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- ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
- 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--
-