The video tab allows the user to configure display settings for eRacer. There
are three display setting options.
* Rendering Device - Select the required display device from the list of available
devices. Primary Display Device is the default.
* Rendering Mode - Select the required screen resolution and pixel colour depth.
* Texture Detail - Select the required texture detail setting.
The audio tab allows the user to configure the audio settings for eRacer.
There are two audio setting options.
* Audio Device - Select the required audio device from the list of available
devices. Primary sound driver is the default. If the device supports
hardware accelerated 3D audio the Hardware 3D option will be automatically
selected.
* 3D Sound Method - Select the 3D/2D sound playback quality. Default 3D is
recommended.
Running eRacer DEMO
To run eRacer, go to the Start Menu and select;
<Programs><Rage Software><eRacer><eRacer>
You will be shown a short introductory movie. To bypass the movie press 'ESC'
at any time during the playback. The main eRacer menu will now be loaded.
Before You Start
Before running eRacer it is strongly recommended that all other applications
are closed. While installing and playing the game, ensure the following:
* Power Management is switched off on your computer.
* Screen-savers are disabled.
* Media players of any kind are not running at the same time as the game.
* The Windows Task-bar and any card utility software is not set to
'Always on Top', otherwise card utility software may be displayed on top
of the game screens and disrupt normal play; e.g. sound-card splash screens.
The more memory you have available the less time the program will spend
accessing the hard disk. 64Mb of RAM is the minimum; the game will take
advantage of more.
Basic Game Controls
Throttle Up Arrow
Brake Down Arrow
Turn Left Left Arrow
Turn Right Right Arrow
Gear Shift Up Q *
Gear Shift Down A *
Handbrake Ctrl
Reset Car Left Shift
Rear Camera Space
View Change Enter
Pause P or Escape
Horn Right Shift
* Manual gear mode only.
Menu Controls
When navigating the eRacer menus, use the cursor keys (or the input device
X and Y axes) to navigate the menu, and press 'ENTER' (or any input device
button) to select the highlighted option. On almost all menus pressing
'ESC' will return you to the previous menu.
eRacer DEMO Main Menu
The eRacer main menu provides access to all of the main eRacer game modes.
Highlight the required game mode using the up and down control,
press 'ENTER' (or any input device button) to select the mode.
You will notice that 'championship' and 'online' modes are disabled.
Game Modes
Time Trial Game Mode
Time trial allows you practice the variety of cars and tracks you currently
have unlocked against the clock. Use this mode to learn the circuit layout,
master the best racing line and assess which car best suits each particular
of track. The time trial takes place over an unlimited number of laps. Beware
that your car will sustain damage during the trial and eventually you may
suffer engine damage.
* Use the 'customise player' option to change your player name, car type, car colour and horn sound.
* Use the 'shadow car' option to enable and disable the lap record shadow car feature.
You will only be able to access first track on this DEMO version.
The top five best lap times and driver names are recorded and displayed
for each of the tracks. Strive to achieve the best lap time.
Arcade Game Mode
Arcade mode allows you set up quick races using any of the cars you currently
have unlocked on any of the tracks that are currently unlocked. Use arcade
mode to practice the tracks in a competitive environment before progressing
in the championship or before going on-line. Select the 'customise race' option
to change the difficulty setting, number of race laps and number of computer
controlled opponents. Use the 'customise player' option to change your
player name, car type, car colour and horn.
At the arcade menu select the required track to race using the left and right
controls. Press 'ENTER' to begin the arcade race on the selected track.
The top five best lap times and driver names are recorded and display for
each of the tracks.
LAN Game Mode
eRacer allows you to play with up to 7 other players in a network game supported
by Direct Play (IPX, TCP/IP). Select the LAN option from the main menu.
