Spondulicks
Welcome to the sixth instalment of my adventure through the virtual cosmos. I'm sure you already know that you can access the previous articles by clicking here. Okay, as I type, I am exploring a new sector of the universe in search of a ch... No, wait!! I shall say no more otherwise it will ruin a thrilling and iconic moment in the storyline. /tease
Embarrassingly, this article is late because of file corruption. That stupidity set me back considerably but you are probably wondering why I didn't use the ship's "Cryonics" feature? I have no sane response other than - Doh!!
Okay, this article concerns wealth because I recently realised my credits were vanishing fast. Not on anything particular, just the basics like food, booze, and fuel. Not wanting to end up penniless, I hit the casinos but that was a disaster (shock). Of course, trading in goods is always satisfactory but slow to turn around a quick profit on your investment.
Regardless, let's have a laugh with these snapshots of my luck in a casino? I have only ever won ONCE!! Sigh...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2s9J0yVNSvWMg7Eoe-3Kc2znWFJKHN8vP48vIpv73gB63UBc9vrSuO11JLzIAnQ4tGeStcI1pokypGCdfTVESFL40j5RD-1jnnpXaLELEnp8Tk4l6LmtPAgmOPNKLNqI2T5gMNINOPgZPz5-i9jkC8A2aRzTVfLv7EnD0U95iOzG3JmyOVSbuKqOxQt52/s16000-rw/Atari%20ST%20gambling%20games.png)
I was walking through Hatara, minding my own business and up pops a casino!
(That's the building to my (er) left with the yellow doors)
We go inside and it's like being back in Las Vegas.
That's me in the middle, about to be ripped off like a big loser!
That's me in the middle, about to be ripped off like a big loser!
Deathmatch
Casinos are a fun sideline to the game but not what we need. Arenas are a much better way to earn money and are similar to what you have already experienced in space or the wilderness. However, it's a contract bout, without access to your inventory, and fought to the death. Furthermore, only three options are available: Fight, Scare, and Seduce.
Fight - is obviously your attack command (up/down arrows to select target)Scare - this only works on timid creatures with a poor bravery stat (BRA).Seduce - is a risky one used to coax the enemy but rarely works.
Winning will result in a hefty payout from the arena boss. You are then invited to fight again against different monsters. However, that decision depends on your physical condition after the fight. Each bout renders damage and fatigue which can be replenished using medkits and plenty of sleep. However, I feel that there is a better way.
Take a look around the city for a hospital close to the arena? The doctor within is a genius who can cure all wounds for a small payment. When you leave, all main stats are completely replenished (sometimes fatigue may take an extra visit if very low). Repeating that loop of arena/hospital/arena/etc/etc is a fantastic way to boost your stash of credits.
That's it for now and I hope this information tidbit is of help? I'll see you soon for the next instalment of Carry On Cruising the Cosmos. Hey, don't leave before checking out my screenshots from the hospital and the arena...
For the blind, that's the hospital with the green door and two red crosses.
That's a lot of money early in the game so start trading first and then come back!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xe55_EDyfT8s5uoVoi5y_YLQFlMewE0tqVV5ytsojJYsrZNjcoRdKrsl2YNN-qmhsKMMFzzNKxIN3qU_vwDJRG2MSqkrbdTuh8us9SexZHVvlsX3ZyO4CUIG1BQn__K7Y095OKxUCBofLE07ALHJoSSLTUyIRq1-GoihZEc5RpeBrJp56dTGl_4dTfMg/s16000-rw/Atari%20STe%20games.png)
No, this is not the same screenshot as above. I paid for the medical visit...
Look at my stats. Everything is near the max compared to earlier.
The arena is that large building with flags on its roof.
Your opponent(s) are always imprisoned in the room on the right.
Note my weapon - that I cannot use. The arena's weaponry is shown top/left.
I won and was rewarded with 2400 credits. Not bad for a first fight.
Notice the new opponents in the room to the right. Fancy another bash?
Notice the new opponents in the room to the right. Fancy another bash?
The ship has a checklist of all the monsters you have fought and beaten in battle.
Is it just me or does the bottom left monster look like a carebear?
Is it just me or does the bottom left monster look like a carebear?
One of the "side missions" is getting rich. Job done, and within a short time too!
Ahh, if only real life was the same? Fat chance of that happening lol
Ahh, if only real life was the same? Fat chance of that happening lol