PC Gamer 4.2/1998-08_Disc_4.2.iso/hb6demo/controls.txt

Text File | 1998-04-16 | 19KB | 438 lines

HardBall 6 demo: Mouse, Keyboard and Joystick Controls
======================================================

Menus and Options
-----------------

You can use a mouse, keyboard or joystick/gamepad (mouse or keyboard
required for some menus), to move through menus and launch game
functions. To control hitters, pitchers and fielders during a game,
you must use one of three controllers: keyboard, keypad (listed as
keyboard 2), or joystick/gamepad. Note: Two Gravis Pro or Microsoft
Sidewinder GamePads can be daisy-chained on one port.

To Select Or Launch a Menu Item:
* Keyboard:   <ENTER>
* Mouse:      Left-click
* Joystick:   Button 1

To Change Menu Lists:
* Keyboard:   <TAB> or <UP/DOWN> arrow keys
* Mouse:      Left or right-click (depending on the menu)
* Joystick:   Button 2

To Scroll Up or Down:
* Keyboard:   <UP/DOWN> arrow keys
* Mouse:      Left-click, hold and drag a slider bar
* Joystick:   Move the joystick UP or DOWN once (Gamepad: Tap D-pad in
              the appropriate direction) to advance one line at a time.

To Set Custom Fielder Positions
-------------------------------

* Keyboard:   Tap <LEFT/RIGHT> cursor keys to cycle through the fielders.
              Press <ENTER> to select. Tap arrow keys to move the fielder
              to a new location. Press <ENTER> to set the fielder.
* Mouse:      Click on a fielder, hold and drag to a new location. Release
              the mouse button to set the fielder.
* Joystick:   To cycle through the fielders, move the joystick left/right
              or up/down (Gamepad: Tap D-pad in the appropriate direction).
              Press Button 1 to select a fielder. Move the joystick, or tap
              the D-pad on a gamepad, to move the fielder to a new location.
              Tap Button 1 to set the fielder.

Special Gamepad Controls
------------------------

In addition to the controls for pitching, hitting, running and
fielding, some gamepads include special action buttons.

All Gamepads:
Press the Button #10 (Start) to call a timeout at any point that <ESC>
would perform the same function. Press Button #9 to cycle through the
five Fielding Camera modes.

Keyboard Shortcuts
Although you can access most menus and features with a few simple mouse
clicks, there are times when a keyboard shortcut is the quickest way to
issue a command.

* <ALT + F4>    Close HardBall 6
* <Alt + ENTER> Toggle between full screen and window display
        Note: Your video display must be set to 16-bit color for
                the window display setting.

Camera Hot Keys
* <1> Normal view
* <2> Press box view
* <3> Ground level view
* <4> Crane shot view
* <5> Random camera

Defensive Positioning
* <6> Tap repeatedly to cycle through outfield alignments
* <7> Tap repeatedly to cycle through infield alignments

Graphics Hot Keys
* <F7> Perspective Correct Rendering: Toggle ON/OFF
* <F8> Pan and Zoom Mode: Toggle ON/OFF

Controlling Players On The Field
================================

Pitching
--------
If you use every available option, throwing a pitch consists of three
steps: Strategy, Pitch Selection and Release/Aim. With runners on
base, you can also attempt a pick-off, instead of releasing the ball
to the batter. Strategy and Aim are optional, so if you are the type
who likes to work quickly, simply select a pitch and throw the ball.
The following instructions assume that you are using a gamepad or
joystick.  Note: Moving the D-pad on a gamepad is the same as moving
the joystick handle. Keyboard controls follow each description.

To Complete a Pitch:

1. Choose a Strategy: Use the D-pad to highlight Strategy, and then
tap button #1. While holding down the D-pad in the appropriate
direction, tap button #1 to choose one of the following options: Walk
Batter to issue an immediate intentional walk; IF:Normal to cycle
through infield alignments; or OF:Normal to cycle through outfield
alignments. After changing IF or OF alignments, Select Pitch is
highlighted. Tap button #1 to return to the Pitching Box.

Keyboard: To open the Strategy menu, tap the <DOWN> arrow. Press the
appropriate <ARROW> key to select a strategy; or, simply tap <ENTER>
to return to the Pitching Box. To select infield and outfield
alignments, press and hold <arrow> key and tap <enter> to cycle
through the choices.

