Dragon Mix

Dragon Mix Manual Front Cover
Dragon Mix Manual (Front Cover)
Publisher(s)	Developmental Learning Materials (DLM)
Original Retail Price	$39.95 (USD)
Programmer(s)	Mary Anne Six
Part#	PHM 3117
Format(s)	Solid State SoftwareTM Command Module
Release	1983 (1st Quarter)
Genre(s)	Educational, Mathematics

Dragon Mix is an educational software program created by Developmental Learning Materials (DLM) for the TI-99/4 and TI-99/4A home computer system. Dragon mix helps students with multiplication and division problems and is aimed at pupils from 3rd to 11th grades. This Mathematics title was programmed by Mary Ann Six and was released during the first quarter of 1983. Dragon Mix originally retailed for $39.95 (USD). DLM created educational titles which the termed "Arcademic" programs, an amalgamation of the words academic and arcade. The intention was to create software entertaining enough, like a video game, that would keep the player playing and learning at the same time.

Gameplay

The player in Dragon Mix is represented by a dragon which stands underneath a city with three skyscrapers on the right-hand side of the screen. Three alien ships advance on the player, each displaying either a multiplication or division problem. The dragon's tongue continuously moves up and down at a set speed. The dragon displays an answer to one of the three mathematical problems. The player's object is to wait until the dragon's tongue is pointed toward the spaceship that has the multiplication or division problem that the answer on the dragon's belly satisfies. The player then fires a laser by using either the Fire button on the joystick or by pressing either the Q, Y, or Space Bar on the computer keyboard. If the player aligns the correct answer to the correct problem, the enemy ship is destroyed. If the player is incorrect, the alien ship advances one extra space forward. If an alien ship reaches the mid-point of the screen, then one of the three skyscrapers is destroyed, and the screen resets with three new alien ships. The player, then, using his/her dragon, is to correctly destroy each alien ship during the allotted time, and make as few mistakes as possible.

Advewrtising Blurbs

Front of Manual

An arcade format provides fun and challenge while increasing math skills in multiplication of numbers from 0 to 9 and division problems with answers from 0 to 9. Suitable for children from grades 3 through 11.

Triton Catalog - Fall 1984

The fire-breathing dragon stands guard, but enemies are invading the city. You control the dragon's fire. Only rapid-fire correct solutions to multiplication and division problems can save the city. Builds discrimination skills in Multiplication and Division. A DLM program. Ages 10-12. (Joysticks recommended.)

Manual

An Open Letter from Developmental Learning Materials

CONGRATULATIONS on purchasing an ARCADEMIC^TM SKILL BUILDERS IN MATH program-software that provides fun while practicing basic math skills for players of all ages. This innovative game combines fast action, colorful graphics, and an arcade game format with learning that creates persistence and involvement found in arcade game players.

This game is based on a theory of combining proven educational techniques with a highly motivating format that challenges the player to learn. The game control options allow the control of the speed at which the game is played, the numbers that appear in the problems, the length of each game, and the mode-whether controlled by joysticks or keyboard-in which the game can be played. These options maximize the fun and learning by providing:

• SUCCESS IN LEARNING-rather than preventing errors, success in these games is reflected by improvement. Starting players where they "aren't" (usually producing high rates of errors) and then moving back or ahead to provide success maximizes learning as well as creates challenge. Poor performance is not viewed by players as failure but as a challenge to improve.

• INDIVIDUAL NEEDS-selecting the appropriate numbers for the problems in this format will help players "want" to learn. They will find needed repetitious drill as fun and stimulating as other types of learning.

• HIGH RATE OF LEARNING-players must employ the best strategy under exciting circumstances to make rapid responses while being given immediate feedback to meet the challenge of the game.

• EVIDENCE OF IMPROVEMENT-players have an unlimited ceiling on performance, immediate feedback on performance that continues to challenge, and a framework for success.

We know you will see the difference with this software! Players will be fascinated with the game while working toward the overall objective: to increase correct responses (hits) and decrease incorrect ones (misses) to basic arithmetic problems.

