PDA Software Library/pdasoftwarelib.iso/PSION/GAMES/COL2/README.ASC

Text File | 1994-10-04 | 6.0 KB | 161 lines

NEW FEATURE:
------------

During the course of the game, you will see the 5 shapes as used in the
psion logo drop. If you align the 5 symbols in the correct order
(touching) on any line horizontally, you get a bonus of 1000points
multiplied by the level number you are playing. The award for
lining up these symbols may change in the next version of the game.
Note that these 5 shapes are unremovable from the screen, so don't
drop them on top of a gem! They do however vanish when aligned
correctly (and your psion self destructs ...)

Psion 3a columns v2.11 (Shareware)
======================

Written by Steve Godfrey, author of 3a tetris v1.43/columns v1.24

email: [e-mail]
       [e-mail]
       [e-mail]

Graphics by Phil Creed, [e-mail]

This version is share/freeware:

You may use it as is without registering. However, if you register you will
receive free updates and have access to extra features.

Register by sending 5 UKP ($10) to:

Steve Godfrey
12 Linden Place
Mitcham
Surrey
CR4 4EY
ENGLAND

Please include an email address if possible.

Extra features available in version 2.11 for registered users:

High scores (stored on disk)
Key redefining
Design your own levels, or customize the game

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

Skill levels:

Easy   - 4 touching required to clear
Blocks - as easy, but unremovable blocks appear and get in the way
Medium - 5 touching required
Hard   - 4 touching required, but more shapes to clear
Ow!    - 5 touching required and blocks appear

There are 10 levels to each skill level on this version.

You can start at level 1 of any skill level without a password. When you
complete a level you will be given a password to enable you to restart
at the level you have just reached.

NOTE: Passwords are different for every user.

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

Install the following files on any disk:

\APP\Cols2.opa - the application
\APP\Cols2\*.* - the font, pic files and wavefiles

Install the application as normal.

You may delete the wavefiles to save space, if required.

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

This is a game based on the Sega Gamegear game called (suprise, suprise) columns.

The object of the game is to clear the play area of all 'gems' (represented in
this version by un-filled shapes. All other shapes are filled).

Shapes are removed when 4 or more of the same shape are touching in any direction
except diagonally. You score 1 point for every shape removed from the board. Any
shapes above the ones that are removed drop down. You score 2 extra points for
each shape if you remove more than 5 at one go.

Each time you remove one or more gems from a play area, you swap to the other
play area.

A play area is completed when all the gems from it are collected.

Each level stops when all gems are collected, and you advance onto the next level.

Each piece that drops is made up of three shapes - crosses, diamonds,
triangles, circles, hearts etc. You can rotate position of the shapes in the
piece using the cursor up and down keys, and move the piece left/right using
the cursor left and right keys. You can drop the piece using enter.

One extra shape is added at levels 2, 5, and 8 of each skill level.

'Next piece' allows you to turn on/off the next piece indication.

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

DESIGNING/CHANGING SKILL SETTINGS  (Registered versions only)
---------------------------------

Choose 'Designer' from the menu.

You may either alter an existing skill setting, or create a new one. Both work
in the same way.

To alter an existing setting, select the setting to edit from the dialog box.
To create a new setting, select <new> from the dialog box.

Note that each and every skill setting has 10 levels.

Proceed as follows:

Alter the skill setting name if required. You must do this for a new level.
Do not make two skill settings with the same name.

Plan your skill setting carefully. You will need to enter numbers or formula
for the following questions:

 1) The number of gems
 2) The number of shapes
 3) The spread of shapes, ie over how many lines shapes are spread (must be 3 or more)
 4) Number of blocks
 5) Initial speed (550 is probably the slowest required, 112 quite fast)
 6) The number of different shapes to be used (must be 8 or less)
 7) Touching to clear - number of shapes that have to be touching to clear
 8) Rate - rate at which speed increases. 20 seems a good value
 9) Bonus - the initial bonus value. This always decreases by 10 per column dropped

You may enter formula for these questions - and will probably have to. Remember that
the same formula is used for all 10 levels in your skill setting. Your formula may
make use of the following variables:

lv%    - The level number about to be played (from 1 to 10)
maxlv% - The maximum level number playable (always 10 in this version)
maxsk% - The maximum skill setting number (depends on how many skill settings you've designed)
sk%    - The number of the skill setting being played (easy is 1, medium is 2 etc.)

For example, entering '2*lv%' for 'number of gems' will set the number of gems
to 2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18 and 20 for levels 1 to 10 on your skill setting.

Setting number of blocks to '(lv%+1)/2' will set the number of blocks to 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5 and 5
for levels 1 to 10.

Examine the exisiting definitions for easy, medium, blocks etc. and work out what's going on.

Press Esc to cancel the level editing, or enter to confirm and store on disk. You can then
start playing your level. You can only start at level 1 - passwords are required for levels 2 to 10.

To remove a skill level, edit the level and delete the level name on the dialog box and press return.

Any questions, email me.

Steve.