Time Treks/TimeTreksCD.iso/README.DOC

Text File | 1995-02-13 | 20KB | 509 lines

                 Magic Quest Inc.
            A Sanctuary Woods Company

             Technical Support: [phone]


                  TIME TREKS (R)

                README.DOC

  PLEASE... READ THIS FIRST, EVEN IF YOU HATE TO READ README FILES!!

  This document includes the latest and greatest TIME TREKS
  information.

  If you are not familiar with DOS commands and conventions, see your
  DOS manual or third party references for further assistances.

  If you have a printer connected to your computer, you may want to
  print this file for quicker reference. Refer to your DOS manual for
  information on how to use the DOS PRINT command to do this.

  The TIME TREKS program functions like a state-of-the-art
  database, requiring  at least 530K of free RAM within the 640K
  conventional memory area, as well as intensive hard disk accessing.

  TIME TREKS requires the following system configuration to function properly:

    1) IBM, Tandy or 100% compatible computer.

    2) AT level or above recommended. At least 10 MHz clock speed
       is recommended.

    3) VGA graphics board and monitor.

    4) Hard drive with at least 5.5 megabytes of free space.

    5) DOS version 3.30 or higher.

    6) To access digitized sound requires a Sound Blaster
       or 100% compatible.

    7) Microsoft or Logitech mouse, or 100% compatible

    8) TIME TREKS supports Epson and HP LaserJet compatible printers.

  TIME TREKS, like many other DOS programs, does not support
  extended or expanded memory at this time. The program does require
  that a mouse be both installed and loaded into DOS.

    1) If you don't know how much free conventional memory you have
       available, check for it by running the DOS program CHKDSK
       (checkdisk) from your C:\.  On the last line of the information
       will be the amount of free memory in bytes. (Divide this number
       by 1024 to get the number of bytes in K units.) Remember, you
       will need at least 530K free to run TIME TREKS.


  ************************
  Installation
  ************************

    1) Insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive and at the DOS prompt (not
       from within Windows) type D:INSTALL (assuming your CD-ROM drive
       is drive D, if not substitute the correct drive letter).

    2) After you have finished the installation, the install program will
       run the TIME TREKS SETUP program.  You may manually run this
       program by by typing

            SETUP

       from the TIMETREK directory.

       Choose the correct settings according to your hardware
       configuration. You can change these settings at any time by
       running SETUP again.

    3) If you have insufficient free RAM and do not wish to change
       your system configuration, you can create a boot floppy
       diskette from which to run TIME TREKS.

        - See your DOS or computer system documentation for
          instructions on formatting a system floppy disk.

        - Copy the CONFIG.SYS file from the C:\TIMETREK directory on
          your hard drive to the newly formatted diskette.

        - Copy the COMMAND.COM file from your own copy of DOS to
          the system floppy disk.

        - If your AUTOEXEC.BAT file does not load TSR's, shells, or
          other memory resident programs, you may wish to
          copy it to the new system disk. It is not necessary,
          however, to include an AUTOEXEC.BAT file on the system
          floppy disk.

          Another option is to edit a copy of the AUTOEXEC.BAT file
          so that it loads only your mouse driver and no other
          memory-using files, and use that copy on the system disk.

        - To boot your computer from the new system disk, insert the
          disk into drive A, close the drive door, then
          reboot your computer.

        - Go to the C:\ and type TT to run TIME TREKS.

    If you want to free up conventional memory

    1) If you are a Windows user, be sure that your Windows
       installation provides at least 530K free RAM for the DOS
       window.  See your installation manuals or your dealer if
       you need help to do this.

    2) TSR's (Terminate and Stay Resident applications) often
       reside in the 640K area of conventional memory. This may
       leave insufficient free RAM remaining to run other
       programs. Some TSR applications may not function properly
       with the TIME TREKS program, especially if they modify the
       screen. Earthquest does not recommend using TSR applications
       with the TIME TREKS program.

    3) If you are using DOS 4.x, upgrading to 5.0 will allow you to
       utilize the newest DOS memory management options, which
       provides more free RAM in the conventional memory area.

    4) There are several third party memory management utilities
       available, such as QEMM386, 386MAX, and many others.  These
       provide options for moving more of the operating system plus
       certain other programs into the memory areas above 640K (high
       memory). Using one of these may allow you to free up some
       conventional memory.

