Superfly

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Superfly is an Action game created by Milton Bradley for the TI-99/4A home computer system. It was released on Solid State SoftwareTM Command Module during the 4th quarter of 1983. It was sold as part number 3153 and sold for $49.95. Superfly can be played with or without the optional Milton Bradley MBX system and is enhanced by using the optional Solid State SpeechTM Synthesizer.

Superfly
Superfly Manual (Front Cover)
Superfly Manual (Front Cover) [1] [2]
Publisher(s) Milton Bradley
Original Retail Price $49.95 (USD)
Part# PHM 3153
Format(s) Solid State SoftwareTM Command Module
Release 1983 (4th Quarter)
Genre(s) Action

Gameplay

The player in Superfly uses either the MBX joystick, regular joystick, or keyboard to maneuver a fly around the field avoiding contact with the various enemies around the area. Enemies include Red Spiders, Purple Spiders, Blue Worms, and Eggs. The player isn't just any fly, however, but a super fly. The player can maneuver very fast enabling him/her to avoid enemies. Superfly also has the ability to shoot enemies. There are two different shot distances available to the player, short-range and long-range. Short-range shots go halfway across the screen while long-range shots travel over halfway across the screen. This is controlled with the keyboard with the player pressing 3 for long-range shots, or 1 for short-range shots. Players not using the MBX system can only shoot in the direction they are facing, while those using the MBX system can rotate superfly to shoot in any direction by rotating the joystick. The goal is to destroy as many enemies as possible racking up points. If the player gets into serious trouble, Superfly still has one more trick up his sleeves. Superfly starts with three Lethal Exterminator Sprays which, when used, destroys all spiders, albeit with earning any points.

Advertising Blurbs

Manual Cover

Will the fly survive the ultimate cosmic bug attack?

Triton Catalog - Fall 1985

Imagine, you're a mutant fly on a distant planet. Suddenly you're transported into an alien dimension crawling with hungry spiders and their wiggly larvae. Avoiding blood-thirsty creatures isn't enough, for new batches of spiders are hatching at every moment. And if things get really hairy, use a burst of precious "Bug Spray" to wipe out all spiders! No points, but you live to buzz another day!

Retrogaming Times Monthly Review

Issue #9 - February 2005

Superfly (1983 Milton Bradley) - Sequel to the TI99/4A game "The Attack" Here's a game that for some reason seems to be overlooked quite a bit when it comes to MBX gaming. Not only does Superfly offer some really unique features, but it's also the little-known sequel to the ever-popular 1980 Milton Bradley game The Attack on the TI99/4A. Considering how much attention The Attack got through the years, it's surprising that Superfly isn't more talked about today since it offers many improvements to its predecessor.

Superfly - Screenshot.png

Superfly pits you, a housefly, against all the baddies of the fly world. There are Red Spiders, Purple Spiders, Spider Larvae, and Spider Eggs all out to get you! However, these spiders don't know what they are messing with as you are no ordinary fly, but Superfly! The object of the game is to advance through various levels blasting away at all the creatures on the screen before they can devour you. As Superfly, you have the option to use two different ranges of firepower, either a short or a long-range shot. Since you have to wait for your "shot" to either hit an enemy or a wall before being able to fire again, using short-ranged firing can be beneficial especially in tight spaces. The concept of the game is pretty unique, pitting a fly that can shoot against spiders who have to hatch from their eggs and evolve before being able to attack you. It's important to note that the eggs (the yellow round things with green markings) are completely harmless but also cannot be destroyed until they hatch. After they hatch, unharmful little blue larvae will climb out and if you happen to see one of the larvae curling up into a ball you better be on alert as it will soon be transforming into a Red Spider! These Red Spiders are the true enemies of the game since they aggressively seek you out for a meal. The Purple Spiders on the other hand don't seem to come from the eggs/larvae, instead, they are already placed on the screen at the start of each round and don't seek you out as rapidly as the Red Spiders do. However, these Purple Spiders can't be trusted since not only do you lose a life if you run into them, but also they can change into a Red Spider at a moment's notice. One thing that I have noticed, which could just be a glitch in the game, is that if you fly into one of the eggs while it is hatching then you sometimes end up losing a life. So a tip to those who play this game...Stay away from hatching eggs since they can end up killing you too. An additional weapon your fly has at his disposal (besides shooting) is Spray Cans which can be used by the press of a button to exterminate all the spiders/larvae (not eggs) on the screen. So if the game ever gets too intense (and I have run into many times in later levels where the action was simply too much) these spray cans can come in very handy!

