How to Master Home Video Games
This section of Tom Hirschfeld’s instructional guide expands the core 9‑step mastery method with in‑depth, game‑by‑game strategies for a range of Atari and Intellivision titles. It provides step‑by‑step tactics for Space Invaders (including expert Bill Heineman’s high‑score routine, column‑based Command Ship hunting, and variations for double‑shooting and moving shields), a complete breakdown of Warlords (controls, scoring, shield mechanics, and expert shot patterns), an overview of the Intellivision Armor Battle (controls, scoring, dangers, and tactical positioning), exhaustive tactics for AstroSmash (rhythm, autofire, bomb handling, and spinner/missile management), the two‑phase Sea Battle (strategy and combat phases, fleet creation, mines, and ship‑by‑ship tactics), a comprehensive guide to Space Armada (alien formation behavior, bunkers, bombs, guided missiles, spinners, flying saucers, invisible rows, and scoring), and the dual‑mode Space Battle (radar and battle screens, squadron management, targeting, and missile mechanics). The text also lists numerous game variations, multiplayer partnership and competition modes, and a matrix of game‑type combinations. Throughout, the author emphasizes observation, timing, and adapting tactics to one’s personal style, while providing concrete scoring formulas, danger assessments, and illustrative diagrams.
Topics
9‑Step Mastery Framework Applied to Individual Games
The overarching nine‑step method (observation, planning, execution, etc.) as a scaffold for the detailed game‑specific tactics presented in this section.
Space Invaders: Expert Command‑Ship Hunting and Scoring
Step‑by‑step tactics for maximizing points, including Bill Heineman’s column‑first method, timing of Command Ship shots, double‑shooting adjustments, and moving‑shield variations.
Warlords: Controls, Shield Physics, and Expert Shot Patterns
Detailed description of dial‑controlled shields, ball rebound mechanics, CATCH variation, and four signature shot trajectories used by top players.
Intellivision Armor Battle: Fleet Creation, Mine Management, and Damage Control
Comprehensive overview of controller layout, ship types, mine‑laying limits, damage thresholds, and strategic fleet‑size choices.
AstroSmash: Rhythm, Autofire, and Threat Prioritization
Guidance on using autofire, handling rocks, spinners, guided missiles, and bomb types, plus scoring progression and level‑based difficulty spikes.
Sea Battle: Two‑Phase Strategy and Combat Tactics
Explanation of the strategy‑phase fleet movement, minefield placement, and the combat‑phase ship‑by‑ship aiming, firing, and retreat mechanics.
Space Armada: Alien Formation Mechanics, Bunkers, and Advanced Projectiles
In‑depth look at alien rows, invisible rows, bomb colors, guided missiles, green spinners, flying saucers, red‑dust chain reactions, and bunker management.
Space Battle: Radar vs. Battle Screens and Squadron Coordination
Rules for selecting alien targets, dispatching fighter squadrons, missile targeting via cursor, and handling alien laser fire.