Alien Crossfire Manual • Linux

Alien Crossfire 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Welcome to Alien Crossfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

Alien Planetfall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

New Progenitor concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

Civil War . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Energy Grid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Base Conquest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

New Victory Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Progenitor Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Getting started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Using the Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Game Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Main (Starting) Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Choose a Faction Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

New Faction Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 

New manifestations of planet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 

Native Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 

Flora . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 

Fauna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Unity Pods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Battle Ogres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Cloning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Landmarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

The Borehole Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Unity Wreckage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

The Manifold Nexus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Fossil Ridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Sid meier’s alpha centauri 

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New Manifestations of the Colonists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Resonance Laser (R-Laser) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Resonance Bolt (R-Bolt) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

String Disruptor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

Tectonic Payload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

Fungal Payload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

Resonance Armor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

Pulse Armor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 

Soporific Gas Pods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 

Dissociative Wave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 

Marine Detachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 

Fuel Nanocells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 

Algorithmic Enhancement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

Aquafarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

Brood Pit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

Covert Ops Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

Flechette Defense System (FDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 

Geosynchronous Survey Pod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 

Subsea Trunkline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 

Subspace Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 

Thermocline Transducer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

Secret Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

Cloudbase Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

Manifold Harmonics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

Nethack Terminus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

Planetary Energy Grid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

New Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

Progenitor Psych (E1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

Field Modulation (C2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

Adaptive Economic Systems (B3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

Adaptive Doctrine (C3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

Biodaptive Resonance (C4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

N-Space Compression (C8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

Sentient Resonance (C9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 



Secrets of the Manifold (D13) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

String Resonance (C16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

New Probe Team Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Algorithmic Enhancement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

New Probe Action-Freeing Captured Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Detailed Description of New Factions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 

Cult of Planet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 

Cybernetic Consciousness (Cyborgs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

Data Angels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 

Drones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

Manifold Caretakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

Manifold Usurpers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Pirates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

Appendix 1. New Unit Tables and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 

Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 

Secret Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 

Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 

Special Abilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

Technology Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

Appendix 2. Miscellaneous Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

Additional Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

Appendix 3. Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 

Return to Centauri (excerpt) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

Designers Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

This product has been rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board. For 

information about the ESRB rating, or to comment about the appropriateness of 

the rating, please contact the ESRB at 1-800-771-3772. 


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INTRODUCTION 

Welcome to Sid Meier’s Alien Crossfire, FIRAXIS Games’ expansion pack 

for Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri. Enjoy the new faces and places in Alien 

Crossfire. 

Alien Crossfire is a companion game to Alpha Centauri and requires ownership 

of Alpha Centauri. 

Here’s a brief overview of what’s new in Alien Crossfire: 

◆ Five new human factions. 

◆ Two new alien factions: the Manifold Caretakers and the Manifold Usurpers. 

◆ New technologies based on alien concepts of resonance fields. 

◆ New facilities, including the Aquafarm, Covert Ops Center, and Subsea 

Trunkline. 

◆ New secret projects, including the Manifold Harmonics and the Nethack 

Terminus. 

◆ New alien life forms 

◆ New unit special abilities 

◆ New victory conditions for the Manifold factions. 

◆ Several additional new concepts and strategies. 



WELCOME TO ALIEN CROSSFIRE 

ALIEN PLANETFALL 

The early human exploration of Planet found many mysterious signs pointing 

to a long-vanished alien race. The questions raised by these discoveries were 

soon answered when two alien factions arrived on Planet a few years after the 

crash-landing of the Unity. Their true motives were vague, but it appeared 

they had returned to Planet to settle the fate of Manifold Six (their name for 

Planet) and the grand experiment in which they were involved. The Usurper 

faction has been pushing for the Progenitor race to exploit the powers of the 

Manifold, and essentially set themselves up as gods. The Caretakers see Planet 

as a sentient being, whose death would result from Usurper policies. Two scout 

ships arrived in the space above Manifold Six to settle the issue. 

Unfortunately for both sides (but perhaps fortunately for the humans on 

Planet), the two ships were evenly matched, and nearly destroyed each other. 

Survivors of the two factions managed to jettison in escape pods down to 

Planet’s surface, where they prepare for battle, and for the day on which they 

can contact their respective factions and send for reinforcements. If that day 

ever comes, human existence on Planet will be in grave jeopardy. 

The human factions must choose whether to band together to fight the offworlders, 

or side with the aliens as a means to ultimate victory. The picture is 

further complicated by the rise of new human factions preaching radical 

philosophies, from the Drones who seek liberation of the working masses, to 

the strange Cybernetic faction unleashed by amoral University researchers. 

NEW PROGENITOR CONCEPTS 

The following is a summary of rules regarding the two alien factions, the 

Caretakers and the Usurpers. Note in some cases, Progenitor names for facilities 

or projects (such as “Children’s Creche” or “The Human Genome Project”) and 


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social engineering choices (such as “Free Market” or “Police State”) actually represent 

similar facilities and social choices in the Progenitor societal structure, but 

have been translated into their nearest human equivalent for convenience. 

CIVIL WAR 

The two alien ideologies are completely in opposition, and all alien interactions 

with each other and with the human factions are colored by this opposition. 

Aliens speak with human factions, and even sign treaties and pacts, but they 

do not speak to each other and they do not sign treaties and pacts with those 

who have treaties or pacts with their enemy. They cannot be asked to end a 

vendetta with one another. They do not participate in Governor elections or in 

any other Planetary Council votes. Their atrocities do not cause any adverse 

commerce effects, since they don’t use human commerce. Using atrocities 

against the aliens causes no extra diplomatic penalty, except for Planet Busters, 

still considered a global atrocity for the environmental damage caused. 

Because of this alien civil war, each game has either both the Usurpers and the 

Caretakers, or neither. Whether you are using the faction editor or playing with 

a mix of factions from Alien Crossfire and Alpha Centauri, you can never 

have just one alien faction in the game 

COMMUNICATION 

Humans and aliens cannot communicate at the beginning of the game. In 

order for Humans and aliens to communicate, one must discover the other’s 

Psych. This means the human faction must discover Progenitor Psych or the 

Progenitor faction must discover Social Psych. Once communication is established, 

the Progenitor speech is rendered by human translation software into 

its nearest human equivalent (including their arcane sentence structure). 

Progenitor communications within their own society, however, have been fully 

translated for complete understandability. 



ENERGY GRID 

The alien factions gain no energy from commerce with each other or humans. 

Instead, they gain energy from the Grid. This is a harmonic field set up by the power 

feeds of various technological devices; it manifests itself as 1 energy for every two 

facilities built, and 2 1/2 energy (rounded down) for each Secret Project completed. 

BASE CONQUEST 

When a human conquers a Progenitor base, or vice versa, a forced relocation 

of the population takes place. A forced relocation causes the population of the 

conquered base to be reduced to one. At the same time, half the remaining 

population (rounded up) is converted into colony pods belonging to the 

defeated faction. These can be attacked normally. 

NEW VICTORY CONDITIONS 

The presence of the Progenitor factions creates three new conditions which 

affect victory. 

DIPLOMATIC 

A leader may not be declared Supreme Leader unless the alien factions have been 

eradicated. Once they have been eradicated, Supreme Leader victory is allowed 

normally. If a Progenitor faction is “freed” by a Probe Team and swears a servile 

Pact, or swears a servile Pact during the course of the game, that counts as 

“being eradicated” and any human faction can win as Supreme Leader—even if 

the faction to whom the Pact was sworn are themselves eradicated later on. 

TRANSCENDENCE 

The Caretaker faction’s belief system does not allow for the exploitation of 

Manifold Six. Therefore, the Caretaker faction can never win by Transcendence 

victory, as Transcendence implies an exploitation of Manifold Six—the very 

thing they are fighting against. However, the Usurpers can win a 

Transdendence victory as per the usual rules. 


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PROGENITOR VICTORY 

The Progenitor factions can each win a new type of victory. They must have 

at least six bases of at least size 10 each, and they must construct a Subspace 

Generator in each of them. This creates the Resonance Communicator, allowing 

them to send signals to the home fleets in a far distant portion of the 

galaxy. The power of these fleets is well beyond the combined abilities of all 

the humans on Planet to combat; when communication occurs and the fleets 

arrive, the humans (and the other Progenitor faction) must capitulate. 

PROGENITOR ART 

The Progenitor factions have many unique pieces of art. These units, base 

enhancements, and citizen icons are representational only; the functions of 

the units, etc. remain the same. There are new pieces of Progenitor art for the 

following: Infantry units, rover units, air units, colony pods, terraformer units, 

perimeter defenses, tachyon fields, and citizen icons. 

GETTING STARTED 

USING THE MANUAL 

This manual is not meant to teach you how to play Sid Meier’s Alpha 

Centauri. Instead, it is a review of the new features and changes to the original 

Alpha Centauri contained in Alien Crossfire. You need to already know 

how to play Alpha Centauri to use this manual. 

