FIRELANCE
by Bryan Kitts
Hamster Software
Spectrum 48
This is a long, incredibly challenging game which has taken two of us an
inordinate amount of time to solve. If you are using an emulator, play it
in Spectrum 48 mode not 128 mode.
Hints:
THESE HINTS ARE GIVE IN RANDOM ORDER. THEY ARE NOT SEQUENTIAL. Yes, it is
rather diabolical of us, isn't it (heh-heh).
Many objects are needed more than once; so it's best to collect them in a
central location, like on your ship.
There are four main locations. The first is your ship. The others you will
need to determine from the hints you are given. For the first hint, listen
to the radio. The second you get when you examine a terminal. The third
will be found if you do the right thing at the bar. The fourth you will
get after reading some books.
It is always helpful to have knowledge of a place before visiting, Don't
forget that your ship has a computer. When you receive some new
information, ask the computer about it. Some of the information is vital.
All objects you find/buy are necessary. However, there is one
"unnecessary" location where you die.
You get hungry either at random times or after a specified number of
moves.
The belt is necessary when there is no other exit. Examine its parts and
fiddle with them.
Food is available at the beginning, and you can buy some later on. Don't
eat it unless you are getting dizzy, as the amount you can buy is limited.
How to get into the buggy? Divert the guards' attention. Once that is
done, you can keep using it without fear that the guards will return.
Remember to check out the buggy.
There are several ways you can get to the prison. But you will need
certain objects to escape it (see another hint). The easiest way is
through the hatch (in the airlock area). Alternately, you can go west of
the pub or west of the roadblock.
Do you get killed at the factory after one move? Even with the torch on?
Did you notice a switch? Push it.
If you are wondering about whether to buy the dress or not, buy it. It's
needed. Don't have enough money? There is no other solution except to go
back to a previously saved game.
You can go to the southern airlock area more than once; the first time to
take an object; the second in order to get to another location. At the
first visit, remember where you are and that gravity is minimal. At the
second visit, open the hatch.
You can carry only a limited number of objects. You cannot put anything
in, or take anything out, of the haversack. Just having it allows you to
carry more objects. However, there also, there is a limit.
Although you find money, it is not enough for all the things you need to
buy. There are two other "treasures" you need. One is in the factory, the
other you will find when you examine the cannon after you destroy it.
You've found a hatch you cannot open? Have you been to the courtroom yet?
You need to carry the crowbar to open several locations.
Can't open the safe? Examine the scientist.
Don't know what to do with the scientist? Examine the area well. You die
before you can explore it all? Change where you go first and you will find
what you need in order to get another object you need. You not only have
to immobilize the scientist, but ensure he doesn't escape. Use an object
that was used on you.
You first "task" is to get rid of the missiles. You have only 4 charges in
your gun, so use them wisely. You do not need to kill the guard, but you
need to plan your moves carefully.
Remember to recharge your gun. There are several times you will need it.
Can't get the handcuffs off? Certain items found in the factory will be
helpful and worth gold in the hands of another.
Using the explosives in the reactor room is pretty straightforward. Be
sure to set it before you throw it into another room.
You die a hero? You forgot to do something. Remember the gun with one more
shot in it? Use it before you head back to the craft. Be quick - there
are only a few moves left before the explosives go off. Make sure your
treasure is already there.
Keep setting off the alarm when you disable the laser beams? You need to
put it out of commission. Check out the area with the computer. What to do
there? Using the iron key first will get you the object you need. Don't
know what to do with it? Give it time.
There are several ways to return to your ship. Don't take the easy way
out, unless there is no other way out.
Not finding it easy to get the chest out? Did you examine the mat? How can
you drag the chest over the mat and get it into the cruiser? You've used
this object before. Retrieve it and use it.
Don't panic when you see Dalder, and your gun and belt are destroyed. The
walls close in on you? Make sure you have a) your torch; and b) something
to hold back the walls. Other things are needed as well, but if they are
on our ship you can go back and retrieve them. How? You can go UP and DOWN
to/from Dalder's room and the reactor room.
The guards kill you when you take the iron key? Don't take it, and lead
the guards to the place where you can imitate Dalder's moves.
Terri Sheehan and Alastair
2008-07-04
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