BEM   Bug Eyed Monsters from Outer Space    Alpha 00  March 1, 1996

To install BEM on your machine:
   1. Unzip the BEM zip(s) into a directory of your choice.
   2. Run the install program to set up the program objects you will need.
   3. Double-click on the config object to configure BEM for your hardware.
   4. Try out the single-player mode by double-clicking on the Single-
      Player object in the BEM Alpha folder.
   5. Play BEM!!!

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE?! JOIN THE BETA PROGRAM TO GET INVOLVED!!!!!!!

To initiate a multi-player BEM game:
   1. Decide which machine/player is going to be the Server.  The person
      with the fastest machine is the best choice, followed by the person
      with the greatest bandwidth.
   2. Server player opens the Server folder and reads readme.svr.
   3. Everyone else is a Client.  They open the Client folder and read
      readme.clt.

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BEM Design Issues, Directions, and where you fit in...

Wait till you see what we have planned for the BETA version:  comlinks
to other players to coordinate your team (or to taunt your opponents);
horrible breeds of BEM that control human minds, tear human bodies limb
from limb, or float around the station organizing the BEM attack with
their overdeveloped craniums.

Multiple Scenarios and Configurations:
   o Cooperate or take sides: Federation or aliens.
   o Emphasize action by playing a Commando character, or focus on
     strategy by controlling squads.
   o Mission variety&colon.infiltrate, attack, escort, spy, steal.

REMEMBER: All's fair in war with bug-eyed aliens!

Future Features:
   o Sophisticated communication to keep you in touch.
   o Genetic AI (that doesn't cheat) that adapts to your style of play.
     Train and breed your troops to be genetically superior.
   o Blast your way through larger, cohesive worlds.
   o Strategy elements that require your brain as well as your rocket
     launcher.

The BEM beta program will be administered by Rhintek, Incorporated.  There
is a $50 charge associated with joining the beta.  Participants in the beta
program will receive a copy of the final game (list price $69).  To join,
start by filling out the beta application located in the BEM Alpha
directory.  There is also a copy of this form on the Rhintek Web page
located at http://www.rhintek.com/rhintek.  You may fax, email, snail-mail,
or upload the application to Rhintek's BBS (301) 596-5618 to register your
application.  Confirmation will be sent.

Updates to BEM will occur approx.  every 3 weeks.  They will be available
through Rhintek's web site (http://www.rhintek.com/rhintek) and on the
Rhintek BBS (301) 596-5618.  Game designers at Grinning Lizard and tech
support at Rhintek will be monitoring the Usenet newsgroups and Rhintek's
CompuServe Forum for comments and suggestions from beta testers.

The communications engine provided in BEM is an Alpha version of a new
Rhintek product, YAK.  YAK is connection strategy for third-party vendors
to add interconnectivity to their applications.  Multiple access types
(COMPorts, Internet, network) are piped into one interprocess communication
structure for use by that application.  YAK is derived from the RhinoCom
engine and will be generally available third quarter, 1996.

