Copyright: Dog Star V3.0 - StoneAge Software - Mar. 1994


 Dog Star Adventure-  V 3.0

Background

The Inspiration

The Story Begins...

Playing The Game	Legalities

Object Of The Game	Disclaimer

Windows	Register This Software

Menus

Commands

Hints


Background; Inspiration
  Background:  The Inspiration

This game, as well as several other role playing adventure games, were originally designed and written for a Commodore B-128 PET OS in about 1987.  With the advent of Windows, it became apparent that the old days of playing 'adventure' on the IBM mainframe (or VAX) were going away forever.  I have always enjoyed playing these role playing adventure games, and think that this Windows format is easy to understand and to play.   This game is intended to let the adventurer use a small amount of logic and imagination to solve the obstacles within this game.  This game is dedicated to the people who have played these role playing games long before Windows was ever imagined.

This game is dedicated to my daughter, Jordan Ashley.

I hope you enjoy the adventure!

StoneAge Software

P.O. Box 621881

Littleton, Colorado 80162-1881

Timothy W. Stone, President


Background; Beginning
       Background: The Story Begins...

It has been a very long time since you have had a chance to sleep.  You can barely keep your eyes open, but getting Captain Argonaut back is what is driving you.  Despite your predicament your mind traces back to picnics in the old days together as children, and then again as young men at the academy.   All that fishing and....

Suddenly voices down at the other end of the hanger awaken your senses and the reality of your situation puts butterflies in your stomach to be completely surrounded by the enemy.  Your crouch and try and decide which way to go to find Captain Argonaut.

Captain Argonaut has been missing for a week, now.   Who would have believed it could happen to him.   His ship was overtaken by several enemy fighters, and forced to ditch on an asteroid about a day's flight from here.   Captain Argonaut has not been heard since a somewhat hurried message was received a week ago today.  In that short message was a call for help, and something about losing the Galaxia Crystals.  Nothing has been heard since.

Those Galaxia Crystals are what Captain Argonaut was transporting from a new medical  laboratory in the Clear Zone.

"The journey from your base took just a little over 5 hours.", you say to yourself, looking quickly at your watch.    Luckily, your intelligence reports were right - the enemy's tractor beam had been inoperative and you were able to dock undetected.  That's the good news.   The bad news is that the enemy ship was much farther than they thought it would be, and the enemy has gotten their tractor beam functioning again, which means that you can't take off without being destroyed.  Your ship is basically out of fuel.

"Hitch hike.", they said when you asked them what you were supposed to do for fuel.   You decide that complaining about never getting one of those snazzy nuclear powered ships would be nice for a change.

Movement out of the corner of your eye, snaps you back into a predatory mode.


       Background: The Story Continues...

You check your communicator, again, and find that it is still not working.  The batteries really are dead.  Your curse rechargeable batteries and stash your communicator back in its soft case.

You try to call to your base using the transmitter in your ship.  The transmitter radiates at such a high amplitude that the enemy's tractor beam and sophisticated computer system jam all your attempts to communicate with your base.  If your keep trying, you are certain your presence will be discovered.  "Captured ... that's all I need.", your mutter to yourself despite the situation.

You have been given a Personal Information Manager which identifies and tracks the required targets of recapture for this mission.  Your most important mission is to get Captain Argonaut back, but other important technologies were captured with Captain Argonaut.  Among these technologies were a new series of memory chips using 0.3 micron technology, and Captain Argonaut's code book.  The Galaxia Crystals are the secret to the new computer technology, and the market share of the new solar network, the successor to Arpanet (TM), InterNet (TM), and the latest rendition, commonly called, VirtualNet (TM).

Hope you and Captain Argonaut have a safe trip!


