Monster Media 1994 #1/monster.zip/monster/GAMES/RANDY10.ZIP/INFO.TXT

Text File | 1994-02-25 | 18KB | 441 lines

Randy's Games on Paper 4 Kids (C) Copyright 1994
by John Randy Feeney
10731 Haledon Ave.
Downey, Calif 90241



                          Introduction

Hi, I'm John Randy Feeney a software engineer. My friends call me
Randy. I have created a series of games that I believe are lots
of fun for kids. Some of the games can be educational or develop
good mental skills. They can be used at home or in school. Most
of the ideas are drawn from my own childhood. Some of my fondest
memories were with friends and a small scrap of paper (this was
before high tech, Nintendo, Sega, etc..). For example football,
paper airplanes thrown from a high location, or paper boats in
the storm channel on a rainy day. When young kids have their
imagination sparked, anything can become a valued toy.

When I was laid off, I decided to try and create my own source of
income by developing a new program. I decided to design a program
that would create all those "Paper and Pencil" games I loved as a
child. During this time I talked with colleagues to find the best
way to release my software. I explained the idea to established
software houses, they had some interest but no takers. The
popular consensus was, I needed a market study.

Since I do not have the resources for a formal study, I am
releasing a small version of some of the games that will appear
in the final version. This is where I need your help. There are
two small activities that I need you to perform. The first is
some sort of feedback. This comes from printing the questionnaire
(see Registration) and answering the questions and mailing it in.
The constructive feedback can help me create a better program. I
can also use it as a crude marketing study to show to prospective
distribution companies.

The second item is registration. This gives me some financial
help and shows me your committed interest in this program.
Because of this, I will also give one upgrade (the version of
your choice, see Upgrades). And I will also use this group of
registered users to draw names for sending evaluation versions
for more comments. As an added extra, a colleague and I are
designing a new program and we will draw from this group of
registered users to test our new ideas.

Actively supporting shareware can empower you to affect the
software market in three ways. By your support of Shareware, it
gives Software Authors like myself an arena to correctly identify
what is needed in the marketplace. And when we start out on a
wing and a prayer, this is a low cost alternative to the bigger
company's marketing analysis.

It also gives you, the consumer, a more active role in saying
what should be on the market. If you register the action and
violence games, then that is what will be on the shelves. If you
always say, "they should make something like...", then you can
support it here.

It also gives you more direct contact with the developers. I will
personally read all of the questionnaires that you return to me;
I have to, my success depends on it. Your constructive comments
will be sorted on order of their merit and evaluated as time
permits. These ideas can then be used to make a better product. A
large company can afford to disregard the comments of most users
in favor of a market study. If the trend shows a certain type of
software as the most popular, then the market becomes saturated
with that type of programming. Small guys like myself are looking
for areas where we do not have to compete with the big guys.

So take an active role in shareware and keep it alive. To help
support my project, please register. If you cannot afford to do
this, a least fill out the questionnaire and send it in. I may
take the ones with the most constructive ideas and make them
eligible for evaluation copies of this and future work. Thank you
very much for your time. Have Fun!

                    Randy



Randy's Games on paper 4 Kids

Welcome to Randy's Games. To start the program type
"Games <ENTER>". This command will start the program and bring up
the main game selection window. Any of the desired games can be
accessed here. Each window also has a "Help" function on the menu
and context sensitive help from the <F1> key. The games created
by this program are designed for children ages 5..?, although
some children may be ready at an earlier age. And some adults
still love to play these kinds of games. Hopefully you and your
kids will have as much fun with this program as I did writing it.

To Choose a game, just click on an icon with a picture of the
game you wish to create. This action will bring up the window for
those game parameters.

Note: It is important to select your printer driver from the
printer selection in the main window menu. You can Save the
printer selection defaults with the menu option. If your printer
is not listed try and find a compatible one. If none of this
works, see Upgrades.

Use the mouse to select an item from the main menu or hold the
<Alt> key and press the first letter of the menu item.

Pressing <Alt F1> at any time will display a general help screen
and pressing <F1> will display context sensitive help (if
available).  To exit at any time press <F3>.



The Maze Module

This module is designed to create mazes of varying degrees of
difficulty. The maze algorithm is a function of steps in random
directions. The parameters that affect the difficulty of the maze
generated are:

1. Grid Size - The Grid width and height specify an integer for
the numbers of steps across or down(respectively). The maze
algorithm creates steps in random directions inside of the maze
grid.

2. Max Backtracking - This integer specifies the maximum number
of steps that may be taken on any given trail before randomly
starting or continuing another trail. Any one of these trails may
lead to the finish.

Setting this to a small number will make the puzzle easier.
Setting this number to a large number can sometimes allow the
algorithm to create one long trail to the finish. If the Grid
Sizes are small and the Max Backtracking large, the algorithm can
create puzzles of this type.

The Print parameters affect the position of the game on the page
and the size of the puzzle.

