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The 640 MEG Shareware Studio 2
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The 640 Meg Shareware Studio CD-ROM Volume II (Data Express)(1993).ISO
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gravit.zip
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README.GVT
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1992-08-14
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GRAVITON V1.01
Copyright (c) 1992 Daniel A. Sill
*****************************************************************************
INTRODUCTION
*****************************************************************************
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
'GRAVITON V1.01' is a pseudo vector graphics game; that is, it is
an attempt to use only line drawings to make everything work. I used, as
inspiration, an arcade video game I first encountered around 1984 as a
student at SWTSU in San Marcos, Texas. I think you will find it fun and
challenging.
You are free to distribute this software package to your friends, BBSs,
or wherever so long as there is no fee above $5.00 (for disk media), and no
part of this package is omitted or altered. I (Daniel A. Sill) hold the
copyright for this software and its associated files. If you register (see
below), you will get a game with some really neat options (and I'm sure,
feel much better about using this software).
This package consists of the files listed below. All of these files
(except for the last two) must be present for 'GRAVITON V1.01' to run.
"GRAVITON.BAT"--The batch file to load and run 'GRAVITON V1.01'
"GRVTN101.EXE"--The main executable program file
"GRVTN101.DAT"--The data file used by 'GRAVITON V1.01'
"README.GVT"----This file
"ORDRFORM.GVT"--The order form used to register this software
"KBDSCAN.COM"---A keyboard scanning TSR used by 'GRAVITON V1.01'
(SPECIAL NOTE 1: When "GRAVITON.BAT" is run, this
TSR is loaded into memory (only once) it will
remain active until you reboot your computer;
it WILL NOT affect normal keyboard operation so
you don't need to worry about it being there; I
put this note in because some virus protection
programs will whine about any TSR that is loaded
after booting. SPECIAL NOTE 2: If this file is
corrupt or missing, then it will be re-created and
put on your disk; an error message will appear;
and the program will terminate. If this happens,
just run the program again. Make sure to call
the program with the "GRAVITON.BAT" file.)
"GRVTN100.SCR"--The high score file generated and used by
'GRAVITON V1.01' (SPECIAL NOTE: This file is not
included with this package. When the program is
run, it will generate this file. If you wish to
reset the high scores, delete this file from your
directory.
To run the program, type "GRAVITON" and push enter. (NOTE: If
the game runs too fast, use a command line option when you run it.
Type "GRAVITON X" where 'X' is a number between 1 and 9 inclusive.
A '1' will slow the game down a little; a '9' will slow it down a lot.)
When the program is run, it first checks to see that all of the
above files are there and that they have not be compromised. If the
program cannot find one, or it has been altered, the program will
terminate with an error message. This feature provides you with some
protection against virus sabotage. Since the "ORDRFORM.GVT" file must be
there also, it provides a gentle reminder to register your software.
*****************************************************************************
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
*****************************************************************************
This program was written on an AT clone. I have tested it on several
different machines and it worked fine on them all. The only machines I have
not tried are a PC and an XT; I don't think it will make any difference;
however, I make no promises (let's face it; get a real computer!)
The only real requirement is color EGA video or better. This program
uses a keyboard scanning TSR (see above) that allows much better real time
play than standard bios calls. I tried it on several keyboards before
deciding on the control keys that I did. Like some arcade games, this game
does not lend itself to joystick (or mouse/trackball) control; so don't look
for it in the future. If for some reason the controls don't work right,
please let me know (see below) and I'll try to fix it.
This program will generate a high score file, therefore if you use
a write protected disk, you will get an error message when exiting the
program.
*****************************************************************************
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
*****************************************************************************
Ok then, here is what the game is all about:
The setting:
four solar systems, each consisting of a
sun and four planets.
The goal:
to invade planets and destroy all defenders.
The supplies:
four ships each with 2000 units of fuel and an unlimited
supply of ammunition.
The complications:
defenders (stationary turrets), floating mines, enemy space
ships, running out of fuel, and !! GRAVITY !! (both in space
and on planets).
The Rules:
Don't let your ship touch anything (you cannot land
anywhere).
The controls keys:
<Z> key----------rotate ship left
<X> key----------rotate ship right
<,> key----------thrust
<.> key----------fire cannon
<SPACEBAR> key---shield/tractor beam
The option keys:
<ESC> key--------fast exit to DOS
<S> key----------toggles sound on/off (Note: I find sounds
very annoying; so the program defaults to
the sound off condition. There is only so
much one can do with the sorry pc speaker;
however, the option is there for those of
you who cannot do without them.)
Pretty simple eh' ? Well...the trick is gravity. You can use it
to your advantage or try to fight it (if you fight it, you won't last
long). The key to this game is controlling your ship; if you stay in
control, the rest is easy (almost). After reading this, run the game and
answer "Y" to the question "DO YOU WANT INSTRUCTIONS ? (It will
provide 'hands on' interactive instructions.
