home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
PC/CD Gamer UK 36
/
PCGAMER36.bin
/
maxdemo
/
readme.txt
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1996-08-14
|
30KB
|
821 lines
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Interplay Productions Tech Support: 714-553-6678
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
╔═════════════════════════╗
║ ║
║ M.A.X. ║
║ ║
║ RELEASE NOTES FOR ║
║ ║
║ INTERACTIVE DEMO v1.0 ║
║ ║
╚═════════════════════════╝
───────────────────────────────────
THIS DEMO IS FREELY DISTRIBUTABLE
FOR NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES
see section 7 for full details
───────────────────────────────────
╔═══════════════════╗
║ TABLE of CONTENTS ║
╚═══════════════════╝
1. PLAYING M.A.X.
a. System Requirements
b. Installation & Setup
c. M.A.X. under Win95
d. Quick Start Instructions
e. Keyboard Reference
2. NETWORK
3. SCREENSHOTS
4. TROUBLESHOOTING
5. TECHNICAL SUPPORT
6. CREDITS
7. DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION
╔══════════════════════╗
║ 1. Playing M.A.X. ║
╚══════════════════════╝
╔═════════════════════════╗
║ 1a. System Requirements ║
╚═════════════════════════╝
REQUIREMENTS:
- IBM PC compatible 486-66 or faster
- 8 MB RAM
- DOS 5.0 or later
- Microsoft compatible mouse
RECOMMENDED:
- Pentium processor
- 16 MB RAM
- stereo 16-bit soundcard
SUPPORTS:
- Sound cards: Soundblaster Pro/16/AWE32/compatibles, ProAudio
Spectrum Plus/16/Studio, Gravis Ultrasound/Max.
╔══════════════════════════╗
║ 1b. Installation & Setup ║
╚══════════════════════════╝
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
WEB/BBS VERSION INSTALLATION:
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
If you received your copy of the M.A.X. demo as a ZIP file from the
WEB or off a BBS, use the following instructions to set up M.A.X. on
your computer:
Unzip the Max Demo into a new directory (folder) and then type:
SETUP <ENTER>
The Sound Card Setup Program will then run. Follow the prompts to
configure your sound device(s). Be sure you test the sound and music!
If the soundcard settings are incorrect, M.A.X. may not work properly.
To start M.A.X. type:
MAX <ENTER>
We highly recommend playing the provided Training Missions to quickly
become acquainted with some of the game's major features.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
CD DEMO VERSION:
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
If you received your copy of the M.A.X. demo on a CD, use the following
instructions to set up M.A.X. on your computer:
Place the M.A.X demo disk in your CD-ROM drive and then switch to that
drive and type "Install."
Example:
D: <ENTER> (insert the letter of your CD ROM drive if other that D:
INSTALL <ENTER>
The Installer will then install the M.A.X. Demo files.
It will then run SETUP to allow you to configure your sound card.
To change soundcard configuration at any time, you can also type:
SETUP <ENTER>
from the DOS prompt to restart the SETUP program.
Follow the prompts to configure your sound device(s). Be sure you test
the sound and music! If soundcard settings are incorrect, M.A.X. may
not work properly.
To start M.A.X. type:
MAX <ENTER>
We highly recommend playing the provided Training Missions to quickly
become acquainted with some of the game's major features.
Note: If you use the Minimum or Medium Install, the M.A.X. sound files
will not be copied off the CD to your hard drive. This may slow down
game play on some systems. If you experience this problem, go to the
Preferences Menu and turn the Music Volume down to its lowest position.
╔═══════════════════════════╗
║ 1c. M.A.X. under Win95 ║
╚═══════════════════════════╝
M.A.X. will run under Win95, however the demo version is not directly
supported at this time.
Multitasking, Screen Savers, or simply switching back to Windows while
M.A.X. is running can cause M.A.X. to lock up on some systems. It is
recommended that you exit M.A.X. before switching back into Windows if
you experience this problem.
If you are experiencing any other problems running M.A.X. under Win95
(sound, netgame difficulties, etc.) try running M.A.X in DOS mode.
╔══════════════════════════════╗
║ 1d. Quick Start Intructions ║
╚══════════════════════════════╝
Welcome to M.A.X. (Mechanized Attack and Exploration). In M.A.X. you
play a Mech Commander, a robotic unit with a human brain. Attached
directly to the computer in this way, you command a great variety of
fighting vehicles, construction equipment, factories and other stuctures
which you use to colonize new worlds.
The game can be played in standard "Turn Based" mode, or Concurrent mode,
in which players take their turns simultaneously as in a real time game.
The Game Clock works somewhat like a chess timer. The default turn time
is 180 seconds, or 3 minutes. The default secondary time is 45 seconds.
