Copyright: Copyright ® 1998 by Dipl.-Ing. Frank Burkart


Contents
	Mystic Marbles Contents of On-line Help

Mystic Marbles Copyright © 1998 by

Ingenieurbüro für Softwareentwicklung
Dipl. Ing. Frank Burkart
Hertzstr. 29

D - 76287 Rheinstetten
Germany

Phone:	++49 7242 952320
Fax:	++49 7242 952321

e-mail:	FBurkart@compuserve.com
WWW:	http://ourworld.compuserve.com/Homepages/FBurkart

Welcome to Mystic Marbles - The Story

Thanks

Playing Mystic Marbles:

Playing Mystic Marbles

Pieces of the Game

Tips and Tricks for Playing

Toolbar: File - Commands Options

Toolbar: Play - Commands Options

Toolbar: Registration - Commands Options

Toolbar: Help - Commands Options

Editing Marble Track Files in Mystic Marbles:

Editing Marble Tracks

Tips and Tricks for Editing

Toolbar: File - Commands Options

Toolbar: Edit - Commands Options

Toolbar: Tools - Commands Options

Toolbar: Window - Commands Options

Toolbar: Registration  Commands Options

Toolbar: Help - Commands Options

Getting Registered:

Registration

Order Form

Registration and License Agreement

Mystic Marbles Will Not Run Properly on my Computer:

Troubleshooting


Welcome to Mystic MarblesK Welcome;Story
KWelcome to Mystic Marbles

Also refer to:

Playing Mystic Marbles

Editing Marble Tracks

The Story:

These marbles want to reach the exit, regardless of any obstacles. However, the correct switches will still have to be set by you... Every Marble Track is a new thrilling mystery.

What's Behind it?

Mystic Marbles belongs to a new generation of games:

Think n' Roll - first think, then roll!

Instead of getting rid of aggravating pieces by either shooting or crushing them, the player has to try and find a way around the obstacles. Mystic Marbles excludes violence and therefore we consider it particularly suitable for children.

However, adults also get their moneys worth thanks to some really complicated tracks.

Mystic Marbles also allows you to build your own marble tracks with your own mysteries. So the fun will not end once you have gone through all the set marble tracks, as everybody who is caught by marble fever may build new marble tracks and pass them on to all other Mystic Marble fans.

Definition of Shareware:

Mystic Marbles is shareware. This means that you are allowed to copy and pass on the game, as often you like as long as you will neither make any changes to the game itself nor pass on registration passwords or any other passwords. See Registration and License Agreement.

In the shareware version you may try out the game, as often you like, however, there are two restrictions as follows:

In every Marble Track File you can only use the first 6 marble tracks of altogether 25 - 50 and you can only edit the first 3 marble tracks.

If you enjoy playing this game, we will then ask you to get registered at a really low rate. The restrictions will be dropped once you have got registered; plus, by doing so, you will enable us to develop more unique games for you to enjoy.


Playing Mystic Marbles

Also refer to:

Welcome to Mystic Marbles - The Story

Pieces of the Game

Tips and Tricks for Playing

Marble Track File

Marble Track

Pieces of the Game

Fields

A marble track is only done once all multi-colored marbles have been collected by your red marble and have been taken to the exit. But then the next marble track is already waiting for you.

In order to reach an exit, the correct switches will have to be set and you will have to find your way around the numerous obstacles. Sometimes you will have to collect the multi-colored marbles in the correct order.

A player may only stop the red marble or otherwise change the next (or previous) switch in order to re-direct it.

Sometimes a player may also find a clue, which will give advice on how to collect marbles.

The red marble is controlled by:

(Most players will probably prefer using the keyboard)

Keyboard:

Arrow left:

Will change the next switch, if it is within reach.

Arrow right:

Will change the previous switch, if it is within reach.

Arrow down:

Will stop the red marble.

Arrow up:

Will start the red marble.

Mouse:

Left mouse button:

Will change the next switch, if it is within reach.

Right mouse button:

Will change the previous switch, if it is within reach.

Middle mouse button:

Will stop/start the red marble.

Joystick:

(Unfortunately, you may only use certain types of joysticks. Please refer to Dialog Box Game Settings (Shortcut F5).

Left button (button 1) of the joystick:

Will change the next switch, if it is within reach.

Right button (button 2) of the joystick:

Will change the previous switch, if it is within reach.

Move the handle of the joystick down:

Will stop the red marble.

Move the handle of the joystick up:

Will start the red marble.


Pieces of the Game

Also refer to:

Playing Mystic Marbles

Tips and Tricks for Playing

Marble Track File

Marble Track

Pieces of the Game

Fields

The Main Piece:

The Red Marble

The red marble rolls along the defined track. The player may stop or start the marble. The red marble will collect the multi-colored marbles simply by rolling over them.

Objects to Collect:

Multi-colored Marbles

All multi-colored marbles have to be collected. If the multi-colored marbles bear numbers, they will have to be collected in numerical order.

The Clue

Sometimes the clue will give you important information on how to run through a track successfully. Clues need not be collected.

Obstacles:

The Wild Marble

The wild marble rolls along the defined track regardless of any obstacles. The red marble must never touch a wild marble.

The best way to get rid of a wild marble is to lead it into a dead end by changing the previous switches.

The One Way Track

The red marble must travel through a one way track in the correct direction.

 	The Traffic Lights

The red marble must not cross a red light and will be required to wait until it turns green if necessary.

Influences on the Red Marble:

Direction Control

Will turn around the marble on impact.

Speed Control

The speed control will either accelerate or slow down the red marble. This may be useful or a nuisance.

The Secret Passage

The secret passage will take the red marble to another place.

Parts of the Actual Track:

The Track

The marbles roll along the tracks. The red marble must not enter a dead end track, whereas a wild marble will get stuck in it.

Switches

The player may set the next or previous switch in the desired direction.

The Exit

Once all multi-colored marbles have been collected, the red marble has to reach an exit.  The red exit sign cannot be seen while there are still multi-colored marbles left and the red marble must not roll to an exit. The wild marble will get stuck in an exit like in a dead end.


