Owner`s manual

Introduction

Bedlam is another new adventure from Radio Shack. There are no hidden treasures

to find, no wealth to amass, no score to beat. There is only one goal–get out, if you

can. Your success depends totally upon your resourcefulness and your ability to think

clearly. There is always one way out, but be warned–the exit changes each time you

load the game,

Your computer and the instructions you give are the keys to your escape. Bedlam

recognizes commands like GO WEST or GET THE KEY. You can shorten direction

commands to WEST or NORTH (or even W or N if you prefer). You don't have to limit

yourself to two-word commands.

You can HIT THE DUMB DOOR WITH THE STUPID KEY, or EXAMINE THE GREEN

DOOR. (If there are two doors or two keys present, the computer might ask WHICH

DOOR? or WHICH KEY?) Add the missing word (including a space at the end of the

word).

You may end a game at any time by holding down the [BREAK] key while you press

the Reset button. You can erase anything you type by pressing the [CLEAR] key or

using the [\À\] and [\Â\] arrow keys. If you are in the middle of a sentence, the

computer will make room for any new text. To make the computer respond to your

request, you must press the [ENTER] key after you type your instruction.

To help you escape, you can try enlisting the aid of some of the people you meet. Just

remember where you are. Can a man running around painting doors on walls and

claiming to be Picasso really help? Can a man who says he is Houdini get you out?

What about using "X-Ray" Johnson to burn a hole in the wall to gain freedom?

Perhaps the guard dog just needs a little attention. Maybe the nurse or the doctor

with the hypodermic needle (if he really is a doctor) can be persuaded to help you.

Their ability to help also changes each time you load the game. Depending on the

active escape route, you will either be able to escape without help from anyone, or

you will need help from one or more of the people you meet. Some of the inhabitants

of Bedlam are neither friendly nor cooperative. They do not get along with other

inmates and some will try to stop you from leaving.

The people that can help in one game may be ineffective in another game. If you want

an inmate to take an action, type the inmate's name and the action you wish taken

(for example, MERLIN MEET HOUDINI or HOUDINI OPEN THE GREEN DOOR).

Some escape routes are not as obvious as others. If you get lost during a game, type:

[L][O][O][K] and press [ENTER] to see where you are. To take an inventory of what you

have acquired during the course of the game, type: [I][N][V][E][N][T] (short for

Inventory) and press [ENTER].