Welcome to the Sokoban game =========================== Sokoban is a PD-game where you have to push objects through a maze until they are all on the dumps. But, as you might have guessed, this isn't always that easy: * You can only push. * You have only strength to move one object. * The maze doesn't give you much room to manoeuvre. * Other objects tend to act as movable walls. The final goal of the game is to master all 85 levels. After that you are no longer a rookie, you will become Master of the Sokoban game. What's in the package? ---------------------- Let me give you a birdseye view of the files in the package: * this text: * sokoban.txt You're reading it. * the programs: * sokoban.com The full Sokoban version for the HP 95LX (11 Kbytes). * pc-sok.com The full Sokoban version for your MS-DOS pc. * mini-sok.com The mini Sokoban version for the HP 95LX (9 Kbytes). * level.exe Shows all levels to you on your pc. * the sources: * sokoban.h * sokoban.c * sok-code.c The Programs ------------ The full version for your HP 95LX keeps track of your performances in "c:\_dat\sokoban.cnf". It allows you to modify the characters that are used in the game and it allows you to maintain the table of your performances. Of course, this last feature allows you to cheat, but then you only would become a phoney master. A real master never cheats! The reason for this feature is twofold: * If somebody else solves a level for you, you can undo the level (a real master doesn't take the credit of somebody else). * You might have another Sokoban version that you are playing. I don't think that if you have completed a level on the other version, you have to do it also on this version. Before I forget, you get out of the setup menu by hitting any other key not listed on the menu. The pc version is almost identical to the full HP 95LX version. Only some minor differences exist. Probably the most important one is that the setup file "sokoban.cnf" is stored in the current directory. You might prefer to do "mode 40" before running "pc-sok.com" (and of course "mode 80" afterwards). The mini version for the HP 95LX is stripped of all actions regarding the setup and it doesn't track your performances. The level program is a bonus and it shows you all levels. It is intended to run on your pc. The Sources ----------- Well, what do I have to say on this? Probably that it is for your private use only. After you've modified it, you may not distribute the version any further without my permission. If you compile "sokoban.c", you can specify several macros: * MINI_SOKOBAN Then you get the mini version. * MesSDOS Then you get the MS-DOS version. * If you specify none, you will get the full HP 95LX version. You shouldn't change "sok-code.c" by hand. Write a small program (like "level.exe") that dump all levels of "sok-code.c" in a readable form. Then edit that readable form and write a program that writes back the readable form to "sok-code.c". Finally, since the memory of the HP 95LX is limited and expensive, I removed all formatted I/O and have done all I/O at the lowest possible level. It makes a big difference. Known Bugs ---------- I'm happy to report that there are no known bugs. Version History --------------- In version 1.1 only some improvements were made: * I've added a "done" indicator after the level. This is very handy if you do the levels criss-cross. This indicator is absent in the mini version. * In the light of the previous point I've made the setup option available during the game. So during the game you can peek and see what levels you still have to do. Again, this is not present in the mini version. * I've used a different rule to determine the next level. * I've found the way how to make the cursor invisible and visible again. * Since I'm now using the tiny machine model, I've been able to convert the EXE files into COM files. A further advantage is that the files are a little bit smaller. * I've used pklite to compress all executable files. Maintainance ------------ Hm..., well, if you send bug reports to me, I promiss to correct them if I can. But my time is a little bit limited. If someone out there is willing, to take over this task (and become coauthor), please contact me! Public Domain ------------- This software is public domain. You are allowed to use it and distribute it. If you distribute it, you must distribute the entire and unchanged package "sokoban.zip" and you may not ask any money for the package. Disclaimer ---------- I've tried to make the package bug free, but of course, I can't guarantee it. Furthermore, I've run a virus scanner over my disk and it reported no viruses. In any case you run the programs on your own risk. The package is provided "as is" and I shall not be liable for any errors or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with this package. Copyright --------- The package is copyrighted (in 1992) by: * Hans de Vreught hdev@dutiba.twi.tudelft.nl The Netherlands The Sokoban game itself is not mine. Other Versions -------------- There exist many Sokoban versions on the various ftp sites. Personally, I think the Mac version is the best one, and second is the X version, a real beauty as well (both versions make clever use of a mouse). Furthermore, there also exists a version called Garbage, that runs on the HP 48S and HP 48SX. A small number of levels are a little bit different.