ASTRAWARE palm os products 

Astroids Release Notes
Current released version: 1.20 (26 August 1999)
Current release expires: never
Feedback to: Howard Tomlinson (howard@astraware.com)
Game Info: http://www.astraware.com/palm/astroids/
Recent update headlines: All-new Enhanced Game, featuring power-ups

Copyright (c) 1998,9 Astraware Partners
All rights reserved.


Notes

Shoot. zap zap - Aaargh! Thrust - zap - thrust, oh-no! Hyperspace. Eeek - zap zap -phew! zap zap.
You know what its all about, but here's hoping you love the game as much as I do!

Please make sure you read the information below about installing the game.

If you enjoy Astroids, please take the time to enter a review at PalmCentral, PalmGear HQ or EuroCool.

Astroids is shareware, which means that you've downloaded it for free, but if you enjoy the game and want to keep playing then we ask you to register for it. It's now only $5, and you can find out how to register online at the Astroids registration page.

Register online now at PalmGear or at PalmCentral.

Registering removes the delay when running Astroids.

Installing the game

Astroids is available either as a standalone .prc file or as a compressed ZIP (for PC) or SIT (for Mac) file. The compressed files contain these release notes along with the .prc file.

The .prc file needs to be installed on your Palm or compatible handheld. Firstly, locate and start up the 'Palm Installer' program. On Windows this is in the 'Palm Desktop' menu in 'Programs' on the Start Menu. Using the Palm Installer program, select the .prc file. Put your handheld in its cradle (or use a HotSync cable) and press the HotSync button. During the HotSync, the Astroids game will be transferred to your handheld and will be available from the menu when you press the applications button. Tap the Astroids icon, and you're in the game!

To start a game of Astroids, tap the screen. Unless you use the Control Prefs to change them, here are the controls for playing:

(Datebook)
Left
(Phonebook)
Right
(Up)
Special Attack
(To Do List)
Thrust
(Memo pad)
Fire
(Down)
Special Defence

In the classic game, there are no special attacks, and the only special defence is your trusty hyperspace. You get three lives to begin with. When you reach 5000 points you get an extra life. You can only have a maximum of four 'spare' lives.

Also - if you get killed by an astroid, and want to come back straight away to wreak sweet cold revenge, then pressing the Down button will bring you back - even if there is an astroid in the way!

Powerups

If you play the 'Enhanced Game' (use the 'Game Settings' menu item to change to it), there are special astroids for you to shoot - and when you do they release a powerup. These are one of:

Collect as many as you like - although you can only have one defense and one offence at a time! If you get blown up, you lose all powerups - so don't! Get more information about powerups at the Astroids Powerups and Accessories page - essential reading for the discerning miner!

Registering 

We think astroids is great, and we hope that you do too!  (It looks really cool on a Palm V when backlit!)

If you decide that you would like to keep astroids on your palm, then you should register within approximately one month. Registration is available online at the Astraware Astroids registration page. Registrations for Asteroids cost £5 or $5, and your key will remain valid for future upgrades.

If you wish to send us a cheque (or a check), then email first so that we can advise on the most secure method.

The more times you play astroids before you register, the longer the pause at the start of each game will be.

Registered users can send us their high score (in the form of a code which tells us how fast you palm runs too!) which we will include on our high score table! Go on, show the world what a master you are!

Version History

Version 1.2 : 26th August 1999 : Filesize 37994 bytes

Version 1.16 : 20th August 1999 : Filesize 37995 bytes

Version 1.15 : 19th August 1999 : Filesize 38007 bytes
  Version 1.14 : 12th August 1999 : Filesize 39544 bytes Version 1.13 :7th August 1999 : Filesize 40691 bytes Version 1.12 :6th August 1999 : Filesize 39332 bytes   - Update revision after beta tester comments Version 1.11 :3rd August 1999 : Filesize 37219 bytes
  Version 1.10 : 17th June 1999 : Filesize 30549 bytes : Full Release Version Version 1.02 : 15th June 1999 : Filesize 30531 bytes


Version 1.01 : 7th June 1999 : Filesize : 29188 bytes

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Thanks!

Around 30 people have emailed back feedback during testing (compliments and complaints - both good to get!) Thanks go to you ! Your emails have helped to keep the game going and progressing, as each 'great game' email makes me do another hour of programming :-)

 A few of the testers have really given very major assistance with the development of the game - giving bug reports (with detailed information of how to get the bug to happen!) serious suggestions for improvements, and feedback on the overall game feel.

 Main thanks goes to:

Stephen Stanway - who helped considerably with the maths required to do proper bounces when the shield is on. Without his help it could have been many more months before the game was updated.

Tim - who has sent me more than 30 pages of feedback, bugs, suggestions and cheerful comments!

Christopher, Pete, and Kevin - Who have each contributed such considerable important feedback and have been awarded a registration for the effort!

Also thanks and a mention go to the following - who have sent either cheerful feedback or bug reports or other useful tidbits!
Corky, Rick, Frederick, Larry, Aaron, Paul, Eric, William, Roger, Gianvincenzo, David, Rich and Mike.

Legal 

Astraware takes no responsibility for any adverse effect that this software could cause to your machine: backup important data before using Astroids.

This page was last updated on 19th August, 1999, by H.Tomlinson