  Object Of The Game

Your mission is to collect all the items programmed into the Mission section of your Personal Information Manager, and retreat immediately to your base.   The plan says you should be able to get way if their tractor beam can be disabled, and a quick exit launch is made in your Falcon.   Your base will provide cover to you, using amber-stealth technology which cloaks a ship under certain light conditions.   Captain Argonaut's communicator should still be fine, if he got a chance to turn it off.  You'll have to get to that communicator, and notify your base via that communicator so they'll know you're coming out, and need to expedite your approach clearance.

Double click on an item in the Visible Objects Window to pick that object up.  Double Click on an object in the Personal Inventory Window to drop and item to the deck at your feet.

The Commands Window is where all the action is initiated.  Command buttons are enabled / disabled internally.  Only applicable commands are available on any single turn.


windows
  Game Windows

There are 6 major windows which are involved in this game.  Each window serves a different purpose.  The 'controlling' window is a Multiple Document Interface (MDI) window, with the other 5 game windows being MDI Children.  These windows are where the commands are issued to play the game.  Each window is automatically displayed when the game is started, and is present throughout the game.

These are the Windows

Location

Visible Objects

Inventory

Command Bank

Personal Information Manager

Communicator

Click on the window type for more information.


  Personal Information Manager

  The Personal Information Manager (PIM for short) contains the pre-programmed list of mission articles.  These articles are programmed in order of their importance, however, all are needed at all costs, but your life.  The player does not have to keep the PIM programmed; as this is an automatic due to a small ROM encoded locator chip in each article of war issued in your service.    Click on the graphic to the left for more specific information.


  Communicator

  Your communicator has dead batteries, but Captain Argonaut's communicator had new batteries.  Unfortunately - Captain Argonaut was unable to shut his communicator off before he was captured.  His captives never took the time to examine what they had recovered, and have left the communicator undisturbed, but powered ON.  Captain Argonaut's communicator is fine, but there is only so much battery left.  Urgency is key to getting and using this valuable artifact.


  The Visible Objects

The Visible Objects Window displays objects that the player is observing while they are at that location.  This is the window from which objects will be picked up from, and deposited when objects are dropped by the player.  Double-click on an object displayed in this Window to pick it up.


   The Personal Inventory Window

This window lists all of the objects that a player is currently holding.  There is a limit to the number of objects which may be held at one time.

Double-click on an object displayed in this Window to drop it.


    The Location Window

This window displays what the player currently sees regarding their surroundings.  Objects displayed in this window are not available to be retrieved by the player, but are merely observations made at the current game location.  No further information on a location is available beyond what is displayed in this window.


   The Command Bank Window

This window contains the command buttons for movement or other actions.  Most commands are only available at differing times throughout the game.  If a command is not available, it will be displayed as any other disabled command button within Windows.  In this example, the commands with the black text are enabled, and the buttons with the red text are disabled.

Click on the command button for more information on that command.


menus
    Dog Star Menus

Dog Star supports four main menus.

File

Electronics

Windows

Help


   Electronics Menu

The following Electronics Menu options are available:

Communicator	-	Display Captain Argonaut's Communicator

Mission Checklist	-	Display the Mission Checklist


file; menu
   File Menu

The following File Menu options are available:

New	-	Start a new game an initialize all game variables

Open	-	Start from a game already saved to disk

Save	-	Save the current game to a file which already exists

Fast Exit	-	Exit the game immediately - do not stop go - do not collect $200.

Exit	-	Exit the Game and check your game status


Windows;menu
  Windows Menu

This menu selection is a standard Windows (TM) feature that lets the user select a particular Window to 'get the focus'.  If, for example the Personal Information Manager (PIM) has been minimized, and you want to display it - the player could either double-click on the Personal Information Manager window or select the PIM from this Windows Menu.


help;menu
  Help Menu

Contents	-	Calls this Help program.

About...	-	A dab of  --- StoneAge Software --- self promotion is in order.


commands
  Available Game Commands

The following commands are available for this game:

North	Eat

South	Feed

East	Push

West	Shoot

Up	Read

Down	Copy


  Hints

It is difficult, to me as a game designer/programmer to analyze what should be included in the hints section.  On one side I want each player to have a fair chance at winning the game, but do not want to give too much away.

