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START
SPACE RANGERS
Official site: www.ElementalGames.com
A Manual for extreme adventurers..
·
Introduction
·
Game special features
·
System requirements
·
Installation and start
·
Ranger's manual
·
Rangers' world reference book
·
FAQ
START
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Introduction
The action takes place in a distant future. By the year 3000 humanity had mastered the technology of
interstellar flights and come into contact with another four developed civilizations: Maloqs, Pelengs,
Fayeans and Gaals. Their relationships were not smooth, nevertheless they found a way to exist with each
other and took joint decisions at the Galaxy Council.
But suddenly a new race coming from an unknown Galaxy region starts to capture the Five Races' systems.
The invaders are called Klissans. A bloody war of the Five Races' Commonwealth against the invaders
breaks out. But the Klissans are gradually winning this war and so the Commonwealth decides to engage
rangers, people on their own, able to reach Machpella, the mothership of the Klissans, and destroy her.
Thus, our hero, along with many other volunteers, comes to this world and becomes a ranger. He is given a
ship, equipment, a part of the Galaxy map, now he must accomplish his mission to liberate the captured
planets. To become strong, the player will have to not only fight with the Klissans but also trade, fulfill tasks
set by the different worlds' governments, struggle against pirates, receive awards, better his basic skills and
upgrade his ship.
All this will happen dynamically with the world around. The player will have to choose his way to victory. He
will be able to live his life like a true warrior, a pirate or a trader. All his action will be judged by the planets
governments and captains of other ships. All captains of other ships have their own point of view on
everything that is happening. They do not just fly to and fro, they live their lives. They decide what to buy
and where to sell it, they upgrade their ships just like the player. Pirates rob, military ships protect their
systems, commercial ships trade, and rangers do all of the above and also fight with the Klissans. But again
everything depends on the character of the player and rangers can also become pirates or traders.
Some events are constantly going on in the game world. Black holes open, prices go up and down, coup
d'etats take place on planets, some systems are cleared from Klissans by the forces of the Commonwealth,
others at the same time are captured by the enemy. A part of these events are reflected in planetary news
and even by the advice from the ships flying by.
At the very end of a successful game a non-linear ending awaits our player. Of course, it is possible to find
the mothership of the Klissans, chase her into subspace and destroy her in a real-timebattle. But another
outcome is also possible, when a player cooperating with the scientists gets a Mental Communicator. In this
case another ending can occur. He will be able to communicate with Machpella and find out all the truth
about Klissans. This knowledge lets the player choose the ending on his own. The main thing is not to allow
the Klissans to win!
Introduction
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Game special features
The game's specific features are :
1.
"Space Rangers" (SR) is a unique combination of adventure, role-play, tactics and strategy game with
the actions taking place in space.
2.
SR Universe is a large and interrelated world that lives and develops on its own. More than 50 star
systems exist in this world with over 200 planets and space stations inhabited by thinking
creatures.There are also many other space objects with which a player can interact during the game.
3.
In SR a player can come across hundreds of ships managed by computer pilots.The ships can be
civilian, military, pirate and Klissan. There are over 50 other rangers with whom a player has to
compete to accomplish his mission - to clear the galaxy of Klissans.
A player can choose one of five races in the Galaxy and play for it using the specific skills of this race
to achieve his goals.
4.
5.
Different outcomes are possible in the game. A player-scientist can make a Mental Communicator and
talk to Machpella persuading her to leave the Galaxy peacefully. A player-warrior can win Machpella
over in the final battle.
6.
A player can live in the SR world and do what thy want! They may do quests or trade, fight or become a
pirate.
7.
Some players will enjoy the system of pilot's ranks, others will strive for getting more points for freeing
star systems from Klissans and collecting protoplasm. The more points a player gets, the more
chances he has to upgrade his 6 pilot's skills.
8.
A unique system of talk lets the ships communicate with each other : they can report about trade
benefits, demand money, ask for help or suggest alliances.
9.
Numerous standard equipment and artefacts enable a player to have a wide variety of equipment
onboard.
10. A player has a choice of using 15 weapons and their modifications in tactics and arcade battles.
11. There are more than 20 captivating quests from simple ones to the more complex. Solving them can
give a player real pleasure as well as valuable artefacts.
12.
More than 15 enjoyable tunes create specific ambience in the game.
13. Plus much more…
Game special features
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System requirements
Minimal
Operation system
Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP
Processor
Pentium-233 MHz
RAM
64 Mb
HDD
300 Mb
Video card
800*600, High Color (16 bit)
CD-ROM
4-x
Control
Mouse + Keyboard
Average
Operation system
Windows 95/98/Me/ NT/2000/XP
Processor
Celeron 433 MHz
RAM
128 Mb
HDD
500 Mb
Video card
1024*768, High Color (16 bit)
Sound card
compatible with DirectX 7.0 and
higher
CD-ROM
20-x
Control
Mouse + Keyboard
Recommended
Operation system
Windows 2000/XP
Processor
Pentium-III 733 MHz
RAM
256 Mb
HDD
700 Mb
Video card
1024*768, High Color (16 bit)
Sound card
compatible with DirectX 7.0 and
higher
CD-ROM
20-x
Control
Mouse + Keyboard
System requirements
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Installation and start
Installation
Insert CD with the game" Space Rangers" in your computer. The window for installation will open
automatically. If the window does not open, start the file setup.exe on the CD.
Follow the instructions during the installation.
After the installation press the "Game start" button.
Start the game
Insert CD in the computer and click the left mouse button on Game Start.
or
1. Press the Start button
2. Open the menu Programs - Space Rangers
3. Click on the icon Rangers
or
1. Start My Computer
2. Open the file where the game has been installed (C:\Program Files\Space Rangers)
3. Start the file rangers.exe
Installation and start
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Ranger's manual
Rangers should know the following:
·
Game main menu screen
·
Navigation panel
·
Planet screen
·
Space screen
·
Video review screen
·
Hyperjump screen
·
Arcade battle screen
·
Quest screen
Ranger's manual
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Game main menu screen
On starting the game the main menu screen appears on which a player can see the name of the game,
version number (in the left bottom hand corner) and the menu buttons:
·
New game - to start a new game
·
Load - to load a saved game
·
Credits - to find out about the Rangers' creators
·
Scores - to view the score and compare it with the highest scores
·
Settings - to choose game parameters to achieve the best results on your computer
·
Exit - to exit the game and return to Windows.
Game main menu screen
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New game
On pressing the "New game" button you open a screen to create your ranger. Here you choose the difficulty
level, your ranger's race, activity and name.
You may choose from five races: Humans, Maloqs, Pelengs, Fayeans and Gaals. Each race has its own
characteristics and relationships with the other races.
To choose the game level :
Click on the desired level in the left upper part of the screen.
There are 4 difficulty levels in the game:
· Easy - rangers usually win at this level as enemies in the arcade battle are weak and the rangers are
given more money for tasks.
· Standard - rangers fight Klissans under equal conditions and extra bonuses are not given.
· Difficult - rangers are given the most complicated tasks at this level and Klissans almost always win,
the enemies in the arcade battle are strong.
· Expert - rangers are given little money for tasks, time limits are strict, Klissans actively fight, enemies in
the arcade battle are very strong. The level is designed exclusively for experts.
To choose a ranger's race :
· Click on the race you want in the centre of the screen. A representative of the race and the race icon
will appear in the right part of the screen.
To choose a ranger's activity :
· Click on the desired activity in the upper part of the screen.
To change a ranger's name :
· Enter a new name using the keyboard. Use Backspace to delete unnecessary letters. The new name
will appear at the bottom of the screen.
On pressing the "Continue" button a new galaxy world is created and an introduction appears on the
screen.
Advice. Read the texts carefully as they explain the game rules and give good advice for beginners.
On pressing the "Continue" button a player finds himself on a mother planet in the government building
where he is given instructions before becoming a ranger.
Advice. In the government building it will be suggested that you consider taking a course in piloting,
trading and fighting. Consider this carefully as the detailed advice will help you get used to the game.
New game
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Load the game
A player can load earlier saved games. He can also load the game "Autosave" that records his latest
successful attempt to land on a planet ( it is always at the bottom slot ). It is possible to delete saved games
that a player no longer requires.
To load the saved game:
1. Click the mouse on the chosen slot.
2. Press the "Load" button.
To delete game:
1. Click the mouse on the game you wish to delete.
2. Press the "Delete" button.
Load the game
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Scores
Here you can view your scores and compare them to the best possible results.Besides scores you can see
a rangers' achievements such as the date of completing the game, pilot's ranks, the number of ships hit, the
number of planets freed from Klissans, skills, etc.
