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──══ Galaxy 5 ══──
Version 1.09 Wide Beta
By -Noel Software-
Copyright (c) 1996 Thomas J. Smith
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
The latest version of Galaxy 5 can be found in these places to my
current knowledge...
FidoNet 1:2410/903 : Magic name G5, GALAXY5, or GALAXY
The Last Call BBS! : (313) 295-6284
Internet FTP site : bbs.goldengate.net in DDSDOORS directory
WWW : http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Heights/2233
DDSDOORS File Echo : I hatch all new releases via this file echo.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
** Galaxy 5 Does NOT Need a Demo Key! **
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
For quick installation instructions, refer to INSTALL.TXT
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
All files included with this archive have been stamped with the
exact time and date as shown on the "pre-play menu." If your *.EXE
files and/or GALAXY5.OVR file are dated a time and/or date other
than the one shown on your "pre-play menu," then more than likely,
the game has been tampered with. *NOTE* that a few text files may
not have the same date after installation due to copying the files
over to your Galaxy 5 directory (this gives them a time and date
matching that of your system at the time of installation).
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Galaxy 5 was written from the ground up. No source code from any
other door game was used to create Galaxy 5.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
As of v1.07, all newly registered users will receive an awesome
ANSI screen showing that you have ported to Galaxy 5 into the
registered territory! ;> It can be used to promote the game in a
hello screen, bulletin, etc.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-=≡■ Thank you for trying Galaxy 5! ■≡=-
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
CONTENTS
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Warning..........................................................1
Disclaimer.......................................................2
License Agreement................................................3
Introduction.....................................................4
Game Requirements................................................5
Files Included...................................................6
Installation.....................................................7
Upgrading........................................................8
Special features.................................................9
Restrictions in the unregistered version........................10
G5 Setup........................................................11
Support.........................................................12
What to do if there are problems................................13
Multi Node Use..................................................14
Credits.........................................................15
Where To Reach Me...............................................16
Registration....................................................17
Bug reports, comments, & suggestions............................18
Fido information................................................19
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
WARNING 1
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
This is a wide beta release of Galaxy 5. Which means that it is
still being tested for bugs. If you do not wish to use the game
on your system for fear of improper operation, then do not
install this version! Wait for the full release of Version 1.10
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
I have noticed that there are a few SysOps who believe that "Wide
Beta" copies should not be released. I strongly disagree.
Releasing a wide beta test version of the game shows bugs that
may exist on different BBS platforms, and under various different
setups that I would never catch by testing on my own system, as
everyones setup is different, and I would therefore end up
thinking the game was bug free until it was released. Wide beta
testing is the only way to learn of bugs that may exist that I
could never find on my own system. This game has been beta tested
on 6 other systems before public release.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
There are two areas of the game which have been tested, and found
to work (under my own testing anyway), but may still have problems
that I have not found. These are the Xports, and node to node
online two player battles. These were tested to the best of my
ability, but they could use quite a bit more testing. So if you
find anything wrong in these two areas of the game, please take
the time to inform me of the problem!
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
DISCLAIMER 2
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
The author has taken every precaution to insure that no harm or
damage will occur on computer systems operating this package.
Nevertheless, the author shall NOT be held liable for whatever
may happen on your computer system or to any computer systems
which connects to your own as a result of operating this package.
The user assumes full responsibility for the correct operation of
this software package, whether harm or damage results from
software error, hardware malfunction, or operator error. NO
warranties are offered, expressly stated or implied, including
without limitation or restriction any warranties of operation for
a particular purpose and/or merchantability. If you do not agree
with these terms, then do NOT use this program.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
LICENSE AGREEMENT 3
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
The game program, support files, and documentation are copyrighted
products of Thomas J. Smith & -Noel Software-. Thomas J. Smith
reserves all rights to these products. This is protected by the
United States of America (USA) and International Copyright Laws.
In no way shall the components of the game software package be
reproduced or modified in any form or method without prior written
permission from the author. The .ZIP package containing this
program may be copied, distributed to BBS's, friends, internet
sites, posted on BBS's for download, added to CD-ROM shareware
discs, etc. as long as all original files are included, and
unmodified, and the same file name is used for the archive as was
when found (with the appropriate archiver extension).
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Tampering with or altering the contents or integrity of the game
software package is prohibited. No fee may be charged by any
agency beyond the cost of distributing unregistered copies on
floppy and CD-ROM without prior written permission from the author.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
This game is distributed under the Shareware concept. You are
allowed to operate this game for as long as you wish, except that
no one will be allowed to win the game, and your G5 Editor will
not save any changes made, until registered. You may register the
game with -Noel Software- after you have determined that it will
meet your needs. There are no "unregistered" delays, nags, or
beeps anywhere in this game.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
INTRODUCTION 4
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Galaxy 5 is a multi player game where your goal is to be number
one in the galaxy, and defeat the dreaded Raven Morpheous! Galaxy
5 supports multi player "real time" battles, its own mail writing
features with word wrap and quote on reply, uses either fossil or
internal COM routines, maintains itself without intervention from
the SysOp, support for external programs run directly from the
game (Xports), among many other features. There are many things
to discover in Galaxy 5, lots of things to do, and you can even
kill other players! RIP will be supported soon, and there is a
help menu where players can read and/or download a help file, or
RIPterm, if you allow downloads from within the door.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
When players reach level 15 (registered version only), they must
find the Raven Morpheous (the being responsible for all current
destruction done to the galaxy). After the player kills the Raven,
he/she starts the game over. Unlike the popular door game LORD,
Galaxy 5 does not need to be won a certain number of times.
However I am adding a feature where the game will take on a few
changes after a player has beaten the Raven, and they must then
seek out the person responsible for creating the Raven, and
destroy him. After this is done, then the game must be reset, and
that player will be listed in an honorable list of heroes!
