@database Sneech.guide
@$VER: Sneech Registered Version 1.52 (18.8.96)
@Author Paul Burkey
@(c) 1995 Daisy Software. All Rights Reserved.

@Node Main "Contents Page"
,-------------------------------------------------------------------------,
|             Sneech V1.52 'Shareware' Version By Paul Burkey             |
|     This release is based on Version 1.5x, Last Updated on 18-8-96      |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| This version can not be spread by any means other than via the official |
|  Sneech WWW Homepage at http://www.sneech.freeserve.co.uk/sneech.html   |
'-------------------------------------------------------------------------'

     Copyright Notice   :- @{"Read Me        " Link "Copyright"}
     About The Author   :- @{"Sneech Master! " Link "ME"}
     
     @{"Introduction              " Link "INTRO"}     @{"Feature List           " Link "FEATURES"}
     @{"Sneech History            " Link "RECENT"}     @{"Adaptor Information    " Link "ADAPTOR"}
     @{"Hard Drive Install        " Link "HD"}

     @{"The Game Itself           " Link "GAME"}     @{"The Sneech Screens     " Link "SCREENS"}     
     @{"Money And The Shop        " Link "SHOP"}     @{"Rating System          " Link "RATE"}
     @{"The Computer Players      " Link "COMPUTERS"}     @{"Teams etc.             " Link "TEAMS"}
     @{"The Hi-Score Table        " Link "HI"}     @{"Extra Game Objects     " Link "GAMEEXTRAS"}
     @{"Saving & Loading A League " Link "SAVEGAME"}

     @{"Future Sneech             " Link "FUTURE"}
     @{"Contact Address           " Link "CONTACT"}
     @{"Thank You....             " Link "FINAL"}
@endnode

@NODE "COPYRIGHT" "Copyright Details"

@{u}Copyright Notice@{uu}

This is the Full Sneech Game and can *NOT* be spread my any means without
written consent from the author! This version IS available for free download
from the Sneech Homepage at http://www.sneech.freeserve.co.uk/sneech.html
but this free availability does NOT imply FREEWARE and must not be distributed
by any means other than on the official Sneech Homepage.

The game is still Shareware but I am not expecting floods of registrations at
this point in the games history as the game will soon be over 5 years old. If
you do wish to send a gift or the equivalent of the 5 registration fee then
you can find @{"Contact Information Here" Link "CONTACT"}

@endnode




@Node "SCREENS" "The Sneech Screens"

Here's a description of the various screens within Sneech:-

     @{"1. Menu/Title Screen.    " Link "TITLE"}
     @{"2. The League Screen.    " Link "LEAGUE"}
     @{"3. The Options Screen.   " Link "OPTIONS"}
     @{"4. The Shop Screen.      " Link "SHOP"}
     @{"5. The Points Screen.    " Link "RESULTS"}
     @{"6. Hi-Scores Screen      " Link "HI"}
     @{"7. The Statistics Screen " Link "STATS"}

@endnode

@node "TITLE" "The Menu/Title Screen."

This is the center of the Sneech Game.

You will notice 10 sets of Icons for setting up your 10 players. They can be
Human, Computer, or Off. There's a Maximum of 6 humans and up to 10 Computer
Players.

First choose how many players you need by selecting the control Icons these
will cycle from...

Off, Joy1, Joy2, Left Keyboard, Right Keyboard, Adapter 3, Adapter 4, CPU.

Keyboard Controls are..... 

                  Left Keyboard      Right Keyboard

    Up            Ctrl               Curs-Up
    Down          L Shift            Curs-Down
    Left          L Alt              Curs-Left
    Right         L Amiga            Curs-Right

    Select        Z                  Return

@{u}Colours@{uu}

Now Select your colours by clicking the colour Icons. With the computer
Players this will change the tactics and difficulty @{"Computer Players" Link "COMPUTERS"}

There is nothing stopping you from having an 10 player game when your all
Black! or a one player Game against 3 Blonde, 3 Black, 3 Chrome! 

Under the colour Icon there is another button that pops up a simple colour
selector type thing. I hope this makes life a bit easier.

@{u}Names@{uu}

Now you can change the names of the Human players by clicking on the name and
entering the new name with the keyboard. The Computer Players Names can't be
changed.

@{u}Player Type@{uu}

Selecting this icon allows you to choose what type of player he is.
See , @{"Player Types." Link "TEAMS"}

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Here are the various Buttons From Left to Right :-

@{u}Save Settings@{uu}

This Will save the current Names/Colours/Teams and options to the disk. From
now on, whenever the game loads these settings will be used.

@{u}Load@{uu}

This Will Allow you to continue an old @{"unfinished game" Link "SAVEGAME"}.
If There is no unfinished game then you will be given a chance to load the
settings last saved to the disk. If you don't want these, you will be given
the chance to load the default settings with all the names and colours reset.

@{u}Merge@{uu}

This option allows you to merge the Hi-Scores from two disks together. If
you keep a backup of your disk then this is useful for keeping the two
different Hi-Score tables the same.