    5) Edit your CONFIG.SYS file and decrease the number of BUFFERS.
       Each BUFFER occupies about .5K of RAM, so 40 BUFFERS would
       occupy about 20K. Read your DOS manual or reference books or
       consult your dealer before you select the number of BUFFERS
       to determine an optimum setting for your system configuration.
       BUFFERS=20 is usually a good starting point.

    If you have extended memory available on your computer, the following
    tips may improve program performance.

    1) If you have 1 megabyte or more of RAM in your computer and are
       using DOS 5.0 or Windows 3.x, you can install
       SMARTDRIVE.SYS into your CONFIG.SYS file to improve your hard
       disk performance. See your DOS or Windows manual or third
       party references for information and instructions.

  **********
  Mouse Tips
  **********

    1) The TIME TREKS program requires that a mouse device and
       driver be installed and loaded into DOS. TIME TREKS is
       compatible with the Microsoft mouse driver and the Logitech
       mouse driver or 100% compatibles.


        - NOTE: If you purchased Windows bundled with a Microsoft
          mouse, the Windows Installation program may install the
          mouse files into Windows, but it may not place the mouse
          files where other DOS programs will find them.

            - See your Windows installation manuals or contact
              your dealer of Microsoft Tech Support for
              assistance in locating and loading your mouse
              driver into DOS.

    2) If you are using a compatible mouse and driver and it does
       not work properly, contact the manufacturer, try updating
       your mouse driver (software), or use a mouse driver published
       by Microsoft.  Be sure to run TIME TREKS SETUP again.

  **********
  Sound Tips
  **********
    In order to use the digitized sounds in TIME TREKS, you
    must have a Sound Blaster card, or 100% compatible installed
    in your computer.

    If you install your sound card after installing TIME TREKS, be
    sure to run the TIME TREKS SETUP program again. To do this, go
    to the TIME TREK directory and type SETUP. Choose the correct
    sound card option.

 ***************
 TROUBLESHOOTING
 ***************

1. Problem:  When I type TT to open Time Treks, some lines of text
   appear, then I am returned to the C:\. I do not see a blue screen.

    What's probably wrong:

        a) There is not enough free RAM available to open Time Treks.
           At least 530K free RAM is needed to run the program.

        b) See above for suggestions on checking and managing memory.

2. Problem:  When I type TT to open Time Treks, I see a blue screen briefly,
   then I am returned to the C:\.

    What's probably wrong:

        a) There is no mouse connected.

        - A mouse is required to run Time Treks.

        b) The mouse driver is not installed or is installed into
           Windows but not DOS.

           - See above for information on mouse installations.


3. Problem:  When I open TIME TREKS, I see a blue screen with a cursor.
   Then everything freezes.

    What's probably wrong:

       a) TIME TREKS is not able to open all the files it needs
          to run.

       b) There is no CONFIG.SYS file on your system.

         - Magic Quest Inc. has provided a minimal CONFIG.SYS file
           for your convenience. Copy it from the TIMETREK directory
           to your root directory using the following command at
           your C:\ prompt:

            COPY C:\TIMETREK\CONFIG.SYS C:

          ***  CAUTION: Be very sure your system does not have a
           CONFIG.SYS file before you copy this one. Your system
           may have other hardware or software requirements that
           must also be included in a CONFIG.SYS file for your
           system to function properly.

       c) The FILES= line in the CONFIG.SYS file is set at a
          number below 20.

        - This line must read FILES=20 (or higher).

        - You can open and edit your CONFIG.SYS file using your
          DOS editor or a Windows text editor. See your documentation
          for further assistance.

4. Problem:  While playing the game, part of the screen disappeared. When I
   clicked again, it reappeared and the game resumed.

    What's probably wrong: Same as Problem #1

    See Problem #1 for solutions.



 *************************
   User Guide
 *************************

Game or Archives
From the Main Screen, you can choose to play the Time Treks game or
explore the Archives.  Just click on your choice.  You can also start playing
the game from the Archive main screen by clicking on the door icon marked
"Game."


Starting the Game
Each time you start Time Treks, you choose to play either a new game
(never the same as the last) or resume a saved game.


The Story
An eccentric archaeologist has been conducting a series of time experiments
trying to see directly into the past.  Unfortunately, the archaeologist has
opened a number of time doors but neglected to close them.  In all the
confusion, tyrants have slipped through the time continuum.  They threaten
to destroy the past and control the future.