Protocol Menu
At the protocol window select your preferred network protocol. IPX is recommended
for LAN play. Use the up and down menu controls to select the preferred protocol
and press 'ENTER'. If you select a protocol which has not been installed on your
machine an error message will be displayed. If are unable to select either
protocol you must install the protocol using the network option in the
windows 'Control Panel'.
LAN Game Menu
At the LAN game window you have a number options. Use the left and right
controls highlight the required option.
* Create Game - Allows you to create a game session for others to join.
You may give this session a name which defaults to your user name. If you
are the owner of a session you will have control of track selection,
number of laps and number of computer controlled cars.
* Join Session - Allows you to joins existing games on the LAN. Use the
up and down menu controls to select which session to join.
* Refresh - The options will refresh the list of existing game on the LAN.
* Customise Player - Change you car, colour, horn and username before
joining or creating a game.
* Back - Exit LAN play back to the main menu.
Waiting Room Menu
In the waiting room you have a number of options some of which are only
available to the session owner. Use the left and right menu controls to
highlight the required option.
* Chat window - Allows you to send chat messages to other players in
the waiting room. Simply type the message and press 'ENTER'.
* Select Track (session owner only) - Use the up and down controls to
select the required track to race on. Only the tracks that you have
previously unlocked in the championship will be available for LAN play.
* Laps (session owner only) - Use the up and down menu controls to set
the required number of laps for the race. The minimum is 1 and maximum is 8.
* CPU Cars (session owner only) - Use the up and down menu controls to
select the number of CPU cars wish to have in the race. The maximum
number of human and computer controlled cars you can have in the race is 8.
* Start Race (session owner only) - Highlight this option and press
'ENTER' to start the race.
* Back - Select this option to exit the session. If the session owner
decides to leave the game, the session will be destroyed and all other
players in that session will be returned to the LAN window.
The LAN Race
When the session owner selects the start race option, all players in the
waiting room will start to load the game. Once everyone has loaded, the
race countdown will begin. Once a player finishes the race the results
will be displayed. Whilst waiting for other players to finish the race,
use the 'Change Camera' and 'Change Car' buttons at the bottom of the
screen to watch other players finishing the race.
Once all the players have the completed the race the final results will
be displayed for 10 seconds before the game automatically returns to
the waiting room. Back in the waiting room the session owner can then
select a new track and start then a new LAN race.
If during a race the session owner abandons the race at any time,
the LAN session will terminate and all other players will receive
a 'session lost' message and return to the LAN window.
Online Game Mode
Register at www.eracer-online.com. Get a username and password.
Make sure you are connected to the internet before you launch eRacer.
Select the online options and enter your username and password.
Once your login has been validated you will shown a list of available
game servers. Select a game server and press return.
In the server lobby you will show a list of game and list of players.
Highlight the game you wish to join and press return.
From here on in the online game functions the same as the LAN game.
NB. This is a 1 track version. You will only be able to race on the
first track. The other tracks (including downloaded tracks) require
the full version of the game
Replay Game Mode
At the end of every championship and arcade race an opportunity is
given to view a replay of the race. You may then wish to save the
replay. All the saved replays are compressed and stored on the hard
disk of your computer.
The replay game mode allows you to watch any of the saved replays
on your machine. Use the up and down controls to select the required
replay from the list on the right hand side of the screen. Information
for the currently selected replay is displayed on the left hand side
of the screen. Press 'ENTER' to load and watch the selected replay,
Press 'ESC' or select the back option, to return to the main menu.
Note: All of the replay files are stored in the 'Replays' folder in
the directory in which you have installed eRacer. Replay files are
transferable between machines. Simply attach a replay file to an
email and send it to your friends so they can watch your stunning
victories or crashes.
To access you replay library go to the start menu and select
<Programs><Rage Software><eRacer><Replays>
Game Options
Select Options from the main menu to customise and personalise eRacer.
The game options screen is split into three categories. Highlight the
required option using the up and down controls and press 'ENTER' to
select. To return to the main menu highlight the 'back' option and
press 'ENTER', or press 'ESCAPE'.