Now for the true meat of the game which really makes it stand out from others in its class. If you are playing with any non-MBX joysticks (and therefore without the MBX system, since only the MBX sticks work with the device), then the fly is simply controlled like in almost all video games. Meaning you can only move up, down, left, or right while shooting in the same direction you are facing in. But if playing with the MBX Joysticks, the fly can be flying in one direction (for example, flying towards the left of the screen) while shooting/facing in the opposite direction (such as towards the right side of the screen). This special movement is accomplished by using the rotation knob on the top of the MBX Joysticks, which actually allows the player to rotate the fly on the dot 360° and face/shoot in any direction regardless of which way he is flying. Therefore, if spiders are coming at you from behind you can actually control the fly in such a way so that he is flying backward but shooting in the opposite direction. This lifelike control (well maybe not too lifelike for a fly, but for a human anyway) really helps set apart Superfly from not just other games, but also other MBX games. Milton Bradley was really using their creativity when it came to how the fly could be controlled. Perhaps the best setting for a rotation knob like this would be in an action RPG where the player could walk in all directions while facing in any direction. Superfly has a lot to offer to both the person with and without the MBX device. It's a fun game to play even without the rotation knob capability, but needless to say, it's even more of a blast with it! As with all MBX games, Superfly includes some great speech synthesis with lines such as "Kill the Fly" or "Never Trust a Worm" all being said in some truly unique voices. Actually, the speech in Superfly is so unique (especially with the MBX attached) that I would say it demonstrates some of the best speech syntheses of any TI99/ 4A game around. This game also makes my personal TOP 10 TI99/4A games of all time, along with "Bigfoot" and "Championship Baseball" (other MBX games) simply because there are so many options here and the fact that Superfly is just simply an all out entertaining game.

For more reviews, graphics, and information on TI99/4A video game cartridges stop by the TI99/4A Videogame House at http://www.videogamehouse.net. This site is run by a staff of TI99/4A enthusiasts, including Bryan Roppolo himself and has been responsible for finding unreleased TI99/4A video game cartridges such as Lobster Bay.

Manual

Two Ways to Play Superfly

This Superfly cartridge can be played with the Texas Instruments Home Computer or with the Texas Instruments Home Computer and the MBX Expansion System. The MBX Expansion System adds new dimensions to your Texas Instruments Home Computer. This booklet contains instructions for using both systems. Instructions for each of the methods are separated by a bar format. The first bar, which is color coded in blue, tells you how to play the game with the MBX Expansion System. The second bar tells you how to play the game with the Texas Instruments Home Computer alone.

TI Home Computer with the MBX Expansion System

The MBX console plugs into your Texas Instruments Home Computer. Refer to the set-up instructions in your MBX Expansion System booklet to properly connect the systems.

The MBX Expansion System Includes
  • MBX console with built-in action keypad
  • Triple-axis analog joystick
  • Headset microphone
  • Power supply
  • Fully-illustrated instruction booklet
Playing Superfly with the MBX Expansion System
  • Voice Recognition allows you to control the movement on the screen by the sound of your voice.
  • Triple-axis analog joystick allows total maneuverability of screen objects.
  • Action-input keypad allows quick response and flexible play.
  • Speech Synthesis allows you to hear phrases, prompts, and sound effects that are true-to-life, well-modulated, and full of inflection.

TI Home Computer without the MBX Expansion System

  • You can also play Superfly and control all the screen action by using the keyboard alone or in combination with the Joystick Controllers (sold separately).
  • Speech makes the game more exciting. You need the Texas Instruments Solid State SpeechTM Synthesizer (sold separately) to activate its speech capabilities.

