Parsec
Parsec is a TI-99/4A original video game created by Jim Dramis and Paul Urbanus, who was a summer intern at the time. [1] Parsec was release in the third quarter of 1982 and was published by Texas Instruments (TI), and was released on Solid State Software Command ModuleTM. The original price was $39.95. Parsec is perhaps, the most known and loved video game made for the TI-99/4A. The TI Solid State Speech SynthesizerTM enhanced gameplay by adding alerts and warnings, but the game could be played without it.
| Parsec | |
|---|---|
 Parsec Manual (Front Cover) | |
| Publisher(s) | Texas Instruments |
| Programmer(s) | Jim Dramis and Paul Urbanus |
| Part# | PHM 3112 |
| Format(s) | Solid State Software Command ModuleTM |
| Release | 1982 (3rd Quarter) |
| Genre(s) | Space, Shooter |
Contents
Manual
Introduction
You are the commander of the starship PARSEC patrolling an alien planet. Suddenly, the onboard computer announces that you are about to come under attack by small alien fighters and large, heavily armed, hostile alien cruisers!
The fighters are highly mobile, and unless they are eliminated by your laser, they fill the screen, restrict maneuvering of your craft, and may cause a deadly collision. The cruisers are highly aggressive and their armament devastating. Armed with photon missiles, they track your ship and fire on it. You must outmaneuver and destroy them with accurate fire from your ship's laser. If you survive the waves of alien craft, do not let down your guard, for you also have to blast through an asteroid belt or refuel your ship, demanding the utmost in skillful flying.
The Parsec Solid State Cartridge is a challenging, exciting game packed with thrills. Danger and excitement are brought on with each new attack. Some of Parsec's features include:
- Waves of attack from seven different alien craft.
- Challenging flights through refueling tunnels.
- Asteroid belts through which you must blast a path for your starship.
- Synthesized speech to warn of approaching alien craft or when it's time to refuel.
- Three different lifts to vary the speed at which the ship moves vertically.
- Increased difficulty levels to challenge you.
Parsec is a one-player game which tests your skills and strategy. Movement of the ship on the screen may be controlled by the arrow keys on the keyboard or by the Wired Remote Controllers.
Parsec is designed to work with or without the Texas Instruments Solid State SpeechTM Synthesizer (sold separately). However, the Speech Synthesizer must be attached to activate the voice of the computer. The voice enhances the game by simulating an onboard computer in your starships. It warns you of oncoming alien craft and refueling tunnels, and it congratulates you for good performance.
