Bedlam is a good "shoot'em up" game for the Macintosh *somewhat* similar to an old arcade favorite, Galaga, but with many additions. It has fairly nice graphics (for b/w), including over 40 sprites, and about 600k worth of sounds. The best feature in Bedlam is probably the game play itself. Bedlam is probably one of the best non-color "shoot'em up" games for the Macintosh. Although Bedlam is not in color, game play is very entertaining on all Macintosh models (I haven't found one yet that it wasn't). It was written on a Macintosh SE and should be compatible with any Macintosh with a minimum of System 6.0.7, running great under System 7 (including System 7.5). It runs great on PowerBooks and PowerMacs with no problems (PowerMac users will have to double Bedlam's memory. See PowerMac note below). Bedlam is somewhat slow (but playable) on a Macintosh with a 68000 (Mac Plus or SE), but is much better on a faster machine. On any Macintosh the game still runs in black and white. Honestly, Bedlam looks much better on a non 68000 Macintosh. A color version will *hopefully* be released sometime(?) in the future, given there's enough interest in Bedlam. Read below. If your Mac has the capability, Bedlam allocates three sound channels for *multi-channel* sound playing.
Bedlam is also, to a degree, educational. Information about all nine planets is presented during game play as a player travels to each planet. Amazing! Learn something as you play.
Bedlam is shareware. It costs $10 to register Bedlam. Upon registration, you will receive information needed to allow you to play the entire game. There is a way, for a limited number and time, to receive registration for only $5. Read below.
HOW DO I PLAY?
Just about everything you need to know about game play can be obtained from inside the game so I suggest you read it all there (Read the "Information", "Help", & "Setup" screens). Some information is provided below. It's much better to read over it inside Bedlam though.
• What do I do?
You have to defend all mankind against waves of aliens that attack at each planet where you have huge research facilities. In particular, there are 4 waves of aliens and one mothership posturing themselves to attack each planet.
• My weapons are what?
You have a small (and weak) ship in which to destroy all the aliens. Move your ship with the mouse and fire with the mouse button. Keeping the mouse button depressed gives you continuous firepower. Your can obtain double firepower. Read the help screens to see how this is done.
• What can kill me?
Just about everything can kill you, the alien shots, colliding with the alien ships, many of the aliens special weapons, and yes, even a wandering asteroid will annihilate your ship.
• How long does the fun last (How do I win the game?)?
Bedlam contains 45 "different" levels (4 waves of small alien ships and one mothership at each planet). To win the game you must complete all levels. Note: You must register to be able to play past Neptune (which means you can play 10 levels, without registering, just to give you a taste). In otherwords, you get to try out the first two planets before you must register to continue playing past Neptune.
WHERE DID IT COME FROM?
Bedlam was written by Jeffrey W. Hester of Ground Zero Software. Ground Zero Software was started in March of 1993 after I started programming Bedlam. Ground Zero Software currently consists of only two people, myself and a friend. We have the goal of always developing high-quality applications. I am the Macintosh programmer for Ground Zero Software and Brian programs on the PC. Bedlam is the *first* Macintosh application (excluding HyperCard™ stacks) developed by Ground Zero Software. We hope to write much more software, either specialized or, as in the case of Bedlam, shareware, as time allows. If there's some type of software you need or think would be good to have in the Macintosh community, feel free to contact us. If at any time you have a comment, bug report, or anything in general you want to say, we'd like to hear it. Ground Zero Software can be contacted at the addresses below. Thank you!
HOW DO I REGISTER?
You can register one of two ways by mail, the e-mail way and the postal way. To print out a registration form use the "Registration" command within Bedlam and print out the form. Fill it out and send it in, along with your registration fee. You can also register electronically. Simply provide the following information and send it to the e-mail address below. Your registration information will be sent back to you via e-mail as soon as we receive your registration fee.
•Your Name--
•Your Address--
•Your E-mail Address--
(The e-mail address where you want the registration information sent. Can be different from where you e-mail Ground Zero Software from.)
•The Name You Want To Use to Personalize Bedlam (if different from the name above)--
(Note: Your registration number "depends" on the name used for personalization. It is this name that will be displayed in the About Bedlam window.)
