1.12.1993
Patuman version 3.11
PREFACE
Patuman is a brilliant Pacman-like graphical action game for Windows. You
need at least AT 286 (or better) and a display with resolution 640 x 480
(VGA or better). Some applications running in background mode may slow down
the Patuman.
IMPROVEMENTS AND CORRECTIONS AFTER THE LAST ISSUED VERSION (2.4)
As you notice the new version number has made a major leap from 2.4 to 3.11.
WHY?
- The size of the moving characters is now 36x36 pixels compared to
previous 22x22. Advanced Windows users know that 5 simultaniously
moving objects of this size mostly look like blinking snails - even in
applications promising fast animation. HOWEVER, the experienced
Patuman Team has once again made the impossible - also in "slow" machines
the Patuman speed is reasonable.
- The intelligence of the monsters has once again been improved - they now have
an IQ of 76 (beating most politicians)
- The Hero is now also moving his head towards you next direction, which
makes it easier to follow his movements. A starting animation sequence has
been added to give you time to check the next labyrinth. Also some other
animation effects have been included.
- The functionality and the design of the control dialog has been improved.
The "Efficiency" parameter has been added to the control dialog to indicate
your monster-eating ability. The "Play time" indicates the time used for
each game. The "Test always" radio button allows you game to estimate the
correct delay in the beginning of each session. The "Use saved delay" radio
button uses the previously saved delay instead of testing before each
session. However, the game only saves its parameters after the game is
finshed. So, if you end the program in the middle of the game, the parameters
will not be stored.
- In local networks you can choose a common directory as the working directory
of Patuman via the Program manager's File Properties.. utility. Then all the
players which have access to that directory can use the same score table to
make the game more challenging, since the score table handler can deal with
multiple users. If the users have different machines, it is convenient to
select the "Test always" radio button from the control dialog.
- All old bugs have been removed (we think). This version has gone through an
extensive beta testing period. Three associates of the programming team have
reportedly spent more than 3 hours playing every day during a testing period
of four months to ensure the quality of the game. (87 020 points seems to be
the world record!)
- Registered users of earlier Patuman version can get the registration code for
this version for only 2$.
REGISTERING
We are still (very very very) poor students and we have spent a lot of time
programming and lost all our (very very very) little savings, our dog and our
girls buying our software developement kit, so we made this version of Patuman
a shareware program. This version is for evaluation purpose only, and when you
find it amusing (or useful),you can register it by sending us following register
form including $10 cash (or 15 DM or 50 Skr 40 FIM). If you send $20 (or more),
you will receive our next version when it is issued.
It is (very very) important to fill the register form carefully. Please include
an envelope with your address on it to speed up delivery.
REGISTER FORM FOR PATUMAN 3.11
NAME: FIRST LAST
_________________________________________________
STREET ADDRESS
_________________________________________________
TOWN ZIP
_________________________________________________
COUNTRY
_________________________________________________
Please send the register form to:
Mr. Patuman
Ristolantie 1 A 2
00300 Helsinki
Finland
You may freely copy and distribute it, but NO fee beyond normal media,
duplication, and shipping costs may be charged.
We make NO warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but
not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitnes for
a pacticular purpose. In NO event shall we be liable for any errors
contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection
with the furnishing, performance, or use of this documentation.
RULES
You are Patuman (the yellow guy) and duty is to collect all the pills in the
labyrint. When you have eaten all the pills, you will enter another level and
slightly different labyrint.
Patuman adjusts the speed automatically. You can change the default speed
and the sound setting from the control dialog ( which you can access by
clicking the 'eye' or by pressing the c-key).
You use the arrow keys to move Patuman around in the labyrint. The Monsters,
bad guys, will try to eat you. In every screen there are also four bigger
pills. When you eat one of the bigger pills the Monsters will turn pale
(white) and you will be able to eat them. Eating one monster gives you 200
points. The second monster during same pill session will give 400 points.
The third will give 800 and the fourth 1600 points. So its very profitable
to eat as many monsters as possible. After a few moments Monsters will change
the color again and they will begin to hunt you again. Time to time different
objects will appear in the labyrint. Eating them will give you some extra
points.
You can pause the game by pressing left mouse button anywhere within window
area. Press then SPACE to continue the game. By pressing the Ctrl-key, the game
will immediately minimize to an icon. (might be a useful feature)
CONTROLS
Control window is accessed by pressing the "eye" just below the area where
the points are or by pressing the c-key. In some machines it is not possible
to count the starting speed accurately, so you can change it manually with
the scroll bar in the control window. There is also Default button, which
returns the speed back to initial setting. You can also restart the game
whenever you want by pressing Restart button. Scores button allows you to
view the high score table during the game.The "Efficiency" parameter indicates
your monster-eating ability. The "Play time" indicates the time used for
each game. The "Test always" radio button allows you game to estimate the
correct delay in the beginning of each session. The "Use saved delay" radio
button uses the previously saved delay instead of testing before each
session. However, the game only saves its parameters after the game is
finshed. So, if you end the program in the middle of the game, the parameters
will not be stored.