@{u}Quit Button@{uu}

This button in the upper left of the screen will allow you to exit the game
and return you to Workbench.

@{u}Hi-Scores@{uu}

@{"Hi-Scores" Link "HI"}

@{u}Start Game@{uu}

This is used to start a New League. Once the players have been chosen the
new league will begin with the current Settings/Options.

@{u}Options@{uu}

@{"Options Screen" Link "OPTIONS"}

@{u}About@{uu}

Messages and info about the current version of Sneech!

@{u}Demo@{uu}

The demo button is used to have a quick game and also to let you show new
players how it is done! In this mode you can select computer players only
and sit back and watch.

@endnode

@node "LEAGUE" "The League Screen."

This Screen shows the current league table with each players current Points,
Money and Ratting.

From here you can continue the game or Quit the game. You also have the chance
to Save the League to be continued another time.
 
@Endnode



@Node "OPTIONS" "The Options Screen"

This Screen allows you to change a few of the important options. They are:-

Amount of Games   :- The amount of games to be played in a single league.
Minutes per Game  :- The amount of time in Minutes each game lasts.
Growth Type       :- @{"Size" Link "SIZE"}
Door Opening Type :- You can have No doors, Open doors or @{"Keys Mode" Link "GAMEEXTRAS"}.
Points Screens    :- Allows you to turn of the score screens. All the usual
                     points will be given including the Random Factor.
Statistics Screen :- Allows you to turn of the Game Statistics. Again, all
                     the usual scores and bonuses will be given including
                     the Survival Bonus, Size Bonus etc. etc.

@Endnode

@Node "RESULTS" "The Points Screen"

This Screen gives you the points for the game.....

@{u}Finish Bonus@{uu}

A Bonus which depends on the order of death and the time of death. If you
survive by getting into the Exit Door you will receive an extra 100 Points.

@{u}Size & Speed Bonus@{uu}

A Bonus depending on your average size and speed.

@{u}Kill & Damage Bonus@{uu}

Depends on the amount of kills made and the amount of damage made. Kill points
are shown for each player at the start of each game.

After the Results Run Down you will the be shown  @{"The Statistics Screen" Link "STATS"}.

@Endnode



@Node "STATS" "The Statistics Screen"

You will see the main game points awarded on the Results Screen but there are
also a few extra points awarded on this screen like.

Size Bonus      :- A Bonus for Huge Sizemanship.
Speed Bonus     :- A Bonus for Silly Speeding.
Big Kill Bonus  :- A Bonus for Mass Murder.
Big Money Bonus :- A Bonus for exceptional Money collecting.
Survivor Bonus  :- A Bonus awarded for surviving as 'IT'         
Others ?        :- Maybe!

As well as these bonuses you will also see a more detailed description of all
the other Bonuses like exact Kills, Damage, Speed, Size, Money Collection
and Money interest.

@Endnode



@Node "HD" "Hard Drive Install"

The game should run on a Hard Drive without any problems.

     Make A Drawer On Your Hard Drive EG. DH2:Games/Sneech

     Copy to this Drawer..

     Sneech               < Main Game Exe.
     Sneech.info          < .Info file.
     SneechFiles    <Dir> < Sneech Game Files.
     Sneech.Guide         < This Guide.
     Sneech.Guide.info    < It's Info file

@Endnode




@NODE "ME" "About The Author"

@{u}About Me@{uu}

I have been programming the Amiga since around 1991. I created many
Shareware titles during that time including Sneech, Peg-It, Piles'o'Tiles
and others. In 1998 I released my first commercial CD-Rom based game
called 'Foundation' which was the most successful Amiga game that year.
I have since been working on various commercial projects for Amiga
and PC. I'm also working on a project for a popular game 'console'.

@endnode




@NODE "INTRO" "Introduction"

@{u}Introduction@{uu}

Sneech is a fast paced 'Worm Game' game for up to 10 players at a time. You
can play against 9 computer players depending on how many human players there
are and is as far as I know the first game ever to allow all 10 players to
play simultaneously on screen in real-time. This is why the game is so much
fun to play.

The game has been played and tested for since Nov. 94 and in this time many
changes and additions have been made. So the game has adapted to suit the
needs of many people.

When you first play Sneech it might seem at first to be just another Worm
game. You might find it too difficult or fiddly to play. Please!!!? Stick at
it and you will soon get the hang of it. The game was really designed to be
used by 2 or more human players but it can be played by 1.

But for best results play in a darkened room with the sound turned up to full
and just sprinkle 6 humans and add 2-4 more computer players for taste! Also
the later in the day the better! Office hours will do but I recommend you use
up as much bed time as you can!

Before I continue, there are some known bugs Sometimes you will find the odd
block or piece of 'worm' left on the screen. It all adds to the random element
that makes every Match different.