On winning the game you can submit your results to the Galaxy Rangers' Rating. A special button R will
appear next to your score. Pressing this button you will create a special file that can be sent to our site and
your name will be put in the galaxy rangers list forever!
Find more info at our site www.ElementalGames.com.
To get detailed information about the result :
Click on the corresponding line in the list. The information will be displayed on the right part of the
screen.
To delete your score from the list :
· Press the "Clear high scores" button at the bottom of the screen..
Scores
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Options
The window "Settings" allows you to set various parameters of the game to allow the game to play well on
your computer. If you are an experienced user, you can set each parameter manually, the description of
these parameters are given below. Otherwise you can take advantage of buttons for fast (and in most
cases, optimum) setting of parameters.
To carry out fast installation of all parameters:
· Press one of three special buttons in the bottom left part of the window. So, if you have a Pentium IV
with 256 Mb of memory or more, press the button "Maximal settings". If you have Pentium III with 128
Mb of memory, press the button "Optimum settings". And if your computer has only 64 Mb of memory,
press the button "Minimal settings".
To save changed parameters :
· Press the "Apply" button.
To close Settings window without saving the changes :
·
Press the "Exit" or Esc button.
Description of parameters for options
All the parameters are divided into three categories : Common, Graphics and Music. Pressing the
corresponding buttons in the left upper part of the screen will switch to them.
Common
·
Language
·
Number of days in the recorded film. The larger the parameter you choose, the more days are
available to view in the past history film. This parameter influences the size of the saved game file. As
the recorded film requires some system resources, on slow computers it's recommended to set this
parameter to 1.
·
Cache size (Mb). The parameter determines the whole game speed process. The more computer
memory you have, the bigger cache you are able to set. The recommended cache size is around half
the memory of the computer.
Scrolling speed. This parameter determines how fast you can scroll the screen in space when you
place the pointer on the edge of the screen. The greater the parameter, the faster the scrolling.
·
Graphics
These parameters influence graphic elements in the game and the speed of creating graphics in the game
in general.
·
Screen size - 1024o768 or 800o600. Smaller screen size is for slower computers.
·
Contrast - you can alter these parameters even during the game.
·
The background, animated captains, animated stars, fogs, satellites, loops behind ships, comets
- switching off all or some of these parameters allows you to increase the speed of the graphical
images on slow computers.
·
Animated hangar, equipment and government - switching off all or some of these parameters allows
you to increase the speed of the graphical images on slow computers.
·
The area outside the radar can be normal or foggy. If you have a slow computer don't switch on foggy
area display as it will slow down your computer.
·
FPS - this parameter allows you to estimate how quick your computer deals with graphic images.If you
switch it on, then in the upper part of the screen you will see the number of displayed frames per
second. If FPS is less than 30 you should switch off some or all graphic elements from this list.
Music
Parameters influence music and sounds in the game. If you have a slow computer it's recommended that
you should switch off the music. The processor won't need to decode the music files and will work faster.
Sounds don't have that much influence on the processor's work.
·
Sounds - yes /no
·
·
·
·
·
Sounds in space - yes /no
Sound volume - from 0 to 100%.
Music - yes /no
Music in space- yes /no
Music volume - from 0 to 100%.
Options
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Navigation panel
The navigation panel is displayed at the very bottom of the screen and has several buttons.
On the left there is the game icon R of the "System menu". There are also a number of icons: current tasks
( notebooks ), saved info ( clips ), advice ( question marks ), etc. Next to them you can see the current date
in the game world, cash (credit cards) quantity and free space available on your ship. On the right there is
the triangle "End of turn" button.
Over the navigation panel there are always three buttons: "Ship", "Rangers' Rating" and "Galaxy map".
Sometimes depending on the game some additional buttons appear. (See planet screen, space screen).
On placing the mouse pointer on any of these buttons a tip with a "hot" key will appear on the main
navigation panel.
Clips
You may notice clips in many windows, they are very useful. Clicking on the clip stores in memory the
information of the current window, for example, prices in the trade centre or news in the Info centre. On
clicking the clip it will appear on the navigation panel. You can open any saved window or delete it later.
To save the information window:
· Click on the clip of this window. It will appear on the navigation panel and you can open it later.
To view saved information window:
· Place the pointer on the clip on the navigation panel.
To delete saved information window:
· Click the right mouse on the clip.
Note. You will work with the other icons in the same way as you do with the clips.Only the icons usually
appear on the navigation panel automatically. Some important advice can not be deleted until it's
unnecessary (for example the government task has been fulfilled).
Navigation panel
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System menu (Esc)
System menu displays five buttons (in brackets you see the corresponding keyboard buttons):
·
Continue (Esc) - to close system menu and return to the game.
·
Save (F2) - to save current game.
·
Load (F3) - to load the saved game.
·
Settings (C) - to change game settings.
·
Exit (E) - to finish current game and go to the main menu screen.
System menu (Esc)
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End of turn (Space)
"End of turn" is the main button in the game. On pressing this button the ship starts to follow your orders
("fly", "land", "shoot" and etc.) It may take one or several days depending on the order. For instance if a
player wishes to make a several days flight, then pressing the "End of turn" button once will result in the
passing of several days. However a player can always stop the flight.
To stop a several day flight :
· Press the "End of turn" button or Space button again.
Note. The orders in the game are considered ahead so your ship won't stop at the end of the day but at
the beginning of a new one.
To make a several day flight with stops on each day:
· When pressing the "End of turn" button (or Space) you should also hold the Shift button down as well.
Note. When you are on a planet you should not press the "End of turn" button unless you are waiting for a
change in prices or government task.
End of turn (Space)
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Ship (S)
In this window a player can see the ranger and his ship. In the upper part of the screen there are the ship's
basic characteristics : protection, vacant space, weight and speed. In the left part of the screen you see the
ship's hull, equipment and weapons, installed in special slots, and items that are in the hold. In the right part
of the window the pilot's name, picture, character, pilot's rank, awards, ranger points and skills are shown.
Note. Not all slots are shown at the beginning of the game. On getting non-standard equipment
(artefacts) a player will see additional slots appear on the screen.
The items can be taken to and from the slots. When you are on a planet you can sell or repair them, when
in space you can get rid of them by throwing them away.
Note! The equipment will work promptly if correctly installed in the corresponding slots. The engine
should be put in the engine slot, a scanner in the scanner slot and weapons should be in the
weapons slot. Equipment and weapons that are in the hold are not in operation until installed!
To install an item to the slot from the hold :
1.
2.
Click the mouse on the item to take . The mouse pointer will look like a hand holding an item and the
slots in which the item can be installed will be lit.
Click on the lit slot to place the item in.
To sell or repair an item :
1. When you are on a planet you should click the mouse on the item to taket. The mouse pointer will look
like a hand holding an item and instead of the pilot's skills panel the following buttons will appear : "
Sell" or " Repair" and the cost of the operation.
2. Press the "Sell" or "Repair" button.
Note. If the item is not damaged, the button "Repair" won't appear on the panel.
To get rid of the item :
1. When in space you should click on the item to take. The mouse pointer will look like a hand holding an
item and instead of the pilot's skills panel the following button will appear "Throw".
2. Press the "Throw" button.
Note. Please remember that if you throw away the engine or fuel tanks, the ship won't fly. If you throw a
cargo hook you won't be able to pick up any items.
On placing the pointer over any item a window with a short description usually appears. You may read the
technical characteristics of any equipment or object onboard. You can also find out how many points you
need to get the next pilot's rank or skill.
To find out how many points you need to get the next pilot's rank :
· Move the pointer to the pilot's rank icon in the right part of the screen.
Note. A new rank won't be given to you automatically, you should visit a military base to get it.
To find out how many points you need to upgrade your skills :
·
Move the pointer to the desired skill icon in the right bottom part of the screen.
Description of pilot's skills:
·
Accuracy
Accuracy skill, if developed up to 100 per cent enables you to inflict maximum damage on the enemy.
For example if the weapon description says damage 24-36 points, then the maximum 36 points of
damage will be inflicted on the enemy ship.
Manoeuvrability
The pilot with a 100 per cent manoeuvrability suffers the least damage. If manoeuvrability and accuracy
of both pilots are at the same level, then damage only occurs occassionally when in range of the
enemy weapon.
·
Equipment knowledge
If the pilot has developed the equipment knowledge skill, it will help reduce the risk of the equipment
and weapons wearing out.
·
Trade skills
Trade skills allow the pilot to escape financial losses when selling used equipment
·
Charm
Charm skills reduce negative reaction of others at your actions and double positive reaction.
·
Leadership
Leadership skills enable you to have 5 rangers in your command. But when hiring some rangers please
bear in mind that a pilot with a high rank won't obey a junior ranger.
