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- ==========================[ Network GamePlay ]================================
-
- Mutant Earth v1.0 (Demo Version 04/09/97)
- -----------------------------------------
-
- This document describes how the multi-player network version of the game can
- be run.
-
- System Requirements:
- ====================
-
- As described in README.TXT plus:
-
- IPX local-area network (including drivers).
-
- This game has only been tested in network mode from true DOS - not within a
- DOS box/shell from Windows95. The basic implementation of an IPX network
- involves the loading of a packet driver for the particular make of network
- card you have followed by the loading of an IPX driver. The file PDIPX.COM is
- supplied for your convenience and can be used as an IPX driver should you not
- already have one suitable. Please note however, that this driver requires a
- suitable packet driver to already have been loaded. For example, I have a 3Com
- card and do the following to load up the IPX interface:
-
- 3c5x9pd.com 0x60 (0x60 tells the packet driver what interrupt
- to use)
-
- pdipx.com
-
- From this point on, IPX should be loaded. Naturally, you'll need to use the
- corresponding packet driver for your network card. Please refer to your card's
- documentation.
-
-
- How To Get Network Gameplay Running:
- ====================================
-
- For network gameplay, up to 8 players can play against eachother in a
- 'deathmatch' mode. For this you must all be running a connected IPX network.
- This is explained in more detail in NETPLAY.TXT. To invoke network gameplay
- simply run MUTANT.EXE using the following command line switches:
-
- /DEATHMATCH identifies this PC as a network player.
-
- /SERVER identifies this PC as a network server. You should also
- specify the /DEATHMATCH switch so that the server is also a
- player. Future versions may offer a dedicated server option
- so that the server won't necessarily need to be a player
- also.
-
- Mutant Earth employs a client/server system. One PC within the network must be
- designated as a server. It is the responsibility of the server to keep the
- other players in sync. Currently, a server must also be a player.
-
- When Mutant Earth is started in multi-player mode, you will be prompted to
- enter a name from which you will be identified. This name can be up to 8
- characters. While you are playing, you will see your name above your
- character. Similarly, the other players within the game will also be
- identified by their names. That way, you know who to shoot!
-
- Mutant Earth allows multiple servers to be set up on the same network. If 2 or
- more PCs are designated as being servers ordinary network players will need to
- identify the server or game they wish to join. Furthermore, players can leave
- and/or join games as often as they like. If a player leaves or joins all other
- players are notified and redundant characters removed.
-
- The sequence within which the server and the other players (clients) are
- started up is quite important. The following describes how to best do things:
-
- 1. Start the server PC using the /SERVER and /DEATHMATCH switches i.e.
-
- MUTANT.EXE /SERVER /DEATHMATCH
-
- 2. Type in the name for the server.
-
- 3. Press any key to abort the demo and bring up the menu.
-
- 4. Select New Game to start playing.
-
- 5. Start up a player (client) using the /DEATHMATCH switch i.e.
-
- MUTANT.EXE /DEATHMATCH
-
- 6. Type in the name for the player.
-
- 7. Press any key to abort the demo and bring up the menu.
-
- 8. Select New Game to start playing.
-
- Repeat steps 5 to 8 for other clients as required.
-
-
- Network GamePlay:
- =================
-
- The principles behind network gameplay are quite simple - just shoot everyone!
- Players are identified by their name being displayed above their character.
- You have the same weaponry as in single player mode and it inflicts the same
- amount of damage. Scattered around the game map are health and weapon pickups.
- Try and remember where things are 'cos once they are picked up they will be
- regenerated after about 5 minutes or so. The other thing to bear in mind is
- that there are numerous 'hidey holes'. These are places where you can hide in
- and lay in wait for some other player to pass by before jumping out and
- blasting them!
-
- During network gameplay there is no limit on the number of lives. Each time
- you are killed you are regenerated in a random location within the game map.
- You will need to have your wits about you at all times!
-
- Scoring during network gameplay is simple. Every time you kill another player
- (except yourself of course!) you get another 'frag'. Your score counter
- represents the number of frags or kills that you've made.
-
- Scenarios for you to play could include every man for himself (but babes can
- play too!) or team play. However, the problem with team play is that there are
- no guarantees that you won't get shot in the back!
-
- Feedback
- ========
-
- This is my first attempt at a network game. I think it's pretty cool but then
- I would wouldn't I! I hope you like playing it. If you experience any problems
- please report them to me at the address below. Try and be as descriptive as
- possible. Screen shots would be nice too (only joking<g>)!
-
- Anyway, have fun and I hope you enjoy it!
-
-
- Additional Information
- ======================
-
- If you experience any difficulty in running the game or manage to break it and
- cause any memory exceptions please feel free to contact the author. Please try
- and give as much information about the fault as possible. In addition, try to
- include a copy of the start up screen which show the status of various
- options, parameters, settings, etc. In particular, the sound blaster settings.
-
- You can contact the author by one of the following:
-
- E-Mail: RoccoLoscalzo@compuserve.com
-
- Snail-Mail: Rocco Loscalzo
- 30 Boynton Drive
- Nottingham
- NG3 3EP.
- UK
-
- *** Please do not telephone this address ***
-
-
- ==================================[ End ]=====================================
-