***************************************************************************
* CHAMP Asterocks, ver. 1.0 *
* Registered version *
* Copyright 1997 CHAMProgramming *
* 2/05/97 *
***************************************************************************
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| INTRODUCTION |
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CHAMProgramming is proud to present our latest release, CHAMP Asterocks!!
Based on CHAMP Asteroids, this version offers superb graphics, Soundblaster
support and enhanced gameplay that truly makes you feel like you're in an
arcade! A completely re-designed user interface is now easier and more
powerful than before. A complete remake of the look and feel has created
a truly enjoyable game.
We hope you enjoy the results.
============================================================================
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| CREDITS |
-----------
CHAMP Asterocks is a result of almost 12 months of hard work. The
following people have had significant contributions to the making
of this game:
John Champeau - Game Design, Programming & Sound.
Dan Van Buskirk - Game Design, Graphics and the CHAMP Sidebar.
Paul J. Champeau - Game Design and Testing. Also the creator of CHAMP Cable!
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| LICENSE AGREEMENT |
---------------------
This is the full version of CHAMP Asterocks. As the user, you are entitled to
make a backup copy of this program for archival purposes only.
Unauthorized duplication or distribution of this product is strictly
prohibited.
Though every effort has been made to ensure that CHAMP Asterocks will
operate with any PC that meets the requirements specified, CHAMProgramming
is not responsible for anything that may occur as a result of the use of
this program.
CHAMP Asterocks is sold "as is". Though comments and suggestions are
welcomed, CHAMProgramming cannot promise that any changes will be made
to this product at any time.
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| REGISTRATION INFO |
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This copy of CHAMP Asterocks is registered solely to you, the user.
A unique registration file is included on this disk that specifically
identifies you as the owner and registered user of the disk. Since this
program will not operate without a valid registration file, you must contact
CHAMProgramming directly to replace this file should it become corrupt or
deleted.
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| REQUIREMENTS |
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CHAMP Asterocks requires the following to run:
* 386/33Mhz or better IBM PC or 100% Compatible
* DOS ver. 3.1 or better
* VGA Graphics
* 400K of free conventional memory
CHAMP Asterocks also supports the following:
* 1 or 2 analog joysticks
* Soundblaster card or compatible
* Microsoft compatible mouse with DOS drivers
* Digital joystick using CHAMP Cable(tm)
The following configuration is recommended to play CHAMP Asterocks:
* 486/33
* Soundblaster 16
* VESA compatible VGA card
* 500K of free conventional memory
* Digital joystick using CHAMP Cable(tm) or Gravis PC-Gamepad
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| INSTALLING THE PROGRAM |
--------------------------
To install CHAMP Asterocks, first insert the CHAMP Asterocks disk
into drive A. The following instructions will be determined by the
operating system you are using:
DOS Users:
1) From the command line, type A:\INSTALL and press ENTER. Follow the
on screen prompts to install the program.
Windows 3.x Users:
1) Start Windows.
2) Select File, Run.
3) Type A:\SETUP and press ENTER. Follow the onscreen prompts.
Once the installation is complete, a group called "CHAMP Arcade" will be
created with an program item called "CHAMP Asterocks".
Windows 95 Users:
1) Click on Start.
2) Click on Run.
3) Type A:\SETUP and press ENTER. Follow the onscreen prompts.
Once the installation is complete, a group called "CHAMP Arcade" will be
created with an program item called "CHAMP Asterocks".
CHAMP Asterocks has been successfully tested under the following
operating systems:
- DOS 3.1 and greater
- Windows 3.x and greater
- Windows 95
Note that although CHAMP Asterocks will run under Windows 3.x, and
Windows 95, you should run the game under DOS for optimal
performance.
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| RUNNING THE PROGRAM |
-----------------------
The following are the files CHAMP Asterocks needs to run. CHAMP Asterocks
will NOT run unless these three files are found:
* ASTEROCK.EXE - This is the executable program.
* ASTEROCK.BIN - Contains necessary graphics and sounds.
* ASTEROCK.HLP - Contains on-line help for CHAMP Asterocks.
The following files are created after running CHAMP Asterocks:
* ASTEROCK.CFG - Configuration file.
* ASTEROCK.HOF - Top ten hall of fame.
* JOYSTICK.CFG - Joystick calibration settings.
DOS Users:
To run CHAMP Asterocks, switch to the directory where you have installed
the program and type 'ASTEROCK' and press ENTER. If you have trouble running
CHAMP Asterocks, see the Troubleshooting section. By default,
CHAMP Asterocks is installed in the directory C:\CHAMP\ASTEROCK.
