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XOR - The Ultimate Maze Challenge

There are no random events in XOR's labyrinthine palace, and there is no premium on hand-eye coordination. You have all the time in the world to work out the precise nature of the hazards you encounter. Logical thinking, strategy and tactical problem solving are part of the XOR experience. And XOR is not simply about finding solutions. If you can solve the entire puzzle (15 levels plus an encrypted anagram), you qualify to be a member of the Order of XOR. With a certificate and a badge to prove it.

"... this is one of the most compulsive, cunning and attractive programs I've seen for some time! .... the game is superb - a very classy original twist on the basic maze theme"
A+B Computing

XOR's Features

• 15 graded mindbending mazes
• each maze approximately 16 screens
• super smooth high speed scrolling
• high resolution quality graphics
• high speed or step by step replay feature
• intriguing logical problems
• interactive dynamic puzzles

Game Elements

	Magus
	Questor
	Forcefield
	Forcefield
	Fish
	Fat doll
	Chicken
	Transporter
	H Bomb
	V Bomb
	Door
	Map
	Mask
	Switch

The software is (c) Astral Software Ltd 1986. Worldwide distribution by Logotron Ltd.

Playing Instructions

The introductory screen will load, then press space bar to continue onto the menu screen.

P = Piano (softer)
F = Forte (loader)
L = Level (cycles through levels)

The music is optional. You can reduce the volume, or turn it off by pressing P, or increase the volume by pressing F. The levels of play run from 0 - 15, although 11, 13 and 15 are not accessible until you have discovered how to reveal them! Once you have selected a maze, press the SPACE BAR to start the maze.

Controls

Z - move to the RIGHT
E - End Game
X - move to the LEFT
Y/N - Action Replay / Restart
/ - move DOWN
P - Stepper (in replay)
: - move UP
H - Hold (in replay)

There are two heroes on the screen represented by two shields (MAGUS and QUESTOR). These shields can be moved around the maze, picking up masks - by moving over them - and endeavouring to solve the puzzles with precise combinations of moves, sometimes involving both heroes.

The Objectives of the Game

Complete all 15 levels! As you go through the door of each level you will be given a letter, note down the 15 letters. These letters will make up an encrypted clue to XOR's true nature. By the way you cannot pass through the door until you have collected all the masks at each level.

Note that you cannot enter maze 11, 13 and 15 until you have completed levels 10, 12 and 14 respectively.

In your exploration of the mazes you will encounter: falling fish, two kinds of force field, spring loaded chickens, fizzer bombs and pressure bombs, BMUS (Beam Me Up Scottie), dolls, doors, maps and masks which aren't always quite what they seem.

We won't tell you any more - because half of the game consists of discovering the properties of these different features. Needless to say, you often need both your shields. These games are graded, and the bottom levels are suicidal!

There are 3 windows on the right of the game screen

The top window is the MAP window.
In each level you will find 4 Map Quartiles, as you collect them you will discover the layout of the maze, where the MASKS are placed and the position of the DOOR. However, the map does not show up any obstacles or force fields, so beware.

The middle window is the MOVE and HERO window.
There are two heraldic shields, MAGUS and QUESTOR. Each shield is initially placed in a different part of the maze. To switch from one shield to the other use the RETURN key, the shield in use at any one time is denoted by the shield displayed in this window.
The number next to the shield is the number of moves you have made - you have a maximum of 2000 moves on any level.

The bottom window is the MASK window.
The figure on the right tells you have many MASKS you have to collect in that particular level, the number on the right tells you how many you have already collected.

Become a member of the Order of XOR

If you solve all 15 levels you qualify to become a Member of the Order of XOR, with a Certificate and Badge to prove it. We plan further competitions with major prizes for Members of the Order of XOR. A+B Computing will be running a regular XOR Club spot with tips and hints for desperate puzzlers.

XOR Maze Generator

The XOR Maze Generator is a truly professional utility, in fact it's the very same generator we used to create the first collection of XOR puzzles found in this package. The package is fully menu driven and simple to use, the user simply places any of the selection of predefined icons onto the maze screen. Walls can be created simple by selecting the wall icon and driving it around the maze as required. Included in the package is an ICON DESIGNER so that you can change the appearance of the game characters to baffle and delight your friends. All purchasers of the maze generator as invited to submit mazes for inclusion in XOR II.