Ship(S)
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Rangers' rating (R)
Rangers' rating is open to the public and is managed by rangers' centres to compare their achievements. All
registered rangers, their points and characteristics are available in this rating. Rangers get points for
fighting with Klissans and delivering protoplasm to rangers' centres. On getting more points a ranger can
improve his skills. The lower the ranger's rating, the less his tribute to a common mission.
There is a "board of distinguished rangers" of all activities ( traders, warriors, pirates ) in the very bottom of
the window. The best rangers fighting with Klissans get extra points. But if some ranger does not bring
protoplasm or shoot Klissans ships for a long time, then the rangers' centres pass this information to the
governments and the latter lower their attitude towards him.
The rating is done by points but you can set the rating to be done by name, race, pilot's rank in decreasing
or increasing order.
To show rating in the other column :
· Click on the column's headline.
To show rating in decreasing or increasing order :
· Click on the column's headline once again.
Rangers' rating (R)
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Galaxy map (M)
This is a map of the explored Galaxy. It is divided into sectors-constellations.In the very beginning of the
game a ranger receives a galaxy map of the nearest constellations. Star maps of other sectors can be
bought in government buildings on planets lying close to these unexplored sectors.
A player can find out the distance to any star (in parsec) and get a list of planets and space stations in any
star system. He can also find out who they belong to this or that race and their attitude.
In space a player has the ability to hyperspace jump.
To find out the distance from your star to any other star:
· Click the left mouse button on the corresponding star.
To view a list of planets and space stations in any star system:
· Click the right mouse button on the corresponding star.
Galaxy map (M)
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Planet screen
On landing a player will see the planet screen. In the right upper corner there is a window informing you
about the race, population, political regime, economy and the planet's attitude to a player.
A player's relationship with a planets is very important. If his connection with the planet is good or exellent
he can get special governmental tasks. If the relationship is poor then a player can not trade, buy
equipment or use the info centre. However a player can improve the relationship by giving bribes to officials.
But if the relationship is extremely poor a player can be jailed in order to have time to think over his
behaviour.
On the planet screen there are additional buttons over the navigation panel (the corresponding keyboard
buttons are shown in brackets):
·
Government (G) - to get a governmental task, buy a star map or give a bribe to improve relations.
·
Equipment shop (E) - to sell or buy equipment.
·
Trade centre (T) - to buy or sell goods.
·
Info centre (I) - to find out the galaxy news or use search data base.
·
Hangar (H) - to refuel or take off.
·
Planet (P) - to get general information about the planet.
Planet screen
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Government (G)
In the government building a player will meet with an official who represents the race inhabiting this planet.
A player can:
· get a governmental task;
· learn good advice on trade;
· buy maps of the nearest star systems;
· give a bribe to improve relations.
Talking to an official is shown in the form of a dialog, a player's variants of answers are in the bottom of the
dialog window.
Advice. To remember the information of the current window you should click on the clip in the right
bottom corner of the window. Then the clip will be placed on the navigation panel and you can open
the window any time you wish just by moving the mouse pointer near the clip.
Governmental tasks
Governmental tasks play an important part in the game so it's recommended to fulfil them. A player can get
money, awards, the race's good attitude and valuable items. However you should bear in mind that if you
break the contract you will get nothing and the planet's attitude toward you will get worse.
Advice. Before choosing the task difficulty level and time of the fulfilment you should have a look at
the galaxy map to check how much time the flight to the appointed star will take. Take care to have
some extra time in case of unforeseen circumstances!
Government (G)
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Equipment shop (E)
In the equipment shop you will find equipment and weapons offered for sale. The quality of the goods
depends on the race and technological development of the planet. The cost of each item depends on its
characteristics, size and quality. The smaller the size and the higher quality, the more expensive the
item is.
Note! Gaalian items are of the highest quality, Fayean ones rank second place. Human items are of
average quality, Pelengan ones - a bit worse. Finally, Maloqi items are the worst of all. They break very
quickly and require constant repair. However, they are the cheapest, and so the most favourable in the
economic sense.
Every item in the shop has a colour barcode in the form of two dots that denote its technological level.
There are 8 technological levels for the equipment and each level has its own colour. A coloured stripe
in the upper part of the shop shows the whole palette of colours from the lowest blue up to the highest
black according to the increase in technology.
To find out about the technological characteristics of the chosen equipment:
· Place the pointer at the equipment and you will see a window with the description.
Advice. To compare the equipment in the shop with the one you have onboard, you can open the
"Ship" window (S).
To buy some equipment in the shop:
· Click the left mouse button on it.
Note. The purchase will be impossible if you don't have enough money or there is no empty space in
the ship.
Attention! The equipment you have bought will be put in the hold and you need to install it yourself.
Open the "Ship" (S) window to do it.
Equipment shop (E)
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Trade centre (T)
There are eight groups of goods that you can buy and sell in the trade centre: food, medical, equipment,
luxury, minerals, alcohol, weapons and drugs.
In the left part of the screen you can see the amount of goods on the planet and prices. On the right you
can see the amount of each item onboard and suggested price for sale. The initial price of the item is also
shown.
Selling the item is profitable if the figure is green and it is a sure loss if the figure is red.
For a player's convenience in the centre of the screen there are stars next to the goods that are profitable to
sell or buy. That useful system is designed for those who don't want to bother to remember the prices for
profitable deals and want the process of shopping to be smooth and easy.
To buy an item :
1. Click on the panel left to the item's icon. An additional panel "Buy" will appear.
2. Set the amount of goods for purchase (use a runner or the " Maximum" button)
3.
Press OK button.
Note. You won't be able to buy goods if you do not have enough money or there is no vacant space for
the goods on the ship.
To sell an item:
1. Click on the panel on the right of the item's icon. An additional panel "Sell" will appear.
2. Set the amount of goods for sale ( use a runner or the "Maximum" button)
3. Press OK button.
Prices for goods
The prices of the goods on each planet depend on various factors. They depend not only on the race and
planet's economy but also on the intensity of cargo movement. The prices are dynamic. One day the planet
may need certain goods and prices are high, but soon prices may drop if too many traders arrive with the
same goods. You should listen carefully to traders' whom you meet on the way and read the news in the
info centre. Then you will be able to trade successfully and live quite well.
Advice. To remember the prices on a certain planet you may click on the clip in the right bottom part
of the screen. The clip will be placed on the navigation panel and you can have a look at the prices
any time by moving the mouse pointer to it.
Forbidden goods
Often beneficial trips are connected with illegal goods. For example you can legally buy drugs from Pelengs
and sell them to Gaals. It will bring a lot of money. But the Gaal government won't be grateful to such
rangers and the planet's attitude will change for the worse. In the future it can cost a player a lot of money
and trouble to change the attitude or keep away from Gaal planets. A ranger has to decide for himself
whether to break the laws or not. When the deal is illegal you are always warned.
A table of legal and illegal goods for each race :
N
Goods / Race Maloqs Pelengs Humans Fayeans Gaals
1
Food
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
2
Medicine
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
3
Equipment
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
4
Luxury
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
5
Minerals
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
6
Alcohol
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
7
Weapons
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
8
Drugs
No
Yes
No
No
No
Trade centre (T)
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Info centre (I)
The latest Galaxy news is published in the info centre. Reading the news regularly will help you know
everything about the business, political and scientific life of the Commonwealth and this is important for a
successsful game.You may find out about the star systems being cleared of Klissans, prices falling, well
known traders or pirates appearing, black holes opening and much more useful information.
Advice. To remember the news you should click on the clip next to it. The clip will then be placed on
the navigation panel and you can read it any time by moving the pointer over it.
In the info centre you can switch into search mode. The database is able to give you the location of the
space object whether it is a ship, a planet, a space station or some tough gun in the shop. With this
information you can accomplish such difficult missions as the search and elimination of criminals.
To switch to the search mode:
· Press the "Magnifier" button in the right upper corner of the screen.
To search:
1. Type in the search line a part of the name of the object you are searching for.
Examples : "a", "Earth", "radar".
2. Press OK button.
Note. The search engine registers every letter in the same way, so "AlPha" and "alpha" are considered
the same words.
To return to the news:
· Press the "Announcer" button in the right upper corner of the window.
Info centre (I)
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Hangar (H)
In the hangar a player can fix the ship's hull, refuel and take off from the planet. A robot in the top right
screen corner informs you when the most important equipment (the hull, engine, fuel tanks) is damaged or
is not fitted.
If the engine and fuel tanks are not installed it will be impossible to take off. In this case a player should
install the equipment. Open a "Ship" window to see if you have the equipment (it should be in the ship's hold
) or buy it in the equipment shop.
To fix the ship's hull :
· Press the "Repair" (A) button in the left bottom corner of the screen. The button only works if the hull
needs repair.
