Svemirski Trgovac

## Description

_Svemirski Trgovac_ , which means “space merchant”, is a simplified version
of Elite for Galaxy computers. The game starts by placing the player
immediately in pilot seat of a small spaceship. There are several different
ship’s controls. Distance meter shows distance to the base where you can land
and trade. By approaching the base the player needs to slowly decrease the
speed so the distance and speed are both zero, otherwise the ship will simply
fly over the base instead of land. Energy meter measures energy consumption.
There are various things on the ship that require more or less energy, such as
scanner, laser guns (consume more energy when firing), force field, and ship’s
propulsion. Energy can be acquired by trading or by plundering pirate ships.
Ship has 8 different speeds where 0 means the ship is stationary. Scanner can
be turned on or off, but when turned on it will constantly scan for threats
ahead though also slowly deplete ship’s energy reserves. Course board shows
the direction of the base and vector of player’s ship’s movement. Vectors are
marked with numbers (i.e. 1 is up, 2 is up and right, 3 is right, 4 is down
and right, and so on). The player can land on a base only from course vector
indicated by odd number so ship’s trajectory needs to be constantly adjusted.
Force field can only withstand single shot on each side. It gets renewed by
turning it off and back on. Laser gun is the ship’s only weapon. When landed,
computer will display what is being sold in the base, what merchandise the
player possesses, what are the prices and player’s bank account. The goal of
the game is to amass 150 diamonds which is the debt the player has to pay off
back on his home planet. The game also includes sound effects which are
emitted through output for cassette player.