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Galaxy 5 is shareware. And as such, the unregistered version will
not allow anyone to win (can not pass level 8), the pre play menu
will read "This is an evaluation copy of Galaxy 5" and the G5
Editor will not save any changes. Registration costs only $15.00
U.S funds, and will "unlock" all of these features. Refer to
REGISTER.TXT (unpacked after installation) for info on how to
register.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Here are just a few of Galaxy 5's features
-=≡=-
■ Local Drop To Dos while caller is in door, chat with caller,
hang up caller, and quit door, all from local screen.
■ ANSI split screen chat (between SysOp and caller).
■ Multi Tasker aware (DESQview, OS/2, Windows, WIN-NT, & Win95).
Will give up timeslices while waiting for user input.
■ No need for a fossil driver to be resident, but can use one.
■ Built in ANSI routines so no need for ANSI driver to be
resident.
■ Full support of speeds up to 115,000 baud and the 16550 FIFO.
■ Assembly language serial input/output routines for speed and
efficiency.
■ Uses file locking routines for smooth multi node operation.
■ Contains a procedure to close all files and save any changes if
caller drops carrier, game crashes, etc.
■ Keeps a log of run-time errors if they occur in ERROR.LOG.
■ Support for the following door drop file formats,
DORINFO#.DEF : Remote Access compatible dorinfo.def dropfile
format.
CALLINFO.BBS : Wildcat 2 compatible dropfile format.
DOOR.SYS : Wildcat 3 & 4, and GAP compatible dropfile
format.
SFDOORS.DAT : SpitFire compatible dropfile format.
PCBOARD.SYS : PCBoard 15.x compatible drop file formats.
MEGAHST#.DEF : MegaHost BBS drop files.
CHAIN.TXT : WWIV BBS drop files.
CommandLine : passing user info to the door through command
line options is also supported.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Note: If using the command line option, you must still create a
config file with the first line being CL for Command Line.
Then on the command line to run the door, pass these 6
parameters,
Parameter(1) should be the name of the Config file the door will
use.
Parameter(2) Will enable or disable ANSI graphics.. Note: If
ANSI, 1, GR, COLOR, or TRUE is passed to this
parameter, ANSI will be set to true Else ANSI will
be disabled.
Parameter(3) Pass the Baud Rate Here.
Note: Legal Values are (If 0 passed then Local set to
True), 0, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200,
38400, 57600, 115200.
Parameter(4) Pass the Users First Name Here.
Parameter(5) Pass the Users Last Name Here.
Parameter(6) Pass ComPort Here.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
The command line option is only supported for those BBS systems
that can not use one of the drop files that this game directly
supports. It is not recommended that you run the door this way if
you do not necessarily have to do so.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
If your BBS format is not supported, and you would like to run
the game on your system, then please take the time to send me a
copy of one of your drop files, and I will add support for your
particular BBS software if possible. If you have a layout of the
format of your drop files, that would help out alot, but I can
probably figure it out from a normal one actually created by your
BBS software.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
REQUIREMENTS 5
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
DOS 3.x or higher is needed in order to use the G5 Editor program.
If you do not run DOS 3.x or higher, and still wish to use the
G5 Editor program, let me know, and I can/will recompile a copy
that you will be able to use.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
The actual memory requirements for this game have not been
determined. However, It has been tested to run fine under a 2 meg
system. It has been tested on my system using Wildcat! 4.xx under
Win95 with 8 megs of ram. SHARE must be loaded IF you intend to
use the game in a multi-node environment (except Windows), OR
under DesqView. The game is RIP aware, and will automatically
detect when a caller is using RIP, and display the appropriate
screens (RIP has not yet been added). A FOSSIL driver is NOT
required to run the game, although one will be supported if you
wish. Automatic time slicing support is provided to most common
multi-taskers as well. Supported are DESQview, OS/2, Windows 3.x,
Win-NT, and Windows 95 as well. If you wish to allow players to
download the help files and/or RipTerm, then you must have a copy
of DSZ.COM, DSZ.EXE or GSZ.EXE, and show the game in G5 Setup
where it can find this program.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
FILES INCLUDED 6
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Below is a listing of all files included with the .ZIP file. If
you are missing ANY of these files (except for the DOC and TXT
files), the game more than likely will NOT function properly.
Feel free to give out copies of the ENTIRE archive package of
this game but please make sure that all of the original files are
included!
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-------------------------
Included in G5xxxx.ZIP:
-------------------------
G5.ZIP - .ZIP file containing all of the game files.
INSTALL.EXE - Installation program.
INSTALL.TXT - Installation instructions.
GALAXY5.DOC - This documentation.
SCREENS.ZIP - Some ANSI screens that you may use on your BBS to
announce the door! ;>
WHATSNEW.TXT - Description of changes, additions, fixes, etc. in
this (and previous) versions.
README.TXT - Important program information.
CHARGEIT.TXT - Credit card ordering information.
FILE_ID.DIZ - Description file for BBS use.
-----------------------------------------------
Directories you will have after installation:
-----------------------------------------------
C:\DOORS\G5 <----------- Or whatever your G5 directory will be.
C:\DOORS\G5\DATA <------ Where all data files will be kept.
C:\DOORS\G5\SCREENS <--- Where all display files are kept.
C:\DOORS\G5\MAIL <------ Where all mail files will be kept.
C:\DOORS\G5\TEXT <------ Where all *.TXT files are placed.
C:\DOORS\G5\TEMP <------ Temporary work directory.
----------------------------------------
Files in your Galaxy 5 home directory:
----------------------------------------
GALAXY5.EXE - Main program file.
GALAXY5.OVR - Overlay file.
G5.BAT - Batch file that is called from your BBS.
