Monty Python's Flying Circus CHEAT MODE: Enter 'SEMPRINI' into the high score table. A couple of new options will then appear on the main options page. The first will allow you to select and start on any level up to the highest one you reached, and the second option will allow you to show/hide the hidden bonuses. Also enter your name in as 'POOKY'. Now when you next view the high scores it will change to 'NO IT ISN'T!'. I think this is a joke from the programer who was also responsible for the Rick Dangerous games. SOME TITILLATING TIPS So you want the Maximum Score, eh. Well don't waste time, 'cos Every Second Counts towards the time bonusat the end of every level. At the start of a level, the bonus timer counts down 10 minutes of time spent controlling Gumby (not time spent watching cartoons or arguing). Ten points are awarded for every second of time remaining when the level is completed. That is a potential bonus of 6,000 points per level. Ignore the bush at the start of level one, as it's nothing more than a time- wasting device. Try to destroy every block of cheese you see, including the ones in the manual. Apart from being worth one point apiece during play, an extra 10 points for every one is awarded at the end of the level. Should you manage to clear the level of cheesy comestibles, a bonus of 9,000,000 points is given, so it's definately worth the effort. FOOD FOR THOUGHT Collecting 16 tins of Spam from each level is your main objective, but collect every other item of food you see, too. Even if you already have the 16 tins of Spam, collect any others you find as they not only top up you're vitality but are worth bonus points at the end of the level. Collecting 16 tins of Spam award you a vital piece of brain at the end of a level, which also counts as a bonus of 9,000,000 points. Extra lives are awarded every time the top digit of your score changes (every 10,000,000 points), so to guarantee an extra life at the end of each level, collect 16 tins of Spam and destroy all the cheeses SPAM: Worth 400 points at the end of a level and six points of vitality replenished. EGG: Worth 200 points at the end of a level and eight points of vitality replenished. BEANS: Worth 200 points at the end of a level and eight points of vitality replenished. SAUSAGE: Worth 200 points at the end of a level and and eight points of vitality replenished. LUPINS: Worth 200 points upon collection. It also destroys all visible enemies, turning them into food bonuses. BOUNCY BONUSES Work out a method for each Gumby-spring bonus room - it's always possible to collect all the bonuses and destroy all the cheese. Also, on later levels, there isn't always one entrance to these screens from the main level. HOW TO SPOT DIFFERENT TYPES OF ENEMY FROM QUITE A LONG WAY AWAY LEVEL 1 Always try to kill enemies as you meet them. If you simply rush past you may find that you miss an exit to a bonus screen, or some cheese to destroy or hidden food or Spam bonuses. Explore every exit and remember the locations of bonus (Gumby-spring) screens. Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition. But should you come up against Cardinal Ximinez and his Cohorts, here's what's to do. Position yourself underneath the arc of the flying cushions and open fire with your fish (there is a safe spot). If you want a maxi-maximum score you can also knock out the pillows - they take six hits and are worth 400 points each. SCORE 1000 HITS 15 DEAD PARROTS: these don't do much. They are dead, after all. But they can still give Gumby grief if he's not careful. Please note they appear from the top if you are in the bottom half of the screen, and from the bottom if you are in the top half of the screen. SCORE 10 HITS 1 FEET: They move in a very predictable pattern and don't fire bullets. Just find a safe place to sit, and come up every now and again to shoot them. SCORE 100 HITS 1 HAMSTERS: these are easily shot down, but it's often necessary to fly past them instead. This is not easy as they fire up or down depending on your relative position. Note that they always fire bullets at the same point across the screen, which means you can get past them with a careful bit of timing. SCORE 200 HITS 1 PIGGY BANKS: these travel from right to left and are predictable in their movements. However, they are prone to fire up or down depending on your position and, unlike the Hamsters, the point at which they fire is unpredictable. SCORE 100 HITS 2 KEEP LEFT SIGNS: these travel vertically, firing bullets that are easy enough to dodge but a nuisance when you want to find that elusive Spam tin. The Signs appear in a gang of three. It's best to destroy each whole group before progressing. SCORE 200 HITS 2 Thankfully there's only one 17th Century European Monarch to deal with, but it has to be killed quickly. Move ahead of his anti-clockwise path around the screen (thus drawing his fire) and, when you see the chance, turn and get a few shots in. In this way it's quite possible to destroy him without getting hurt. Patience and anticipation is the key.