Chart Topper

------------

Mike Hyams returns with this record breaking strategy game

- ZX81 and Spectrum conversion tips are included.





Most people imagine themselves as pop stars at some time or other, but the

more mercenary of us imagine ourselves as pop star managers! I don't know if

Mike was ever in the business but it seems very realistic when compared to my

own experiences.



Playing The Game



Be careful not to spend more than you have as this incurs instant dismissal!



When booking you may book for any week of the year provided you have the cash

in hand at that time. However, the one exception is the pub or club hall

booking which is paid for on the actual night. Once the band has given the

minimum amount of performances you can then release a record, single or

album. However, if you are not under contract to a record label then you will

get no revenue from them.



During the group's initial build-up of its following there may be offers from

unscrupulous companies who will try to tie you up for two or three years at a

low percentage. This could cause the loss of a lot of money if the band's

career suddenly takes off!



It is very unlikely that the first record releases will get into the charts,

in fact they will probably flop. On the other hand, should you achieve

mega-stardom then a Number One is on the cards.



Conversion Hints



ZX81/Spectrum:

Replace all CHR$ (212) with """" for the Spectrum and "" for the ZX81.

Replace all RND(no) with INT(RND*no)+1).

Replace TL$ in line 1280,1300 with B$(2 T0 ).

Change line 720 to SAVE "chart" and add 730 GOTO 95.



Spectrum only:

Add 30000 to all numbers 31000+ in the following lines:

655, 679, 1240, 1645, 1840, 1920, 5121, 5122, 5360, 5435, 5501, 5511.

Replace all CHR$(128) with the inverse space on Graphics key 8.

Change the number 3584 in 1500 to 15360.

Replace the number 14 in lines 1273, 1276, 1293 and 1296 with 58.

Change line 720 to SAVE "chart" LINE 95.



There are almost certainly one or two other changes to be made which have

slipped by our eager eyes. I'm sure you'll let us know so we can pass them

on to other readers.



IMPORTANT - When the program is saved from the option offered on Mondays, then on

subsequent reloadings start the program by GOTO 95; this will restart the program

should you accidentally break out during play without losing your position.



Line Breakdown



110-231    Print the cash amount.

235-950    Monday options.

1000-1991  Tuesday chart routines.

1265-1590  Print chart position in large lettering.

1810-1950  Calculate chart position for the next week.

2000-2730  Wednesday, booking routines.

3000-3560  Thursday, current week bookings carried out, results.

5000-5580  End of week report.

6010-6200  Subroutine to print current booking schedule.

9000-9400  Initialisation of program.

9500-9570  Prints group name in inverse graphics.

9450-9459  Subtraction routine.

9640-9469  Addition routine.

