HotColumns
				==========

Introduction
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HotColumns is a version of the classic columns game, but this version is fast,
bright, colorful, addictive and has a new aspect to the gameplay. Please try
it out. 

I have included a new block type in my version, called the joker block to
give a new facet to the gameplay. The effect of the joker block may appear
random but it is not, work it out and improve your score!   

I am not musically gifted so I have been unable to provide original music.
However, you can use your own favorite SoundTracker or ProTracker module by
renaming it to Mod.HCTune and placing a copy in the same directory as
HotColumns. Pressing the key t during the game will then activate your module.

GamePlay
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HotColumns is a variant of the tetris game. In this variant three or more blocks 
of the same type have to be aligned vertically, horizontally or diagonally before
they can be removed. There are three special blocks called the Sunshine, Joker
and Doom blocks. The sunshine block removes all of the blocks of the type that
it lands on, while the doom blocks can only be removed by the sunshine blocks
or sometimes the joker block. The joker block has certain effects !  

Game keys are:-

cursor up or space bar - rotate the blocks
cursor down - drop the blocks
cursor left - move blocks left
cursor right - move blocks right
P - pause
Q - quit
H - view high scores
T - play/turn off tracker module Mod.HCTune (example provided with this game)
M - play/stop music (plays music)
N - start game
Esc - to exit game
Press a mouse button or space bar or a key where appropriate.

A new high scores file is created if one is not found in the current
directory. 

Programming Info
----------------
HotColumns was written in Amos Pro and compiled using the Amos Compiler.
Graphics were produced using DeLuxe Paint IV AGA. It was actually completed 
in early 95 but not published anywhere. 

The game was produced and tested on a A1200 '020 6Mb RAM 60Mb HD. (I have not
tried this game on any other type of Amiga - I would not expect it to run fast
enough on a slower Amiga).

This game is my own work, except for the pd music & samples, however I would
like to acknowledge how helpful the examples provided with Amos_Pro have been
to writing this game. 

If anybody would care to upload this game to Aminet please feel free to do so.

Legal Stuff
-----------
Use HotColumns entirely at your own risk, I take no responsibility for any
damage caused. However, this game has been tested on an A1200 and no problems 
have been caused by it.

Finally
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I hope you enjoy the game. 
	Robert Lake

October 1996