OS/2 Shareware BBS: 7 Games/07-Games.zip/mlginf.zip/MLGAMES.INF

OS/2 Help File | 1993-11-17 | 348KB | 728 lines

ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. Overview ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ


Welcome to this information file about MicroLearn Game Pack, Volume I! This is
the first OS/2-related product MicroLearn Nordic have released, and it's also
the first commercial game package for OS/2.

The game package contains 10 games and even 2 game editors. Every application
in the package is fully 32-bit.


All the application in the package have the following:

o Multithreading
o High technical and graphical quality
o Menu help in the caption area
o Neat push buttons with instructive images
o Extensive help


Almost every application in this game pack has separate graphics for low-res
and hi-res graphics modes.

This information file will give you some idea of what MicroLearn Game Pack,
Volume I is. Each application is represented both by text and screen shots.

We hope that this game pack will give you hours of fun in OS/2.

Note that all screen shots in this file are in 16 colors VGA. Some games look
better in other (better) video modes.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2. Hardware requirements ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

You need the following to run MicroLearn Game Pack Volume I:

o A PC running OS/2 2.0 + Service Pack or OS/2 2.1.

o VGA (640x480, 16 colors) or better graphics.

o Mouse is required for some of the games.

o 2.5 MB free hard disk space.

Some games look better if running with more than 16 colors and/or higher
resolution than 648x480. Read separate information for each game.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3. Order information ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Read ORDER.DOC and fill in the order form, and send (or fax) it to the address
at the end of the document.

If that file is missing, you can contact a Retail dealer for ordering
information.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4. Price ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The price for MicroLearn Game Pack Volume 1 is:

Normal price:
340 SEK (about US $42)

Introductory offer (until December 31, 1993):
260 SEK (about US $32)

Shipping and handling charges will be added.

Note: Read the text file ORDER.DOC for more order info. Information about a
retail dealer is also presented there.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5. Retail dealers ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

NOTE! Also read the text file ORDER.DOC for more order info. Information about
a retail dealer is also presented there.

You can place the order at the following retail dealers:

FenrisUlven Data
Sorbygatan 69B
802 55 GAVLE
SWEDEN
Fax: [phone]

Ridax
Kransen 4E
416 72 GOTHENBURG
SWEDEN
Fax: [phone]

You can also make the order directly to MicroLearn Nordic MicroLearn Nordic (we
will direct the order to a suitable retail dealer):
MicroLearn Nordic
Box 49016
400 64 GOTHENBURG
SWEDEN
Fax: [phone]


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6. Q & A ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Here follows some answers to common questions about MicroLearn Game Pack Volume
I:

Q: Will you release a second game pack, since this game pack is called "Volume
I"?
A: We plan to release another game pack, but this will only happen if we find
it profitable to make OS/2 games.

Q: Does the game pack have sound/music support?
A: No, but if we release another game pack, that product will certainly have
full sound and music support.

Q: Do I need a very fast computer or graphics card to run the games?
A: No, all games will run comfortably on a 386sx or better processor.

Q: Is it possible to order some of the games separately?
A: No, the games are only sold as one package.

Q: Which applications will MicroLearn Nordic release in the near future?
A: Normally, we don't announce our product plans to the public until the
products are released.

Q: Will this game pack be released on any other platform?
A: No, this is an OS/2-only product.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7. Retail dealers wanted! ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

We are looking for retail dealers worldwide (mainly in USA, Canada, Germany and
Australia). If Your company is selling OS/2 products today, and is interested
in selling this game pack, please send us a FAX to MicroLearn Nordic
([phone]) and request dealer information.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8. The Game folder ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This is an example of how the game folder will look when the game pack is
installed. Note that Block Bouncer, Combo and MindSweeper have more colorful
icons in 256 color mode.

The background bitmap is included in the game package and is installed
automatically (but can of course be unselected).


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9. Block Bouncer ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In Block Bouncer, you have to find hidden blocks in a grid. You locate the
blocks by using beams that "bounces" in special ways against the blocks. The
object of the game is to find the hidden blocks and use as few beams as
possible.

The game takes some time to learn, but a learning mode helps the beginner.

Block Bouncer has three predefined difficulty levels, and it's also possible to
create a custom difficulty level.

In Block Bouncer, you can select your favourite board color or line color by
using drag-and-drop from the color palette.

Note that the green background shading on the screen shots looks much better in
the real game if a display driver with 256 colors or more is used.

Related topics:
Game example
The "learning mode" feature


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.1. Screen shots ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Please select a screen shot:

Game example
The "learning mode" feature


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.1.1. Game example ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This example shows a typical example of a Block Bouncer game. The blocks on the
board are placed by the player, and in this example they are on the right
places.

Related topic: Block Bouncer - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.1.2. The "learning mode" feature ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

With learning mode you can visually see how the beams move on the grid. It's
possible to see previously used beams and "browse" among the beams. The blocks
on the board are placed by the player, and in this example they are on the
right places.

Related topic: Block Bouncer - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10. Combo ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

To get success in Combo, you need both speed and quick thinking. The object of
Combo is to place pipe ends in the right positions to form units.