Tips and Tricks for Playing

Also refer to:

Playing Mystic Marbles

Pieces of the Game

Marble Track File

Marble Track

Pieces of the Game

Fields

After the first few easy marble tracks it will become more difficult to collect all multi-colored marbles and to reach an exit. Each marble track will be a new challenge.

Very often it will be important to collect the multi-colored marbles in the correct order. If the wrong route is taken, a marble may quickly become inaccessible forever. However, you may still be lucky enough to find a secret passage leading to an exit after all, once the last - and correct - multi-colored marble has been collected.

Setting the switches is an essential technique. You may often need to set the previous switch in a different direction in order to get rid of the wild marbles.

It is possible that a red marble will be caught in a difficult track and that you cannot find a way out anymore. In that case you will have to re-start the marble track (Shortcut F3). Consequently you will lose a red marble, but for every marble track you have already completed, you will have received an additional red marble.

If a marble track is particularly difficult for you, you can also select another marble track in the Dialog Box Game Settings (Shortcut F5).

The marble tracks are integrated in so-called marble track files. A file consists of approx. 20-50 marble tracks.


Registration

Also refer to:

Registration and License Agreement

Order Form

Thank you for your interest in Mystic Marbles.

The authors of this game have taken a lot of trouble to give you lots of fun with this game.

This game is shareware. This means that you are allowed (and even encouraged!) to copy and pass on all files of this game, as long as the files are kept in the original version.

In the shareware version you can only play the first 6 Marble Tracks per Marble Track File and only edit 3 marble tracks per marble track file. In addition to that there are registration notes, which will have surely led you to this help page.

If you like this game, we will ask you to get registered at a really low rate so that we can continue to develop good value entertaining games for you.

Once you have got registered, we will send you a personalized registration password with your name, which you will enter in the program. With this the program will identify you as a registered user of Mystic Marbles and will remove all restrictions of the shareware version. You will only need to enter the registration password once, as it will be saved by the program.

The full version of Mystic Marbles consists of the shareware version and a valid registration password. There is no separate disk version.

The registration password, which is available from DM 20.00 or US$ 15.00 (see Order Form) from us and which we will send to you in a standard letter, has many advantages for you:

+	Elimination of additional floppy disks and expensive protective envelopes.

+	Letters are handled faster than parcels, therefore you will receive the full version earlier.

+	You can always get hold of the latest shareware version of Mystic Marbles from us or from your local shareware distributor or you may download it from the Internet. Your registration password will remain valid.

+	We will avoid costly management and stock keeping, which will save you money on the registration fee.

Registration is rather simple:

+	Print Order Form, fill in and send it to the following address:

Ingenieurbüro für Softwareentwicklung
Dipl. Ing. Frank Burkart
Hertzstr. 29

D-76287 Rheinstetten
Germany

We offer good value multiple licenses for the use on several computers for institutions such as kindergartens, schools, children homes, after school clubs and youth clubs. Prices on application.

Please feel free to contact us, should any queries arise about the registration procedure and about shareware or if you simply wish to share proposals and ideas. Please do not forget to include an international reply coupon since we would be unable to answer your inquiry otherwise.

Note:	We also develop software and device drivers to your personal specifications for all Windows operating systems with Excel, Access, Visual Basic, C++ and Assembler. Please do not hesitate to contact us.


Order Form
To print this order form click  "File" on the toolbar and select "Print Topic" in the menu.

Order Form

Ingenieurbüro für Softwareentwicklung Dipl. Ing. Frank Burkart Hertzstr. 29 D - 76287 Rheinstetten Deutschland	Order Fax ++49 7242 952321

I acknowledge the terms and conditions in the Registration and License Agreement and order Mystic Marbles Version 1.01e: (Please, fill in form and tick where applicable)

Name:

Address:

City:

Zip Code:

Country:

O	Registration password including the passwords for editing Marble track files mystm.fmf and mystm2.mmf. Altogether over 50 extensive marble tracks. The registration password and the shareware version of Mystic Marbles combined are the full version. We would like the registration password to be issued under the following name (please, print name):  First name: Last Name:	DM 20.00
O	Our latest shareware programs on CD-ROM, including Mystic Marbles (English and German) and Daisy's Garden 2 (English and German)	DM 15.00
		-------------
	Sub total
	A handling and shipping charge may apply, please tick method of payment:
O	Cash (equivalent of the price in DM) in any of the mentioned currencies (US$, SFr or EU-currencies).  Please send cash in registered letters only.  (e.g. DM 20.00 = US$ 15.00 = FF 70.00 = ÖS 150.00) Please ask for current exchange rates at your local bank.	No handling charge
O	Please charge my credit card O  Visa O  Eurocard/Mastercard Number: Valid until:	DM 5.00
		-------------
	Total

Please note that additional VAT will not apply for orders other than from Germany.

Date, Signature (parent/guardian):  ______________________________________

We are interested in your opinion!

We would very much appreciate if you filled in this survey even if you decide against getting registered. This will enable us to develop even better programs in the future.

I use the following computer equipment:

Processor (386, 486, Pentium, Pentium II, etc.):

RAM (4 MB, 8 MB, etc.):

Display (800 * 600 * 256 colors, etc):

Sound card (Yes/No)      CD-ROM Drive (Yes/No)      Joystick (Yes/No)

Operating System (Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows NT, etc.):

I can access the Internet (eMail address?):

I really liked the following about Mystic Marbles:

This could be improved about Mystic Marbles:

I saw the shareware version of Mystic Marbles at

O	CD-ROM shareware collection or Shareware distributor (title, publisher, address):

O	Internet or On-line service (WWW page or FTP Server):

O	Other:

Ideas, suggestions, error reports:


Dialog Box Game Settings

Also refer to:

Troubleshooting

In this dialog box you can make general game settings. The settings will be saved after the game has been finished.

Name:

Enter the player's name. The program will save the name entered last.

Start Marble Track No.:

Choose the Marble Track in the open Marble Track File, in which the player wants to start a game. This will also enable you to skip a difficult marble track.

Faster <-V-> Slower:

Adjust the slide control for a faster or slower game speed. For slower computers we recommend a slower speed. The program will save the speed chosen last.

