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Gary James
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Cover Art


Circus Games


Circus Games


Circus Games

"A superb compilation of unusual and interesting games."
Electron User

"A new and interesting variation on the decathlon type of program that has proved so successful over the years."
The Micro User

Introduction

Step right up, see the main attraction. Tynesoft welcomes you to the greatest show on earth, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey combine to bring you Circus Games, capturing the thrills and excitement of the Big Top! We challenge you to attempt the High Wire - do Flips, Cartwheels and Hand Stands then ride the Unicycle. Try your hand at Trick Horse Riding - Attempt the daring feats on horse back and warm to the applause of the crowd. For the real spirit of the adventure Tiger Taming dares you to face the fierce Bengal Tigers. Make them stand on their podiums, walk through an obstacle course and jump through flaming hoops. Your skill and judgement are vital when it comes to tackling the Trapeze - you may discover that you're a real high flyer.

Once you have completed the International Competition and your final score is greater than one of the existing High Scores, then the Ring Master will announce your inclusion in the High Score Table.

Important Note: During any event the following keys may be used:
£/_ - Pause On/Off, ESCAPE - Quit

Tiger Training

A large cage is placed in the centre of the ring - the door opens and in bounds a Bengal tiger. You, as the Trainer, have to get all the big cat to perform a series of tricks, jump through a flaming hoop, jump onto a podium and walk through a tube on the obstacle course without being devoured by the magnificent animal.

The Trainer holds a chair in his left hand to defend himself and calm the tiger if he is put under threat. The chair is operated by any key and Fire.

In the Trainer's right hand is a whip; this is used to move the animals to your selected position. The whip is controlled by Fire alone. The Tiger's Head Cursor is controlled with the left, right, up and down keys. It shows the direction the whip is directed. If the Tiger's Head Cursor enlarges, it indicates a direct hit on the animal. This is dangerous and unnecessary as it will only annoy the big cat and cause a threat, major threat and, eventually, an attack.

To direct the Tiger, place the tiger's head in direction you want the animal to turn then crack the whip, until it is fully extended.

Tiger Training: Display Meters

At the bottom of the screen is a rectangular Threat Meter. A half-filled meter indicates a threat, a full meter indicates a major threat. Each threat can be reduced by correctly using the chair, otherwise an attack will take place.

Tiger Training: Scoring

To achieve the maximum score get the tiger to complete the obstacle course in obstacle order thus avoiding incurring penalty points.

You start with a 5 points base score
Then 3.5 points for the tiger that completes the full obstacle course
Minus 0.1 points for an ineffective whip command
Minus 0.4 points for hitting the tiger with the whip
Minus 0.5 points if the tiger makes a major threat
Minus 1.5 points if you are attacked by the tiger

Tiger Training: Game Controls

Z - Left, X - Right, * - Up, ? - Down, RETURN - Crack Whip

Trapeze

The action takes place high up above the ring without a safety net. The crowd is captivated by their every action. The flyer has to perform crosses and re-crosses across the arena. A sequence of tricks, double or triple somersaults, mid-air somersaults and corkscrews have to be carried out under the watchful eye of the judges for a good score.

The flyer will automatically catch the trapeze as it passes the platform. Moving the Left or Right keys speeds up the flyer giving him more height. Press Fire to release the flyer from the trapeze. The event is split into 3 sub-events:

Trapeze: The Events

Event 1
Swing back and forth between the two platforms.

Event 2
Whilst flying from the trapeze, perform a corkscrew and a single somersault.

Event 3
Flying from trapeze, perform a double or triple somersault.

Trapeze: Scoring

You start with 5 points.  
Gain 1 point Completing Event 1
Gain 1.5 points Completing Event 2
Gain 1.5 points Completing a Double Somersault
Gain 2.5 points Completing a Triple Somersault
Lose 1.5 points Each fall

A flyer can only be creditted with either a double or a triple somersault but not both.

Trapeze: Game Controls

Z - Moves flyer's legs back, X - Moves flyer's legs forward, RETURN - Release trapeze
* - Grab first trapeze (on initial swing), ? - Return to platform (on return swing)
Z & RETURN - Perform somersault, X & RETURN - Perform Corkscrew

Tightrope

The walker must perform a series of tricks on the high wire, including handstands, 180 degree spin cartwheels and flips before mounting the silver unicycle to conclude the performance. The performer commences walk automatically, press the Up key to continue walk whilst at the same time keeping the walker's balance with his pole by moving right or left keys. There are two views of the action - one overhead, the other from the side. The events is split into three sub-events.

Tightrope: The Events

Event 1
The walker must cross the wire perofrming a somersault or can do more tricks if so desired.

Event 2
The walker crosses the wire performing a handstand and cartwheel - again, can perform more if desired.

Event 3
Ride Unicycle both across wire and back again.

Tightrope: Scoring

You start with 5 points.
You gain 0.5 points for the first event.
You gain 1 point for the second event.
You gain 2 points for crossing on the Unicycle on third event.
Minus 0.2 points for losing balance.
Minus 1.5 points for a fall.

Tightrope: Game Controls

Z - Balance pole right, X - Balance pole left, * - Walk forward/Ride unicycle forward
Z & RETURN - Perform handstand, X & RETURN - Perform 180 degree spin
* & RETURN - Perform somersault, ? & RETURN - Perform cartwheel

When landing on the wire after performing a trick, press Fire instantly otherwise a loss of balance will occur and result in a fall to the sawdust below.

Trick Horse Riding

The rider must perform a series of tricks whilst mounted on the horse cantering around the ring.

The display at the top of the screen shows the rider's balance. To stay on the horse keep the arrows in the centre of the display. The display at the bottom of the screen depicts the position of the horse as it circles the ring. When the rider walks on, press Fire to commence the jump onto the back of the horse.

The event is split into three sub-events of competition:

Trick Horse Riding: The Events

Event 1
From the saddle position jump either side of the horse and stand on saddle for half the ring.

Event 2
Perform a handstand and somersault.

Event 3
Whilst standing, perform a 180 degree spin in both directions and a handstand.

Trick Horse Riding: Scoring

You start the event with 5 points.
Event 1 - 1.1 points.
Event 2 - 1.7 points.
Event 3 - 2.2 points.
Minus 1.5 points in a sub-event if you fall off the horse.

Trick Horse Riding: Game Controls

To keep your balance move Left and Right in line with the Balance Display Meter.

* - Stand up, ? - Sit down
Z & RETURN (while seated) - Jump
X & RETURN (while seated) - Jump
? & RETURN (while seated) - Perform handstand

Z & RETURN (while standing) - Spin
X & RETURN (while standing) - Spin
* & RETURN (while standing) - Somersault

Screenshots

Cover Art Language(s): English
Compatibility: BBC Model B, BBC Model B+, BBC Master 128, Acorn Electron
Release: Professionally released On Cassette
Original Release Date: 4th Apr 1989
Links: Everygamegoing,

Cover Art

Front Inlay Images

Media Scan Images

Downloads

Circus Games (Cassette)
Circus Games (5.25" Disc)