⌐ Copyright 1993, John Decker, All rights reserved.
What is "┤" ?
┤ ( Oh, I See! ) is a puzzle game that challenges your ability to recognize unique patterns in a group of letters. There are ten puzzles per game. Each puzzle has some unique pattern. That is, the arrangement of the letters is in some organized order and your job is to figure out what that order is. At the end of every puzzle is a "?". On the basis of the pattern you identify, you need to fill in the question mark. Take some time to look at the example to the left. The correct solution based on the pattern identified would be "M". There are many different types of patterns and each type of pattern is randomly generated so no two games should ever be the same.
Levels:
There are three levels of play. Each successive level increases in difficulty. That is, there are some very easy puzzles on level one. On the other hand, there are some puzzles on level three that could cause hair loss! Each level is timed. You are given two minutes to solve level 1; four minutes for level 2 and six minutes on level 3. You may change levels during a game, but doing so will end the current game and begin a new one.
How to Play:
Each game consists of 10 puzzles that need to be solved within the time limit of the level. To solve a puzzle simply press the keyboard key that you feel is the correct answer. You may also click the mouse on any letter in the alphabet that is directly below the puzzle. Having the alphabet below the puzzle will help you as you advance to higher levels. All correct answers to the puzzles will be between the letters A and Z. There are no special characters. The alphabet is all you need to know to play the game! Although that is all you need to know, you need to know it VERY well.
The computer will let you know if you solved a puzzle correctly or incorrectly. The word "Correct" or "Incorrect" will flash after each puzzle has been answered.
Scoring:
You gain points by answering puzzles correctly. The amount of points awarded per puzzle depends upon the level. The points per correct puzzle are as follows:
Level 1 = 5 points for every correct answer.
Level 2 = 10 points for every correct answer.
Level 3 = 15 points for every correct answer.
You receive bonus points at the end of the game based upon how many seconds are left AND how many puzzles were answered correctly. You must answer at least 7 questions correctly to be eligible for bonus points. If 7 or more questions are answered correctly, bonus points are awarded as follows:
Level 1 = 5 points per second.
Level 2 = 10 points per second.
Level 3 = 15 points per second.
The bonus points are then adjusted based upon how many questions were answered correctly. The bonus points are adjusted as follows:
7 correct = 25% of total bonus is awarded.
8 correct = 50% of total bonus is awarded.
9 correct = 75% of total bonus is awarded.
10 correct = 100% of total bonus is awarded.
Recap:
When the game ends, you will be able to see the solution to the ten puzzles. The recap window gives you the following information:
1.) The correct answers.
2.) If you got that puzzle correct.
3.) The logic behind the solution.
Shareware:
This game is shareware!!! That means you can copy it as many times as you want and distribute it to your friends. Please do! It also means if you like it and use it, I need 10 bucks... Your shareware registration fee ensures that I can make a few bucks and justify all the time and energy spent developing this game! Sounds selfish, I know. But hey, I gotta eat. Anyway it's a small price to pay and it only takes a few minutes to address the envelope!
You will be allowed to play 25 uninterrupted games before you need to decide if you will register your copy. If you register, you will be sent a password that allows you to continue playing ┤ without interruption. When registering, please send $10.00, your name, address, telephone number and the current version of ┤ that you are using to the address below. I need your address so I can send you the password! Please note that after 25 games, you will not be locked out. This game does not "expire". I simply prompt you to send in your shareware registration fee!
Fact: Only 1 - 2% of all users send in shareware payments! Please support shareware! Your registration fee helps support "try before you buy" software. Without user support, shareware cannot survive. Please, let's start a trend to support this great method of software distribution. Shareware means low cost, NOT low quality. To ensure quality, low cost software for the future, shareware needs to be supported.
Oh, by the way, as a registered user, you will receive updates. What a deal. Thanks for your support.
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The Future ( version 2.0.0) :
I plan to add an option to save the game where you are at. This will allow you to quit for a while, come back and start right where you left off!
I plan on adding a preferences file so that you don't have to choose your level of play everytime you start the game. With preferences, ┤ will remember the last level you played and start there.
I would like to expand the help screens. I would really like your suggestions for this. What questions did you have when first playing the game? What did you learn thru experience that would have been nice to read about in the help screens?
I am always looking for new types of puzzles that can be incorporated into ┤. If you have thought of a great mind boggling puzzle and would like to share it with me please do!
All in all, you are the future of this program. Without your shareware payment, I will have to find a real job. Then we will all suffer because there will be one less programmer who is willing to work real hard to provide low cost software.