Sound Effects:

Choose whether you want to hear sound effects or not. You can only hear sound effects if your computer has a Windows compatible sound card. For slower computers we recommend not to use sound effects. The program will save the setting chosen last.

Music:

Choose whether you want to hear music or not. You can only hear MIDI Music Files, if your computer has a Windows compatible sound card. For slower computers we recommend not to use music. The program will save the setting chosen last.

Despite being equipped with a sound card, you may experience difficulties with MIDI music files with some computers. Please contact the manufacturer of your computer.

Scrolling Effects:

A lot of marble tracks are so big that they will not be fully displayed on your screen. However the immediate surroundings of the red marble will always be shown. Scrolling effects will allow you to choose how fast the surroundings will be updated. For slower computers we recommend the setting "slow computer". The program will save the setting chosen last.

Joystick:

Adjust your computer to joystick setting, if available. The program will save the setting chosen last.

Disable

No joystick is connected to your computer or it does not work correctly with Mystic Marbles. If the test field does not work properly, you must choose setting disable otherwise the game may not work properly. For slower computers we recommend this option.

MM-driver (Win95)

A special driver is installed for your joystick. Ask the manufacturer of your computer and of your joystick, if such a driver is available. We have only found such drivers to be available for Windows 95.

BIOS (Win31)

Mystic Marbles checks the hardware of the computer directly. This does not work with all computers. In some cases the game may be ended by the operating system when choosing this option.

Center

Only available if you have chosen the setting BIOS. Push your joystick right down in all directions. By doing this, Mystic Marbles will try to recognize your joystick. Check in the test field whether you have been successful. Save with OK if you are satisfied.

Test Field

Check in the test field, whether or not your joystick works correctly with Mystic Marbles should you have chosen the option MM-driver or BIOS.

Let go of your joystick. The green point must be inside the black rectangle. If not, calibrate or center your joystick.

Move the handle of your joystick. You must be able to move the green point out of the black rectangle in all directions.

Press the right and the left button (button 1 and 2) of your joystick. A red point will appear in the test field for each button.


Dialog Box Hall of Fame

In this dialog box you can admire the best players of Mystic Marbles. You will be among them if you play this game well enough.


Dialog Box Registration

Also refer to:

Registration

Order Form

In this dialog box you have to enter your registration password.

You will receive your registration password when getting registered.

After you have entered your valid registration password the dialog box Registration will disappear for good. All restrictions will be removed from the game; e.g. only the first 6 Marble Tracks per Marble Track File could be played and only 3 marble tracks per marble track file could be edited before.

Registration Password:

Enter the registration password here and click "OK".

Continue with Shareware:

If you do not have a registration password so far, you may try out Mystic Marbles. Click "Continue with Shareware". In this case you can only play the first 6 marble tracks per marble track file and only edit 3 marble tracks per marble track file. That is why you should get registered as soon as possible.


Commands toolbar File
Toolbar: File - Commands Options

New

Will create a new Marble Track File to enter new marble tracks.

Icon: 	Shortcut: Ctrl-N

Open...

Will open an existing marble track file to play or edit.

Icon: 	Shortcut: Ctrl-O

Close

Will close the marble track file in use. You will be asked whether you want to save the changes to the marble track file, before the application will be closed.

Save

Will save the marble track file in use.

Icon: 	Shortcut: Ctrl-S

Save as...

Will save the marble track file in use under a different name.

Info...

Will show information, e.g. about the author of the marble track file in use.

1, 2, 3, 4

Will open the marble track files used last to play or edit.

Exit

Will exit Mystic Marbles.


Commands Toolbar Play
Toolbar: Play  Commands Options

Start Game

Will start a new game. The player will get three new red marbles.

Icon: 	Shortcut: F2

Re-start Marble Track

If the red marble has got caught hopelessly, you will lose one marble and get the chance to try and finish the marble track once more.

Icon: 	Shortcut: F3

Pause

Will pause the game, if you have to attend to an urgent matter. It will also pause if you switch to another Windows application.

Icon: 	Shortcut: F4

End Game

Will end the game in use. You will then have to start from scratch again.

Settings...

Will show the Dialog Box Game Settings, in which you can set in the player's name, the speed and the sound effects.

Icon: 	Shortcut: F5

Faster

Will accelerate the game.

Icon: 	Shortcut: Ctrl-Q

Slower

Will slow down the game.

Icon: 	Shortcut: Stag-S

Hall of Fame...

Will show the Dialog Box Hall of Fame, in which you may admire the best players of Mystic Marbles.


Commands toolbar Help
Toolbar: Help  Commands Options

Index

Will show the Contents of the help for Mystic Marbles.

Using Help

Will show you how to use the on-line help for Windows.

Info...

Will show you a dialog box with the version number of Mystic Marbles.


Commands toolbar Edit
Toolbar: Edit - Commands Options

Undo

Will undo the last action, if possible.

Shortcut: Crtl-Z

Cut

Will cut part of or a whole Marble Track and put it onto the clipboard. You can insert the contents of the clipboard in a marble track again.

Cutting a complete marble track:

+	Highlight the name of the marble track in the list on the left side.

+	Cut the marble track with "Cut". The marble track will be put onto the clipboard.

Cutting part of a marble track:

+	Click  "Edit"

+	Highlight the area in the marble track you want to cut.

+	Cut the highlighted area with "Cut". It will then be put onto the clipboard.

Icon: 	Shortcut: Ctrl-X

Copy

Will copy part of or a whole marble track and put it onto the clipboard. You can insert the contents of the clipboard into a marble track again.

See "Cut" for instructions.

Icon: 	Shortcut: Ctrl-C

Paste

Will paste the contents of the clipboard as a part of a marble track or turn it into a new marble track.

Pasting a whole marble track:

+	Highlight a marble track in the list on the left side with your mouse.

+	Paste an additional marble track in this section from the clipboard by clicking  "Paste".

Pasting part of a marble track:

+	Select  "Edit" on the toolbar.

+	Select the area in the marble track, in which you want to paste the contents of the clipboard.

