Welcome to MiniHEX 2.0! Copyright (c) 1991-94 Timber Valley Software P.O. Box 80301 Portland, OR 97280-1301 CompuServe: 73073,2304 Internet: viking@agora.rain.com Table Of Contents Section 1.................Getting Started Section 2....................Instructions Section 3...........Command Line Switches Section 4........................Ordering Section 5...................List Of Files Section 6................Shareware Notice Section 7.................Patriot Command Section 8........Contacting Timber Valley ******* **** FLASH **** ******* Now you can register Patriot Command through CompuServe. The shareware registration number is 1553. For details, see Section 4, Ordering. --------- Section 1.................Getting Started --------- MiniHEX is distributed on one disk in a zipped format. Merely copy all the files from the disk to a directory on your harddrive. Then type UNZIP. This will unpack all the MiniHEX files and then cleanup the directory by removing unneeded files. To run MiniHEX, type "MINIDEMO" for the Unregistered Shareware version or type "MINIHEX" for the registered version of the game. Here are step-by-step installation instructions. For these instructions, we'll use the example of installing from a single 5.25 inch floppies on the A drive to the harddisk, the C drive. Step 1: Create a directory on your harddrive for MiniHEX. Change to desired harddrive, move to the root directory, create the new directory, then move into the new directory. Type: C: CD \ MKDIR MINIHEX CD MINIHEX Step 2: Copy files to the new MINIHEX directory. Insert the disk into the appropriate floppy drive, then copy all the files to the MINIHEX directory. Insert MiniHEX Disk into drive A Type: COPY A:*.* Step 3: Unzip the packed files and clean up the new directory by deleting files not needed to run MiniHEX. Type: UNZIP All the files are installed into a single directory. Step 4: Run your new game! For registered versions: Type: MINIHEX For unregistered shareware versions: Type: MINIDEMO Another Note: Some shareware vendors may have their own installation process. Refer to other text files on this disk if you did not attain MiniHEX directly from Timber Valley Software. --------- Section 2....................Instructions --------- INSTRUCTIONS FOR MINIHEX To start the registered version of MiniHEX, type: C:> MINIHEX To start the unregistered shareware version of MiniHEX, type: C:> MINIDEMO Bombs that blow up are hidden under a good number of the hexagons of the MiniHEX playing board. The object is to mark where they lie with a flag, B, without getting splattered to the four corners of the universe (assuming of course that's how many there are). Rules of play: 1) Don't get blown up! 2) Step on a hexagon to check for a bomb by clicking the left button. 3) Mark a hexagon with a flag or a question mark by clicking the right button. A question mark means you are not sure whether a bomb lies under that hexagon or not. So... Other than as a deductive tool, a question mark is just the same as no mark at all. 4) The number displayed within a hexagon tells you how many of the adjacent six hexagons have a bomb under them. Yup, these are the clues by which you can deduce which hexagons to mark with a flag rather than step on and lose yet another game of MiniHEX. 5) Win the game...by marking all the bombs with a flag without violating instruction #1. 6) By holding down the left and right buttons simultaneously (that's practically at the same time for you and me), you can obtain hints and shortcuts in clearing away the MiniHEX game board. 7) Order a registered copy of MiniHEX Version 2.0 or Patriot Command! 8) For more details about the action packed game of "Patriot Command", use the Read Me menu option. If you have VGA graphics, you can get a glimpse of the excitement of this fast paced game! To get command line switch info, type this at the DOS prompt: C:> MINIHEX /HELP --------- Section 3...........Command Line Switches --------- MiniHEX has a few DOS Command Line Switches that you can use to change some features of the game. To get the information below, type "MINDEMO ?". /HELP or ? MiniHEX hardware requirements: 2 or 3 button mouse. AT/XT compatible (Any of 8086, 8088, 80286, 80386, 80486, Pentium) 256K convention memory. Loading saved files (registered software only): MINIHEX [] Where is 1 to 8 letters or digits, no file name extension. Graphic mode switches: /EGALO = EGA graphics 640 x 200 x 16 colors. /EGA = EGA graphics 640 x 350 x 16 colors. /EGAHI' ); /EGAMONOLO = EGA mono graphics 640 x 350 x 2 colors. /EGAMONOHI = EGA mono graphics 640 x 350 x 2 colors. /EGAMONO = EGA mono graphics 640 x 350 x 2 colors. /VGALO = VGA graphics 640 x 200 x 16 colors. /VGAMED = VGA graphics 640 x 350 x 16 colors. /VGAHI = VGA graphics 640 x 480 x 16 colors. Mouse button switches: /BUTTONS=2 /BUTTONS=3 Customize MiniHEX Grid: /CUSTOMIZE=columns,rows,bombs columns = Number of columns in the grid. rows = Number of rows in the grid. bombs = Number of bombs to hid in the grid. If bombs is set to 0, MiniHEX will set up a reasonable amount. Example use of command line switches: MINIHEX /CUSTOMIZE=10,5,5 /EGALO This will start MiniHEX in the lowest EGA graphics mode offering 16 colors and define a grid that has 10 hexagons across, 5 hexagons down, and only 5 bombs hidden. Note: There are no spaces in the example. Available only for registered software. --------- Section 4........................Ordering --------- The registered version of MiniHEX can be ordered from Timber Valley Software by writing to: Timber Valley Software Ordering Department P.O. Box 80301 Portland, OR 97280-1301 The "Order Form" menu option can be used to order MiniHEX, Patriot Command, additional backgrounds, ground targets, and bombers for Patriot Command as well as other computer games. You can also printout the ORDRFORM.TXT file and handwrite your order. For Patriot Command, the addition backgrounds available are: Space Backgrounds features high resolution images of the US Space program from Project Mercury, Gemini, the Apollo moon landings, and the Space Shuttle. Gulf War Backgrounds include images from the recent conflict in and near the Iraqi desert. Grizzly... World War II Backgrounds will remind through startling photos about the scope and destructiveness of WWII. Scenic Backgrounds offer quality images that contrast the destructive nature of nuclear devastation. Famous City Backgrounds places you around the world to defend populations from various nations. Assorted Ground Targets/Bombers is a package of high- tech delivery vehicles as well as additional ground targets to protect, such as houses, political leaders, etc. You decide what to protect...and watch out for the Stork Delivery System. - - - - - * Please make payment in U.S. Dollars * Checks from foreign countries must be drawn on a U.S. Bank. Make checks payable to: Timber Valley Software - - - - - CompuServe members can now order Patriot Command through CompuServe's Shareware Registration. Patriot Command's Registration ID number is 1553. --------- Section 5...................List Of Files --------- README.TXT This text file which describes how to install MiniHEX, instructions for the game, describes command line switches, lists files, the shareware message, and how to contact Timber Valley Software. ORDRFORM.TXT This text file is a blank order form that can be printed on any printer, filled out, and mailed to Timber Valley Software to register MiniHEX, Patriot Command, and to purchase additional backgrounds for Patriot Command. VENDORS.TXT This text file contains information for shareware vendors, BBS manager, etc that wish to distribute MiniHEX or Patriot Command. MINIHEX.EXE This is the registered version of MiniHEX. MINIDEMO.EXE This is the unregistered shareware version of MiniHEX. MINIHEX.DAT This is a snapshot from Patriot Command that can be displayed using MiniHEX. A VGA graphics card is required to view the snapshot. --------- Section 6................Shareware Notice --------- "Shareware" is computer software written by creative individuals or groups that do not charge for or sell their programs in the normal sense. "Shareware" is meant to be copied and shared with other computer users, and Timber Valley Software would like you to do the same with this MiniHEX shareware program. "Shareware" writers are not directly paid for their efforts and rely on computer users (like you) to "register" their "shareware" for a minimal appreciation fee. If you enjoyed the challenge of this game, please order a "registered" (non-shareware version) of MiniHEX. You can print a computerized order form from the "Order Form" menu option. We are asking for a $10.00 registration fee. Patriot Command, additional backgrounds, and MiniHEX plus other software are available from Timber Valley Software. -- And more coming soon!! * Vendors should read the VENDORS.TXT file to learn about attaining permission for distributing MiniHEX and Patriot Command. --------- Section 7.................Patriot Command --------- P A T R I O T C O M M A N D ...its not just a demo, its a real computer game! If you seem to be able to blow up a lot of bombs playing MiniHEX, then you are an excellent candidate for taking charge in Patriot Command. The purpose of this game is to blow up falling bombs before they reach the ground and destroy the cities you've sworn to protect. Protect cities being attacked by bombers and space re-entry devices. You command Patriot missile bases and are responsible for the outcome of wave after wave of destruction! Don't miss this fantastic game! Full of high resolution backgrounds! Use the Order Form menu option to print out a computerized Timber Valley Software order form or use the ORDRFORM.TXT file. And now for those of you using VGA graphics, there is a snapshot of Patriot Command in action...See the Read Me menu option! --------- Section 8........Contacting Timber Valley --------- Getting in contact with Timber Valley Software is very easy. Just write to the department and address given below that is appropriate for your needs. In all cases, allow 2-4 weeks for a response. In all correspondence, include your name, company name, full address, a phone number (optional), the product name, a serial number and version number, and if you have either, a CompuServe or Internet E-mail address. Customer orders, write to: Timber Valley Software Ordering Department P.O. Box 80301 Portland, OR 97280-1301 Vendors, inquiries, et al, write to: Timber Valley Software Marketing Department P.O. Box 80301 Portland, OR 97280-1301 Customer support, write to: Timber Valley Software Customer Support P.O. Box 80301 Portland, OR 97280-1301 CompuServe: 73073,2304 Internet: viking@agora.rain.com Customer support is available only to verified owners of "registered" Timber Valley Software products. The serial number of the registered product is required.