PC Gamer 9/1995-08_Disc_9.iso/genie/cyberstk/version.txt

Text File | 1994-11-01 | 31KB | 699 lines

                  CYBERSTRIKE VERSION NOTES

                         VERSION 1.5B



--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Version 1.5B contains some rules adjustements to Version 1.5; if this
is your first time reading the version notes for Version 1.5, then
please skip down to the VERSOIN 1.5 version notes first.


- Weight

  The module weight factor has been reduced from the initial 1.5
  release.  Heavy pods are still slow, but not quite as slow and
  medium Pods are quite maneuverable.  The minimum speed has
  also been increased.  Weight still affects jumping, power
  consumption and other activities as before, but movement
  limitations has been reduced.


- Shields

  Shield strength has been increased.  Both normal and enhanced
  now can absorb more hits before going down.


- Fixes

  Some other minor bug fixes were introduced into this version.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------

VERSION 1.5


For those of you upgrading from version 1.04 to version 1.5 of CyberStrike,
here are some important notes.  This new version of CS, although visually
quite similar, will play significantly different due to some major rule
changes.

                          **** QUICK INFO ****

               >>>>>>>>  AT LEAST READ THIS MUCH  <<<<<<<<

   If you are impatient, here is a brief rundown of the important changes!


    1. Rerun SETDRV to setup the new sound driver

    2. When entering CyberStrike, press SHIFT-J to calibrate joystick!

    3. Modules have weight, but no purchase cost.  Weight slows you
       down, reduces your jump height etc.  You can now outfit yourself
       with a fast, light CyberPod, or a lumbering, weapon-laden CyberPod.

    4. There are no more storage bays.

    5. Shields are radically different.  You can have 1 front, 1 rear
       and optionally 1 shield enhance module.  F1 and F2 are used to
       charge up the front and rear shield respectively.  If they are
       beaten down, they are destroyed.  Charge them as soon as you
       get them!

    6. Modules can be destroyed by incoming fire.  Shields help protect
       from this.

    7. Ordering a Tower costs 1 multiplier point.  Ordering a Mega-Tower
       costs 2 multiplier points.  You must have enough to order it.

    8. Grenades launch at a fixed angle.   You cannot aim them except
       by heading.

    9. Some function key reassignments:

         F1 = Toggle Front Shield ON/OFF
         F2 = Toggle Rear Shield ON/OFF
         F3 = Reserve Power
         F4 = Rocket Pack


   10. The above will get you started, but you will WANT to read
       the rest of this file for all the important details and some
       other neat things not mentioned here!


                          ********************

RULE CHANGES

- Module Weight / Cost

  The most important difference is that modules no longer cost multiplier
  points to purchase, but instead are given weight values.  Every module
  has a different weight (which shows up when you go to purchase a
  module).  Installing a module will add its weight to your CyberPod.  A
  heavier CyberPod moves and turns slower, and it will not be able to
  jump as high, nor go quite as far on a catapult pad or with a rocket
  pack module.  The basic, unencumbered CyberPod is now faster than before
  and there is a significant difference between a light, fast CyberPod and
  a heavy, lumbering CyberPod bristling with weapons and armor systems.  The
  weight of your CyberPod also determines how much power it requires to move
  and jump.

  The modules have been carefully balanced to allow for a much larger
  variety of play (especially as you advance towards the higher-level
  cities).  Gone are the days when only one or two module load-outs was
  a "viable" option.  With these new rules, you can choose to be a "scout"
  CyberPod, for instance, and you will be able to run circles around the
  heavy "assault" CyberPods.  Longer range, faster speed and lower power
  requirements will allow you to build up power bases faster.  When you
  want some serious firepower, then load up on weapon and shield systems;
  you won't be able to race around the city but you will be able to inflict
  some serious damage; and if things get dicey, eject most of your modules
  and sprint back to home base as a light CyberPod again.

  Another important aspect of this is that purchasing modules is much
  faster at home base now.  You do not have to wait for multiplier points
  anymore.  So long as you do not purchase more than one per second, you can
  order as much as you want (a full re-arm can occur in about 15 seconds).
  These new rules also make CyberPods with less than "full bays" have
  significant advantages and thus the re-arm time is typically only a few
  seconds.

