video Game House: Blasto|url=http://www.videogamehouse.net/blasto.html}}</ref> Blasto was programmed by [[Elaine Henshon]] and [[Bob Harris]]. It was published by [[Milton Bradley]], although it was distributed by Texas Instruments. Blasto sold for $24.95 originally, and was made available during the [[:Category:1981 Software| 1st quarter of 1981]]. It was released on [[:Category:Solid State Software Command Module|Solid State Software<sup>TM</sup> Command Module]].

{{Infobox video game
| collapsible =
| state =
| italic title =
| title = Blasto
| image = 1982-Blaster Manual Cover.jpg
| alt = Blasto Manual (Front Cover)
| caption = Blasto Manual (Front Cover) <ref>{{cite web|title=TI99ers On-Line User Group: TI-99 Cartridge Listing|url=http://www.ti99ers.org/timeline/cartbytitle.html#B}}</ref>
| publisher = [[Milton Bradley]]
| part = PHM 3032
| programmer = [[Elaine Henshon]] & [[Bob Harris]]
| format = [[:Category:Solid State Software Command Module|Solid State Software<sup>TM</sup> Command Module]]
| released = [[:Category:1981 Software|1981 (1st Quarter)]]
| genre = [[:Category:Shooter|Shooter]], [[:Category:Puzzle|Puzzle]]
| price = $24.95 (USD)
}}

==Gameplay==
[[File:1981 Blasto Manual.jpg|300px|left|thumb|1981 Blasto Manual Front Cover]] Although a port of an arcade game, Blasto for TI-99/4A has some singular differences that set it apart from the original [https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?letter=&game_id=7147 Sega/Gremlin Blasto]. The original Blasto was in black and white (more a product of the era due to technological limitations), versus full color for the TI version. The original featured a spaceship while the TI port portrays tanks blasting away at mines. Besides those two changes, the Texas Instruments port and the original are for all intents and purposes, identical.

===One Player Mode===
In one player mode, the player attempts to clear the entire field (playing area) of large blue mines. The field is also littered with small green mines. The small green mines don't have enough power to affect the tank, however; getting too close to a large blue mine when it explodes will send the player's tank into a spin-out returning it back to its starting point. The goal is to completely clear the field of all large blue mines in the allotted time.

====One Player Options====
There are three options to choose from in one player mode:

* '''Speed:''' Determines the length the game lasts and has three options:
** ''Sluggish:'' 90 seconds
** ''Rapid:'' 75 seconds
** ''Full Tilt:'' 60 seconds

* '''Tanks Trails:''' Defines whether or not there are trails that the player can maneuver through at the beginning of the game.

* '''Mine Density:''' Determines how many mines the field contains.

==Two Player Mode==
Two player mode provides a few unique options. Time limits per round for two-player mode is always 90 seconds. The object in two player mode includes shooting the opponent as well.

===Two-Player Options===
* '''Tank Motion:''' Tank motion can either be "Normal" or "Invisible." In invisible mode, the tanks are invisible while moving, whereas, in normal mode, the tanks remain visible at all times.

* '''Battleground:''' In two-player mode, there are two options, "Mine Field" and "Obstacles." In mine field mode, the field is similar to the mine field in one-player mode, except the players not only need to make sure not to be too close to an exploding mine, but have to elude being shot by his/her opponent. In obstacle mode, there are no mines. The players simply navigate through a maze and attempt to hit their opponent.

==Advertising Blurbs==

===Front Cover of Manual===
Blasto puts you in command of an armored tank traveling through a dangerous minefield. You score points by destroying mines or blasting your opponent's tank!

===Back Cover of Manual===
Experience the thrill of maneuvering a tank through a treacherous minefield! With the Blasto Command Module, you guide your tank through an arena, firing at mines as you go. Based on the number and types of mines you destroy in the allotted time period, points are added to your score.

===Triton Catalog - Spring 1984===
Tank battle for 1 or 2 players. Destroy a field of mines while avoiding your opponent's fire. A fast-paced race against the clock to hit the most mines, while escaping damage to your own precious vehicle! For ages 10 and up. (Wired Remote Controllers recommended.)

==Fun Facts==
* Milton Bradley chose in this port of Blasto, to replace the space ship with tanks for marketing reasons.

* The program was started by [[Elaine Henshon]] who for unknown reasons, stopped working on it (perhaps because she was busy with other projects). [[Bob Harris|Robert S. Harris (known as RoSHa)]], picked up Blasto and finished the project.