G5EDITOR.EXE - Editor program to view and/or change player info,
planet info, mates info, etc. etc. (will not save
changes until registered). A very powerful, yet
easy to use editor.
G5SETUP.EXE - Setup program.
G5_STRUC.ZIP - Structures to data files, drop files, and listings
of codes used by Galaxy 5 for third party
programmers.
LOCAL.BAT - File used to run the game in local mode.
NODE*.CFG - Node config files. One for each node, numbered from
NODE0.CFG to however many nodes you have setup.
These will not exist until you have run "Setup
Nodes" in G5 Setup.
XPORTS.DAT - This file will contain the juice behind all of
your Xports installed (if any). All lines in this
file that begin with a semi-colon (;) are ignored.
Read the XPORTS.TXT file for further information on
Xports.
GALAXY5.DOC - This documentation.
REGISTER.TXT - Registration form.
---------------------------------
Files in the DATA subdirectory:
---------------------------------
ARMOUR.DAT - Text file containing all 10 armour names.
A_COST.DAT - Cost of Armours 1 through 10.
BADWORDS.DAT - Text file containing all "bad words" you want
filtered out anywhere users are allowed to input a
string of text.
ENEMIES.DAT - Data file containing enemy records.
G5CONFIG.DAT - Configuration data file.
G5_HELP1.DAT - Help text file on "Game Play" that callers can
download from the help menu if you allow downloads
(they can also just view the file if they wish).
G5_HELP2.DAT - Help text file on "Getting Around" that callers can
download from the help menu if you allow downloads
(they can also just view the file if they wish).
G5_INFO.DAT - Text file containing info displayed to callers when
they select (I)nfo from the Main Entrance screen.
G5_MATES.DAT - Data file containing records on the people at the
inns that players can flirt with.
G5_SHIPS.DAT - Text file containing all 10 space craft names.
INNCOSTS.DAT - Text file containing prices of rooms at the inns
for each player ranking.
LOOKS.DAT - Text file containing amounts of "looks" required for
successful flirts with "inn mates."
MAC_HELP.DAT - Text file shown to caller when requesting help with
recording and using macros.
MARRY.DAT - Text file containing "one liners" used in todays
news when a player gets married.
NEWS.DAT - Text file containing "one liners" used in todays
news when a new TODAY.DAT file is written.
PLANETS.DAT - Data file containing records for each planet.
SKILLS.DAT - Skill amounts required for each rank to advance to
the next rank. This is a regular ASCII text file.
S_COST.DAT - Cost of Space Crafts 1 through 10.
TODAY.DAT - Text file containing "Todays News."
TOOBAD.DAT - Text file containing "one liners" used in todays
news when a player gets killed (if they don't
choose to say something themselves).
VERSION.DAT - Used internally by G5, the install program, and
also used by 3rd party utilities to determine which
version of Galaxy 5 you are running.
VICTORY.DAT - Text file containing "one liners" used in todays
news when a player kills another player (if they
don't choose to say something themselves).
WEAPONS.DAT - Text file containing names of the 10 weapons.
W_COST.DAT - Cost of Weapons 1 through 10.
W_DROIDS.DAT - Text file containing the names of the 14 warrior
droids players will encounter to progess to the
next player rank.
YESTRDAY.DAT - Text file containing "Yesterdays News."
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Note: More files will be created in the DATA subdirectory as the
game is played.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-----------------------------------
Files in the SCREENS subdirectory
-----------------------------------
All *.ANS, *.ASC, & *.RIP (RIP files will not be included until
RIP support has been added). There are too many files in this
directory to list. However, if you wish to create your own screens
for the game, you can figure out which screens are which by
looking at them in an ANSI editor. The *.ANS files can be ANSI
files, or you can use G5 Codes, or both. The *.ASC files should
contain no ANSI codes, or G5 Color codes. However, all G5 codes
besides color codes will be supported in the *.ASC files. For
example, ~P1~ to display the name of the first planet in the
Galaxy will work among others.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Note: If you will be making your own ANSI and/or ASCII screens for
Galaxy 5, keep in mind that by default, the screen will be shown
from beginning to end, meaning it will not pause. If you need a
screen to pause, simply insert a ~<>~ code at the position in the
display file you wish the <PAUSE> prompt to be called.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Any ANSI screens that you create for the game yourself, MUST be
saved in 100 lines or less.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
The majority of *.ANS screens released with Galaxy 5 were created
using G5 color codes.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Hints on merging G5 codes with ANSI
-------------------------------------
If you create your own ANSI files for the game, and insert G5
codes into your ANSI's, then you will more than likely find out
that the codes used to display strings always "push" the text to
the right of them over further to the right, therefore knocking
everything out of order, or the codes do not display as planned
when you saved your file. Here is what you can do to get around
these problems!
1) First create your ANSI using the G5 codes where you want them.
2) Take note of the screen coordinates of EACH code (preferrably
on paper)!
3) After getting the coordinates, erase ALL G5 codes from the
display screen.
4) Save this screen in ANSI format using Home Cursor, NOT Clear
Screen, or Normal! Also save it in 100 lines or less. For
example reasons, name it TEST2.ANS.
5) Now, create a new ASCII placing your G5 codes at the
coordinates you jotted down using no color. Also place a ~XX~
code as the VERY FIRST line if you want the screen cleared.
Save this screen in ASCII, and name it TEST1.ANS (or TEST1.ASC
or whatever you wish).
6) From the DOS prompt, type COPY TEST1.ANS+TEST2.ANS FILENAME.ANS
This will merge the two TEST files into FILENAME.ANS. Of course
you will replace FILENAME.ANS with the name of your file you
are creating.
-OR-
Load TEST1.ANS in your editor, and merge TEST2.ANS to the end
of the file, then save it as the appropriate file name.