To refuel :
· Press the "Fuel" (B) button. The button works if the fuel tanks are not full.
To take off from the planet :
· Press the "Take off" (F) button.
Note. Always refuel before taking off! If the fuel tanks are not full you may run out of fuel during the
hyperjump and will have to go back to the planet.
Hangar (H)
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Space screen
On the space screen a player can see part of the star system with different space objects such as ships,
planets, stations, items, etc. When pointing at any important object a window will open to tell you about that
object.
The radar panel in the right upper corner of the screen and additional buttons appear over the navigation
panel:
·
Scan (I) - to scan the inside of the other ship
·
Talk (T) - to talk to the other ship.
·
Weapon panel (W) - to show/close weapons
·
Film (F) - to watch video recorded flights
When in space a player can give the following orders:
·
Fly - to fly to the appointed place.
·
Land - to land on a planet or space station.
·
Pursue - to follow the other ship or switch the autobattle mode.
·
Star jump - to make a hyperjump to another star system.
·
Pick up - to pick up cargo.
·
Shoot - to shoot weapons at ships or asteroids.
To view the space screen fast:
· Place the pointer at the end of the screen you want to view.
To quickly view the space screen:
1.
2.
Press and hold the right mouse button. The mouse pointer will look like a roller.
Move the mouse in the desirable direction.
To move the camera back to a player's ship:
· Press the button C or the button "Eye" in the right bottom on the radar panel.
Space screen
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Radar
Radar is a navigation window in the right top corner of the screen. It helps to point the camera at any place
in the current star system. (The camera shows the screen that the player can see at the moment, which is
shown in the white square on the radar.)
The current star with the planets around is always in the centre of the radar. A bright green circle shows the
radar activity range. Inside the circle tiny objects can be seen. Space ships of different races are shown as
large colourful dots and cargo in space is represented by small yellow dots. The rest of the panel is
shadowed.
To put the camera on an object (a ship or a planet):
· Click near this object on the radar.
To return the camera to a player's ship:
· Press the "Eye" (C) button in the right hand bottom corner on the radar panel.
This button is useful if a player has suddenly "lost" his ship.
Radar
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Scan (I)
If a player has a scanner onboard a ship he can try to scan the inside of the other ship to view its equipment
and weapons. Such knowledge is very useful when in combat because a player will find out his enemy's
exact power.
To scan the other ship :
1. Press the "Scan" (I) button
The usual mouse pointer will turn into a scan pointer.
2.
Click on the ship you wish to scan. If the ship's pro-field is less powerful than your scanner, you will see
information about the ship.
Note. In space the right click of the mouse on the ship results in automatic scanning.
Scanner won't work
1. If the radar is broken or the object is not within the radar's reach.
2. If the ship belongs to the Klissans.
3. If the scanner is less powerful than the pro-field of the scanned ship.The power of the pro-field of any
ship can be seen if you move the mouse pointer to it.
Scan (I)
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Talk (T)
A player can communicate with the other captains. The captains usually answer according to the current
situation. If it's a trader ship the captain will tell you about his plans: where the ship is flying, what places it
has already visited and what the prices are there. If it's a pirate or rangers ship, then the captain may give
valuable advice or tell you to mind your own business, this will depend on his attitude towards you.
You may use a dialog window to create an alliance or ask to stop an attack. You may threaten the ship and
take money or part of their cargo. You can hire rangers as partners and discuss terms of service.
Note: If you hired a ranger, you can give him commands and he will follow them. For example if you are
going to land you should tell him to land too.He will immediately change course. You should not worry if he
is behind you as he can find you.
To talk to the other ship :
1. Press "Talk" (T) button.
The mouse pointer will turn into the talk pointer.
2.
Click on the ship you want to communicate with.
To stop the dialog with the ship:
· Find the "Exit talk" button.
The transmitter works only within the active range of the radar. Therefore if the radar is not installed or
damaged it will be impossible to talk with other ships.
Ships can communicate with a player or with other ships. The icons of deciphered talks are placed on the
navigation panel and can be viewed by a player.
Talk (T)
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Flight
To fly to any place in space:
1.
2.
Click on any place in space you wish to fly to. A trajectory from your ship to the chosen place will
appear on the screen displaying the number of days necessary for the flight. Red dots show the
distance your ship is able to cover during one day, blue dots - the remainder of the journey.
Press the "End of turn" button.
Your ship will sail off to the appointed place.
To stop during a several days flight :
· Press the "End of turn" button again.
The ship will travel one more day and stop.
Note. The order "Fly" can be combined with the orders to "pick up" items and "Shoot".
Flight
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Landing
To land on a planet or space station:
1.
Click on a planet or space station you want to land on.The path of your ship's travel to this object will
appear on the screen, and the pointer will look like a planet. If the pointer looks like a ship then click on
the planet again.
2.
Press "End of turn" button. Your ship will fly to the chosen object and then land on it.
Note. The ship automatically calculates the approximate number of days necessary for theflight.
Landing
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Pursue
There are 4 types of pursuit:
·
Pursue - to follow the appointed ship at a very close distance.
·
Autobattle - to follow the appointed ship and fight it until the battle has ended.
Advantages:
a) No need to press the "End of turn" button each time.
b) A player's ship moves and fights on its own.
Disadvantages:
a) A player can not manage his ship until the enemy is done or his ship is seriously damaged or a player
presses "End of turn".
·
Keep at a distance for close range shooting - to pursue the ship but not to approach it closer
than needed for shooting.
·
Keep at a distance for long-range shooting - to follow the ship aiming long-range weapons at
it. These two modes can be useful when fighting with a skilled enemy and a player does not want to
switch to Autobattle mode.
To pursue a ship :
1.
2.
Click on the ship you wish to pursue one or more times. Each click turns on different modes with the
corresponding pointer. The first click switches on the "Pursue" mode, the second - "Autobattle" etc.
Press the button "End of turn".
Your ship will follow the other ship in the chosen mode.
Pursue
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Star jump
To jump to another star:
1.
When in space open "Galaxy map" (M).
2.
Click on the star you want to travel to. It must be in range of a hyperjump (shown as a circle around the
current star).
The course to this star system will show on the map.
Press OK button.
The window "Galaxy map" will close and the ship will fly to a new star.
Press "End of turn" button.
As soon as the ship reaches the end of the current star system, it will enter hyperjump mode and will
travel in hyperspace.
3.
4.
Note. If you have chosen a star system that you are unable to fly to, you will be told. It usually happens
when your ship's engine is not powerful enough or tanks lack fuel.
Star jump
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Pick up cargo
Ships can carry various items onboard such as equipment, weapons, goods, non-standard equipment,
quests and scripts. Any item in space can be picked up by a ship's cargo hook. You can not pick up items
without a hook, so it's worth dropping in at the equipment shop to buy one.
To pick up an item onboard a ship :
1. Move to the object so it is in the active range of the ship's hook (shown as a circle when pointing at it).
Note! When pointing at the item the pointer will turn into a hand. It means you can take the item.
3. Click on the item.
An icon-hand will appear.
3. Press the "End of turn" button.
The item will be taken onboard.
Note! There are two instances where the item can not be picked up:
· It's out of the hook's range. You should fly closer to it and retry.
· Your ship's cargo hook capacity is not large enough to pick up such a big item.You should use a
more powerful hook to pick up the item.
There can be situations when several ships are eager to pick up the same cargo. In which case the nearest
ship will get it.
A player can shoot weapons at any item in space in order to stop his rivals getting it.
Note! If your ship is overloaded it won't fly until you get rid of excess cargo. Therefore only take those items
that your ship can carry.
Pick up cargo
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Weapons panel (W)
On pressing the button "Show/close weapons" a player will see the weapon panel. There are five slots
on the panel with one slot designed for one weapon, therefore a ship can carry up to 5 weapons. This
panel serves for aiming weapons at targets (enemy's ships, asteroids). You can aim one or all your guns
at the target. The weapons from the hold can not be used but you can install them and then use them in
battle.
To install a weapon in the slot from the hold:
1. Press the "Ship" (S) button.
2. Click on the weapon in the hold. The pointer will take a form of a hand.
3. Click on the weapon slot where you wish to install the weapon.
To close the weapons panel:
· Press the "Weapons panel" button once again.
Read more about weapons in "Shooting"
Weapons panel (W)
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Shoot
A player can engage other ships in one of the following modes:
1.
"Autobattle" mode. In this mode a battle is carried out automatically and a player only has to wait for
the fight to end. This variant can be useful if you are fighting with one ship and positive that you are
superior!
2.
Hand mode. A player himself manages the weapons and the ship each turn.
A player should prepare the weapons for a battle, it means he should open the weapon panel, aim the
weapons at the target and shoot. You can aim several weapons at one target.