  The weight of your CyberPod is visually indicated on the right side of
  the HUD as a growing green bar.  The higher it gets, the heavier your
  CyberPod.



- Shields

  Shields have been completely reworked.  There are now FRONT SHIELD and
  REAR SHIELD modules, of which you can have one of each.  When this module
  is activated, it will raise a shield to cover its half of your CyberPod.
  The shield strength is displayed on the left side of your HUD as a light
  blue bar.  The bar above the word "SHIELD" represents the strength of
  your front shield, and the bar below it represents your rear shield.

  As you take damage, the front and/or rear shield will take damage based
  on the angle of the shot hitting you.  For example, a full front hit will
  lower the front shield some, however getting hit directly on the side will
  cause 50% damage to both the front and rear shields (if they exist).

  You do not have to load up with both shields (or any shields for that
  matter).  If you have just a front shield, for instance, and get hit
  directly on the side, then the front shield will take half the damage and
  the remaining amount will hit your CyberPod (causing power loss as usual).

  There is a level 4 module, called SHIELD ENHANCE, that will cause any
  shields to charge to a higher level.  This module has no use if you do not
  have front or rear shield modules.

  Remember, you must ACTIVATE each shield module for it to work.  The shield
  recharge will drain power (by the time it is fully charged, it will have
  taken twice as much power as it will absorb).  Once fully charged it
  requires no additional power until it must recharge again.  As the shield
  takes damage it will again recharge.  You may find that if you are very
  low in power (say, when retreating from battle) that you should risk
  turning a shield off so its recharge does not suck up your last power.
  When you turn off a shield, it provides no benefit and will have to fully
  recharge once you turn it back on.  The FRONT and REAR shields can be
  recharged independently.

  If a shield is beaten all the way down by incoming fire, then it will
  likely be destroyed.  Since you can only carry one of each, be sure to
  avoid this when possible.  Firing does not affect shields.

  Note that the function keys have changed somewhat to accommodate the
  new shields:

    F1  Toggle FRONT SHIELD on/off
    F2  Toggle REAR SHIELD on/off
    F3  Reserve Power
    F4  Rocket Pack


  Although you will not be able to tell if a potential target has any
  particular shield active or not, you will be able to tell that
  they have at least one shield on because hits will cause bluish
  sparks instead of the normal red/orange debris.  The "wavy" Pod
  effect no longer occurs.

  IMPORTANT PLAY TIP:

  When playing with the new shields, remember that you want to turn
  them on as soon as you install them, not when you are getting into
  a fire fight.  The shields must charge, and when they are on they
  are vulnerable to being destroyed when knocked down.  If you
  activate them as soon as you receive incoming fire, then they will
  most likely be destroyed immediately.



- Reserve Bays

  The Reserve Bay feature has been removed.  You are now limited to the
  nine bays in all cities.


- Module Changes

  - Raise/Lower Value modules have been eliminated

  - TRI-SHOT has a tighter focus, however it is heavy and requires more
    power to use.

  - Liberator requires a lot of power to use, about one-fourth of a normal
    full CyberPod power cell charge

  - The range of Long Shot has been increased about 10%.

  - Resonator has a more powerful effect

  - TURRET MODULE
    This new module allows your main weapon to swivel based on the
    direction you are looking.  This is especially useful for heavy Pods
    that cannot turn quickly, but is also useful for light Pods that tend to
    run circles around heavier CyberPods.

  - Grenades now launch at a fixed (though somewhat unreliable) angle.
    Although still devastating when massed, they cannot be aimed with
    pinpoint accuracy, and are therefore a long range weapon again.

  - SHIELD removed

  - FRONT SHIELD added

  - REAR SHIELD added

  - SHIELD ENHANCE added

  - All unused modules have been removed from the purchase display

  - Mines now require 10 seconds to activate once they land.  They then
    strobe their surroundings looking for enemy Pods.  If one is close
    enough it will explode.  Prior to this version, the delay before
    they activated was variable depending on the speed of the computer;
    it is now constant.




