FAQ is an acronym for Frequently Asked Questions. This FAQ is an attempt to provide a comprehensive source of information about the game Escape Velocity, and was created in response to questions that are frequently raised by our customers. We hope you find it useful.
If there are any questions you have about Escape Velocity that are not answered in this FAQ, please get in touch with us so we can include them in future revisions.
This document is provided as is, without any expressed or implied warranties. While every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this document, the author assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
[A] - Escape Velocity spans a number of genres, combining elements of classic "trading" games, arcade space shoot-outs, and strategy simulations. Whether you choose to build a trading empire, aid the Rebellion in a civil war, or strike out on your own as a ruthless pirate, Escape Velocity provides a multitude of options for the game connoisseur. This open-ended game play allows each player to chart their own course as they play. There is no "right" way to play Escape Velocity, as long as you have fun.
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[Q] - What computer do I need in order to play Escape Velocity?
[A] - Escape Velocity works on any Macintosh with a 256 color display, 13" or greater and at least 6Mb of free memory however, because Escape Velocity uses the entire screen when you play, players with larger monitors will need more RAM. A 68040 or PowerPC Macintosh is recommended, but not required.
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[Q] - Who makes Escape Velocity and how can I get in touch with them?
[A] - Escape Velocity is published as shareware by Ambrosia Software, Inc., a Macintosh-only, shareware-only company. The game itself was written by Matt Burch. To get in touch with Ambrosia, you can use any of the following methods:
Ambrosia Software, Inc.
PO Box 23140
Rochester, NY 14692
Tel: 716.325.1910 (technical support)
800.231.1816 (orders only)
Fax: 716.325.3665
America Online: AmbrosiaSW
CompuServe: 74777,1147
GEnie: AmbrosiaSW
Internet: help@AmbrosiaSW.com (technical support)
register@AmbrosiaSW.com (orders only)
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[Q] - Where can I obtain Escape Velocity?
[A] - The latest version of Escape Velocity is always available in the Ambrosia Software, Inc. forums on the following services:
• America Online: While you are signed on AOL, choose Keyword... from the GO TO menu, type AMBROSIA and hit the return key.
• CompuServe: While you are signed on CompuServe, use GO word AMBROSIA to reach the Mac Vender D area, where Ambrosia Software, maintains a forum.
• Internet: Visit our web site at http://www.AmbrosiaSW.com/ or our ftp site at ftp://ftp.AmbrosiaSW.com/
Because our focus is distributing software electronically, we do not send our products out on disk. If you do not have access to any of the aforementioned digital watering holes, you can still obtain our products however.
We've made arrangements with the PD/Shareware distributor Arizona Mac Users Group so that they carry the full line of up-to-date Ambrosia products. To order an Ambrosia Software, Inc. product and have it sent to you on disk, please call AMUG at 602.553.8966. You can also fax your order, or any questions about ordering, to 602.553.8771.
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[Q] - What is the latest version of Escape Velocity?
[A] - The current version of Escape Velocity is 1.0.4, dated 12/10/96.
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[Q] - How much does Escape Velocity cost, and how do I pay for it?
[A] - Escape Velocity costs $20 US funds. Escape Velocity has an integrated registration system that allows you to easily register the product a number of ways: cash/check/money order/credit card via US mail, credit card via fax, or credit card via eMail. Simply launch Escape Velocity, and click on the Register... button in the splash screen that appears. You'll be painlessly led through the registration system.
If you have access to the World Wide Web, you can register electronically via our web site. Please have your Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express credit card handy. Simply fire up your Web browser and point it at Ambrosia's Web site: http://www.AmbrosiaSW.com/. Once our home page has loaded in, click on the Online Registration icon, and follow the easy, step-by-step registration instructions from there.
Ambrosia Software, Inc. also has a toll free order line that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please have your Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express credit card handy. Please note that this is an order-only line, staffed by non-Ambrosia people. They will not be able to answer any technical support questions. Inside the US and Canada, please call: 800.231.1816. Outside of the US and Canada, or for technical support, please call 716.325.1910.
After we have processed your registration, you will receive a license code that you enter to complete the registration process. This code removes the shareware notices and personalizes your copy of the product.
To enter your license code, simply double-click on the Register Escape Velocity application and follow the instructions that are presented to you. To enter your license code, click on the Enter Code button, and make sure you enter all of the license information exactly as it was sent to you. That's all there is to it.
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[Q] - Why should I register (pay for) Escape Velocity?
[A] - We're attempting to offer high quality products at a low price, on a "try before you buy" basis. Supporting us by registering Escape Velocity -- assuming you like the game -- is the only way you can ensure that we will continue to produce more high quality software distributed as shareware.
