Chart Topper ------------ Mike Hyams returns with this record breaking strategy game - ZX81 and Spectrum conversion tips are included. Most people imagine themselves as pop stars at some time or other, but the more mercenary of us imagine ourselves as pop star managers! I don't know if Mike was ever in the business but it seems very realistic when compared to my own experiences. Playing The Game Be careful not to spend more than you have as this incurs instant dismissal! When booking you may book for any week of the year provided you have the cash in hand at that time. However, the one exception is the pub or club hall booking which is paid for on the actual night. Once the band has given the minimum amount of performances you can then release a record, single or album. However, if you are not under contract to a record label then you will get no revenue from them. During the group's initial build-up of its following there may be offers from unscrupulous companies who will try to tie you up for two or three years at a low percentage. This could cause the loss of a lot of money if the band's career suddenly takes off! It is very unlikely that the first record releases will get into the charts, in fact they will probably flop. On the other hand, should you achieve mega-stardom then a Number One is on the cards. Conversion Hints ZX81/Spectrum: Replace all CHR$ (212) with """" for the Spectrum and "" for the ZX81. Replace all RND(no) with INT(RND*no)+1). Replace TL$ in line 1280,1300 with B$(2 T0 ). Change line 720 to SAVE "chart" and add 730 GOTO 95. Spectrum only: Add 30000 to all numbers 31000+ in the following lines: 655, 679, 1240, 1645, 1840, 1920, 5121, 5122, 5360, 5435, 5501, 5511. Replace all CHR$(128) with the inverse space on Graphics key 8. Change the number 3584 in 1500 to 15360. Replace the number 14 in lines 1273, 1276, 1293 and 1296 with 58. Change line 720 to SAVE "chart" LINE 95. There are almost certainly one or two other changes to be made which have slipped by our eager eyes. I'm sure you'll let us know so we can pass them on to other readers. IMPORTANT - When the program is saved from the option offered on Mondays, then on subsequent reloadings start the program by GOTO 95; this will restart the program should you accidentally break out during play without losing your position. Line Breakdown 110-231 Print the cash amount. 235-950 Monday options. 1000-1991 Tuesday chart routines. 1265-1590 Print chart position in large lettering. 1810-1950 Calculate chart position for the next week. 2000-2730 Wednesday, booking routines. 3000-3560 Thursday, current week bookings carried out, results. 5000-5580 End of week report. 6010-6200 Subroutine to print current booking schedule. 9000-9400 Initialisation of program. 9500-9570 Prints group name in inverse graphics. 9450-9459 Subtraction routine. 9640-9469 Addition routine.