A batch file has also been set up in the \CHAMP directory. To run the
program from this directory, switch to the directory, type 'ASTEROCK' and
press ENTER.
Windows 3.x Users:
1) From Program Manger, Open up the CHAMP Arcade group.
2) Double-click on the CHAMP Asterocks icon.
Windows 95 Users:
1) Click on Start.
2) Select Programs.
3) Select CHAMP Arcade.
4) Select CHAMP Asterocks.
Once the program loads, you will see the CHAMP Intro screen. Next, the
CHAMP Asterocks title screen will be shown:
* START GAME (1P/2P): Press ENTER to play the game; use the arrow keys to
change between 1 and 2 players.
* OPTIONS: Choose this to view the many options available for CHAMP Asterocks.
* EXIT GAME: Choose this to exit CHAMP Asterocks.
NOTE: You can press F1 at any time to get context-sensitive help.
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| OPTIONS |
-----------
There are several options available in CHAMP Asterocks:
* GAME SETTINGS
* CONTROLLERS
* SOUND
* VIEW HIGH SCORES
* CREDITS/SCORING
* INSTRUCTIONS
GAME SETTINGS
-------------
Choose this option to set the number of players, difficulty level, game
mode and game speed. Note that there are two different game modes:
CLASSIC
Classic Mode plays more like the arcade.
CHAMP
CHAMP Mode includes the Classic Mode with more enhancements, including
more asteroids, mines, shields, and Asterock Bosses!
GRAPHICS
Vector graphics are more similar to the games of the early 80's. You can
only use vector graphics in Classic mode.
Color graphics are supported in both Classic and CHAMP mode. Color mode
features full 256 color 3D graphics!
CONTROLLERS
-----------
Choose this option to set the controllers for both players. Selections
include Joystick (A or B), Keyboard (1 or 2), Mouse, or CHAMP Cable. Note
that each controller has it's own option:
Joystick A or B: Enable/Calibrate
Keyboard 1 or 2: Define Keys
Mouse: Adjust sensitivity
CHAMP Cable: Choose the port it's connected to (LPT1, 2, 3, or none)
Navigating menus: Once a control is active, you can use it to navigate
through the menus. Unfortunately, if you don't calibrate your joystick
correctly, this could cause problems.
If this occurs, press F4 to disable all joysticks.
SOUND
-----
This option allows you to turn sound on and off and choose the way sounds
are played during the game, as well as adjust the volume (Soundblaster
only). You can also disable and configure your sound card here.
INSTRUCTIONS
------------
Choose this to view the many pages of on-line instructions for CHAMP Asterocks.
VIEW HALL OF FAME
-----------------
This will display the top 10 scores and the names of the players who
accomplished the feat. Press F4 to reset the Hall of Fame back to it's
default scores.
CREDITS AND SCORING
-------------------
Choose this to view the names of the people who made CHAMP Asterocks
possible, and get all the scoring for the game as well.
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| PLAYING THE GAME |
--------------------
The object of CHAMP Asterocks is to clear out sectors of asteroids. You
control a spaceship that you must maneuver to avoid the asteroids and
enemy spaceships that attack from the sides.
Use your controller to rotate your shooter and press the fire button to launch
your missiles. You can fire up to four missiles at a time. You can also
thrust by pressing up to make your spaceship move. In classic mode, you can
'hyperspace' to another area of the screen. Be careful - your ship may
re-materialize inside an asteroid or spaceship. You ship may also self-destruct
from hyperspacing, so use it only in emergencies. In CHAMP mode, you can
activate shields to protect your ship.
You start the game with 3 ships (5 in EASY mode). A bonus ship is
awarded every 10,000 points. The game ends when your fleet of spacehips
have been destroyed.
In the shareware version, your game will end when you have reached
10,0000 points.
CHAMP Mode Enhancements
-----------------------
Playing Asterocks in CHAMP Mode is similar to Classic mode, with these
additions:
Mines
-----
While clearing out sectors, some space mines may drift onto the viewscreen. If
the mines get close enough to your ship, they'll 'attract' to your ship and
move towards you. Mines can be destroyed with your missiles. You receive 200
points for destroying a mine.
Shields
-------
Your ship is equipped with shields instead of hyperspace in CHAMP Mode. You
can activate your shields at any time, but you cannot fire while you shields
are raised. Activating your thrusters will automatically lower your shields
also. Once activated, your shields can take up to 3 hits. Your shields are
regenerated everytime you activate them. Colliding with a mine or spaceship
will do permanent damage to your shields, and you'll only be able to take
two hits or one hit before your shields are gone. Your shields are repaired
after every sector and every new ship is equipped with fully charged shields.
