Exploring the BASIC code of this hybrid game (BASIC + machine language) has led me to some surprise; it has hidden features that are out of reach because you need to press CHR$(5) when you have been proposed to PLAY AGAIN after having lost all your balls. This is included in line 560 of the BASIC program.
But which key needs to be pressed???? I think the only solution is to modify the ROM, I've choosen CHR$(27), the ESCAPE key as accessible key for everyone.
You need to patch the ROM as following:
Address D21h - replace 16 by 0F
Address D22h - replace 29 by 1B
Address D23h - replace 20 by 29
By pressing ESC when the question PLAY AGAIN ? is displayed, you will access to an hidden menu with command line:
E)ditor S)ave L)oad G)ame
COMMAND>
E leads to an Editor - The program will ask the SCENE you want to edit, only scenes 1 to 10 can be edited by using the cursor keys and the spacebar (back to the menu by pressing the E key , switch to next editable scene with the N key , back to the menu with the N key if you are on the scene 10)
S allows to save on tape (probably only the 10 first scenes).
L allows to load the scenes previously saved on tape.
G allows to go back to 'normal' game.
That's not all! The menu can be extended with a secret command (or password): MSX.PASS - It will add the foillowing line:
P)attern C)ontinue N)ext
You enter here in a trainer mode!
P allows you to choose the SCENE (between 1 and 120) that you want to play as first scene
C (continue with current scene) and N (next scene) are useful when you have lost all your balls: press first ESC and the hidden menu will be displayed again!
If you want to remove the additional line of the menu, you need to enter the command MASK and the trainer mode will be invisible!