@endnode

@NODE "FEATURES" "Sneech Features"

@{b}Latest Feature List@{ub}
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
     Up to Six Human Players (4 Joysticks) + (2 on keyboard)
     Up to 10 Computer players (Depending on No. of Humans!)
     @{"Computer Players" Link "COMPUTERS"} have different tactics!
     You can control your own speed by collecting the speed pills
     There are Slow-down Pills If you get too fast!
     You gain length by picking up size pills,
     You loose length by Crashing and you only die when you shrink to nothing!
     Pick up bombs and then crash into another player!
     Blockers Appear to make the game more interesting (Avoid)
     Slip-Mats That let you slide smoother.
     Reverses are used when you get totally stuck.
     Super Scooper for easy object pickup!
     Pass through to er, Pass through.
     Doors open to allow you to sneak through and make a short-cut.
     Lots of options.
     Special Last Game and Random Arenas.
     Auto Save Hi-Score.
     It saves Best Rating, Speed, Size, Kills and money.
     Special Bonus for Surviving as '@{"IT" Link "IT"}' or killing an '@{"IT" Link "IT"}'
     @{"Stunners!" Link "SSTUN"}
     Deflectors!
     Shields!
     Auto Turn!
     @{"Viruses" Link "Virus"}
     A couple of undocumented Random Features!!!!
     Slow Down Mats are Opposite of Slip Mats!!
     New Shop items like Constant Speed, Slow Scooper, Survive as 1 And more!
     Bank Loan options if your stuck for cash.
     Learner mode for Sneech Beginners!
     Flexible @{"Team modes!" Link "TEAMS"}
     Load & Save The League!
     It Makes a Backup of your leagues as you Play in case of Power-Cut etc.
     And last but not least the RANDOM FACTOR!!!
@endnode



@NODE "RECENT" "Recent Sneech Changes"

Version 1.52 (documentation update)

  No changes were made to the in-game features.
  Documentation was rewritten.
  The FULL game is available for FREE download, ONLY at the Sneech Homepage.

From Version 1.51 (Bugfix)

  Fixed the finish points bug where the last player out didn't get any points!!
  Speeded up the into section and added a button skip for the red face fade bit.

From Version 1.5... (Update to fix a few requests since Aminet Demo)

  Points Screen, now optional.
  Statistics Screen, now optional.
  Speeded up a few fades as well as a faster Extra Life section.
  Added Virus Options.
  New Deflector Pick-up.
  A Few game tweaks ;)

From Version 1.48...

  Can't remember what I added here ;) Fixed a few bugs and stuff Prob.

From Version 1.46...

  Fixed a bug in the Joystick Adaptor.
  Changed the Learner Mode. There's no Shop but loads of Free Goodies!
  Added 25% and 50% Shield.
  Added Auto Turn!

From Version 1.45...
  
  Green Virus!
  Extra Graphics thrown in to good measure.
  Points Hi-Score.

From Version 1.4...

  Team Modes!
  Learner Mode!
  Many more Shop Items...
  Bank loan Options.
  Extra Hi-Score Features like Money, Speed, Size, Kills.
  Full End of game Statistics with more bonuses.

From Version 1.3...

  You can now save a League at any point.
  Reload An Old League.
  If a Game Crashes or there's a Power-Cut you can Re-load and continue!

From Version 1.29...

  Yep There were Adaptor Bugs but their fixed!!!
  In-Game Documents have been taken out SORRY!
  You should now have a FREE Version of my new AmigaGuide Reader so now
  even WB1.3 users should be able to read them. Well you are aren't you?
  You are some of the very first users of SmoothGuide so tell me what you
  think of it. I can update the Sneech Guide with a lot more detail so you
  won't need the Sneech.doc any more.
  Extra 2 Computer Players Mr.Gold and Mr.Bogey!
  Computer Players are now MUCH better!!!!
  Camera Scrolling is now improved and you shouldn't be going off the screen
  very often, unless you are going very fast that is....
  The Last Arena Screens now appear mid game......
  There should be more Free bombs.

From Version 1.28...

  I think the 4 joysticks work now. I hope there are no hidden bugs!

From Version 1.27..........

  I have added another 2 players to make it 10 in total...
  Added Mr.Grey, It's hard to see him!
  Added Mr.Chrome, He looks nice!
  Bit faster in general.
  The game now used a joystick adaptor for 2 more human players....
  There was a problem with 4 joysticks.

From Version 1.26.............

  Doors Have Safety Lights to warn of Blockages
  Bigger Arena, about 20% Bigger......
  Small Bugs Taken out..
  Black And White pickup!
  Should work on A500 1/2 Meg Chip!
  Walls and general Graphics are now Tidier and clearer.

From Version 1.2......
  
  Save All game Set-Ups.......
  You can automatically grow and concentrate on the Killing!     
  Open Doors key!
  Demo Modes! (Computer only and practice)
  A tiny bit smoother!

@EndNode




@NODE "COMPUTERS" "The Computer Players"

The Computer players are now split into 'Star' Ratings The 4 Star players
ere the toughest and the 1 Star players are a fair bit easier.

From now on you'll have to experiment to find out the different characters
of each player Here's a couple for you...

   Mr.Pink    Loves his speed but tends to run into trouble all to easy.
   Mr.Black   Loves Bombs and deflectors so beware.
   Mr.Blonde  All round cheeky git.

The star ratings can be seen by using the Colour Menu Buttons.

