Telethugs (2025) for ZX Spectrum, TK90X and compatible micros -------------------------------- ~ Introduction ~ Telethugs is a "run and gun" game originally created and published for PC by Pedro Paiva in 2019, and now ported to the ZX Spectrum by Amaweks. This is the first true result of our collaboration on "The Most Hated in Videogames," and it was also made as a tribute to Pedro's extensive work as an indie game developer. -------------------------------- ~ Program ~ The game is available in two versions: 128K or 48K, both in English and Portuguese. The 48K version is mainly intended for those who want to play the game on the TK90X, a Brazilian clone of the ZX Spectrum 48K. The 128K version is aimed at ZX Spectrum systems with 128KB of RAM or for those playing on emulators. There are subtle differences between the two versions, although both contain the main content of the game, such as the intro story screen, 5 stages with their respective bosses, and ending screens. Unique features of each version include: 48K Version: No music during gameplay, but it features beeper music (1 sound channel) on the title screen, story and ending screens, and short jingles at the start of each level. 128K Version: Features a total of 8 AY (3-channel PSG) music tracks that play during the game, a more colorful and detailed title screen, more colorful HUD, and an extra credits screen at the end of the game. You need to use actual ZX Spectrum hardware or an emulator to run the game. Use your preferred emulator or go to: https://jsspeccy.zxdemo.org/ (This emulator supports USB controllers and fullscreen via the icon on the bottom right.) Enable the following options: Machine > Spectrum 128k File > Auto Load tapes Then open the game file with: File > Open: and select the game’s .tap file. -------------------------------- ~ Controls ~ Controls can be redefined on the title screen. By default, keyboard controls follow the QAOPM layout: jump/up, down, left, right, and attack (once the ability is acquired). To shoot diagonally upwards or straight up, just hold the shoot button and press the corresponding direction (up, up+left, or up+right). To shoot diagonally downwards, press down and the shoot button. To shoot sideways while crouching, hold down+left or down+right and press shoot. Practice shooting in all directions — you’ll need it. -------------------------------- ~ Special Thanks ~ Jonathan Cauldwell, creator of the AGD and MPAGD engines, without whom these games wouldn't be possible. Xavisan (Javier Sánchez), for his modifications and additions to the engine in the form of MPAGD GEN2. Ramón Fernández, for his work on MPAGD SoundMod, on which the GEN2 version is based. Erico (Fued) Monteiro, for helping with beta testing. Filipe Veiga, for his support and commitment to physically publishing my games. Laudelino and Luiz Felipe, friends and partners at Mangangá Team, also beta testers of the game. Pedro Paiva, for creating the original Telethugs, for the partnership, and for contributing to the Brazilian underground gaming scene, as well as beta testing this version. Also thanks to other friends and supporters: My partner Ju, friends Dante, Luiz Souza, my brothers Luiz Felipe and Gabriel, and my parents Osmarina and Paulo. -------------------------------- ~ Credits ~ Original PC game by Pedro Paiva ZX Spectrum version by Amaweks Beta testing by: Erico FUED, Luiz Felipe M.V, Laudelino Nemezes, and Pedro Paiva -------------------------------- ~ Music ~ Most of the game’s music consists of adaptations and rearrangements from the original PC version. Pedro Paiva did a brilliant job choosing rap songs and other tracks that represent the Telethugs universe, while also paying tribute to the original artists. Below are the original references for each track: Title Screen: "Gangsta’s Paradise" Rap by Coolio, adapted from Stevie Wonder’s "Pastime Paradise" https://youtu.be/6-IRnDofg6Y Stage 1: Music inspired by the Teletubbies theme Stage 2: Adaptation of "O Trem" by RZO https://youtu.be/_AycHaPQJG0?si=-H0hscvp7xEJXCj Stage 3: Adaptation of "Calafrio Melô do Terror" by MC Jack https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTTjNZ3WEtI Stage 4: Adaptation of "Lata Velha" by Landau https://youtu.be/D66Bgklt9rE Stage 5: Adaptation of "Banditismo por uma questão de Classe" by Chico Science & Nação Zumbi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDI5rZCntPc Boss Theme: Inspired by "Violent Revolution" by Kreator https://youtu.be/4ntwKzpX9Cg?si=x7rYsHBbHGHqZb6B