- Miscellaneous Rule Changes

  - A CyberPod exploding causes damage, so don't be too close to an
    enemy when they bite it!  Oh, and if you are doomed, might as well
    rush your enemy to take him out with you. :)

  - Exploding towers cause damage to nearby Pods, so watch your
    distance when blowing one up.  Also, if someone is cowering next
    to their tower, try blowing that up. :)

  - Installed modules can occasionally be destroyed by incoming fire.
    Shields will prevent this (until one of them is knocked down).  Keep
    an eye on this, as it can change your tactical position quickly!

  - There is no more "grace shield," however there is a "grace period"
    of 2 minutes each time you restart at your home base.  This grace
    period will immediately expire if you move more than a city block
    away from your home base or launch a grenade.  You can drop
    mines and shoot at will during your grace period, but will take
    no damage from other sources.

  - Ordering a Power Tower drop costs 1 multiplier point.  Ordering
    a Mega-Tower costs 2 multiplier points.  You must have enough to
    order in the tower.

  - Multiplier points increase at 30 seconds times the number of
    multiplier points you have (with a minimum of 30 seconds).  This
    is slower than before, but because you do not spend multiplier
    points for modules (only for tower calls) you'll end up with
    much higher scores than you may be used to (assuming, of course,
    you are judicious with tower placement).



- Control Changes


  - JOYSTICKS

    A completely new joystick algorithm is being used.  When you first
    enter CyberStrike (with this new version) you should calibrate your
    joystick by pressing SHIFT-J and following the instructions on the
    MFD.  You can recalibrate your joystick at any time.  This new
    system should work better with the various joysticks and will eliminate
    the problem with joystick speed-compensators changing the speed of
    a CyberPod beyond normal.


  - ThrustMaster Flight Control System (FCS)

    If you have a ThrustMaster Flight Control System, you can now activate
    it with SHIFT-F (or from the settings screen in the chamber).  The
    coolie hat will control your view.  You can use the "pinkie" button to
    reset your view to center/forward (like the "*" key).  The middle,
    thumb-button will toggle a TRI-SHOT on and off (if you have one, just
    like the F7 key).

    Your FCS coolie hat is actually "Joystick B" and you may find that
    it doesn't respond properly under some hardware configurations.  If
    the Hat doesn't seem to work, or "pulls" up/down or left/right, then
    check if you are using a Speed Adjustable Game Card of some sort.  Try
    adjusting the settings for Joystick B until the Hat works the way
    you expect.

    If you have ThrustMaster Weapon Control System Mark II, you may have
    to play with the switches so that it doesn't interfere with the FCS.
    Try switching the Red switch to Calibrate and the black button to
    the Analog position.




  - View Keys

    You can now look left and right in 3 steps, 45, 90 and 135 degrees,
    so you can look "over your shoulder" now.  With the TURRET module,
    these views can be used to fire your main weapon too.

    +/= (a/z) pan up/down moves in fine increments, but accelerates
    as you hold it down.  Makes it useful both for rapid view adjustments
    up and down and also for pin-point up/down aiming adjustments.

   'q' key works the same as '*', centering view.  This augments the
    'a' and 'z' key "left-handed" view controls. Those who use 'a' and 'z'
    to pan up and down do not need to reach cross-keyboard to the '*' key
    to auto-center anymore.


  - The PAUSE key no longer pauses the simulation.  Note that some people
    have computers which cause the numeric-5 key to pause; this is not
    something we can figure out how to fix.  We have noticed it on
    Dell Dimension XPS P90's when running from Windows (or having once
    used Windows that day).  Rebooting and running from DOS seems to fix this.

    The numeric 0 key will work as the numeric-5 key if you still have
    this problem.  If all else fails, we suggest a joystick.

    If you do pause the simulation in any way, it will cause the software
    to malfunction and exit.  You cannot pause a multiplayer game. :)


  - See new SHIELD information above for FUNCTION KEY changes




- Additional Changes


  - 16-Bit Sound System

    CyberStrike has always had an awesome sound system.  The new version,
    however, takes advantage of 16-bit sound cards.  The 4-channel audio
    mixer will sound much clearer on a 16-bit sound card.  There are a lot
    of rich basses in our sounds, so you might want to invest in a good
    pair of speakers.  We recommend a true SoundBlaster type card, either
    a SB16 or better, and higher-end speakers with a subwoofer.  The game
    is a completely different experience with this sort of equipment!  And,
    all your games will sound better.

