AUTOmatix 3D
                            ================
                              Version 0.02
                                  Demo

 CONTENTS
----------

About This Game
Compatiblity
Controls
Planned Features
Implementation of the game
Frequently Questioned Answers
Special Thanks
Disclaimer
Feedback


 About This Game
-----------------

AUTOmatix 3D is a fast car racing game with a 3D-like perspective.  In
the current version, the goal is to cross the finish line in the least
time possible.  The time, in program cycles, will be displayed at the
end of the game.  If you miss the line, or quit manually, a "Race Over"
message will be displayed.  There are no other cars yet, and few other
objects, but they will be added.  However, if you hit the grass area on
the left or right side of the road even with only one wheel, you slow
down a lot.


 Compatiblity
--------------

Thanks to the great work of Zeljko Juric on his TIGCC Library, this
game should work on any calculator with any AMS version; no shell is
required.  Please tell me immediately if you have a combination that
does not work.


 Controls
----------

In the final version, the keys will be selectable.  For now, they are
fixed as follows:

 Key              | Meaning
------------------+----------------------------
 Left/Right Arrow | Turn left/right
 2nd              | Accelerate
 Diamond          | Brake
 Esc              | Quit

It is easier to steer if you step off the gas during curves.


 Planned Features
------------------

Don't take this version too seriously; there is a lot more to come.
The game will be a real car racing game, with 20 other cars.  A
multiplayer mode will also be available; either on the same calculator
or with a link cable connection (although I'm not sure that's possible
speedwise).  The final version will also feature a level selection menu
for levels that can be created with an external editor.  A background
image will be shown at the horizon.  Tracks will be either round or one
long line.  You will have two different perspectives; one from inside
the car and the current one.  There will be a TI-92 Plus version of the
game.  Controls will be selectable, as mentioned earlier.  Highscores
for laps will be included in each racing track.  Basic sound may be
included at a later stage.

To sum all this up, when version 1.0 comes out, you should definitely
download it again and have a look at it:  You will be very pleasantly
surprised.


 Implementation of the game
----------------------------

This game has been programmed in C, using TIGCC by Jean Canazzi,
Xavier Vassor, and Niklas Brunlid (and me), TIGCCLIB by Zeljko Juric,
and of course the TIGCC IDE, which I programmed myself.  Sources to
this game are available for public use.

The 3D routines I use are the ones used by the game Lotus Turbo
Challenge, but I figured them out by myself.  They are not at all hard
to implement, and offer a good 3D perspective using only horizontal
lines (which, too, are relatively easy to program).  With a little bit
of optimization, these routines should be really fast.  If anyone wants
an explanation about how these routines work, I'll be glad to offer
help.


 Frequently Questioned Answers
-------------------------------

Yes, there are a lot of hills, but only one curve.
Yes, you can make that curve.
No, you won't see any other cars.
Yes, it slows you down a lot if you go off the road.
Yes, the time is only a number that doesn't tell you anything.
No, there is no intro.


 Special Thanks
----------------

Special thanks to...
- Thomas Nussbaumer, for helping me optimize parts of my code
- Jean Canazzi, Xavier Vassor, and Niklas Brunlid, for TIGCC
- Zeljko Juric, for TIGCCLIB, and the great documentation for it
- Rusty Wagner, for VTI
- Everyone who uses this game and finds a bug in it
- Everyone who uses this game and enjoys it
- Everyone who uses this game and doesn't enjoy it, but still plays it
- Anybody I forgot


 Disclaimer
------------

I cannot be held responsible for anything that happens to your
calculator, computer, or other device, even if it results directly from
the usage of this game.  This game comes with absolutely no warranty,
but in the hope that it works and provides an entertaining experience.
I am not responsible either for any loss of data resulting from the
usage of this game.


 Feedback
----------

Please send any comments, bug reports, ideas, questions, and whatever
else you have on your mind, to SebastianR@gmx.de.

Have fun!

Sebastian Reichelt