In concurrent mode, when one player clicks the End Turn button, the clock
drops to the secondary time to allow the other player(s) to finish their
turns. The first player to select End Turn may still move and perform all
other game functions until all players have finished their turn.
Each player selects a Clan to fight for. Each Clan provides the player
with bonus upgrades to various types of units. Choose your Clan
carefully to maximize the effectiveness of your strategy.
Following is a brief outline of the major elements in M.A.X.:
HELP:
There are two forms of help in M.A.X., RIGHT CLICK
HELP, and "Question Mark" help.
Right Click Help:
To obtain Help on any unit or structure,
simply right click on it to open the Stat
Screen. Basic Unit information and unit
stats will be displayed.
Question Mark Help:
On most menu screens you'll find a button
labeled with a question mark. Click on this
button to activate help: the mouse cursor
will change into a question mark. Now
click on any item on the screen and a help
message will appear, explaining the basic
function of the item.
COMMAND BUTTONS
Every unit and structure in M.A.X. has its own set of
command buttons. To access the command buttons on
an unselected unit, click on the unit once to select
it, then click on it again to open its command
buttons.
To open the command buttons on a structure, simply
click once on the structure.
See section 1e. for a listing of keyboard commands.
MAJOR GAME ELEMENTS:
Mining Stations - Mining Stations are used to obtain Raw Materials,
Fuel, and Gold. Raw Materials are used to build
new units and structures. Fuel is used to support
power plants, and gold, once refined, is used
to purchase upgrades for your units.
Mining Stations and Storage Units (see below) can
TRANSFER materials to other units, such as
Constructors and Engineers.
Power Plants - Power Plants burn fuel to create power for your
factories, mining stations, and some other types of
structures such as refineries and eco-spheres.
There are two types of power plant, Power Generators
and Power Stations.
Power Generators use (2) fuel per turn and can power
one mining station, factory, or other structure.
Power Stations use (5) fuel per turn, and can power
three structures. Power Stations are not available
in the Demo version.
Always plan your complex carefully to avoid
building delays due to power shortages.
Connectors - Connectors are built by Engineers and are used to
attach structures together so they can receive Power
and/or Materials.
Any unconnected building cannot receive power,
and so will not be operational until it is connected.
In addition, stationary guns cannot be reloaded
unless connected to a source of Materials.
Always plan your complex carefully to avoid
building delays due to lack of connections.
Surveyors: Surveyors are used to scan the planet surface for
deposits of Raw Materials, Fuel and Gold, in
preparation for the construction of additional
mining stations.
When the surveyor locates a deposit, it marks the
area with a color coded disk displaying the
type and amount of resources at that site.
Color Codes:
Grey Marker = Material Reserve
Green Marker = Fuel Reserve
Gold Marker = Gold Reserve
Empty Circle = No Reserves
Constructors - Constructors are mobile builders that use Materials
to create all the large structures in the game.
Constructors can build:
Mining Stations
Power Stations *
Light Vehicle Plant
Heavy Vehicle Plant
Air Units Plant *
Shipyard *
Gold Refinery *
Depot
Hangar *
Dock *
Habitat *
Research Center *
Eco-Sphere *
Training Hall *
Barracks *
* Not available in Demo Version
To operate, click on a constructor to
select it, and then click again to open
the Constructor's Command Buttons.
Next, click on the "BUILD" button. The Constructor
Build Window will then open, allowing you to select
the structure you wish to build.
After making your selection, the Build Window
will close, bringing you back to the Main Game Screen.
Your Constructor will now display a square of caution
tape around it, which you can move into the
position you wish the new structure to be built.
When the tape is properly placed, click inside the
tape and building will begin.
Transfer Materials from your Mining Station or
Materials Storage Building to refill your Constructor.
Engineers - Engineers are mobile builders that use Materials to
construct smaller structures.
Engineers can build:
Material Storage
Fuel Storage
Gold Vault *
Power Generator
Connector
Radar
Gun Turret
Anti-Air *
Artillery
Missile Launcher
Landing Pad *
Bridge
Water Platform
Concrete Block
Road
* Not available in Demo Version
To operate an Enginner, move the Engineer into
the position you wish to start building, and then
click on it to open the Engineer's Command Buttons.
Next, click on the "BUILD" button. The Engineer
Build Window will then open, allowing you to select
the structure you wish to build.
After making your selection, the Build Window
will close, bringing you back to the Main Game Screen.
The Engineer will automatically start building
the selected structure.
Transfer Materials from your Mining Station or
Materials Storage Building to refill your Engineer.
Light Vehicle Plant - Light Vehicle Plants are built by Constructors.
Light Vehicle Plants build:
Scouts
Surveyors
Engineers
Repair Units
Supply Trucks
Fuel Truck *
Gold Truck *
Mobile Anti-Air *
Mine Layers
Bulldozers
Armored Personnel Carriers *
* Not available in Demo Version
To operate a Light Vehicle Plant, click on it
to bring up the command buttons. Then, click on
the "BUILD" button to open the Build Screen.