    Since we use true stereo-panning on a per-channel basis, you can use
    the audio cues from the stereo separation to help you in combat.  If
    someone is firing to your right, you will hear it from that side.  To
    get this effect, you need to separate your speakers sufficiently that
    you can hear the difference.  There is an option in the settings
    panel to swap the Left and Right channel in case your speakers are
    backwards to what CyberStrike expects.

    This version of CyberStrike has several new sounds, and some older
    ones have been redone.  Don't let this throw you!

    This version uses new sound drivers, so make sure you rerun SETDRV.EXE
    to set up your sound card.  The new SETDRV will play a sample sound to
    make sure your setup is working.

    You can swap the LEFT and RIGHT channels of the stereo output
    from the settings panel (ALT-S) in the Chamber.

    WHAT IF SOUND WON'T PLAY?

      1) Make sure you have run SETDRV to set up your sound card.  It will
         play a sample sound.  If this does not work, then your configuration
         is not correct.  Check your sound card manual for details on
         software settings.  Also check that your speakers are hooked up
         and turned on.  You may want to try some other software that
         you know sound works with to make sure there is not a hardware
         problem.


      2) If SETDRV.EXE plays sound, but there are no sounds when you
         enter CyberStrike, then check the following:

         When entering CyberStrike you will see the message:

            Sounds: OFF (X)

         The "X" is a number which tells you why sounds are not
         playing.  Here are the codes and their meaning:

            Problem: (1)  No EMS detected

           Solution:  You must have about 1.2 MEG of EMS RAM to load the
                      sounds into.  This code means that no EMS driver
                      has been found.  To use sound, you must have an
                      Expanded Memory Manager running.  DOS 5.0 and up
                      comes with EMM386 which will do the job.  You can
                      also acquire QEMM, 386^MAX or any other commercial
                      memory manager.  From DOS type MEMMAKER to set up
                      the EMM386 memory manager.


            Problem: (2)  No Sound Driver Detected

           Solution: Rerun SETDRV.EXE from DOS.  CyberStrike did not
                     detect a sound driver.  Check that SOUNDRV.COM
                     is in the directory after SETDRV.EXE is complete;
                     this is the sound driver itself.


            Problem: (3)  Incorrect Sound Driver Version

           Solution: You are using an old sound driver.  Make sure you
                     have extracted the new CyberStrike into an empty
                     directory and not into the directory where an older
                     version of CyberStrike was located.  This will ensure
                     that when you run SETDRV.EXE that only newer sound
                     drivers are available.

                     You may have downloaded the CS15.EXE file instead
                     of the CS15S.EXE file.  The CS15.EXE file has no
                     sounds or sound drivers.  Therefore if you downloaded
                     this file into the directory where the previous
                     version of CyberStrike was located, you will have
                     a bunch of old, incompatible sound drivers mixed
                     in.  If this is the case, download CSSND.EXE from
                     the CyberStrike software library; this contains
                     all the new sounds and sound drivers.



            Problem: (4)  MIXER Malfunction

           Solution:  You should never see this error.  Report to
                      CyberStrike Feedback.


            Problem: (5)  Insufficient EMS

           Solution:  Although you do have an Expanded Memory Manager
                      running on your computer, you do not have enough
                      EMS available to load all the sounds.  You need
                      about 1.2 megabytes of EMS to load all the
                      sounds.

                      You can see how much EMS you have from DOS by
                      typing MEM.  Or, start CyberStrike and press ALT-M.

                      Check the documentation with your memory manager
                      to learn how to increase this amount.

                      Alternatively, you can delete any of the sounds files
                      from the CyberStrike directory without harm (they
                      are the files with the .SND extension).  Deletion of
                      any of these files will simply result in that sound
                      not being played; however less EMS memory is required.
                      Try deleting: CCITY1A.SND, CCITY2A.SND and/or CCITY3.SND
                      since these are just environmental sounds and will not
                      affect important audio combat cues.