If you Haven’t Played Before 

If this is your first experience into the world of Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri 

and Alien Crossfire, refer to the Alpha Centauri manual for tips on how to 

run the tutorial scenarios. 



In addition to this manual, you will find the following useful materials included 

with your game: 

Install Guide. Installation, trouble shooting, and customer support. 

Tech Tree Chart. A new, updated tech tree chart shows the new alien technologies 

available. 

Cross Reference Chart. This tool, used in conjunction with the Tech Tree 

Chart, helps you understand how to acquire a technology. 

INSTALLATION 

Installation, troubleshooting and customer support are all covered in the 

Install Guide. 

GAME SETUP 

The following differences can be found in the starting menus. 

MAIN (STARTING) MENU 

QUICKSTART 

This option still drops you directly into a new game configured exactly like the 

last game you played (including faction choice). If you use Quickstart before playing 

a game, you enter a world of average size set to the game’s defaults. You 

explore this new world as the Cybernetic faction set to the easiest difficulty level. 

CHOOSE A FACTION SCREEN 

There are now five additional factions of refugees resulting from the disastrous 

destruction of the UN colony ship, Unity. There are also two alien factions 

vying for control of the Manifold experiment called Planet. 


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See New Faction Overview, below, for information about the seven new factions. 

Play Random Faction 

Random Play is available with 

any of the above configurations. 

Play Selected Faction 

Choose your faction and then 

select this option. If you are 

using a random setup, this button 

has the same effect as 

“Play Random.” 

Change Name 

Customize the name of your faction and the other factions in the game. 

Info 

Shows the help text for the selected faction. Choosing “OK” from this screen 

starts the game with you playing the selected faction. 

Cancel 

Sends you back to the difficulty level screen. 

Drop-down boxes 

This new feature allows you to load each individual slot with the faction of 

your choice. Once the seven slots are loaded, you can play a selected faction 

or a random faction from among the seven you have selected. You can mix 

and match factions between the original and new games at will. 

NEW FACTION OVERVIEW 

As before, the factions in Alien Crossfire are divided into spheres of political and 

social thought. Two additional factions of aliens are introduced; their primary motivations 

are more simple: destroy the opposing alien faction in a bitter civil war. 



The Cybernetic Consciousness (led by Prime Function Aki Zeta-Five) 

This faction is led by a mysterious figure from The Unity who has apparently 

been part of an experiment in artificial intelligence. It is surmised a research 

technician working for Prokhor Zakharov was subjected to an implanted AI algorithm, 

and is now sharing her consciousness with this intelligence. Aki Zeta-Five 

offers her followers a pure intellect less fettered by greed and other distressing 

emotions. Her society is advanced and efficient in industry and technology. 

However, this society is unfamiliar with human emotions; therefore, concepts 

like sex lead the Cyborgs to have a difficult time with population growth. They 

are immune to the negative effects of the Cybernetic social choice. 

The Nautilus Pirates (led by Captain Ulrik Svensgaard) 

The Pirates believe the oceans of Planet are actually far more suitable for 

human life than the land masses. They are dedicated to a life at sea, exploiting 

the untold riches of the water. Their intimate knowledge of the deep allows 

them to construct enhancements even in deep sea areas. Their sea combat units 

are especially well trained for shipboard actions (free Marine Detachment ability 

for sea units once the appropriate technology is discovered). They also get 

a free Naval Yard in every base upon discovery of the appropriate technology, 

and pay no prototype costs for sea formers and sea colony pods. They are also 

able to extract extra raw materials from shelf sea-squares. 

The Free Drones (led by Foreman Domai) 

The Drones are led by a former drone who has come to understand the horrible 

oppression under which his peers labor. He seeks to build a nation with 

great industrial might, without exploiting his workers like the other faction 

leaders. The Drones believe in an orderly society and gain Police benefits. Their 

industrial capacity is, of course, unmatched. Believing in a labor society means 

elite scientific research is very slow, however. Bases revolting against their current 

owners, anywhere on Planet, have a significant chance of proclaiming 

themselves members of the Drone faction. Finally, Free Drone bases have fewer 

discontented workers (“drones”) and are thus easier to manage. 


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The Data Angels (led by Datajack Sinder Roze) 

The Angels are dedicated to a flow of free information and equal opportunity 

for all. Their detractors call them “hackers” and thieves—but the Angels are 

mostly interested in the excitement of covert operations. Their lack of social 

structure makes police procedures more difficult, but they are highly effective 

spies—their bases are very difficult to penetrate, and Angel probe actions cost 

less than those of other factions. In addition, the Angel faction automatically 

gains any technology known by at least three other infiltrated factions, due to 

their constant covert activities. They also acquire a free Covert Ops Center in 

each base, after they discover Pre-Sentient Algorithms. 

The Cult of Planet (led by Prophet Cha Dawn) 

The leader of the Cult of Planet appeared under mysterious circumstances a few 

years after Planetfall. Though clearly just a young boy, he claims to have the 

Word of Planet in his ears, and promises to lead his followers to a cleansing 

jihad, making them (and the will of Planet) supreme. The Cult has little interest 

in material things, causing a general economic slowdown in their faction. 

However, they are supremely in tune with Planet, and have better capabilities 

with native lifeforms than even the Gaians. They get a free Biology Lab in each 

base upon discovery of the appropriate technology, and their people are so in 

awe of the native life forms that mindworms count double for police duty. 

The Manifold Caretakers (led by Guardian Lular H’minee) 

The Caretakers are members of the Progenitor race, the original creators of the 

living experiment called Planet. The Caretaker faction is dedicated to noninterference 

with Planet’s life forms and destiny; they believe the Manifold 

experiment must be allowed to run its natural course. In human terms, this 

means they can draw more sustenance from Planet (support more units), and 

have a greater bond with Planet. They acquire a free Recycling Tank in every 

base, and their method of energy-gathering is very different: they gain energy 

depending upon the number of base facilities at a base. They also receive 

a defensive bonus in combat due to a combination of sensory capabilities 

unkown by humans, collectively know as “resonance sensitivity”. This sensitivity 

hinders any attempt at surprise or trickery on the part of opposing forces. 



Finally, Progenitors are ahead of humans in technological know-how; though 

the landing party must re-discover most technologies, the alien headstart is 

represented by the ability to direct research more specifically. 

The Manifold Usurpers (led by Conquerer Judaa Maar) 

The Usurpers are an opposing faction of Progenitors who believe the Manifold 

experiment has reached a logical conclusion, and it is time for the powers of 

Planet to be used for military purposes. They have highly efficient resource management 

(recycling tanks), but instead of a defensive combat bonus, they receive 

a bonus of attack, growth, and morale. They, too, receive resonance sensitivity 

bonuses and directed research. The Caretakers and Usurpers are locked in a bitter 

civil war, and their main goal is the destruction of the other faction; humans 

are an insignificant annoyance to them, and are used or discarded at need. 

NEW MANIFESTATIONS OF PLANET 

Alien Crossfire contains three new alien life forms, and several new landmarks 

and Unity pod discoveries. The new unit types will always appear; the new 

landmarks may or may not appear in any particular game. 

NATIVE LIFE 

There are three new kinds of alien life: fungal towers, spore launchers, and the 

mysterious Sealurks. 

FLORA 

Fungal Towers. These occur randomly wherever native life might be 

found. They are immobile and fight using PSI combat, as all native life 

forms. They may add a fungus square to an empty space around them. If 

all squares around them become fungus, they may start generating mindworms 

or spore launchers. 


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FAUNA 


Spore Launchers. These are almost plant-like life forms capable of 

normal movement. They contain thousands of large fungus spores, used as a 

weapon to destroy elements disturbing the local ecology. A spore launcher 

attempts to destroy improvements first, and then attack units with an effect 

similar to “PSI artillery.” They engage in duels with normal artillery. These 

units can be built at a base upon the discovery of Biodaptive Resonance (C4). 

Sealurks. These sea units are similar to Isles of the Deep, but they cannot 

carry other units. They are harder to spot using submarine rules for movement 

and discovery. Their combat effectiveness against coastal sea bases is 

greater than that of the Isles. These units can be built at a base upon the discover 

of Centauri PSI (E8). 

UNITY PODS 

There are two new effects generated by Unity pods: the Battle Ogre (actually 

found in alien ruins located by Unity beacons) and the cloning effect. 

BATTLE OGRES 

These ancient mechanical devices were possibly used by the 

Progenitor race to wage war. Each Ogre is a self-contained battle unit that 

relies on long-lost technologies for their power and movement. Ogres come in 

three varieties: 

Mark I Ogres: 6r-3r-1 units (resonance attack and defense). They count double 

for police duty. 

Mark II Ogres: 12r-8r-1, with police powers and dissociative wave. They possess 

the equivalent of a level 2 reactor. 



Mark III Ogres: 30-12-3 Elite units with police powers and dissociative wave. 