7) Log onto G5, and see how it worked. If it didn't display
properly, and you are SURE you followed the above instructions,
then check the coordinates of the G5 codes in the TEST1.ANS
file, and edit them as necessary, then follow the steps for
merging the two files again.
-OR-
Obtain the G5 Viewer freeware utility that allows you to view
display files created using G5 Codes, ANSI and/or ASCII. It can
be "Freq'd" via FidoNet from my system using the magic name
G5VIEWER (from 1:2410/903).
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
--------------------------------
Files in the TEXT subdirectory
--------------------------------
BUGFOUND.TXT - Bug report form.
FUTURE.TXT - Future plans list.
XPORTS.TXT - Full information on Xports. Xports are
external door programs that are run directly from
the game (same as IGM's in LORD).
INSTALL.TXT - The installation instructions text file.
HELP.TXT - Text file to help beginning SysOps with the setup
of doors on a BBS. Covers door setup, fossil
drivers, locked baud rates, etc.
README.TXT - Important information text file.
CHARGEIT.TXT - The same credit card information text file as
found in the original archive.
---------------------------------
Files in the MAIL subdirectory:
---------------------------------
NONE - Until a player writes a message to another player, or a
player receives a message from the galaxy informer. This
directory will contain all messages to every player,
starting from MAIL0.DAT. Mail files are erased after the
players receive their mail.
---------------------------------
Files in the TEMP subdirectory:
---------------------------------
NONE - The only time you will see files in this directory, is if
someone is playing the door, and you are in another
"window" in a multi tasking environment looking in this
directory. It is where Galaxy 5 creates, and deletes
temporary files that it uses during game play. If you
should find any files in this directory while no one is
playing the game, you may safely delete them all, and
probably should. :)
--------------------------------------------
Files created by Galaxy 5 as play goes on:
--------------------------------------------
DATA\G5CONFIG.DAT - Configuration information stored with G5
Setup.
DATA\DATE.DAT - Text file containing the current date. Used to
determine when the game should run maintenance
mode.
DATA\WALL.DAT - Text file containing "graffiti" players have
posted on "The Black Wall."
DATA\PLAYERS.DAT - Data file containing player info.
DATA\RIPTERM.DAT - This one is created by G5 Setup. Text file
containing full path and file name to your
copy of RIPterm for callers to download from
the help menu (if you allow it).
DATA\DONE.DAT - Text file containing info on certain features
each player has already done today, so they
will not be allowed to do them again until
the next day. :)
DATA\GRAFFITI.DAT - The graffiti wall at the biker bar.
DATA\INNTALK*.DAT - Numbered INNTALK1.DAT through INNTALK5.DAT.
Contains the conversations held at the inns.
DATA\INTRO.DAT - Contains only one number between 1 and 5. G5
rotates 5 intro screens to display to callers.
This file holds the number of the next intro
screen to display. G5 updates it after every
player enters the game.
DATA\HIT_INFO.DAT - Contains record information between callers
who have hired a player to kill another
player (if any).
DATA\HEROES.DAT - Contains the names of all players who have won
the game for displaying from the (L)ist heroes
options at the inns.
DATA\FLIRTED.DAT - Names of players who have flirted with other
players today. Erased at the beginning of each
new day.
DATA\MACROS.DAT - Contains macro strings recorded by players (if
any).
DATA\TODAY.DAT - "Today In The Galaxy" news file shown to each
caller when entering the game.
DATA\YESTRDAY.DAT - "Yesterday In The Galaxy" news file shown when
a caller chooses to view Yesterdays news.
GALAXY5.LOG - Created by main program if errors occur, and
if you have log errors set to TRUE under node
setup in G5SETUP.
ERROR.LOG - Generated in the case of a run-time error.
If you have problems with the game, and you
see this file, it helps if you can send it to
me to review, along with a simple explanation
of where at in the game the error occured (if
you know of where).
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
There may be more files in the data subdirectory that I missed, as
there are quite a few. Some will exist at times, and some will
not. They depend on game play. And if some of the files mentioned
above do not exist, it more than likely doesn't necessarily mean
you are "missing" those files.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
INSTALLATION 7
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
If you have any trouble at all installing the game. You should
refer to the INSTALL.TXT file included in the G5xxx.ZIP archive.
This file contains detailed installation instructions, quick
installation instructions, and manual installation instructions
if you have to install the game without the INSTALL.EXE program.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
1. Unzip the G5xxx.ZIP file either to a temporary directory, or
the directory you wish the game to reside in. Change to the
directory you unzipped this file to, and run INSTALL.EXE
INSTALL will ask you what drive letter you wish to install the
game to, then it will ask you for the directory to install the
game to.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
2. Thats all you need to do for the installation part. INSTALL
will automatically run the G5SETUP.EXE program after installat-
ion is complete. While in the G5SETUP program, the first thing
you should probably do, is "Node Setup." Under node setup,
you will be creating the necessary configuration files needed
for each node that you will be running the game on. When you
choose this option, you will first be editing node 1. Press
PGUP for the next node (node 2), or PGDN for the previous node
(node 0), and so forth, to edit all of the nodes you have.
Online help is available throughout the program, just hit F1
whenever you need some help. After setting up your nodes,
choose "Setup Galaxy 5" to configure the game to your settings
and your preferences.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
3. Now you need to create your batch files needed to run the door
from your BBS software. In these batch files (or batch file),
you need to change to the Galaxy 5 directory, then CALL the
G5.BAT file with the first parameter being the number of the
node this batch file is being called from. For example, node
1's batch file would look something like this,
@ECHO OFF <-- Turn off echoing commands to the screen.
CD\DOORS\GALAXY5 <-- Change to your Galaxy 5 directory.
CALL G5.BAT 1 <-- Call the G5.BAT file using the node number.
