PsiBlock

Psi Blocks and Psi Columns ========================== Introduction ------------ This program, Shareware version 1.21 for the Series 3a/3c, started off life as a personal project to write myself a game basses on Tetrus. It wasn't till some weeks after starting the project that I discovered the Psion sites on the Net and, with that, several versions of the game already in circulation. I tried several of these and found each one lacking something for me, so I pushed on with my version. I use the PC version of the game that I was hooked on as the template for the game play and features: more about those later. The result is, I think, a very playable version of the game that makes use of many of the features of the Psion, and shows what can be done without any special packages and working almost exclusively on the Psion for the development. Thanks must go to the Beta testers: Donna, Sarah, Mark and my dad: who spent many hours testing the high score system! Enhancements ------------ This version has been updated from version 1.2 to improve the memory handling. In short, it now requires less memory to run. Instillation =========== The zip file should contain the following files: Readme.txt (this file) PsiBlock.opa (main file - required) 23,850 bytes Blocks.pic (Graphic file - required) 2,412 bytes PsiBlock.pic (Icon picture - required) 608 bytes Down.wve (sound file - optional) 1,262 bytes High.wve (sound file - optional) 8,642 bytes Level.wve (sound file - optional) 1,672 bytes Over.wve (sound file - optional) 3,104 bytes Row.wve (sound file - optional) 2,761 bytes Level_0.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes Level_1.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes Level_2.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes Level_3.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes Level_4.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes Level_5.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes Level_6.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes Level_7.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes Level_8.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes Level_9.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes Level_10.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes There are a number of variations for the installation: 1) Minimal - only the basic set of files are installed (requires 27K of disk space); 2) Mid - as Minimal but includes all the sound files (requires 43K of disk space); 3) Full - as Mid but includes one or more of the graphical back-drops (requires from 60K - 230K of disk space). Stages for installation ---------------------- For Minimal: 1) Create a directory, "\APP\PSIBLOCK\", on either the internal disk or a Flash disk; 2) Copy the Psiblock.pic and Blocks.pic files to this directory; 3) Copy the Psiblock.opa file to the "\APP\" directory on any disk, it does not have to be the same disk as where the files in step 2 were copied; 4) From the Psion System screen select the Menu for Apps->Install, select the disk where you placed the opa file in step 3 then select Psiblock.opa from the "File: Name" list; Additionally For Mid: 5) Copy ALL of the wve files to the directory created in step 1; Additionally For Full: 6) Copy one or more of the Level pic files to the directory created in step1; If you wish, you can substitute any of the level pic files for one of you own to allow further customisation! For this you will need a picture of 418 by 158 minimum and with both black and grey planes. Just rename your picture with the same name as the level file you are replacing! You are now ready to play! On-line help is provided and can be accessed from the menu or the Help key. However, I have also included the help details at the end of this file. Disclaimer ========== Though every effort has been made to test this program and to ensure that there are no bugs, however, the author cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or damage caused by the use or miss use of this program. Features ======== The objective of the game is to complete as many rows of blocks as possible by fitting the falling block into free spaces and thus preventing the wall from growing to the top of the screen preventing the next block from having sufficient space to appear in. Blocks can rotate and moved left or right to position then to fall into place. But BEWARE! The more rows you complete the faster the game becomes! Following default keys have been set up for the control of the game action: Left arrow - Move falling block left Right arrow - Move falling block right Up arrow - Rotate falling block clock-wise Down arrow - Drop falling block into place. The following parameters can be set to change the way the game is played: Player level: Beginner or advanced (registered version only), Game variation: PsiBlocks or PsiColumns, Sound effects: on or off, Initial starting level: 1-10 (registered version only), Number of starting rows in the wall: 0-12 (registered version only), Next piece preview: On or Off, Drop mode: One touch or Hold Key, The selected game play keys. Player level ------------ The beginners setting gives 7 different shapes in PsiBlocks and 5 different shapes in PsiColumns. The advanced setting gives 10 different shapes in PsiBlocks and 7 different shapes in PsiColumns. Game Variations --------------- PsiBlocks - Complete rows to prevent the wall from growing too high. PsiColumns - Complete three or more adjacent identical shapes, diagonally, horizontally or vertically to prevent the wall from growing too high. Drop Mode --------- One Touch - The block will fall as far as it can when the drop key is pressed. Hold Key- The block will fall fast only while the drop key is held down. Game Control Keys ----------------- The standard keys can be changed to allow comfortable game control for the individual (and prevent the keys becoming to worn!). Registration ============ To gain access to high score track record, advanced game options and remove Nag screen. Send £10 with your name, address and any e-mail details to: David Steer 41 B Queen Margarets Grove, London. N1 4PZ UK Comments and Suggestions ======================== If you have any comments on the program or suggestions for improvments and additions then please e-mail me at: David_N_Steer@GB.COOPERS.COM. Though I may not be able to reply directly, your comments and suggestions will be taken into account. Continued development of other projects relies on your support and comment.