The Print Size width and height parameters are units of measure
combined with dimension codes (eg. "1 in" is 1 Inch, see
Dimension Codes). These parameters affect the actual printed size
of the puzzle. If the Print width is set to "3 in" and Print
height is set to "4 in" the puzzle will print three inches wide
and 4 inches high regardless of Grid Size.

The Print Position left and top parameters are units of measure
combined with dimension codes (eg. "1 in" is 1 inch, see
Dimension Codes). These parameters affect the actual position of
the printed puzzle. If the Print Left is set to "3 cm" and Print
Top is set to "5 cm" the puzzle will print three centimeters from
the left margin and five centimeters from the top margin.



The Word Search Module

This module is designed to create letter arrays with a random
appearance. Inside this array are words positioned horizontally,
vertically, and diagonally. Along with these random directions
the words can also be in reverse, if allowed. The words are
supplied by the user in the Words List. The parameters that
affect the printed Word Search array are:

1. Array Size - the width and height parameters are specified as
integers. They define the maximum number of letters wide and
letters high for the puzzle array.

2. Horizontal and Vertical leading - The Horizontal and Vertical
parameters are units of measure combined with dimension codes
(eg. "1 in" is 1 inch, see Dimension Codes). The leading is the
amount of space to place between array characters. Horizontal
leading is the amount of space between characters on a line.
Vertical leading is the amount of space between character lines.
Not all printers can handle small increments and this program
will round off to the nearest space size.

3. Forward Only and Allow Reverse - These radio buttons let the
user tell the algorithm if words should be randomly reversed. The
dot inside the circle shows the selected option.

The Tab Length parameters are units of measure combined with
dimension codes (eg. "1 in" is 1 inch, see Dimension Codes). This
parameter specifies the length between tab stops. The Tab Stops
are used when printing the Word List.

The Print Position left and top parameters are units of measure
combined with dimension codes (eg. "1 in" is 1 inch, see
Dimension Codes). These parameters affect the actual position of
the printed puzzle. If the Print Left is set to "3 cm" and Print
Top is set to "5 cm" the puzzle will print three centimeters from
the left margin and five centimeters from the top margin.

The Notes are supplied by the user and are printed on the puzzle
sheet.

The Word List is supplied by the user. The words supplied in this
list are used in the puzzle array and printed in columns at the
bottom of the puzzle sheet. A word is defined by the puzzle as
any group of non-space characters separated by spaces.



The Cross Word Module

This module is designed to create Cross Word puzzles based on the
<Word>-<Description> pairs input by the user (see Word &
Description below). The algorithm tries many of the word crossing
combinations, depending on the Cluster Size. The parameters that
affect the puzzle and solution are:

1. Max Width and Height - These parameters define the maximum
Grid size for the Cross Word puzzle. The actual Cross Word puzzle
can be smaller, depending on the finished puzzle. The printing
algorithm finds the limits of the puzzle and uses these as the
actual Width and Height.

2. Cluster Size - This parameter defines the number of words to
use when trying to find the optimal word crossing configuration.
If this parameter is equal to the number of words in the puzzle,
then the solution will be the optimal configuration for that list
of words. Setting the parameter equal to the number of words will
also take longer to search for a solution. This is a time saving
feature that allows the user to trade an optimal solution for
speed.

3. <Word>-<Description> - This is a list of words and
corresponding descriptions. The format for each is
"<Word>-<Description>", where <Word> is the word in the puzzle
and <Description> is the hint or description of the word that is
printed below the puzzle.

The Ink Saver and Ink Fill mode selectors are to let the user
select how the puzzle will be printed. In Ink Saver mode, just
the letter boxes and Down and Across numbering is printed. In the
Ink Fill mode all of the unused letter boxes in the puzzle Grid
are filled and the puzzle has the traditional square shape.

The Print Size width and height parameters are units of measure
combined with dimension codes (eg. "1 in" is 1 Inch, see
Dimension Codes). These parameters affect the actual printed size
of the puzzle. If the Print width is set to "3 in" and Print
height is set to "4 in" the puzzle will print three inches wide
and 4 inches high regardless of Grid Size.

The Print Position left and top parameters are units of measure
combined with dimension codes (eg. "1 in" is 1 inch, see
Dimension Codes). These parameters affect the actual position of
the printed puzzle. If the Print Left is set to "3 cm" and Print
Top is set to "5 cm" the puzzle will print three centimeters from
the left margin and five centimeters from the top margin.