To aim one weapon at the target :
1. Click on the weapon. A circle will appear showing the range of this weapon. The pointer will look like a
target.
2.
Click on the target. An icon of the weapon will appear over it.
Note. If the target is out of the weapon's range you won't be able to aim.
To aim all weapons at the target :
1. Press "Select all weapons" (~) button.
2. Click on the target. Icons of the weapons (those that can reach the target) will appear over the target.
To choose the weapon not yet selected :
Press "+" button.
To remove the aimed weapon :
Click on the icon of the aimed weapon on the panel
To shoot:
· Press "End of turn" button.
How to get minerals from asteroids
A player can shoot not only ships but also asteroids and he can gather minerals from the hit asteroids.
Asteroids contain minerals and if a player shoots them accurately he will be able to pick them up or shoot
again to break them into smaller pieces. Minerals can be sold later at the trade centre on any planet.
Note. The best weapon to shoot asteroids is an "industrial laser" as it can quickly cut through them.
Shoot
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Video review screen
On clicking the "Film" button a player enters the mode of video review. All events in the space world are
recorded. A player can view them with the help of this mode it shows all the events happening around.
While watching the film a player can move the camera to any part of the screen to see other events.
The events are not recorded on planets or in hyperspace. Only when a player is in space is the film
recorded.
To start watching the film:
· Press the "Play" button.
To move the camera to some place in space:
Click on the radar panel near the required place or scroll the screen using the mouse.
To set the demonstration date :
· Use the recoil line to find the necessary date.
Note. A player should set the number of saved days in recorded video in the "Settings".
To return from the video review screen to the space screen :
· Press the "Exit" button.
Video review screen
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Hyperjump screen
On the hyperjump screen a player can see his ship moving through hyperspace that consists of curved
continium zones or clots, as pirates call them. The longer the hyperjump, the more clots you are to deal
with.
Hyperspatial screen on the left shows the ships integrity and weapons availability and the right panel has
the "Fly" button and the current date.
Automatic control of your ship will find the safest path and if you do not want to fight, press the "Fly" button
which will switch you to automatic control. Your ship will fly through all the clots sticking to the safest path
and jump to the other star system.
If you want to meet pirates, go ahead! Find the nearest yellow or red clot on your track, click on it and press
the "Fly" button. Your ship will move to it and, most probably, get into...
pirates' hands.
You can also select any safe clot on the path of your ship and press the "Fly" button. Your ship will fly to it
and then stand still. To enter the clot, you should click on it twice. You can gather minerals in the safe clots.
Hyperjump screen
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Arcade Battle screen
Flying through a clot occupied by pirates a player finds himself in the arcade battle mode. Each clot
presents a closed area in hyperspace with one in and several outs. Enemy ships are awaiting your ship
inside the clot, you are to destroy them and then leave the clot using one of the outs.
Battle takes place in real time which is why you need to control your ship with the help of the keyboard. The
control is the standard: Left-Right-Up-Down. "Ctrl" key to shoot.
Every weapon has a recharge period. As soon as the current weapon is discharged, you will automatically
switch to the next one. You can select the weapons manually by pressing keys 1 to 5.
Of course, all weapons have different principles of operation, sometimes you want to use one weapon, and
sometimes - another. Because the battle is swift it is inconvenient to press keys 1 to 5 all the time, . You
can divide all the weapons into groups. By default, all the weapons are in the first group, and all shooting
can be carried out by pressing Ctrl. But the right click of the mouse changes the group, and the weapon
energy display is coloured different. The second group weapons fire by pressing Space. Such an approach
allows an experienced player to fight far more effectively.
Pause - "P", "Pause".
Advice. If you lose the battle, your close relatives will be sent condolences and compensation but
the game is finished for you. Therefore when you are going to enter the arcade battle, don't forget to
save the game.
Arcade bonuses
In the arcade battle in hyperspace a player can come across arcade bonuses that can bring some
advantages or disadvantages. Bonuses look like icons in the circles and they automatically switch on when
you ship flies over them. All bonuses are time-limited, when you take a bonus in the bottom you will see a
corresponding icon and time of duration.
Bonuses can be both positive and negative.
Positive bonuses
Life
Protection - blocks 50% of hitting
Force - increases damage to enemies 50%
Speed - gives extra speed
Speedy weapons reloading - twice as quick
Invisibility - if you do not shoot enemies they do not see you
Negative bonuses
Slow down - slows down the ship
Weapons block - you are unable to shoot
Occasional bonus
Question - can be either a positive or negative bonus
Items in the hyperspace
In the arcade battle mode a player can take onboard all items from hyperspace.
To pick up an item from hyperspace :
· Fly closer to the item and click the mouse on it.
or
· Fly over the item pressing the button Shift.
Note. There are three instances where the item can not be picked up :
· It's out of the hook's activity range. You should fly closer to it and retry.
· Your ship's cargo hook capacity is not large enough to pick up such a big item.You need a more
powerful hook to pick up the larger items.
there is no vacant space in the ship. To get rid of unnecessary things press button"S" ship.
Arcade battle screen
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Quest screen
On a planet a player can press the "Start quest" button and get into a quest mode. The screen will display
the following 4 scenes:
·
Description of the current situation (in the left top)
·
Variants of action for a player (in the left bottom)
·
A picture of this quest (in the right top)
·
A player's parameters (in the right bottom)
Choosing different actions means a player enters different situations and his parameters change. When
some parameters become critical, the quest ends. The end can be either a success or a failure.
A player can finish the quest :
1. if he fulfils the task;
2. If he fails;
3. If he stops the quest.
To stop the quest and return to the main menu screen:
·
Press the "Abort quest" button.
Quest screen
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Rangers' world reference book
Basic game terms:
·
Space objects
·
Space stations
·
Ships
·
Races
·
Standard equipment
·
Non-standard equipment
·
Weapons
Rangers' world reference book
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Space objects
In space a player can interact with the following objects:
· Stars
· Planets
· Space stations
· Ships
· Black holes
· Asteroids
· Minerals
· Items
When moving the mouse pointer over one of these objects a special window with information will open.
Stars
A star is always at the centre of the system. Ships try not to stay close to it otherwise the ship's plating can
be severely damaged. Planets rotate around it. When moving the mouse pointer over a star a player can
view the complete list of planets and stations in the star system.
Planets
Planets are space objects a player's ship can land on. Planets can be inhabited or not. Move the pointer
over a planet and information about it will appear. The only possible operation with the planets not inhabited
is taking off. When a player lands on the inhabited planet, he can trade, buy equipment and weapons,
refuel, fix the ship, visit Info centre or government building. Each planet maintains its own military fleet that
protects it from the Klissans and pirates.
Different events such as government changes or droughts resulting in economic catastrophes take place on
the planets all the time. They give pilots a chance to make some money. You can also read about the
events in the nearest systems and planets in the info centre.
Planets concern themselves in scientific research and the discovery of new equipment. Technology is being
improved all the time and you will not find sophisticated items in the shops at the start. Gradually, planets
master different technologies, and more and more equipment appears on the store shelves.
Planet development efficiency depends on the race inhabiting it, political regime, population and economy
type. Large technologically-advanced Gaalian planets with a democratic government are the fastest to
develop. But Gaalian prices are the highest. At the same time their goods are of the best quality.
Black holes
Black holes are formed chaotically and disappear the same way after a period of time.They are like tunnels
between two star systems.A flight through such a hole can lead the ship to another system without any fuel
loss. It is the fastest and the cheapest way of moving.
But there is also another aspect. A player can meet unknown ships in these holes, and this can be fatal. But
at the same time the victory can bring you a lot of great surprises such as artefacts!
Planetary info centre announces about the formation or enclosing of black holes. Sometimes a player can
find out where the black hole leads.
Asteroids
Asteroids move in compliance with thegravitation forces of other space objects. That means they fly
chaotically and represent a serious danger for ships. Hitting a ship can severely damage it.That is why
captains of the ships usually shoot asteroids to destroy them.
Minerals
Each asteroid contains some mineral resources. If you shoot it promptly, you can save almost all valuable
minerals and pick them up. Minerals can be sold at any planet trade centre.
Items
In space a player can also come across various containers with equipment, weapons and goods that have
fallen from other ships. Using a cargo hook a player can take onboard different items.
Space objects
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Space stations
Stations unlike planets do not rotate around the stars, they remain in one place in space (though in case of
attack they can fire at their enemies and even fly).
On moving the mouse pointer over some space stations a special window appears with information about
the station. On space stations a player can do the same things as on planets - trade, buy equipment and
weapons or visit the info centre. But stations do differ.
The space station screen is almost the same as the planetary screen but a player will find a "Take off"
button instead of "Hangar".