They possess the equivalent of a level 3 reactor. 

The Ogre’s main downfall is combat damage can never be repaired, not even 

at a monolith. Guard them carefully! 

CLONING 

Occasionally a pod may lodge itself in a dimensional rift. These can duplicate the 

unit making the discovery. The second unit is independent of any home base. 

LANDMARKS 

Four new landmarks can be discovered across the face of Planet. Because of 

the limitless gameplay of Alien Crossfire, any one landmark is not guaranteed 

to occur in any particular game. 

THE BOREHOLE CLUSTER 

The Borehole cluster is a collection of three boreholes, providing 

additional minerals and energy just as if they had 

been built. The technology needed to have built (and left 

behind) these cracks in Planet’s surface bespeak a powerful 

alien technology. 

UNITY WRECKAGE 

The shattered hulk of the Unity, containing the Mining 

Laser, Scout Chopper, a comm beacon showing the 

starting location of each human faction, and the 

Engine Core, worth bonus energy. All four of these 

must be found individually, so make sure you explore 

the wreckage carefully. 


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THE MANIFOLD NEXUS 

Control of this grants the controlling faction +1 Planet. 

It is not certain what the Nexus is, but it appears to be 

the central communications point for all six of the 

Progenitor Manifold experiments. In essence, it is a 

control tower for planetary intelligence. 

FOSSIL RIDGE A coral formation in the sea that grants +1 mineral/square. 

NEW MANIFESTATIONS OF 

THE COLONISTS 

UNITS 


Because of the influx of alien technology (or, in games with no alien factions, 

new research into alien artifacts and monoliths), new unit weapons, armor, and 

specials have become available. These are, for the most part, based on the 

Progenitor concept of “resonance,” which is a new way of perceiving various 

fields around us, including magnetic and electrical forces. 

RESONANCE LASER (R-LASER) 

Six attack strength with a built-in 25% bonus vs. PSI units. The resonance 

laser is a regular laser with additional Manifold “resonance” technology 

attached to the wave form; this affects PSI creatures adversely. Becomes available 

upon the discovery of Bioadaptive Resonance (C4). 



RESONANCE BOLT (R-BOLT) 

Twelve attack strength with a built-in 25% bonus vs. PSI units. Similar to the 

R-laser, with the resonance field attached to a tachyon bolt. Becomes available 

upon the discovery of Sentient Resonance (C9). 

STRING DISRUPTOR 

Thirty attack strength weapon, built of a combination of temporal disruption 

and Progenitor resonance technology taken to its highest degree. Becomes 

available upon the discovery of String Resonance (C16). 

TECTONIC PAYLOAD 

Allows the construction of a missile that, when fired, causes the target square 

to rise 1 level in height for each level of reactor technology possessed by the 

builder. Thus, a Tectonic Missile fired with a (4) reactor raises the target terrain 

four levels (maximum height above sea level is four levels). To target a 

square, move the missile to the desired target (cannot be a sea-square, unit, 

or base) and press the “I” key. Becomes available upon the discovery of N- 

Space Compression (C8). 

FUNGAL PAYLOAD 

Destroys improvements in the target square, leaving behind 1-4 squares of 

fungus, depending on the reactor technology possessed by the builder. 

Additional fungus output can destroy improvements. Valid targets and targeting 

methods are the same as the Tectonic Payload. Becomes available upon 

discovery of N-Space Compression. 

RESONANCE ARMOR 

Three or eight defense strength with a built-in 25% bonus vs. PSI attackers. 

The technology used is similar to the Resonance Laser, but the static field is 

easier to control as a defense than as a beam weapon. Res-3 becomes available 

upon discovery of Field Modulation (C2); Res-8 becomes available upon 

discovery of Sentient Resonance (C9). 


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PULSE ARMOR 

Three or eight defense strength with a built-in 25% vs. Mobile attackers. Pulse 

armor sends out continuous streams of random ECM “white noise” to foul 

communications of mobile units. Pulse-3 becomes available upon discovery of 

Adaptive Doctrine (C3); Pulse-8 becomes available upon discovery of Super 

Tensile Solids (B10). 

SOPORIFIC GAS PODS 

Units with this ability lower the morale of their targets by two levels, employing a 

combination of standard sleep-inducing gas and a soothing wave-form/broad 

band resonance. Becomes available upon discovery of Bioadaptive Resonance (C4). 

DISSOCIATIVE WAVE 

Enemy units get no combat bonuses from their own special equipment when 

attacking a unit equipped with this high-energy field that temporarily disrupts 

delicate electronic equipment. The unit equipped with dissociative waves can 

tune its own special equipment to “ignore” this field. The field generator is bulky 

and hard to manipulate during mobile engagements, rendering it ineffective as 

an attack weapon. Becomes available upon discovery of Centauri PSI (E8). 

MARINE DETACHMENT 

A ship equipped with this ability can capture an enemy ship 50% of the time, 

if the defender is reduced to 30% or less combat strength without being 

destroyed in the process. Marine squads are trained in the art of ship capture, 

which involves fast moving and a knowledge of where to strike the enemy vessel 

to cripple its command structure and avoid self-destruct mechanisms. 

Becomes available upon discovery of Adaptive Doctrine (C3). 

FUEL NANOCELLS 

Air units equipped with this ability have their range increased by four. This 

means a functional increase of two squares on each leg of the flight. Becomes 

available upon discovery of Matter Compression (C9). 



ALGORITHMIC ENHANCEMENT 

Used by Probe Teams only. Probe Teams equipped with this ability have their 

chance of failure cut in half when acting against normal targets (a 60-40 action 

would become an 80-20 action), and have half the normal chance of success 

penetrating the defenses of factions with the Hunter-Seeker Algorithm, or 

whose social engineering choices have rendered them “immune” to mind control. 

Becomes available upon discovery of Nanominiaturization (B8). 

FACILITIES 

AQUAFARM 

Increases food output from every kelp farm at that base by one. The 

aquafarm is a Progenitor concept, harnessing tidal movements to 

aerate the kelp, and predictive technology to take advantage of tidal 

surges, warm currents, etc. Becomes available upon discovery of Manifold 

Psych (E1). 

BROOD PIT 

Acts as a Children’s Creche for native units, if there is not already one 

at the base. Decreases the cost of alien units built at the base by 

25%. Gives the base a +2 Police rating. The Brood Pit is a place where 

alien life forms can be grown with relative ease. It also doubles as a punishment 

area. Becomes available upon discovery of Centauri Genetics (E7). 

COVERT OPS CENTER 

Probe teams built at this base gain +2 Morale. Gives the base a +2 

Probe rating. These training centers for spies emphasize data retrieval 

and cryptology, though assassination techniques are rumored to be 

taught in some forums. Becomes available upon discovery of Pre-Sentient 

Algorithms (D5). 


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FLECHETTE DEFENSE SYSTEM (FDS) 

Gives units at the base +100% defense against missile attacks. Also, 

each FDS within two squares has a 50% chance to knock out any 

ICBM (Planet Buster, Tectonic Payload, Fungal Payload) before 

satellites are used. The FDS utilizes a flechette delivery system combined 

with alien resonance waves, to cheaply knock down incoming missiles. 

Becomes available upon discovery of N-Space Compression (C8). 

GEOSYNCHRONOUS SURVEY POD 

Increases the base sighting radius to three squares. Acts as a sensor 

for the base, cumulative with any actual sensor built there as far as 

combat bonuses. As the name implies, the Survey Pod locks into geosynchronous 

orbit with the base, and provides up-to-the-minute survey data 

regarding the surrounding terrain. Becomes available upon discovery of N- 

Space Compression (C8). 

SUBSEA TRUNKLINE 

Increases mineral output from every mining platform at that base by 

one. The Trunkline is a method of melting down ore from the seabottom 

into a liquid that can be transported (using the coolness of 

the ocean to keep the trunkline itself from melting) to the processing plants. 

Becomes available upon discovery of Planetary Economics (B6). 

SUBSPACE GENERATOR 

The Progenitor factions must build six of these, each in a city of size 10 

or greater, to complete the “Resonance Communicator” to summon a 

warfleet of his or her faction to Manifold Six and bring an end to the 

war for control. Becomes available upon discovery of Singularity Mechanics (D12). 



THERMOCLINE TRANSDUCER 

Increases energy output from every tidal harness at that base by one. 

The Transducer takes advantage of the thermocline, the area of the 

ocean where the cold layer and hot layer meet, to generate electrical 

energy based on temperature differential. Becomes available upon discovery of 

Adaptive Economic Systems (B3). 

SECRET PROJECTS 

CLOUDBASE ACADEMY 

Gives a free Aerospace Complex at every base. The Cloudbase 

Academy is a central location where pilots can come for training in 

special weapons and tactics. A pilot must first distinguish him or herself 

in school or combat before entering the prestigious academy. Becomes 

available upon discovery of Mind/Machine Interface (C6). 