A Wildcat! system could use the %WCNODEID% variable in place of
the 1, to use the same batch file for each node (if you use the
SET WCNODEID=? command in your batch files that start
Wildcat!). Here is what mine looks like, using the WCNODEID
variable,
@ECHO OFF
CD\DOORS\GALAXY5
CALL G5.BAT %WCNODEID%
In the above example, the command that would be passed to the
G5.BAT file would be, G5.BAT 1 for node 1, or G5.BAT 2 for node
2, etc.
If your BBS software uses some kind of node id variable, then
you can put that in the command line to use the same batch file
for every node. Like a PCBoard system would be (I think),
%PCBNODE% or something like that, I forget.
Galaxy 5 needs the number of the node being run on the command
line, so it knows which node config file to read upon startup.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
4. If you need to, set up the door in your BBS setup, if your BBS
software needs it. For example, a Wildcat! 4 SysOp would have
to load MakeWild, choose "Doors" then edit a new door for
Galaxy 5 telling Wildcat! that the door is multi user, and the
name of the batch file to look for when the door is run by a
caller, then add the door to your DOORS.BBS display file.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
5. There is NO separate daily maintenance to be performed. Galaxy
5 will automatically run the built in maintenance routines at
the start of each new day when the first player of the day
enters the game! The maintenance routines currently checks for
player inactivity, and deletes players who haven't played for
the amount of days you specified in G5 Setup, revives players
who haven't played for the number of days you specified in G5
Setup, and adds interest to all players bank accounts (the
interest rate is also configurable by the SysOp in G5 Setup).
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
UPGRADING
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Upgrading Galaxy 5 is easy. Run the INSTALL program that comes
with the Shareware package, type in the path to your Galaxy 5
directory (or press F2 to pick it), and INSTALL will ask you if
you wish to use the upgrade options. Choose yes if you have
customized anything about the game (like prices, displays, names
of weapons and armour, etc.). You can choose no to do a full
install over your old copy if you have not customized anything,
and your players stats will remain intact. It is a better idea to
choose NO to the upgrade options, if you have not customized
anything, so that you will not be missing anything.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Upgrading your registered version (if registered) is just as easy.
Just find the latest version, and follow the above instructions.
Your copy will still remain registered!
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
SPECIAL FEATURES 9
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Listed here are some special features of the game that you should
be aware of since some may be of use to you! ;>
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
BADWORDS.DAT
If this file exists in your DATA subdirectory, then it will be
used to filter out any "bad words." This file is included in the
distribution archive. You can edit it to your needs, or delete it
if you wish to allow "cursing" in your game! :) The format of the
file is as follows,
BADWORD1|GOODWORD1
BADWORD2|GOODWORD2
In these examples, if someone wrote a sentence anywhere in the
game where user input is allowed, and used the word BADWORD1, then
it would be replaced with GOODWORD1. Each bad word must be
followed by a |, and then the word to replace the bad word with.
Case is not important, as lower case will be used for all filters,
and there should be no spaces on each line.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
LOGON.BAT
Galaxy 5 contains the ability to automatically run a LOGON.BAT
file if it exists in your Galaxy 5 directory. All you have to do
to use it, is create it, and place it in your home Galaxy 5
directory. When Galaxy 5 executes this batch file, it first
creates the three drop files NODE*.DAT, DROPFILE.*, & DORINFO*.DEF
in the TEMP subdirectory just like it does when an Xport is
executed, so that it may be used by the programs ran from this
batch file if needed. The * will be the node number of the caller.
Then G5 will show the caller a message to let them know what is
going on that looks like this, "*** RUNNING EXTERNAL PROGRAM ***."
Galaxy 5 will shell out, and execute this batch file after the
caller has logged into the game, and read "Today In The Galaxy."
It is ran just before the caller gets to the main menu. You can
use it to run external maintenance routines you may have set up,
or to run a certain Xport (or Xports), a random menu switching
program, or whatever. PLEASE NOTE that when G5 runs the LOGON.BAT
file, it "shells out" and executes LOGON.BAT. Which means that if
you are trying to run memory hungry programs from the LOGON.BAT
file, it may cause problems! :(
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
PRELOG.BAT
Galaxy 5 can also run a PRELOG.BAT file for you if it exists in
your home Galaxy 5 directory. This file is ran right after the
program initializes, BEFORE the player even sees the "pre-log
menu." *HOWEVER*, please note that using this batch file, G5 does
NOT create the drop files that it does when the LOGON.BAT file is
ran or when an Xport is ran. This is because the players info has
not been completely obtained yet, since they have not yet actually
entered the game. This batch file can be used to launch programs
such as Paul Slinski's Eventer program which randomly writes an
event to Galaxy 5's news file. Do NOT run any programs from this
batch file that require the use of G5's drop files!
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
LOGOFF.BAT
This file works in the EXACT same manner as the PRELOG.BAT file
mentioned above, except that it is ran just before G5 actually
exits back to the BBS.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
*NOTE* You should NEVER use the "EXIT" command in any of the above
batch files!! Not sure what could happen! :) G5 will
automatically pick up where it left off after the batch
files are finished.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
If you would have other uses for external batch files, let me know
where you would like them inserted, and I'll probably put them in
for you. Its really no problem! :)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Welcome Message
When a player enters Galaxy 5 for the first time, they are sent a
default message addressed from SysOp stating, "Welcome to the
Galaxy!" If you would like this message to read something other
than the default, then create a text file in your Galaxy 5
directory named whatever you like containing your message. Then
run G5 Setup and type in the name of this text file under the
field "SysOps Welcome Message" under the menu option "Setup Galaxy
5," and this is the text all new players will receive in their
welcome message. Your message must be a plain ASCII text file
(however, it may contain G5 color codes).