Bosses
------
After every 4th sector is cleared, you'll have to do battle with one of four
Asterock Bosses before proceeding to the next sector. The four bosses are the
Mine Boss, the Rock Boss, the Missile Boss, and the Mega Boss. The Mine Boss
will deploy mines to seek out and destroy your ship. The mines deployed take
2 shots to destroy instead of one. The Rock Boss will hurl small asteroids
towards your ship that you'll need to destroy or avoid. The Missile Boss
fires guided missiles that you must dodge or destroy. Finally, the Mega Boss
releases mines, hurls asteroids, and fires guided missiles! It takes many
hits to crack through the shell of the bosses. If you manage to do so, you'll
earn 500 - 2500 points! Once the shell is destroyed, an escape pod is deployed
from the rubble and will try to escape. If you can destroy the pod, you'll
earn an extra 1000 points!
Game Notes
----------
During the game, you can press any of the following keys:
* F1 - Brings up the help screen.
* F5 - Brings up the Controller options.
* F6 - Brings up the Sound options.
* F9 - Toggles the sound on and off.
* F10 - Resets the game.
* F12 - Pauses the game. Press the spacebar or tap a button to resume.
* Esc - Brings up the Options menu. Press ESC to resume the game.
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| TROUBLE SHOOTING |
--------------------
The following switches are used from the command line to disable certain
auto-detection features of CHAMP Asterocks if you are experiencing problems
running the program:
-s : Disable the auto detection of the sound card.
-j : Disable any analog joysticks that are being used.
-d : Disable any digital joysticks that are being used.
-m : Mute all sounds.
-3 : Disable the auto-detection of a 386. Use this ONLY if you have a
386 PC or better!
-a : disable soundcard autodetection. Use this if the autodetection routine
is incorrectly identifying your sound card. You should manually configure
your sound card under the SOUND menu prior to disabling autodetection.
-t : disables the CHAMProgramming opening sequence.
For example: To disable the sound card detection, you would type:
ASTEROCK -s
Sound Card problems
-------------------
You must have a 100% compatible Soundblaster card. To manually configure your
sound card, choose Configure Sound Card in the Sound menu (from the Options
menu). You will be prompted for the PORT, IRQ, and DMA of your sound card.
Please consult your user's manual of your sound card for these values. You
can always select Auto Detect and let the program try to determine the values,
though this may lock up your computer. To keep these manual settings, use the
-a switch when running the program (see above).
If you program stops working for some reason, you may need to delete the
configuration file (ASTEROCK.CFG). Consult your operating system's manual
for help on deleting files.
If you continue to experience problems, please Email CHAMProgramming's
technical support at:
support@champgames.com
Also, other technical support is available at the CHAMProgramming web site,
located at:
http://www.champgames.com
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| CHAMP CABLE |
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Play our games the way they are meant to be played!
What is CHAMP Cable? CHAMP Cable is a 3-foot cable that allows you to plug
a standard 9-pin digital joystick (from the Atari 2600) into a parallel
printer port and play all CHAMP Games!!!
* Digital response -> faster response than analog
* NO CALIBRATION!!
* Works on LPT1, LPT2 and LPT3
* Supports joysticks from the Atari 2600/7800/400/800/1200/130xe,
Commodore 64/128, and Colecovision. Also supports digital Wico joysticks.
* Lifetime warranty!!
Where can I get those old joysticks?
* Your attic
* Your cellar
* Your friend's attic or cellar
* Garage and yard sales
* For-sale sections of magazines
To order your CHAMP Cable, send a check or money order for $17.95 plus
$2.00 shipping to:
CHAMProgramming
34-3 Shunpike Road, #187
Cromwell, CT 06416
USA
Please allow 2 weeks for shipping. Joysticks not included.
---------------
| OTHER GAMES |
---------------
CHAMProgramming is currently working on or has released the following games:
* CHAMP Kong Released 3/9/96
* CHAMP Ms. Pac-em Released 11/9/96
* CHAMP Pac-em Released 12/16/96
* CHAMP Galaxia Released 12/24/96
* CHAMP Asterocks Released 1/8/97
* CHAMP Asterocks Released 2/7/97
* CHAMP Invaders Expected release date 2/18/97
* CHAMP Galagon Expected release date 3/4/97
* CHAMP Frog-em
* CHAMP Burger Chef
For more information on these games, please visit our web site at:
http://www.champgames.com
If you have any comments or any suggestions for future CHAMP games, feel free
to contact us at:
comments@champgames.com
