Boulderdash PC - The game

        This is a quasi-demo version of 'Boulderdash PC', a clone of
        the similarly named 8-bit classic.  The object of the game is to
        progress through a series of 'caves'.  To complete a cave you
        must collect a quota of crystals within a timelimit.  This task
        is made more difficult by the presence of deadly fireflies and
        butterflies, falling boulders, and the sneaky placement (or lack
        of) crystals.

        I call it a "quasi-demo" because its playable but not really
        complete.  Unlike a demo, you can actually play it.  Unlike a
        game, just when you're getting the hang of it, you run out of
        levels.  There is a level translator which takes a text file and
        makes level.dat and idx - I'd like to give it out so you could
        all make your own levels, but it's a bit dodgy.  (maybe if you
        bug me...)  I could add a whole lot more to the game, but I've
        had enough of it.  <grin>

        These docs aren't too long, so please read em - especially the
        last section (maybe I should've put it first...)



Hardware requirements

        Even though Boulderdash PC supports EGAs - it works better on a
        VGA, and, of course, looks better too.  :-)

        For sound: only the PC speaker is supported - but you can turn
        the sound off, so it's not too bad.  For input: only the
        keyboard is supported.  I don't have a sound card or a joystick
        you see - I'm yet to see a good IBM joystick.



Starting the game

        To start Boulderdash PC; simply enter 'DASH' at the DOS prompt,
        and answer the simple question regarding your video adaptor.
        Get it right and you can go to the top of the class.  <grin>



Using the keyboard

        The default keys are:
                left, right, up, down - respective cursor keys
                dig                   - space bar
                pause                 - F1
                quit life             - esc
                quit game             - F10

        The direction keys are used to move Rockford (the bug-eyed
        sprite) in the desired direction, eating earth as he goes.  The
        'dig' key is used in conjuction with the direction keys to
        remove earth adjacent to Rockford, without him moving.

        All keys, except 'quit life' and 'quit game', may be redefined
        within the game.



Boulderdash PC is copyright 1992 by Doug Mansell.

        I don't claim any credit for the original game design - and a
        very good one it was too.  Imitation is the sincerest form of
        flattery, they say...

        I'd like to contact the original Boulderdash author, I've heard
        a rumour that he's on the internet, but I've forgotten his
        name...

        However, I do remember the address of a friend of mine - you can
        contact me via e-mail, care of:

                smackinl@cc.curtin.edu.au

        Oh yeah, this game is free - give it to your buddies...  :-)