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
SysOps Bulletin
Galaxy 5 will also display a bulletin for you. When callers enter
the game, if you have a file name specified under "SysOps
Bulletin" under the menu option "Setup Galaxy 5" in G5 Setup, and
if that file exists, then it will be displayed to the caller as
the "SysOps Bulletin" right after they read "Todays News." This
file can be plain ASCII, ANSI, G5 Codes, or a combination of each.
It is recommended that you either use ASCII, or G5 codes, since
ANSI can not be shown to callers with no ANSI terminal. G5 codes
can be used since any color codes are stripped out for non-ANSI
callers.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Cheat Codes ;>
As you may figure out sooner or later, Galaxy 5 contains a few
cheat codes. Many people find cheat codes "unethical" or do not
approve of them in one way or another. So I have added the ability
to "suppress" all cheats in the game. If you do not want callers
to be able to cheat in your game (if they ever figure out the
cheats), all you have to do, is create a file named NO_CHEAT.DAT
and place it in your DATA subdirectory. This file can contain
anything you want, or nothing at all. It can be a 0 byte file. All
that matters, is that it exists, and if it does, then cheating
will NOT work anywhere! ;> If in the future you wish to allow
"cheating," simply delete the NO_CHEAT.DAT file.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Macro Strings
As of v1.04 Wide Beta, Galaxy 5 now supports its own macros. While
it is nothing very fancy, it is kind of a nice feature
nonetheless. Here are step by step instructions on how to use
them,
1) Choose the (R)ecord Macros option from any planets main menu.
2) Choose the number of the macro you wish to record, or
re-record. If you have macros recorded already, then they will
be shown, otherwise they will be either blank, or read "Empty."
3) Now you can use your macros by number anywhere you are allowed
to input a string of text. Like conversations at the inns,
after killing someone (or getting killed), sending mail to
another player, writing on the black wall or the graffiti wall,
etc. etc.
4) To use a macro, on a blank like (while being asked to enter
your text), type in the number of the macro you wish to use,
then press ENTER and that macro will be inserted. If the macro
is empty, then nothing will be inserted, try again! ;>
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
RESTRICTIONS IN THE UNREGISTERED GAME 10
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Until the game is registered the following restrictions are in
effect...
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
a. No one can finish the game. It will be unwinnable. The
highest level players can reach in the unregistered
version is 8. In the registered version there are a total
of 15 levels.
b. The G5 Editor will not save any changes that you make. It
is simply there for you to evaluate, and see what the
working editor can do.
c. In the Pre-Play Menu, one of the lines will read, "This is
an evaluation copy of Galaxy 5" until the game is
registered, which it will then read your name.
d. After quitting G5 Setup, there is an "UNREGISTERED!"
message displayed on the screen.
e. Registering the game enables all of the above and allows
you to alter virtually all of the game settings using the
G5EDITOR.EXE program.
f. Any future updates can be obtained free from anywhere you
can find a shareware copy of G5 and upgrades are easy to
implement! All you have to do to upgrade is find the latest
shareware version and install it. If you are registered,
then your copy will still remain registered as long as
your GALAXY5.KEY file remains in your home G5 directory!
g. I am always improving this game - so check my BBS, or look
around for a more current version whenever you have a
chance! ;>
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
There are NO "Unregistered" nags or any of those annoying delays
ANYWHERE in Galaxy 5! What is mentioned above, are the only
restrictions in Galaxy 5.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
G5SETUP 11
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
In the G5 Setup program, you need to set the game to your
preferences. If you do not do so, then the first time the door is
run, a default configuration will be created and used. G5 Setup
will allow you to create fresh data files (in the case that a data
file or two gets corrupted beyond repair), entirely reset the
game, set the "On Now" flag to OFF for all players (useful if a
player is being flagged as ON when you know they are not), fix
any marriage problems, and manage your node configuration files.
You can also start the G5 Editor from within G5 Setup. Both G5
Setup, and the G5 Editor contain full online help. Just highlight
the option you need help with, and press F1. Some areas allow use
of different keys, if this is the case, then the key(s) that you
can use will be highlighted when you highlight these areas.
Pressing ESC or your right mouse button will exit whatever part of
the program(s) you are in. If you have any unsaved information,
you will be asked if you wish to save your changes first.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
G5 Setup can use four different command line parameters (separately
or together in any order). When a command line parameter is used,
G5 Setup will run the called for options automatically,
unattended. This is good for running nightly maintenance or just
for running when you do not wish to start the entire setup
program. I would recommend having your mailer, or BBS run G5 Setup
with the /R parameter every night when you have it set to not
accept any callers, so as to make sure no one is incorrectly
flagged as being "On Now." Here are the four parameters G5 Setup
can accept,
/? - Will show you all of these command line switches and tell you
which ones do what (this switch is used alone).
/R - Reset "On Now" flag for all players. Take note that when
using this option on the command line, G5 Setup will not
check to see if anyone is playing the game at the moment, and
will set EVERY PLAYERS "On Now" flag to NO.
/D:? - Create fresh data file(s). /D:M = Create new G5_MATES.DAT
file, /D:P = Create new PLANETS.DAT file, /D:E = Create new
ENEMIES.DAT file, /D:A = Create them all. Take note that
when using this option on the command line, if the DATA
subdirectory does not exist in the directory running G5
Setup from, it will be created, and the file(s) specified
on the command line will be created in the DATA
subdirectory.
/M - Fix marriage problems. This will set EVERY PLAYERS record to
read "Not Married" and will also set all of the mates at each
inn to "Not Married."
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
SUPPORT 12
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
If you need help with something about the game, or have a
question, comment or suggestion, feel free to contact me using
any of the methods below. Whether you are a registered owner or
a shareware evaluator, I will answer your questions to the best of
my ability, and help you out the best I can! Please keep in mind
however, that support to unregistered users is on an "as I can"
basis. All registered customers receive support first...
