Playing Powerslave is simple, but difficult to master.

First of all, after installing the game, use setup from the DOS prompt to setup the 
sound drivers, and configure the control options.  This is also where you would 
begin network and modem games.  When you configure the controls, there is a list of 
all the keyboard keys and what they do in the game.  You can assign different keys 
to actions if you prefer, or use the default setup.  I will list the default controls 
below regardless.

Controls:

Arrow or Cursor keys	Walk /Move character
Shift key + Arrows	Run
A			Jump
Z 			Crouch/Duck
Ctrl			Fire
Space Bar		Activate switch/door
Alt + Arrows		Side Step
Tab			Map
+/-			Zoom in/out map
Numeric Keypad +/-	Shrink/enlarge view window
Page Up			Temporary Look Up
Page Down		Temporary Look Down
Insert			Permanent Look Up
Delete			Permanent Look Down
Home			Reset vertical view
[/]			Toggle/switch through magic items
Enter			Activate magic item selected (must have enough purple mana)
1-7			Weapon select (assuming all weapons have been found)
Esc			Pause and return to menu screen
Alt + C			Toggle camera between  third and first person views.

In Game Status Bar:

Left side is mana meter.
Dots just right of mana meter indicate the number of currently selected magic items.
Right side is life meter.
Dots just left of life meter are number of extra men.
Center is compass.
Symbols on right of compass are keys.
Lungs on left of compass show amount of water currently in the lungs (when under water).

Items:

Red Chalice is partial life increase.
Plants offer a very small life increase.
Purple/blue energy orbs are magic/mana.
Purple Chalice is mana.
Heart is life fill up.
Torch is magical torch for dark areas.
Eyeball is invisibility.
Hand is extra weapon power.
Mask provides underwater breathing.
Small scarab is invincibility
Miscellaneous weapons and ammo.

Hints and Tips:

Shoot the flaming pots to make them explode (but don't get to close).


There are many very challenging jumps in the game and the ability to run and jump is 
essential to completion of Powerslave.


Falling long distances is detrimental to the health of the player.  Usually there are 
health generating items near where you are likely to land.


Don't hesitate to use the magic items when you need them.  They are very helpful!


The longer you hold the grenade after pulling the pin (continue holding Ctrl key), the 
farther you will throw the grenade.  If you hold onto the grenade too long you will 
die!  If you run and throw the grenade it will go farther.


When under water, use the bubbles to replenish your air supply.


Not all weapons can be used underwater.


If a mummy hits you with a red skull, you will be turned into a mummy and can destroy 
enemies by pounding your staff.


Fallen mummies regenerate if another mummy pounds his staff near it.


Running into your own flame thrower stream will cause you damage.


The final weapon (7) takes time to fire and must remain targeted the entire time to be 
effective.


Beware that the cobra staff projectiles can and will turn on the player if no enemies 
are encountered over a long distance.


Golden beetles are in-level save points.  If you have extra men available, you will 
restart after dying at the last beetle touched.


Progress is automatically saved at the completion of each stage.


There are many, many, puzzles and traps throughout Powerslave and some of the levels 
are very challenging to complete.  There are also hidden areas that are usually 
marked in subtle ways.


There are four normal levels, a training level, and a special network level number 30.


Have fun!