Current Shareware 1994 January/SHAR194.ISO/arcade/grvtn202.zip/GVTREAD.ME!

Text File | 1993-08-02 | 19KB | 346 lines

GRAVITON V2.02
Copyright (c) 1992,1993 Daniel A. Sill

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SPECIAL NOTE TO SYSTEM ADMINISTRATORS AND BBS SYSOPS
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Please check your systems for any previous versions of 'GRAVITON' and
remove them. They will be called "GRAVITN1.ZIP", "GRVTN101.ZIP",
"GRVTN200.ZIP", or "GRVTN201.ZIP",.
Thank you.


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INTRODUCTION
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     Thank you for taking the time to read this.

     'GRAVITON V2.02' is a pseudo vector graphics game; that is, it is
an attempt to use only line drawings to make everything work. I used, as
inspiration, an arcade video game I first encountered around 1984 as a
student at SWTSU in San Marcos, Texas. I think you will find it fun and
challenging.

     You are free to distribute this software package to your friends, BBSs,
or wherever so long as there is no fee above $5.00 (for disk media), and no
part of this package is omitted or altered. I (Daniel A. Sill) hold the
copyright for this software and its associated files. If you register (see
below), you will enable some really neat options (and I'm sure, feel much
better about using this software).

     This package consists of the files listed below. All of these files
(except for the last two) must be present for 'GRAVITON V2.02' to run.
"GRVTN202.EXE"--The main executable program file
"GRVTN202.DT1"--A data file. (the 16 all new planets)
"GRVTN202.DT2"--A data file. (the 16 original planets from the 1.0X versions)
"GVTREAD.ME!"---This file
"GVTORDER.FRM"--The order form used to register this software
"GRVTN202.CFG"--The configuration file used/generated by 'GRAVITON V2.02'
"GRVTN202.SCR"--The high score file generated and used by 'GRAVITON V2.02'
                (SPECIAL NOTE: If you wish to reset the high scores, delete
                this file from your directory.

     To run the program, type "GRVTN202" and push enter. Two command
line options are provided:

"/D" - enables the DIAGNOSTICS screen. If the program doesn't work or
       Sound Blaster support will not function, run the program with
       this option (i.e. "GRVTN202 /D") to see any warnings or errors.
"/O" - forces the program to use the data file containing the planet
       data from the ORIGINAL 1.0X versions in case you haven't seen
       them or just want to play them again (i.e. "GRVTN202 /O").

     When the program is run, it first checks to see that all of the
above files are there and that they have not be compromised. If the
program cannot find one, or it has been altered, the program will
terminate with an error message. This feature provides you with some
protection against virus sabotage. Since the "GVTORDER.FRM" file must be
there also, it provides a gentle reminder to register your software. If
you have a sound card that is 100% compatible with the Sound Blaster,
the program should default to Sound Blaster sounds. If you have an older
version, I recommend removing all the old files when you install this
version as it has the necessary data to play the "older" planets (see
above). !WARNING! the new data file format is NOT compatible with the
old one so don't try to rename it.


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SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
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     This program was written on an AT clone. I have tested it on several
different machines and it worked fine on them all. The only machines I have
not tried are a PC and an XT; I don't think it will make any difference;
however, I make no promises (and I bet it will be VERY SLOW).
     The only real requirements are color EGA video or better and a 101 key
U.S. style keyboard (sorry overseas users, but I don't have access to
any other type of keyboard). This program hooks into the keyboard interrupt
to trap key press/release events. I tried several keyboards before deciding
on the control keys.  By that, I mean that any combination of the control
keys worked on all keyboards I tested. Like some arcade games, this game
does not lend itself to joystick (or mouse/trackball) control; so don't look
for it in the future. If for some reason the controls don't work right,
please let me know (see below) and I'll try to fix it.
     If you have a Sound Blaster (or 100% SB compatible sound card), you get
MUCH better sound effects, however it is not a required to play the game).
Most of the sound effects are 'FM' synthesis so as to obtain simultaneous
sounds effects. If your sound card does not have the Sound Blaster type of
FM synthesis (i.e. if yours uses a wave table), I have no idea how it will
sound.
    This program will write information to the high score and config file.
Therefore ,if you use a a write protected disk, you may get an error message
while running the program.

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SPECIAL NOTE FOR WINDOWS USERS
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    Because this program hooks into system interrupts, it will probably not
run very well (if at all) in windows. I recommend running this program from
DOS only.

