Crystal Stacker (c) 2000 T^3 Software
-------------------------------------

    Info

        Crystal stacker is a game based on the classic puzzler Columns.
        The object of the game is to match 3 of the same color either
        up/down, left/right, or diagonally by dropping the falling
        stack in a good location.  Every 45 blocks you destroy makes
        the level increase.  The higher the level the faster the blocks
        fall and the more points you are awarded for matches.


    Requirements

        A 486 or higher PC.
        VGA or better graphics card.
        MS-DOS compatible operating system (DOS/Win9x).
        Mouse (if you want to be able to use themes).


    Also supports

        Sound Blaster or compatible sound card, Gravis Ultrasound, and
        Soundscape audio cards.


    1 Player Modes

        Classic

            Just try to get the highest score.  The game ends when your
            stack reaches the top of the screen.

        Destroyer

            Choose how many blocks you want to destroy and see how fast
            you can do it.  The game ends when the specified number of
            blocks are destroyed.

        Frenzy

            Set your time limit and see how many points you can rack up
            before time runs out.


    2 Player Modes

        Info

            Each of the modes described can be played in normal or
            battle mode.  Normal mode lets you play without combo
            attacks.  Battle mode lets you play with combo attacks.  If
            you get a big enough combo you can make things happen to
            the other player.

        Top Score

            Play until both players top out.  The player with the
            highest score at the end wins.

        Last Out

            Play until one player tops out.  The other player is the
            winner.

        Destroyer

            Play until one player destroys the specified number of
            blocks.  That player is the winner.


    Options

        Info

            This game includes a few options to make your gaming
            experience better.

        Audio

            Sound Volume

                Change the volume of sound effects.

            Music Volume

                Change the volume of the music.

            Sound Quality

                Choose how good the sound quality is.  If you have a
                slow PC choose a lower quality to help make the game
                run faster.  If you have a faster system you can choose
                higher quality sound.

            Sound Mode

                Choose mono, stereo, or reverse stereo sound.  If you
                have a slower PC you might want to select mono.  Use
                reverse stereo if sound panning if opposite of what
                it's supposed to be.

        Game

            Wild Card

                Choose whether or not you want wild card blocks to be
                generated.

            Control

                Choose normal or opposite controls.  Use if you want to
                swap rotate up and rotate down buttons.

        Graphics

            Special Effects

                Toggle the "3D" block effect.  Turn this off if you
                have a slow PC.

            Transitions

                Toggle the smooth scrolling effect between some of the
                menu screens.

            Vertical Sync

                Turning this off might make the game run a little
                faster on a slow PC.

        Themes

            Themes are used to give a new look to the game.  They can
            be loaded from the options menu.  New themes can be
            downloaded from our web site or you can create new themes
            with the editor.


    Command Line Arguments

        -v:         Display the current version number

        -nosound:   Disable sound support


    Contacting Us

        If you have general questions about our programs or anything
        else you can contact us via e-mail.  Please report any bugs you
        find in our software as well.  Please visit our web site for
        for our latest updates and releases.

        E-mail Address

            apoc1997@apex.net

        Web Address

            http://www.apex.net/users/apoc1997


    Credits

        Game Idea

            The creator of the original Columns game.

        Inspiration

            God
            Family
            Friends

        Support and Encouragement

            Terry Cope
            Travis Cope

        Game Design

            Todd Cope

        Programming

            Todd Cope

        Graphics

            Travis Cope
            Todd Cope

        Music and Sound

            Todd Cope

        Music/Sound Engine

            Jean-Paul Mikkers

        Sound Tools

            FM Dreams
            GoldWave
            Fasttracker 2

        Graphics Tools

            Neopaint

        Graphics Routines

            Everyone who helped make Allegro

        Programming Tools

            DJGPP
            WDOSX
            Microsoft Edit

        Other Tools

            T^3 Append
            PowerArchiver 2000

        Game Testing

            Todd Cope
            Travis Cope
            Alex Cope
            Terry Cope
            Greg Brotzge
            Jason May