Beyond that, you will receive a license code that removes the shareware notices and personalizes Escape Velocity with your name, giving you a legal copy of Escape Velocity on your Macintosh. On top of all of this, Captain Hector will leave you alone.
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[Q] - My license code is invalid; what's wrong?
[A] - The license code you were sent is based on your name as you gave it to us when you registered. Make sure that you are entering your name EXACTLY as it appears on your registration confirmation. If you still have a problem with your license code not working, please get in contact with us and we will take care of the situation for you.
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[Q] - Will there be future versions of Escape Velocity?
[A] - We consider Escape Velocity a "done" work. We will of course continue to maintain the game by fixing bugs and adding ancillary features, but we will not be making changes to the basic game itself.
Because of Escape Velocity's open-ended architecture, it is possible to create other universes for the game, as well as new ships, new weapons, new missions, new systems, etc... The possibilities are endless. As a result, Escape Velocity will be fresh for years to come. If you are interested in creating such "Plug-Ins" for Escape Velocity, you should subscribe to the delta_v mailing list, which can be found under the Support section of our web site.
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[Q] - Will Escape Velocity ever be networkable?
[A] - Unfortunately, no. This is a frequently requested feature, but the work that would be necessary to create a "common" universe would be the equivalent of writing the program again from scratch.
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[Q] - Will Escape Velocity ever be ported to DOS or Windows 95?
[A] - Ambrosia has no plans to port Escape Velocity, or any of our other products, over to DOS/Windows 95. Sorry, not to be snobby, but we lack the know-how, time, and inclination to undertake such a project, so it doesn't look like it is going to happen.
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[Q] - I downloaded Escape Velocity, but it is in MacBinary format (.bin). How do I convert the file?
[A] - Stuffit Expander from Aladdin Systems (http://www.AladdinSys.com/) will expand the file. A BinHex version of Escape Velocity adds about 2mb to the file, so a MacBinary version is available as well.
[A] - Read the first few chapters of the Escape Velocity Documentation before you start. Everything you need to know in order to begin playing Escape Velocity can be found right there.
Once you get the basics down, how you play the game is entirely up to you. Escape Velocity is an open-ended game that allows you to choose your own course of action.
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[Q] - How can I pause or abort a game?
[A] - The Escape (ESC) key pauses Escape Velocity while you are in the middle of a game, allowing you to take a breather or switch out to another application if you desire. To resume a game after you've paused it, simply click on the Enter Ship button.
To quit the program quickly, use the key combination: Command-Q. This will exit Escape Velocity and return you to the Finder.
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[Q] - Are there cheat codes in Escape Velocity?
[A] - No.
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[Q] - How can I save a pilot?
[A] - Your pilot file is automatically saved every time you land on a planet.
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[Q] - What is the Strict Play option?
[A] - If you choose to play by "Strict" rules, when your pilot dies, he is truly dead (so make sure you are quick to jettison in your escape pod). If you do go down with the ship, your pilot file will record your death and you will have to start with a new one.
If you decide NOT to play by "Strict" rules, when your pilot dies, you can simply click on the Open Pilot button and resume play beginning from the last planet you had landed on.
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[Q] - Can I jump through multiple systems at once?
[A] - If you are planning a series of jumps (to a far away system, perhaps), you can use the Hyperspace Route Planning feature. Instead of merely clicking on a bordering system, what you have to do is Shift-click on systems along your chosen route, from closest to furthest in succession. Clicking on the Clear Route button resets you flight plan. Whenever you enter a new system, your ship will automatically call up the next destination on the navigation computer. All you have to do is hit the Jump (default: J) key to start the next jump. Note that this doesn't speed up the travel time, it just saves you the trouble of going to the map each jump.
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[Q] - What is gambling for?
[A] - Gambling is one of the few remaining forms of entertainment left in the galaxy. Gambling is also a way to increase or decrease (depending on your luck) that all important money supply.
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[Q] - How do I receive new missions?
[A] - You can access a spaceport’s mission computer by clicking on the Mission Computer button while you’re landed on a planet or docked at a space station. A list of available missions, if any, will appear. Click on any of the missions to get a description of it, or click on Accept Mission to accept it. Note that the mission computer automatically scans your ship registry when you key in your access code and tailors the list of missions to fit your ship.
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[Q] - How do you improve your legal status in a system?
[A] - The best way to improve your legal status in a system is to destroy the pirates in that system or by attacking that system's enemies. Completing missions for a system, or for the system's government is another way to improve your legal status.
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[Q] - How do I join a particular government?
[A] - Aligning yourself with a particular government can be intentional or unintentional. The easiest way is to frequent systems and planets of that government and accept missions that are offered in the spaceport bars. However, through unplanned events, you may not have a choice in which government you choose, since you may have destroyed one too many of the opposing government's ships.
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[Q] - Is there a find feature for the map?