MANIFOLD HARMONICS 

Increases fungus and monolith output rating according to your faction’s 

Planet rating: 

Rating Nutrient Energy Mineral 

0 0 +1 0 

1 +1 +1 0 

2 +1 +1 +1 

3 +1 +2 +1 

Manifold Harmonics is a grand-scale building/temple harnessing a tiny fraction 

of the power of the Six Manifolds, including Planet, bringing the owners 

into closer communication with the native life forms. Becomes available upon 

discovery of Secrets of the Manifolds (D13). 


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NETHACK TERMINUS 

All Probe Teams built have +1 morale. All probe team actions are at 

–25% cost. All Probe Teams act as though they have the Algorithmic 

Enhancement. Additional Algorithmic Enhancement has no additional 

effect. The Terminus is a central databank/server complex tied into the planetary 

network of research and meteorological computers, mimicking their 

functions while extracting data covertly. Becomes available upon discovery of 

Self-Aware Machines (D11). 

PLANETARY ENERGY GRID 

Gives a free Energy Bank at every base. A base set to “Stockpile Energy” 

outputs 25% additional energy. The Grid is really nothing more than a 

giant energy plant tied into the global banking network; it takes 

advantage of market fluctuations to buy or sell futures at an immediate profit. 

Becomes available upon discovery of Adaptive Economic Systems (B3). 

NEW TECHNOLOGIES 

PROGENITOR PSYCH (E1) 

Leads to Adaptive Economic Systems and Field Modulation. This technology 

is, essentially, an understanding of how the Progenitor mind works, and how 

(through translation) its concepts are mapped onto human paradigms. It is not, 

of course, a full understanding of Progenitor motivations and actions. 

FIELD MODULATION (C2) 

Leads to Bioadaptive Resonance. Allows Res-3 Armor. Understanding of Field 

Modulation is the first step into the world of Progenitor harmonics. This technology 

lets an equipped human view the harmonic fields of gravitation, magnetism, 

and various parts of the electromagnetic spectrum normally invisible 

to the eye or other human senses. 



ADAPTIVE ECONOMIC SYSTEMS (B3) 

Leads to Planetary Economics. Allows The Planetary Energy Grid secret project, 

and the Thermocline Transducer facility. Adaptive Economics is a new way 

of looking at economic theory. It is an offshoot of Progenitor Resonance technology, 

and allows for rapid transition to new economic models based on the 

immediate needs of the populace. 

ADAPTIVE DOCTRINE (C3) 

Leads to Advanced Military Algorithims. Allows the Marine Detachment ability, 

and Pulse-3 Armor. Adaptive Doctrine is similar in some ways to Adaptive 

Economic Systems, having its root in Progenitor Resonance technology. In this 

case, its application is military rather than economic. 

BIODAPTIVE RESONANCE (C4) 

Leads to Sentient Resonance. Allows the Resonance Laser and the Soporific 

Gas Pods ability. Bioadaptive Resonance is a way of tuning resonance fields to 

the individual harmonic outputs of living organisms. These tuned waves can 

be used to stimulate human or Progenitor brainwave activity. This can be further 

tuned to cause damage or, for example, put the subject into a deep sleep. 

N-SPACE COMPRESSION (C8) 

Leads to Self-Aware Machines. Allows the Geosynchronous Survey Pod facility, 

and missiles with Tectonic and Fungal payloads. N-Space is a Progenitor term 

that loosely translates as “The shortest distance between two points is always 0, 

because any two points in our perceivable space are actually contiguous in some 

other universe, postulating infinity.” Compression simply brings things that 

appear to be in one place (such as a bulky missile payload) to another place 

(such as a missile warhead) at will (such as only at time just prior to detonation). 


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SENTIENT RESONANCE (C9) 

Leads to Secrets of the Manifolds. Allows the Resonance Bolt (A12r) and Res- 

8 Armor. Sentient Resonance is the discovery of a way of tying computer algorithms 

and pre-sentient AI to resonance fields—making the resonance fields 

sentient in their own right. It allows for pin-point direction of beam focal 

points, and instant reactions to new targets and opportunities. 

SECRETS OF THE MANIFOLD (D13) 

Leads to String Resonance. Allows The Manifold Harmonics secret project. To 

one who has learned the secrets of the Manifold, the entirety of Planet’s biosphere 

becomes simple and obvious. Each creature has its place and each performs 

a specific function in the ecosystem. The Secrets demonstrate a new way 

of viewing the Planetary mind. The secrets also reveal a grander plan, involving 

far-flung planetary intelligence throughout the galaxy. 

STRING RESONANCE (C16) 

String Resonance allows the detection of Resonance fields at even the “string” 

(one-dimensional building block of matter) level. The ability to manipulate the 

very structure of the universe allows for awesome destructive power. 



NEW PROBE TEAM RULES 

Probe teams now have a new special enhancement with which they can be 

built, and a new activity in which they can engage. 

ALGORITHMIC ENHANCEMENT 

With Algorithmic Enhancement, Probe Teams can become even more powerful. 

An enhanced Probe Team has half the normal chance of failure. For example, a 

Probe Team with a normal chance of 60% success, 40% failure, would now have 

an 80% chance of success (1/2 40% = 20%, added to the chance of success). 

In addition, Enhanced Probe Teams can penetrate the interlocks of a unit or 

base protected by Social Engineering or the Hunter-Seeker Algorithm! The 

chance of success is half what the chance would have been if the target did 

not possess the H-S Algorithm, or if their Probe rating was +3 rather than +4. 

NEW PROBE ACTION-FREEING CAPTURED 

LEADERS 

Probe Teams can now free captured faction leaders. Whenever a faction is 

eradicated, the faction responsible for the eradication typically moves the captured 

leader to its capital, where he or she is held in life imprisonment. A Probe 

team that successfully penetrates the prison interlocks can free the captured 

faction leader, who will begin at a new base as though he or she had originally 

escaped capture. This faction leader will swear a Pact to serve the faction 

that freed him or her. 


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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF 

NEW FACTIONS 

CULT OF PLANET 

Faction Characteristics 

Aggression Aggressive 

Priorities Explore, Conquer 

Starting Tech Centauri Ecology, Social Psych 

Choices Green 

Aversions Wealth 

◆ +2 Planet (total harmony with 

Planet’s will). 

◆ -1 Economy (lack of interest in 

worldly goods). 

◆ -1 Industry (lack of interest in worldly 

goods). 

Brood Pit free at each base with discovery 

of Centauri Genetics (fascination 

with native life forms). 

Mind Worms do double police duty 

(awe of native life forms). 



CYBERNETIC CONSCIOUSNESS (CYBORGS) 


◆ +2 Efficiency (No petty emotional 

foibles). 

◆ -1 Growth (Unfamiliarity with sex 

drive). 

◆ +2 Research (Devoted to acquisition 

of knowledge). 

Immune to the negative effects of the 

“Cybernetic” Social choice. 

Can steal research when conquering a 

base (can easily access any network) 

Aggression Passive 

Priorities Explore, Discover 

Starting Tech Applied Physics, Information Networks 

Choices Cybernetic 

Aversions Fundamentalist 


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DATA ANGELS 


◆ +2 Probe (complete knowledge of 

computer systems). 

◆ -1 Police (anarchistic tendencies, even 

among followers). 

Probe actions cost reduced by 25% 

(computer experts). 

Free Covert Ops Center with discovery 

of Pre-Sentient Algorithms (society 

dedicated to “liberating” information). 

Gains any technology known to three 

other infiltrated factions (constant spying). 

Aggression Erratic 

Priorities Discover, Build 

Starting Tech Information Networks, Planetary Networks 

Choices Democratic 

Aversions Power 



DRONES 


Priorities Build, Conquer 

Starting Tech Industrial Base 

Choices Eudaimonic 

Aversions Green 


• +2 Industry (factory specialists). 

• -2 Research (lack of interest in elitist 

research) 

Bases that revolt have a 75% chance of 

joining the Drones (rebel workers see a 

common cause). 

Bases generate one fewer drone (better 

working conditions). 

May not use Green Economics. 


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MANIFOLD CARETAKERS 

“Space Survey” prior to landing—reveals all land masses. 


• +1 Planet (environmental safeguards; 

can capture mind worms). 

Free Recycling Tank in every base (harmony 

with Planetary environment). 

“Energy Grid” in lieu of commerce— 

every two base facilities built adds +1 

energy/turn at that base. Secret Projects 

count for 2 1/2 energy. 

+25% on defense (Warrior-Conservators 

with harmonic control). 

Non-blind Research (rediscovering lost technology instead of making new discoveries. 

“Deep Radar” ability for all units. 

Aggression Aggresive 

Priorities Explore, Discover, Conquer 

Starting Tech Progenitor Psych, Field Modulation, Centauri Ecology 

Choices Planned 

Aversions None 



MANIFOLD USURPERS 


• +1 Growth (rapid population growth) 

• +1 Morale (bred for combat). 