Keyboard movement

The following movement is defined for the keyboard:

Begin field          <Ctrl Home>
Copy                 <F12>
Cut                  <Ctrl F6>
Delete character     <Del>
Delete line          <Alt Del>
Delete prev char     <Backspace>
Delete temp window   <Esc>
Delete window        <F3> or <Alt F4>
Delete word          <Ctrl Del>
End field            <Ctrl End>
End line             <End>
Exit                 <Shift F3>, <Ctrl Break>, or
                     <Ctrl C>
Left word            <Ctrl left-arrow> or
                     <Alt left-arrow>
Mark                 <Ctrl F5>
Maximize             <Alt +> or <Alt F10>
Menu control         <Alt> or <F10>
Minimize             <Alt -> or <Alt F9>
Move window          <Alt F7>
Next field           <Enter>, <Tab>, or <F6>
Next window          <Alt F6>
Paste                <Ctrl F8>
Previous field       <Back Tab>, <Shift F6>, or
                     <Shift Tab>
Refresh              <F5>
Restore size         <Alt F5>
Right word           <Ctrl right-arrow> or
                     <Alt right-arrow>
Select               <Enter>
Size window          <Alt F8>
System button        <Alt Spacebar> or <Alt .>
Toggle               <Ins>



Mouse movement

The following movement is defined for the mouse:

Choose     <Left-down-click>
Copy       <Left-drag, Right-down-click>
Cut        <Right-down-click>
Mark       <Left-drag>
Paste      <Right-down-click>
Select     <Left-release>



Dimension Codes

Dimension Codes are used to define a unit of measurement. The
form used is "<Number> <Code>" where <Number> is any real
number(eg. 1, 1.2, 1.0, etc..)  and <Code> is any code found on
the left side of the table below.

Code      Function
====      ========
cc        Cicero (1 cc = 12 dd)
dd        Didot point (1157 dd = 1238 pt)
mm        Millimeter (10 mm = 1 cm)
cm        Centimeter(2.45 cm = 1 in)
bp        Big Point (72 bp = 1 in)
in        Inch (1 in = 72.27 pt)
pc        Pica (1 pc = 12 pt)
pt        Point

Examples:

"2.45 cm" is 2.45 Centimeters also equal to 1 inch.
"6.0225 pc" is 6.0225 Pica also approx 1 inch.



Upgrades

The Initial release of "Randy's Games on Paper 4 kids" is
shareware version (1.0). This version contains the games
described above (Maze, Word Search, Cross Words). This Version
includes printer drivers for a few of the most popular printers.
Printer drivers for other printers not on the list can be
obtained with your upgrade or a specific one at the time of your
registration.

The finished version (4.0) to be released in stores will contain
approximately 30 modules (more are on the drawing board). These
Modules will cover Spelling (eg. Word Search, Cross Words), Math,
Art, and Miscellaneous games (eg. the Maze Module).

The test Versions will be created in three distinct phases. The
first phase will be Version 2.0. In Version 2.0 we will add three
Miscellaneous, four Spelling, two Art, and one Math module to the
existing modules in Version 1.0. The second phase (Version 3.0)
will add Six Art modules to the existing modules in Version 2.0.
The third phase (Version 4.0) will add three Spelling, one Math
(we are designing more), and three miscellaneous modules to the
existing modules in Version 3.0.

During the total development phase the existing modules will have
enhancements added. For example, the option to use pictures in
place of words. A librarian has also been developed and is in the
final testing phases. While most of the game creation algorithms
make use of a randomizing function, the librarian will give users
the option of saving game parameters. We will be testing these
and other enhancements on Versions after 2.0.



                          Registration


I am working hard to provide a good product for a fair price. All
of the future modules of this product will of equal or greater
value. This is my promise to all who register.

For your convenience, the order form below appears by itself in
the REGISTER.FRM file. When you select the upgrade version you
want, you will receive that version when it becomes available. Or
you will receive the most recent version, which ever is the most
current.

The system questions are so that we may determine what systems
future upgrades and other products should run on. The Printer is
very important so that we can determine what printers are the
most important to support. Due to space limits, only an short
list of printers are sent with the shareware version. The full
list of printers are sent with your upgrade.

The registration fee is only $15 U.S. (U.S. FUNDS ONLY OR CHECK
DRAWN ON U.S. BANK).
Register with:           $15 (U.S.)Registration Fee included < >
John Randy Feeney
10731 Haledon Ave.
Downey, Calif 90241


Name: __________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________

City: ______________________  State: _____________  Zip:________

Country: ___________________  Phone: ___________________________

================================================================
Hardware

CPU type < >8086  < >80286  < >80386  < >80486  < >Pentium

Clock Speed _____Mhz   < >Math co-Processor

Display type < >CGA  < >EGA  < >VGA  < >Super VGA

Extended Memory ________________MB

Hard Disk Storage ______________MB  % of unused disk__________MB

Sound Card ______________   CD-ROM _________________

< >Mouse

Printer ___________________ Printer compatibility _______________
================================================================
Operating System   < > MS-DOS Ver ____   < > O/S 2

< > other _____________________
================================================================
Extras
< > MS-Windows    < > Himem.sys   < > other Memory Mgr. ________
< > MS-WindowsNT  < > Disk cache __________
================================================================
How much disk storage would be acceptable to dedicate for the
described product (Version 4.0)? We are asking for approx 6MB.

_______________ MB
==========================================[ check one only ]====
Version
 2.0                                                   < >
 3.0                                                   < >
 4.0                                                   < >
Pre Release Beta copy (on-line manual only)            < >
================================================================
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