Audio Options
Use the sliders to adjust the Music and Sound Effects (FX) to your
liking. Highlight the required slider using the up and down controls.
Adjust to volume of the highlighted slider using the left and right
controls. Return to the main options screen by highlighting the
'back' options and press 'ENTER', or press 'ESC'.
Detail Options
On slower machines, the frame rate and playability can be improved
by switching off certain graphical features, or by reducing the
graphical detail of the scene. Switching off these features will
not affect gameplay in any way. The detail options include;
* Sunflare - A simulation of the effect of bright sunshine in the
camera lens.
* Shadows - Each car will cast shadow on the track surface.
* Tracks and Dust - Each car may leave tracks, skid marks or kick
up dust from wheels.
* Track Map - The on screen display shows a map of the track and
the position of all the cars in the race. This option allow you
to toggle this feature.
* World Detail - The detail and richness of the track environment
may be altered using this option.
* Car Detail - The detail of the car models may be altered using
this option.
Highlight the 'back' option and press 'ENTER' or press ESCAPE to
return to main options menu.
Control Options
This option allows you to customise the game controls. Simply highlight
the control you wish to change and press 'ENTER'. Then press or move your
desired key/button/axis to assign the control. If your selection is
already in use by another game control you will be prompted to make
another selection. The throttle and steering inputs will require either
two keys/buttons or one joystick axis. The game will automatically detect
the control device you have installed in your Control Panel. The game
supports up to 4 axes and 10 joystick buttons. Click in the 'Auto Gears'
box to toggle between automatic and manual gears. Click on the 'Default'
button to restore the default control settings. Select the 'back' option
or press 'ESC' to return to the main options menu.
Hints and Tips.
Driving
* The eRacer cars are not equipped with anti-lock brakes. When the wheels
lock up during a braking, steering becomes ineffective. You must release
the brake and stop skidding if you need to steer. Alternatively when a
approaching a corner you must pump the brakes. This will slow the car
whilst avoiding wheel lock up thus enabling the driver to steer the car
into the bend.
* More advanced drivers can brake much later and put the car into slide
to make the corner, this is done by steering in the direction you want
to turn just before applying full brakes. The car will begin to slide
around the bend. Once the required direction is achieved get off the
brake and back on the throttle. Care must be taken to apply just the
right amount of steer. Too little and the car will not slide enough to
make the bend; too much and the car may over steer leaving you facing
the wrong way.
* Combat over steer by getting off the power or brakes and steering
into the skid.
* Traction control is not available on these cars. It is up to you
to ensure you use the correct amount of throttle, to achieve maximum
acceleration whilst minimising wheel spin. When the car is wheel spinning
you are not achieving optimum acceleration. To combat wheel spin simply
ease of the throttle until the wheel spin stops and the re-apply the
power. Although wheel spin looks great, it can you cost several seconds.
Avoid it!
* Every car is equipped with a handbrake. Applying the handbrake will
lock the rear wheels of the car. With the back wheels locked you can
spin the car round quick by steering. The handbrake is useful to negotiate
tight hairpin bends quickly. The length of time you apply the handbrake
for is crucial, to little and you wont make the corner, too much and you
may over steer. Beware also that the handbrake turns will drastically
reduce the speed of your car. Use it only when necessary.