2. Select a Pitch: The Pitching Box displays up to four pitches. The
selection varies according to the pitcher's repertoire. Hold down the
D-pad to highlight a pitch, and tap button #1 to close the Pitching
Box and wait for the hitter to step into the box.

Keyboard: To select a pitch, tap the appropriate arrow key, or press
<ENTER> to choose the middle pitch.

3. Release/Aim The Ball: Once the batter is set, tap button #1 to
release the pitch. During the windup and before the release, use the
D-pad to aim the ball. It will take practice to learn how to alter
your pitch with the D-pad. The longer you hold down the D-pad, the
more severe the directional change will be. If the Pitching Crosshair
is active, you have the added benefit of aiming a crosshair within
the yellow strike zone box. Once the pitch is on its way, get ready
to control your fielders. Note: The crosshair disappears sooner in a
two-player game. This keeps your opponent from seeing where you are
aiming the pitch.

Keyboard: Tap <ENTER> to begin the windup. Use the arrow keys to aim
the pitch.

4. Pickoff Attempt: After selecting a pitch type, press and hold the
D-pad in the direction of the desired base (see the following note),
and then tap button #2 to attempt a pick-off. It is possible to make
an errant pick-off throw, allowing the runner(s) to move up.

Keyboard: After selecting a pitch type, hold down the arrow key for
the desired base, and tap <BACKSPACE> to complete the pick-off
attempt.

Note: When attempting a pick-off, the directional arrows are based on
your current view, as listed below:

             From Behind The Mound       From Behind Home Plate
 First Base      Left Arrow                  Right Arrow
 Second Base     Down Arrow                  Up Arrow
 Third Base      Right Arrow                 Left Arrow

Pitcher's Status Bar: When a pitcher first enters the game, either as
a starter or reliever, a white status bar appears under his name in
the Pitching Options Box. As the game goes on, the white bar
gradually decreases, as the pitcher tires. For more detailed
information, tap the <ESC> key and click on your team logo to open
the Bullpen screen, where you can check your pitcher's Status, Pitch
Summary and Last 10 pitches.


Hitting
-------
If you use every available option, swinging the bat consists of three
steps: Strategy, Swing Selection and Swing Location. Strategy and
Swing Location are optional, so if you would rather just grab a bat
and take your hacks, simply pick a swing and let 'er rip. The
following instructions assume that you are using a gamepad or
joystick.

Moving the D-pad on a gamepad is the same as moving the joystick
handle. Keyboard controls follow each description.

To Complete a Swing:

1. Choose a Strategy (only with runners on base): Use the D-pad to
highlight Strategy, and then press button #1. The strategy selection
is depends on the  number of base runners. While holding down the
D-pad, press button #1 to choose one of the following: Hit & Run, to
send the runner as the pitch is thrown (at least one base runner);
Steal, to attempt a stolen base (at least one base runner); Squeeze,
to direct a runner on third to break for the plate while the batter
attempts a bunt (runner on third); and Double Steal, to direct two
runners to steal bases (runners on first/second or second/third). The
Swing Selection box re-appears automatically after making a strategy
selection.

Keyboard: Tap the <DOWN> arrow to open the Strategy menu. Tap the
appropriate arrow key to select a strategy, or press <ENTER> to
select a swing.

2. Swing Selection: Hold down the D-pad to highlight one of the
following swing types and press button #1 to make the selection:
Opposite: Swing to hit the ball to the opposite field (right-handed
hitters go to right field; left-handed hitters go to left); Power:
You have a better chance of hitting the long ball, but an increased
chance of making an out; Contact: A normal swing; or Bunt: Lay one
down to advance a base runner, or leg out an infield hit.

Keyboard: Tap the appropriate arrow key to select a swing (press
<ENTER> to choose Contact).

3. Swing Location: After choosing a swing, the pitcher will throw the
ball. As the ball is released, use the D-pad to pick a swing
location, and press button #1 to swing the bat. It will take practice
to learn how to time your swing, and without the aid of the pitching
crosshair, you'll have to guess at the pitch location. If the
Pitching Crosshair is active, you have the added benefit of seeing
where the pitcher is aiming the ball, and whether it is likely to be
in the strike zone.