@endnode


@NODE "GAME" "The Game Itself"

@{u}The Game!@{uu}

The game itself lasts for 4 or more minutes. 
After a small countdown the game will start!

The game is split into 3 time periods these are :-

    Green        Start off Period     (Get going!)
    Blue         Game Time            (Best Points Time Zone)
    Red          Extra Time           (No pills! Exit open!)

The object of the game is to gain more points than everyone else. And at the
same time collect as many @{"Money" Link "SHOP"} tokens as possible.

You have until the end of the Green period to start moving in any direction
you want. After this you will automatically move in a random direction. The
Game continues until all the players are dead or the time is up.

There are a variety of different @{"Game Extras" Link "GAMEEXTRAS"} to help you 
out with each game.

You gain points by killing people. If you do kill someone you will get their
kill bonus as displayed at the start of the game. To kill someone you will
have to force them to crash into you. When this is done they will shrink a
little and you will grow a little. If they shrink below 2 pieces then they
are killed.

After the normal time has run out and you go into the extra time, A door will
appear. You will have to exit by moving into the door! You don't have to go
straight in but you will receive 100 points for ending your go this way.
If you don't make it into the door and the extra time runs out then you will
simply shrink to death! and loose out on your 100 finish bonus.

@endnode



@Node "GAMEEXTRAS" "Extra Game Elements"

During a game you will come across various game objects. Some are Arena
objects and some are Collectable objects.


@{b}@{u}Arena Objects@{uu}@{ub}

@{u}Blocks (Striped or Metallic)@{uu} 
Various shaped blocks appear at random. You should always avoid them.

@{u}Slip Mats (Light coloured Squares)@{uu}
These allow you to move at a higher pace.

@{u}Slow Down Mats (Dark Coloured Squares)@{uu}
These make you move at a slower pace.

@{u}Holes (Easily noticeable!)@{uu}
Avoid at all times. Any contact with the holes will reduce your size much
faster than any other objects.

@{u}Ramps And Bumps@{uu}
You might come across sections of the floor that are raised. As you would
expect traveling across these will alter your speed. I've added an extra
element to a players movement, that of 'momentum' when you move up a hill you
will of course slow down if you then move on level ground the slow down will
eventually cancel out. When you travel down a hill you will gain momentum and
travel at a faster pace. Again, this will cancel out when you travel on level
ground.

@{u}Ice!@{uu}
These don't appear very often but when they do you should avoid them. When
you cross a patch of Ice you will loose your ability to turn! It can be done
but it's not reliable!
 

@{b}@{u}Collectable Objects@{uu}@{ub}

@{u}Size Pills (White)@{uu}
Add size to a player. See also @{"Size" Link "SIZE"}

@{u}Speed Pills (Black)@{uu}
These will increase your general speed by a factor of 1. This will last for a
short while and then wear off. You will have to collect one every so long to
maintain a speed that you are comfortable with.

@{u}Money Token (Green)@{uu}
These hold money in amounts of 1,2,3,4 Hundred.

@{u}Money Box (Gold)@{uu}
These hold 3 Money tokens.

@{u}Key (Key Shaped)@{uu}
When the key appears, anyone can collect it. When it is collected the doors
will open! and you will then be allowed to pass through the doors. The door
to the right will bring you out of the door on the left and the door on the
left will bring you out of the door on the right and the top and bottom doors
work in the same way. The doors can be used as short cuts as well as being a
quick escape if you are being chased. The only advantage to picking up the
key is that 3 money tokens's will appear and you will be the closest to them
when the doors have open. 

@{u}Slow Down Pill (Yellow Square with Black Centre)@{uu}
Slows down a player by a factor of 1.

@{u}Bomb (Bomb Shaped)@{uu}
A Free Bomb See, @{"Bomb" Link "SBOMB"}

@{u}Deflector (Black circle with white cross)@{uu}
A Free Deflector, @{"Deflectors" Link "SDEFL"}

@{u}Mega Size (Black and White Cheque)@{uu}
Collecting this will increase your size until you crash into something.

@{u}Extra Life (X Shaped)@{uu}
This will give you an extra life!

@{u}Virus (Large Square with Black circle in the center)@{uu}
See, @{"Viruses" Link "VIRUS"}

There might be some undocumented Features!

@endnode




@Node "SIZE" "The Size Pills"

Sneech has 2 Modes for Size and they are changed in the Options Screen:-

@{u}Size Pills@{uu}

In the normal mode small white pills will appear now and then for you to 
collect these pills will add between 5-15 onto your Size. Extra pills will
appear if there are more players on screen.

@{u}Auto Growth@{uu}

In Auto mode there are only a few size pills but you will simply grow with
time. This way you don't have to worry about size and you can get stuck into
the killing! This is a recommended Mode because it makes the games more exciting
You don't have to collect as many objects and there's more attacking going on.

@endnode




@Node "TEAMS" "Teams and Learner Mode"

Each player can either play as a single player with his own points/money etc.
or he can play as a member of a team.

There are 7 Teams to choose from:-

Red, Black, Green, Blue, White, Yellow, Purple.

