======================================================================= = = = EXCALIBUR 2555AD - README FILE = = = ======================================================================= This file contains information and last minute changes which could not be included in the manual. ======================================================================= INSTALLATION * This final version of the game now runs completely from the CD. There is no installation needed. * The first time you run the game you will be asked to install DirectX 5. If you already have this installed on your system then feel free to select 'Cancel'. * To install DirectX at a later date, open the 'DirectX' folder on the CD and double-clike the 'dxsetup.exe' program. ======================================================================= SETUP PRGOGAM * This PC version of EXCALIBUR 2555AD uses a 'Setup' program where you can configure the game to run as well as possible on your PC. * Depending on specification of your computer, not all of the different options will be available to you. * When the game starts for the first time it will automatically select the best options for your PC. You should avoid changing these unless you really want to... - 3D MODE - * This option allows you to select which 3D mode to run the game in. The options are:- * FISH 3D 8 BIT : Suitable for all PC users. * D3D SOFTWARE : This will give you better quality graphics, but will only work well on fast MMX processors. * 3DFX MODE : This provides the highest quality graphics, but is only available to users with 3Dfx accelerator cards. - LOGIC SPEED - * This option changes the Frame Rate Independence. It is designed to allow the game to run faster on slower PCs. * 1 - 5 : This is the number of logical game cycles for every graphics cycle. The higher the number, the more jerky the game will be. * Auto : This mode will select the best FRI for each room you enter. In theory it should work the best... - ENHANCED LIGHTING - * This feature allows you to change the quality of the in-game lighting by changing the sub-division on the polygons. This feature should only really be used in high spec machines. * Off : This should be used on most machines. * Silly High : This will slow the game down dramatically, but one day machines may be fast enough to use it... - RESOLUTION - * This option determines what resolution the game will run in. Not all graphics cards will support all resolutions. As a general rule the lower the resolution, the faster the game will run. * In 3Dfx MODE the game will only run in 640x480. ======================================================================= JOYSTICK SUPPORT * Excalibur 2555AD also now includes support for 4 button joypads. This is achieved by using part of DirectX. Therefore DirectX 5 must be installed on your computer for this to work. * Due to time constraints, the joystick support has not been completely tested. As it was never part of the original design, any joystick support should be considered a bonus... Good Luck! ======================================================================= THE MAP SCREEN * In FISH 3D MODE the map is not as described in the manual. The colours stated in the manual will be different for every level in the game (in this mode). ======================================================================= 3DFX USERS * Excalibur 2555AD was written to use the latest version the 3Dfx API - 'Glide'. You may need to update the drivers for your card before you can play Excalibur. * If you run the 'Setup' program and there is no 3Dfx option in the 3D MODE section (and you have a 3Dfx card) try the following:- * Open the folder '3DFX' on the root of the CD. * Inside it there is a program called 'g24rtvg.exe'. * Double-click on this file to update your drivers. * This program is supplied by 3Dfx Interactive and as such we accept no liability for what might happen. It should work fine though... ======================================================================= SAVE GAMES (STARTING LEVEL) * This PC version of Excalibur does not include a specific save game feature. * Instead, Windows 95 will store the maximum level you have reached so that you can start at this, or any of the preceding levels. ======================================================================= SCREEN SIZE * An additional feature was added to the game at the last minute which allows you to resize your screen in the FISH 3D & D3D SOFTWARE modes. * When you are in game, pressing F5 will shrink the screen. This will have the advantage of allowing the game to run much faster. * Pressing F6 will enlarge the screen again. * There are a number of known problems with this feature:- * The Pause menu may be slightly corrupted. * Objects in the Inventory may be shown incorrectly. ======================================================================= AMMENDMENTS TO THE MANUAL * On page 3 there is an addition to the Standard Controls section:- * When speaking with another character press CTRL to scroll the subtitle text. * On page 4 there is an addition to the Inventory section:- * To switch between the different sections of the screen press SHIFT or TAB. * On page 5 the paragraph about food should read:- * Food You have a limited amount of health (displayed in the top left corner of the screen). WHICH you are able to replenish with the aid of food pickups such as fruit, bread or water. * On page 5 there is an addition to the Spell Recipes paragraph:- * Spell Recipes Before spell recipes can be added to your Spell Book you must first read them. The items required must them be combined in the combinations box. ======================================================================= ALT-TAB * Pressing ALT-TAB during the game to switch to another program may cause problems. Both your Energy Bar & Map may become corrupted when you return to the game. * The best solution to this problem is not to press ALT-TAB. Don't do it... ======================================================================= EXTRA FEATURES * To find out more about this product and any enhancements, keep an eye on the following web sites:- * www.sir-tech.com * www.fishuk.com ======================================================================= WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK... * The little 24 Hour garage at the top of the road. * The slightly smaller Chinese just down the road. * The kettle for not packing-in when the coffee was needed most. * God, for making it all possible. ======================================================================= CONTACT DETAILS * In the unlikely event that you experience any problems with this game please contact us at the following address:- Technical Support Sirtech Software P.O. Box 245 Ogdensburg Business Center Ogdensburg, NY 13669 Tel: (315) 393-6633 Fax: (315) 393-1525 Email: tech@sir-tech.com =======================================================================