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: * Mouse: Left-click * Joystick: Button 1 To Change Menu Lists: * Keyboard: or arrow keys * Mouse: Left or right-click (depending on the menu) * Joystick: Button 2 To Scroll Up or Down: * Keyboard: 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 cursor keys to cycle through the fielders. Press to select. Tap arrow keys to move the fielder to a new location. Press 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 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. * Close HardBall 6 * 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 * Perspective Correct Rendering: Toggle ON/OFF * 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 arrow. Press the appropriate key to select a strategy; or, simply tap to return to the Pitching Box. To select infield and outfield alignments, press and hold key and tap 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 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 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 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 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 arrow to open the Strategy menu. Tap the appropriate arrow key to select a strategy, or press 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 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 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 to jump or dive for the ball. Tap 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: ; Second Base: ; Third Base: ; Home Plate: . While holding down the arrow key, tap to release a normal throw. Tap 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 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 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 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.