The format of this Hints section is to allow the user to select a hint depending on the specific obstacle they face.  The obstacles listed below represent the obstacles.  By clicking on the Hint Section, the player will get a hint as to how to solve the current obstacle.

Stormtrooper	Vault

Computer Programmer	Fuel

Secret Attack Plans	Tractor Beam

Jail	Communication With Your Base


Stormtrooper
The Stormtroopers are always hostile, however, you can always get the jump on them.  Stormtroopers only react to you - they do not chase you down.  If you have either weapon (ammunition must go with the blaster), you have the power to overcome a Stormtrooper.  There is a bit of chance, however, that you will not succeed.  This chance is determined by a random number generator.  You have 80% chance of success.


programmer
The computer programmer by nature is not dangerous, however, programmers are not the fighting kind, and have a knack for calling for help from the 'hardware' guys.  You must deal with the programmer in the same manner that you would deal with a Stormtrooper.


plans
The attack plans are kept in the enemy's computer lab.  The only way to get a 'soft copy' of the secret plans is to use your high density disk, and do a little copying.


jail
The jail is where Captain Argonaut is being kept.  If you're having a hard time with the attack robot - the graffiti in the bathroom should tell you all you need to know.  Mind you though - the attack robot doesn't like cold food.

You must have keys to get into the jail unless you know the back way.  This means there's two ways to get into the jail, but only 1 way to get out.


vault
The vault is where the enemy keeps the Galaxia Crystals, and other important things.  There is no exterior code keypad for this vault.   All you need is a working ID.


fuel
Your ship is out of fuel, because the flight to the Battlecruiser being twice as far as your intelligence reports had indicated .  Luckily, your ship uses the same type of fuel that your enemy's fighter's do.  Stowing the anti-matter fuel on board the Enterprise Falcon will remedy this situation.


tractor beam
The enemy's tractor beam was fixed shortly after you managed to slip through their defenses.  If you defeat the Stormtrooper who is guarding the button, all you have to do is push the power button on the tractor beam.


communicate
This command allows the player to copy the Secret Attack Plans from their computer to your high density disk.  WARNING - There is a copyguard on the disk you have, and if multiple copies of the Attack Plans are made - the disk renders itself unreadable.


copy
This command will allow the enemy's secret attack plans onto a 3.5" disk.  Beware, though - it is rumored that there is a bug in the copy program, and just because it works once doesn't means it would work a second time.


read
This command allows the player to read whatever it is that need reading.


north
This command moves the player to the north one move.


south
This command moves the player to the south one move.


east
This command moves the player to the east one move.


west
This command moves the player to the west one move.


up
This command moves the player up.


down
This command moves the player down.


push
This command allows the player to push a variety of objects which require this action.  It is not necessary to select the item being 'pushed' to execute this command.


shoot
This command is an offensive move toward an opponent.  A player must have either the laser gun or the blaster and ammunition before they may be afforded this necessity.


feed
This command takes the selected Personal Inventory object, and feeds it to whomever has been selected..


eat
This command allows the player to consume the selected Personal Inventory object.


Hertz
 This window displays frequency for the communicator.  The preprogrammed transmission frequency has been encoded into your PIM.


KeyPad
 These keys allow the player to enter the needed frequency setting for communication with base.


Off
 This button allows the Communicator to be minimized, but not turned off.  There is no way to actually turn off the communicator.


Clr
 This button clears the display on the communicator to change or correct frequencies entered into the communicator.


Xmit
 This button sends a predefined transmission to base acknowledging your desire to return to base.  Transmissions on frequencies other than the prescribed frequency are unproductive.


Set
 This button is used to lock in the desired transmission frequency into the communicator.  This button always precedes transmission to base for security considerations.


Freq. Lock
 Illumination of these indicators signals that the communicator is ready for transmission.


