*** PIPE *** Version 2.2 Michael J. Muller 08-FEB-1992 Welcome to pipe. In this window, you will be given a brief explanation of the game, a few tips on how to play, told where to find the source, and learn how to get on an e-mail distribution list to learn more about new versions of pipe and other games I write. *** OBJECT OF THE GAME *** Build pipe for the fluid to flow through. When the fluid flows through all the pipe you've built, the level is over. If the fluid went through enough pipes before the end of the level, you get to move on to the next level. Otherwise, "Game over!" Fluid will start to flow though the only pipe in the large grid after a short while. (See the status window to see how long until the fluid starts to flow.) On the left, you will see a small window with four pipes. When you click in the main window, the lowest pipe is placed where you clicked. The other three pipes then move down and a new pipe is placed at the top of this "preview" window. The lowest pipe in the small window is always the next tile that will show up on the big grid. The next higher pipe will show up next. Since there are four pipes in the preview window, you always know what the next four pipes will be. If you manage to fill enough tiles, you get to move on to the next level. *** TIPS *** * Fluid flows straight through plus-shaped pipes. * You can put another pipe on top of one you've already placed, but it takes a while. * Fluid can't flow though a pipe being replaced. * Fluid can't flow the wrong way through one-way pipes. * You get extra points for each loop (each plus-shaped pipe filled in both directions). * You get extra points for going though a bonus pipe. * The reservoir pipes take longer to go through, they're handy for the fast-flowing levels. They don't help on fast flow. * You get 5,000 bonus points for every multiple of 5 loops. (You get no bonus for 1,2,3, or 4 loops, 5,000 points for 5,6,7,8, or 9 loops, 10,000 points for 10,11,12,13, or 14 loops, etc.) * In addition to the 5K bonus/5 loops, you also recieve 250 points for each loop. * Besides being strategically significant point-wise, the author of this game finds a level with lots of loops aesthetically pleasing. * You are penalized heavily at the end of the level for pipes that aren't filled, so try not to "throw out" pieces to the edge of the board. The author finds these aesthetically displeasing. * Sometimes there will be an obstacle, and you won't be able to place any pipes on a square at all. * You can pause the game by iconizing, but the game starts up again as soon as you un-iconize. * You get double the points for everything that gets filled during "fast flow." This can only be selected after the level has started. You loose your head start if you select this before the fluid starts flowing. (It's the only option on the fluid menu.) *** THE CODE *** This game is shipped with its source code. Feel free to look at the code and swipe anything you'd like to re-use. This project was my first ever in Motif or C, so (how shall I phrase this?) the implementation is not as elegant as it could be... :) *** DISTRIBUTION LIST *** Let me know if you play this game, and I'll add you to a distribution list of people to recieve announcements about bug fixes and enhancements to the game. Enjoy! -- Mike Muller MULLER@NODEX.ENET.DEC.COM (internet) NODEX::MULLER (easynet)