A demo version of this game is included in the demo package.

Related topics:
Game example
The "Show unconnected" feature


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.1. Screen shots ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Please select a screen shot:

Game example
The "Show unconnected" feature


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.1.1. Game example ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This is an example of a typical game of Combo. In this example, the lower part
of the board is solved, while the upper part is still unsolved.

Related topic: Combo - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.1.2. The "Show unconnected" feature ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This is an example of the feature Show unconnected. All unconnected pipe ends
are marked. This hint feature adds 10 seconds to your time.

Related topic: Combo - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11. Four Fun ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Four Fun is a computer implementation of four-in-a-row. You play aginst the
computer, and the first to get four or more markers in a row in any direction,
wins.

Four Fun has some features to help you in the game, for example undo, hint on
the next move and a possibility to see where the marker will be placed after
the drop.

Related topics:
Game example
The Options Dialog Box


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.1. Screen shots ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Please select a screen shot:

Game example
The Options Dialog Box


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.1.1. Game example ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This screen shot shows a finished game of Four Fun. The computer won this one.

Related topic: Four Fun - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.1.2. The Options Dialog Box ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This is a screen shot of the dialog box where most of the game settings are
located. Here you can change the difficulty etc.

Related topic: Four Fun - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 12. Go-Moku ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In Go-Moku you play against the computer. The first getting five markers in a
row wins. There are 2 different kinds of boards and the game also have a lot of
other settings for difficulty etc.

Go-Moku also have an Undo feature and the possibility to give advice of the
next move.

In Go-Moku, you can select your favourite background color or line color by
using drag-and-drop from the color palette.

Related topics:
Game example
The Options Dialog Box


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 12.1. Screen shots ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Please select a screen shot:

Game example
The Options Dialog Box


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 12.1.1. Game example ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This is an example of what a typical game of Go-Moku can look like. The example
is played on a Go board, but it's also possible to play with noughts and
crosses.

Related topic: Go-Moku - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 12.1.2. The Options Dialog Box ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This screen shot shows the dialog box where you can change the difficulty level
etc.

Related topic: Go-Moku - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 13. Manta Ghiis ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The object of Manta Ghiis is to place the bricks strategically on a board. The
bricks must be placed in a given order and the game is completed when all
bricks are placed.

Manta Ghiis also features Undo and a hint feature.

Related topics:
Game example
The Preferences Dialog Box


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 13.1. Screen shots ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Please select a screen shot:

Game example
The Preferences Dialog Box


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 13.1.1. Game example ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This example shows the middle of a typical game of Manta Ghiis. To the right is
a display with the number of bricks placed and the number of bricks remaining.
To the left the bricks you now have to place is shown.

Note that the blue background shading on the screen shots look much better in
the real game if a display driver with 256 colors or more is used.

Related topic: Manta Ghiis - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 13.1.2. The Preferences Dialog Box ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In this dialog box you select what type of bricks to use in the game:

Related topic: Manta Ghiis - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 14. MindSweeper ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The game MindSweeper is a variation on the popular game MineSweeper, but this
version adds some other features to the game that no other game have
implemented.

It's possible to place trees on randomly selected places on the mine field to
hide some of the numbers. This gives the game a quite different touch.

Animations of flags, explosions and trees are on by default but can be turned
off.

Related topics:
Game example
Trees


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 14.1. Screen shots ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Please select a screen shot:

Game example
Trees


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 14.1.1. Game example ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The example shows how a typical game of MindSweeper looks like. In the actual
game, the flags are flapping in the wind.

Related topic: MindSweeper - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 14.1.2. Trees ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This example shows how it looks when using trees on the game board:

Related topic: MindSweeper - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15. OS/2-litaire ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

OS/2-litaire is based on the popular board game Solitaire. This computer
version has 10 different solveable patterns.

The object of the game is to jump over a ball with another one, put away the
ball jumped over, until only one ball remains.

Some aid is available to help you solve the different problems, for example an
unlimited Undo feature and a feature to get all possible moves displayed.

You can select your favourite background in OS/2-litaire by using drag-and-drop
from the color palette.

Related topics:
Game example
The "Possible moves" feature
The Boards menu


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15.1. Screen shots ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Please select a screen shot:

Game example

The "Possible moves" feature

The Boards menu


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15.1.1. Game example ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

An example of a typical game in OS/2-litaire ("The ring" is used):

Related topic: OS/2-litaire


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15.1.2. The "Possible moves" feature ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This is what it looks like when you select the Possible moves feature (all
currently possible moves are shown with arrows):

Related topic: OS/2-litaire


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15.1.3. The Boards menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

These boards are all selectable in OS/2-litaire.

Related topic: OS/2-litaire


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 16. SokoEdit ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

With SokoEdit, you can do your own levels for SokoPM.

The number of features in the editor is far to big to name here, but hopefully
the screen shots will give you some guidance.

Related topics:
Editor example
The notebook
The Rearrange dialog box
The Start/End bitmap dialog box


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 16.1. Screen shots ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Please select a screen shot:

Editor example
The notebook
The Rearrange dialog box
The Start/End bitmap dialog box


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 16.1.1. Editor example ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This is an editing example of SokoEdit. Notice the palette window that can be
in either vertical or horizontal orientation. Both the main window and the
palette window have local menus to speed up the work.