Low Battery
 These indicators dispel trouble if you're not ready to use the communicator.


Power
 This indicator tells you that there is still power to the communicator.


Time
 The PIM reserves this place for the current time to be displayed.


Mission
 The articles programmed into the PIM, and located in the box below are the objectives of recovery for this rescue mission.


Articles
 These items' check box is marked if the Mission Article is possessed or stored in the ship.


OFF
 This button minimizes the PIM Window.


PIM Hertz
 This window displays the prerecorded frequency needed to contact your base.


Personal
 These articles will defend you.  The laser gun is sufficient by itself, but the blaster must have ammunition.


Location
 Your surrounding environment is described here.  Objects are never retrieved from this window.  To retrieve objects, see the Visible Objects Window section.


Personal Inventory ListBox
 These objects are the articles which you have in your possession.  To drop an object - just double-click on the item in this Window to be dropped.


Visible Objects ListBox
 These are objects which may be pricked up, may be dangerous, or may be too large or impractical for you to pick up.


     Formalities - The Disclaimer

Although you are encouraged to make a backup copy of this software for your own use, you are not allowed to make unlimited copies.  This software is protected by the copyright laws that pertain to computer software.  It is illegal to make copies this software except for backups.  It is illegal to give this software to another person, or to duplicate the Software by other means, including electronic transmission.  This software contains trade secrets and in order to protect them you may not decompile, reverse engineer, disassemble or otherwise reduce the software to human-perceivable form.  You may not modify, adapt, translate, rent, lease or create derivative works based upon this software or any part thereof without the express written consent of StoneAge Software.

StoneAge Software warrants the original diskettes are free from defects in materials and workmanship, assuming normal use, for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of purchase.  If a defect occurs during this period, you may return your faulty disk to StoneAge Software, along with a dated proof of purchase; StoneAge Software will replace it free of charge.  After 30 days, you may obtain a replacement be sending your defective disk and a check for $10 to StoneAge Software.

EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTY OF THE ORIGINAL DISKETTES SET FORTH ABOVE, StoneAge Software GRANTS NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, BY STATUTE OR OTHERWISE, REGARDING THE DISKS AND RELATED MATERIALS, THEIR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE, THEIR QUALITY, THEIR MERCHANTABILITY, OR OTHERWISE.

THE LIABILITY OF STONEAGE SOFTWARE UNDER THE WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT PAID BY THE CUSTOMER FOR THE PRODUCT.  IN NO EVENT SHALL StoneAge Software BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY.

Information in this Help program is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of StoneAge Software.  The software described in this Help Program is furnished under license agreement or nondisclosure agreement.  The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.  It is against the law to copy the software on any medium except as specifically allowed in the license or nondisclosure agreement.  No part of the Help Program may be reporduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without express written permission of StoneAge Software.

(C) Copyright  StoneAge Software, 1994.  All rights reserved.


   Registration Reminder

If a window similar to the one above is displayed when starting up your game, it means that you have either deleted your license file or you have a Shareware copy of this game.  If there is no window telling you that you have run out of free games (20),  you are still in luck.  This software is a 'Works-A-While' piece of Shareware.  You get 20 plays... after that the software does not run.  You can type in the correct passkey, and the game will authenticate itself permanently, and enable the Open and Save Menu options.  Enjoy the game, but remember you need to register your game because this game is a 'Works-A-While'.   Browse to the next page for ordering information.


StoneAge Software

P.O. Box 621881

Littleton, CO 80162-1881

(303)979-5198

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Timothy W. Stone, President

Print this form and mail the address above to register your software today!  All shipping, handling and applicable taxes are included in the listed price.

Personal Information:

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 Disk Information:

 _____	3.5" HD disk(s)  	 _____	5.25" HD disk(s)

Order Information:

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 _______	Send me the StoneAge Adventure Series, Version 3.4	@ $35/Series (4 games)

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