----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interplay Productions Tech Support: 714-553-6678 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Non-Tech Support Questions/Comments send e-mail to max@interplay.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- M.A.X. RELEASE NOTES FOR INTERACTIVE DEMO v1.0 THIS DEMO IS FREELY DISTRIBUTABLE FOR NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES see section 7 for full details TABLE of CONTENTS 1. PLAYING M.A.X. a. System Requirements b. Installation & Setup c. M.A.X. under Win95 d. Quick Start Instructions e. Keyboard Reference f. Advanced Keyboard Commands g. New Features 2. NETWORK 3. SCREENSHOTS 4. TROUBLESHOOTING 5. TECHNICAL SUPPORT 6. CREDITS 7. DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Playing M.A.X. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1a. System Requirements REQUIRED: - IBM PC compatible 486-66 or faster - 8 MB RAM - DOS 5.0 or later - Microsoft compatible mouse - Minimum 20 Megs Hard Drive Space for Minimum Installation - Minimum 12 Megs Hard Drive Space free for Virtual Memory RECOMMENDED: - Pentium processor - 16 MB RAM - stereo 16-bit soundcard - 20 Megs Hard Drive Space free for Virtual Memory SUPPORTS: - Sound cards: Soundblaster Pro/16/AWE32/compatibles, ProAudio Spectrum Plus/16/Studio, Gravis Ultrasound/Max. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1b. Installation & Setup ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- WEB/BBS VERSION INSTALLATION: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you received your copy of the M.A.X. demo as a ZIP file from the WEB or off a BBS, use the following instructions to set up M.A.X. on your computer: Unzip the Max Demo into a new directory (folder) and then type: SETUP The Sound Card Setup Program will then run. Follow the prompts to configure your sound device(s). Be sure you test the sound and music! If the soundcard settings are incorrect, M.A.X. may not work properly. To start M.A.X. type: MAX We highly recommend playing the provided Training Missions to quickly become acquainted with some of the game's major features. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- CD DEMO VERSION: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you received your copy of the M.A.X. demo on a CD, use the following instructions to set up M.A.X. on your computer: Place the M.A.X demo disk in your CD-ROM drive and then switch to that drive and type "Install." Example: D: (insert the letter of your CD ROM drive if other that D: INSTALL The Installer will then install the M.A.X. Demo files. It will then run SETUP to allow you to configure your sound card. To change soundcard configuration at any time, you can also type: SETUP from the DOS prompt to restart the SETUP program. Follow the prompts to configure your sound device(s). Be sure you test the sound and music! If soundcard settings are incorrect, M.A.X. may not work properly. To start M.A.X. type: MAX We highly recommend playing the provided Training Missions to quickly become acquainted with some of the game's major features. Note: If you use the Minimum or Medium Install, the M.A.X. sound files will not be copied off the CD to your hard drive. This may slow down game play on some systems. If you experience this problem, go to the Preferences Menu and turn the Music Volume down to its lowest position. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1c. M.A.X. under Win95 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- M.A.X. will run under Win95, and may been installed Windows by using the autorun feature. If your computer is set up to use the autorun feature, simply insert the MAX CD into your CD drive, and the Max install program will start automatically. Multitasking, Screen Savers, or simply switching back to Windows while M.A.X. is running can cause M.A.X. to lock up on some systems. It is recommended that you exit M.A.X. before switching back into Windows if you experience this problem. If you must switch back into Windows while M.A.X. is running, be sure to pause the game first. If you experience problems running any of the M.A.X. movies, check the Windows 95 CD ROM settings. If these are not correct for your CD-ROM the M.A.X. movies may skip or have other difficulties. Your CD-ROM settings may be changed by clicking on the START button, selecting SETTINGS, and then selecting CONTROL PANEL. From the Control Panel select the SYSTEM icon. From the System Menu, select PERFORMANCE. Then click on FILE SYSTEM Button. From the FILE SYSTEM select the CD Tab. Insure that the information displayed on the CD Tab is correct for your system. If you are experiencing any other problems running M.A.X. under Win95 (sound, netgame difficulties, etc.) try running M.A.X in DOS mode. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1d. Quick Start Intructions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to M.A.X. (Mechanized Attack and Exploration). In M.A.X. you play a Mech Commander, a robotic unit with a human brain. Attached directly to the computer in this way, you command a great variety of fighting vehicles, construction equipment, factories and other stuctures which you use to colonize new worlds. The game can be played in standard "Turn Based" mode, or Concurrent mode, in which players take their turns simultaneously as in a real time game. The Game Clock works somewhat like a chess timer. The default turn time is 180 seconds, or 3 minutes. The default secondary time is 45 seconds. In concurrent mode, when one player clicks the End Turn button, the clock drops to the secondary time to allow the other player(s) to finish their turns. The first player to select End Turn may still move and perform all other game functions until all players have finished their turn. Each player selects a Clan to fight for. Each Clan provides the player with bonus upgrades to various types of units. Choose your Clan carefully to maximize the effectiveness of your strategy. Following is a brief outline of the major elements in M.A.X.: HELP: There are two forms of help in M.A.X., RIGHT CLICK HELP, and "Question Mark" help. Right Click Help: To obtain Help on any unit or structure, simply right click on it to open the Stat Screen. Basic Unit information and unit stats will be displayed. Question Mark Help: On most menu screens you'll find a button labeled with a question mark. Click on this button to activate help: the mouse cursor will change into a question mark. Now click on any item on the screen and a help message will appear, explaining the basic function of the item. COMMAND BUTTONS Every unit and structure in M.A.X. has its own set of command buttons. To access the command buttons on an unselected unit, click on the unit once to select it, then click on it again to open its command buttons. To open the command buttons on a structure, simply click once on the structure. See section 1e. for a listing of keyboard commands. MAJOR GAME ELEMENTS: Mining Stations - Mining Stations are used to obtain Raw Materials, Fuel, and Gold. Raw Materials are used to build new units and structures. Fuel is used to support power plants, and gold, once refined, is used to purchase upgrades for your units. Mining Stations and Storage Units (see below) can TRANSFER materials to other units, such as Constructors and Engineers. Power Plants - Power Plants burn fuel to create power for your factories, mining stations, and some other types of structures such as refineries and eco-spheres. There are two types of power plant, Power Generators and Power Stations. Power Generators use (2) fuel per turn and can power one mining station, factory, or other structure. Power Stations use (5) fuel per turn, and can power three structures. Power Stations are not available in the Demo version. Always plan your complex carefully to avoid building delays due to power shortages. Connectors - Connectors are built by Engineers and are used to attach structures together so they can receive Power and/or Materials. Any unconnected building cannot receive power, and so will not be operational until it is connected. In addition, stationary guns cannot be reloaded unless connected to a source of Materials. Always plan your complex carefully to avoid building delays due to lack of connections. Surveyors: Surveyors are used to scan the planet surface for deposits of Raw Materials, Fuel and Gold, in preparation for the construction of additional mining stations. When the surveyor locates a deposit, it marks the area with a color coded disk displaying the type and amount of resources at that site. Color Codes: Grey Marker = Material Reserve Green Marker = Fuel Reserve Gold Marker = Gold Reserve Empty Circle = No Reserves Constructors - Constructors are mobile builders that use Materials to create all the large structures in the game. Constructors can build: Mining Stations Power Stations * Light Vehicle Plant Heavy Vehicle Plant Air Units Plant * Shipyard * Gold Refinery * Depot Hangar * Dock * Habitat * Research Center * Eco-Sphere * Training Hall * Barracks * * Not available in Demo Version To operate, click on a constructor to select it, and then click again to open the Constructor's Command Buttons. Next, click on the "BUILD" button. The Constructor Build Window will then open, allowing you to select the structure you wish to build. After making your selection, the Build Window will close, bringing you back to the Main Game Screen. Your Constructor will now display a square of caution tape around it, which you can move into the position you wish the new structure to be built. When the tape is properly placed, click inside the tape and building will begin. Transfer Materials from your Mining Station or Materials Storage Building to refill your Constructor. Engineers - Engineers are mobile builders that use Materials to construct smaller structures. Engineers can build: Material Storage Fuel Storage Gold Vault * Power Generator Connector Radar Gun Turret Anti-Air * Artillery Missile Launcher Landing Pad * Bridge Water Platform Concrete Block Road * Not available in Demo Version To operate an Enginner, move the Engineer into the position you wish to start building, and then click on it to open the Engineer's Command Buttons. Next, click on the "BUILD" button. The Engineer Build Window will then open, allowing you to select the structure you wish to build. After making your selection, the Build Window will close, bringing you back to the Main Game Screen. The Engineer will automatically start