PAINTER (C) Unknown, Producer Unknown ATARI ST Game Code (C) 1993 Sinister Developments Contents : There should be 10 files : LOADER.PRG 1.DAT PAINTER.PRF PAI_1.DAT PAI_READ.ME LEVELS.LVL DEMO_VER.LVL READ_ME.1ST DESIGNER.PRG DES_READ.ME Hard Disk Installation : Simply copy the programs to a folder on your hard disk, and ensure that all of the files are there. For those people with large fast drives, who aren't bothered about space, simply depack all of the *.DAT files using one of the myriad of depackers on the PD circuit. Instructions : Guide your player (the little white mouse/blobby thing) around the grid. As you pass over the grid it will change colour. The idea of the game is to colour all of the lines, thus filling in the enclosed rectangles. Also, avoid the baddies. These guys are intelligent, and home in on you. Note : Sometimes not all of the grid is visible. When the grid flashes up at the beginning of a level, take note of where all of the lines go. You are not completely defenseless, however. When you press the fire button, your player will drop a hole in the grid. This prevents nasties from following you, but beware - it also stops you from doubling back ! Hints : Use the limitations of the nasties against them. They are only so intelligent, and they will always take the most direct route to you (sometimes to their peril). If you suspect that there are hidden lines on the grid, watch where the nasties go - they can see the lines. Key Controls : When the game initially loads, you will be presented with a language selection screen - this determines in which language the following shareware messages are displayed. IT IS POSSIBLE TO TYPE A SECRET CODE AT THIS POINT TO SKIP THE MESSAGES. THIS CODE IS REVEALED TO YOU WHEN YOU REGISTER. The main menu system allows you to select an option by pressing the appropriate key (displayed at the left hand side of the option - normally a function key). It is also possible to use either the joystick or the currently defined movement keys to move the highlight. The main intro screen has 5 options. A list of the options and their meaning follows : F1 - One Player Start This option starts the game. F2 - Redefine Keys This option allows the player to alter the movement keys used in the intro and in the game. The program will display a prompt, and the player should simply hit the appropriate key. F3 - Options This takes the player on to a sub menu. F1 - Control Method Allows the user to select which control method will be used in the game. You can choose keys, joystick 0/1 or if you are not sure on the joystick number - either joystick F2 - Lives X If the game is getting too difficult, the player can start the game with up to 9 lives. F3 - Intro Music On/Off Turns off the soundtracker music in the intro. F4 - Game Music/FX/Silent Allows the player to select either soundtracker music, samples or silence during the game. F9 - Save Preferences This option saves all of the settings from this sub-menu, and also saves the current redefined keys to a file on disk. Please ensure that there is a formatted disk in the drive, and that it is write-enabled. F10 - Main Menu Pretty self explanatory ! F4 - Enter Password When you complete a number of levels, you are presented with a password. This password will allow you to start the game at the level at which you finished last session. Simply select "Enter Password" and type in the password. The computer will tell you if it correct, and if so which level you are allowed to start on. This password then sets the default starting level, so if you die after a game, you can still restart at the new level. F5 - Load Levels From Disk This option allows you to load a level file from disk. This is used when you get any new levels or if you create any of your own levels on the level designer (available when you register). F6 - Save High Scores There are two high score tables in Space Invaders. The first is an "All Time High Scores" table, and is loaded from disk when the game is initially loaded. The other is a "Today's High Scores" table which is reset every time the game is loaded. If you select the Save High Scores option, then only the All Time table will be saved to disk. Please ensure that there is a formatted disk in the drive, and that it is write-enabled. F10 - Return to Desktop Quit, basically ! The Default Keyboard settings are : Up : Q Down : A Left : O Right : P Fire : Space Pause : Help Abort : Undo All Sinister Development games are Hard Disk friendly. When you save the high scores, the game will create a file named "PAINTER.SAV". When you save the preferences sub-menu, the game will create a file named "PAINTER.PRF". Ok, lets get to the important part - the moola. In order to continue writing games for the ST when most other companies are turning to the Amiga and Consoles, it has to be worth our while - that's where you come in - Our income relies on your incredible good taste and generosity (grovel, grovel). Please register for this game at the below address. If you do, then we will send you a copy of our next production before its general release. We will also send a disk containing our previous games. Also, when you register for Painter, you will receive 100 new levels and also a full level designer for building your own levels ! Please send postal orders / cheques / international money orders / travellers cheques. The address is : Sinister Developments 17 Hamilton Drive Edinburgh EH15 1NP Other Sinister Developments are : Asteroids (Colour and Mono) Galaxian Centipede Space Invaders Soon to come (don't hold your breath) : Scramble Panic Moon Cresta Also, coming soon for the Atari Falcon is Falcon Asteroids, featuring true colour animated rocks in overscan mode! Many Thanks Gordon Gibson Sinister Developments