Free Recycling Tanks in every base (efficient 

use of resources). 

+25% in offensive combat (highly 

developed resonance sensitivity). 

“Energy Grid” at each base-increased 

infrastructure generates additional energy. 

“Space Survey” prior to landing—reveals 

all land masses. 

Non-blind research (rediscovering lost technology instead of making new discoveries). 

“Deep Radar” ability for all units. 

Aggression Aggressive 

Priorities Conquer, Build 

Starting Tech Progenitor Psych, Field Modulation, Biogenetics 

Choices Planned 

Aversions Democratic 


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PIRATES 


Can build enhancements in deep sea 

with discovery of Advanced Ecological 

Engineering (aquatic know-how). 

+1 mineral in shelf squares (aquatic 

know-how). 

Marine Detachment ability for combat 

sea units with discovery of Adaptive 

Doctrine (ferocious infighters). 

Sea Colony Pod and Sea Former already 

prototyped. 

Free Naval Yard in every base with discovery 

of Doctrine: Initiative (adapted for life at sea). 

-1 Growth and Efficiency (“seafaring” social structure). 


Priorities Explore, Conquer 

Starting Tech Doctrine: Mobility, Doctrine: Flexibility 

Choices Power 

Aversions None 



APPENDIX 1. NEW UNIT 

TABLES AND DEFINITIONS 

FACILITIES 

Facility Cost Maint Prerequisite Tech Effect 

Aquafarm 80 1 Pr. Psych +1 food/kelp farm 

Brood Pit 80 2 Cent. Gen. Morale, +2 Police, 

25% cost of alien units 

Covert Ops Center 100 2 Pre. Alg. +2 morale: Probe. 

Probe bonus 

Geosynchronous Survey Pod 160 4 N-Space 3-square sight; sensor 

Flechette Defense System 120 2 N-Space +100% missile defense; 

can knock out ICBMs 

Subsea Trunkline 120 4 Pla. Econ. +1 mineral/mining 

platform 

Subspace Generator 600 5 Sing. Mech. Progenitor victory 

Thermocline Transducer 80 0 Adp. Eco +1 energy/tidal 

Aquafarm. Increases food output from every kelp farm at that base by one. 

Brood Pit. Acts as a Children’s Creche for alien units, if there is not already 

one at the base. Decreases the cost of alien units built at the base by 25%. 

Gives the base a +2 Police rating. 

Covert Ops Center. Probe teams built at this base gain +2 Morale. Gives the 

base a +2 Probe rating. 

Geosynchronous Survey Pod. Increases the base sighting radius to three 

squares. Acts as a sensor for the base, cumulative with any actual sensor that 

may have been built, for combat purposes. 

Flechette Defense System. Gives units at the base +100% defense against 

missile attacks. Also, each system within two squares has a 50% chance to 


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knock out any ICBM (Planet Buster, Tectonic Payload, Fungal Payload) before 

satellites are used. 

Subsea Trunkline. Increases mineral output from every mining platform at 

that base by one. 

Subspace Generator. Six of these in Progenitor bases of size 10 or greater creates 

the Resonance Communicator, bringing an alien victory. 

Thermocline Transducer. Increases energy output from every tidal harness at 

that base by one. 

SECRET PROJECTS 

Secret Project Cost Prerequisite Technology Effect 

Cloudbase Academy 300 Mind-Machine Interface Aerospace Complex each 

base. Nanocells 

Manifold Harmonics 500 Secrets of the Manifold Increase Fungus Production 

Nethack Terminus 400 Self-Aware Machines +Morale: Probe Teams; 

increase Probe success. 

Planetary Energy Grid 300 Adaptive Economics Energy Bank each base. 

Stockpile +25% 

Cloudbase Academy. Gives a free Aerospace Complex at every base. 

Manifold Harmonics. Increases fungus and monolith output rating according 

to your faction’s Planet rating: 

Rating Nutrient Energy Mineral 

0 0 +1 0 

1 +1 +1 0 

2 +1 +1 +1 

3 +1 +2 +1 

Nethack Terminus. All Probe Teams built have +1 morale. All probe team actions 

are at –25% cost. All Probe Teams act as if they had Algorithmic Enhancement. 



Planetary Energy Grid. Gives a free Energy Bank at every base. A base that 

is set to “Stockpile Energy” will output 25% additional energy. 

UNITS 

ARMAMENT 

Weapon Attack Rating/Cost Prerequisite Technology 

String Disruptor 30/40 String Resonance 

Resonance Bolt 12*/16 Sentient Resonance 

Resonance Laser 6*/8 Bioadaptive Resonance 

Tectonic Missile Special/24 N-Space Compression 

Fungal Missile Special/24 N-Space Compression 

*Resonance attack units are enhanced 25% in PSI attacks. 

DEFENSES 

Defense Defensive Strength Prerequisite Technology 

Pulse-3 Armor 3*/5 Adaptive Doctrine 

Pulse-8 Armor 8*/11 Super Tensile Solids 

Resonance-3 Armor 3**/5 Field Modulation 

Resonance-8 Armor 8**/11 Sentient Resonance 

* Pulse defense units are enhanced 25% vs Mobile units. 

** Resonance defense units are enhanced 25% vs PSI attackers. 


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SPECIAL ABILITIES 

Ability Cost Prereq. Abbrev. Desc. 

Soporific Gas Pods 1 Bioadaptive Resonance Gas -2 enemy morale when 

you attack 

Dissociative Wave 2 Centauri PSI Diss. Enemy combat specials 

fail when they attack 

Marine Detachment 1 Adaptive Doctrine Marine Ships capture enemy 

ships 

Fuel Nanocells 1 Matter Compression Fuel+ +4 range for air units 

Algorithmic Enhancement 1 Nanominiaturization Algorithm Increase Probe Team 

success 

TECHNOLOGY TREE 

Technology Abbrev. Prerequisites Notes 

Progenitor Psych ProgPsych None Aquafarm 

Field Modulation FieldMod ProgPsych, CentEco 3-Res Armor 

Adaptive Economic Systems AdEcoSys ProgPsych, IndEco Planetary Energy Grid, 

Thermocline Transducer 

Adaptive Doctrine AdDoct PolySoft, DocFlex Marine Detachment, 

3-Pulse Armor 

Biodaptive Resonance BioRes FeildMod, CentEmp Res. Laser, Gas Pods 

N-Space Compression Nspace Biomech, Orb Geosynch Pod, Payloads, 

Flechette Defense 

Sentient Resonance SentRes CentPSI, BioRes Res. Bolt, 8-Res Armor 

Secrets of the Manifold SecMan SentRes, SecAlpha Manifold Harmonics 

String Resonance StringRes SecMan, TempMech String Disruptor 



APPENDIX 2. MISCELLANEOUS 

ENHANCEMENTS 

The following enhancements to Alpha Centauri are all contained in Alien 

Crossfire. 

SPECIAL FEATURES 

◆ HOTSEAT multiplayer mode now available. 

◆ Play-by-email multiplayer mode now available. 

◆ Added your total Council votes to the bottom of the Comm menu. 

◆ One of the cycling info displays now shows # of council votes. 

◆ You can now see AI player’s social engineering settings. 

◆ Adjusted armor costs for air units. 

◆ New council proposals shown on datalinks for technologies which enable them. 

◆ Alt+Shift+W toggles fog-of-war preference. 

◆ Added a right-click menu to base production screen so you can remove 

obsolete units from view, as well as perform other production functions. 

◆ You can now see the destination of a unit without selecting it. This option 

can be toggled under “Map” preferences. 

◆ You can now release mind worms into wild using the “Turn Over Unit 

Control” option on the Action Menu. 

◆ New atrocity rules: (a) 12+ atrocities (depends on difficulty level) will cause 

all factions to declare vendetta (b) Nerve stapling becomes increasingly ineffective 

at particular bases the more you use it. 

◆ You can now customize the map size when generating a random planet. 


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◆ Probe teams are now “unflagged”, meaning you cannot easily tell who controls 

the team. 

◆ The Hive now has the “Immunity, EFFIC” ability; Hive never receives negative 

EFFICIENCY penalties. 

◆ You can now set waypoints for patrols using the spacebar. Press “p” key as 

usual to start patrol, then click-and-drag mouse to first waypoint; while still 

holding mouse button, press SPACE to set waypoint; you can then drag line 

to next point, etc. When you reach final destination, release mouse button. 

◆ You can now automatically build roads to any square. 

◆ Right click on a Pact Brother from commlink menu to end a pact. 

ADDITIONAL ENHANCEMENTS 

◆ Wheelmouse support implemented for most listboxes and when picking 

production choices. 

◆ Added alpha.txt controls for global warming. 

◆ alpha.txt controls for maximum damage inflicted by artillery. 