This is selected in the @{"Title/Menu Screen" Link "TITLE"}.

You can have up to 7 teams but if a team has only 1 player then it is optional
whether you have him as a team or a single player! Teams of over 5 are not
recommended as the rating is affected by the amount of killable opponents.

Mixed teams are recommended i.e. Computer/Human teams!

When Teams are selected the Money & Points of all the players are added
together and spread through the members equally after each game. In the
@{"League Screen" Link "LEAGUE"} Each player will share the same Points and Rate, but
the Money may differ depending on whether the players used the loan options.

There are a number of advantages for teams:-

1. Bombs/Stunners/Viruses etc. won't be used against team members.
2. Computer players will not attack their own human team members.
3. You will Shrink at a slower rate when crashing into your own team members.
4. You can protect you own team members especially when they are 'IT'  
5. Your Rate is better with more team members because there aren't as many
   Killable worms. 

There are a number of disadvantages:-

1. If a member dies very quickly or doesn't do very well, it will affect the
   teams rating.
2. There are no kill/damage points for your own members.

On the whole the team modes ad a lot to the game. They make a league more
exiting because it is harder to shoot ahead. If a team is doing very well then
the other teams can pick on the not so good members of that team making it
harder for them to gain points as a team!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

@{u}Learner Mode@{uu}

An extra mode to choose is the learner mode.

The Learner players will have automatic Shop selection including...

Super Scooper
Slow Scooper
2 Extra Speeds
3 Reverses
Both Shields
Auto Turn
Deflectors
Reverses
Self Reverse
40 Extra Size
Constant Speed!
Survive As 1

It doesn't matter what money you have, all these will be given!

The disadvantage is a 25% Reduced Rate and no Shop Choice.

@endnode



@Node "VIRUS" "Viruses"

At the moment there is only one type of virus:-

@{u}The Green Virus@{uu}

When or if someone collects the green virus he will then become infected!
The symptoms are Random Shrinking and a strange Greenness!
The virus can be passed on by any type of contact with other players!
Once it is passed on that player is then clear of the virus as it passes
on totally to the other player! The player who passes on the virus is immune
to it for a short while but after a short while or repeated bashings it will
be passed back! The virus will stay until someone linked or not linked with
it is killed!

@{u}Virus Points And Damages@{uu}

Damage points are awarded to the previous Virus Holder!
If a Player dies because of the Virus then the previous Virus Holder gets the
kill points!

@endnode




@NODE "SHOP" "Shopping!"

@{u}Money and The Shop@{uu}

During the game small green tokens will appear. This is where you get your
money. Sometimes small yellow tokens will appear. The yellow ones are money
boxes and they explode when you touch them, sending approx. 3 to 4 green money
tokens out around that area for you to collect. When someone is killed off
before the extra time period approx. 4 green tokens will be left behind. If
that player was the second to last player to die, then approx. 4 yellow money
boxes will appear. As you can see, the best way to collect money is to kill
everybody else off!

@{u}The Shop@{uu}

The shop is quite compact and does look a bit complicated when you first see
it. I have recently added 5 more shop items and a Money Load option. You will
see in the middle of the shop 3 red buttons and one green button. These will
take you to the two pages of shop items and the @{"Loan page" Link "LOAN"}.


@{u}Upper Shop@{uu}

At the very top of the shop you can see the Player's name and money.

Below this are the 5 items that you can buy more than 1 of....

@{"Extra Size  " Link "SSIZE"}
@{"Extra Speed " Link "SSPED"}
@{"Reverse     " Link "SREVS"}
@{"Bombs       " Link "SBOMB"}
@{"Deflectors  " Link "SDEFL"}

You can buy more than one of the above but you can only buy 1 of these.

@{"Extra Life  " Link "SEXTR"}

Shop page 1....

@{"Stunner       " Link "SSTUN"}
@{"Super Scooper " Link "SSCOO"}
@{"Random Factor " Link "SRAND"}
@{"Pass Through  " Link "SPASS"}
@{"No Dead Money " Link "SNODM"}

Shop page 2....

@{"Constant Speed " Link "SCONS"}
@{"Slow Scooper   " Link "SSLOW"}
@{"Self Reverse   " Link "SSELF"}
@{"Survive as 1   " Link "SSUV1"}
@{"Speed Booster  " Link "SBOOS"}

Shop Page 3....

@{"25% 50% Shield " Link "SSH"}
@{"Auto Turn      " Link "STURN"}
@{"Bomb Grab      " Link "BGRAB"}
@{"Stun Grab      " Link "SGRAB"}

@endnode

@Node "IT" "The Special 'IT' Bonus"

Sometimes when a game starts you will notice a circle around one of the 
players, this player is chosen to be 'IT'.

There is a special Points Bonus for killing this person off '150-210 Points'.

If this player lasts the game without getting killed off by one of the other
players then that player will get His own Kill Points and a Nice Money Bonus!

@endnode

@Node "SSIZE" "Extra Size"
Extra Size :- $10

Something to spend the loose change on. You will start off with a size of 10+
anyway, But this will allow you to go in for an early kill with a bit of extra
size to play with.