* Originally, TI initially intended to combine Blasto, [[Hunt the Wumpus]], and [[A-MAZE-ING]] into one module, but [[Kevin Kenney]] added features to the games making them viable stand-alone products.

* The European manual cover erroneously lists Blasto as part#: PHM 3023 instead of PHM 3032. <ref>{{cite web|title=TI-99/4A Video Game House: Blasto|url=http://www.videogamehouse.net/blasto.html}}</ref>


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===Getting Started===
After you select the module, the next display asks you to choose a one- or two-player game. To see a demonstration of Blasto, do not press any key. After a moment, a sample two-player game automatically appears.

When you are ready to set up your own game, press any key and the first option selection display reappears. For information on the keys used to play the game and on the point values of the targets, press '''AID'''. The information appears on the display for a short time, followed automatically by the options display. (Once you select all your game options, '''AID''' is no longer available.) Then press '''1''' for a one-player game or '''2''' for a two-player game.
<gallery mode="packed">
1981 Blasto Cartridge (black).png|1981 Blasto Cartridge (Black Label on Black Cartridge)
1982 Blasto Cartridge (Red label on black).png|1982 Blasto Cartridge (Red Label on Black Cartridge)
1983 Blasto Cartridges (Red Label on Beige).png|1983 Blasto Cartridge (Red Label on Beige Cartridge)
</gallery>

===One-Player Game===
If you choose a one-player game, you have three additional options:

* '''Speed''' - The speed you enter determines the length of the game and how fast your tank moves around the mine field. With Sluggish speed, the game lasts 90 seconds; with Rapid, 75 seconds; and with Full Tilt, 60 seconds.

* '''Tank Trails''' - With several Tank Trails, the computer provides paths, thus increasing the tank's maneuverability. With no Trails, your tank is forced to clear its own paths.

* '''Mine Density''' - When selecting Mine Density, keep in mind that the higher the density, the greater your scoring possibilities.

Based on the type of target you hit, points are added to your score. A typical field consists of small green mines and large blue mines. These mines are positioned at random at the start of each game.

===Two-Player Game===
The playing time for a two-player game is always 90 seconds. After you select your playing speed, additional options are displayed.

* '''Tank Motion''' - With Tank Motion, you and your opponent have the option to have the tanks always displayed - Normal - or be Invisible when they are being moved.

* '''Battleground''' - This selection offers two options: Mine Field and Obstacles. The playing field for Mine Field is identical to the board in a one-player game. In a two-player game, however, you fire both at the targets and your opponent's tank. The playing field in Obstacles consists of an open arena with barriers in the middle and in the four corners. Your objective is to maneuver your tank around the barriers and blast your opponent's tank.

If you choose Obstacles under Battleground, you are ready to begin the game. If you select Mine Field, the Tank Trails and Mine Density options appear on the screen.

At anytime during the game selection process, you can return to the first option screen by pressing '''BEGIN'''.

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==Downloads==
<gallery>
1981 Blasto Cartridge (black).png|1981 Blasto Cartridge (Black on Black)
1982 Blasto Cartridge (Red label on black).png|1982 Blasto Cartridge (Red on Black)
1983 Blasto Cartridges (Red Label on Beige).png|1983 Blasto Cartridge (Red on Beige)
1981 Blasto Manual.jpg|1981 Blasto Manual Cover (Old-Style)
Blasto Manual (Europe).jpg|Blasto Manual Cover (European-Style)
1982-Blaster Manual Cover.jpg|1982 Blasto Manual Cover (Modern-Style)
1982-Blaster Manual Cover.jpg|Blasto Manual Complete (pdf format)|link=https://4apedia.com/manuals/Blasto%20Manual.pdf
1983 Blasto Cartridges (Red Label on Beige).png|Blasto MAME/MESS Rom (rpk format)|link=https://4apedia.com/roms/Blasto.rpk
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

==External Links==
* [http://www.andku85.com/blasto/BlastoBG.html Andku85.com: Blasto]
* [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ti99/947233-blasto/images Game FAQs: Blasto]
* [https://www.arcade-history.com/?n=blasto-model-phm-3032&page=detail&id=84520 Gaming History: Blasto]
* [https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?letter=&game_id=7147 The International Arcade Museum: Blasto]
* [http://www.thelogbook.com/phosphor/1980/blasto-ti The Log Book: Blasto]
* [http://www.pixelatedarcade.com/games/blasto Pixelated Arcade: Blasto]
* [http://www.ti99ers.org/timeline/cartbytitle.html#B TI-99ers On-line User Group: TI-99 Cartridge Listing]
* [http://www.videogamehouse.net/blasto.html TI-99/4A Video Game House: Blasto]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blasto_(arcade_game) Wikipedia: Blasto (Arcade Game)]