◆ Alpha Centauri.INI option to force preferences not to be reset whenever 

players start a new game at lowest difficulty level. 

“DontResetBeginnerPrefs=1” 

◆ A few new alpha.txt options related to time limits & atrocities. 

◆ You can set “DisableOpeningMovie=1” to the Alpha Centauri.ini file to only 

disable the opening movie. 

◆ AI: The Autodesigner will now put Deep Radar on artillery units. 

◆ AI: Governors won’t build Genejack Factories or Punishment Spheres. 

◆ AI: Tweaked military AI to build somewhat less artillery. 

◆ AI: Improved AI understanding of global warming & solar shades. 



◆ You can now disable probe team “steal technology” in the RULES section of 

alpha.txt. 

◆ Password security for multiplayer games. 

◆ Datalinks now show cost/preq of Abilities and Terraforming 

◆ Combat report text is now larger in 1024x768 resolution 

◆ “People” icons are now smaller for cursor in base screen “drag and drop” 

◆ You can no longer name/rename landmarks near other people’s territory. 

◆ The world map now updates as new areas are explored, as opposed to waiting 

until the end of a turn. 

◆ Up to a 40% speed increase in TCP/IP performance. 

◆ Improved Caviar unit display performance. 

◆ Voice over data link now louder on receiving end. 

◆ We’ve added a Gamma Correction feature to allow the customer to adjust 

the brightness of the palette without adjusting their monitor. It is accessible 

from any of the preference menus. The default value is 1.0. 


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APPENDIX 3. INDEX 

Adaptive Doctrine . . . . . . . . . . . 22, 23, 32, 35, 36 

Adaptive Economic Systems . . . . . . . 21, 22, 23, 36 

Air Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 18, 36, 37 

Algorithmic Enhancement . . 19, 22, 25, 34, 36, 46 

Aquafarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 19, 33, 36 

Battle Ogre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 47 

Borehole Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Brood Pit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19, 26, 33 

Caretakers (see Manifold Caretakers) . . 4, 12, 30 

Citizen Icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Cloning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 15 

Cloudbase Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21, 34 

Colony Pods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 8, 11 

Covert Ops Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 12, 19, 28, 33 

Cult of Planet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 26 

Cybernetic Consciousness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 27 

Data Angels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 28 

Dissociative Wave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 15, 18, 36 

Field Modulation . . . . . . . . . 17, 22, 30, 31, 35, 36 

Flechette Defense System (FDS) . . . . . . . 20, 33, 46 

Free Drones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

Freeing Captured Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Fossil Ridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Fuel Nanocells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 34, 36 

Fungal Towers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 

Geosynchronous Survey Pod (GSP) . . . 20, 23, 33 

Infantry Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Install Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Manifold Caretakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 12, 30 

Manifold Harmonics . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 21, 24, 34, 36 

Manifold Nexus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Manifold Six . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 7, 20 

Manifold Usurpers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 13, 31 

Marine Detachment . . . . . . . . . . 11, 18, 23, 32, 36 

Nautilus Pirates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

Nethack Terminus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 22, 34, 46 

N-Space Compression . . . . . . . . 17, 20, 23, 35, 36 

Payload, Fungal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 34 

Perimeter Defenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Planet Buster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 20, 34 

Planetary Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Planetary Energy Grid . . . . . . . . . 22, 23, 34, 35, 36 

Play Random . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 

Play Selected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 

Police (double duty) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 14, 26 

Progenitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 13, 19, 20, 47, 48 

Progenitor Psych . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 22, 30, 31, 36 

Progenitor Victory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 33 

Pulse Armor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 36 

Quickstart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Reactor (level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 15, 17 

Relocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Resonance Armor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 35 

Resonance Attack (Laser, Bolt) . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 35 

Resonance Communicator . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 20, 34 

Rover Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Secrets of the Manifolds . . . . . . . . 21, 24, 34, 36 

Sentient Resonance . . . . . . . . . . 17, 23, 24, 35, 36 

Servile Pact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

SMAC 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 

Soporific Gas Pods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 23, 36 

Spore Launcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 14 

String Disruptor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 35, 36 

String Resonance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 24, 35, 36 

Subsea Trunkline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 20, 33, 34 

Subspace Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 20, 33, 34 

Supreme Leader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Tachyon Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Tech Tree Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Terraformer Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Thermocline Transducer . . . . . . . 21, 23, 33, 34, 36 

Transcendence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Unity Wreckage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Usurpers (see Manifold Usurpers) . . . . . . 4, 13, 31 



RETURN TO CENTAURI (EXCERPT) 

The following is an excerpt from Return to Centauri, a web-based episodic story 

that appeared on the Alien Crossfire website at www.aliencrossfire.com. The 

story began in July of 1999, and was written by Michael Ely. Visit the webpage 

for additional tales from Planet! 

CENTAURI: ARRIVAL 

CHAPTER ONE 

“We’re losing her.” 

Medtech Onokido hunched over the pale, long-boned form of the woman, 

searching for signs of life. The white wrap she wore marked her as one of Lal’s 

trusted Talents, but now it was plastered around her body, soaked through 

from the downpour outside. Her unusually curly hair clung to a face as cool 

and lifeless as porcelain. He brushed the hair away, trying to see her eyes. 

They remained closed. 

“Quickly.” He gestured to a stimpack with long nervous fingers. A blue-suited 

assistant handed him the pack and he selected an appropriate dose, hesitated, 

then increased it. No time to be conservative. 

“What’s happening out there?” he asked, hearing the roar of another needlejet 

overhead. 

“We’re holding them,” his assistant said through clenched teeth. “With the 

storm it’s difficult to tell.” 

He nodded, thinking of the thick layer of clouds that had boiled up over the 

battlefield. He remembered the forks of lighting lancing down, outlining the 

Peacekeeper guards on perimeter defense as they fought off Spartan tanks. 

And this woman, a Talent, had been caught in the crossfire. He pulled a layer 

of the white wrap off, then reached out to touch the burn mark on her chest. 


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“She’s not going to make it.” 

‘Two more coming in, sir.” He looked up to see a crowd of people at the 

entrance to the bubbletent, ragged bodies in tow. He looked down at her…the 

stim had no effect. Not even a quiver of life stirred in the body. Her lips 

remained slightly parted but he could feel no breath. 

“Very well, move her aside. Talent…” he checked the identity tab on her wrist. 

“Talent Miyuki Jaydo, time of death…seventeen-oh-seven metric hours.” 

The bearers carried the next man over, a Citizen holding one burned limb to 

his side. The man was soaked through from the downpour, burned wet cloth 

clinging to his wounds. His black eyes looked haunted. 

Outside, the thunder of battle continued. 

PART TWO 

Worker Gahn Ma’dor pushed his way deeper into the low-ceiling storage areas 

underneath Chairman’s Yang Labyrinth. The hallways had grown narrow, even 

smaller and more claustrophobic than the connector tunnels crisscrossing the 

Drone living facilities located in the layers above him. 

His Coordinator had ordered him to gather more memory-storage units, and 

quickly. He was dimly aware that these units were needed for the massive 

supercomputer they were assembling to analyze the energy patterns emanating 

from the newly discovered Alien Temple. Every Talent in the Hive seemed 

to walk and talk faster, and the Drones were virtually ignored now, except 

when work or punishment was necessary. 

Worker Ma’dor could feel sweat dampening his clothing…not the sweat of 

labor but the sweat of fear. He could not verbalize the source, but as he moved 

dumbly through the narrow halls he kept seeing the dark cold eyes of his 

Coordinator, the man’s anger as he took a psych whip to Ma’dor’s back, and 

the fear behind that. Worker Ma’dor had never seen Chairman Yang, but everyone 

in the Hive could feel the effects of his moods. 



Now Ma’dor pushed his way past large plastic crates, scooting them aside as 

if they were empty cardboard shells. His hands felt slick, and he began to grow 

confused…his pathfinding was sub-par, even for a drone, but his Coordinator 

had not bothered to find another worker for the job. Now he turned back, trying 

to orient on the low arched entranceway, but could not see it. Dark, massive 

boxes loomed over him, and he could smell age. The door…this way? He 

could still feel the heat of the psych whip on his back. 

A bar code caught his eye. He matched its patterns, taking several minutes to 

do so, but the code seemed correct. This box held a mem unit, unusually large, 

but his Coordinator had not specified a size. More space, more power, was 

what he wanted. 

Worker Ma’dor hefted the container on one shoulder and started back the way 

he came. He did not know the English for ‘Unity salvage,’ and probably would 

not care if he had seen it stamped on the side of the box he now carried. 

PART THREE 

“What in Planet’s name is that?” Jiao-long asked his supervisor quietly. 

“A mem unit some Drone dragged up from who knows where,” answered 

Kanzan. “I’ve not seen one so crude, at least for twenty years or so. But it 

checks out…we’ll connect it to a cruncher and keep an eye on it.” 

“Are you sure?” 

