Microcosm

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Overview

Microcosm has been designed to be the most graphically stunning and entertaining interactive shooting game ever. Microcosm employs over 500 megabytes of graphics data played back through exclusive FractalEngine technology. For best results, the PC version Microcosm should be played on a system with a 386DX 33 or better, a mouse, a 16-bit sound card, VGA display, and stereo speakers.

Operating Instructions

Microcosm may be controlled via joystick, keyboard, mouse, or any combination of the three.

Mouse Control:
Aim the crosshairs and steer the ship by moving the mouse. The left button is the primary fire button. The right button enables power-ups.

Joystick Control:
Aim the crosshairs and steer the ship by moving the joystick. The first trigger is the primary fire button. The second button enables power-ups.

Keyboard Control:
Aim the crosshairs and steer the ship by using the arrow keys. The space bar is the primary fire button. The control key enables power-ups. (These keys are the defaults, feel free to change them using the SETUP program.) In addition, you may press ESC at anytime to exit the game or the PAUSE/BREAK key to pause the game.

Mission Objectives

You play the part of an elite Cybertech agent. Your objectives are simple:

1. To clear the body of the 'alien' invasion
2. To destroy the VO Capsules
3. To locate and remove the unit that is controlling Korsby's actions: Grey M.

Gameplay Guidelines

There are a few basic rules of play which, if followed will greatly enhance the Microcosm experience.

When moving through the body, always keep your eyes focused on the "deepest" areas of the screen. This will allow you to see any junctions, power ups, or enemies in time to react to them. If you are looking at the "middle" of the screen, then you will probably not have time to steer/aim properly.

While this may seem like a minor consideration, it will vastly improve the feel of the game.

Power ups are essential to finishing this game. When in the Carotid, Brain, and Vena Cava sections, you must move your vessel to intercept these packages. Some power ups must be activated with the secondary fire button, others are automatic.

Power ups take many forms, only practice and a good eye will allow you to grab them every time.

Conserve your power ups as much as possible, as they can come in handy when fighting the Guardians. Keep in mind, however, that power ups are not transfered from one vessel to the next so you must use them by the end of each section.

Guardians

A Guardian will be present at the end of each level. The Guardians are nearly impervious, but can be defeated. To defeat the Guardian, you must determine its weak spot and concentrate your fire on that area. The time available to defeat each Guardian is limited, so develop a strategy for each.

Constant blasting is not always the best way to win.

Torus (Cephalic) Guardian:
Shoot the moving ball. Try to keep the crosshairs centered on the ball as much as possible. You do have a time limit here, and if you do not destroy the Guardian quickly, your ship will be overloaded with radiation. By the way, this would kill you and end your mission - so be careful to watch the overload meter.

Swinging (Femur) Guardian:
Shoot the white glowing area. This one is particularly tricky, as the guardian is always moving. Time your shots carefully, and you will find that this Guardian is not that hard to finish off.

Spider (Vena Cava) Guardian:
Shoot the area which is underneath the rotating lid. The timing on this Guardian is very critical, although it requires less damage to beat.

Grey M (Brain) Guardian:
To defeat the Grey M requires excellent aim and patience. You can only damage the Grey M by firing into its open mouth or the highlighted plasma area on its top.

Other enemies

While in the body, part of your mission is to destroy as much of the invading force as possible. Any non-organic items should be shot. Be careful to avoid shooting the red and white blood cells. Shooting these will reduce Korsby's life expectancy.

The VO capsules are Axiom's way of killing Korsby in the event of an attack. You must destroy all of the VO capsules to finish the game. Your tracking computer will help you here - watch it closely and try to follow the VO's as much as possible. If one reaches the heart valve before you have destroyed it and its missiles, Korsby dies and you will lose the game.

This is the docking station. To enter the station, you must align your ship with the sequence of squares emanating from the docking ring. Use the mouse for best results. Once inside the station, use the arrow keys for fastest movement to the transport tube. You may go either left or right at the juncture, either way will work.

In the brain, you must defeat Grey M's defensive screens before you can attack the droid itself. To disable the screens you must shoot out the power points on either side of the screen. This can be very tricky. Try using the mouse to aim, and the keyboard to shoot. This will increase your rate of fire, and the likelyhood of a hit.

That's it. If you need more detailed instructions, please contact Psygnosis for hints, or the Microcosm Hint book with spoiler.

Thanks to Christopher W. Caprio from Psygnosis Technical Support.

Maps

Level 2
Level 3
Level 4