In 2050 the first wave of colonists left Earth for the nearby Solar system of Tau Ceti, as the first waves of man's great adventure. On the inhospitable desert world of Tau Ceti III a new life began. In ninety years thirty great cities were built, until without warning a great plague decimated the new world. The remaining desperate colonists were evacuated and in time a cure was found. An expedition force was dispatched and then destroyed by the now malfunctioning defence systems. The only way to incapacitate the automatic defenders was to shut down the massive fusion reactor that fueled the planet. It was decided that a single highly skilled pilot in an armed ground skimmer might succeed where fifty would surely fail. Like a fool you volunteered.

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From the back cover

The year is 2173, mankind has colonised nearby systems, but one planet - Tau Ceti - was rendered uninhabitable by disease, and then following a massive hit by a meteor the planet's defence system will not allow entry to the cities.

It was decided that one skilled pilot might be able to break through to the Fusion reactor in the planet's capital city, Centralis and stop the defence systems.

Like a fool you volunteered!!!

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Back of Cassette Case (Ricochet) - C64/CPC/Spectrum (UK)

Strategy/Adventure — Teens and Adults

TAU-CETI

The Lost Star Colony

Tau Ceti's defense robots have gone berserk! A meteor has collided with the surface of the abandoned star colony, causing widespread and unpredictable malfunctions in the defense system. It's chaos down there, and you have only your specially-equipped space skimmer and your matchless skill and courage to restore order. Recolonization can't begin until you make Tau Ceti safe! Use your lasers, shields, heat-seeking missiles, starlight flares, and anti-missile missiles to disable the robots, find and repair damaged reactor rods, and shut down defense systems. You'll need your infrared night sites to help you after sunset. Tau Ceti gets only an hour of daylight before night falls!

Features:* Depth and challenge combined with fast action * Unique graphic technique that uses lighting and shading to create an ultra-realistic environment * Over 30 cities to explore and conquer * 360-degree scanner, 4-way view screen, and infrared night sights for night battles * Surprise attacks and land mines to keep you constantly alert

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Back of Box (Thunder Mountain) - C64/DOS/ST (CA-US)