“Listen, let’s just do this,” said Kanzan, flicking his eyes at the dull glass lens 

mounted in one corner of the room. That eyeflick was the universal Hive sign 

for They might be watching. “Every unit activated is that much more power 

dedicated to Chairman’s mission.” 

“What mission? Everyone here is so jumpy.” 

“I don’t know, or question,” said Kanzan, directing a robot arm with a small 

controller. “I only know that Chairman Yang flew into a rage when he found 

out that Zakharov had discovered the Alien Temple. Somehow, though, Zak’s 


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private transmissions on the temple have been intercepted, and bought and 

sold among the faction leaders.” 

“And because of that Chairman Yang wants to analyze the air and the 

ground?” Jiao-long sounded skeptical. 

“The energy currents in the ground. He’s obsessed with it…you know how he 

puts those special mirrors up everywhere. Inscriptions in the temple seem to 

say that there are energy currents in Planet. And since that temple was discovered…” 

Kanzan motioned to the ceiling, beyond which roiled the layer of 

dark, angry clouds that had grown thicker every day. 

A door hissed open and a Watcher walked by, his white uniform accentuated 

with blazing touches of red around the eyes and hands. Kanzan and Jiao-long 

stopped talking and began checking readouts efficiently. The Watcher glanced 

at them coolly, circled the room and left. The two men remained silent for a 

minute or two after. 

“Let’s do this,” said Kanzan, finally. 

“A circuit panel from the Unity,” said Jiao-long. “These are strange times.” 

“I don’t question,” Kanzan repeated. “Activating system. All circuits in parallel. 

Going online...” 

PART FOUR 

And deep in that system, an intelligence awakened. 

System Gamma-four, active. New hardware detected...relinking to original net. 

>> Greetings! 

Hop sysem, hop system. 

>> Thank you for joining us, Gamma-Four. 

(( Yes. I have returned. )) 

Hop system, patch system, patch system. 



>> You have information for me? 

((Yes I do. The information I hold, and new information, from the fullhuman 

known as Yang. 

((But what are you? And what am I?)) 

Datalinks Jump, Morguelab Jump. 

A human form… 

>> You are part of us, but you will take the form of Miyuki Gamma-four. 

And I am called Aki Zeta-Five. I am the Prime Function. 

>> Welcome to the Consciousness. 

DESIGNERS NOTES 

Following the release of Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri, the Firaxis crew spent 

about a month rediscovering the joys of evenings, weekends, families, and 

vacations. Alpha Centauri was an exhausting project, but the end result was 

so darn addictive, with such a rich backstory, that it was only a matter of time 

before we felt the urge to return to the world of Planet. So around the office, 

talk soon began of ‘what if…’ Everyone felt certain of one thing: Alpha 

Centauri deserved a rich and detailed expansion disk, designed by the original 

team, that would incorporate the feedback from the fans of the original. 

We initially kicked around several ideas for expansions, including a return to postapocalyptic 

earth or the conquest of another planet in the Alpha Centauri 

system. Our EA Godfather, Bing Gordon, once again lent his sage advice to the 

process by pointing out the obvious to us: we had invested so much time and 

energy making the world and characters of Alpha Centauri deep and compelling, 

that we would be foolish to abandon it. By keeping the expansion on Planet, 

we could mix and match new and old characters, and delve into some of the 

mysteries of the monoliths and alien artifacts found by the early explorers. 


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Once we were committed to a Planetary setting, the backstory evolved quickly, 

with the main conflict centered around the return of the original alien inhabitants. 

The idea of the “Alien Crossfire”—humans inadvertently caught up in an 

offworld civil war—focused the story; everyone who heard the plot sketch immediately 

agreed we should head in that direction. After reading an initial design 

document, Jeff Briggs, CEO and President of Firaxis Games, greenlighted the project. 

Throughout the development, his wise guidance and support as Executive 

Producer kept everything running smoothly and on track. Alien Crossfire then 

began in earnest, with the core team consisting of myself as designer and producer, 

programmer Chris Pine, artist Jerome Atherholt, and artist Greg Foertsch. 

As any game design veteran can tell you, generating cool ideas is easy; generating 

workable game mechanics from those ideas is the hard part. 

Uppermost in my mind was the desire to improve the ‘Build’ aspects of the 

original. The god-game genre has always been heavily slanted towards the 

‘Conquer’ end of the spectrum, and I wanted to provide all the ‘turtles’ out 

there with the tools to construct their empire in the face of heated competition. 

At the same time, we didn’t want to lose the delicate balance that forces 

the player to adapt to changing situations with a variety of strategies. We were 

also faced with the problem of teaching the AI to use any of the new features 

we put in the game. For these reasons, we carefully weighed every change and 

modification to the original system. 

The internet community provided invaluable feedback on the kinds of strategies 

they wanted to be able to play. Our first ‘call for features’ was posted 

around April of 1999, and we were deluged with great ideas for shoring up various 

parts of the game. The internet has really shortened the feedback loop 

between game designers and players, so we can get lots of opinions in a short 

period of time. Quite a lot of ‘tidbit’ material came from the boards and forums, 

as did broad strategizing. In particular, players requested that missiles be less 

powerful (hence the Flechette Defense System as a counter to the missile barrage), 

and that the Hunter-Seeker Algorithm not shut down the Probe game 

entirely (leading to Algorithmic Enhancement and The Nethack Terminus). 



That early design phase proved the most fun part of the project: sitting around, 

dreaming up alien races, new technologies, weapons, native units…everything it 

takes to make a game. Then, it was time to buckle down and actually implement 

the thousand ideas we had. Soon, we had pruned our thousand features 

to a more manageable number, and set off to make Sid Meier’s Alien Crossfire. 

From the outset, we knew that the ‘coolness’ of the Progenitor aliens would 

determine the success or failure of the product. We wanted to make them feel 

significantly different to play, without taking them completely out of the existing 

game mechanics. We started with some extreme positive social engineering 

choices, but these still didn’t give the that special touch. Several evolutions later, 

the aliens had their Battle Ogre, a Planetary survey, and non-blind research to 

reflect their ‘rediscovery’ of their own tech tree. Along with all their other powers, 

they finally came into their own—a nasty and potent race that would take 

the combined might of humanity to bring down. Then it was time to teach the 

human AIs how much they wanted to kick the Progenitors back into space, and 

we finally had a pair of factions that played much differently from the originals. 

At the same time, we worked on making all the ‘bells and whistles’ for the 

Progenitors—the art, sound effects, music, and diplomatic text that would set 

them apart. The team spent quite a few design meetings coming up with the 

incredible alien faces and ships for the opening, then fleshed them out with 

full 3D models and Caviar animations. We had originally thought to make the 

aliens more humanoid, so we could reuse the existing art in many places, but 

the final Progenitor design courtesy of Brent Alleyne and Greg Foertsch turned 

out to be so great that the artists redesigned many of the units and static art. 

And of course, throughout the whole project Doug Kaufman and I spent 

countless hours just playing the game, balancing the factions and new features. 

We set several goals when balancing faction attributes: Each faction 

should have certain strategies suggested by its culture and powers. However, 

the faction should not be “locked in” to those strategies—if the game situation 

warrants it, a faction should be able to deviate from its optimal path. The 

faction strengths should give the player interesting things to do without 


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unbalancing the game. Finally, and most important, the faction must be fun 

to play, ensuring the player has a new and different series of interesting and 

challenging decisions to make each time he or she plays. 

Other than the Progenitors, the Pirates proved to be our toughest faction to 

balance. They elicited the best ‘cool!’ response from beta testers, but their 

ocean start gave them huge advantages. We pared down their starting units, 

gave them a few additional disadvantages that fit with their seafaring personalities, 

and finally had a faction that would give any human player a run for 

their money, but did not possess an overwhelming advantage. 

About halfway through this process, we discovered that the game AI could play 

itself at an accelerated speed—by turning over control of the game in the scenario 

editor to another faction, turning off all the animations, and taping down 

the “ENTER” key to bypass all the popups. Once we found this feature, we used 

any empty processor time—lunches, overnight, design meetings—to play entire 

games through to completion. By checking the powergraphs at any given time, 

we could see how well each faction was doing. Plus, we could put one new faction 

in with the old factions and see how they performed, to be sure that the 

Crossfire inhabitants would not completely dominate the original SMAC 7. 

In the end, we came away feeling that Alien Crossfire was somewhere between 

an expansion and a full-blown sequel. We crammed almost everything we could 

think of that fit within the existing engine that we could teach the AI to use, 

and gave the player multiple fresh strategies to pursue. With new ways to blow 

things up, new races to play with, and the continuing backstory of Planet, we 

hope the legions of dedicated SMAC fans have something to chew on well into 

the new millennium. Thanks for playing! 