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
My BBS : The Last Call BBS! (313) 295-6284
Fido : 1:2410/903
Internet : tsmith2@voyager.net
WWW : http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Heights/2233
Voice : (313) 295-6287
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
I also frequent the following FidoNet echos,
DOORGAMES
ON_LINE_GAMES
DOORWARE
When/if sending me mail via a FidoNet echo, please address your
messages to THOMAS J SMITH with NO period after the J! The only
reason I use my full name and middle initial, is because there are
so many others in cyberspace with the same name as I! :( I am
constantly receiving echomail addressed to TOM SMITH on other
BBS's! :)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
WHAT TO DO IF THERE ARE PROBLEMS 13
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Every effort is made to ensure that the game runs correctly before
it leaves my BBS as Shareware. If you are experiencing problems
please do the following before contacting me...
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
1. Read ALL of the GALAXY5.DOC file and look through any other
text files to ensure you have setup the program correctly, and
have met all of the program requirements.
2. Check your IRQ numbers under "Node Setup" for each node. This
is the most common problem I am asked about. Do NOT enter the
COM port number in this field! IRQ & COM numbers are TOTALLY
different! If you use the wrong IRQ number, then the door
will load, and will not respond to the callers input, only
the local console. If you are using a fossil driver, then
enter a 0 in the IRQ number field for EVERY node.
3. Make sure you are calling the G5.BAT file from your BBS batch
file that runs Galaxy 5, and not GALAXY5.EXE. It is important
that you use "CALL G5.BAT 1" on the command line (replacing 1
with the proper node number, and using no quotes), instead of
running GALAXY5.EXE. The G5.BAT file will execute GALAXY5.EXE
properly.
4. Make sure you are changing to the Galaxy 5 directory from your
BBS batch file, and not running the game from your BBS drop
file directory! For example,
CD\DOORS\GALAXY5
CALL G5.BAT 1
And NOT like this,
CALL C:\DOORS\GALAXY5\G5.BAT 1
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
MULTINODE USE 14
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
This game supports multinode use and provides automatic mulit-
tasker support (time slice releasing) for a wide variety of
multi-taskers, and uses file locking routines so as not to cross
or lose data while multiple players are online at the same time.
Real time messages, and "node to node" battles are also supported!
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Common Problems (Locked Bauds, High Speed modems, etc)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
1. The game does NOT require a fossil driver to run, but it will
use yours if you are using one, and have specified 0 for the
IRQ numbers for every node.
2. If you are running a high speed modem (9600 baud or above),
then I suggest you run your bbs/mailer/doors at a locked baud
rate. On high speed error correcting modems, locking the baud
rate will have a noticeable increase on the speed of text
that is sent. It's beyond the scope of this document to
discuss configuring your BBS and mailer for a locked baud
rate, you may wish to consult those docs for information on
that. Here are a few things to keep in mind when setting up a
door with a locked baud rate...
a. When using a locked baud rate, I highly recommend using a
FOSSIL driver. This game will work at high speeds without
one though. BNU is a good fossil driver which can even be
loaded and unloaded before and after you run this game.
And for Win95 users, there is even the WinFossil driver,
which enhances communications for DOS applications ran
under Windows 95 (I use this one myself!).
b. If you are using a fossil, then make sure to tell the
fossil that the port is locked. For BNU, to lock COM1 at
38400, you would use something like "/L0:38400" on BNU's
command line. Note that 0 is used instead of 1. All COM
ports to BNU are decreased by one value. So COM 3 would be
2 to BUN, COM 4 would be 3, etc.
c. If you lock the baud for one program, it must be locked
for everything. You can't lock the baud for just this
game, but not your BBS/mailer.
3. What follows is some information on possible strange situat-
ions that may occur:
Corrupted data files
----------------------
It is possible that something could happen to your players data
file. A power outage, game crash, Xport problem, or other event
could damage the data files. If you get gibberish anywhere in the
game like when someone views their stats or anywhere else, then
the best thing to do is run the G5SETUP.EXE program and reset the
game, if it is a problem with player info being displayed
incorrectly. If it is a problem elsewhere, try running G5SETUP,
and choosing the "Create Fresh Data Files" option, to create new
data files where possible. Of course, there is no substitute for
backing up your data files directory every now and then! ;>
"File Is Missing"
-------------------
You will see this one whenever the game tries to display a file
that doesn't exist. If you still have your original G5xxx.ZIP
file, unzip it, and run INSTALL, NOT using the upgrade options. If
you do not wish to do it this way, then you can unzip the G5.ZIP
file (located inside G5xxx.ZIP), and copy over all of the files to
the proper directories, not overwriting any files that you have
customized. *.ANS & *.ASC to the SCREENS subdirectory, and *.DAT
to the DATA subdirectory.
"I/O Error"
-------------
This message is displayed when there is a problem reading from a
data file. Check your PLANETS.DAT file, to make sure there are 5
records in it, and that there are 5 records in the G5_MATES.DAT
file also. If this is not the problem, then another data file has
been screwed up somewhere somehow, possibly due to a system crash.
You can try using the "Create Fresh Data Files" option in G5SETUP,
and see if that fixes the problem.
"Overlay File Is Missing"
---------------------------
You will see this one when the game is booting up, if the
GALAXY5.OVR file could not be found in your home Galaxy 5
directory. If you still have the original G5xxx.ZIP archive, you
can unzip it, and unzip the G5.ZIP file (located inside G5xxx.ZIP)
then copy GALAXY5.OVR to your Galaxy 5 home directory (it also
wouldn't hurt to copy over the GALAXY5.EXE file also, as the two
may come from different versions if you only copy over one).