Keyboard: Use the arrow keys to select a swing location, and tap
<ENTER> to swing the bat (or tap the arrow key after the ball is
released).

4. Optional Swing Types (Gamepad): After the pitcher releases the
ball, tap button #1 for a normal swing, button #2 for a swing more
likely to produce a ground ball, or button #3 to increase your
chances of hitting a fly ball. Note: The likelihood of a player
hitting a ground ball or fly ball is also influenced by his ground
ball/fly ball rating.

Fielding
--------
If Fielding and Throwing are enabled under Manager Options, you
control every aspect of defense on the field, including catching fly
balls, fielding grounders and throwing the ball to the proper base or
cut-off man. The following instructions assume that you are using a
gamepad or joystick. Moving the D-pad on a gamepad is the same as
moving the joystick handle. Keyboard controls follow each
description.

To Catch The Ball:

Point the joystick handle, or D-pad on your gamepad, to move the
fielder in the direction of the ball. If Fielding Marker is enabled
under Level of Play, a blue circle will mark the landing point of the
ball. Position the fielder on the marker, or under the ball (if the
marker is disabled) to make the catch. To jump or dive for the ball,
tap button #2. If the ball goes past the fielder under your control,
tap button #1 to immediately select the fielder closest to the ball.

Note: When the selected fielder is off the screen, a yellow circle
appears at the edge of the field. Move the circle toward the ball to
bring the fielder back into view. Tap button #3 to give your fielder
a speed burst in the direction that he is moving.

Keyboard: Press and hold the appropriate arrow key to move the
fielder toward the ball. Tap <BACKSPACE> to jump or dive for the
ball. Tap <ENTER> to select the fielder closest to the ball.

To Throw The Ball:

Point the D-pad on your gamepad, or joystick handle, in the direction
of the base to which you are throwing. The bases are configured in a
diamond shape on your controller. First base is to the right, second
base is up, third base is to the left, and home plate is down. While
pointing to a base, tap button #1 to release a normal throw.

From the outfield, tap button #2 to make an aggressive throw to the
selected base, bypassing the cut-off man. Press and hold button #3 to
hold the ball and run to the selected base.

Keyboard: Press and hold the appropriate arrow key in the direction
of the base to which you are throwing (First Base: <RIGHT>; Second
Base:  <UP>; Third Base: <LEFT>; Home Plate: <DOWN>. While holding
down the arrow key, tap <ENTER> to release a normal throw. Tap
<BACKSPACE> to bypass the cutoff man on a throw from the outfield.

Base Running:

When you activate Base Running under Manager Options in the Controls
section, you assume complete control over base running and stealing
(if Base Stealing is selected under Level of Play). The runner goes
immediately to first base on a batted ball, however you must direct
him to continue, by pointing at the next base with your controller.

Note: The bases are in a diamond configuration on your controller;
First Base - Right, Second Base - Up, Third Base - Left, Home Plate -
Down.

If more than one runner is on base, point to each base that you are
trying to reach; or tap button #4 to advance all runners one base.
The following base running options are available for joystick/gamepad
users (your options may vary, depending on the number of buttons on
your controller):

BEFORE THE PITCH IS RELEASED
ACTION                DESCRIPTION
Retreat to base       Press the D-pad in the direction of the base as you
                      tap the #1 button
Increase lead-off     Tap the D-pad in the direction of the base.
Steal                 Press the D-pad in the direction of the base as you
                      tap the #2 button
Steal All             Tap the #3 button
Lead-off all runners  Tap the #4 button
Retreat all runners   Tap the #5 button

AFTER THE PITCH
ACTION                DESCRIPTION
Retreat to base       Press the D-pad in the direction of the base as you
                      tap the #1 button
Advance all runners   Press the #4 button
1 base
Retreat all runners   Press the #5 button
Advance a runner      Press the D-pad in the direction of a base to advance
                      the runner

KEYBOARD CONTROLS
ACTION                DESCRIPTION
Retreat to base       Hold down the arrow key in the direction of the
                      previous base and press <ENTER>
Increase Lead-off     Tap the arrow key in the direction of the next base
Steal                 Hold down the arrow key in the direction of the base
              <BACKSPACE> when the pitcher starts his windup
Advance               Press the arrow key in the direction of the base
                      after the pitch is released


HardBall 6 PC GamePad Controls:
===============================
The Start button (button #10) is used to call a timeout anywhere that
<ESC> would normally work.