Your ARCADE MIC SKILL BUILDERS IN MATH program makes learning fun, exciting, independent, and successful. Your players will like learning!

Developmental Learning Materials

A Note to Parents

Developmental Learning Materials and Jerry Chaffin and Bill Maxwell of the University of Kansas have developed six programs to help your child learn the four basic math operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Four programs emphasize each of the math operations, and two programs develop discrimination between math operations by presenting problems in both addition and subtraction or in multiplication and division. In all six programs, an arcade game format uses colorful graphics and lively action to create an exciting, involving atmosphere for learning.

Dragon Mix, one of the six Solid State Cartridges, can help your child increase speed and accuracy in the multiplication of numbers from 0 to 9 and with division problems having answers from 0 to 9. Dragon Mix is learning combined with fun. By playing the game, your child learns and improves essential multiplication and division skills.

The arcade game format of Dragon Mix is a fast-paced version of attackers versus defender. The attackers are space ships that have multiplication or division problems on their sides. The defender is a dragon, controlled by your child, that "equalizes" the alien ships with the correct answer. The challenge of different levels of skill and problem difficulty encourages your child to improve his or her speed and accuracy. The colorful graphics and sound effects of Dragon Mix enhance the action and add to the excitement.

As the game is played, the total of "hits" (correct answers) and "misses" (incorrect answers) is displayed at the bottom of the screen and updated after each shot. At the end of the game a RECORD YOUR SCORE screen appears. This screen shows the totals for that game and the lowest and highest game totals for the session. But whatever the score, your child is gaining valuable practice in solving simple multiplication and division problems each time she or he plays Dragon Mix.

Your Child and the Computer

The Texas Instruments Home Computer is a rugged, durable device designed for easy use and care. Teach your child to give the computer the same good care and respect he or she would give a television set, record player, or any piece of electronic equipment:

1. Keep snacks and beverages away from the console.
2. Don't hammer on the keyboard or place heavy objects on it.
3. Don't touch the cartridge contacts. These are recessed in the cartridge to help prevent accidental soiling and/or damage.

The letters and numbers on the keyboard are arranged in the same order found on standard typewriter keyboards. If your child is not familiar with a typewriter or has not used your Home Computer before, take a few minutes to acquaint him or her with the keyboard. Point out the row of number keys at the top and the rows of letter keys below. Show your child how to insert the cartridge and select the activities. If your child is using Wired Remote Controllers, or joysticks, show him or her how to connect the joysticks to the console and practice using the joysticks in an activity. This brief "tour" of the computer will help reinforce correct procedures and instill confidence as your child starts out in a new world of computers.

Today, computers are involved in almost every aspect of life. Working with this cartridge can help your child become familiar with computers and their operation. Since computer-enhanced instruction is more common in the classroom every year, this knowledge can give your child an important advantage.

Playing Dragon Mix

When the game begins, three space ships are displayed along the left edge of the screen, each with a different multiplication or division problem on its side. These ships advance one at a time toward the right, attacking the city and its defending dragon.

The object of Dragon Mix is to "equalize" the space ships with the dragon's fire blasts before the ships destroy the city. To do this, your child first determines which ship's problem is answered by the number the computer displays on the dragon. Then, when the dragon's tongue is pointing toward that ship, she or he makes the dragon blast fire by pressing the Q or Y key or the SPACE BAR. If joysticks are used, press the FIRE button to make the dragon blast fire.

When the number on the dragon correctly answers a ship's problem, the fire blast "equalizes" the ship, disintegrates it, and scores a hit. Each time a ship is equalized, another ship with a new problem takes its place at the left edge of the screen, and the attack continues.

When Your Child Misses a Problem

When the number displayed on the dragon does not correctly answer a ship's problem, blasting the ship scores a miss, and it advances again.

If a space ship is not equalized before it advances to the middle of the screen, that ship blasts one of the city's skyscrapers with its laser. The laser blast ricochets inside the skyscraper and atomizes it.

When a skyscraper is destroyed, all the ships disappear from the screen for a few seconds. Then three new ships with new problems appear along the left edge of the screen, and the attack resumes.