[[Category:1981 Software]]
[[Category:Milton Bradley]]
[[Category:Puzzle]]
[[Category:Shooter]]
[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Solid State Software Command Module]]

Category:Gremlin

2024-07-07T23:28:00Z

Ryandevan2002:

This is a list of software created by Gremlin Industries.

=== B ===

* [[Blasto]]

=== H ===

* [[Hustle]]

[[Category:Software Publisher]]

Category:Gremlin

2024-07-07T23:20:05Z

Ryandevan2002: Created page with "This is a list of software created by Gremlin Industries. Category:Software Publisher"

This is a list of software created by Gremlin Industries.

[[Category:Software Publisher]]

Hustle

2024-07-07T23:13:33Z

Ryandevan2002:

'''Hustle''' is a port of the 1977 [[:Category:Sega|Sega]]/[[:Category:Gremlin|Gremlin]] arcade game <ref>{{cite web|title=The Internation Arcade Museum: Hustle|url=https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/hustle}}</ref> of the same name. It was published by [[:Category:Milton Bradley|Milton Bradley]] for the TI-99/4A home computer system. It was released on [[:Category:Solid State Software Command Module|Solid State Software<sup>TM</sup> Command Module]] cartridge during the [[:Category:1981 Software|first quarter of 1981]]. It was programmed by [[Elaine Henshon]] and [[Bob Harris]] and originally sold for $24.95 as part # PHM 3034.

{{Infobox video game
| collapsible =
| state =
| italic title =
| title = Hustle
| image = Hustle Cover.jpg
| alt = Hustle Manual Front Cover
| caption = Hustle Manual (Front Cover) <ref>{{cite web|title=TI99ers On-Line User Group: TI-99 Cartridge Listing|url=http://www.ti99ers.org/timeline/cartbytitle.html#H}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=TI-99/4A Video Game House: Hustle|url=https://www.videogamehouse.net/hustle.html}}</ref>
| publisher = [[Milton Bradley]]
| part = PHM 3034
| programmer = [[Elaine Henshon]] & [[Bob Harris]]
| format = [[:Category:Solid State Software Command Module|Solid State Software<sup>TM</sup> Command Module]]
| released = [[:Category:1981 Software|1981 (1st Quarter)]]
| genre = [[:Category:Action|Action]]
| price = $24.95
}}

==Gameplay==
Hustle is either a 1- or 2-player game where the player(s) control snakes around the field trying to avoid running into the opposing player and the end of their own snake. Each game lasts for 90 seconds. Periodically during the game, targets will appear with an attached point value. Players should aim for these targets to increase his/her scores. There are three options for the targets during the game: 1. targets that don't change value, 2. countdown targets where the points decrease over time, and 3. and finally a count-up target where the value slowly increases over time.

There are also 3 skill levels to choose from which alter the speed and the intelligence of the computer player during the game. During 2-player gameplay, crashing into the opposing player awards them 400 points. Occasionally, targets will display with a question mark instead of a point value. Sometimes, these will award your opponent points instead of you.

==Advertising Blurbs==
===Front Cover of Manual===
A challenging game of coordination and quick thinking! Score points by outmaneuvering your opponent or the computer.

===Back Cover of Manual===
The games in the Hustle module challenge your ability to make split-second decisions and maneuver a "snake" on the playing area. Try to outscore the computer in a one-player game or your opponent in a two-player game.

'''Hustle''' module activities include:

* '''Hustle''' - Hustle is a one- or two-player game. You score points if your snake reaches a target box first. The three versions of Hustle are Normal, Countdown, and Countup.
* '''Snakefight''' - You score all points displayed in the playing area if your snake hits the opponent's snake. Be careful! If you hit a target box your opponent scores the points. The three versions of this two-player game are Normal, Countdown, and Countup.
* '''Blockade''' - In this two-player game, you score points by making your opponent crash before you do!

Activities in the module are designed to work with the optional Wired Remote Controllers. These units provide added flexibility in playing the games.