•Date You Mailed Your Registration Fee--
WHAT IF I'M A POWERBOOK USER?
Bedlam should work just fine on all PowerBooks. It has with everyone I've tested (140,180,180c). However, I have noticed that a PowerBook with a lot of extensions loaded slows down the performance. If performance on your machine is undesireable when playing Bedlam, I suggest using the Extensions Manager, or equivalent software, to reduce the number of extensions loaded. This is *not* a bug in Bedlam. It is the nature of the PowerBook, especially when it's loaded down with extensions.
WHAT IF I'M A POWERMAC USER?
Bedlam should work just fine on all PowerMacs. It has been tested on a 7100 and 8100, with no problems. A couple of things to note though. You must double Bedlam's application memory size (using Get Info from the Finder) in order for it to be able to totally load. This is not a bug in Bedlam, just the nature of the PowerMac running a non-native application. Also, if your PowerMac is running in millions of colors, you may be required to give Bedlam even more memory. For some reason Bedlam is unable to switch to black and white (1 bit) mode on a PowerMac when the PowerMac is currently in millions of colors. Since Bedlam is forced to use millions of colors, it requires more memory than if it was able to switch to black and white. I've found 3000k works fine on most configuations. This is only a "quirk" on the PowerMacs. On all other machines, Bedlam is able to switch from millions of colors and back with no problems.
Bedlam will tell you if it runs out of memory as it loads unless you are lucky (or unlucky) enough to run out of memory between the time the screen fades out and then fades back in. A dialog box tells you it's out of memory but you just can't see it. You must restart to get your screen back.
WHAT DO I DO IF BEDLAM CRASHES WHEN IT STARTS UP?
If Bedlam crashes when it is started, try restarting Bedlam while holding down the mouse button until "Loading..." is displayed. Holding down the mouse button disables the screen fading, which is probably the problem. I thought I had fixed this to make it compatible with all Macs. I left this in just in case there were some machines which choked on Bedlam. This, of course, will be resolved if a color version is released.
HOW CAN I REGISTER BEDLAM FOR ONLY $5?
Registration of Bedlam will be made available to you for $5 if you are the first one to upload Bedlam to a bulletin board (BBS) or archives/ftp service (like Stanford, U. Mich., ...). I uploaded Bedlam to America Online™ and e•World™, which are the only places I have an account. You must upload the entire package in it's self-extracting archive form in which you received it. Please include the information in the "Bedlam Info for Upload" file for a description. You should search to make sure Bedlam is not already on the BBS or archives/ftp service. If Bedlam is already on the BBS, PLEASE do NOT upload another copy. You will NOT receive registration for $5 by uploading a duplicate.
The following information MUST be included along with your other registration information when you register, whether it be electronically or through postal mail:
• name of the BBS or archives/ftp service
• location <city,state,country> of the BBS or archives/ftp service
• phone number of the BBS or internet/ftp address of the archives/ftp service
ANSWERS TO POSSIBLE QUESTIONS!
"Why did it take so long for you to release Bedlam?"
It takes a great deal of time to write good software. I was only able to work on it as I had free time. As Bedlam got closer to being released, I did concentrate much more on it. I probably could have released versions earlier, but by the time I got Bedlam the way I really wanted it (and bug free, hopefully?!), the version number would probably be in the double digits. I (and Ground Zero Software) will never release any software before it's complete. I also had a very thorough beta testing period (four months) in which I was able to improve aspects of the game and hopefully squash all major bugs (No software is *totally* bug free!).
"Why is Bedlam not fully operational?"
Bedlam is fully operational. You must, however, register Bedlam before all levels are "unlocked". Registration is a very cheap, quick, and easy process. Please register. Thanks.
"Why did you use this method?"
I chose this way because I've seen too many people who don't pay for software they use. They think "shareware" means you only pay if you want to. Shareware programs are not free. The shareware system depends on the integrity of the consumer for it to work. It takes a lot of time to develop quality software. Those who use a particular program on a regular basis without paying the small fee that the author(s) requests is simply stealing it. I do realize, however, that many times a game is not used (or played) as much as other programs. That's the main reason Bedlam is so reasonably priced at $10. Hopefully, though a game, Bedlam will be enjoyed by many.
"Doesn't this hinder those honest people who always pay for shareware programs they use?"