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HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
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     OK then, here is what the game is all about:

     The setting:
          four solar systems, each consisting of a
          sun and four planets
     The goal:
          to invade planets and destroy all defenders
     The supplies:
          four ships each with 2000 units of fuel and an unlimited
          supply of ammunition
     The complications:
          defenders (stationary turrets), floating mines, enemy space
          ships, running out of fuel, and !! GRAVITY !! (both in space
          and on planets)
     The Rules:
          Don't let your ship touch anything (you cannot land
          anywhere)
     The control keys:
          <Z> key----------rotate ship left
          <X> key----------rotate ship right
          <.> key----------thrust
          </> key----------fire cannon
          <SPACEBAR> key---shield/tractor beam
     The option keys:
          <ESC> key--------fast exit to DOS
          <S> key----------toggles sound on/off (Note: if in the config
                           menu, you selected no sound, this key will
                           have no effect)
          <P> key----------pauses the game until a control key is pressed
          <PRTSCR> key-----pauses the game until a control key is pressed
          <SCRLOCK> key----pauses the game until a control key is pressed
          <PAUSE> key------pauses the game until a control key is pressed


     Pretty simple eh'? Well...the trick is gravity. You can use it
to your advantage or try to fight it (if you fight it, you won't last
long). The key to this game is controlling your ship; if you stay in
control, the rest is easy (almost). After reading this, run the game and
answer "Y" to the question "DO YOU WANT INSTRUCTIONS ? (It will
provide 'hands on' interactive instructions.

     When the game starts, your ship (a blue triangle) will appear
at the top center of the screen. Four planets and a sun will appear
elsewhere on the screen (each planet will have a bonus point value
above it). Select a planet to conquer by flying into it. Watch out
though, the sun's gravity will try to pull your ship in. Try not to
waste too much fuel, but do not tarry either; enemy space ships will
emerge from the sun and try to destroy you. If an enemy space ship
comes too close,  you will be forced into a duel to the death.
When you select a planet to conquer, the scene will change from
space to the planet surface. DO NOT TRY TO LAND !
     The red things on the surface (the ones shooting at you) are
defending turrets; these are your primary targets. Find and destroy all
of them. When you have finished (or decide you can not handle them) fly
up and out; this will put you back in space to conquer the next planet (or
to select an easier planet). If you have destroyed all defending turrets,
the planet will explode. When the four planets have been destroyed, your
ship will automatically warp to the next system to conquer.
     The blue things under the surface of the planet are fuel dumps.
These are absolutely essential to continue your mission. Your ship
starts out with 2000 units of fuel but it goes pretty quickly. Both your
thruster and your shield/tractor beam use copious amounts of fuel. To
collect the fuel from the dump, hover your ship close to the surface,
directly over the dump, and use your shield/tractor beam. If both of
the tractor beams are below the fuel dump, it is yours. Each dump
contains 2000 units of fuel. There is plenty of fuel to complete each
planetary mission, however, it is not wise to collect the fuel until
you need it. If you lose your ship, all the fuel you have stored up will
also be lost.
     The two small, spiked things zooming through the air above the
surface are mines. They will not shoot at you, however, they will try to
ram your ship. Avoid them or shoot them. If you shoot them beware! Unless
you hit them dead on, they will deflect your bullet (usually back at you!).
If you cannot avoid them your shield will protect you, but at the moment of
impact it will cost an additional 500 units of fuel. It is not necessary to
destroy them to conquer the planet. Be warned: even if you destroy them,
they will come back in a short time.

     Scoring is as follows:
         -enemy space ships are worth 350 points
         -mines are worth 250 points
         -defending turrets are worth 300 points + 50 points for
              each solar system conquered
         -completing a planet is worth the bonus you see before you
              enter it (2000 to 7000 points)
         -a bonus ship is awarded for each 10,000 points earned.

     Well OK then, that's all there is to it. Have fun with it.

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LEGAL STUFF, REGISTRATION, BUG REPORTS, HISTORY, ETC.
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NO WARRANTIES:
     Daniel A. Sill provides no warranties for this software (either
expressed or implied) of any kind. By using this software, you agree to do
so at your own risk and assume all responsibility for any results from
using it.

NO LIABILITY:
     Daniel A. Sill shall not be held liable, in any event, for any damages
resulting from the use, misuse, or inability to use this software.

COPYRIGHT:
     This software is owned by Daniel A. Sill and is protected by both
United States copyright laws, and international treaty provisions.

OK, now that the legal stuff is out of the way...

REGISTRATION:
     If you register this software, you will be sent a letter with a
registration code that may be entered in the config (setup) menu. All
options will then be enabled. This will allow you to change some parameters
of the game...such as:

   (1) Start with any number of ships (1 to 20) -
   (2) Each ship can be equipped to start with 2000 to 5000 units of fuel -
   (3) Set the bonus level at which a free ship is awarded (5000 to 50,000) -
   (4) Start play on any level (1 to 4) -
   (5) Set the play difficulty (EASY/NORM/HARD) -
   (6) The 'GVTREAD.ME!' and 'GVTORDER.FRM' files will not need to be
         present to run the game -

     How much for all this (and the good feeling that comes from knowing that
you paid for it) ?

     Not $30, not even $20, but only $10 ! That's right; but wait there's
more! Registered users will receive 1 (one) free update if there are any
serious bugs found in this version AND discounts on any other games that I
develop (I have some killer ideas on some old arcade classics). If you already
have a registered copy of GRAVITON 1.00 or 1.01, your upgrade price is $5.00
See the order form ('GVTORDER.FRM') for details on how to register.