===Triton Catalog - Spring 1984===
This speedy challenge requires fast, fast, fast reflexes and hand-eye coordination. Direct a snake-like object to hit targets. But you've got to avoid not only your opponent, but the edge of the screen - and even yourself! For ages 10 and up. (Wired Remote Controllers recommended.)

==Fun Fact==
Hustle is a port of the Taito/Gremlin arcade game by the same name. The game is almost an exact replica of the arcade version.<ref>{{cite web|title=TI-99/4A Video Game House: Hustle|url=https://www.videogamehouse.net/hustle.html}}</ref>

For unknown reasons, [[Elaine Henshon]] stopped working on Hustle. [[Bob Harris]] picked up the project and completed it.<ref>{{cite web|title=TI-99/4A Video Game House: Hustle|url=https://www.videogamehouse.net/hustle.html}}</ref>


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===Introduction===
If you like a fast-moving game with plenty of action, then the Hustle Solid State Software<sup>TM</sup> Command Module is for you! You and your opponent direct "snakes" in a small playing area. Developed for Texas Instruments by the Milton Bradley Company, the object of Hustle is to outmaneuver your opponent and score the most points.

With the Hustle module plugged into your computer, you can:

* Play a one-player game with the computer as your opponent. There are three versions of Hustle - Normal, Countdown, and Countup. Each may be played on one of three levels of difficulty.
* Challenge a friend to a two-player game. Choose a version of Hustle or Snakefight, or play a third one - Blockade.

The module automatically keeps score for you, while colorful graphics and computer music add to the fun.

Certain keys on both sides of the keyboard are designed as directional keys. Movement on the screen can also be controlled by the Wired Remote Controllers or from the keyboard. With the controllers. you simply move the lever in the direction you want your snake to go. The snakes cannot be moved diagonally.

===Getting Started===

After you select the module, the Players selection list appears. Press '''1''' for a one-player game or '''2''' for a two-player game.

If you haven't played Hustle before, you can see a short demonstration of the features in this module. Just wait a few seconds without pressing any key and a sample of Hustle begins.

When you finish looking at the demonstration, press any key to return to the Players selection list. (The computer returns to the Players selection list automatically, if you wait for the specified playing time to run out.) You are now ready to try a game for yourself.

If you press '''1''' while the Players selection list is shown, you can choose one of three versions of Hustle, or press '''AID''' for help. If you press '''2''' for a two-player game, Hustle, Snakefight, and Blockade are available, plus the option to press '''AID''' for help.

====Help====

If you press '''AID''' when any selection list is displayed, the module shows you which keys move the snakes. Player 1, the blue snake, moves by pressing '''↑ (E)''', '''← (S)''', '''→ (D)''', and '''↓ (X)'''. Player 2, the white snake, moves by pressing '''I''' (up), '''J''' (left), '''K''' (right), and '''M''' (down). The display also indicates that you can maneuver the snakes with the optional Wired Remote Controllers by moving the controller lever in the direction you want your snake to go. ''Note:'' In one-player games, the computer is the white snake, and pressing '''I''', '''J''', '''K''', and '''M''' has no effect on the arrow.

When you finish looking at the display, press any key to return to the selection list.

====One-Player Games====

When you select a one-player game, the display shows you the versions of Hustle available.

The one-player Hustle games are Normal, Countdown, and Countup. The difference in the three games is based on the points shown in the target boxes, orange-bordered rectangles that appear at random in the playing area.

* ''Normal'' - In a Normal game of Hustle, the points in the target boxes stay the same as long as they are displayed. If a snake does not reach a target box after a random length of time, the box disappears and no points are added to either score.

* ''Countdown'' - In Countdown Hustle all target boxes are worth 900 points when they appear. Then they start "counting down" 100 points at a time. The sooner a snake reaches a box, the more points the player receives. But hurry! When a target box reaches 100, it disappears in the next second.

* Countup - In Countup Hustle all target boxes are worth 100 points when they appear. Then they start "counting up" 100 points at a time. The longer it takes a snake to reach a box, the more points the player receives. Don't delay too long! When a target box counts up to 900 points, it disappears in the next second.

Sometimes a target box appears with three question marks instead of a number. This is a "mystery box." Until a snake reaches the box, you don't know how many points the box is worth or which player scores the points. When a snake hits the box. points replace the question marks. If the target box turns different colors when a snake hits it, the opposing player gets the points instead of the player that hits it.