Related topic: SokoEdit - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 16.1.2. The notebook ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This is an example of the notebook in SokoEdit All settings for the current
level are contained in the notebook.

Related topic: SokoEdit - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 16.1.3. The Rearrange dialog box ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This is the dialog box Rearrange. This is used when you want to make big
changes on the levels in the current game file.

Notice the preview bitmap on the right side. This preview is created by a
thread, so you can select another item in the list before the preview is shown.

There is a similar feature in WallEdit.

Related topic: SokoEdit - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 16.1.4. The Start/End bitmap dialog box ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In this dialog box, you can select which bitmaps to use as start and end
bitmaps in the game file.

You can use the default bitmaps or select your own favourite bitmap. Any OS/2
or Windows .BMP file work.

There is a similar feature in WallEdit.

Related topic: SokoEdit - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 17. SokoPM ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In SokoPM, your object is to move a man to make him push blocks in the right
order. The different levels have for example conveyor belts, one-way squares
and teleports. At some levels, the man has extra strength and is able to push
more than one block at a time. The game takes place in a completely 3-D
environment.

SokoPM contains 51 standard levels and also the 50 "classical" levels.

Related topics:
The Select Level Dialog Box
Teleports example
Conveyor belts example
Strength example
One-way example


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 17.1. Screen shots ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Please select a screen shot:

The Select Level Dialog Box
Teleports example
Conveyor belts example
Strength example
One-way example


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 17.1.1. The Select Level Dialog Box ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In this dialog box you can select any level in the current game file, but you
have to enter the right password to actually move to the new level.

Note the preview field on the right. This preview is threaded, so you can
select another entry in the list box before the preview is shown.

There is a similar feature in The Wall.

Related topic: SokoPM - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 17.1.2. Teleports example ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This is an example of a level with teleports. In this example, a block has just
started the teleport to the new position:

Related topic: SokoPM - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 17.1.3. Conveyor belts example ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This example shows conveyor belts in SokoPM. The conveyor belts are in constant
movement.

Related topic: SokoPM - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 17.1.4. Strength example ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In this example, the man has maximum strength (the ability to push at most 4
blocks at at time):

Related topic: SokoPM - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 17.1.5. One-way example ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This is an example of one-way squares on a level.

Related topic: SokoPM - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 18. The Wall ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In The Wall, your object is to solve the levels by eliminating all blocks. This
is done by connecting blocks with the same images.

A demo version of this game is included in the demo package.

Related topics:
The Select level Dialog Box
Elevator example
Ice floor example
Bomb block example


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 18.1. Screen shots ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Please select a screen shot:

The Select level Dialog Box
Elevator example
Ice floor example
Bomb block example


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 18.1.1. The Select level Dialog Box ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In this dialog box you can select any level in the current game file, but you
have to enter the right password to actually move to the new level.

Note the preview on the right. This preview is created by a thread, which means
that you can select another entry in the list box before the preview is shown.

There is a similar feature in SokoPM.

Related topic: The Wall - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 18.1.2. Elevator example ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This example shows a level with elevators. In The Wall, it's possible to have
multiple elevators.

Related topic: The Wall - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 18.1.3. Ice floor example ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This level contains an ice floor. When a block is pushed on this type of floor,
it will continue to move until something else stops it.

Related topic: The Wall - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 18.1.4. Bomb block example ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This is an example of the bomb blocks. The bomb block explodes with every
moveable block it touches.

Related topic: The Wall - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 19. WallEdit ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In WallEdit, you can create your own levels for use in The Wall.

The number of features in the editor is far to big to name here, but hopefully
the screen shots will give you some guidance.

Related topics:
Local menus
The Palette Window
The Notebook
The File menu


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 19.1. Screen shots ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Please select a screen shot:

Local menus
The Palette Window
The Notebook
The File menu


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 19.1.1. Local menus ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This is an example of the local menus, where you quickly can get the desired
result.

Related topic: WallEdit - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 19.1.2. The Palette Window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This example shows the block palette window, where you can select the current
edit block etc. Notice the local menu.

Related topic: WallEdit - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 19.1.3. The Notebook ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This example shows a notebook page. The notebook contains all settings for the
current level.

Related topic: WallEdit - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 19.1.4. The File menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Here is an example of the File menu. Note the help in the caption area.

Related topic: WallEdit - Overview


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 20. Word Master ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Word Master is a word-based game. The game is loosely based on the board game
Master Mind. In Word Master, your object is to find the hidden words. The
vocabulary consists of 600 very common english words (100 for each word
length).

The game has 3 predefined difficulty levels, but you can also create your own
custom difficulty level.

For beginners, a learning mode will help.

Related topic: Game example


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 20.1. Game example ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This screen shot shows a typical Word Master game session. In this example,
learning mode is used (the green and yellow squares are only available in the
learning mode).

Any letter combinations can be used; it's not necessary to use existing words
as guesses.

Related topic: Word Master - Overview