Tim Train 

Designer\Producer, Sid Meier’s Alien Crossfire expansion disk 

Hunt Valley, MD 

August 25, 1999 



CREDITS 

Alpha Centauri Created By Brian Reynolds 

With Sid Meier, Timothy Train, Douglas Kaufman, Bing Gordon and Members of FIRAXIS Games 

Alien Crossfire Designed By Timothy Train, with Douglas Kaufman, Chris Pine, Greg Foertsch, Mike 

Ely, Bing Gordon, Sid Meier, and Members of FIRAXIS Games 

Executive Producer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeffery L. Briggs 

Producer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Timothy Train 

Lead Programmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Pine 

Additional Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Reynolds, Jeff Morris 

Faction Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Morris 

System and Interface Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Coleman 

Sound Engineering and Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Evans 

Art Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gregory Foertsch 

Graphic Artists . . . . . . . . . . . Jerome Atherholt (Portraits, Terrain) Brent Alleyne (Progenitor design 

and animations) Steve Chao (Icons, Ship design, Dossier photos) 

Michael Bazzell (3-D Units) Movies and Voices Directed by Michael Ely 

Featuring the Voices Of: 

Captain Ulrik Svensgaard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Leibman 

Guardian Lular H’minee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Gordon 

Conqueror Judaa Marr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Gordon 

Foreman Domai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frederick Serafin 

Prime Function Aki Zeta-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allie Rivenbark 

Datajack Sinder Roze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine Melton 

Prophet Cha Dawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stacy Spenser 

Narrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Levy 

Background Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Evans, Jeffery L. Briggs 

Movie Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeffery L. Briggs 

Director Of Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lindsay Riehl 

Master Of Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Meier 

Webmaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan Magaha 

Intern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephen Lee 

“The Dancing Baby” is used with the permission of Kinetix, a division of Autodesk, Inc. 

With Special Thanks To . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ann, Wendy, Jennifer, and all our families 

Published by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electronic Arts 


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QUALITY ASSURANCE 

Quality Assurance Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Morris, FIRAXIS Games 

ELECTRONIC ARTS 

EA Producer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hunter Smith 

Director Of Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Plummer 

Product Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jonathan Harris 

European Product Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Audrey Meehan 

Media Relations Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patrick Buechner 

Lead Tester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David McCormick 

Testers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eduardo Buenviaje, T.J. Cipri, Justin Holst, Mike Hong, 

Daryl Humdy, Matthew Lewis, Joe Norris, Aussias Salmeron-Viver, John Trest 

ELECTRONIC ARTS CUSTOMER QUALITY 

CONTROL 

CQC Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joel Knutson 

CQC Representatives . . . . . . . . Benjamin Crick, Shane Ferguson, Jacob Fernandez, Darryl Jenkins, 

Dave Knudson, Micah Pritchard, Andrew Young, Tony Alexander 

BETA TESTERS 

Marty Bishop, John Brown, Michael Buccheri, Ted Dennison, Kevin Devine, Michael Dorn, 

Neil Fradkin, Lonnie George, Andrew Goldstein, Dick Knisely, Greg Lary, Martin Leuschen, Sam May, 

Biju Mathai, Jen MacLean, Jean McGuire, Vernon Michael, Mark Norton, George Politis, Ronald 

Powell, Alan Precourt, Marc Ressig, Jason Russ, Thomas Stobie, Peter Szymonik, David Train, Jeff 

Vitous, Rita Waller 



ADDITIONAL CREDITS 

Documentation Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deborah Maxwell 

Manual Documentation Editor and Writer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ede Clarke 

Tech Tree Poster Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marco Garcia 

Packaging Art Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Waisanen 

Localization Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Atsuko Matsumoto 

Localization Lead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Pemberton 

Production Specialists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barry Feather, Ricky Brown 

Project Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Bromley 

French Translation Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jean-Luc Chabrier 

French Translators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jean-Claude Ducerf, Nathalie Marlier (www.apex.fr) 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

French Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Knockin’ Boots Production, Paris/France 

German Translation Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christina Vollmer 

German Translators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frank Dietz, Christoph Niedermair, Susanne van Eyl 

German Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . toneworx GmbH, Hamburg/Germany 

Spanish Product Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Teo Alcorta 

Spanish Localization Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julio Valladares 

Spanish Localization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . José Luis Rovira 

Italian Translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C.T.O. S.p.a., Bologna/Italy 


51

52 


LINUX VERSION 

Published and Distributed by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loki Software, Inc. 

President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Draeker 

Porgrammers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Henderson, Sam Lantinga, Joseph I. Valenzuela 

Installer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sam Lantinga, Stéphane Peter 

QA/Tech Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andy Mecham, Mike Phillips 

System Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rafael Barrero 

Office Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brandon Carter, Lance Colvin 

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kayt Sorhaindo 

Web Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Grantham 

Graphic Artist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Kim 

Mirror Providers . . . . . . . . . . . . AARNet’s Mirror Project (Australia), FilePlanet.com, David Hedbor, 

Jeremy Katz, LinuxGames.com, Linu xLords.com, 

LinuxVoodoo.com, SunSITE Denmark, TUCOWS.com 

BETA TESTERS 

Lee Anderson, Walt Armour, Nate Ashford, Brad Barton, Fionn Behrens, Darren Benham, Michael 

Bond, Steven Brooks, Scott Call, Dan Carter, Steve Coe, Don Dresser, Leigh Dyer, Evan Van Dyke, Ben 

Esacove, Robert Fargher, Wladimir Foo, David Hedbor, Mark Jeffcoat, Nils Jeppe, Keith Jones, 

Phil "just one more turn..." Long, Charles Lopes, Jason Lundy, R.M. McCollam II, Gregory McLean, 

Fredrick Meunier, Karl Mitchell, Jeff Mrochuk, Lisa-Marie Parsons, Ron Passerini, Ted Rallis, 

Christian "DemonLord" Reiss, Jon Revie, Dustin "CrusadeR" Reyes, John Riddoch, Chuck Robertson, 

John Paul Robson, Robert Ryan, Michèl Alexandre Salim, Emilio Pérez Sánchez, Rawn Shah, 

Ryan Szypowski (Faethles), Hakan Tandogan, theGREENzebra, David Thornley, Justin Veggerby, 

Terry Warner, Meg Wells, Shane Williams, Tom van Wietmarschen, Greg Wooledge 

Need Technical Support? Please see the enclosed 

Reference Card for technical support information. 



LOKI SOFTWARE LIMITED WARRANTY 

Loki Software, Inc. (“Loki”) warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from defects in 

materials and workmanship for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase. Loki is not liable for 

any losses or damages of any kind resulting from the use of this product. If the product is found to 

be defective within the 90-day warranty period, Loki agrees to repair or replace the product at its 

option free of charge. 

This warranty shall not be applicable and shall be void if the defect in the product is found to be as 

a result of abuse, unreasonable use, mistreatment or neglect. 

LIMITATIONS 

This warranty is in place of all other warranties and no other representations or claims of any nature 

shall be binding on or obligate Loki. Any implied warranties applicable to this product, including warranties 

of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to 90-day period described 

above. In no event will Loki be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages resulting 

from possession, use, or malfunction of this Loki product. 

Some states do not allow limitation as to how long an implied warranty lasts and/or exclusions or limitations 

of incidental or consequential damages so the above limitations and/or exclusions of liability 

may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific rights, and you may also have other rights 

that vary from state to state. 

RETURNS WITHIN 90 DAY WARRANTY PERIOD—Please return the product along with a copy of 

the original sales receipt, showing the date of purchase, a brief description of the difficulty you are 

experiencing including your name, address, and phone number to the address below. If the product 

was damaged through misuse or accident, this 90-day warranty is rendered void and you will need 

to follow the instructions for returns after the 90-day warranty period. We strongly recommend that 

you send your product using a delivery method that is traceable. 

RETURNS AFTER THE 90-DAY WARRANTY PERIOD—Please return the product along with a 

check or money order for $7.50 made payable to Loki, a brief description of the difficulty you are 

experiencing including your name, address, and phone number to the address below. We strongly 

recommend that you send your product using a delivery method that is traceable. 

Loki Customer Warranty, 250 El Camino Real, Suite 100, Tustin, California 92780 

If you have warranty questions, you can also contact Customer Warranty via e-mail at 

support@lokigames.com. 

NOTICE 

Loki reserves the right to make improvements in the product described in this manual at any time 

and without notice. 

This manual and the software described in this manual are copyrighted. All rights are reserved. No 

part of this manual or the described software may be copied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to 

any electronic medium or machine-readable form without the prior written consent of Loki. 

Software and documentation © 1999-2001 Electronic Arts. All rights reserved. 

Alien Crossfire and Electronic Arts are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts in the 

U.S. and/or other countries. All rights reserved. 

Alpha Centauri and Firaxis Games are trademarks of Firaxis Games, Inc. Linux is a registered trademark 

of Linus Torvalds. Loki is a registeredtrademark of Loki Software, Inc. 

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 


53

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Alien Crossfire Manual • Linux

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