@endnode


@Node "SSPED" "Extra Speeds"
Initial Speeds :- $400

This Lets you start off the game on a faster speed. As usual it does wear off
just like the speed pills. I would recommend getting at least 1 of these if
you have the money. If you start the game off faster than everyone else then
you will be able to pick other items up before they get to them!

@endnode

@Node "SREVS" "Reverses"
Reverse :- $250

If you have reverses and you are ever trapped completely (that is on all 3
sides), you will be reversed and the tail becomes the head and the head
becomes the tail.

@endnode

@Node "SBOMB" "Bombs"
Bombs :- $200

As you know already, the bombs will blast a nice hole through a tail. they
are best used to avoid being blocked off but they are also good for finishing
off someone when they get too small.

@endnode

@Node "SDEFL" "Deflectors"
Deflectors :- $200

When anyone tries to ram you with a bomb and you have a deflector then the
blast will be deflected onto them.

@endnode

@Node "SEXTR" "Extra Life"
Extra Life :- $600

Another most useful item, some people don't bother with these but I
would recommend you do, when you have the spare cash.

When you are killed off in a game you will be given the chance to come back
into the game. You will see a Green pointer in the place that you were killed
you can move this anywhere in the arena. After about 6 seconds the game will
restart with you in the position of the green pointer.

When you come back into the game your Size and Speed are set to normal. Any
other items you have like Reverses, Bombs, Scoopers etc. will remain active.

If you are killed in a game and you feel it isn't worth coming back then you
can select not to return by pointing the Green pointer outside the arena.
When this is done you will keep the Extra Life for another game saving you
$600 (The cost of an Extra Life). Remember that you will miss out on 100
points for finishing the game and also that the very last player in the
game gets the prize money!

@endnode

@Node "SSCOO" "Super Scooper"
Super Scooper :- $230

This lets you pickup objects easier. Instead of passing through an object
you can simply pass by.

@endnode

@Node "SPASS" "Pass Through"
Pass through :- $500

Not used very often, only to show off with how much money you have! this will
allow you to pass through yourself (only one part at a time!).

@endnode

@Node "SRAND" "Random Factor"
Random Factor :- $300

Use this when you are hard up for points. When the Random Factor awards you
some points you could get 120 Points or More!! 

@endnode

@Node "SNODM" "No Dead Money"
No Dead Money :- $150

When you die (Before Extra Time) a bit of money is awarded or left behind, But
with this you can stop the others from getting any money bonuses.

@endnode

@Node "SSTUN" "Stunner"
Stunner :- $350

Use this to stun the first person to crash into you! The stun will last approx.
40 seconds. After this a small count down will bring him back into the game.


@endnode

@Node "SCONS" "Constant Speed"
Constant Speed :- $800

Usually, you will be collecting speed pills all of the time to keep your speed
up because after a while the speed pills wear off. 

If you buy a constant speed it will stop the Speed Pills wearing off so you
can simply pick up 4 pills and that will do you! Also the initial speed that
you buy in the shop will stay with you for the whole game. The only way to
slow down with the Constant speed is to collect the slow down pills!

@endnode

@Node "SSLOW" "Slow Scooper"
Slow Scoop :- $150

When you have a Constant Speed or any other time when you are going very fast
you might find it difficult to collect the slow down pills. This Slow scoop 
will allow you to scoop them up easier.

Note. The normal Super Scooper doesn't work with Slow down pills.

@endnode

@Node "SSELF" "Self Reverse"
Self Reverse :- $350

Sometimes you might find that you get blocked up and you are forced to use up
a reverse on yourself. This item will reverse you without using up the usual
Reverses. It lasts the whole game and can be used many times. You can even use
it to simply reverse so that you can control the other end lets say because a
good item is closer to the tail than your head. It is used the same as a
normal Reverse except it is only used when no other player is involved in the
blockage.

@endnode

@Node "SSUV1" "Survive as 1"
Survive as 1 :- $400

This is a very interesting device that allows players to survive when they are
only 1 piece long.

At first it seems a bit pointless or at least expensive but when you realise
that it allows you to simply turn back on yourself anywhere you like, even in a
dead end you can simply turn back!

The drawback with the Survive as 1 is that you won't Auto Grow from a size
of 1. The only way to grow it pick up a White Pill or be crashed into by
another player!

@endnode

@Node "SBOOS" "Speed Booster"
Speed Booster :- $600

This is a very useful item. It allows you to speed up at any time using the
fire button. When the fire button is pressed you will speed up by 2. You will
remain at this speed until you release the button. Then you will slow back down
but 2 speeds. This can be used as many times in a single game.

@endnode
@Node "SSH" "Shields!!"
25% and 50% Shields...

These are useful if you have the extra cash and you want to go mad! it will
slow down the rate of shrinkage when you crash into a wall. The 25% will
mean that 1 in 4 hits won't damage you and the 50% shield will mean that 1 in
2 hits won't damage you. 

You can buy both of these to slow down the damage to 1 hit in 4!