+	Paste the contents of the clipboard in the chosen area by clicking "Paste". The original part of the marble track will be overwritten. If you have only selected one field, the whole contents of the clipboard will be pasted otherwise only the section will be replaced.

Icon: 	Shortcut: Ctrl-V

Delete

Will delete a section or a whole marble track non-retrievably.

See "Cut" for instructions.

New Marble Track

Will create a new marble track in the Marble Track File.

Insert Rows

At first you will have to select the lines in the marble track, at which you wish to insert new lines. You will insert as many lines as you have selected.

Delete Rows

At first you will have to highlight the lines in the marble track, which you want to delete. You will delete as many lines as you have selected.

Insert Columns

At first you will have to highlight the columns in the marble track, where you want to insert new columns. You will insert as many columns as you have selected.

Delete Columns

At first you will have to select the columns in the marble track, which you want to delete. You will delete as many columns as you have selected.

Properties...

Will set properties of a marble track file, a marble track or a Piece of the Game.

Setting properties of a marble track file or a marble track:

+	Highlight the name of the marble track in the list on the left side.

+	Set properties by clicking "Properties". The Dialog Box Properties Marble Track File and Selected Marble Track will appear in which you can set properties.

Setting properties of a piece of the game:

+	Go to "Edit" on the toolbar

+	Highlight the piece of the game for which you want to set properties.

+	Set properties by clicking "Properties". The Dialog Box Properties Selected Piece of the Game will appear in which you can set properties.


Commands Toolbar Tools
Toolbar: Tools - Commands Options

Test Marble Track

Will test the current Marble Track.

Shortcut: Ctrl-T

Grid

Will show or hide the grid in marble tracks. This will make it easier for you to edit or to get an overall view of your marble track.

Icon:

Edit

This will select the Pieces of the Game which you want to edit, copy, cut etc.

Icon:

Draw

By clicking this icon you can draw a movable piece of the game in the marble track.

Icon:

Draw Rectangle

By clicking this icon you fill a whole area in the marble track with the movable piece of the game.

Icon:

Space

Clicking this icon will enable you to draw the fixed piece of the game "space".

Icon:

Track

Clicking this icon will enable you to draw the fixed piece of the game "tracks".

Icon:

Switch

Clicking this icon will enable you to draw the fixed piece of the game "switch".

Icon:

Exit

Clicking this icon will enable you to draw the fixed piece of the game "exit".

Icon:

Marble

Clicking this icon will enable you to draw the movable piece of the game "marble".

Icon:

Wild Marble

Clicking this icon will enable you to draw the piece of the game "wild marble".

Icon:

Multi-colored Marble to Collect

Clicking this icon will enable you to draw the piece of the game "multi-colored marble to collect".

Icon:

Traffic Light

Clicking this icon will enable you to draw the piece of the game "traffic light".

Icon:

Speed Control

Clicking this icon will enable you to draw the piece of the game "speed control".

Icon:

One-way Track

Clicking this icon will enable you to draw the piece of the game "one-way track".

Icon:

Secret Passage

Clicking this icon will enable you to draw the piece of the game "secret passage".

Icon:

Clue

Clicking this icon will enable you to draw the piece of the game "clue".

Icon:


Commands Toolbar Window
Toolbar: Window - Commands Options

New Window

Will open a new window in the current Marble Track File. Alterations in any window will be for all open windows of the marble track file.

Cascade

Will re-arrange all open windows so that they are cascaded.

Tile

Will re-arrange all open windows so that you can see them at the same time.

Arrange Icons

Will arrange the icons of all minimized open windows in a logical order.

1, 2, 3...

Will maximize the corresponding open window.


Commands Toolbar Registration
Toolbar: Registration - Commands Options

The dialog box "Registration" will not appear anymore, once you have entered your registration password.

Registration...

Will show the Dialog Box Registration, in which you will have to enter your registration password in order to access all functions of Mystic Marbles.

Info

Will assist you with the Registration of Mystic Marbles.

Order Form

Will view a help file with an Order Form for Mystic Marbles.


Editing Marble Tracks

Also refer to:

Pieces of the Game

Tips and Tricks for Editing

Marble Track File

Marble Track

Pieces of the Game

Fields

Once you have gone into the editing file of Mystic Marbles you can construct new marble tracks.

We will give you an example to show you how to do this most effectively. We recommend that you print this help page and proceed step by step.

Once you have gone through this example, you should be able to edit marble tracks on your own.

Creating a new Marble Track File:

+	Select "New" via the "File" menu on the toolbar.  A window with an empty marble track file will appear.

+	The window of the marble track file will be divided in two areas: On the left you will find a list with the titles of all marble tracks of a marble track file. You can create a maximum of 50 marble tracks (in the shareware version a maximum of 3) per marble track file. On the left you may choose a marble track by clicking the title of the marble track. The selected marble track will appear on the right. If a marble track happens to be too big for the window, use the scrollbars to move the window contents.

Creating a new Marble Track in the Marble Track File.

+	Select "New Marble Track" via the "Edit" menu on the toolbar. A marble track file will be added after the last chosen marble track of the marble track file.

+	The marble track will already contain a background (space) and the piece of the game "red marble" on the top left.

Pieces of the Game

+	You will add the pieces of the game to the marble track, which will give it its distinctive look. Pieces of the game are e.g. space, tracks, the red marble, multi-colored marbles, which you have to collect, and traffic lights.

+	There are two types of pieces of the game in Mystic Marbles: the fixed pieces and the movable pieces.

+	The fixed pieces are space, tracks, switches and exits. You will use them to create the background, the actual track. Fixed pieces of the game always stay in the same place, but they may change their state, e.g. when switches are set.

+	The movable pieces of the game are e.g. the red marble, wild marbles, multi-colored marbles, traffic lights, speed control, one-way tracks, secret passages and clues. These pieces fill Mystic Marbles with life. They can change their position, the wild marbles or items to collect may disappear completely.

+	Most pieces of the game have several characteristics. The piece "Switch" contains among many others  "Set Switch" in various directions, the piece "Traffic Light" consists of  "Traffic Light Red" and "Traffic Light Green".

Creating the Background

+	In the beginning the background will always be filled with "Space".