COMMENTS, SUGGESTION, BUG REPORTS:
     If the program crashes, it should do so in a dignified way...that is
the screen should clear and an error message should appear. If this happens
I would be very interested to know all the details including the error
number.
     Please send all comments, suggestions, ideas, and bug reports to the
address below.

          Zephyr Software - Daniel A. Sill
          P.O. Box 7704
          Austin, Texas 78713-7704

I can also be reached through Internet:

          [e-mail]

HISTORY:
    Version 1.00 - first release (as "GRAVITN1.ZIP"), few bugs (surprise)
                   including a bad screen jitter on a few VGA cards but
                   generally received well.

    Version 1.01 - second release (as "GRVTN101.ZIP"), killed some bugs,
                   fixed the bad screen jitter, added command line option
                   to slow game down on really fast computers.

    Version 2.00 - third release (as "GRVTN200.ZIP" not officially released
                   as a major bug was found with the sound support), a major
                   rewrite of entire program, removed command line option to
                   slow game down as the game play speed is now constant on
                   all computers (unless the machine is slow to begin with
                   i.e. a 286 or less processor), added /D (diagnostics) and
                   /O (use original planet profile data) command line options
                   (see above), fixed the PC speaker sound so it will no
                   longer slow the game down, added Sound Blaster support,
                   made 16 new planets to explore, changed the way 'mines'
                   look and behave, changed the way 'turrets' behave, changed
                   the way registration is done (there is no longer a
                   need to mail out a 'registered' disk as registration is
                   completed in the program itself), fixed the last of the
                   'old' bugs.
    Version 2.01 - fourth release (as "GRVTN201.ZIP"), fixed the sound bug,
                   seemed to work well, another bug was found by registered
                   users...when the difficulty was set to 'HARD', flying
                   into the planet worth 5000 pts, on level 2, caused the
                   computer to lock up.
    Version 2.02 - fifth release (as "GRVTN202.ZIP"), fixed the bug in version
                   2.01, found and killed a couple more bugs...hope this is
                   the final release !!!

ABOUT SHAREWARE: (What follows is my opinion only....'nuff said...)
    In my own opinion, there are four types of shareware: 'true shareware',
'crippleware', 'nagware', and 'bonusware'.
    'True shareware' is software that a developer makes available to
everyone and says "...if you use it, please register it". A potential user
can play with the program and see if it will satisfy their needs before
they spend any money on it (a try-before-you-buy thing). It relies on the
honor system and a gentle reminder to register (usually at the end of the
program). Unfortunately, many people who use this kind of shareware don't
register it for various reasons.
    'Crippleware' is software that a developer makes available to everyone
but some critical feature in the program (such as "SAVE") is disabled.
I find this kind of software totally useless and I don't waste my time with
it. If you have ever run across this kind of shareware, I am sure you
understand my feelings.
    'Nagware' is the software that a developer makes available to everyone
and puts "reminders to register" everywhere. I was looking for a windows
communication package a while back, someone recommended I try "XXXXXX" (I
won't say it's name). When I loaded it up, it seemed to be pretty nice,
the price was not too bad...then it started. These big screens (2) would
pop up (just like at the beginning) and say that "this is unregistered
software"...blah...blah...blah.... I would click on "OK" on the first
screen, then wait for few seconds, then I would have to click on "OK" on the
second screen and wait another few seconds. All of this was happening while
I was in the middle of a long distance call to a BBS that doesn't allow
extended inactivity. Then it did it again just a few minutes later and I
had to repeat the whole process again. This happened several times during
that call. It made me so mad that after about the sixth time, I quit the
program and ripped (yes ripped) it off of my hard disk. The reminders to
register happened so often that (for me) it made the software less than
useless (even for evaluation).
    'Bonusware' is software that a developer makes available to everyone
and says "here it is...it does what it says it does...if you really like
it, register it and as a 'BONUS' you get the following...". I came across
a program for windows called "Auto Raise" by Robert F. Nee (a utility that
automatically raises, to the top, any window your mouse is moved to). I
really liked it and I registered it after a short evaluation period. The
'BONUS' was the enabling of an "icon hide" feature.  My program fits into
this category as well. It is fully playable "as is" with no real difference
from a coin-op arcade game (except it doesn't cost you a quarter). None of
the registered features are needed to play the game, save the high scores,
enable a sound card, etc. The 'BONUS' is being able to change some of the
game parameters (nothing at all critical).
    I am a big believer in shareware. This program itself was written with
the help of two pieces of ('true') shareware (registered copies):
     (1) 'QB/EVGFX' Graphics Library (copyright 1991 Cornel Huth )
     (2) 'A86/D86' Assembler/Disassembler (copyright 1986-1990 Eric Isaacson)

     Please help all shareware authors by registering the software that you
use.

SPECIAL THANKS:
     Thanks to the following people for their help in development and testing
of this game:
     Carolyn A. Crain
     Stephen L. Balkum
     Shelly K. Stone
     S. Wayne Tumbleson

     That's all folks !