Software Props

'Software props' is a term I have coined for these little programs. The idea is to take a specific computer or console as seen in a science-fiction film and simulate the workings of that screen in a Flash program. Sorry but they are not games, although some do allow you to control them.

Files are supplied in three formats: SWF, which should run in most browsers; EXE, which is a standalone program for PC; and HQX, which will extract to a standalone Mac file. Just select the version you want and right-click to download it (Mac users: CTRL-click). These programs are free to distribute, but please do not attempt to hack or alter them.

Sad to say that the more recent Flash program I now use refuses to output a Mac file, and so for now the Mac files here will be the 1.0 versions. (Suggestions about curing this problem gratefully received.)

You may recall that some of these used to be available as screensavers. Unfortunately I have been warned that these caused problems on some systems, and so have decided to discontinue them.

If you find a good use for any of these (such as in a fanfilm perhaps), do please let me know. If you find any bugs or have (constructive) criticisms or suggestions for future projects, I'd be happy to hear from you.

Working on: Aliens motion tracker, BSG Viper screen (TOS)

#1: Death Star power display

(Star Wars: A New Hope)

This is the display on the tractor beam generator which Ben Kenobi has to deactivate.

Controls: 'LEFT' and 'RIGHT' keys move the slider up and down. 'A' toggles 'auto' mode (random fluctuations). Try and find the 'easter egg' which switches the writing between English (as in the original films) and Aurebesh (as it became for the Special Editions)!

v1.0

Downloads: SWF 8kb / EXE (PC) 826kb / HQX (MAC) 1476kb

#2: Millennium Falcon gunport display

(Star Wars: A New Hope)

When Luke and Han climb into the gunports of the Falcon, this is the display in front of them. It shows the lateral motion of the turret along with enemy craft flying by. Sometimes the enemy ships are 'destroyed'.

Controls: 'LEFT' and 'RIGHT' keys turn the turret. 'A' toggles 'auto' mode (random turns). 'B' toggles the bezel (surround) on and off. 'X' toggles the enemy ships on and off. 'R' restarts the program.

v1.0

Downloads: SWF 56kb / EXE (PC) 875kb / HQX (MAC) 1543kb

#3: Sentry Gun remote terminal


(Aliens: Special Edition)

Our heroes attempt to defend themselves with four automated sentry guns. Each gun has a laptop terminal showing its status.

Controls:

Screen 1 (set-up)
Four arrow keys navigate around the menu, setting options as you go. (These options have no effect on the program, but if you want to be like the film then the last thing you do should be to set the weapon status to 'armed'.) When done, press 'SPACE' to move on to...

Screen 2 (fire control)
'F' fires the gun. 'A', 'B', 'C' and 'D' change the gun ID letter in the upper corners. 'Z' toggles 'auto' mode (random firing). 'R' restarts the program.

v1.1 (Now with correct noise for menu selection)

Downloads: SWF 27kb / EXE (PC) 2475kb / HQX (MAC) 1503kb

#4: X/Y-wing targetting computer

(Star Wars: A New Hope)

When the pilots of gold and red groups make their attack runs on the Death Star exhaust port, this is the display which shows how far they have to go. Just enter a starting range when prompted. (FYI, the red bars start to move in at around 047000.)

Controls: Press 'X' or 'Y' to select ship (the console buttons are different). Press 'P' to toggle pause. 'D' toggles direction of travel, should you want to. 'R' restarts the program.

v1.1 (Now allows switching between X and Y-wing - thanks James Kenobi for suggesting this)

Downloads: SWF 10kb / EXE (PC) 2457kb / HQX (MAC) 1479kb