+	Adding tracks: Go to "Tools" on the toolbar, then select "Draw" followed by "Track". Click on the marble track with the left mouse button and keep it pressed while moving the mouse. This will turn all fields, which the cursor touches, into tracks.

+	Turning a straight track into a curve: Click the track you want to curve (use the right mouse button). A context menu will appear, select command "Properties...". The Dialog Box Properties Selected Piece of the Game will appear with a list of all available initial states. Select the initial state "Curve"

+	Tip: Press the key "Ctrl" and draw again. The current piece of the game will be drawn in a different initial state. Retry until you find a suitable initial state.

+	Add switches: Select "Switch" via the "Tools" menu on the toolbar. You can also click the corresponding icon on the toolbar with the mouse. Now go to the fields in which you want to draw the switches.

+	Feel free to utilize any of the fixed pieces to create the background.

Adding Movable Pieces of the Game

+	Adding multi-colored marbles: Go to "Tools" on the toolbar and click "Marbles to collect". Use the left mouse button to select the fields in which these marbles should appear. Now the movable piece is placed in the background, which is constant, unlike the tracks, which you draw.

+	A field may only hold one movable piece. If you draw a movable piece in a field that already contains a movable piece, the previous piece will be erased.

Selecting a Combination of Fields.

You may use a combination of fields for various important things.

+	Select "Edit" via the "Tools" menu on the toolbar: Click the fields, which you want to select and keep the left mouse button pressed. Move the mouse to the bottom right of the field you want to select. A frame will show you which area you have selected.

+	You can change the size and the shape of the selected fields at any time by clicking (use left mouse button) the little black rectangles of the selection thus moving them.

Moving a Combination of Fields

+	Moving a combination of fields to another position in the marble track: Click the center of the selected fields (use left mouse button and keep it pressed). Move the cursor to the place where you want to move the selection. A frame will show you its current position.

+	Let go of the mouse button when you have reached the correct position. Now the selected area has been moved. The empty fields will be filled with "Space" and the pieces of the game, which will have been concealed by the moved fields, will have been erased. If you are not satisfied with the result, click "Edit" on the toolbar and select  "Undo". You will automatically go back to the previous layout.

Selecting a Movable Piece of the Game

+	Selecting a movable Piece of the Game, for example a marble to collect. Go to "Tools" on the toolbar and select "Edit".

+	Click the field which contains the movable piece of the game once and let go immediately. Be careful not to move the mouse while clicking, as you would automatically highlight a whole field and not only the piece of the game.

+	This type of selection is different from the selection of fixed pieces of the game. You may only highlight one movable piece of the game at a time.

Cutting a Movable Piece of the Game and Putting it onto the Clipboard.

+	Cutting the selected movable piece and putting it onto the clipboard. Go to "Edit" on the toolbar and click "Cut".

Inserting a Movable Piece of the Game from the Clipboard.

+	Highlight the field, in which you want to paste the movable piece you have cut last. Go to "Edit" on the toolbar and click "Paste".

Properties of the Movable Pieces of the Game.

+	Some movable pieces have got distinctive properties. The marbles to collect may bear a number for you to specify in which order they have to be collected. The secret passages require a destination and you may assign a text to a clue.

Setting the Destination of a Secret Passage.

+	Draw a secret passage. Then select this movable piece.

+	The insertion of this piece of the game consists of two parts: The smaller selection rectangle directly on the element and on a line, the loose end of which will always point towards the field on the very top left of the marble track. The loose end can be moved. In order to do this you will have to click it with the left mouse button. Keep the mouse button pressed while moving, thus changing the destination.

Assignment of a Text to the Piece of the Game "Clue"

+	Insert a "Clue".

+	Click "Clue" (use right mouse button). A context menu will appear. Go to "Properties...". The Dialog Box Properties Selected Piece of the Game will appear in which you can enter the text of the clue.

Entering the Title of the Marble Track.

+	Click the title of the marble track you want to change in the list of marble tracks on the left side (use right mouse button). A context menu will appear. Go to "Properties....". The Dialog Box Properties Marble Track File and Selected Marble Track  will appear in which you can enter the title of the marble track.

Saving a Marble Track File

+	Go to "File" on the toolbar and click "Save". Enter a file name in the dialog box.

Testing the Marble Track

+	Go to "Tools" on the toolbar and click "Test Marble Track". You may now play the marble track you have just constructed. When you have finished, press shortcut CTRL-F4 to carry on working on your marble track.


Tips and Tricks for Editing

Also refer to:

Editing Marble Tracks

Pieces of the Game

Marble Track File

Marble Track

Pieces of the Game

Fields

We would like to emphasize that we encourage all players of Mystic Marbles to make their own marble track files with marble tracks and to pass them on to other players.

Please feel free to send any of your own marble tracks to us:

Ingenieurbüro für Softwareentwicklung
Dipl. Ing. Frank Burkart
Hertzstr. 29

D - 76287 Rheinstetten
Germany

In case of great demand we would like to forward a collection of marble tracks constructed by players to other players.

However you must meet the following conditions:

+	You must be a registered user of Mystic Marbles

+	A marble track file must contain a minimum of 20 marble tracks

+	You must have stated your name and full address in the Dialog Box Properties Marble Track File

+	Your marble track file must not contain any of the following: violence, pornography and/or racism

+	Your marble track file must not contain computer viruses

Note:	We are not liable for any programs and/or marble track files sent by you voluntarily. You are neither entitled to the publication of your marble tracks nor are we obliged to return your marble tracks.


Dialog Box Properties MarbleTrack File and Selected MarbleTrack
Dialog Box: Properties of Marble Track File and Selected Marble Track

In this dialog box you can set properties for the Marble Track File and the current Marble Track.

Author:

Enter your name and address here when you have finished designing your marble track. Your name and your address will always be displayed, when you are asked to enter passwords for this marble track file.

Comments of the Author:

Please enter important information on the marble track, for example how and where to get the passwords to this marble track file. The comments will always be displayed, when you are requested to enter the passwords for this marble track file.

Password for Editing:

Please enter your password here, if you want the game only to be edited by somebody who knows the password.