Introduction

Look! It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Superfly! Superfly is a mutant insect that can leap tall alien spiders (and other enemy bugs) in a single bound.

Cleverly disguised as an ordinary housefly, Superfly has:

  • Swift and agile speed
  • Four-direction firing power
  • Lethal exterminating spray

Superfly must use all of these powers to battle a swarm of adult space spiders and their wiggly larvae, too!

The Superfly cartridge challenges you to save Superfly, who is trapped in deep space and is being attacked by angry alien insects. Each time Superfly fires at an insect and exterminates it, you gain points. The object is to score the most points. Each game begins with only five flies, so Superfly must move cleverly and fire accurately to score high and stay alive!

Getting Started

After the Superfly title screen appears, you see a short demonstration of gameplay. This video is the DEMO MODE. Watch all the action on the playing field. Then, read the start-up instructions for the system you are using.

Actions in the DEMO MODE


Superfly - Action in DEMO MODE

TI Home Computer with the MBX System


  1. After viewing the DEMO MODE, press any key on the TI Home Computer keyboard to start the game. The computer automatically replays the title screen and DEMO MODE until a TI computer key is pressed.
  2. Type your name using the letter keys on the TI Home Computer and then press ENTER.
  3. The voice training option screen appears.

TI Home Computer without the MBX System

  1. After viewing the DEMO MODE, press any key on the TI Home Computer keyboard to start the game. The computer automatically replays the title screen and DEMO MODE until a TI computer key is pressed.
  2. Type your name using the letter keys on the TI Home Computer and then press ENTER. If you wish to bypass this option, press REDO on the TI computer keyboard.
  3. The game begins.

Voice Training Option Screen

The MBX Expansion System allows you to control the firing direction and range of Superfly's firing power by the sound of your voice. To do so, you must train your voice. There are seven words that the MBX system must be trained to recognize. When training, say all seven words as prompted by the screen, and repeat the sequence again to be sure the words are properly recognized by the computer.

Here's what the Voice Training Screen Looks Like:


Superfly - MBX Voice Training Screen

If you press NO or GO on the MBX console, you can bypass voice training and play with the MBXjoystick.

If you press YES, you can voice train and use Voice Recognition and the headset microphone.

Preparing for Voice Training

When training the computer to recognize your voice, try to pronounce the programmed word as you would say it during frantic play. The tone you use as you train the computer should be the same tone you would use during play -- firm, but somewhat faster and more excited than a normal tone. See the MBX Expansion System booklet for important details on voice training.

Put on the headset microphone, adjusting the earpads, and locating the microphone boom so it is just to the side of your mouth and no more than two inches from your mouth.

Four Steps for Voice Training

Voice training is a simple procedure. Follow the four steps listed below to learn how to voice train.

When you voice train successfully and your headset microphone is ready to take commands (the MIC is on), this symbol appears on the screen.


Championship Baseball - Microphone.jpg

There is also a symbol to show you that your headset microphone is inoperable. This symbol appears on the screen.

Championship Baseball - Mic Off.jpg

See the "MIC Key" section in the MBX Expansion System booklet for details on voice training.

Voice Training Sequence

1. When the microphone is correctly positioned, press YES on the MBX console.
2. Repeat each word into the headset microphone as each word appears on the screen.

The following words are programmed:

  • RIGHT
  • LEFT
  • DOWN
  • UP
  • SHORT
  • LONG
  • JOYSTICK


3. Repeat the sequence again as the words reappear on the screen.
4. This completes your voice training session.

Playing the Game

Once voice training is complete or the option to bypass voice training is selected, you are ready to begin the game. Superfly is a one-player game. The object of the game is to accumulate the most points by zapping alien spiders and wiggly larvae. Follow the instructions below for whatever system you are using.

Moving Superfly

YourSuperfly is now in a world of creepy, crawly space spiders and worms. Superfly must escape from the enemy insects or be destroyed. Superfly moves up, down, left, right and diagonally by either keyboard or joystick control.