There are 4 types of space stations in the game:
· Rangers' centres
· Scientific bases
· Military bases
· Pirates' bases
Rangers' centres
·
·
·
·
Serve for protoplasm collecting and rangers' rating.
Inform the planets about rangers's activities.
Give points to rangers to better their skills.
Give additional points to rangers for special deeds on request from governments.
Scientific bases
·
·
·
·
Create Mental Communicator to talk with Machpella
Sell non-standard equipment
May modificate standard equipment, but only once
Diagnose and repair the ship
Military bases
·
·
·
·
·
·
Watch rangers' military activities and try to co-ordinate their efforts with military services.
Inform rangers about the course of military actions.
Give rangers military pilots' points and pilot ranks.
Award the best rangers with valuable prizes and non-standard equipment.
Sell the best weapons to rangers.
Diagnose and fix the ship.
Pirates' bases
·
·
·
·
·
·
Buy and sell any goods including contraband
Offer great choice of used equipment
May forge documents and change a ranger's race though it's rather expensive. For a pirate it's a fair
chance to restore a good reputation in the eyes of different governments.
Sell forged protoplasm that can be later sold as real
Diagnose and fix the ship
Give nice discounts for rangers-pirates
Space stations
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Ships
Ships in the game are managed by pilots who have their own views and act as individuals. They try to
understand why other pilots act this way or that and make their own decisions. Such characteristics as
pilot's race and personality type influence the decision-making. Thus, Maloqi pilots are usually fearless,
Pelengan - agressive, Gaalian and Human - diplomatic-minded, and Fayean ones are cowards.
There are the following types of the ships in the game:
· Rangers' ships
· Civilian ships
· Military ships
· Pirates
· Rachekhan's pirates
· Klissans
· Unknown ships
Each type is represented by several models and there are more than 40 of them in the game.
Rangers
Rangers are engaged in liberating the systems captured by Klissans and dream of finding and destroying
Machpella. Among them there are those who became rangers for profit. They rob other ships and smuggle.
Computer rangers are very sophisticated as they can do everything a player can do except for government
tasks. Rangers can go into a player's or other rangers' service.
Rangers are absolutely unpredictable personalities, because they are made up of different people with
various personality types amongst them. Today a ranger may be a hero and fight Klissans, and tomorrow he
may start to attack civilian ships to get money for repairs.
Civilian ships
Live their own lives. They are transport, diplomatic ships and liners. They are anxious about their own
problems concerning business, tourism and negotiations. As a rule, civilian ships are poorly protected and
constantly attacked by pirates.
Peaceful pilots try to compromise all the time. They do not mind paying pirates a fee. Thus, even getting
their enemy to agree a minimal ransom. They never pursue their enemies. Though, of course, there are
exclusions. If a pilot nurses a grievance against some ranger, he can shoot him when they meet.
Military ships
Warriors serve to protect their planet and obey only their command. Thus, military ships immediately take
off when Klissans or other enemies come. They usually have good weapons and attack all together. Angry
warriors are not ones to be trifled with. But at the same time they accept large bribes.
Pirates
Pirates live to rob and kill. Their only concern is personal safety and profit. For money they often attack their
wounded colleagues. A pirate's hobby is to collect a fee from the ships passing by. The one who refuses to
pay will be attacked immediately so a player should have good weapons or a speedy ship to escape.
The greediest pirates usually do not live long, planets allocate murder warrants on their names. And the
best look to kill them.
Rachekhan's pirates
The notorious pirate, Rachekhan, the owner of the space station in hyperspace, builds his own ships. These
ships are specially designed for hyperspatial battles. These guys lie in wait for civilian ships right in
hyperspace and rob them. No negotiations.
Military forces constantly search hyperspatial clots and clear them from such scoundrels. Nevertheless, they
cannot yet find and destroy Rachekhan's base.
Klissans
It's unknown what Klissans' ships do and where they come from. There are several types of their ships that
differ in size, speed and weapons. It's a common fact that they do not fly alone. Sometimes up to several
dozen Klissans' ships arrive to capture one system. Their ships do not have pilots. It's not known whether
they communicate with each other or obey their main ship (Machpella) orders. Klissans' talks have not been
deciphered yet so far and they never try to negotiate.
It's impossible to scan their ships though they use scanners to research the Commonwealth ships.
Unknown ships
Sometimes a player can come across unknown ships. Mostly they are met in black holes. Nobody knows
where they come from and what they want. But winning them over can bring a player a valuable item.
Ships
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Races
There are five Commonwealth races in the game: Maloqs, Pelengs, Humans, Fayeans and Gaals. There is
also the race of aggressors: Klissans.
Races are presented in order of technology development and exported equipment quality, thus from the
lowest to the highest.
Maloqs
Maloqs are large strong humanoids. Their characteristics are physical power, staying power, high resistance
to natural factors, weak intelligence, they are almost absolutely omnivorous. These characteristics allow
Maloqs to support high vitality and a rate of reproduction in the most unfavourable conditions.
Maloqs worship power. All kinds of power: physical power and the power of character, power of a word and
action, of weapon and a political one are major universal values of Maloqi civilization. Maloqs do not like
feeble Fayeans and intellectual Gaals.
Maloqs are the most technically retarded civilization of the Commonwealth. This can be put down to their
traditional distrust to intellectual values, often leading to freethinking considered to be the main threat to
Maloqi stability. Another reason dragging technological development is large expense for military purposes
and for colonial economy support. However a lag in diplomatic and technological spheres is compensated
by other priority directions - a huge well-armed fleet and a powerful extensive colonization.
Pelengs
Pelengs are gill-neck amphibians usually called leprasses. These creatures are equally well adapted both to
a liquid habitat and to life on land, they are able to breathe almost all kinds of gas mixtures that include
some nitrogen. Like all the leprasses, Pelengs eat acid plankton and calolic reef sediments.
Pelengs are pirates, saboteurs and provocateurs. Though officially they are members of the Galactic
Commonwealth, in fact, they have neither strong economic, nor diplomatic relations with other races. A
direct and immediate profit by any means is the only goal both of a single Peleng and of a Pelengan
civilization. Pelengs treat all other races equally badly. Especially those who are more intelligent.
Pelengan attempts at overcoming their lag in technology in some fields resulted in a developed system of
industrial espionage. Pelengan government Dzukhallag is the best espionage and diversionary institution in
the whole Commonwealth.
Humans
Humans are humanoids of a middle height, with a thin fragile skeleton, they eat organic protein food. A
variety of climatic regions on the most inhabited planets (especially in solar system) influence appearance
greatly: complexion, features and etc.
Humans are, first of all, psychologists, politicians and diplomats. Rhetoric, psychological game, political
technologies are major strong positions of Humans. Humans and Fayeans are friends forever, as for
Maloqs, Humans never liked them. Human attitude to Pelengs and Gaals is normal.
Human technological development is average. All main achievements of the humankind are economic. A
common galactic market has appeared where it became possible to sell goods legal for anyone (we have
not yet managed to create a common list of legal goods), and, of course, the main victory is the
implementation of a common monetary unit - galactic credit! Other achievements are a common
chronological system based on a Human one and the formation of free transit for citizens.
Fayeans
Fayeans are humanoids-androgens with a large compound brain and eyes. They are slow-moving feeble
creatures, most part of their activity is directed to the thought process. Fayeans can randomly divide his
consciousness and compound vision to parts functioning on their own, thus, forming an arbitrary amount of
autonomous and independent areas of consciousness that perceive the surrounding world through their
own parts of the compound vision.
Fayeans are characterized by the highest level of the natural intellectual faculties. They are philosophers,
researchers and innovators cultivating a culture of their own and an original conception of the Universe.
Fayeans worship Gaals and treat Humans, their younger intelligent brothers, indulgently. Fayeans treat
Maloqs rather like animals than intelligent creatures. As for Pelengan spies hunting for Fayean
technologies, Fayeans catch them and punish them all the time.
A major and immediate responsibility of Fayeans in the Commonwealth is research projects. They were
Fayean institutes that conducted and completed fundamental research works of the black holes in the year
2882 that resulted in new technologies of a null-passage and in battle prototypes of a modern whirl-wind
projector.
Gaals
Gaals (children of Gaal) are humanoids developing their physiological form by means of the embryo genetic
modifications for thousands years. The original form of Gaals is unknown.
Gaalian history originates in the extreme antiquity when Gaals were the only intelligent creatures from all the
commonwealth races - they are patrons and motivators of space cultivating constructivism and humanism in
all relations. They use their military fleet only to neutralize the coming conflicts and to support stability in the
Commonwealth.
Gaals treat everybody equally well. They think that however bad people may behave, potentially they carry
positive traditions inside and have, at the least, three rights: to life, to virtue definition and to motivation. As
a result, Gaals treat everybody as friends and partners even when they are not.
