README file for SCARYFISH Version 2.x: To run the game, type 'SCARY2'. If you have the 80286 version and the appropriate machine, type 'SCARY286'. You only need one of the .EXE files in the working directory. The main documentation file is SCARY2.DOC. You can read it online from the game's main menu ("Instructions"). Depending upon where you got the game, there might also be a help file (maybe called README1.TXT) with installation/startup instructions. SCARYFISH V2 will run on just about any IBM PC-compatible / MS-DOS computer with at least 400K RAM (about 470K required for graphics modes). Graphics are not required, but the game supports VGA, EGA, CGA, and Hercules graphics modes. SCARY286.EXE (faster and a bit less disk space than SCARY2.EXE) requires an 80286 or better processor. Some names in this paragraph are registered trademarks of their respective companies. If your disk lacks the space for character or transcript files, or if you want to load a character from another disk, you can specify a path to another disk or directory. To load a character from or save a transcript file to another disk using the same drive, give the path of that drive (such as 'A:\') and swap disks when prompted by the game. Windows users: If you don't want to exit to DOS, you can start the game from Windows (it'll be a bit slower). Install the game as instructed. Run File Manager, open the directory with the game, and double-click SCARY2.EXE or SCARY286.EXE. If you want to access the game from games/applications/etc, add it as you would any MS-DOS program (File in Program Manager -> New -> Program Item) ; Command Line should be SCARY286 if you have SCARY286.EXE, otherwise command line should be SCARY2 ; Working Directory should be the one containing the game, e.g. C:\SCARY. Description something like 'SCARYFISH Version 2.xx'. When this is set up, double-click the icon to start the game. Let go of the mouse; you won't need it in the game. Users of SCARYFISH can order "Omni" characters. Regular characters have a generous initial endowment, but these characters begin with a huge sum of money and 100 of every item! Building a character up is one of the challenges of the game, but if you lack the patience to wait until you earn expensive items (motor, depthfinder, expensive trips, etc), the Omni characters can use fancy tackle immediately. If you order Omni characters you can still use regular ones. Omni characters are $5 for 1 character plus $1 for each additional character, and can be ordered from the same address as SCARYFISH. Don't forget to specify disk size. Specify what you want them to be named (names can be up to 25 letters/symbols long) or they will be named "Omni1", "Omni2", etc. Note: You don't even have to be registered to order these characters. They will have 100 trip tickets to each registered user world, but can't access them unless you're registered. They can use all other items though. __________________________________________________________________________ This game is marketed as shareware, which means you can make copies of / distribute it as long as you don't charge anything (aside from the cost of copying it), and all the files are distributed together unmodified. If you received the game in a one file archive/compressed/zipped format, that is the preferred way to distribute it. Do NOT copy or distribute any part of the registered version or its materials; such activity violates copyright laws. Don't distribute any .C2 files except to machines where you'd be the only one using those files. Because of the exciting SCARYFISH Records Contest (see CONTEST.TXT), it would be in your best interest to copy the "blank" RECORDS.SF2 (dated 06-04-93) instead of your changed one, when making a copy for a friend or uploading to a BBS. Otherwise, someone might try to enter the contest with one of _your_ records! BBS sysops: look for file_id.diz VENDORS: If you're considering carrying this program, good thinking! Send a copy of your catalog to the address in REGISTER.FRM / "Registration Info". Include the address for me to send the latest shareware version and, if possible, a blank disk and/or SASE mailer. Do not charge your customers more than $6.00. DISCLAIMER: The author of this software will not be liable for any damages or losses caused by its use, including but not limited to direct, indirect, consequential, or special losses or damages. This includes such situations as damage to computer equipment from falling off desks in the excitement of the game. The game is extremely realistic, but don't blame me if you buy a tackle item similar to one in the game and it doesn't work as well in real life as in the game. The worlds represent ideal fishing conditions, so don't blame me if the equivalent real life fishing areas don't provide action as good as the game's. SUPPORT: Hopefully you will not experience any problems with this game. However, if you do, read the documentation (this file and SCARY2.DOC; if you're registered, the hardcopy manual). The problem might be addressed there. If there is still a problem, the author might be able to help. Contact him at the address in REGISTER.FRM / online "Registration Info". If you're not registered, the author might respond more quickly if you include a SASE. It would help if you included system info such as computer brand, processor, DOS version, RAM size, and copies of autoexec.bat/config.sys, etc. You could try calling (314)776-3065 Mon-Fri between 9AM-9PM CST. This is not an order line since credit cards aren't accepted at this time. Bugs: The game is free from angler-annoying bugs such as mosquitoes, blackflies, ticks, deerflies, etc. You can use several "bugs" for bait/lure (cricket, popper). In terms of computer bugs (errors), they seem to be all gone for Version 2.04 or later. A few graphics imperfections exist: huge rainbows sometimes look a little weird in VGA 640x480 mode, and when you have your line in the water, the water color might occasionally spread a bit outside the water's usual "window" (graphics modes only); if this bothers you recast to refresh the screen. If what you order includes a diskette and it's unreadable, return within 30 days with an explanation that the disk is bad, and PMP Software will send a replacement. Otherwise, shareware lets you "try before you buy", so there shouldn't be any other reason for returns/refunds. If the game doesn't run on your machine, let me know (see paragraph on support). If you ordered the game directly (preregistered) and it's impossible for it to work on your machine, a refund can be offered in that special case.