This will protect your marble track file against unauthorized changes.

Password for Playing:

Please enter your password here, if you want the game only to be played by someone who knows the password.

You may wish to charge interested players a small fee to obtain their password.

From Marble Track No.:

Enter the number of the marble track as of which a password will be required.

This will enable other interested players to try out some of your marble tracks regardless of the password.

Title:

Enter a title for the marble track here. The title will be displayed when playing this track.

Size X:

Enter the width of the marble track here. You may use sizes from 1 to 50. If you widen the marble track, "Air" will be added. If you shrink the marble track, the corresponding fields at the right margin will be removed.

Size Y:

Enter the height of the marble track here. You may use sizes from 1 to 40. If you increase the height of the marble track, "Air" will be added. If you shrink the marble track, the corresponding fields at the bottom margin will be removed.

Timeout:

Enter the time in which a player will have to complete the marble track. You may choose anything from 20 to 1000.

MIDI Music File:

Enter the name of a MIDI Music File which you want to use as background music for this marble track. Mystic Marbles will search for this music file in the directory, in which the marble track file is saved first, then in the directory, in which Mystic Marbles is installed.

Browse:

This is where you can search for a MIDI music file.

Layout of Background:

Choose a background from the list the supplied for the marble track.

Tip: Gray background is particularly suitable for editing. Once you have finished editing a marble track, you can choose one of the nicer colored backgrounds.

Track Color:

Choose a color for the actual tracks from the list supplied.


Dialog Box Properties Selected Piece of the Game
Dialog Box: Properties Selected Piece of the Game

In this dialog box you can set the properties of a Piece of the Game.

Initial State:

Here you can set the initial state of the selected piece of the game. Most pieces have got numerous states. Use the mouse to choose relevant entry.

Starting Position:

Here you can set the starting position of a movable piece of the game. When editing a fixed piece you will see its position.

You may also set the starting position by using the mouse (toolbar "Tools", then click "Edit") instead of using the dialog box.

Destination:

Here you can set the destination of a movable piece of the game. These fields will be invisible, when editing a fixed piece or a movable one, which does not support a destination.

Set the destination.

You can also set the destination by using the mouse (toolbar "Tools", then click "Edit") instead of using the dialog box.

Specific Value:

Here you can set the specific value of a movable piece of the game. These fields will be invisible, when editing another fixed/movable piece of the game, which does not support a specific value.

Set the specific value.

The specific value of multi-colored marbles will determine the order in which to collect them, the specific value of a traffic light will determine its sequence.

Clue Text:

Here you can set the text for the movable piece of the game "clue". These fields will be invisible, when editing another piece of the game.


Dialog Box MarbleTrack File Info
Dialog Box: Marble Track File Info

In this dialog box you will find information about the current Marble Track File.

Author:

It is here that you will usually find information on who to obtain passwords from for this marble track file.

Comments of the Author:

It is here that you will usually find information on how to obtain passwords for this marble track file.


Dialog Box Enter Password Play
Dialog Box: Enter Password Play

In this dialog box you will have to enter a password in order to be able to play this Marble Track.

Author:

It is here that you will usually find information on who to obtain the password from.

Comments of the Author:

It is here that you will usually find information on how to obtain a password.

Password Play:

Enter the password, which you have received from the author of the marble track file here.

Once you have entered the correct password, it will be saved and Mystic Marbles will not ask for it again.


Dialog Box Enter Password Edit
Dialog Box: Enter Password Edit

In this dialog box you will have to enter a password in order to be able to edit this Marble Track File.

Author:

It is here that you will usually find information on who to obtain the password from.

Comments of the Author:

It is here that you will usually find information on how to obtain a password.

Password Edit:

Enter the password you have received from the author of the marble track file here.

Once you have entered the correct password, it will be saved and Mystic Marbles will not ask for it again.


Dialog Box MarbleTrack File Open
Dialog Box: Marble Track File Open

In this dialog box you will have to enter which Marble Track File you want to open.

File Name:

Enter the name of the file you want to open or select a file name from the list.

Type of file:

Select the type of file you want to open. Mystic Marbles can only use marble track files file type .mmf .

Directories or Folders:

Select the directory or folder in which Mystic Marbles has saved the marble track file, which you want to open.

Drives:

Select the drive in which Mystic Marbles has saved the marble track file, which you want to open.


Dialog Box MarbleTrack File Save As
Dialog Box: Marble Track File Save As

In this dialog box you will enter the name of the current Marble Track File, which you want to save under a different name.

File Name:

Enter the name of the file you want to open or select a file name from the list.

List Files of Type:

Select the type of file you want to open. Mystic Marbles can only use marble track files (file type .mmf).

Directories

It is here where you select the directory in which you want Mystic Marbles to save the marble track file.

Drive:

It is here where you select the drive in which you want Mystic Marbles to save the marble track file.


Dialog Box Browse MIDI music file
Dialog Box: Browse MIDI Music File

You will use this dialog box to search for a MIDI Music File.

File Name:

Enter the file name of the MIDI music file or select a file name from the list.

List Files of Type:

Select the type of the MIDI music file. Mystic Marbles can only use MIDI music files (file type .mid).

Directories

Select the directory or folder for the MIDI music file here.

Drive:

Select the drive for the MIDI music file here.


Definition Marble Track File

A marble track file may consist of up to 50 marble tracks, in which you must collect all multi-colored marbles.


Definition Marble Track

In a marble track the player must collect all multi-colored marbles in the correct order with the red marble and then reach an exit in order to get to the next marble track.


Definition Pieces of the Game

There are fixed and movable pieces of the game in Mystic Marbles.

The fixed ones are space, track, switch and exit. They make up the background of the marble track, the actual tracks. Fixed pieces are always in the same place, but they can change their state, e.g. switches may be set.

The movable ones are the red marble, the wild marble, multi-colored marbles to collect, traffic lights, speed control, one-way track and secret passages. They fill Mystic Marbles with life. They move, e.g. the wild marble, or disappear completely, e.g. marbles to collect.


Definition Field

A field will always contain a fixed piece of the game (background). Sometimes you may also find a movable piece in it as well.


