._______________________________________________________________________. | | (C) SmartSOFT | |\ |88888 88888 8888 8888 --------------- 888 || |'888' '888' `888 `888 oo888oo || | 888 888 .oooo. 888 888 .ooooo. .oooo. '888' .oooo. || | 88888888888 d8( '8b 888 888 d88' '88b P )88b 888 d8( '8b || | 888 888 )88888P' 888 888 888 888 .oP8888 888 )88888P' || |.888. .888. 88b .o 888 888 888. .888 d8( 888 888bd 88b .o || |88888 88888 '88888P' o888o o888o '88888888 `Y888""88 "888" '88888P' || | '888 || | --------------------------------- '88. .88P ------------------------ || | - BY DAVID WALTERS -------------- "88888' ------------------------ || \======================================================================\' Copyright SmartSOFT software, 1996/8 by David Walters. ************************************************************************ Email: dswalters@dial.pipex.com URL: http://ds.dial.pipex.com/town/close/xom85/ ************************************************************************ 1... System requirements + Tested Systems 2... Starting HELLGATE 3... HardDisk Installation 4... Reporting Bugs/Suggestions 5... STOS-Ram 6... Legal stuff 7... Version History ************************************************************************ 1. HELLGATE system requirements ------------------------------- Minimally Required are: ----------------------- 1 Mb ST-ram. A colour display, a mouse. Highly Recommended: ------------------- HardDisk HIGHLY recommended 2 Mb ram. Systems that DO work: --------------------- * Atari STe TOS 1.62 * Pacifist v0.46+ - Set: MAX Speed, No Samples for maximum performance. Works with a rom image of TOS v1.00, (but not 1.62!) Systems that DON'T work: ----------------------- * TOS 2.06 2. Starting HELLGATE -------------------- To launch HELLGATE, simply double-click the file called 'HELLGATE.PRG', or reset the computer with the HELLGATE disk in Drive A to auto boot. 3. HardDisk Installation ------------------------ HELLGATE allows installation onto a HardDisk, to do this simply follow the instructions below: 1. Insert the HELLGATE disk into Drive A. 2. Create a new folder on the harddisk called 'HELLGATE'. (It can be anywhere on any partition). 3. Double Click the HELLGATE folder you have just created. 4. Drag the icon for 'Drive A' onto the window which shows the empty contents of this folder you have just created. 5. 'OK' the 'copy?' dialogue box and wait while the files are copied. 6. Take the HELLGATE disk out of the drive and keep it safe. 7. From now on, you can launch 'HELLGATE.PRG' from the hard disk instead. Note: Some 1 Mb users may not be able to run the game from a HardDisk. This is because some HardDisk drivers require large amounts of memory, or if you have lots of AUTO folder programs. If this affects you, then try disabling AUTO folder programs and other desk accessories, as this will free up some memory. 4. Reporting bugs/problems or suggestions ----------------------------------------- If you discover a major bug or even a minor problem with your version of HELLGATE, please do not hesitate to send me a bug report -- Don't assume someone else has spotted it, tell me yourself! Try to be as detailed as possible things to include are: . Your Name: . E-Mail Address: . Your version of HELLGATE (From title screen): . The type of computer you have: TOS version: . How much RAM do you have: . What kind of extra hardware you have: (try testing the game without it - if possible) . The problem: . How to reproduce it (please be as detailed as you can): . If the program stopped with an error, please state the ERROR number and LINE numbers stated in the box, or at the top of the screen: Also, any improvements you can suggest (such as an STFM compatable version?) will be gladly received - There were loads of things I have had to take out, but if you can think of something which would make the game better, and if it is realistically possible and worthwhile, I may consider adding it to an improved version. e-mail bug reports/suggestions to me at: dswalters@dial.pipex.com 5. STOS-RAM ----------- The 'STOSRAM' ram disk will SIGNIFICANTLY reduce loading times on disk based machines, to enable it, simply ensure that 'STOSRAM.TOS' (that's 'STOSRAM_.TOS' if you only have the unregistered shareware or beta version) has been started before launching 'HELLGATE.PRG' (The best place to put it is in the AUTO folder), HELLGATE will then automatically detect if you have installed the ram disk, and used the copied files it has created. Before HELLGATE loads, most of the important files will be copied across and this will still take a while, but when it has finished, the game will be much faster between levels. NOTE: the disk is still required to be in the drive at all times. After playing, the ram-disk can be un-installed by a warm-boot. NOTE: However I am doubtful if 1Mb users will be able to get this system to work, so I am sorry but the only suggestions I can make are a memory upgrade, a HardDisk or a great deal of patience - the game is no different when played from floppy disk only, It's just a bit slower. 6. LEGAL -------- The REGISTERED VERSION of HELLGATE, and its accompanying files are NOT to be distributed in any form, registration allows you to make: ONE COPY -> FOR BACKUP PUPOSES ONLY, Over two years of hard work has gone into developing this title, Please let others get their copy honestly. ======================================= The UNREGISTERED VERSION, may only be distributed WITHOUT CHANGE and for free, (except for a small postal fee,) it may not be distributed on any CD-ROM or other such compilation package, without my prior consent. ======================================= The BETA VERSION (which was made available in November 1997), may NOT be distributed without my consent, it should only be download from my website. (Distribution includes any CD-ROM or other such compilation packages). Distribution has been restricted this way because I want everyone who gets hold of a copy to read the important information on my web site. ======================================= Neither I nor any agent I may appoint accept any liability or responsibility for any direct or indirect damage that may arise, either financial, material or any other kind from either the use or misuse of this software and associated documentation. The author retains all copyright to the program, its source code and documentation. 7. VERSION HISTORY ------------------ [26/01/98] v1.30 ----------------- * Reduced screen size slightly - improving performance * Messages now appear in the gap between the viewport and status panel * Modified WAD file format, now much smaller * Made boss level intro. more slick * Changed baddies shooting noise. * A few simple asthetic changes. * Altered portions of the manual for better readability [06/01/98] v1.20 ----------------- * Optimized level format, should result in a smaller WAD file in final release. [19/12/97] v1.11 ----------------- * Plays music on title screen [06/12/97] v1.10 ----------------- * Tested with PaCifiST v0.46 and v0.47, works great, but no DMA sound :-( Will wait for new version. Goes super fast - even on my Pentium 100. * Updated docs for new email address and PaCifiST findings. * Press f10 in-game to quit * Press Y or N on keyboard to choose an option * Press f1 in-game to toggle music * Keysounds on title screen [11/11/97] v1.00 ----------------- * First Public Beta, posted onto SmartSOFT web site