    YOUR OWN SOUNDS

      You can replace any or all of the sounds in CyberStrike with your own.
      The sound files all have the .SND extension and are simply RAW
      sound files, 8-bit, sampled at 11khz.  They can be of any length;
      limited only by how much EMS you set aside for sounds.  Attempt to
      "level" your sounds so they all have the same volume (generally,
      with peaks reaching full magnitude).  The WaveStudio program which
      comes with most SoundBlaster programs is able to record, load and save
      RAW sound files (though you'll have to rename them to .SND afterwards).

      If you wish a sound to occur when a Guppy pilot is unable to make
      a delivery, then create a sound effect and name it UNABLE.SND in
      the CyberStrike directory.



  - CyberPod Performance

    Your CyberPod will generally respond faster (when unencumbered by
    modules) than a base-line CyberPod in version 1.04.  This includes
    some significant improvements in jumping and turning.  If you have
    high-speed, fast-turn, high-jump or performance modules, your CyberPod
    will really fly.  This may lead to somewhat more warping problems,
    but since most CyberPods will carry several mods, and move at or slower
    than normal, the net effect should be better.  The issue here is that
    you now have many more tactical options, and CyberPods will move at
    different speeds, making it finally possible to make a getaway or
    run someone down if you have a faster CyberPod.  Light CyberPods with
    high-jump will be able to leap onto places they never could get to
    easily before, while heavy CyberPods will be left behind to cool their
    big guns while the lightly encumbered sprint away.




- Bug Fixes

  - Hangs/Lockups/Crashes

    The FE software should now be more stable.  We've found and fixed many
    bugs which could lead to hangs and crashes.  Some problems are related
    to hardware and software configurations which we cannot control (such
    is the nature of MS-DOS), but we do have it to the point where it will
    run flawlessly for hours on end on many different types of machines
    at our offices.

    If you have any problems related to crashes or hangs, please send all
    system configuration and a description of the problem via CyberStrike
    feedback (CSHELP$ or CYBERSTRIKE).  Any fixes we make will be made
    available for download in the CyberStrike software library.

  - Sound System Hiccup

    Version 1.04 of the FE would sometimes cause the sounds to eventually
    break up (usually during a thunderstorm) and require you to quit and
    restart to clear up the problem.  This has been fixed.

  - "Scaling" Walls

    A bug in the collision system would allow some jumps into walls to
    "pop" a CyberPod to the top of a building.  This has been fixed.

  - "Tapping" Phalanx

    Rapidly turning the Phalanx on and off would result in a high rate-of-
    fire.  This has been fixed.



Communication Issues


  - DigiCom Brand Modems

    We have had reports of CyberStrike not being able to communicate
    with some (or maybe all) varieties of Digicom modems.  We have not
    been able to determine what causes this, and in fact CyberStrike
    seems to work with every other modem out there (nor does it do any
    modem-specific operations).  This is a complete mystery.


  - Carrier Detect

    CyberStrike REQUIRES that your modem supply a CARRIER DETECT
    indication so it knows when you are connected and when you are not.
    Most every modem has this feature, though you must make sure that
    in the case of an external modem, the serial cable you use passes
    the CD line (not all do).

    Most modems can turn on their carrier detect feature with the
    following AT command:

      AT&C1

    The auto-initialization string sent to the modem when CyberStrike
    starts up sends this, and some other commands.  You can modify
    this by changing the last line of the INIT.CS file and the
    appropriate initialization line in the LOGON.SCR file.




  - Network Delays

    Since CyberStrike is a fast-paced simulator, network delays can cause
    all sorts of visual problems.  For instance, other CyberPods can
    appear to "warp" rapidly from time to time.  Although we go to great
    lengths to minimize this, the technology of packet-switched networks
    (such as that used by nearly any online service, including GEnie) is
    not really designed for this sort of thing.  We do the best with what
    is there.

    To help you get an idea of what kind of network delay is going on, a
    bar in the upper left of the HUD will grow to indicate how long a
    packet takes to make a "round trip" from your computer to the host and
    back again.  This special "net ping" packet is sent every few seconds
    and then timed for the return trip.  The bar is then updated to show
    you how long it takes.  Usually this should be about one or two in
    length, though three or four is okay too.  Every now and then there
    may be a 'spike' there, but it should settle down again.  The bar
    will also flash if there is an error in one of the packets being
    received (thus requiring a retransmission in some cases).