[A] - No. However, it is useful to hit the Map (default: M) key while looking at prospective missions. A green arrow will point to the corresponding system to indicate its location.
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[Q] - How do I select different planets in the system?
[A] - By hitting the Land (default: L) key, the nearest planet or station will be selected. Use the F1 through F4 keys to select other available planets in the system. (Command-1 through Command-4 on keyboards that lack function keys).
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[Q] - I purchased a few missiles but, they do not show up in my secondary weapons and they will not launch; why?
[A] - In order to be able to use certain weapons, you need to obtain a launcher for the weapon. Buying missiles without buying a missile launcher will not do you much good.
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[Q] - Some of my escorts simply do NOT fight back; why?
[A] - An escort's behavior is determined by the way the escort is obtained. Escorts hired from a spaceport bar and escorts assigned to you through a mission you’ve accepted will defend you if you are attacked. Escorts that are captured generally will not do much for you in terms of defense. The best escorts are the fighters you purchase. The main difference between fighters and "normal" escorts is that you have a finer degree of control over your fighters’ actions. "Normal" escorts will only fight ships that are a threat to you, whereas you can order your fighters to attack specific targets.
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[Q] - How do you fire escorts, or release them from servitude?
[A] - As a convenience, your targeting computer will automatically "skip over" your fighters and escorts when you’re cycling through the ships in the system by hitting the Target Select (default: Tab) key. However, if you still want to select them, you can hold down the Option key to force your targeting computer to include fighters and escorts. You can use this if you want to fire one of the escorts you’ve hired: just hail the ship and click on the button that says Release from Servitude.
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[Q] - Why can't I board a ship twice?
[A] - Disabled ships can only be boarded once. If you try to capture a ship and fail, you will not be able to board it again.
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[Q] - Why are there ships I can't board at all?
[A] - These ships are related in some way to one of the missions you have accepted. For example; if your mission is to transport ships to another system, you are not allowed to disable, board, or take their cargo.
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[Q] - Why can't I use my escorts for mission related cargo?
[A] - When accepting a mission that requires the transportation of cargo, you can only use the space on your ship for stashing away cargo. Cargo space on your escort ships can only hold commodity cargo for trading. An escort containing mission related cargo runs the risk of being destroyed, thus putting the mission in jeopardy. Your benefactors trust you, not your hired guns or escorts.
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[Q] - How do I get special items, such as; the cloaking device, particle beam or the tractor beam?
[A] - You can obtain these special items through missions offered to you. Where and when these missions are offered can be found by playing the game. You will know it when it happens.
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[Q] - Can I purchase Rebel or Confederate ships?
[A] - These ship cannot be readily purchased in the game. However, with the completing of a particular mission, you will be rewarded with the ability to buy these ships.
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[Q] - I have a mission to insert Rebel Commandos on Luna, but they don't get off of my ship when I land; why not?
[A] - The Confederates have the ability to scan your ship, which is why you were given the cloaking device. However, if the Confederates catch you, the mission will automatically fail. This is indicated by a bullet in the mission dialog. If you get scanned by the Confederates, you will have to go back and start the mission again.
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[Q] - I have been commisisoned to find and destroy an alien cruiser, but I can't find it; where is it?
[A] - The alien cruiser is a tough cookie. It's hard to find, and it's hard to detroy. We suggest that you do not give up hope, it's out there waiting for you.
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[Q] - What the heck is a forklift?
[A] - A forklift is the nuclear bomb of the 23rd Century. Only special pilots are able to use the forklift. It is obtained through an Easter egg in the game. Please do not ask us how to find it; it is a secret.
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[Q] - Why can't I hit anything with my space bombs?
[A] - Space bombs are launched with half of your ship's velocity, and then they "sail" unguided through space. Whenever they get near a ship, they detonate. The simplest way to use a bomb is to fly over your enemy and drop one. Another way is to fly backwards directly towards your target, then drop the bomb and hit the afterburners. You can also "lob" space bombs at ships since they go the direction you're going at the time of launch. It is feasible to use them as mines as well: if you drop one while you are stopped, it stays stationary.
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[Q] - A planet won't let me land, and I am tired of paying bribes. What can I do?
[A] - If you are in bad standing with a planet, you can try to improve your image by doing good deeds for the system, such as killing pirates or doing missions for the system's government. On the other hand, you can simply take over the planet and make it yours. In order to do this, you need at least a "Deadly" rating. You also need to defeat the planet's defense fleet. To initiate this process, communicate with the planet and demand tribute.
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[Q] - How do I communicate with a planet?
[A] - The Land (default: L) key, selects the nearest planet or station. The F1 through F4 keys will select other available planets and stations in the system. Once you have the planet you wish to contact selected, hit the Communicate (default: Y) key. As long as you do not have any ships targeted, a dialog box will appear with the planet's response to your hail, along with different dialog choices.