building the selected structure. Transfer Materials from your Mining Station or Materials Storage Building to refill your Engineer. Light Vehicle Plant - Light Vehicle Plants are built by Constructors. Light Vehicle Plants build: Scouts Surveyors Engineers Repair Units Supply Trucks Fuel Truck * Gold Truck * Mobile Anti-Air * Mine Layers Bulldozers Armored Personnel Carriers * * Not available in Demo Version To operate a Light Vehicle Plant, click on it to bring up the command buttons. Then, click on the "BUILD" button to open the Build Screen. Heavy Vehicle Plant - Heavy Vehicle Plants are built by Constructors. Heavy Vehicle Plants build: Constructors Mobile Scanners Tanks Assault Guns Rocket Launcher Missile Crawlers Depot - Depots are built by constructors and are used to repair and upgrade your mobile units. To use the depot, click on it to open its command buttons, then click on the "LOAD" button. Next, click on the units you wish to enter the depot. Each unit selected will then drive into depot. Once all the desired units have been loaded, click on the Depot again, and then click on the "ACTIVATE" button. The Depot window will open, displaying all the units currently being held within the Depot. On this screen you can choose to upgrade or repair your units. Once your units are ready, click on the "Activate" button to remove the selected units from the Depot. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1e. Keyboard Reference ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Following is the full keyboard command reference list for M.A.X. D Activates the DONE button for the selected unit. E Enter (used to Enter Depots, Hangars or Docks) F Find Selected Unit. Currently selected unit will be centered on screen. -,+ Zoom In, Out G Turns on Grid Display F1 Centers on Tagged Unit Arrow Keys: Scrolls the map ALT-L Opens the Load Game Menu ALT-S Opens the Save Game Menu ALT-X Exits the Game to the Main Menu ALT-F5, ALT-F6, ALT-F7, ALT-F8 Saves the current window position F5, F6, F7, F8 Jumps to a previously saved window position /,? Initiates HELP mode. The cursor changes to a question mark, clicking on screen items will display help text. ALT-C Saves a screen shot of the game in PCX format. Shift Hold the Shift key while selecting units to create groups. Space Bar, Enter or ESC cancels the self running demo. ENTER End Turn Shift-DONE Holding the shift key while clicking the DONE button on the M.A.X. control panel will cause all units to execute any outstanding orders. Shift-Click Test Path. If you are unsure about the path a unit will take when it is given a movement order, hold the SHIFT-KEY down while you click the mouse to give the MOVE order. The path the unit will take will then be displayed, but the unit will not move. Simply release the SHIFT key and click again if the path is satisfactory. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1f. Advanced Hot Keys -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Many commands can be given using the 0-9 keys on your keyboard. The function of these keys depend on the Unit that is currently selected. For instance, hitting the 1 key will activate the BUILD command when a Constructor is selected, but will issue the AUTO-SURVEY command if a Surveyor is selected. Hot keys for unit commands: Press 1 (or the first letter of the word) for these functions: ...Activate ...Allocate ...Auto-Survey ...Build ...Buy Upgrade ...Disable ...Place Mines ...Reload ...Repair ...Research Press 2 (or the first letter of the word) for these functions: ...Load ...Start ...Steal Press 3 (or the first letter of the word) for these functions: ...Attack ...Transfer Press 4 (or the first letter of the word) for the Manual function. Press 5 (or the first letter of the word) for these functions: ...Enter ...Upgrade Press 6 (or the first letter of the word) for the Upgrade All function. Press 7 (or the first letter of the word) for the Stop function. Press 8 (or the first letter of the word) for the Sentry function. Press 9 (or the first letter of the word) for the Done function. Press 0 (or the first letter of the word) for the Remove function. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1g) New Features -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shots Display: When the status button is clicked, units capable of firing may display small icons of a bullet along their path markers. These icons let you know how far the unit can move and still be able to fire a shot. Some units, like the Scout, can move all their movement for a turn and still be able to fire. Others, like the Missile Crawler, lose the ability to shoot in that turn if they move at all. Still other units, like the Tank and Assault Gun, can move a short distance and still be able to shoot in the same turn. The Shots Display can be used to gauge your firepower when advancing on the enemy. Halt when enemy sighted: By default, units will automatically stop when they see an enemy unit. This option can be changed in the PREFERENCES MENU. Auto Survey: An "AUTO" button has been added to the Surveyor Unit. When Auto is On, the Surveyor will automatically search the map for resources. Alien Units: Alien Units are sometimes found in the Campaign and Stand Alone Missions, and can optionally be added to Custom Games if desired. When first found, Alien units do not belong to any team, and must be captured by an Infiltrator before they can be used. (Alien Units and Infiltators are not available in the DEMO version.) Computer Opponent: The settings for Computer Player level affects only the intelligence and tactics of the computer opponent. In all other respects, it is not a standard difficulty level setting. (Some settings are not available in the DEMO version.) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. NETWORK PLAY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Netgame Requirements M.A.X. is designed to run on networks using the IPX protocol. To use IPX protocol on your LAN-connected PC, you must be loading the IPX.COM driver provided by Novell, in addition to lower-level drivers required by your particular brand of network card. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. SCREENSHOTS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Holding down the ALT key and pressing C will save a screenshot. The files are written to the M.A.X. directory with the name convention MAXxxxx.PCX (ex. MAX0001.PCX) The pictures are saved in .PCX format and can be viewed in most Windows and DOS based graphic and paint programs. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. TROUBLESHOOTING ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- . Multitasking, Screen Savers, or simply switching back to Windows while M.A.X. is running can cause M.A.X. to lock up on some systems. It is recommended that you exit M.A.X. before switching back into Windows if you experience this problem. If you are experiencing any other problems running M.A.X. under Win95 (sound, netgame difficulties, etc.) try running M.A.X in DOS mode. . If you use the Minimum or Medium Install, the M.A.X. sound files will not be copied off the CD to your hard drive. This may slow down game play on some systems. If you experience this problem, go to the Preferences Menu and turn the Music Volume down to its lowest position. . If you get an "Out of Environment Space" message when running M.A.X., add the following line to your CONFIG.SYS: shell=C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM /e:512 /p . The FILES statement in your CONFIG.SYS should read 25 or more: ex. FILES=25 . M.A.X. doesn't support some brands of Sound Cards. If you experience problems try running under Sound Blaster Emulation. . M.A.X. has a built-in check to ensure all network game stay in sync. If a game goes out of sync, a message will be displayed. At this point you will be given the option to Quit or Restart the game. Restarting should allow you to continue without further problems. However, if you continue to experience problems, select the QUIT option and reload the AUTO-SAVE game. . If you recieve a message stating "Not enough memory for buffers" you'll need to free up some disk space. M.A.X. makes use of Virtual Memory, and must have at least 12 megs of free disk space available for the Virtual Memory function to work properly. 20 megs free disk space is recommended. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. TECHNICAL SUPPORT ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you are experiencing problems, Interplay Technical Support is available 24 hours a day through our Automated Customer Service system, with human representatives available during normal business hours. Here's how to contact us: Interplay Technical Support & Customer Service º 714-553-6678 Please try to have your system information available and be near your computer if at all possible. Other ways to get help: Interplay Productions Interplay Web Page: http://www.interplay.com attn: Customer Service email: support@interplay.com 16815 Von Karman Avenue Interplay BBS: 714-252-2822 Irvine, CA 92606 America Online: keyword INTERPLAY or email to "IPTECH" GEnie: type "M805;1" CompuServe: GO GAMBPUB, under INTERPLAY Prodigy: email to "PLAY99B" In the UK, write to: INTERPLAY UK Interplay Productions, Ltd. Harleyford Manor Harleyford Henley Road Marlow Buckinghamshire SL7 2DX ENGLAND Main Office & Upsell lines: Customer Service: tel: +44 (0) 1628 423666 tel: +44 (0) 1628 423723 fax: +44 (0) 1628 423777 fax: +44 (0) 1628 487752 Japan: Customer Service via Electronic Arts Victor at: Japan Phone: 03.5410.3100 Japan FAX: 03.5410.3106 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. CREDITS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Project Leader: Ali Atabek Producers: Ali Atabek Paul Kellner Game Design: Ali Atabek Paul Kellner Gus Smedstad Lead Programmer: Dave Boulanger AI Design and Programming: Gus Smedstad Network Support: Dave Boulanger Bernie Weir Additional Programming: Darren Monahan 2D Artists: Tony Postma Arlene C. Somers 3D Artists: Chris Regalado Mark Bergo Arlene C. Somers Mike Dean Visual Concepts and Storyboards: Tony Postma Original World Design: Cheryl Austin World Creation: Arlene C. Somers Head Writer: Steve Perrin Writers: Paul Kellner Amy Mitchell Laura Mitchell Editor: Kelly Newcomb Manual Design: Patrizia Scharli Box Cover Design: Tony Postma Director Of Quality Assurance: Chad Allison Assistant Director of Quality Assurance: Colin Totman Lead Tester: Cory Nelson Testers: Amy Mitchell Chris