If the ships destroy all three skyscrapers before the game's time limit has expired, the game is over.

Options Available in Dragon Mix

When your child selects Dragon Mix, the OLM title and copyright screens appear, followed by an instruction screen which says PRESS ANY KEY TO PLAY. When this instruction screen appears, your child has two choices. One choice is to begin a preset game. Pressing any key on the computer keyboard begins a game at a skill level of 7 with multiplication problems using numbers from 0 to 9 and division problems with answers from 0 to 9. This preset game lasts for two minutes and is played on the keyboard.

A second choice is to alter these preset options to fit your child's individual learning needs or preferences by pressing AID. For example, your child may want to play the game for a longer period of time or to use the Wired Remote Controllers (joysticks) rather than the keyboard. (For details on changing program options, see "How to Select Options.")

Note: The preset game is intended to challenge your child to discover existing skills and knowledge. Some children may want to continue to play using the options designated in the preset game, and other children may want to adjust the game options. Help your child determine what options are appropriate by watching him or her play the first game.

Game Options in Dragon Mix

Skill Level (1-9): the speed at which the game is run. The slowest speed is 1, and the fastest is 9.

Problem Range (3, 6, 9): the numbers used in the multiplication problems and as answers to the division problems. For multiplication problems using numbers from Oto 3 and for division problems with answers from 0 to 3, press 3. Press 6 for numbers from 0 to 6, and press 9 for numbers from 0 to 9.

Run Time (1-5): the length of time of the game. Games can run from 1 to 5 minutes.

Joystick Control (Y/N): the use of the keyboard or of the optional joysticks (Wired Remote Controllers) to play the game. Press Y for Yes if your child wishes to use joysticks. To play using the keyboard, no change is necessary because the preset game uses the keyboard and N is already recorded on the screen.

Note: The ALPHA LOCK must be in the OFF position (up) when joysticks are used.

How to Select Game Options

When the instruction screen appears with the statement PRESS ANY KEY TO PLAY, you may change the preset game options by pressing AID. A screen which lists each of the options by number appears.

Dragon Mix Game Control Options Screenshot

Follow the steps below to select the game options you want.

1. Press the number of the Game Control Option you wish to change. The cursor then moves to the line for that Game Control Option and flashes alternately with the previously selected number or letter.
2. Type the number or letter of the variation you want for that option.
3. Change as many options as you want.
4. When you have completed your selections, press 5 to EXIT GAME CONTROL and to return to the instruction screen. Press any key to begin the game, which is now programmed according to your chosen options.

Note: Pressing QUIT or turning off the computer resets the computer to the preset options for the game. For example, if you want to use joysticks, you must select the joystick option when you first begin to play.

Length of Tim of the Game

When the game has been played for the time period selected, the game ends and the RECORD YOUR SCORE screen appears. To begin another game, press any key or press AID to change game options. (Note: If the space ships destroy three skyscrapers, the game also ends.)

Score Keeping

The total for hits and misses scored in each game appears at the bottom of the screen and is updated after each shot. At the end of each game, the RECORD YOUR SCORE screen appears, showing total hits and misses for the game just completed, the lowest score, and highest score for each session.

Changing Play in the Middle of a Game

To alter the options during the game press T to terminate the game. When the RECORD YOUR SCORE screen appears, press AID to change any options and to begin a new game.

Continuing Play at the End of a Game

When the RECORD YOUR SCORE screen appears, press any key to begin playing again, or press AID and choose any of the options available with Dragon Mix. For example, you might choose to increase the speed at which the game is run or lengthen the time of play.

Downloads

• 

  Dragon Mix Cartridge (Green Label on Black Cartridge)

• 

  Dragon Mix Manual Cover

• 

  Dragon Mix Manual Complete (pdf format)

• 

  Dragon Mix MAME/MESS Rom (rpk format)

External Links

• Centre for Computing History: Dragon Mix
• TI-99ers On-line User Group: TI-99 Cartridge Listing
• TI-99 DB: Dragon Mix