Remember though that if you are going very fast you shrink very fast anyway!!!

Also the Shields have no effect on holes and bombs, only walls, players and
blockers!

@endnode

@Node "STURN" "Auto Turn"
Auto Turn....

If you've got money to burn then this is quite useful. When you crash it will
automatically turn you into a good direction. You could even go at full speed
and let go of the joystick and see your worm bounce around the Arena!

@endnode

@Node "BGRAB" "Bomb Grab"
Bomb Grab....

If you have the Bomb Grab, anyone who crashes into you with a Bomb will
simply pass the Bomb onto you!!! If you have a Deflector then you will
deflect the Bomb instead. Once Deflectors are used up the Bomb Grab will
come into effect.

@endnode

@Node "SGRAB" "Stun Grab"
Stun Grab....

If you have the Stun Grab, anyone who crashes into you with a Stunner will
simply pass the Stunner onto you!!! Not all that useful but it makes a
nice simple and cheap Stun Shield.

@endnode

@Node "LOAN" "Loan Page"

@{u}The Loan System@{uu}

One very useful feature is the Loan Feature...

It's not available on the first game but after one game you will be able
to use it but be careful because an early loan can cause trouble if you
can't pay it back!!!

At the top of the loan page you will see your current Maximum Credit figure.
This Max Loan figure depends upon how careful you have been and how much
money you have been collecting. Someone who has been collecting loads of
money will have a better credit rate! But when that person has a bad game
it will give him something to fall back on after a bad game....

There is also a small amount of Max loan that depends on how many games are
left so even if you pick up nothing in the first game you will be able to
take out a small loan.

There is interest on the loans (20%) so if you loan $1000 you will have to pay
back $1200. The money will be taken out of your funds after the Statistics
Screen. If you are playing in a team then the loan will be payed back after
the money is split.

The loan feature means that for the first time it is possible to finish the
game with less than $0!!! when this happens your rating will be affected so
remember that the League is sorted on the Rate (Not the Points!).

When you take a loan out and you buy some shop items you might be left
with some unspent loan. This will be payed back without interest when you
select the OK Button.

Be careful when you take out Loans. Don't take one out just because you can't
do without a Constant Speed or an Extra Life. Remember that a Constant Speed
is not as useful if you haven't got any Speed to go with it! So try not to take
out loans in the second game if you can do without! 

@endnode



@NODE "RATE" "The Rating System"

@{u}The Rating System@{uu}

At the end of the league the winner is the player with the highest Rating.
This is usually the player with the most points but it does take into account
other factors.

The rating system gives a fair rate for how well you have played on a whole
and was added to the game for the Hi-Score table which will save to disk after
each league.

The Rate takes into account:-

     No. of 'Killable' Players i.e. not in your own team!
     Money. 
     Points.
     Learner Players loose some Rating.

@endnode




@NODE "FUTURE" "Future Sneech"

@{u}Future Sneech@{uu}

Sneech (as we know it) has reached the end of development. I must refer to
it as "Classic Sneech" because there will be a Sneech II developed in the
near future. I hope to rewrite the game with full portability which will
allow for versions on Amiga, Win32 and other systems. This will be a step
towards my dream of Internet Tournament Sneech Games.

Before Classic Sneech came to an end I was left with a list of suggestions
for extra features. Many of these features are still interesting and I
will list them here as possible inclusion for Sneech II.

    Moving Blockers!
    Choose Arena's to play....
    Tunnels of varying shapes lengths and widths where you need
    to do a bit of guess work to get through. Maybe some extra points
    for anyone brave enough to pass through!
    More Top 20's (or link to Internet based 'World' top Scores)
    More Viruses i.e. (Time Bomb!) (Drunken!) (Fast Slow Fast Slow!)
    Some more Shop items. (The Shop system needs a total redesign)
    Possible Betting Section of the Shop.
    Land Mines!!
    Different Game Types Inc. (Back To Basics)(Full On!)(Gold,Silver,Bronze)
    Other Options, First & Second Half where killed players are brought back.
    Massive Leagues where 2-8 play at once and so on...... 
    More Free Items...
    Extra Statistics Inc. Cause of Death!

Plenty of other things too....

@{u}Here are a few of the people who have given ideas@{uu}

@{i}(In NO particular order)@{ui}
@{b}
Duncan Campbell,      Bournemouth
Jonathan Rowe,        Pontefract
Simon Peck,           Dyfed
Paul Branney,         Angus
Roger J Hanson,       Bury
Ray Smith,            Fife
A. Pink.              Hants
R.K.Withers,          Hayle
Graham Wood,          Powys
Ian Croucher,         Essex
A. Stevens,           Berkshire
Bruce Seaton,         Dunstable
Paul Bevan,           Basildon
Ramon Nolan,          Chorley
Tony Haley,           Essex
Peter Oliver,         West Midlands
Nicholas Cowley,      Devon
Stephen Atkins,       West Midlands
Eddie Cousins,        Inverness
Crispian Cousins,     Sutherland
Paul McCarville,      Glasgow
David Kennedy,        Wigan
Marcus Pope,          Kettering
Peter.F.Sydell,       Margate
Hatstand!,            Dunstable
Ashley & Lee Atkins,  Oswaldtwistle
Christos Batzios,     GREECE
Dimitri Schoolwerth,  THE NETHERLANDS
Dan Andersson,        SWEDEN
Mattias Frannfors,    SWEDEN
Aaron Molloy,         Kent
Duncan Shaw,          AUSTRALIA
James Marsh,          Essex
Neil Hutchison,	      Stirling
The Judd Family,      Norwich
Glenn Jones,          Eastleigh
Marco  Antonio,	      PORTUGAL
Shane Hadfield,       Sheffield