Credits
eRacer Team
Don Whiteford Studio Manager
Richard Badger Project Manager / Lead Programmer
Pete Memmott Programmer
Andy Bate Lead Artist
Matt Green Artist
Dave Ambler Artist
Jon Bate Artist
Martin Carter Artist
Allan Duggan Artist
Ian Williams Artist / GUI Design / Website Artwork
3Dream Engine
Robin Anderson
Mark Lomas
Kam Yin Yip
QA & Testing
Dean Bent
Jody Craddock
Mark Povey
Dave Dixon
Stuart Clenton
Stuart Williams
Gavin Clark
Nick Hall
Website
Tim Preece
Nev Cook
Paul Keast
Sales and Marketing
Tony Fitzgerald
Jane Hickey
Pat Kavanagh
Martin Kitney
Simon Lilley
Lisa O'Connor
Phil Wright
Localisation
Ally Noble
Thanks to
Colin Bell
David Ewing
Kevin Gee
Donna Jennet
Julia Young
Troubleshooting
Driver Problems
The problem you are most likely to encounter will be related to drivers,
which allow the game to make optimum use of your system's resources. In
particular, video games are most influenced by Microsoft DirectX drivers
which are responsible for various aspects of your system including video,
sound, controller, input, 3D graphics functions, CD ROM access and other
functions. If you do experience problems, always ensure that you are using
the latest DirectX drivers (the most recent version at time of publishing
is V8.x). If you experience problems with the installation or compatibility
of DirectX 8 on your machine, please consult the hardware manufacturers of
your video or sound card. You may also want to check Microsoft's Web page
(www.microsoft.com/directx) for further information.
Performance Problems
Performance can be improved by selecting lower screen resolutions and reducing
the texture detail setting in the eRacer configuration program. In addition,
the Options->Details menu, which is present in the game will allow you to
toggle certain graphical features. Switching these features off will not
affect the game play but should reduce improve frame rate on lower end PC's
and Graphics cards.
CD Rom Problems
Make sure that the CD ROM disk is in the drive, with the label facing upwards.
The CD ROM disk must be in the drive to install the game. Ensure that the CD ROM
disk is free from any markings or scratches, which may interfere with normal
operation. If the disk requires cleaning, gently wipe the surface with a dry,
non-abrasive cloth. If at any time the disk vibrates excessively in the drive,
remove the disk immediately and return it to the retailer to be exchanged.
The disk may be defective and prolonged use could damage the CD ROM drive.
Sound Problems
Make sure that your speaker or headphones are plugged into the correct socket,
and that the volume control is at an appropriate level. If you are using powered
speakers, ensure that the power is on. If you continue to experience problems,
ensure that the 'Volume Control' taskbar icon (depicted by a small yellow speaker)
is present. Double clicking on this icon will open the 'Volume Control' window.
Make sure that all of the controls are set at an appropriate level and that the
'Mute' feature is not enabled. If you experience strange effects on the in game
sound, try switching it from 2D to 3D or 3D to 2D as the card and its drivers
may function better in the other mode.
Technical Support
When you contact our support line, please try to have information about your PC
configuration available, together with a detailed description of the problem you
are experiencing. If at all possible, try to be seated in front of your computer.
Our representatives will endeavour to structure their instructions according to
your level of PC competency, but it may not be possible to avoid technical jargon.
Always have a pen and paper ready to take down their instructions. Alternatively,
email our support department, but one again make certain that you provide them
with information about your system and about your problem. The address for techical
support is: support@birm.rage.co.uk
Notice
Rage Games reserves the right to make improvements in the product described in
this manual at any time and without notice. This manual, and the software described
in this manual, is under copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this manual
or the described software may be copied, reproduced, translated or reduced to any
electronic medium or machine-readable form without the prior written consent of
Rage Games. Rage Games makes no warranties, conditions or representations express or
implied, with respect to this manual, its quality, merchantability or fitness for any
particular purpose. This manual is provided "as is". Rage Games makes certain limited
warranties with respect to the software and the media for the software. In no event
shall Rage Games be liable for any special, indirect or consequential damages.
These terms and conditions do not affect or prejudice the statutory rights of a purchaser in any case where a purchaser is a consumer acquiring goods otherwise than in the course of a business. Should the media on which the software programs are stored be found to contain defects in materials and/or workmanship during any warranty period given by any of Rage Games' licensees or distributors the defective media should be returned to the point of purchase. The retailer may then request that you provide them with adequate proof of purchase.
