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columns
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columns.doc
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1994-09-01
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7KB
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168 lines
COLUMNS VGA
Program Documentation
By Michael Foegelle
Creative Computing Services
Copyright 1993
Program Setup
-------------
Columns will operate from any DOS directory as long as all of the files in
the archive are contained in that directory. Those files should be:
COLUMNS.EXE <-- Main program file
COLUMNS1.PCX
COLUMNS2.PCX
COLUMNS1.FNT
COLUMNS2.FNT
COLUMNS.GEM
COLUMNS.DAT
COLUMNS.DOC <-- This file
REGISTER.TXT <-- Registration form
From the DOS prompt just type "COLUMNS" or whatever the full pathname is,
such as "c:\games\columns\columns".
Game Play
---------
Columns is an arcade style action game in which gems fall down a vertical
shaft and build up at the bottom. Each falling object consists of three
gems which can be moved left or right within the column, or have their order
rotated. The easiest way to see this is to actually play the game. As the
gems build up on the bottom, matches can be made by getting three of the
same gems in a row, horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The matching
gems are removed and the gems above them fall down to take their place,
possibly forming new matches. There is also a magic gem which will appear
randomly once you get to the higher levels. When the magic gem lands on
another gem in the column, it removes all of that type of gem from the
stack, allowing the remaining gems to fall down in their place.
The keyboard controls during game play are as follows:
I -- Rotate gems 'up' one time
J -- Move gems left
K -- Rotate gems 'down' one time
L -- Move gems right
Spacebar -- Rapidly drop gems into place in column
ESC -- Pause game play; any key restarts
Control-S -- Toggle the sound on and off
Control-Q -- Quit game play
From the opening and high score screens:
Q -- Quits back to DOS
Control-S -- Toggles sound
Any other key -- Starts game play
From the ShareWare info screen:
R -- Displays this documentation file
P -- Prints the enclosed order form
Q -- Quits back to DOS
Any other key -- Starts game play
Scoring is determined by the number of matches made. Each match makes a
certain number of points, which increases as the level increases. You also
get extra points by dropping a gem into place with the spacebar. The
further the gem has to fall, the more points you receive.
ShareWare License
-----------------
This game is a ShareWare product. It may be freely distributed as long as
no fee is charged and no modifications are made to the program. You may try
this program for 15 days free of charge. However, if you choose to keep it,
you must pay the registration fee of $20 (twenty dollars) in U.S. currency.
(Foreign orders add $5 to cover additional postage.) For this fee you will
receive a disk with the latest complete version of Columns VGA with added
features such as a head-to-head two player game, user configureable
controls, additional gem sets, save game option, and more.
A convenient order form is included which you may print and return with your
payment if you wish. If you do not choose to purchase this program, please
delete it or give it to a friend. If not, you are under legal and moral
obligation to pay for it after the 15 day trial period has expired.
This game may not be packaged with any commercial product without the
written consent of the author. It may be distributed freely among all
electronic bulletin board systems as long as no additional fee beyond that
for regular connect time is added. It may also be distributed with disks of
public domain software, as long as a charge of no more than $5 is added to
cover material and shipping costs. However, the distributor is expected to
inform the customer that this software package is ShareWare and will require
a registration fee. ShareWare distributors should contact the address below
to receive a copy of the latest demo version and to insure that they are
distributing a "clean" virus free copy of Columns VGA. Original copies of
the Columns VGA demo program may be obtained for a fee of $5. Any other
questions or comments should also be sent to the following address.
To Order
--------
Send a check or money order made out to Michael Foegelle to (permanent
address):
Michael Foegelle
Rt. 2, Box 5200
Okmulgee, OK 74447
Or, for faster service on orders placed prior to May 1994, use the following
address:
Michael Foegelle
3110 Red River #221
Austin, TX 78705
For convenience, print out the enclosed order form and use it to place your
order. Be sure to specify what form of disk media you want. Choose between
a 360k DS/DD 5.25" disk and a 720k DS/DD 3.5" disk. If you don't use the
enclosed order form, be sure to specify that you are ordering the IBM VGA
version of Columns, or you may receive a different version. Please allow up
to six to eight weeks for delivery.
Currently (1993) I can be reached electronically at the following locations:
- Wunderland BBS (512) 472-0544 14.4kbaud-8-n-1, 24 hrs a day.
- GEnie user M.FOEGELLE2
- Internet address: foegelle@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu
however these are likely to change without notice.
Compatibility
-------------
This version of Columns uses the standard VGA format for the IBM line of
home computers and should work properly on any MS-DOS machine equipped
with a standard VGA card and monitor. Every effort has been made to insure
that this program will operate the same on any machine. Special timing
routines are used to insure that the game will play the same on any speed
computer. It has been tested successfully on computers with clock speeds
ranging from 15 to 66 MHz. Slower machines may see sluggish behaviour as
the first gem drops. This is common and the program will automatically
adjust to correct for the slower speed of the CPU.
Warranty Disclaimer
-------------------
This program has been tested extensively on a variety of machines. The
programmer makes no warranty, either expressed or implied, as to the fitness
of this program for use for any particular purpose or application on any
machine. The programmer can not be held responsible for any damage or loss
due to the use or mis-use of this program and/or its interaction with other
software or hardware. The user takes sole responsibility for the use of
this program and any consequences thereof.
Other Software
--------------
There are two versions of Columns currently available for the Apple II line
of computers. Write for more information.