I'm afraid it does to some degree. However, if you have an e-mail address you can register and receive your registration number very quickly after we receive your registration fee.
"Why register when I can play part of the game for free?"
The game definitely gets more fun (and of course harder) as it goes along. When you make it through the first two planets, you're only getting started. Wait till the aliens become better equipped and then see how good you think you are. It's not as simple as it sounds. Please register.
"Why is Bedlam so slow?"
You must be playing Bedlam on a machine with a 68000. I apologize for the game being slow on these machines. On my machine, an SE, it is somewhat slow too, but that's all I've got as well. However, on all other Macs it's been tested it on, Bedlam runs great. Try playing on another machine if possible.
"When I play Bedlam on a standard (9" screen) Mac, the game fills the entire screen. However, when I play Bedlam on any other Mac, the game doesn't fill the entire screen. Is there a bug here?"
No. Bedlam was programmed on a Mac SE (which has the 9" screen) but was also meant to be compatible with any Macintosh. On Macs with a larger screen, the game will be centered on the screen with the background "blacked out," but the game area will be at the same "standard" 512 x 342 resolution. The color version I hope to release (which I haven't even started on yet) should take advantage of the entire screen (on 13" screens).
"Why is Bedlam in black and white even though I play it on a color Macintosh? Wouldn't Bedlam be much better in color and on a larger screen?"
As in the last question, Bedlam was programmed on a Mac SE, the only Macintosh owned by Ground Zero Software. Even when Bedlam runs on a Macintosh with color, it will automatically convert to 1 bit (black and white) mode. When Bedlam exits, it will change the monitor back to the setting it was when Bedlam was started. When Ground Zero Software acquires a color Mac, you will begin to see programs in color (as already discussed, probably a Bedlam ][ if the response is great enough). Yes, Bedlam would be much better in color and on a larger screen, but it takes resources that we don't currently have. Look for it in the future, hopefully.
"Do you really believe Bedlam is worth $10?"
Yes I do. A great deal of time was put into creating Bedlam, not just including all the coding. The development of Bedlam was initiated in March 1993 which included having to learn how to program the Macintosh. This probably wasn't the best project for one's first Macintosh program, but why not shoot for the stars (or planets). Though programming Bedlam was enjoyable, it still took a great deal of time. Like the saying goes, "time is money". If you do not believe Bedlam is worth $10, then simply remove it from your inventory and don't worry about registering (You'll owe me nothing.). I would be interested in hearing why you don't feel $10 is reasonable. If you do decide to keep Bedlam, you won't be able to play the entire game without registering. For those few who *honestly* can't afford the $10 (some students, the unwillfully unemployed, ...), send what you can, even if it's a postcard along with the reason why you can't pay the $10 (Nothing too personal. That's none of my business.) and I'll see what I can do. I want people who really want to play Bedlam, but really can't afford it, to be able to. Serve the customer first, right? I need some motivation to write the jam-up color version with much better color animation and game play. People who register (and pay the fee) give me this motivation. Thanks to all who register.
"What features do you expect to put into Bedlam ][?"
If Bedlam ][ is created, it will undoubtably have much better graphics (color) and animation, a larger game area, much better sounds, ... If there are some features you would like to see added into Bedlam ][, please let me know. I can't say I'll be able to incorporate all of the suggestions, but your ideas will be considered and greatly appreciated. If you've seen Maelstrom, Cyclone, Solarian ][, or those types of games, that's the type of quality I hope Bedlam ][ will have. If I had a color Macintosh, I would definitely own those games. This isn't necessarily a plug for those games, or any games for that matter, but is an example of the kind of detail and quality I hope to achieve if another version of Bedlam is developed.
"When do you expect to release Bedlam ][ and how much will it cost?"
Bedlam ][ currently does NOT exist. I have no idea when, if ever, it will be created. I hope to begin developing it as soon as I get a color Macintosh. It shouldn't take a *total* rewrite of the code so it shouldn't take nearly as long. However, I'm sure there will be substantial changes. The graphics will the biggest show-stopper for me (can't you tell by what's in Bedlam). I'm not an artist, so I'll be seeking some help from my friends. As far as the cost goes, I pretty much feel it will be the same or close to the same cost as Bedlam. For those who have registered Bedlam by the time Bedlam ][ is released, it will probably be free.