    If your network delays are significantly worse than this, then here
    are some things to consider:

    1. The performance of the GEnie network can vary based on your
       geographical location.  From St. Louis (where our offices are
       located), the network delay is almost always 1 or 2.  However in
       some areas, the network traffic can be much heavier and cause
       delays.  Although we do not suggest you move to St. Louis in order
       to play CyberStrike, we want to point this out so you understand
       what is going on.  Typically, an area with heavy traffic will be
       getting upgraded network capacity to meet the demand.  We have
       no control over when this happens (and it is driven by GE, not GEnie),
       but it generally does happen.

       Although there is a surcharge involved, GEnie does have a direct
       800 number you can use to access the service.  Call Customer Service
       for details.  This connection should give you superior results.

    2. Network traffic will vary based on the time of day.  You might
       try a little later or earlier and see how it is.  This can vary over
       the months as well.

    3. Try redialing a few times and see if perhaps it is the particular
       connection you have.

    4. CyberStrike does not seem to work over SprintNet's connection
       to GEnie.  We are working on this problem, but until it is fixed
       you must use either a GEnie node or the 800 number access.

    5. If you seem to be getting a lot of errors (a flashing bar), this
       will lead to seemingly long network delays.  This can be the
       result of several things:

       a. If you use an external modem, the link between your modem and
      the computer is handled by a special control chip called
      a UART.  When data comes in from the modem, the UART translates
      the signals from the modem cable into something usable by
      the computer.  An IRQ (interrupt) is sent to the software to
      tell it that there is data available.  This happens at a very
      rapid pace.  If the software is unable to service the interrupt
      fast enough, new incoming data may overwrite what was waiting to
      be read and thus some data is lost.

      Newer computers tend to use 16550A (or 16550AFN) UARTs.  These
      have a buffer in them so that if the software does not respond
      fast enough, there is no loss of data.  If your computer has
      a 16550 type UART, you should have no problems.

      The reason CyberStrike may not be able to service the interrupt
      fast enough is because other interrupts may be getting in the
      way.  In version 1.04 of CyberStrike, the sound system would
      ignore (block) any interrupts while it was doing its 4-channel
      audio mixing.  The new version of CyberStrike fixes this problem
      and should allow it to service COM IRQs faster.

      However, if you do get a lot of errors, and you have an older
      UART you might invest in a "high speed serial port" card.  They
      are not very expensive (say under $40) and will serve you well
      when doing all sorts of online work at high baud rates.

      You can also disable sound, and see if this helps.

       b. You may have a bad connection to the local node.  Try redialing
      and see if it clears up.  If you get a lot of "garbage" when
      logging on, and moving through the GEnie menus, then your
      CyberStrike connection will be poor as well.  If this problem
      is persistent, contact GEnie Customer Service and they will be
      able to help you clear up your communication problems.

      Sometimes a notoriously bad communication link to the local node is
      due to poor wiring by your local phone company.  If you hear static
      on your data line when dialing normal numbers, then you should
      probably contact your phone company for advice and possible service.

       c. MNP4/Error Correction

      You may be wondering how you can get communication errors if you
      have a "reliable" link using your modem's MNP4 (or other) reliable
      communications link.  The reason is that the data is only reliable
      from the modem at the GEnie node down to your modem.  Errors can
      creep in from that point until it reaches CyberStrike.  An older
      UART is a prime example, but a poor cable connection or a bad
      ISA slot (in the case of an internal modem) is another.  In general
      we do not recommend a MNP4 connection since it adds another layer
      of error correction which is not needed, thus slowing down
      communications when in CyberStrike.  CyberStrike uses its own
      'smart' error correction.  For example, if a packet which updates
      a CyberPod's position is garbled, it does not request it to be
      retransmitted because another one is on its way anyhow, and it'll
      be more accurate than the retransmitted one.  MNP4 will cause
      a retransmission and may even increase the "warping" under such
      circumstances.




=============================================================================