This is the instruction manual for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) video game "Top Gun," developed by Konami. The game is a combat flight simulator where players pilot an F-14 Fighter through various air-to-air, air-to-sea, and air-to-ground combat scenarios. The ultimate mission is to destroy the enemy's space base to prevent World War III.
Function Description:
"Top Gun" is a single-player video game designed for the NES, allowing players to experience the thrill of being a Naval aviator. The game challenges players to engage in dogfighting, target enemy ships, and neutralize ground forces across four distinct combat levels. Success in the game hinges on skillful piloting, strategic missile usage, and precise landings.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Game System: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
- Developer: Konami Inc.
- Copyright: © 1987 Paramount Pictures Corporation (for "TOP GUN" logo and rights), © 1987 Konami Inc. (for underlying source code).
- Co-production: Ocean Software, LTD.
- Control Input: NES Control Pad (Directional Pad, A Button, B Button, Start Button, Select Button).
- Aircraft: F-14 Fighter, capable of Mach II (+) speeds and equipped with heat-seeking missiles and cannons.
- Missile Types: T-11 HOUND, T-22 WOLF, T-33 TIGER.
- Combat Levels: Four distinct levels, each presenting different combat challenges (air-to-air, air-to-sea, air-to-ground, and space base destruction).
- Aircraft Inventory: Players start with 3 aircraft. The game ends when all 3 are destroyed or the mission is accomplished.
- Fuel and Ammunition: Fuel and missiles are consumable resources. Cannons have unlimited ammunition.
- Refueling: Available once per combat level (except level 1) by calling a tanker plane.
- Landing: Required after each combat level to refuel, reload, and repair damage.
- Scoring: Points are accumulated by destroying enemy forces.
- Display Interface: Pilot's-Eye View, featuring:
- Altimeter: Displays current altitude.
- Air Speed Indicator: Shows current air speed.
- Fuel Meter: Indicates remaining fuel.
- Artificial Horizon: Displays the aircraft's pitch and roll.
- Cannon and Missile Sight: Used for targeting.
- Multi-function Monitor: Primarily a radar screen for enemy positions, also displays warnings (e.g., bogey on tail, flying too low) and tanker fuel line position during refueling.
- Number of Missiles Remaining: Shows current missile count.
- Missile Type Indicator: Displays the currently selected missile type.
- Damage Indicator: Red blocks decline with enemy hits; all blocks eliminated means aircraft destruction.
Usage Features:
- Starting the Game: Press the START button to fire up jet engines.
- Missile Selection: Before take-off, use the SELECT button to move the cursor and the START button to confirm the desired missile type (T-11 HOUND, T-22 WOLF, or T-33 TIGER).
- Controlling the Fighter in Combat:
- Control Pad: Guides the fighter's direction.
- A Button: Fires cannons (unlimited supply).
- B Button: Locks onto bogeys (first press) and launches missiles (second press when sights flash red).
- Start Button: Calls in a refueling plane when fuel or missiles are low (once per combat level, except level 1).
- Select Button: Not used during combat.
- Controlling the Fighter When Refueling/Landing:
- Control Pad: Guides the aircraft to align with the tanker's fuel line or for a precise landing on the carrier deck.
- A Button: Increases air speed (press and hold). Release to maintain desired speed.
- B Button: Decreases air speed (press and hold). Release to maintain desired speed.
- Start Button: Starts the refueling sequence. Not used during landing mode.
- Select Button: Not used during refueling or landing mode.
- Refueling Mode: Triggered by pressing START when fuel/missiles are low. Players must guide their aircraft to dock with the tanker's refueling boom using the radar screen.
- Landing Mode: Activated after completing each combat level. Players must achieve an altimeter reading of 200 and an air speed of 288 for a successful landing. Successful landings repair damage and may award bonus points.
- Enemy Types: Includes various enemy aircraft (IL-76 Gargantuan Transport Plane, MI-24 Attack Copter, TU-13 Backfire Bomber, MG-25 Coyote Fighter, TU-126 Seek and Destroy Craft, SY-27 Rapid Fire Jump Jet), enemy ships (Surface Warfare Destroyer, Main Battle Cruiser, Aircraft Carrier, Attack Submarine), and enemy ground forces (MBT Main Battle Tank, SK-91 Mobile Cruise Missile Launcher, The Sage Fire Multiple Rocket System, All-Terrain Advance Troop Transport).
Maintenance Features:
- Game Pak Handling:
- Avoid subjecting the Game Pak to undue shock or extreme temperatures.
- Do not attempt to open or dismantle the Game Pak.
- Do not touch the terminal leads or allow them to come into contact with water to prevent damage to the game circuitry.
- Always ensure the NES Control Deck is SWITCHED OFF before inserting or removing the Game Pak.
- Never insert fingers or metal objects into the expansion connector terminal portion to prevent malfunction or damage.
- Warranty: Konami Inc. provides a limited warranty of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase, covering defects in materials and workmanship of the game medium. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, abuse, unreasonable use, mistreatment, or neglect. Konami will repair or replace defective products free of charge, with proof of purchase.
- FCC Compliance: The manual includes information regarding FCC regulations, advising users on how to resolve potential radio and television interference issues, such as reorienting antennas, relocating the NES, or plugging the NES into a different electrical circuit.
Need help?
General
To Next Page