Heavy Vehicle Plant - Heavy Vehicle Plants are built by Constructors.
Heavy Vehicle Plants build:
Constructors
Mobile Scanners
Tanks
Assault Guns
Rocket Launcher
Missile Crawlers
Depot -
Depots are built by constructors and are used to
repair and upgrade your mobile units.
To use the depot, click on it to open its
command buttons, then click on the "LOAD" button.
Next, click on the units you wish to enter
the depot. Each unit selected will then drive
into depot.
Once all the desired units have been loaded,
click on the Depot again, and then click on the
"ACTIVATE" button. The Depot window will open,
displaying all the units currently being held
within the Depot. On this screen you can choose
to upgrade or repair your units.
Once your units are ready, click on the "Activate"
button to remove the selected units from the Depot.
╔═════════════════════════╗
║ 1e. Keyboard Reference ║
╚═════════════════════════╝
Following is the full keyboard command reference list for M.A.X.
E End Turn
F Find Selected Unit. Currently selected unit will be centered on screen.
-,+ Zoom In, Out
G Turns on Grid Display
F1 Centers on Tagged Unit
F10 Exits directly to DOS
Arrow Keys Scrolls the map
ALT-L Opens the Load Game Menu
ALT-S Opens the Save Game Menu
ALT-X Exits the Game to the Main Menu
ALT-F5, ALT-F6, ALT-F7, ALT-F8 Saves the current window position
F5, F6, F7, F8 Jumps to a previously saved window position
/,? Initiates HELP mode. The cursor changes to a question mark,
clicking on screen items will display help text.
ALT-C Saves a screen shot of the game in PCX format.
Space Bar, Enter or ESC cancels the self running demo.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
╔══════════════════════════╗
║ 2. NETWORK PLAY ║
╚══════════════════════════╝
Netgame Requirements
────────────────────
M.A.X. is designed to run on networks using the IPX protocol.
To use IPX protocol on your LAN-connected PC, you must be loading the
IPX.COM driver provided by Novell, in addition to lower-level drivers
required by your particular brand of network card.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
╔════════════════════════╗
║ 3. SCREENSHOTS ║
╚════════════════════════╝
Holding down the ALT key and pressing C will save a screenshot.
The files are written to the M.A.X. directory with the name convention
MAXxxxx.PCX (ex. MAX0001.PCX)
The pictures are saved in .PCX format and can be viewed in most Windows
and DOS based graphic and paint programs.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
╔═══════════════════════╗
║ 4. TROUBLESHOOTING ║
╚═══════════════════════╝
. Multitasking, Screen Savers, or simply switching back to Windows while
M.A.X. is running can cause M.A.X. to lock up on some systems. It is
recommended that you exit M.A.X. before switching back into Windows if
you experience this problem.
If you are experiencing any other problems running M.A.X. under Win95
(sound, netgame difficulties, etc.) try running M.A.X in DOS mode.
. If you use the Minimum or Medium Install, the M.A.X. sound files
will not be copied off the CD to your hard drive. This may slow down
game play on some systems. If you experience this problem, go to the
Preferences Menu and turn the Music Volume down to its lowest position.
. If you get an "Out of Environment Space" message when running M.A.X.,
add the following line to your CONFIG.SYS:
shell=C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM /e:512 /p
. The FILES statement in your CONFIG.SYS should read 25 or more:
ex. FILES=25
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
╔═══════════════════════╗
║ 5. TECHNICAL SUPPORT ║
╚═══════════════════════╝
If you are experiencing problems, Interplay Technical Support is
available 24 hours a day through our Automated Customer Service system,
with human representatives available during normal business hours.
Here's how to contact us:
╔════════════════════════════════╗
║ Interplay Technical Support ║
║ & Customer Service ║
║ ║
║ 714-553-6678 ║
╚════════════════════════════════╝
Please try to have your system information available and be near your
computer if at all possible.
