Like the ancient computer game "Pong", two players (or one against the computer) use paddles to keep balls out of their goals. MongoPong adds bumpers, tubes, moving goals, multiple balls, opponent freezing and a whole lot more to breathe new life into this classic genre.
Getting Started...
The first thing you will see when you start MongoPong is the "About Box". Click the mouse button or press a key and the set-up screen will be displayed. There are quite a few options here, starting with the player controls.
There are always two players, which can be controlled by keyboard, mouse, or computer. There are two keyboard settings, and you can use whichever feels more comfortable (or two players can play using the keyboard). The keys will move your paddle up (A or Up Arrow) and down (Z or Down Arrow), and freeze your opponent (F or ?). Don't forget that to keep your opponent frozen you need to keep holding the freeze key.
If you choose mouse control, your paddle will not move as quickly as you may move your mouse. The paddle will chase the cursor up or down, but usually will take a moment to get there. With mouse control, the mouse button acts as the freeze button.
If you are just starting out, try leaving all of the other options at their defaults, and just click "Start" to begin a game. Once you have played a game or two, check the "Help" menu for more information on the different play options.
"Jerky" Animation
If play seems to be "jerky" or slow, it is probably because there are other programs running in the background. Make sure you have quit all other programs before playing MongoPong. Control panels and desk accessories can also cause slow downs. Finally, some system extensions may cause your machine to slow down. If you have quit all other programs but continue to have speed problems, try restarting your Mac with the shift key held down to stop your system extensions from loading.
Video Modes
MongoPong requires either a color or grey-scale monitor set to at least 16 colors or shades of grey. The game has been designed to look its best in 256 color mode. Running MongoPong in thousands or millions of colors also works just fine, but the game will look no different in these modes than in 256 colors. If you are using a grey-scale monitor (including powerbooks), 16 grey mode is recommended.
Play Fields
MongoPong has ten different play fields to choose from, but only the first five will be available until you register. When you register, you will be sent very simple instructions to activate these extra five playing fields. Speaking of registration...
Registration
MongoPong is a Shareware product. You may try the game free of charge. If you enjoy the game, and wish to keep it, register by sending $10 to:
Maxum Development Corp.
2 White Fence Trail
Streamwood, IL 60107
Remember to include your return address, or your Compuserve, Internet or America On-Line address, so we can send you simple instructions for activating your registration.
One brief but shameless plug... In keeping with the spirit of shareware, we are keeping the registration fee to what is (we feel) a very fair price. If you play, enjoy and keep MongoPong, please do the same and register your copy.