Peak Quinn Summers Tony Bland Doug Avery Steve McLafferty Erick Lujan Steve Victory James Dunn Henry Kahng Bill Field Steve Reed John Stavros Steve Baldoni Richard Barker Jon Atabek Larry Smith Scot Humphreys Daniel Huffman Charles Crail Rene Hakiki Anthony Taylor I.S. Technicians: Bill Delk Aaron J. Meyers Director of Compatibility: John Werner Compatibility Technicians: Dan Forsyth John Parker Aaron Olaiz Derek Gibbs Phuong Nguyen Marc Duran Video Compression and Playback Technology: Paul Allen Edelstein Video Compression: Bill Stoudt Audio Director: Charles Deenan Game Music: Brian Luzietti Voices: Nicole Pelerine Brian Cummings VO Director: Charles Deenan VO Supervision: Chris Borders VO Mastering: Craig Duman VO Editing: Sergio Bustamante Craig Duman Chris Borders Doug Rappaport Music Mastering: Digital Brothers Gameplay Sound Effects: Gregory R. Allen Larry Peacock Sound Effects Mastering: Craig Duman Intro Movie: James Doyle, Apples Animation Cinematics Music: Albert Lloyd Olsen for Four Bars Entertainment Cinematics Sound Design: David Farmer Cinematics Mixers: Ken Teaney Marshall Garlington Cinematics Sound Supervision: Charles Deenen Cinematics Ambient Voices: Doug Rappaport Cinematic Voice Processing: Doug Rappaport Sergio Bustamante Mixed in Dolby Surround at EFX Systems, Burbank, CA. QA Cell Leader (Europe): David Kinsella Testers (Europe): Daniel Kingdom Ben Pettifer Gareth Glover Mark Lugli Game Guru (Europe): Shaun Devine. Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Thanks to Tim Cain for GNW, Jay Patel for Technical Assistance, Newtek, Inc. for Lightwave 3D, Sanjay Bala-Krishnan for his support, and James Thomas for Story Elements and assorted inspirations M.A.X. is Dedicated to the memory of Amanda Froistad. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- See Software License below for specific distribution information on the M.A.X. Interactive Demo. The M.A.X. INTERACTIVE DEMO (as well as current updates) can be found at the following locations: Interplay web page: http://www.interplay.com - Interplay BBS: 714-252-2822 - CompuServe: GO GAMBPUB, under INTERPLAY - America Online: keyword: INTERPLAY - Software Creations BBS: 508-368-4137 or telnet to swcbbs.com - Redeye BBS: +49.89.5460535, Munich, Germany - some Internet sites to check: (please notify us with site changes) ftp.funet.fi in /pub/msdos/games/interplay bell.ecs.soton.ac.uk in /pub/pc/games/demos ftp.uml.edu in /msdos/games/temp ftp.demon.co.uk in /pub/ibmpc/games/misc ftp.leo.org in /pub/comp/platforms/pc/games In the UK, write to: Customer Support UK telephone: +44 (0) 1628 423723 Harleyford Manor UK FAX: +44 (0) 1628 487752 Harleyford Henley Road Marlow Buckinghamshire SL72DX England Japan: Customer Service via Electronic Arts Victor at: Japan Phone: 03.5421.3815 Japan FAX: 03.5421.3722 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOFTWARE USE LIMITATIONS AND LIMITED LICENSE ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- This special preview version of M.A.X. (the "Software") is intended solely for your personal noncommercial home entertainment use. You may not decompile, reverse engineer, or disassemble the Software, except as permitted by law. Interplay Productions retains all rights and title in the Software including all intellectual property rights embodied therein and derivatives thereof. You are granted a revocable, nonassignable limited license to create derivative works of this Software solely for your own personal noncommercial home entertainment use and may publicly display such derivative works to the extent specifically authorized by Interplay in writing. A copy of this authorization, if any, will be provided on Interplay's World Wide Web site (http://www.interplay.com), and may also be obtained by contacting the legal department at Interplay at (714) 553-6655. The Software, including, without limitation, all code, data structures, characters, images, sounds, text, screens, game play, derivative works and all other elements of the Software may not be copied (except as provided below), resold, rented, leased, distributed (electronically or otherwise), used on pay-per-play, coin-op or other for-charge basis, or for any commercial purpose. You may make copies of the Software for your personal noncommercial home entertainment use and to give to friends and acquaintances on a no cost noncommercial basis. This limited right to copy the Software expressly excludes any copying or distribution of the Software on a commercial basis, including, without limitation, bundling the product with any other product or service and any give away of the Software in connection with another product or service. Any permissions granted herein are provided on a temporary basis and can be withdrawn by Interplay Productions at any time. All rights not expressly granted are reserved. M.A.X. COPYRIGHT (C) 1996 INTERPLAY PRODUCTIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ALL TRADEMARKS ARE PROPERTY OF INTERPLAY PRODUCTIONS. INTERPLAY PRODUCTIONS IS THE EXCLUSIVE LICENSEE AND DISTRIBUTOR. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Non-Tech Support Questions/Comments send e-mail to max@interplay.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for Playing M.A.X.! --EOF--