FAST ATTACK: High-tech Submarine Warfare - Instruction Manual

Introduction

Welcome to the world of FAST ATTACK: High-tech Submarine Warfare. This game places you at the helm of a Los Angeles class 6881 nuclear-powered submarine, offering an immersive experience of modern naval combat. Equipped with advanced sensors, navigation systems, and state-of-the-art communication equipment, the 6881 is under your command.

Engage in strategic and stealth operations, monitoring hostile targets, destroying enemy ships and submarines, hunting for mines, and attacking enemy convoys. Your primary objective is to successfully complete mission objectives while ensuring the safety of your crew and upholding the diplomatic standing of the USA. Failure to do so may result in your final rest upon the ocean floor.

This image displays the front cover of the Fast Attack: High-tech Submarine Warfare CD-ROM case. The cover features the game title in large, stylized letters, with a submarine silhouette and a missile launch depicted against a red background. Text on the cover also indicates 'HIGH TECH SUBMARINE WARFARE'.

Setup and Installation

FAST ATTACK is a DOS-based game distributed on CD-ROM. Proper installation is crucial for optimal performance.

System Requirements:

• Operating System: DOS (compatible with Windows 95/98 environments).
• Processor: Old Pentium-class processor recommended.
• Memory: Requires significant virtual memory.
• Graphics: Requires 256 colors display mode.
• Sound Card: Sound Blaster compatible sound card (e.g., Sound Blaster Port 5, IRQ 220) for best audio results.
• CD-ROM Drive: Functional CD-ROM drive accessible in DOS mode.
• Input: Mouse recommended for easier navigation.

Installation Steps:

1. Insert the FAST ATTACK CD-ROM into your computer's CD-ROM drive.
2. Navigate to your CD-ROM drive from the DOS prompt (e.g., D:).
3. Run the installation program, typically named INSTALL.EXE or SETUP.EXE. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
4. Ensure your sound card settings are correctly configured within DOS, particularly for Sound Blaster compatibility, to enable in-game audio.

Note: For newer operating systems (e.g., Windows XP, Vista, or later), it is highly recommended to use a DOS emulator such as DOSBox to run the game. This will provide a compatible environment for the game to function correctly.

Operating the Game (Gameplay)

Once installed, launch FAST ATTACK from its installed directory. The game interface will guide you through mission selection, submarine controls, and tactical operations.

Key Gameplay Elements:

• Navigation: Control your submarine's depth, speed, and heading. Utilize sonar and radar systems for situational awareness.
• Targeting: Identify and track enemy vessels using various sensor arrays.
• Weapon Systems: Deploy torpedoes and missiles to engage hostile targets. Manage your weapon inventory effectively.
• Mission Objectives: Each mission presents specific goals, ranging from reconnaissance and escort duties to direct combat and mine clearance.
• Crew Management: While not explicitly detailed, maintaining crew safety and morale is implicitly tied to successful mission completion.

Familiarize yourself with the in-game tutorials and control scheme, typically accessible from the main menu, to master the submarine's operations.

Maintenance and Compatibility

To ensure continued functionality of FAST ATTACK, consider the following:

• CD-ROM Care: Keep the game CD-ROM clean and free from scratches to prevent read errors. Store it in its original case or a protective sleeve.
• System Configuration: Ensure your DOS environment or emulator is correctly configured, especially regarding memory management and sound card settings.
• Emulation: For modern systems, regularly update your DOS emulator (e.g., DOSBox) to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes.

Troubleshooting

Encountering issues with FAST ATTACK? Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Game does not launch or crashes:
  • Verify that your system meets the minimum requirements, especially regarding DOS compatibility and virtual memory.
  • If using an emulator, ensure it is properly configured and that the game's directory is correctly mounted.
  • Check the integrity of the CD-ROM.
• No sound or distorted audio:
  • Confirm your sound card is Sound Blaster compatible and correctly configured in your DOS environment (Port 5, IRQ 220).
  • If using an emulator, check its sound emulation settings.
• Mouse or CD-ROM not recognized in DOS mode:
  • Ensure necessary drivers (e.g., MSCDEX.EXE for CD-ROM, MOUSE.COM for mouse) are loaded in your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files.
  • For emulators, verify that the CD-ROM drive and mouse are correctly mapped and enabled.
• Graphics issues (e.g., incorrect colors, display errors):
  • Ensure your display is set to 256 colors mode.
  • Check your graphics card drivers or emulator's graphics settings.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Specific warranty information for this product is not available in the provided documentation. As an older DOS-based game, direct manufacturer support may be limited.

For technical assistance or community support, consider searching online forums and communities dedicated to classic PC games and DOS emulation. Resources like DOSBox forums often provide valuable insights and solutions for running vintage software on modern systems.