Each time you or your opponent crashes and a new round starts, the snakes become longer.

Press '''1''', '''2''', or '''3''' to choose the game you want to play. The display then shows the Skill Level selection list. To return to a previous selection list, press '''BACK'''.

====Two-Player Games====

For a two-player game, press '''2''' while the Players selection list is displayed. A selection list showing the three types of two-player games then appears.

* ''Hustle'' - If you press '''1''' to select Hustle, the program displays the three versions of the game. Normal, Countdown, and Countup are played as in one-player games, except that you're now playing against another player instead of the computer. Press '''1''', '''2''', or '''3''' to select the version of Hustle you want to play.

* ''Snakefight'' - If you press '''2''' to select Snakefight, the program displays the three versions of the game: Normal, Countdown, and Countup. The points appear in the target boxes just as in Hustle but are scored differently. If you hit a target box, the points in the box are added to your opponent's score.. If you hit your opponent, you score all the points on the display. Mystery box points are also scored in the opposite manner. Press '''1''', '''2''', or '''3''' to select the version of Snakefight you want to play.

* ''Blockade'' - Press '''3''' to select Blockade. In this game, you try to force your opponent to crash into a border or either snake. No target boxes appear on the display. Instead, you score 100 points each time your opponent crashes. The snakes grow longer as they move through the playing area. Therefore, one player must eventually crash. After each crash, the playing area clears, the countdown starts, and a new round begins with the snakes moving more quickly.

Press '''1''', '''2''', or '''3''' to select the game you want to play. ''Note:'' For information on moving the snakes, press AID or see the "Help" section in this manual. To return to a previous selection list, press '''BACK'''.

====Skill Level====

After you select the game you want to play, the module asks you to choose the skill level - Novice, Amateur, or Hustler. In all games, the level you pick determines the length of the countdown before the game starts, the initial and eventual maximum speed of the snake, and the number of segments the snake increases after each crash. Also, the more target boxes the snakes hit, the more quickly the snakes move.

Press '''1''', '''2''', or '''3''' to choose the skill level. The playing area then appears, the countdown starts, and the game begins.

===Playing the Game===

Once you select the game and skill level, the playing area appears and the countdown begins. The playing time is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

As soon as the countdown starts, you may press an arrow or direction key (or move the lever on your controller) to choose the direction in which you want the snake to move. When the countdown ends, the square turns into a snake and moves in the direction you have indicated. Notice that you don't need to hold down the key to keep the snake moving in a direction. It keeps moving the same way until you press a key to change the direction.

Be careful not to run into a wall or your own trail as you move your snake through the playing area. If you do, the module makes a "crashing" noise. Your opponent then scores all the points shown on the boxes (including the mystery boxes), and a new round begins.

===End of Game===

When the playing time runs out, the snakes stop moving, and the player with the most points wins.

Press '''REDO''' to play another game with the same options. If you wish to play a game with different options, press '''BEGIN''', and the module returns to the Players selection list. If you don't press any key, the module automatically returns to the Players selection list. To end a session with the module, press '''QUIT''' to return to the master title screen.

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==Downloads==
<gallery>
1981 Hustle Cartridge (Prototype).png|1981 Prototype Hustle Cartridge
1981 Hustle Cartridge (black on black).png|1981 Hustle Cartridge
1982 Hustle Cartridge (Red on Black).png|1982 Hustle Cartridge
1983 Hustle Cartridge (Red on Beige).png|1983 Hustle Cartridge
Hustle Cover.jpg|Hustle Manual Cover
Hustle Manual (European).jpg|Eauropean Hustle Manual Cover
1981 Hustle Cartridge (black on black).png|HustleMAME/MESS Rom (rpk format)|link=http://4apedia.com/roms/Hustle.rpk
Hustle Cover.jpg|Hustle Manual Complete (pds format)|link=https://4apedia.com/manuals/Hustle%20Manual.pdf
</gallery>

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
* [https://www.mobygames.com/game/ti-994a/hustle Moby Games: Hustle (TI-99/4A)]
* [https://pixelpedant.com/items/show/111 Pixelpedant's Texas Instruments Manuals Compendium: Hustle]
* [https://www.videogamehouse.net/hustle.html TI-99/4A Video Game House: Hustle]

[[Category:1981 Software]]
[[Category:Action|Action]]
[[Category:Milton Bradley]]
[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Solid State Software Command Module]]
[[Category:Texas Instruments]]