The Play
Your task is to stop these tyrants by controlling more time doors than they
do.  Each Time Door is covered by a Time Tile.    The Tile represents one of
nine types of challenges you must face in order to earn the hidden Time
Door.  By clicking on one of the Time Tiles, you will be faced with a
challenge.  If you successfully complete the challenge, you control the door.
If not, the tyrant gets it.  Almost all of the challenges are timed, and must
be solved before time runs out.  At the end of each challenge, the game will
pause until you click the next tile you want to try.  There are 30 doors in
all.  To defeat a tyrant, you have to control at least sixteen of the thirty
doors.    Some challenges will close more than one door.


Time Tile Challenges
TROUBLE (Time bomb):  Booby trapped!  You might have a bomb to
defuse, poison to avoid, or antidotes to locate.  Closing this door is often a
matter of guesswork, but knowing your way around the archaeologist's lab
will help.  (Worth 1 door)

TIME MATCH (Airplane):    Answer questions based on the Theme section
of the Archives.  Search for information you're not sure about.  If you
miss, the correct answer is highlighted. (Worth up to 3 doors)

MOUSEMAZE (Mouse):  You only get one chance per level to try this
challenge.  Explore the maze that begins with the mousehole in the
archaelogist's laboratory.  (Find the book "Of Mice" for valuable hints.)
Note:  If you are asked to type a response, do not punctuate your sentences.
(Worth up to 6 doors)

THE UNDERGROUND (Flashlight):  Read the clue and descend to the
underground rooms of the eccentric archaeologist.  You must find the name
of a famous person or an icon representing an invention.  Use the arrows at
the left or right to move through the rooms.  Note:  As you search, click on
various objects.  Some areas will show a "close up" view.  To go back to
the normal view, click on the arrow at the top edge of the screen.  (Worth 1
door)

TIME CHALLENGES (Running clock):  Journey into the Archives to solve
a question or puzzle. (Worth 1 door)

TIME GALLERY (Puzzle pieces):  You will be presented with a question
and icons representing three possible answers.    Click on the correct icon.
(Worth 1 door)

TIME FACTS (Hourglass):  The answers to these trivia questions are
somewhere in the Archives.  If you want to score high on these questions,
you will have to know the Archives very well.  If you miss, the correct
answer is highlighted.    (Worth 1 door)

TIME CLUES (Pocket watch):  Use the Time Machine to find answers in
the Timelines section of the Archives.    Move the slide until a year close to
the one you want appears in the box.  Click on the "launch" button and the
Time Voyager will take you to that part of the Timeline.  Watch for the Time
Voyager; it will mark the correct screen.  However, you must click on the
answer itself.    (Worth 1 door)

TREASURE HUNT (Treasure chest):  Follow clues from one place to
another in the Archives, until you find the treasure.  Watch for rainbows,
and remember "X" marks the spot. (Worth up to 5 doors)

TIME TRICKSTER (Jester):  Clicking here can get you a free door, or hand
a door to the time tyrant.  You just never know.


Points and Levels
Each new game starts at level one.  Finishing the board and jailing a tyrant
will move you to the next level, which also means you have a new tyrant to
stop.  With each new level, you get more points for controlling a door, but
you have less time in which to do it.  Some questions get more difficult.
You can only move to a higher level by capturing at least sixteen of the
doors.

Bonus points:  If you get five doors all in a horizontal row, or six in a
vertical column, you earn extra points.

One word of warning!  There may be times when the screen appears
"frozen", leading you to believe that the program isn't working.  Not so.
You simply have not clicked in the right place to move ahead.  Be persistent
and curious, and you will find your way along.


Hints
1.  Read the directions for each clue very carefully.

2.  This game is very "click" intensive.  For example, if you are asked to
"cut" a wire, you would click on the wire.  If you are asked to "pick up"
something, click on it or try dragging it.

3.  Some of the bookshelves in the Underground have books that you can
open and read.    Some contain answers to questions in the game.    Others
have hints to help you play.  Explore the Underground (accessible from the
Archives main screen) to get acquainted with the books.


Searching from the Game
A small navigator labeled "Search" will appear with certain clues or
questions.  Clicking on this navigator will take you to the general menu of
the Archives to look for the answer.  Once you get into the Archives, the
navigator will change to "Return."  When you have the answer to your
question, click on the Return navigator to go back into the game.


