Beamrider [Model FZ-009]

Tips from Dave Rolfe, designer of Beamrider
(Dave Rolfe is a seasoned software designer, with an academic background in engineering and computer science. In his spare time, he can be found bicycling or listening to rock 'n roll.)

"Greetings from sector 26 and moving! If you want to make it to the outer sectors, pay attention to these tips."

"Maintain precise control by learning to TAP the Control Stick to move your ship a single beam at a time. And stay near the center beams so you won't get boxed into a corner with nowhere to run."

"Zap the white enemy saucers as early in their approach as possible. And check this out: You can hit them when they're slightly off the beam, before they can drop their missiles."

"When you see a yellow rejuvenator, don't abandon all caution as you move to catch it or you'll likely wreck your ship. If an enemy object is blocking the rejuvenator, you can use a torpedo to blast it out of the way. Then, catch the rejuvenator. But remember, you only have three torpedoes and they're your only weapon against the Sector Sentinel."

"And while we're on the subject, when the Sentinel is about to approach, don't sit on the beam you plan to shoot from. Green Blockers will swarm onto it immediately! Instead, wait on a beam you're NOT going to shoot from (like the one nearest the Sentinel's first sighting). As soon as the Blockers are 'locked' onto that beam, zip over to an unblocked beam and torpedo the ship."

"Last, but not least, take time to notice the enemy attack movements. They generally follow a pattern of motion that allows you to anticipate many of their moves."

"With practice, you'll be in the outer sectors before too long. If you get TOO far out, come down to Earth for a while and drop me a line. Because reading your letters is the next best thing to designing games."