Once in a Lifetime is a simple (but addictive) one-player card game for HyperCard. It has a high-score list and full 'balloon help'-style help, including an 'Autoplay' option which lets the computer play the game by itself. It should work on any Mac with HyperCard 2.1 or later, including those with black and white screens like the one I used to use. This version requires a 640x400 or larger screen, however.
Once in a Lifetime is T-shirt-ware, which means if you want to keep using it you must send me a T-shirt. However, if you find buying a T-shirt too inconvenient, you may pay the equivalent of US$12 using the Register application provided. The money can be paid using credit cards, First Virtual or cash in a variety of different currencies. I would prefer a T-shirt though.
This version was released in August 1998 - recent versions should be available on info-mac archives. For information on the current version of Once in a Lifetime and my other software, go to my web page at http://lazer.gen.nz/angela and follow the link to HyperCard programming - this is probably at http://lazer.gen.nz/angela/software, unless I have changed the arrangement of my web pages since writing this file.
Detailed instructions on how to play the game and how to pay the shareware fee can be found within the program itself.
Version History
Changes in v1.1
• Version 1.1 fixes a silly mistake - I'd hidden the "Register" button and forgotten to make it visible again.
• A Register application (provided by Kagi) is included for those who prefer to pay in cash.
• The cursor now changes to shuffling cards while the cards are being shuffled.
• The number of aces in each pile is shown.
• I've included some hints on doing better in the game. Also this help screen has been reorganised.
• Last but not least, the addition of an "Undo" button which undoes the most recent move.
Changes in v2.0
• The cards are larger, with proper picture cards.
• Jokers have been added, which can do some pretty naughty things...
• I've fixed a problem in resetting the high scores, so that you don't have to save them as a text file.
• This version includes statistics on how many games you've played, average score, how many (and the percentage of) games you've won, and a rating which reflects your scoring, wins, and number of games played.
• You can now import highscores from OIAL highscore files saved using this or earlier versions of Once in a Lifetime.