Strategy
1.  Spend time in the Archives.  The more time you spend learning your
way around, the better you will be in the game.

2.  Try to do the types of questions that you are the most comfortable with
first.    You may gain control of the tougher doors by successfully
completing a nearby multiple door challenge.

3.  Keep a piece of paper and a pencil handy.  Some clues require going into
the Archives where you no longer see the exact question.  Jot down a note
or two so that you remember just what you need to find out.

4.  Explore the Underground by entering the mouse hole located on the
Archives front screen.    Hints and clues you uncover will help you later to
outwit the Time Tyrants.

5.  Try to close doors so that when you complete a row, you also complete
a column.  This techniques gives you a double bonus for one door.


Luck
Once in a great while, your first click on a game tile will give you the
Jackpot. . . and all the Time Doors.  Then it's on to the next level!


Game Buttons
There are four buttons located in the lower left corner of the Game Board.
    Help:  Click here to go to the game's help screen.

    High Scores:  Click here to see the competition, play a saved game
or save a game.

    Color:    Keep clicking to find the screen colors you like.

    Quit:  Click to leave the game or save a game in progress.


The Archives
The Archives include two sections:  Timelines and Themes.  Click on a
picture or a book to open a certain subject or timeline.

Navigator
Move through the Archives by using the Navigator palette found in the
upper right corner of the screen.  The left and right arrows will take you to
other screens containing related material.  Use the up-arrow to backtrack
through different levels of the Archives or to go up a level.  (Try it--you'll
understand.)  The "menus" button shows or hides the menu bar at the top of
your monitor.  Finally, click on the wagon to go directly to the Archives
main screen, from any level.

Underground
Here is your chance to explore the archaelogist's surprise-filled
underground without time pressure.  Be sure to look for hints (check the
books) that will help you play the game.

Timelines
This section features over 170 timelines displaying a wide range of
historical information.  They are extensively cross-linked to other sections
of the program and many contain quotes and perspectives on a particular
period or event.  The timelines are divided into seven historical sections:
Early Civilizations, Classical, Middle Ages, Renaissance, The Age of
Revolutions (17th/18th Century), The Age of Inventions (19th Century),
and The 20th Century.

The Timeline section has an additional navigator of its own.  Clicking on
these icons will take you to topical sections within each time period.    Click
on the magnifying lens next to the Timeline navigator to hide or show this
topical navigator.


Themes
This section contains more detailed information on a variety of subjects.
The wealth of information behind each heading will help users get a feel for
important changes throughout history.  Click on one of the books on the
shelf to choose a subject.  The subject areas include:    Wars, Science, Maps,
Continents, Religion, Empires, History, Explorers, Communications,
Time, and Daily Life.


Hidden Information
Tidbits of information are hidden throughout the program.  To find them,
we encourage you to poke around and play with everything you see!

Archive buttons
    Underlined dates (Timelines only):  Click here and you will see a
short quotation that relates to the person or event cited.

    Small Ship button (Timelines only):  Click here and take a short
"trip" to a relevant portion of the Themes section.

    Eye button:  Click here an read a contemporary perspective on the
displayed time period.

    Small Chart button:  Click here and see additional information from
a chart or graph.

    Small Document icon:  Click here and read an overview or questions
about what you see or read on the screen.

    Sound button (Requires sound card):  Click here and hear musical
motifs.  Turning off the button keeps the music from playing, but does not
silence the "feedback sounds" that you hear when you click on buttons or
when fields open, etc.


Help!
From the Archives main screen, click on the "help" button at the bottom of
the screen to see a labeled illustration of the Archives screen.

"More help" explains the navigator and identifies buttons you will see in the
Archives.  Click on anything you don't understand and read about it.  The
"main help" button will return you to the first help screen.  How do you get
back to the main Archives Screen?  Click on the navigator wagon.

From the Game, click on the help button in the bottom left corner.  Click on
the demonstration button for the general rules of the game.  Click on any of
the time tiles to read more about a specific challenge.



Copyright 1991-1994 Magic Quest, Inc.
Time Treks is a registered trademark, Bit-Bot, and Magic Quest are
trademarks of Magic Quest, Inc., A Sanctuary Woods Company.
Sanctuary Woods is a trademark of Sanctuary Woods Multimedia Corp.
All other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders.