EL CID

Mastertronic, 1988

In the eleventh century a parchment was left on the Earth. On it was
inscribed a diabolical magic which could unchain the forces of evil and
guarantee Satan's supremacy as the Prince of Darkness. Rodrigo Diaz, 'El Cid',
a gallant knight, was aware of the terrible threat and vowed to find the
spell and guard it until it could be neutralised by two men of prayer.

Our hero has a certain quantity of LIFE (bottom left-hand counter) which will
be reduced in proportion to the injuries he receives. At the same time the
counter in the bottom right-hand corner displays the amount of STRENGTH
remaining - this too will be reduced. Both counters have a lower limit. If you
go through the limit on the LIFE counter our hero will die, and passing the
limit on the STRENGTH counter will leave him disarmed. If this situation
is not rapidly remedied he will come across various objects which are essential
for locating and gaining possession of the parchment. Amongst these it is
particularly important to identify the Springs of Divine Essence and also the
legendary Eagles which will pass on to us their vital energy and raise the
level of the LIFE counter.

Remember the parchment must be seized from evil forces which are currently
guarding it. They also hold Donna Jimena, our hero's wife. She alone is a
source of inspiration to him and only she can restore strength to his weary
muscles. As soon as you have released her, her spirit will transform itself
into twenty maidens who will give you the STRENGTH you need to fulfil your
mission. There are some other objects you must collect: a LAMP which will
give you access to the Devil's Domain, a BAG OF GOLD which you will use to
buy the ENCHANTED KEY. This in turn will undo the spell which binds the
parchment and prevents you from taking it. The possession of each of these
objects is indicated by the lifting of one of the shields above the LIFE
counter.

You also have combat counters which record the number of foes who have
tried unsuccessfully to stop you fulfilling your mission. They will keep
count of the mercenaries, the Muslims and the other knights competing
with you for the glory of victory. To gain ultimate success in your mission
you must realise that if a particular enemy appears to be indestructible
try hitting him and then spinning round, in other words press FIRE and then
spin. Do not completely drain all the SPRINGS or use up all the EAGLES that
you find on the way. Do not forget that if you reach the parchment you still
have to think about the return journey. Sometimes you may find that after
hitting one of your enemies with your sword, instead of disappearing he
remains there spinning like a madman. This is because you have destroyed his
nervous system. You must steer clear of such a spinning zombie because
otherwise you will be taken over by his evil spirit. If you suffer such an
unfortunate accident you have no alternative but suicide which you can
achieve by using your sword until your STRENGTH runs out.

CONTROLS
Up    : O
Down  : SYMBOL SHIFT
Left  : K
Right : ENTER
Fire  : L
Pause : G