Klissans
Klissans represent a mysterious race and a player will have to find out who they are and why they came to
this world.
They are known to have a mothership called "Machpella". To find out the reason for their invasion is only
possible after meeting Machpella. But no one ever managed to talk to her.
Klissan ships are fearless, they do not negotiate and never plead for mercy. Klissan technology is not worse
than Gaalian, i.e. the best ones. Klissans have the most destructive weapon known of all.
Klissan ships structure has not been studied well as it's quite impossible to scan them. Nobody ever
managed to capture their undamaged ship but only some fragments called "protoplasm". The damaged
pieces of broken Klissan ships are valuable for scientists and industry. Therefore protoplasm is chosen to
estimate pilot's tribute in battle with Klissans. The more protoplasm a pilot brings to the rangers' centre, the
more his tribute is.
Races
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Standard equipment
Standard equipment includes engine, fuel tank, radar, scanner, droid, cargo hook and pro-field
generator. All this a player can buy in any equipment shop and install in his ship. In the shop you can also
buy a hull, a container, inside which the other equipment is installed.
Each type of equipment has the following characteristics: modification, size, race manufacturer and cost.
The more developed the race that produced the item, the more expensive it is and the longer it will work
without repair.
Ship's hull
The hull itself represents a ranger's ship. The most important characteristic is its size. The ship durability
(Hit Points) is equal to its size. During the game a player and his ship are one, as when the ship hit points
is nil it will blow up and a player is considered dead.
Ship hull is made of a certain alloy which determines the basic protection of the ship. The hull may be made
from the following alloys:
1. Titanium
2. Rhenium
3. Selenine
4. Aquadane
5. Octaplaxic
6. Crystalline
7. Gravicore
8. Mesostructural
If the hull is damaged it can be fixed by a robot-droid during the flight or in the hangar at any space station.
Unlike other equipment a player can not sell the present hull but he can buy a new one. In this case the old
hull will be sold automatically.
Engine
Engine ensures moving in space and hyperspace. Fuel demand in space is trifling. In hyperspace fuel
demand is 1 unit/parsec. Engine modification influences the speed developed and hyperjump length.
Engine types:
1. Reactor
2. Phase
3. Impact
4. Cryogenic
5. Plasma
6. Energenic
7. Diviory
8. Singularial
If the engine is broken, the ship speed becomes very slow. In this case you should try to get to the nearest
planet and repair your engine.
Fuel tanks
Fuel tanks are necessary to store fuel. The more fuel is stored in fuel tanks, the more distant hyperjump the
ship can perform without refueling. When the ship runs out of fuel it can only travel within the current star
system. The amount of fuel in the tanks depends on their volume and type.
Fuel tanks modifications:
1. Static
2. Accumulating
3. Vortex
4. Correlative
5. Synchrophasal
6. Archivatory
7. Aquadotted
8. Hyperliquid
If the fuel tank is damaged, it starts to leak though it still operates.
Radar
Radar allows a player see different objects in space (planets, stations, ships) and determine their most
important characteristics - such as size, speed, modification, etc. Radar information is reflected on the radar
panel. Radar range depends on its type.
Radar types:
1. Vision
2. Animating
3. Fanner
4. Cellular
5. Full raster
6. Sonating
7. Relativistic
8. Subtransfer
If the radar is not installed or broken, talks with other ships and scanning are impossible, navigation is
complicated.
Scanner
Scanner enables a player to view the inside of the other ship, its equipment and weapons. Such knowledge
is very useful when fighting as a player knows his enemies exact power. To scan the ship is possible if the
scanner is more powerful than the pro-field of the scanned ship. Scanner power depends on its
modification.
Scanner types:
1. Analogue
2. Bi-polar
3. Techrane
4. Programming
5. Duplex
6. Meridian
7. Tracing
8. Vortex
Scanner is useless without operating radar. If the radar is damaged or not installed, the scanner won't work.
Droid
In the battle the ship loses its Hit points, this can result in its destruction. To restore the damaged hull of the
ship a repairing droid is installed. It can work during the flight restoring the plating. The robot can restore N
Hit points of the ship for a day depending on his modification.
Droid modifications:
1. Railing
2. Hinged
3. Pneumatic
4. Dynamic
5. Matrix
6. Cybernetic
7. Biotic
8. Suspensor
Cargo hooks
A cargo hook is needed to pick up objects in space and to take them onboard. Objects appear in space both
accidentally, as a result of quests, and naturally, as a result of military action. When some ships are
destroyed, part of its cargo or equipment may remain intact, after that it literally falls into pieces.
Active range of a hook and its cargo lifting capacity depend on the modification.
Types of cargo hooks:
1. Magnetic
2.
Seleroid
3.
Pseudo vacuum
4.
Tracking
5.
Electrogenic
6.
Cryometric
7.
Activator
8.
Telekinetic
Pro-field generator
Pro-field generator creates a protective field around the ship and to some extent lessens the damage to the
ship. Also the pro-field protects the ship from unwanted scanning in cases where it's more powerful than the
scanner. Pro-field power depends on pro-field generator type.
Pro-field generator modifications:
1. Point
2. Beam
3. Anti-measured
4. Dispersing
5. Holographic
6. Staging
7. Screening
8. Octogenic
Standard equipment
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Non-standard equipment
In addition to the standard equipment from the shops you can also get non-standard and very useful
items.A player can get them in military bases, black holes or as a reward for succesful fulfilment of
government tasks.
Iron zhuppi-bugs
Iron zhuppi-bugs settle on the hull plating. Upon the injection of a nutritious solution they start to secrete
"Zhuppinum", a special product that gives plating durability and elasticity. The colony is controlled and
increased by the queen.
Black slush
Black slush is a mixture created by ancient scientists. The manufacturing technique cannot be reproduced
but several portions of the substance are still around in the Galaxy. When placed in the fuel tank the slush
acts as a catalyst: the amount of fuel will be gradually increased.
Material psi- accelerator
With the help of its own powerful consciousness psi-accelerator tunes its psi-wave to that of the engine.
Space around the ship transforms thus providing the best passability through any material forms.
Frostbiters
Frostbiters are super cold bacteria living on any warm surface. When placed on the engine the colony tries
to cool it thus stabilizing speed in the heat of fight.
Prolonger
Prolonger is attached to the radar. It amplifies and deciphers signals from remote objects, therefore
increasing the radar range.
Scanner cache
Scanner cache is a program booster of scanner decoding capacity. This device improves deciphering
algorithms by caching the signals in real time mode. Has its own buffer with a database on already
deciphered signals.
Droid Junior
Droid Junior is a lighter version of the main droid, connected to its main cable with the help of a special
synchronization system. Works together with the main droid, facilitating repair works on the ship.
Nanitoids
Nanitoids are tiny intellectually developed robots. Using their unique program they will even repair items
unknown to them. Constantly perfecting their skills.
Erimeter
Erimeter focuses your hook beam, as a result it will direct with more accuracy and its efficiency is improved.
Thus, the cargo hook can pick up items with a larger mass.
Polarizer
Polarizer is a unique device, a source of highly active subatomic systems that interact with the protective
field and strengthen it.
Probabilistic Analyzer
Probabilistic Analyzer allows you to accurately foresee the battle outcome. It is installed into the onboard
system of the ship.
Blast wave localizer
On impact the localizer directs blast energy to the outer surface of the enemy ship so that the explosion
damages as little equipment as possible.
Antigravitator
Antigravitator is a device that creates a bubble around a ship filled with negative kinetics, according to the
Gnuk-Einstein principal. Mass and volume constants inside the bubble are deformed and decrease the
actual mass of the ship.
Z-Transmitter
Z-Transmitter is a unique device. When activated it transmits a thousandfold-amplified record of a dying
Klissan voice into hyperspace. On hearing it Klissans cannot resist the call and fly to help.
Quark bomb
Quark bomb is an extremely expensive device stuffed with an unbelievably destructive mixture. You should
throw the bomb from the ship, move away as far as you can and blow it up with a single shot. Then see the
damage for yourself (of course, if you are still alive).
Tranklucator
Tranklucator is a unique autonomous device designed to protect its owner. When ejected into space
trankljukator activates and follows the events. If something, in tranklucator's opinion, threatens the master,
it lets all hell break loose. The owners of such devices have no fear of the devil himself: tranklucator never
ever lets them down.
Military GP-3 Visor
Provides its owner with information on hyperspatial pirates' locations.
Mental communicator
Allows its owner to instantly decipher Klissan language and communicate with Machpella.