  • TI Home Computer with the MBX System
  • To move Superfly up, down, left, right, or diagonally, move the MBX joystick in the desired direction.
  • You can also rotate Superfly by turning the control knob clockwise or counterclockwise.

TI Home Computer without the MBX System

Key Action
(↑) E up
(↓) X down
(←) S left
(→) D right
(↖) W diagonally (upper left)
(↘) C diagonally (lower right)
(↗) R diagonally (upper right)
(↙) Z diagonally (lower left)

Note: The ALPHA LOCK must be in the OFF (up) position if you wish to move the lever on the Joystick Controller forward (away from you).

Syperfly's Enemies

Superfly battles against the Enemy Attack Force-red spiders, purple spiders, and blue worms.

Red Spiders

Red spiders are combat insects that aggressively attack Superfly to protect the purple spiders and the blue worms (larvae). When a red spider eats Superfly, all red spiders on the screen turn into purple spiders. Superfly can attack red spiders. Each time Superfly eliminates a red spider, you receive 200 points.

Purple Spiders

Purple spiders are egg-laying insects. The eggs they lay hatch into blue worms which grow into adult red spiders. Purple spiders are non-aggressive-they avoid Superfly. Their objective is to look for a safe place to lay eggs. When one purple spider lays an egg, all purple spiders on the screen turn into ' 'attacking red spiders. Purple spiders lay indestructible eggs. The eggs hatch into blue worms. Each time Superfly destroys a purple spider, you gain 500 points.

Blue Worms

Blue worms are the larvae that hatch from the eggs laid by the purple spiders. Blue worms grow into red attacking spiders. Blue worms cannot aggressively attack your Superfly. In fact, worms try to avoid any object on the screen. Superfly can attack blue worms. Each time Superfly destroys a blue worm, you earn 100 points.

Eggs

Eggs hatch into blue worms which grow into adult red spiders. Superfly cannot destroy eggs, but if Superfly flies into one-Superfly can be destroyed.


Defending Superfly

Superfly has three defensive weapons to use against the alien attackers: flying around the screen at high speeds to avoid attackers, firing the bug shooter, or spraying the lethal exterminator. You must discover how to fire the bug shooter and how to spray the lethal exterminator.

Range of the Bug Shooter

Superfly has its own fire power-a bug shooter. The bug shooter shoots either long or short spurts of the bug dissolver. A long spurt reaches insects that are over halfway across the screen from Superfly. A short spurt can reach insects that are halfway across the screen or less from Superfly.

You can control the length of your shot by using voice commands, the MBX joystick, or the TI Home Computer keyboard. Read the following instructions for the system you are using.

TI Home Computer with the MBX System

  • To control the shots by voice command, say the word' 'long or short into the headset microphone as desired.
  • To control the shots with the MBX joystick, press button 3 for a long spurt or button 1 for a short spurt.

TI Home Computer without the MBX System

  • To control the shooting range on the TI computer keyboard, press the 1 key for a short spurt or the 3 key for a long spurt.

Controlling Shooting Directions and Firing

Superfly must be facing its target to shoot at it. Superfly always shoots in the direction its eyes are facing. You can control the shooting direction of Superfly by using voice commands, the MBXjoystick, the TI Home Computer, or the TI Joystick Controllers. You can fire the bug shooter using the MBX Expansion System joystick, the TI Home Computer keyboard, or the TI Joystick Controllers. Read the instructions below for the system you are using.

TI Home Computer with the MBX System

Controlling Shooting Direction

  • To utilize voice commands, say the words "right," "left," "down," or "up," into your headset microphone. Superfly faces in the direction you indicate.
  • You can rotate Superfly to face either left, right, up, or down by turning the control knob on the joystick clockwise or counterclockwise.

Note: If you use voice commands to rotate Superfly, Superfly cannot respond to rotation of the control knob unless you say' 'joystick aloud into your headset microphone to return to joystick control.

Firing

  • Press the TRIGGER button on the MBXjoystick to shoot the bug dissolver.

