Harvey Norman Games/HN.iso/SIMS/SCARY2.ZIP/READ.ME

Text File | 1993-11-06 | 7KB | 126 lines

README file for SCARYFISH Version 2.x:

To run the game, type 'SCARY2'.  If you have the 80286 version and the
appropriate machine, type 'SCARY286'.  You only need one of the .EXE files
in the working directory.

The main documentation file is SCARY2.DOC.  You can read it online from
the game's main menu ("Instructions").  Depending upon where you got the
game, there might also be a help file (maybe called README1.TXT) with
installation/startup instructions.

If you don't know the key controls, look in SCARY2.DOC.  Print them out,
write them down, or memorize them.  Most of the game is menu-driven.

SCARYFISH V2 will run on just about any IBM PC-compatible / MS-DOS
computer with at least 400K RAM (about 470K required for graphics modes).
Graphics are not required, but the game supports VGA, EGA, CGA, and
Hercules graphics modes.  SCARY286.EXE (faster and a bit less disk space
than SCARY2.EXE) requires an 80286 or better processor.  Some names in this
paragraph are registered trademarks of their respective companies.

If your disk lacks the space for character or transcript files, or if you
want to load a character from another disk, you can specify a path to
another disk or directory.  To load a character from or save a transcript
file to another disk using the same drive, give the path of that drive
(such as 'A:\') and swap disks when prompted by the game.

WRONG: Character Name: A:\JohnDoe

RIGHT: Character Name: JohnDoe
       Path (if any): A:\

The game uses the first eight characters of your player's name for the
filenames.  You might have a difficult time accessing transcript files
with spaces; for example, you can call yourself 'Master-Angler' instead of
'Master Angler'.  After the first 8 you can use just about any ASCII symbols
including spaces.  Your name can be less than 8 symbols long.

Windows users: If you don't want to exit to DOS, you can start the game
from Windows (it'll be a bit slower).  Install the game as instructed.  Run
File Manager, open the directory with the game, and double-click SCARY2.EXE
or SCARY286.EXE.  If you want to access the game from games/applications/etc,
add it as you would any MS-DOS program (File in Program Manager -> New
-> Program Item) ; Command Line should be SCARY286 if you have SCARY286.EXE,
otherwise command line should be SCARY2 ; Working Directory should be the
one containing the game, e.g. C:\SCARY.  Description something like
'SCARYFISH Version 2.xx'.  When this is set up, double-click the icon to
start the game.  Let go of the mouse; you won't need it in the game.
__________________________________________________________________________

This game is marketed as shareware, which means you can make copies of /
distribute it as long as you don't charge anything (aside from the cost of
copying it), and all the files are distributed together unmodified (with one
exception; you can copy the RECORDS.SF2 file which changes).  If you
received the game in a one file archive/compressed/zipped format, that is
the preferred way to distribute it.  Do NOT copy or distribute any part of
the registered version or its materials; such activity violates copyright
laws.
BBS sysops: look for file_id.diz
VENDORS: If you're considering carrying this program, good thinking!  Send
a copy of your catalog to the address in REGISTER.FRM / "Registration Info".
Include the address for me to send the latest shareware version and, if
possible, a blank disk and/or paid envelope.  Do not charge your customers
more than $6.00.

DISCLAIMER: The author of this software will not be liable for any damages
or losses caused by its use, including but not limited to direct, indirect,
consequential, or special losses or damages.  This includes such situations
as damage to computer equipment from falling off desks in the excitement of
the game.  The game is extremely realistic, but don't blame me if you buy a
tackle item similar to one in the game and it doesn't work as well in real
life as in the game.  The worlds represent ideal fishing conditions, so
don't blame me if the equivalent real life fishing areas don't provide
action as good as the game's.


SUPPORT:
Hopefully you will not experience any problems with this game.  However,
if you do, look at the documentation (this file and SCARY2.DOC; if you're
registered, the hardcopy manual).  The problem might be addressed there.
If there is still a problem, the author might be able to help.  Contact him
at the address in REGISTER.FRM / online "Registration Info".  If you're not
registered, the author might respond more quickly if you include a SASE.
It would help if you included system info such as computer brand, processor,
DOS version, RAM size, and copies of autoexec.bat/config.sys, etc.

Bugs:
The game is free from angler-annoying bugs such as mosquitoes, blackflies,
ticks, deerflies, etc.  You can use several "bugs" for bait/lure (cricket,
popper).  In terms of computer bugs (errors), there are a few really small
ones.  I'll be up front about them so you won't feel gypped if you
register and notice them.  This bug report is for Version 2.01 or earlier;
they might be eliminated in any later version:

1. The top 4 "most points" records for each session length might get
damaged (really high score, garbage in place of the names).  This is just
a small subset of the records and has no effect on the game itself.  If
you get a top 4 points score, you'll probably want to save a transcript of
it anyway, so you won't lose evidence of the great session.  This bug
might already be eliminated.

2. In VGA 640x480 mode, huge rainbow trout sometimes look a little weird.
As far as I know, no other graphics shapes are messed up.  Somehow I don't
think many people will mind this; the pleasure of catching a huge trout
would more than cancel out any trauma caused by his strange appearance.

3. When you have your line in the water, the water color might occasionally
spread a bit outside the water's usual "window" (graphics modes only).  If
this bothers you, recast to refresh the screen.  Think of this as drops of
water splashing on the monitor, or waves/wakes.  Usually this is caused by
huge fish; as with the huge trout, few if any people will be upset by this.

4. On really slow machines (like 10 Mhz), some of the sound effects are
slower, so your cast hitting the water might sound like a torpedo
exploding!  This isn't really an error; some people might find it amusing.

I'm currently not in any ASP-type organization with an arbitrator, so I'll
state my returns policy.  Shareware lets you "try before you buy", so there
shouldn't be any reason for any returns/refunds.  If the game doesn't run
on your machine, let me know (see paragraph on support).  If you ordered
the game directly (preregistered) and it's impossible for it to work on
your machine, I'll offer a refund in that special case.  All the known
bugs are listed; they're very minor and don't impair the playablilty of the
game.  If a major one ever develops (_extremely_ unlikely) I'll send a free
update when it's fixed.