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
CREDITS 15
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Thanx go to the following people for helping out with Galaxy 5 in
one way or another! :)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
The callers of
The Last Call BBS! - Without the callers who played the game
during test phases, I probably never would
have been able to release this game!
Kenneth Bledsoe ---- For creating such a great door writing kit,
the UrDoor unit. If you are wanting to get
started writing doors in Turbo Pascal, and
want an easy to use powerful kit, this is it!
(if he ever shows up again!)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Thanx to the following Beta Test sites
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Tom McEachren - Wonderland BBS -------- (313) 274-3531
Tony Henson --- Line Noise ------------ Discontinued
Bruce Miller -- Millers Manor --------- (313) 595-8243
Bill LaBeau --- Late Night With Bills - (313) 283-3225
Tony Zarzecki - The Evil Crypt -------- (313) 538-3762
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Thanx to Felicia, my 3 year old daughter for helping me with the
registrations I send out via postal mail! Don't know what I'd
do without her! :)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
MUCHO thanx to MudShark for all the great ANSI's he created for
the game! And now for all of the utilities and Xports hes putting
together! He can be reached through my BBS under his real name,
Paul Slinski, or in the DOORGAMES and ON_LINE_GAMES echos on
FidoNet which he also frequents regularly, or his internet
address, mudshark3@juno.com
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Thanx to Ron Porter for calling my system and helping test the
game. He helped alot with testing the online two player battles.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
The Error Log Unit was used to trap run-time errors to the
ERROR.LOG file. The Error Log Unit is a freeware unit created by
Bob Dalton, and so far, has worked great! :)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
I also used a few snippets from Bob Daltons sample sysop
documentation included with the DDplus door driver package to
write this documentation.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
WHERE TO REACH ME 16
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Voice Phone -=≡=- (313) 295-6287
The Last Call BBS! -=≡=- (313) 295-6284, Home of -Noel Software-
FIDO -=≡=- 1:2410/903
Internet E-Mail -=≡=- tsmith2@voyager.net
WWW -=≡=- http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Heights/2233
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
REGISTRATION 17
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
** CREDIT CARD ORDERS ACCEPTED ONLINE **
Visa, MasterCard, and Discover cards accepted!
You may register Galaxy 5 with a credit card in one of these ways,
- Call The Last Call BBS! at (313) 295-6284 and choose the
(O)nline Orders option from the main menu.
- Visit our WWW home page (listed just above), and choose the
"Register -Noel Software- Online" option.
- Use the REGISTER.TXT form to pay for your registration with your
credit card (see REGISTER.TXT for info), and either mail it,
e-mail it, or crash it to my fido address.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
If you or your users enjoy this game, then you may wish to
consider registration. It costs only 15 bucks, and will allow you
to change almost anything about the game, and will display your
name as "Registered By" instead of reading "This is an evaluation
copy of Galaxy 5" and players can pass level 8! Information on how
to register is shown in the enclosed REGISTER.TXT file. Included
with your registration is lifetime free updates, you never have to
pay an extra charge for future upgrades, minor or major! It is even
possible to register the game for home use, even if you do not run
a BBS! You and your family can enjoy it privately! :) To register
this game just print out the REGISTER.TXT file included with the
game and send it in with your check or money order to:
Thomas J. Smith
26910 Beverly
Taylor, MI 48180
If you can not print out the REGISTER.TXT form, then you can write
one with the same info asked for on your own sheet of paper. The
format does not have to be the same, just try to include all of
the information asked for in the registration form.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
You may also run G5 Setup, and choose the "Register Galaxy 5"
option from the main menu. This is the easiest way, as it will
allow you to enter all of the info needed for registration in the
same format as the rest of G5 Setup, then you can either print the
info to your printer, or save it to a file on disk!
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Reminder: You will be mailed a GALAXY5.KEY file by either postal
mail, by downloading it from The Last Call BBS!, by polling my
system at 1:2410/903 (FidoNet) 5-7 days after sending in your
registration, or uuencoded to your e-mail address, your choice, as
listed in the REGISTER.TXT file, with your registration. All you
have to do after receiving your key file, is put it in your home
Galaxy 5 directory, and all registered features will be
"unlocked!" Many months and hours of work went into creating this
game, and I think you will feel that it is well worth the money!
:) I have more than contributed to fellow SysOps with the
development of many fine freeware programs, as I understand
completely the high costs of running a BBS, especially as a hobby
(as I do)! A lot of work went into the development of Galaxy 5,
and I think you will find the price is lower than alot of other
door games not nearly as big as Galaxy 5!
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
BUG REPORTS/COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS 18
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
* If you find a bug in the game, by all means, TELL ME ABOUT IT! *
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
I have made every attempt to make sure the game is free of bugs,
BUT the possibility always exists that one may have gotten by me,
or the testers. If you find a bug, or have a suggestion or comment
to make which would make future versions better, please fill out
the BUGFOUND.TXT form (print it out if mailing it), and send it to
me by uploading it to my BBS, sending crash through FIDO, or if
you want, you can even put it in an envelope, stamp it, and send
it through postal mail, along with your configuration files, batch
files, and if they exist in your Galaxy 5 directory, ERROR.LOG &
GALAXY5.LOG. I DO read ALL of them and those people that have made
suggestions in the past, can tell you, I have implemented almost
every one of them as suggested, so long as they were usable ideas.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
FIDO INFORMATION 19
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
My BBS supports file "freq"ing at 2400 to 28.8 baud. Just request
G5 from 1:2410/903 for Galaxy 5. I also have a few other useful
BBS utilities, 90% of which are freeware! For a list of all
"freqable" programs from -Noel Software-, freq LIST, FILES, or
NOEL from 1:2410/903 and you will receive a text listing of all my
programs, all of which are also "freqable."
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
=----=≡=- END OF DOC -=≡=----=