"Is source code for Bedlam available?"
Sorry, but the answer is no. Although various people answered coding questions I had, and without them this program might not have be possible, I do not wish to make the source code available at this time. The reason is simply that I hope to improve Bedlam one day myself. Therefore, I don't want Bedlam's code to be in others' hands. However, I do feel like it is important to learn from each other. I will, therefore, try to answer any and all questions pertaining to the Bedlam source code (how a particular thing is done). I may possibly be able to send you (by e-mail) some example code pertaining to your question, depending on what the question is. It will just depend. I promise to help you all I can.
"Why are you writing Macintosh applications? UNIX is a growing mass market for software and the PC is everywhere (ugh!). Why not write programs for them instead?"
Although I have spent much time using various "PCs" (not something to be too proud of, I know) and currently use UNIX (Silicon Graphics™) based machines for heavy coding and simulation, it is clear to me that the Macintosh is the best computer available today for "most all" use, characterized by someone efficiently working with a tool in some creative effort. It is this computer I would like to make a positive contribution to by developing applications for it on as broad a base as possible. Also, with the development of the PowerPC™ chip and the lowering of Macintosh prices by Apple, why would anyone not want to own the *Superior* computer. Anyone who hates or despises the Macintosh are probably that way because of ignorance. They have never used one and therefore know nothing about it. It is easy to condemn something when you know nothing about it. Is that being blunt? Yes, it is! Finally, (along the same thought) the Macintosh has standard operating system calls to do everything: graphics, sound, ... and it's BUILT-IN! Even the sound chip in the Macintosh has been there since the birth of the Mac. No need for an additional sound card. On the PC, different code might possibly have to be written depending on different configurations. There would have to be versions of my software for Windows™ (or if it was a few years ago, DOS), OS/2, or any other PC operating system. It's just not worth the hassle for me to write high-quality software for the PC which will be compatible with every system. The Macintosh was the revelation to the world of personal computers. That's the machine I want to make a contribution to. Like I've always heard, and continue to believe more and more each day I live, you get what you pay for.
In the final analysis, the decision is simple. It's like some people who are lucky enough to have found their perfect mate or life's partner -- it is so clear, you don't have to compare the alternatives, the choice is just obvious.
THE WALL OF THANKS!
God Almighty - for such a beautiful universe (and in only 6 days!)!
Jesus Christ - for coming to Earth and dieing for me (and you)!
Ingemar Ragnemalm - for the Sprite Animation Toolkit (SAT) and his great deal of help to me.
Gary Crafts - for answering coding questions, play testing, and trying to "break" Bedlam.
Matthew E. "Chewey" Axsom - for much help by answering considerable coding questions & squashing bugs.
Ben Lowers - for play testing and trying to "break" Bedlam.
Brian Williams - for play testing and providing various suggestions.
Joe Williams - for playing Bedlam a great deal and offering suggestions. The "Super Beta Tester".
Steve & Marqueta Cook - for recording/creating some of the sounds and play testing (Steve).
Dana & Gary Sellers - for creating some of the sounds and play testing (Gary).
Mark Ogles - for much of the mothership artwork ideas and play testing.
Paul Reznick - for also answering considerable coding questions (from AOL).
Bernard256, MuffinHead, JJCIII, Ed Harp, Mark Hanrek, Vladimir (all from AOL) - for also answering some coding questions.
And last but DEFINITELY not least, all of my beta testers. Thank you!
Matthew "Chewey" Axsom, Tim Carroll, Steve Cook, Gary Crafts, Philip Davis, Russ Eubanks, Larry Lawson, Ben Lowers, Mark Ogles, Mike Peeples, Ingemar Ragnemalm, Joe Williams, and Allen Zumback.
I hope you enjoy Bedlam!
Sincerely,
Jeff
Bedlam is Shareware. It cannot be modified, sold, nor distributed on any disk which is sold without the written consent of Ground Zero Software. If you wish to distribute Bedlam on some type of media which is sold contact Ground Zero Software with your offer. Note: Bedlam is CD friendly, since it saves all information in a preferences file located in the System Folder. Distribution of registered versions of Bedlam is prohibited.
