ALPHABET GAMES
(Sinclair Research)


Loading the program
1. Connect your ZX Spectrum and tape recorder as shown in the diagram.
   Note that the printer is optional, but see the next section.
2. Rewind the tape to its beginning.
3. Type LOAD "" and press the ENTER key.
4. Press PLAY on your tape recorder.
5. Press any key.

The program is loaded in three sections:
1. Program title and logo.
2. Bytes containing graphics and machine code routines.
3. Main program.


Using the program

Instructions for operating the program and playing the games are given
at every stage.
The program gives practice in using the alphabet in various ways. In
each game, you can choose whether to work in capitals or small letters.
All these games make use of double size letters as well as the normal
Spectrum typeface.
The program is completely unprotected and contains many useful
routines in BASIC which you can extract and incorporate into your own
programs.
The large letters are generated by a machine-code routine which is
loaded in the bytes. The sub-routine to operate large letters is at
line 10.


Playing the games.

1. Random Rats
The screen is invaded by rats of various colours, more arriving every
few seconds. A white block, which is your gun, moves back and forth
across the bottom of the screen. When the letter shown on the block is
pressed, a bullet is fired. You have ten shots and, if the printer is
attached, you will be given a printed certificate with your marksman-
ship rating at the end of the game.
If capital letters are used, this game can be used as a simple
keyboard familiarity game. If small letters are chosen, then the
player has to match the small letter to its capital and look for that
capital on the keyboard.

2. Invaders
Invading spacecraft, each bearing a letter, drop from the top of the
screen. You must press the matching letter on the keyboard to stop the
invader from landing. The final score is given, a certificate printed
and you meet the invaders' leader!
Like RANDOM RATS, this game can be used simply for keyboard familiar-
ity or, by choosing lower case letters, the player can practice
matching small letters to capitals.

3. Alphagaps
This game prints the alphabet on the screen and then removes 10
letters. When a question mark appears in one of the gaps, the letter
missing from that particular gap must be pressed.
This gives a gentle introduction to alphabetical order.


Further information about the program chain

Name    Start   Length        Loading time
 a2       1       857 bytes   13 seconds
 b      65024     512 bytes   11 seconds
 c        1     14360 bytes   85 seconds


(c) Copyright Blackboard Software 1983