Definition MIDI Music File

A MIDI music file is a piece of music, which can be played through the soundcard installed in your computer. Refer to the manual of your soundcard, if it can actually play MIDI music files in Microsoft Windows.


Error

An error has occurred.

You have made a mistake. For example you have edited something incorrectly.


Toolbar and Status Lines

Toolbar

You will find icons for the most commonly used commands for Mystic Marbles on the icon toolbar below the menu toolbar.

Status Lines

You will find important information about Mystic Marbles in the status lines.

On the bottom status bar you will find a short help text for the currently chosen command and it will show whether or not the numeric keypad is activated on your keyboard.

Clue: Switch off the numeric keypad on your keyboard so you can play Mystic Marbles with arrow keys.

Additional Status Lines for Playing

You will find information about your current game on these status lines.

Upper Status Line

Highscore

Best score of the day.

Score

Points achieved in current game.

Marble Track

Number of the marble track in the current marble track file, which is being played.

Marbles

Number of red marbles available. Every game starts with 3 red marbles. If you manage to finish a marble track, you will get an additional red marble.

Lower Status Line

Timeout

Time left to finish a marble track.

Player

Name of the player currently playing. Go to "Play" on the toolbar and click "Settings" to enter your name.


Standard Settings of Microsoft Windows

Please refer to your Microsoft Windows manual, if you want to know more about using Microsoft Windows and its standard settings.


Troubleshooting

Mystic Marbles does not run properly on my computer. What can I do?

System Requirements

Question:	What kind of computer do I need to play Mystic Marbles?

Answer:	Mystic Marbles can be played in Microsoft Windows © enhanced mode on every computer.

Operating system:	Windows 3.1, enhanced mode, Windows 95 and Windows NT (better)

Processor:	at least 386 DX, 33 MHz, we highly recommend: 486 SX, 33 MHz

RAM:	minimum of 4 MB, we recommend 8 MB

Graphics card:	VGA, we highly recommend Accelerator 800 * 600 with 256 colors

Hard disk:	2 MB space on disk

Sound card:	Windows compatible sound card recommended

Mouse:	Windows compatible mouse for editing Mystic Marbles required

Joystick:	Joystick with Windows MM driver recommended

Updated Versions of Mystic Marbles

Question:	Which version of Mystic Marbles am I using?

Answer:	Go to "Help" on the toolbar and select dialog box "Info...". It is here that you will find the number of the version you are using.

Question:	Where can I get the latest shareware version of Mystic Marbles?

Answer:	Straight from the author. Address supplied further down. Note: A fee will apply. Please use the enclosed Order Form.

or:	From a good shareware distributor.

or:	From on-line services and from the Internet. Search for the files mystm.zip, mystme.zip. Your on-line service will tell you how to search for files.

or:	From our WWW homepage: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/Homepages/FBurkart

Registration Password

Question:	Mystic Marbles requires a registration password. What does that mean?

Answer:	Read the help page Registration. You will find detailed information there.

Question:	I have got a registration password for an older version of Mystic Marbles. Where do I get an updated version?

Answer:	The registration password is valid for all versions of Mystic Marbles (subject to technical improvements). Obtain the latest shareware version of Mystic Marbles, address supplied further down.

Playing Mystic Marbles

Question:	The marble track is so difficult that I cannot finish it.

Answer:	Go to "Play" on the toolbar and click "Options...". The Dialog Box Game Settings will appear. Select the next marble track in "Start Marble Track No.".

Graphics

Question:	My graphics card supports 256 colors, but only 16 colors will be shown.

Answer:	Check if the installed graphic card driver really supports 256 colors in the current screen setting. Check Windows Setup and refer to Windows literature and your computer manual.

Answer:	Some older graphics card drivers do not support a certain range of colors. In this case Mystic Marbles can only be played with 16 colors.

Question:	My graphics card supports 256 colors, but I cannot see the marble tracks at all.

Answer:	Start Mystic Marbles with the command line option /c16, to start up Mystic Marbles with 16 colors.

Question:	The screen keeps on flickering, especially while scrolling.

Answer:	Most of the marble tracks are so big that they will not fit on your screen, except on very high resolution monitors (1600 * 1200 pixels). Therefore you will have to scroll the background and you will only see the section around the red marble. In order to make the game compatible with almost every computer, we were unable to program the graphics card directly but had to use the Windows-API.

Therefore the maximum playing speed available will depend on your graphics card and in particular on its driver. In most cases an optimized driver, which comes with your graphics card should be installed. The standard Windows 3.1 drivers VGA and Super-VGA are probably too slow. If you use modern PCI- or VESA-Local-Bus-Accelerator cards with suitable drivers, scrolling will be done at an acceptable speed.

When comparing Mystic Marbles with similar DOS games you will have to keep in mind that with today's standard resolution of 800 x 600 256 colors 8 times as much data will have to be processed as compared with 320 x 200 256 colors in DOS.

Here are some tips how you can probably achieve better scrolling effects:

1) Use a driver for 256 colors. Drivers for 16 colors or more than 256 colors are often slower.

2) Try the various options offered in the Dialog Box Game Settings (F5). Set the game speed <-V-> to "slower" and the scrolling effects to "slow computer". Please do try different settings.

3) Use smaller windows, for example half screen size.

Sound

Question:	I have a sound card, but I cannot hear anything in Mystic Marbles, whereas in other Windows applications I will hear sound effects.

Answer:	Go to "Play" on the toolbar and click "Options...". The Dialog Box Game Settings will appear. Check if the options "Sound effects" and "Music" are set properly.

Question:	I have a sound card, but sound effects and music are played incorrectly.

Answer:	Sound cards may differ enormously in quality. Disable the options "Sound Effects" and "Music" if necessary.

Question:	After setting the sound effects in Mystic Marbles, I cannot start up Mystic Marbles because of lack of memory or other reasons.

Answer:	Open the file mystm.ini via notepad.exe or another text editor in your Windows directory.. Overwrite the entry SoundEffects=1 with SoundEffects=0 and the entry MidiMusic=1 with MidiMusic=0.

Passwords

Question:	Why do I only enter passwords once?