On the Microsoft Sidewinder GamePad, the M button is used for changing
the current camera mode.

OFFENSE (before pitcher releases the ball)
1      Retreat to base (use D-pad to indicate which runner)
2      Steal (use D-pad to indicate which runner)
3      Steal All (same as menu option)
4      Lead off all runners
5      Retreat all runners

D-pad  Extend lead-off. If extended far enough, start stealing.

OFFENSE/BATTING (during pitched ball)
Batter panel is used to select these:
* Power swing (aggressive swing)
* Contact swing (conservative swing)
* Bunt
* Pull swing (more likely to pull the ball)

Once a ball leaves the pitcher's hand:
1      Swing
2      Swing (more likely to be a grounder)
3      Swing (more likely to be a fly)

D-pad  Aim bat (swing location) high/low/inside/outside etc. for
       more likely contact.

BASE RUNNING
1      Retreat to base (use D-pad to indicate which runner)
2      Steal (use D-pad to indicate which base)
3      Steal all bases
4      Advance all runners 1 base
5      Retreat all runners

D-pad  Advance runner

PITCHING
1      Select pitch
2      Pickoff at selected base

D-pad  Aim the ball high/low/inside/outside (when pitching)
       Select pickoff base (when picking off)

FIELDING
1      Select fielder closest to ball
2      Jump or dive
3      Speed burst

D-pad  Move player in selected direction

DEFENSE (with the ball)
1      Normal throw, uses cut-off man if necessary. Destination base
       indicated by D-pad
2      Aggressive throw (bypass cut-off man). Destination base
       indicated by D-pad
3      Run to base with ball. Destination base indicated by D-pad

D-pad  Move player in selected direction


GRAPHICS:
=========
You can change or adjust many of the display features of HardBall 6.

* Stadium: Click on the current stadium to return to the Select Stadium
screen. Click on another stadium, or drag the silver slider bar up or
down to view the remaining  stadiums in the list.

* Batting Camera: Select Behind Mound, to view the action from behind
the pitcher (best view for pitching); Behind Home Plate, to look out
toward the pitcher (best view for hitting); or Both, to use Behind
Mound for pitching and Behind Home Plate for hitting (recommended for
solo play against the computer).

* Fielding Camera: Select one of the following camera angles to use
after the ball is hit.
Normal:       The camera tracks the play from just above the fielders. Choose
              this view for a better 3-D perspective. (Keyboard Hot Key: 1).
Press Box:    Follow the action from an upper deck perspective (Keyboard
              Hot Key: 2).
Ground Level: Play the game at field level (Keyboard Hot Key: 3).
Crane Shot:   Track the ball from a high, overhead angle (Keyboard Hot Key: 4).
Random:       A sampling of the previous four views (Keyboard Hot Key: 5).

* Display Options: Select one or both of the following options to match
the speed of your video card.
Perspective Correct Rendering: On faster systems, this feature will
improve stadium graphics. This is not available if you have Mindspan 3D
Emulation selected.
Pan & Zoom Mode: Turn this feature on for smooth scrolling from one
area of the field to another. Turn this feature off on slower machines.
View Size: Drag the silver slider bar to expand or shrink your viewing
window.

Tip: To improve video performance on a slower machine, shrink the size
of the window.

* 3D Graphics Settings: Select one of the following 3D drivers to match
your hardware capabilities.
MindSpan 3D Emulation: Recommended for non-accelerated systems.
RGB Direct3D Emulation: This is a software-only driver that supports
perspective-correct rendering. For higher quality stadium graphics,
select this feature over MindSpan 3D emulation. Because this choice
slows performance considerably, it should be used only on a very fast
machine.
Main Display 3D Accelerator: Select this option if you have a 3D
graphics accelerator card.
MMX Enhanced: Select this option if you are using an MMX-enabled
Pentium processor.
Add-On 3D Accelerator: Choose this option only if you have an add-on 3D
accelerator card.
3Dfx Accelerator: Only available if you have a 3DFX card installed in
your computer.

Note: The displayed 3D options will vary depending on your computer's
processor (CPU) and video card.