                GAME.LIB v1.0 - copyright 1996 Andrew McNab
                                shareware C games library

WARNING - You use this library at your own (and your computers) risk.
Tested with Turbo C++, large model.

Files included:
game.lib - the C library file, link it to your programs
grlib.h - The header file of function declarations (useful for C++ users!)
functions.txt - how to use each and every library function
readme.txt - This!
ex1.exe,ex1.c - The first example program
ex2.exe,ex2.c - and the second
back.pcx,sph.mbm - images for use by the example programs
pcx2mbm.exe  - converts normal pcx files into super whizzy masked bitmaps
               (.mbm files as I call them).  My own creation.
pcx2mbm.txt - how to use the above program
keycodes.txt - All the codes for every key, needed for using the CheckKey()
               function.

How does it all work?
This library of graphics functions has been developed with games creation as
the target.  Therefore they make use of a virtual screen area, or 'games 
buffer' as I have named it, in which each frame of animation can be built up
before being pasted to the screen display, this allows for smooth updating of
complex displays.  The buffer can also be used to create a large scrollable
playing area several screens in size (you will be limited to around 8 by low
memory), a window of which can be displayed on screen each frame.  With this
latter method the foreground sprites should be pasted onto the screen for
each frame and then the relevant background areas restored afterwards.
Ex1.c shows you the basics of creating a scrolling game with the library
while Ex2.c shows the first method of building up the whole screen each frame,
and also gives examples of how to use some of the drawing functions.
These functions were written in Turbo C++, making them a little slower
than assembly language routines but you should find them more than fast enough
on most computers.  I am not sure how usable these functions are on non 
Borland C compilers, but I would like to know if you have any difficulties
or solutions for using them with other compilers.  Both C and C++ should work
well with the library, though you may have to declare the functions in 
grlib.h as 'extern "C"' for C++ programs, as well as converting a few void
pointers to the unsigned char pointer type needed by my functions.

CONTROL INPUT - This being a somewhat vital element in games creation I have
included a very capable keyboard scanning routine which once initialized will
keep a record off which keys are currently pressed.  You can then use the
CheckKey() function provided to check if a certain key is currently held
down.  Just remember to close down this function before exiting your program
or you may lose control temporarily of your keyboard!
As for joystick and mouse input you will have to buy the registered version
of this library to get all the necessary functions (only 10, see below).

SOUND - I get a bit stuck here, however, luckily there are some top freeware
C libraries/functions available on the internet, such as VAT.  
But if anybody has some top C soundblaster functions that I could incorporate 
into this library, please email me and I'll make you a deal!

If you have any problems, comments, etc contact me by email at: 
 101447.2365@compuserve.com

SHAREWARE REGISTRATION
This library is shareware (please give it to lots of people), you may use it 
for up to 14 days after which time you are required to pay the 10 (UK 
sterling) registration fee.  Registered users get free updates/fixes to this 
library and reductions on future C programming related releases, not to 
mention a new library with additional joystick and mouse functions, on 3.5" 
disk.

To register, send cheque or postal/money order, worth 10 UK pounds and payable 
to A.L.McNab, to : 
                  A.L.MCNAB
                  40 Nine Acres Close
                  Charlbury
                  Oxford
                  OX7 3RB
                  UK

Include your email address if you want free updates, these will be sent to
you via the internet.

Now go use it!


    
