The game understands one or two word commands, e.g. CLIMB TREE or JUMP. If it doesn't understand, try a different work, for example, if you type: PUSH BUTTON and it responds: 'I don't know how to PUSH' you could then try: PRESS BUTTON.

The second word in your command, the object, may also produce an error. Maybe you have typed GET MATTRESS and it responds: 'I can't see a matador with a green cape'.

This is because there is a matador with a green cape. This is because there is a matador somewhere else in the game and the computer does not recognise the word MATTRESS.

You can only manipulate those objects that are prefixed with 'You can see'; you cannot manipulate objects mentioned in the room description.

The program distinguishes between objects whose status has changed. For example, it says 'You see an empty bottle'. To get it, type: GET EMPTY BOTTLE, because later you might be able to fill it and the message would be 'You see a full bottle', and to get it you say: GET FULL BOTTLE.

This would also apply to objects like ropes (tied or untied) and keys (various types; skeleton, brass, etc.). When checking your response, the computer refers only to the first few letters in each word; four letters for the first word and three letters for the second word, so the words: CLIMB THE TREE could be written as: CLIM TRE to save time.

The Ultimate Prize recognises a wide range of words. Some you will have to discover for yourself, others are standard, for example:

There are some commands which have little to do with playing the game but are commands to the program.

When using SAVE and RESTORE, note the following:

Do not save a game on anything other than a disc of the same track size, or you will have to start again. Remember to put the adventure disc back in drive 0 after saving or restoring a position.

You score for getting on in the game, for holding or wearing certain objects and, of course, for winning.

Almost everything in The Ultimate Prize has a purpose. EXAMine every object you come across. Messages can often give you some help. If you try to get an object and the reply is 'You can't' then it means that the object is too heavy,e.g. you have tried to get a spaceship, or that you have to do something to the object first, e.g. you have tried to get a robot; maybe you have to unplug it first. Read the description of locations; they often contain clues, e.g. if a room is floored with soft earth then maybe you should try digging. Use SAVE and RESTORE regularly. Since the journey through the game is very long and extremely difficult, it is inevitable that at some time you will be killed.

You don't want to have to start from the beginning all over again just because you hadn't saved a position. Use SAVE whenever you think you may be going into danger. It might also be a good idea to SAVE your positions under numbered files, e.g. GAME1, GAME2, GAME3, etc. just in case you find that you have lost an object that you need later on in the game. Finally, make a map as you go along, summarising each location and showing its exits. The Ultimate Prize is fairly easy to map pictorially and a map will help you to find your way around the game.

As a mercenary soldier, fighting for those who can afford your services, you are always looking for a new challenge. You have tamed the almost legendary Dragon of Taphor, turned the tide of battle against the mighty Orc armies when all seemed lost and rescued the scroll of power from the clutches of the Black Wizard of Nidaal.

You are famous throughout the land as a mighty warrior who balks at no task and has never failed in any quest. While passing through a small town you come to an inn, buzzing with conversation. As you stride into the building, a hush descends and every eye is turned upon you, as you are recognised.

You walk to the bar and are just about to order a large mug of ale when a small, fat man offers to pay for your drink in return for a few moments of your time.

As you sit with him, you learn of the news that has been sweeping the countryside, a challenge from the Gods!

The all-powerful Gods often alter the destiny of certain mortals to amuse themselves, but apparently they have decided that the time is right for a divine challenge, a competition to win what has become known as "The Ultimate Prize".

The winner of the competition will have bestowed upon him all the powers of a God; they will become a God. The competition is a perilous, and almost certainly fatal, quest. The starting date is in a few weeks time and the first part of the competition is to find your way through the mountain labyrinth designed by the fiendish Count Soulsbane.

As the man tells you of the competition, you realise that you just cannot ignore this challenge - and you decide to attempt to win The Ultimate Prize...

The Ultimate Prize was written by Howard and Hugh Roberts using a modified version of Jonathan Evans' ADVENTURESCAPE program. Thanks are due to Ken Roberts for proof-reading, to Tony for testing.