CastleDanger
    Using the Interfaces


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Matt Worden Games


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Version 1.3: 20-July-2002

Using the Game's Interfaces
This version of Castle Danger allows for two-player games via "hotseat" (both players at the same computer), play-by-email, and NetPlay (remote computer connection over internet or other TCP/IP network). This help page describes how to make use of the game's interfaces to play in each of these ways.

(Future versions of the game will include single-player modes and an integrated opponent-finder system.)


Hotseat Games
To start a Hotseat game, click on the menus: Game>New>Two Player Game (or press Ctrl-N)
The game will arrange the board into the standard start-of-game setup, and display a brief "Starting a new game" message. Each player then takes their turn adding pieces to the board and making moves.

(Click here to review how to add pieces and make moves.)


NetPlay
This version of "Castle Danger" has added an exciting "NetPlay" feature, which allows games to be played "live" over the Internet or any TCP/IP LAN. One player will need to serve as a "Host" that another player will "Connect" to.

  • To HOST a game over NetPlay: Click the "NetPlay" menu, and select the "Host" option. In the pop-up box that follows, enter a name for the game to refer to you as. If you wish, you can also adjust the port number the game will connect over -- the default port is 3264. Click the "Connect" button when ready. The NetPlay chat form will appear and display your name, IP address, and Port number. Be sure your opponent knows both the IP address and the Port number so that they can properly connect. When the remote player connects, you will be notified and their name will be displayed.
  • To CONNECT to a game being hosted over NetPlay: Click the "NetPlay" menu, and select the "Connect" option. In the pop-up box that follows, enter a name for the game to refer to you as. Also, enter the IP address and Port number needed to connect to host. Click the "Connect" button when ready. The NetPlay chat form will appear and display your name, the connection information, and the name of the host.
  • Once both players are connected through NetPlay: The host has control over the game situation. He/she can switch the colors the players will use by clicking the "Switch Colors" button on the top-right of the chat form. New 2-player games can be started in the normal manner, using the main game form's menus. Also, previously-saved games can be loaded, and the current game can be saved. The connected player (non-host) will be informed and updated as the host uses these features. Both players can also make use of NetPlay's chat feature by typing a message in the bottom text box on the chat form, and clicking the "Add" button (or pressing Enter).
  • To Disconnect: Simply, click the "End NetGame" button in the upper-right of the chat form.


Play-by-Email
"Castle Danger" can be played through e-mail by using the game's save/load features. It can be accomplished using the following steps:

  • Starting the game:
    1. A New game is started by the Blue Player
    2. The Blue Player completes their turn (including the "End Turn" menu option, if needed)
    3. The Blue Player selects "None" as the Red Player's new piece -- but makes no other moves for the Red Player
    4. The Blue Player chooses "Save" from the "Game" menu and gives the file a name
    5. The Blue Player sends an e-mail to the Red Player, and attaches the saved game file ... it will have a ".cds" extension.
  • For each turn:
    1. The player will receive an e-mail from their opponent with the ".cds" file attached
    2. The player will save the attachment to their hard drive and double-click the file ... the first time this happens, Windows might ask what to open the file with -- assign "CastleDanger.exe" as the default application to read ".cds" files with ... the game will open to the current turn in the game.
    3. The player will complete their moves (including the "End Turn" option, if needed)
    4. Select "None" as the opposing player's new piece -- but make no other moves for the opposing player
    5. Choose "Save" from the "Game" menu ... the game will overwrite the double-clicked file (from step 2) with the new game information
    6. The player will send an e-mail to the opposing player, attaching the newly-saved game file

Need Additional Help?
If you have trouble getting games going using any of these methods, or if you need any other help regarding Castle Danger, be sure to use the "Technical Support" links listed above in the left column of this page.


Enjoy the game!