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[Q] - How can I improve my chances of capturing a ship?
[A] - The larger the number of crew in your fleet, the higher your chances of capturing an enemy ship. Shield strength also makes a difference when your capture odds are calculated.
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[Q] - Does Captain Hector serve any real purpose?
[A] - Of course Hector serves a purpose. Hector is there to remind you that Escape Velocity is a shareware product. You have 30 days to try Escape Velocity before registering. Hector keeps track of the days and can become a nuisance when the trial period expires. If you enjoy Escape Velocity, please take the time and register.
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[Q] - I can't launch any space-borne ships; why?
[A] - You need a launching bay on your main ship in order to use space-borne ships. After you purchase ships for your bay, simply cycle through your secondary weapons until it lists either Hawks or Lightnings. You can then fire the space-borne ships like you would any other weapon. Option-Recall (default: C) recalls them back to your ship's bay. This can be used strategically since space-borne ships get instantly repaired and rearmed when recalled.
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[Q] - I want to write my own missions and create my own galaxies; is this possible?
[A] - Editors for Escape Velocity have been created that allow for the creation of third party universes, missions, ships, weapons, and planets. In fact, a whole new story line can be created for Escape Velocity to provide players with more to explore. We have set up a mailing list called delta_v, where many of the authors of these new worlds can be contacted for questions and collaboration.
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[Q] - I think I saw someone from Ambrosia flying a ship; was I hallucinating?
[A] - Nope. Everyone at Ambrosia has their own ship. However, if you capture one of us, you may find yourself at the wrong end of a photon torpedo.
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[Q] - Is there an end to the game?
[A] - No, however it is feasible to dominate all of the planets and find yourself in a galaxy that you fully control.
[Q] - Does Escape Velocity work on a PowerMac? Is it PowerPC native?
[A] - Escape Velocity is 100% PowerPC native, but ships as a "fat" application, so the same version will run on 68K Macs as well.
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[Q] - Why does the sound occasionally break up?
[A] - Certain video cards may cause the sound to break up during fades. This is because all video card drivers turn off interrupts while they are changing color table entries, and some video cards do not handle color table changes in an optimal manner. Since interrupts are off while the video card is changing color table entries, the Sound Manager cannot service the sound chip quickly enough, and the sound breaks up.
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[Q] - Will Virtual Memory or RAM Doubler affect game play?
[A] - If you have virtual memory turned on or are using the RAM Doubler extension, it may slow down Escape Velocity's game play. This is unavoidable; the only solution is to turn virtual memory or RAM Doubler off before playing Escape Velocity.
On slower machines, virtual memory or RAM Doubler may also cause the sound to breakup or screech on occasion. We recommend against using virtual memory or RAM Doubler while playing Escape Velocity (or any other game for that matter), but it does work.
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[Q] - Why does the game slow down when there are many ships in a system? Is there anything I can do about it?
[A] - Escape Velocity has to control all of the ships in a sector, therefore the more ships present, the more the program has to do. If there are many ships in the sector, you may experience animation slowdown. This is because your CPU in your machine is reaching it's limit and is processing as fast as it can. This will cause the game to slow down.
Many times this happens during combat, and the slow animation can make fighting difficult. We have included a feature that should help in these situations. By locking down the Caps Lock key, the game will run at 2X the speed. This skips every other frame of animation, and should help in these situations.
Players on slower Macintosh computers (such as the machines based on the 030 chip) may also want to use this feature to help with the flight between systems and during battle.
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[Q] - I'm experiencing some problems with Escape Velocity such as crashes, inconsistant missions, and other bugs; what can I do?
[A] - Earlier versions of Escape Velocity did have some bugs, but all were tracked down in version 1.0.2. The first thing you should do is make sure you have this version.
Also, some plug-ins can be buggy. If you are using any plug-ins, remove them to see if this solves the problems. If not, please contact our Tech Support department and explain the problem you are having.
[Q] - What language is Escape Velocity written in?
[A] - Escape Velocity is about 100,000 lines of code, not counting libraries. It was all written in C. Initially it was written in THINK C on Matt's Quadra 630, and then he moved over to CodeWarrior. It uses the Ambrosia Monitor_Tool for monitor selection and effects, as well as the Sound_Tool for 8 channel stereo binaural sound effects.
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[Q] - Who did the artwork for Escape Velocity?
[A] - Matt Burch did all the graphics, with the exception of the splash screen and menu screen graphics, which were done by Mark W. Lewis.
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[Q] - When was Escape Velocity first released?
[A] - Escape Velocity was first released in early May 1996.
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[Q] - How long did it take to create Escape Velocity?
[A] - Escape Velocity took approximately 13 months from conception to release.