@Endnode




@Node "HI" "The Hi-Score Table"

The Hi-Score Hall Of Fame

At the end of a League you might have gained a big enough @{"Rating" Link "RATE"} to gain a
place on the Hi-Score Table. Unlike other Hi-Score Tables each name is only
allowed to appear once. It is used to record each players Highest Rate.

New from V1.4 the screen also shows,

The Best Speed points in a game.
The Best Size points in a game.
The most money collected or won in a game. Not including Interest!
The most Kill and Damage points in a single game.

@endnode



@Node "SAVEGAME" "Saving & Loading A League"

@{u}Saving & Loading Old Games@{uu}

Sometimes you might want to play a long league or you might have to stop 
playing for a while. In these cases you can now Save the League at the League Table 
Screen. It Saves all the players current Scores, Money and Weapons etc. As well
as the current game settings like Games Per League, Game Time, Auto Size etc.

The Old game can be loaded at the Main Title/Menu Screen by selecting button 'L'

If there is an Old Saved Game it will load it in replacing the current Settings
and Player Names, Colours and Controls as well as the current Game Options.

When you load and continue with an Old Saved game, that Game will cease to be 
an Old Saved game so in other words if you were to complete the league you 
wouldn't be able to Continue again from that saved position.

@{u}Safe Game Backups@{uu}

If you are ever playing a game and there's a power cut or the game crashes?
If this happens you will be able to reload the game and carry on with the
league by loading the Old Saved Game. Sneech will automatically save the game
before a Crash or power cut! 

I hope this will please those people who like to play long games. You can feel
safe knowing that the league can be continued if any problems arise!
@endnode



@NODE "ADAPTOR" "Joystick Adaptor Info"

@{u}Adaptor Information@{uu}

If you have a joystick adaptor the you should be able to use it with this
game. I've never had an adaptor and have never seen one before. I'm sure
you could get one by mail-order if you asked around a bit.

Here are the instructions for making one, as sent to me by, Peter Oliver,
Dudley, West Midlands. Although we have both used this method ourselves and
have had no problems I won't be held responsible for loss of data or Computer
faults brought about by using these instructions. Please follow these
instructions at your own risk!

      Buy 2 x 9 pin (male) plugs for the joysticks.
      Buy 1  25 pin (male) for the parallel port.
      And some connection wire!!!

      The pins connect like this...     

      Parallel,  Joy 3,  Joy 4
         2        1       
         3        2
         4        3
         5        4
         6                1
         7                2
         8                3
         9                4
         11               6
         13       6
         18       8
         19               8

On some games the joy 3 and joy 4 will be different.

If your interested in reading the Joystick adaptor using a program of your own
then here's how to do it.

    Peek($BFE101) Gives you All the Directions.

    AMOS Basic Example...

    If Btst(0,Peek($BFE101))=0 Then...... First Joy Movements
    If Btst(1,Peek($BFE101))=0 Then......
    If Btst(2,Peek($BFE101))=0 Then......
    If Btst(3,Peek($BFE101))=0 Then......

    If Btst(4,Peek($BFE101))=0 Then...... Second Joy Movements
    If Btst(5,Peek($BFE101))=0 Then......
    If Btst(6,Peek($BFE101))=0 Then......
    If Btst(7,Peek($BFE101))=0 Then......

    A bit set to Zero means movement whilst a 1 means no movement....
 
Now for the fire button:-

    Peek($BFD014) Gives Both Fire Buttons.

    AMOS Basic Example...

    If Btst(1,Peek($BFD014))=0 Then F1=True Else F1=False
    If Btst(4,Peek($BFD014))=0 Then F2=True Else F2=False

Sorry if any of this in incorrect but the addresses are perfect so you can
mess about with testing different bits if it doesn't work!!!!

Thanks to Ian Croucher for giving me this info. Thanks to Graham Wood for
sending me an adaptor so that I could get it working perfectly. If it wasn't
for Ian, Peter and Graham the 6 player mode still wouldn't be finished!!

@endnode



@NODE "CONTACT" "My Contact Address"

    My *NEW* postal address is:-

    Paul Burkey
    26D Western Drive
    Liverpool
    L19 0LX

    Email: burkey@bigfoot.com
	
    The postal address should be valid for quite some time. If I change address
    in the future I will update this message and place a notification on the
    Sneech Homepage. Feel free to contact me by email if you wish to validate
    any of this information. 

    I always appreciate registrations, gifts and friendly mail!

@endnode
