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