Other ways to get help:
Interplay Productions Interplay Web Page: http://www.interplay.com
attn: Customer Service email: support@interplay.com
16815 Von Karman Avenue Interplay BBS: 714-252-2822
Irvine, CA 92606 America Online: keyword INTERPLAY
or email to "IPTECH"
GEnie: type "M805;1"
CompuServe: GO GAMBPUB, under INTERPLAY
Prodigy: email to "PLAY99B"
In the UK, write to:
Customer Support
Harleyford Manor
Harleyford
Henley Road
Marlow
Buckinghamshire
SL72DX
England
UK telephone: +44 (0) 1628 423666
UK FAX: +44 (0) 1628 487752
Japan:
Customer Service via Electronic Arts Victor at:
Japan Phone: 03.5410.3100
Japan FAX: 03.5410.3106
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
╔══════════════════╗
║ 6. CREDITS ║
╚══════════════════╝
Producer: Ali Atabek
Line Producer: Paul Kellner
Game Design: Ali Atabek
Paul Kellner
Gus Smedstad
Based on an Original Idea by Larry Froistad
Lead Programmer: Dave Boulanger
AI Programming: Gus Smedstad
Lead Artist: Chris Regalado
2D Artists: Tony Postma
Arlene Somers
3D Artists: Chris Regalado
Mark Bergo
Arlene Somers
Mike Dean
Conceptual Design
and Storyboards: Tony Postma
Original World Design: Cheryl Austin
World Creation: Arlene Somers
Network Support: Dave Boulanger
Bernie Weir
Audio Director: Charles Deenan
Music: Brian Luzietti
Sound Effects: Gregory G. Allen
Larry Peacock
Mastering: Craig Duman
Director Of
Quality Assurance: Chad Allison
Lead Tester: Cory Nelson
Testers: Amy Mitchell
Chris Peak
Quinn Summers
Doug Avery
Steve McLafferty
Erick Lujan
Steve Victory
James Dunn
Henry Kahng
Bill Field
Steve Reed
Steve Baldoni
Richard Barker
I.S. Technicians: Bill Delk
Aaron J. Meyers
Director of
Compatibility: John Werner
Compatibility
Technicians: Dan Forsyth
John Parker
Aaron Olaiz
Derek Gibbs
Phuong Nguyen
Marc Duran
Video Compression and
Playback Technology: Paul Edelstein
Thanks to Tim Cain for GNW, Jay Patel for Technical Assistance,
James Thomas for Story Elements and assorted inspirations, and
Parallax Software for the use of their Installation and Setup Programs.
╔═══════════════════════════════╗
║ ║
║ M.A.X. is Dedicated to ║
║ the memory of Amanda Froistad ║
║ ║
╚═══════════════════════════════╝
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
╔══════════════════════════════╗
║ 7. DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION ║
╚══════════════════════════════╝
See Software License below for specific distribution information on the
M.A.X. Interactive Demo.
The M.A.X. INTERACTIVE DEMO (as well as current updates) can be found at
the following locations:
────────────────────────────────────────────────
Interplay web page: http://www.interplay.com
────────────────────────────────────────────────
- Interplay BBS: 714-252-2822
- CompuServe: GO GAMBPUB, under INTERPLAY
- America Online: keyword: INTERPLAY
- Software Creations BBS: 508-368-4137 or telnet to swcbbs.com
- Redeye BBS: +49.89.5460535, Munich, Germany
- some Internet sites to check: (please notify us with site changes)
ftp.funet.fi in /pub/msdos/games/interplay
bell.ecs.soton.ac.uk in /pub/pc/games/demos
ftp.uml.edu in /msdos/games/temp
ftp.demon.co.uk in /pub/ibmpc/games/misc
ftp.leo.org in /pub/comp/platforms/pc/games
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
SOFTWARE USE LIMITATIONS AND LIMITED LICENSE
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
This special preview version of M.A.X. (the "Software") is intended solely
for your personal noncommercial home entertainment use.
You may not decompile, reverse engineer, or disassemble the Software, except
as permitted by law. Interplay Productions retains all rights and title in
the Software including all intellectual property rights embodied therein and
derivatives thereof. You are granted a revocable, nonassignable limited
license to create derivative works of this Software solely for your own
personal noncommercial home entertainment use and may publicly display such
derivative works to the extent specifically authorized by Interplay in
writing. A copy of this authorization, if any, will be provided on
Interplay's World Wide Web site (http://www.interplay.com), and may also be
obtained by contacting the legal department at Interplay at (714) 553-6655.
The Software, including, without limitation, all code, data structures,
characters, images, sounds, text, screens, game play, derivative works and
all other elements of the Software may not be copied (except as provided
below), resold, rented, leased, distributed (electronically or otherwise),
used on pay-per-play, coin-op or other for-charge basis, or for any
commercial purpose. You may make copies of the Software for your personal
noncommercial home entertainment use and to give to friends and acquaintances
on a no cost noncommercial basis. This limited right to copy the Software
expressly excludes any copying or distribution of the Software on a
commercial basis, including, without limitation, bundling the product with
any other product or service and any give away of the Software in connection
with another product or service. Any permissions granted herein are provided
on a temporary basis and can be withdrawn by Interplay Productions at any
time. All rights not expressly granted are reserved.
M.A.X. COPYRIGHT (C) 1996 INTERPLAY PRODUCTIONS.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ALL TRADEMARKS ARE PROPERTY OF INTERPLAY PRODUCTIONS.
INTERPLAY PRODUCTIONS IS THE EXCLUSIVE LICENSEE AND DISTRIBUTOR.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Thanks for Playing M.A.X.!
--EOF--