When the game starts, your ship (a blue triangle) will appear
at the top center of the screen. Four planets and a sun will appear
elsewhere on the screen (each planet will have a bonus point value
above it). Select a planet to conquer by flying into it. Watch out
though, the sun's gravity will try to pull your ship in. Try not to
waste too much fuel, but do not tarry either; enemy space ships will
emerge from the sun and try to destroy you. If an enemy space ship
comes too close, you will be forced into a duel to the death.
When you select a planet to conquer, the scene will change from
space to the planet surface. DO NOT TRY TO LAND !
The red things on the surface (the ones shooting at you) are
defending turrets; these are your primary targets. Find and destroy all
of them. When you have finished (or decide you can not handle them) fly
up and out; this will put you back in space to conquer the next planet (or
to select easier an planet). If you have destroyed all defending turrets,
the planet will explode. When the four planets have been destroyed, your
ship will automatically warp to the next system to conquer.
The blue things under the surface of the planet are fuel dumps.
These are absolutely essential to continue your mission. Your ship
starts out with 2000 units of fuel but it goes pretty quickly. Both your
thruster and your shield/tractor beam use copious amounts of fuel. To
collect the fuel from the dump, hover your ship close to the surface,
directly over the dump, and use your shield/tractor beam. If both of
the tractor beams are below the fuel dump, it is yours. Each dump
contains 1000 units of fuel. There is plenty of fuel to complete each
planetary mission; however, it is not wise to collect the fuel until
you need it. If you lose your ship, all the fuel you have stored up will
also be lost.
The two small things zooming through the air above the surface
are mines. Avoid them or shoot them. It is not necessary to destroy
them to conquer the planet. They will not shoot at you, however they
will try ram your ship. If you are moving slowly and you use your shield,
a collision with one will not destroy your ship. Be warned; even if you
destroy them, they will come back in a short time.
Scoring is as follows:
-space ships are worth 350 points
-mines are worth 250 points
-defending turrets are worth 300 points + 50 points for
each solar system conquered
-completing a planet is worth the bonus you see before you
enter it (1000 to 7000 points)
-a bonus ship is awarded for each 10,000 points earned.
Well ok then, that's all there is to it. Have fun with it.
*****************************************************************************
LEGAL STUFF, REGISTRATION, BUG REPORTS, ETC
*****************************************************************************
NO WARRANTIES:
Daniel A. Sill provides no warranties for this software (either
expressed or implied) of any kind. By using this software, you agree to do
so at your own risk and assume all responsibility for any results from
using it.
NO LIABILITY:
Daniel A. Sill shall not be held liable, in any event, for any damages
resulting from the use, misuse, or inability to use this software.
COPYRIGHT:
This software is owned by Daniel A. Sill and is protected by both
United States copyright laws, and international treaty provisions.
Ok, now that the legal stuff is out of the way...
REGISTRATION:
If you register this software, you get a slightly different version
of the program. Here are its features:
(1) Start with any number of ships (1 to 20) -
(2) Each ship can be equipped to start with 1000 to 5000 units of fuel -
(3) Set the bonus level at which a free ship is awarded (1000 to 20,000
or NONE) -
(4) Start play on any level (1 to 4) -
(5) Set the play difficulty (EASY / NORM / HARD) (note: this shareware
version is set to NORM) -
(6) The 'README.GVT' and 'ORDRFORM.GVT' files will not need to be
present to run the game -
How much for all this on the disk media of your choice (and the good
feeling that comes knowing that you paid for it) ?
Not $30, not even $20, but only $10 ! That's right; but wait there's
more! Registered users will receive 1 (one) free update if there any serious
bugs found in this version (Yea right, like there will be are any bugs in a
version '1.00' release) AND discounts on the next version, 'GRAVITON II', and
any other games that I develop. (I have some killer ideas on some old arcade
classics.)
To register:
(1) Print out the file 'ORDRFORM.GVT' on any printer. If you don't have
one, hand write the form; use the command:
'TYPE ORDRFORM.GVT | MORE' to show it on the screen.
(2) Fill it out and enclose a check or money order for $10.00 in US
dollars to Daniel A. Sill (no cash please) to the address below.
Daniel A. Sill
3404 Dunliegh Drive
Austin, Texas 78745
COMMENTS, SUGGESTION, BUG REPORTS:
If the program crashes, it should do so in a dignified way...that is
the screen should clear and an error message should appear. If this happens
I would be very interested to know all the details including the error
number (it might be worth a free registered copy).
Please send all comments, suggestions, ideas, and bug reports to the
above address. I can also be reached through internet:
sill@zoe.as.utexas.edu
ABOUT SHAREWARE:
I'm a big believer in it. This program itself was written with the help
of two pieces of shareware (registered copies):
(1) 'QB/EVGFX' Graphics Library (copyright 1991 Cornel Huth )
(2) 'A86/D86' Assembler/Disassembler (copyright 1986-1990 Eric Isaacson)
Please help all shareware authors and register the software that you use.
SPECIAL THANKS:
Thanks to the following people for their help in development and testing
of this game:
Stephen L. Balkum
S. Wayne Tumbleson
Shelly K. Stone
That's all folks !