Non-standard equipment
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Weapons
Weapons can be bought in any equipment shop and installed in a player's ship. There are many weapon
variations that vary in size, shooting speed and range. Some weapons are more suitable for tactic battles in
space, others are the better for arcade battles during hyper jumps.
Photon gun
Damage: small
Activity range: small
Photon beam conception has changed little since it was used first a few centuries ago. The simplicity of its
production and low technological effectiveness made the photon gun the most accessible weapon of all
installed on the deck. At the same time, its considerable moral wear and primitiveness force many to give
up its production and usage by substituting with more sophisticated models.
Industrial laser
Damage: small
Activity range: average
Industrial laser is mainly designed for dip drilling, mineral resources extraction and mine working.
Technology is based on the low-temperature dephocused influence of traditional radiations. Designed
specially for industrial purposes, it is able to split the hardest rocks not damaging their structure. There is no
point in using an industrial laser in military action, for it is made for mineral structures only.
Zipgun
Damage: average
Activity range: small
Technology of the zipgun is based on compressed plasma clots consisting of heavy atomic nuclei that inflict
serious damage upon explosion. The main drawback of this technology is a low rate of fire that, however, is
compensated by a rather long range of action.
Graviton beamer
Damage: average
Activity range: large
After graviton properties were discovered, we used them in rapid-firing weapon technologies. While an
ordinary analogue beamer produces several thousands impulses a second, a graviton stimulation allows an
increase in rate up to several tens of thousands.
Retractor
Damage: no, but slows down the wounded ship
Activity range: enormous
A principle action of mechanic retraction or slowing down is based upon a motion relativity postulate under
low gravitation conditions. A kinetic retraction generator or simply retractor directs kinetic flows into another
ship whose movement is slowed at about 30% as a result of it.
Keller's Phaser
Damage: large
Activity range: small
Phaser's technology, first used by the ancient, had been considered hopelessly outdated for centuries until
Ridrich Keller made considerable alterations. As a consequence, the military phaser conception did not only
get a second chance, but also showed tremendous results. A modern phaser has one of the longest range
of action among deck armament.
Aeonic blaster
Damage: large
Activity range: large
At the moment, aeonic blaster is the latest and the most perfect weapon of the high-temperature class. All
existing achievements in the field of the high incandesce technology including warming-up of the object to
melting point, atomic structure deformation etc, are united in it.
X-Defibrillator
Damage: average, destroys the enemy ship equipment
Activity range: average
The principle of wave fibrillations and connected with defibrillations is one of the most destructive structure
cycles that can be created on a molecular level. A setting installed on the deck and generating defibrillate
oscillations on X-sublevel is able to curve and destroy not only the plating but also the inner equipment of
the ships.
Submesonic Cannon
Damage: large
Activity range: average
Unlike plasma zipguns with a hard prime, submesonic cannon action is based on the kinetic effect of
mesons speeded up considerably. Gathered speed close to the velocity of light they produce cyclical
oscillations upon impact against the matter that do not only destroy it but also generate further submesonic
cycles. Such a wave is able to strike several objects near it by damaging them like a plasma hit.
Field Annihilator
Damage: large
Activity range: average
The complete annihilation theory has not yet been fully studied, but several impressive results in this field
have already been achieved - in part, in spectrum structure annihilation, or in field. Based on intense
theoretic research the annihilation field setting has been created. It is extremely hard and large, but the
recent success in research gives hope that a more compact model will be developed in the not to distant
future.
Tachyon Cleaver
Damage: large
Activity range: enormous
For a long time Human and Fayean scientists had been working in vain on the tachyon cleaver conception
until the Gaals shared their technology of the tachyon cleaver with them. The effect of the tachyon dotted
line vector on matter has not yet been completely explained, and Gaals are in no hurry to share this
information. However, the tachyon technology, though yet a single one, is already at the service of the
Commonwealth, and we can hope for the efficient theoretical research.
Whirl-wind projector
Damage: large
Activity range: average
The idea of the whirl-wind projector appeared at studies of pulsars and black holes. The technology of this
weapon is based on the free particles turbulence principle. After considering the trajectory the projector
projects on the object a whirl-wind flow that brings into its atomic structure turbulent kinetic tendencies. As a
result atomic relations of the target are destroyed. At the moment this is the most perfect battle technology
of the Commonwealth, though its range of action is lower than tachyon cleaver's.
Ultimate matrix
Damage: average
Activity range: small
Klissan unavailable weapon damaging the plating and the inside equipment of the ships. According to the
theories, a mechanism of the electron orbits shift and the change of the chaotic atom charge comes to
action. In theory such an effect can be caused only by a complete or ultimate matrix of the atomic
constants. In practice we never managed to fulfil it, and, probably, some unknown processes of the micro
world control function here.
Infernal wave
Damage: average
Activity range: large
Klissan unavailable weapon. Witnesses and approximate calculations show that infernal wave effect is
strikingly close to the annihilator's one, only qualitative levels are different. If so, Klissans are likely to know
the secret of the complete annihilation. Attempts to find out the principle of the infernal wave action are
being carried out.
Eyes of Machpella
Damage: large
Activity range: enormous
Klissan unavailable weapon. The name is loaned from the ancient Gaalian mythology, hypothetically, it is
the Klissan space demon's name. The principle of this weapon action has been determined neither visually
nor with the help of special devices.
Weapons
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Hot keys
Universal key buttons
Esc
open "System menu"
F2
save current game
F3
load the game
Space
press the "End of turn" button (to fulfil orders)
Shift + Space
make a flight stopping each day
S
open "Ship" window
R
open "Rangers' rating" window
M
open "Galaxy map" window
Alt + F4
close the program instantly
Key buttons in system menu
Esc
close the menu and return to the game
C
change game settings
E
exit the game and go to main menu screen
Key buttons on Planetary screen
G
move to "Government building"
E
move to "Equipment shop"
T
move to"Trade centre"
I
move to "Info centre"
H
move to "Hangar"
P
obtain general info about a planet
Key buttons on Hangar screen
A
repair the ship's hull
B
refuel
F
take off
Key buttons in space
I
scan the other ship
T
communicate with the other ship
W
show/close weapon panel
~
select all weapons
+
select the weapons not yet selected
F
watch video
Key buttons in arcade battle
Left, Right, Up, manage the ship movements
Down
Ctrl
shoot first group weapons
Space
shoot second group weapons
1...5
switch to selected weapon
A
switch on/switch off autopilot
P
pause
Shift
hook an item in hyperspace
Hot keys
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FAQ
Question. Is there a multiplayer in "Space Rangers"?
Answer. No, there is not. It's because of the type of game.
Question. Something has happened. My ship won't fly. I can not lay a path. I press the " End of turn" button
but the ship does not move!
Answer. The ship might be overloaded. You should always check the Navigation panel information as the
amount of vacant space can be seen there. If the figure shown is red, then your ship is overloaded and can
not move. You should get rid of some cargo, press "Ship" (S) button.
Question. I cannot jump to another system.
Answer. Press Ship and check the fuel supply in tanks. The fuel supply should be equal to or exceed the
distance (in parsec) to the star you want to jump to. You can find more information in the section Star jump.
Question. I hired a partner. He does not help me and does not fly with me to fight the Klissans.
Answer. Your partner cannot guess what you are up to! You should talk with him and give orders.You can
see your partner's icon on the radar panel, click the right mouse button on the icon to talk.
Question. I prefer strategy, arcade battles don't interest me. I don't like to guide my ship through them but
one can get useful items in black holes. What can I do?
Answer. You can switch on autopilot in the arcade battle (button A). If your ship has good enough weapons
for hyperspace battles it will win over the enemies on its own.
Question. I have a scanner but it does not scan every ship.
Answer. There are several reasons to explain this. Please read scanner won't work.
Question. I won the game and became the best ranger. How can I put my rating on the Internet for
everybody to see?
Answer. Go to the site www.ElementalGames.com , to the section "Scores" where you will find extra
information.
Question. Which skills are the most important for a ranger?
Answer. It depends how you wish to play. For a warrior the best skills are shooting and manoeuvring skills.
For a trader the most important are trade and repair skills. For a pirate relationships are necessary to save
reputation and restore it fast. Leader skills will bring the possibility of forming a gang and assigning all dirty
work to the pirates in your gang.
Question. Space is overcrowded with graphic elements. I'm lost and cannot tell real objects from unreal. I
see flying stars and meteorites that unlike asteroids cannot be hit. All this distracts me.
Answer. Open game settings and switch off unnecessary elements.
Question. I have not found answers to my questions in this manual.
Answer. Questions to the creators of the game "Space Rangers" should be sent to the Elemental Games
company: www.ElementalGames.com. On this site you will be able to find extra tips, share your thoughts,
submit questions and opinions to our guest book.
Our e-mail is [email protected].
FAQ