TI Home Computer without the MBX System

Controlling Shooting Direction

  • To utilize the TI computer keyboard, press the (↑) E key to move Superfly face up, the (↓) X key to face down, the(←) S key to face left, or the (→) D key to face right.
  • To utilize the TI Joystick Controllers, move the joystick lever in the desired direction.

Firing

  • Press the FIRE button on the TI Joystick Controller or press Q on the TI computer keyboard to shoot the bug dissolved.

Moving and Shooting Simultandeously

Superfly can move and shoot at the same time. However, Superfly does not necessarily shoot in the direction that it is flying. Follow the instructions below for the system you are using.

TI Home Computer with the MBX System

When using the MBXjoysticks, the shooting direction is not necessarily the same as the flying direction. For example, if Superfly moves to the left but its eyes face to the right, then Superfly shoots to the right. The direction Superfly faces is the direction it shoots.

Superfly - MBX Shooting Direction

TI Home Computer without the MBX System

When using the TI Joystick Controller, the shooting direction is always the same as the flying direction. For example, if you move Superfly to the left, its eyes face left and Superfly shoots to the left if you press the FIRE button.

Superfly - non-MBX Shooting Direction

Spraying the Lethal Exterminator

A spray destroys all the purple spiders and red spiders on the screen. Eggs and blue worms are not destroyed. However, no points are gained when spraying enemy bugs. Spraying is an emergency defense when Superfly cannot escape the attackers. You begin the game with three sprays which are indicated in the left hand corner of the screen. Once you have activated the exterminator, the screen turns bright red, and all spiders disappear in front of your eyes. You only have three sprays so use them wisely!

TI Home Computer with the MBX System

  • To activate the exterminator, press button 2 (the middle button) on the MBX joystick.

TI Home Computer without the MBX System

  • To activate the exterminator, press 2 on the TI computer keyboard.

Ending the Game

The game is over when you lose all five Superflies. The final score is shown in the scoring box. Try to beat your previous score each time you play.

Starting a New Game

Follow the instructions below for the system you are using.

TI Home Computer with the MBX System

  • Press the RESET key on the MBX console to return to the option screens.
  • Press the GO key on the MBX console to bypass option screens.

TI Home Computer without the MBX System

  • Press BACK on the TI computer keyboard to return to the option screens.
  • Press REDO on the TI computer keyboard to bypass option screens.

Levels of Play and Strategy Hints

Superfly allows you to advance to more challenging levels of play and score higher points. Follow the strategy hints below to outsmart the attackers.

Advancing to New Levels

Each time a screen is cleared of all the worms and spiders, Superfly is transported to a more challenging level of play. Eventually, even the most skillful player enters into a level of play where the alien bugs overtake the quickest of flies. Scoring Points

As Superfly attacks enemy insects successfully, the computer keeps track of the points and displays a running total in your scoring box on the screen. You receive 100 points for dissolving a blue worm with the bug shooter, 500 points for dissolving a purple spider, and 200 points for destroying a red spider.

Strategy Hints

Here are some game play hints to help you achieve a super high score with Superfly.

  • Maneuver Superfly to shoot purple' 'egg-laying spiders.
  • Use the short spurt shooting range as much as possible until you become an advanced player and can do fancy long-distance shooting.
  • Use the lethal exterminator spray wisely. Remember, you gain no points for using it, but you can save Superfly.
  • Never crash Superfly into an egg.
  • Never trust a worm! They turn on you when you least expect it.
  • Use eggs as barricades-hide near them and do some fancy shooting at nearby spiders. For example, Superfly can be moved near an egg to ambush attacking spiders from such a vantage point.

Downloads

  • SuperFly Cartridge

  • SuperFly Manual Cover

  • SuperFly Manual Complete (pdf format)

  • SuperFly MAME/MESS Rom (rpk format)

References

  1. ↑ "TI99ers On-Line User Group: TI-99 Cartridge Listing". 
  2. ↑ "TI-99/4A Video Game House: Superfly". 

External Links

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