Answer:	Once you have entered the correct passwords, Mystic Marbles will save them in the file mystm.ini in your Windows directory. You may delete the corresponding entries with a text editor, for example notepad.exe.

Question:	I have forgotten a password.

Answer:	There is no possibility to restore a forgotten password. It would be pointless for you to have a password if you could.

Joystick

Question:	I cannot use my joystick with Mystic Marbles.

Answer:	Check the following causes of error: Is the joystick connected properly? Can I use the joystick with another game? Is the joystick activated in the Dialog Box Game Settings and does the joystick work correctly in the test field? Is a mm-driver installed for your joystick? You may find that your joystick does not support Mystic Marbles at all.

Question:	The red marble stops unexpectedly, without me touching the joystick, the mouse or the keyboard.

Answer:	You may have set a faulty joystick (or one which still needs calibrating or centering) in the Dialog Box Game Settings. Please, verify in the test field. If absolutely necessary disable the joystick (Option "Disable").

or:	You may have connected your joystick to your sound card. However, some sound cards use this connection for playing MIDI music, too. Therefore the joystick and the MIDI music will overlap. You must either disable the music or the joystick in the Dialog Box Game Settings.

Miscellaneous

Refer to the files readme.txt and share.txt. They contain the latest information about Mystic Marbles.

If you have other problems with Mystic Marbles, you can also contact us under the following address:

Ingenieurbüro für Softwareentwicklung
Dipl. Ing. Frank Burkart
Hertzstr. 29

D - 76287 Rheinstetten
Germany

Phone:	++49 7242 952320
Fax:	++49 7242 952321

e-mail:	FBurkart@compuserve.com

We will try to help you. Do not forget postage (international reply coupon) as we would be unable to answer your query otherwise.

Please give us a detailed description of your problem, of your computer and if necessary a printout of your configuration files (config.sys, autoexec.bat, win.ini, system.ini).

Please refer to our WWW-Homepage, where we publish the latest information about Mystic Marbles and where you will find the latest program versions.

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/Homepages/FBurkart


Registration and License Agreement

Mystic Marbles Copyright © 1998 by

Ingenieurbüro für Softwareentwicklung
Dipl. Ing. Frank Burkart
Hertzstr. 29

D - 76287 Rheinstetten
Germany

Licenser means Ingenieurbüro für Softwareentwicklung, Dipl. Ing. Frank Burkart. Licensee means you or the person who wishes to use the full version of Mystic Marbles.

All rights reserved.

These terms and conditions are subject to the law of the Federal Republic of Germany.

You should read the following terms and conditions carefully before using this software. Unless you have a different license agreement signed by the licenser, the use of this software will acknowledge your acceptance of this license agreement and warranty.

1. Shareware Version

Mystic Marbles is not free software. You are hereby licensed to use this software for evaluation purposes without charge. You must accept the restrictions of the shareware version.

The following terms and conditions apply for the distribution of the shareware version of Mystic Marbles.

Distribution of the Shareware Version

You are allowed to copy and pass on the shareware version of Mystic Marbles as often as you wish provided that

   * all files remain unchanged

   * all files stay together

   * you do not  guarantee the perfect working condition of this program

   * when passing on Mystic Marbles you will emphasize that this product is shareware and that therefore a fee will apply to get registered if you want to use the full version of this program in the future

   * you do not pass on your registration password or any other passwords

Professional shareware dealers, who deal with Mystic Marbles, should inform the licenser that they distribute Mystic Marbles to ensure that they will always receive an updated version.

Disclaimer of Warranty

The licenser of Mystic Marbles has no influence on the distribution of the shareware version of this product. Therefore they are fully exempt from any liability or guarantee. A user must assume the entire risk of using this software.

2. Registered Version (Full version)

Prior to receiving a registration password for the software program Mystic Marbles, the licensee must acknowledge the following terms and conditions

Registration Password and Full Version

The full version of Mystic Marbles consists of the shareware version and a registration password containing information about the registered user, for example the name of the user.

The registration password is the only proof of a correct registration and consequently the purchase of the full version of Mystic Marbles.

Permitted Use of Mystic Marbles

The licenser grants the licensee the exclusive and personal right (license) to install the full version of this software in one computer. The transfer to another workstation is permitted provided that the software will be used solely on one computer at any time.

Passing on of Software

It is explicitly prohibited to pass on the full version of this software, the registration password or any other passwords by any means.

Limitation of Warranty and Liability

The latest developments in technology exclude any guaranties on perfect working conditions of software in general.

The licenser of this software guaranties that this software will work essentially in accordance with its manual and that the data carrier of the software is free of any defect in its material or workmanship for six months after date of receipt of the full version of this software. The above is guaranteed by the licenser. This neither replaces nor restricts any guarantees or liabilities of the dealer you have received the software from.

This software and the accompanying files are sold "as is" and without warranties as to performance of merchantability or any other warranties whether expressed or implied. Because of the various hardware and software environments in which Mystic Marbles may be put, no warranty of fitness for a particular purpose is offered.

Good data processing procedure dictates that any program must be thoroughly tested with non-critical data before relying on it. The user must assume the entire risk of using the program.

Any liability of the licenser will be limited exclusively to product replacement or refund of the purchase price of the full version of this software, which has been returned to the licenser by the licensee with a copy of the receipt (as proof of purchase) attached.

This limited warranty does not apply if failure of the full version of this software is down to accidental damage, misuse or incorrect use.

The licenser rules out any further warranty or liability on the full version of this software, its accompanying manual and its data carrier.

Disclaimer of Liability for Subsequent Damage

Neither the licenser nor any of the dealers may be made liable for any damage caused by the use of this software or the incapability of doing so, even if the licenser has been informed about the possibility of such damage. In any case the liability of the licenser will be limited to the actual purchase price of the full version of this software.


Thanks

We would like to thank everybody who have contributed to the development of Mystic Marbles:

Daisy Gerhardt-Burkart:

for management and consultation

Frank Burkart:

for the idea, programming, graphics and sound effects

Katharina Lutz, Marie-Luise Lutz, Michael Lutz:

for graphics

Karin Hannemann:

for English translations