Shareware Overload/ShartewareOverload.cdr/windows/blackout.zip/BLACKOUT.TXT

Text File | 1991-03-17 | 7KB | 160 lines

                               B L A C K O U T
                               ---------------


Introduction
------------

For a printed copy of this file, use the following MS-DOS command:

COPY BLACKOUT.TXT PRN

Blackout is a user-configurable game for Windows 3.0.  The game is mainly
useful for becoming proficient with a mouse, since accurate mouse movement
is rewarded with higher scores.

To use Blackout, you must have the following, in addition to the software:

  A PC with a properly installed copy of Microsoft Windows 3.0.
  A pointing device, such as a mouse, which works correctly with Windows.

Blackout works best with a VGA or Super-VGA monitor, but you can run it
with any display supported by Windows, including CGA, EGA, and Hercules
displays.

Blackout is more fun to play when you have at least a 386SX 16 mhz or
faster PC.  It has been tested and found to work properly on machines
ranging from a 10 mhz AT clone to a 33 mhz 486.  Note that for slower
machines, you may have to alter the default scoring and playing rules
in order to enjoy the game - read the online help to learn how to
configure Blackout's playing and scoring rules.

Distribution and Registration
-----------------------------

Blackout is shareware.  This means that you may freely download, copy,
evaluate, and upload Blackout to other online services, and distribute it to
others at no charge, but, if you use it regularly, you must register it by
sending $12 to the address below:

   Zarkware                                         Patrick Mills
   2243 E. Thompson                                 [phone]
   Springfield, MO  65804                           Compuserve 71211,1250

All registered users will receive a disk (specify 5 1/4" or 3 1/2") with
the most recent version of Blackout on it, and will receive a laser-printed
copy of the online documentation.  Each registration entitles the user to
unlimited use of the software, as long as they use only one copy of the
software at any one time.

When you register, please specify your name, mailing address, and
desired disk size.  Allow four to six weeks for delivery.  Each user of
Blackout requires a separate registration.  Call for site licensing.

Remember, if you use Blackout regularly, please support the Shareware concept
by registering Blackout, so that I can afford to enhance and support it, and
to write other affordable shareware games and utilities for all the Windows
users out there.


If you have questions or comments, or have any problems with Blackout, please
contact me at the address or phone number above, or send electronic mail to
me on Compuserve (71211,1250).  I'll try to answer as quickly as possible.

BLACKOUT IS DISTRIBUTED AS IS, WITH NO WARRANTY REGARDING ITS USEFULNESS OR
FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  WHILE CARE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO PRODUCE
SOFTWARE WHICH IS PROBLEM-FREE, THE AUTHOR ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR
LIABILITY FOR ANY FAILURE OF THIS SOFTWARE, OR ANY PROBLEMS OR DAMAGE ENSUING
THEREBY.  ANY USE OF THE SOFTWARE IS CONSTRUED AS ACCEPTANCE OF THIS DISCLAIMER
OF LIABILITY.

Registration of the software gives rise to a license to use the software
for purposes of playing the game Blackout.  No other rights, including
the right to decompile, disassemble, or otherwise decode the software's
machine-language representation, are given nor may be assumed to exist.

No charge may be made for further distribution of Blackout, except for charges
covering the cost of distribution.  Permission is hereby granted for
any SysOp or other person in charge of maintaining online services to
offer a copy of Blackout for downloading, as long as no charge, other than
normal charges for system access, are made, and as long as the originally
distributed files are kept together and offered in unmodified form.

Installation
------------

To run BLACKOUT, do the following, or their Windows File Manager equivalents:

1) Make a directory on your hard disk (if you want to store BLACKOUT in
   its own directory):

   MD C:\BLACKOUT

2) Copy the Blackout files to the blackout directory (or to any directory
   you choose - all BLACKOUT files must be in the same directory):

   COPY BLACKOUT.* C:\BLACKOUT

4) Install BLACKOUT into a group in the Program Manager or double-click
   on BLACKOUT.EXE from the File Manager to run it.  To install BLACKOUT
   into a Program Manager group:

   a) From Program Manager, open the group you wish to use for BLACKOUT.
   b) Choose File New.
   c) Choose OK (New Program Item).
   d) Tab to the Command Line field and enter C:\BLACKOUT\BLACKOUT.EXE.
      (use the directory you actually copied the BLACKOUT files to)
   e) Press OK.
   f) The Blackout Icon should appear in group.  Double-click it to start game.

5) Once game is started, choose Help Index from the menu to learn about
   playing and/or configuring Blackout.

   The next page contains a very brief description of how to play.


How to Play
-----------

   Note:  You may use Help Index from the game's menu bar to learn
          more about playing and configuring Blackout.

   These directions assume you have started Blackout, and that the game's
   main playing surface (a grid of colored rectangles) is displayed.

   a) Place the mouse cursor somewhere over a TARGET rectangle (a white square
      on the playing surface with a round target on it).

   b) Press the left mouse button - this should turn the target rectangle red
      and make a "found" sound.

   c) Repeat steps a) and b) until all target rectangles have been found.

   d) If the non-target squares turn black before you find all the target
      rectangles, a "blackout" will occur, and the game will be over.

   e) You can also click on "bonus" rectangles that have a "2 X" thru a "4 X"
      message on them for extra points - these rectangles turn blue when
      clicked.

   f) Any time you click on any rectangle that is neither a target nor a
      bonus rectangle, you will hear a "missed" sound and the nine-rectangle
      area around where you clicked will be completely "blacked out".  Your
      score will also be lowered as a penalty for the miss.

   g) You can use the "Pause" and "New" buttons at the lower left-hand
      corner to pause the game and/or start a new game.  The game's status
      is always displayed in the status line along the bottom of the
      playing surface.  Other options, like the playing level and speed,
      turning sound on or off, and many other game options, can be set
      using the choices from Blackout's menu bar.  Be sure to read the online
      help before you change the game settings permanently.

   h) If you ever need to restore all game settings to their default
      values, or remove or change the high-score records, you can
      edit or delete the file "BLACKOUT.INI" in the WINDOWS directory
      on your disk.  This file is used to store all game settings and
      the high-score history.  If it is not found, it will be created
      the next time you play BLACKOUT.