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METAL GRIND (Version 1.0)
(c)1992 Neale Davidson   
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 Requirements 

        This game requires both a VGA card capable of supporting
        320*200*256 mode and Soundblaster or Soundblaster Pro 
        card. If you do not have one or either of these required 
        items, then BUY THEM! Both of these products are the 
        current industry standards, most products generally 
        require (or at least suggest) these things anyway. 
        Besides, VGA and Soundblaster make an AWESOME 
        combination.


 Objective 

        The objective of the game is to destroy both the Metal
        Grind construction computer and the Metal Grind Prototype
        which appear near the end of the game. Of course, Kill
        Daffy has hired an army to stop you, so don't think that
        it will be easy.


 The Screen 

        The screen is broken into three windows. The playing 
        window (upper-left corner) displays the locations around
        the player.

        The inventory window displays the player's life and
        the equipment is is carrying and what is readied.

        The bottom window is reserved for messages and will 
        display LOTS of pertainent information for the player.

        The life bar is very important. When it is completely 
        red, the player is in exquisite shape. When it is 
        completely grey, he is about to die. Med Kits will
        regenerate the life bar.


 Commands 

        'G' : A very important command, this enables the person
              to get the item he is currently standing on.
        'U' : The USE command will allow use of key-disks, ready
              weapons and helmets, use radio and medkits. Again,
              a very important command to keep in mind.
        'O' : This command will open unlocked doors.
        'F' : This command will fire the "Geared" range weapon
              in the direction asked for. Most weapons fired
              in this manner will lower a person's ammunition.
        'S' : This command will stab an opponent in the direction
              asked for. This is use the hand-to-hand weapon
              currently readied in the "Geared" section of the
              screen.
        'L' : This command will allow the player to look in the
              backs of trucks for gear and supplies. The player
              must be in the rear of the truck for this command
              to work.
        'T' : Talk. This command will allow the player to talk to
              the person he indicates.
        'Alt-S' : Save game in progress. Remember, there can only
              be one saved game at a time. (You can get around 
              this by copying the sav1.gam and save1.gam files
              for back-ups.)
        'Space' : Pass one round.
        'Q' : Quit the game. The computer will ask to save once
              this has been pressed.
        Arrow Keys : These are used for moving around, be it the
              player, the item-use cursor, or the game options
              box. NUM-LOCK should be on.


 Hints and Hint Guide 

        Hints can be offered by writing to me and asking for a
        Hint-Guide. I've tried to make the game as 
        straight-forward as possible, but there are some things
        which will baffle players.


 Designer's Notes 

        This game began, basically, as a cross between the 
        engines for Grunt and King Tut. The result was a mix
        between the World-scrolling and inter-action provided
        in Grunt with the arcade routines in King Tut. The
        result became Metal Grind.

        Metal Grind is the first of three or more games using
        this interface. The first game was to design the 
        interface, how things could be used, and the basic
        combat routines. There is SOME role-playing, but the
        game emphasizes action more.

        The next game, Metal Grind : The Jade Dragon, will
        use more interaction and will use the keyword driven
        conversations found in the Ultima series. The combat
        will run a bit more like an RPG than this one. In all,
        Metal Grind ][ looks to be much better over this version.

        I would like to thank Dan Lawrence and Steve Ames for 
        their advice in code optimization. With their help this
        game's speed has dramatically improved. I would also like
        to thank my wife for putting up with me showing this off
        to her, and my daughter for not being quite as fussy as I
        thought she'd be.


 Registration 

        Registration of Metal Grind I is only $5.00, an 
        exceptionally cheap price even for shareware. Registered
        versions of Metal Grind allow for multiple saved games,
        and includes a free copy of Metal Grind ][ as soon as it
        is available.

        I could go into the long speil about how shareware 
        programmers deserve your money because of this and their 
        dog just died and et cetera, but I don't think that 
        that's neccessary. Registration fees are good, so long as 
        they're not required for the enjoyment of the game. 
        Basically, I'm only asking for money enough to handle 
        mailing a copy of Metal Grind ][ (and a bit extra for 
        coffee and a donut while programming Metal Grind ]I[ or 
        another such game).

        I would like to hear from players telling me what they 
        liked or disliked about this game, and what suggesstions
        they have for future product. It is encouraging to hear
        support for one's work.


 Problems? 

        Of course, not all games are perfect, something may have
        actually been missed and some glitch may be found. Simply 
        write to me and tell me the complaint and I'll send a 
        new, fixed version, of this program to you directly.

        Remember : Suggestions are always welcome!

        Send any letters about Metal Grind to
             Neale Davidson
             142-10 Halsey Drive
             West Lafayette IN 47906

