Emerald Hunt
------------

Author: Scott Powell (scottpowell@kagi.com)
Version: 1.2 (Shareware)
Date: 27/06/1997

Install Notes

  Simply use 'instapp' to install the 'hunt.prc' file onto your pilot.

Instructions

  Start a new game by selecting the menu 'New Game', then a menu item
  for the level of difficulty you want. The screen is then filled with
  objects, which will be animated until everything is reasonably stable.
  The 'bulldozer' (you) is then placed on the screen, and you're ready
  to go.

  Objective:
     You have to collect enough points to finish the level. You get
     one point for collecting an emerald (light coloured squared shaped
     object), and five points for a diamond (dark coloured square
     shaped object). Your target number of points is displayed at the
     top of the screen.

  Status Display:
     At the top right hand side of the screen are three numbers. These
     are described as follows:
          'T:' <number>   - your current target (in points). When this
                            gets to zero you have won!
          'G:' <number>   - number of Grenades left.
          'A:' <number>   - units of air left in your air tanks.

  Game Control:
     * You are the bulldozer. You simply tap to whatever side of the
       bulldozer you wish to move towards. Or you can drag the pen
       around the screen, and the bulldozer follows you.

       NOTE: the screen only scrolls when you lift the pen. This is
             for better control.

     * To set off a grenade move to the position you want to lay the
       grenade and press the hardware 'down' button. Once you move away
       the grenade pin is pulled, and you must get at least two cells
       away from it to not get blown up.

  Object Types:
     -------('free' objects, ie. that aren't fixed to a position)------

     * Boulders
         These objects fall if not supported, and roll off round topped
         objects. Be careful not to get crushed by one. Also you can
         push a lone boulder left or right.

     * Emeralds
         These are the light shaded square shaped objects. Just move
         into them to collect them. These also fall and roll like
         boulders, and can also kill you.

     * Diamonds
         These are the dark shaded square shaped objects, and behave
         like Emeralds, except that they are worth 5 points, and can
         be CRUSHED by objects falling on them.

     * Bombs
         These are easy to recognise (have a little fuse above a round
         looking object). The explode if something lands on them, or
         if they land on something else. They fall just like boulders.
         If you are within one cell distance from one when it explodes
         you will die. Also you can push a lone bomb left or right.

     * Water
         Water is easy enough to recognise. Water will fall and spill
         over when it can, and will tend to form pools. If you go into
         water you must have some air in your tanks. If you stay under
         too long you will drown. Water can drop onto you and spill
         over you, ie. it will not kill you like a boulder.

     * Bugs
         Be afraid, very afraid of bugs. They will explode if they get
         to within a cell distance from you - killing you in the
         process. They roam around where ever there is empty space. You
         can kill them by dropping something on them, or blowing them
         up.

     --------('fixed' objects, ie. don't move, don't fall)-----------

     * Brick
         Bricks are PERMANENT. They can't be destroyed in an explosion,
         and don't move.

     * Stone
         These are the round-topped brick-like objects. These can be
         destroyed in an explosion. Falling objects will also roll off
         them.

     * Air Canister
         Move into these to collect them (like Emeralds & Diamonds).
         You get 20 units of air for each one.

     * Grenade
         Move into these to collect them.

     * Dirt
         Dirt supports falling objects, but you can destroy dirt by
         moving into it. Be careful as this will likely cause
         landslides.


Building Your Own Levels

  There should be a file included in the package (ZIP file) called
  'mkgame.exe'. This is a Windows 95 console application. Use this to
  make PDB files which you can download onto your Pilot. There is a
  sample level called 'sample.txt' (source), and the final output
  'sample.pdb' (pre-built using mkgame.exe).

  You simply edit up a text file (make a copy of the sample) and then
  run mkgame.exe. If you run 'mkgame' without any parameters it shows
  you what parameters it expects. The sample level has comments inside
  it to describe how you 'paint' your level.

  This level builder is admitedly very simple, but it does the job.


Revision History

 27/06/1997  1.2  New 'Load Game' feature + Win95 Level builder
                  Now extends evaluation period if upgrading from
                     previous version.

 22/05/1997  1.1  Fixed 'Fatal Error' bug.

 17/05/1997  1.0  Initial release


Credits

  thanks to:
     - John J. Lehett        for the GNU 'C' port.
     - Wes Cherry            for 'PILRC'


Standard Disclaimer Stuff

  This program is presented 'as is'. I take no responsibility in any loss of data
  or productivity in case of operating failures.