End User License Agreement
When you click the 'Accept' button [when installing this software] Rage Games Limited whose registered office is at St. Martins Building, Water St., Liverpool, L2 3SP ('the Licensor') grants you a non-exclusive, non-transferable License for the accompanying product "eRacer", including electronic documentation and associated material ('the Software'). The License permits you to 'Use' (as hereinafter defined) the Software on a single computer system ('the System') for single use only upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein.
You may physically transfer the Software from one computer to another provided the Software is used in connection with one computer at a time. The Software may NOT be transferred electronically from one computer to another or used over a network unless expressly authorized by the Licensor to do so.
Definitions
"Use"- means and includes the utilization of the Software by copying, transmitting or loading the same into the permanent memory of the System for the processing of the System instructions or statements contained in such Software which is in machine-readable form for Use by the Licensee on the System for the purposes only of understanding the contents of such machine-readable material.
License Fee
The Software is NOT free or shareware.
Your Warranties
Upon accepting this License you will undertake:
* not to copy the Software (other than for normal operation and as specified in clause 1 above) nor (subject to applicable law rights) to disassemble, decompile, reverse engineer or otherwise reduce the Software to a human-perceivable form.
* not to translate, modify, network, lease, rent, loan, redistribute, sub-lease, sub-license or create derivative works based upon the Software in whole or in part
* to reproduce and include the copyright notice of the Licensor as it appears in or on the Software on all copies
* not to display the Software on a public bulletin board, File Transfer Protocol site, World Wide Web site, chat room or by any other unauthorized means.
* not to use the Software for any immoral, illegal or for any other purpose which may be determined threatening, abusive or harmful including but not limited to the creation or transmission of any virus, worms, Trojan horse, cancelbot or any other destructive or contaminating program
* within 14 days after the date or termination or discontinuance of this License for whatever reason, to destroy the Software and all upgrades or copies .
Defective Media
In the event that the tangible media on which the Software is stored is found to be
defective in either materials and/or workmanship during any warranty period given by any licensee or distributor of the Licensor you should ENTER it to the point of purchase immediately. The retailer may then request that you provide them with adequate proof of purchase. The manufacturer of the media at their option and subject to their own terms will be responsible for any repair and/or replacement of the media.
Licensor's Liability
THE SOFTWARE IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OF ANY KIND EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF SATISFACTORY QUALITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT THE LICENSOR DOES NOT ACCEPT THAT THE SOFTWARE WILL BE ERROR-FREE OR THAT SUCH ERRORS WILL BE CORRECTED AND THE LICENSEE IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL COSTS AND EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH RECTIFICATION, REPAIR OR DAMAGE CAUSED BY SUCH ERRORS. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL CONSEQUENTIAL OR INDIRECT LOSSES.
Intellectual Property Rights
All copyright, trade marks and other intellectual property rights subsisting in or used in connection with the Software (including but not limited to all images, animations, audio and other identifiable material relating to the Software) are and remain the sole property of the Licensor)
Termination
You may terminate this License at any time by destroying the Software, documentation and all copies. No License Fee is refundable. The Licensor may terminate this License at any time if you are found in breach of any these terms. If you are notified of such termination, you must comply with the provisions of Clause 3 above.
Jurisdiction
This License is governed by English Law and the parties agree that this License shall also be construed in accordance with the European Commission's Directives and WIPO Treaties on Computer Programs, Copyright and Intellectual Property Rights in terms of the enforceability of this License, this License shall be deemed "in writing" and "accepted" by both parties.
Copyright (c) 2001 Rage Games Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Rage Games is a registered trademark. eRacer is a trademark of Rage Games Ltd. Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. Direct3D, DirectDraw, DirectInput, DirectPlay, DirectSound, DirectX, Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All information supplied is believed to be correct at time of writing. Rage can not be held responsible for damage relating to the use of this document. Rage reserves the right to update and improve documents and executables.
