Bomb Dash
=========

Installation
------------

Extract all the files into a directory of your choice (e.g.
C:\Games\Bombdash). Note that the only file required to run
the game is 'Bombdash.exe'.

Files contained in ZIP package:

(1) Bombdash.exe - The actual game. Run this!
(2) Bombdash.icn - Icon file for HP palmtops.
(3) Readme.txt   - The file you're reading now.

For those who wish to add the game to System Manager, Bomb Dash
requires 90 kb of memory, so add "|90" to the end of the "Path"
field. Placing an upside-down question mark in the "Comments"
field (press Fn-3 on the palmtop) will mean that you won't have
to press a key each time you quit.

The game automatically creates a "Bombdash.dat" file the first
time it is run. This file serves to remember the game settings.


Running the game
----------------

To play the game, simply run Bombdash.exe. Then, sit back,
relax and put your feet up as the no-expenses-spared
introduction unfolds. Once you've admired the introduction
sequence enough, you can press any of the following keys:

F1: Brings up the help screen, from where you can be gently
    introduced to the game, find gameplay tips, as well as read
    about the game and its author. Basically, it makes this
    readme file pretty much redundant!

F2: Allows you to set the keys, should you not like the
    default ones (arrow keys and space bar).

F3: Turns the sound on/off.

F10: Quit the game. You can also press "Esc", but you don't
     really want to quit, do you?!

Any other key (within reason!) will begin a new game...


How to play
-----------

The object of Bomb Dash is very simple: to find the key to the
level, and exit without being blown up. If you've ever played
a Minesweeper game before, you'll get the idea of how to look
out for bombs - for each square you move onto, you'll be told
how many bombs are in the surrounding eight. So, for instance,
if you move onto a square and the number reported is two, then
you know that there is a bomb in two of the surrounding eight
squares. Simple, really!

The default keys are as follows:

Arrows keys: Move the player up, down, left or right.
Space bar: Detonate a Smart Bomb.

To aid you in your quest, you have been given a small supply
of Smart Bombs which, when used, blow up any unexplored squares
in the eight which surround you - good for getting rid of enemy
bombs when time's running low. You only have a limited supply,
however, so save them for the stickiest of situations.

Oh, sorry, did I not mention the time factor?! For each level,
as soon as you start, your presence starts a timer - if it gets
to zero and you haven't exited... Basically, just don't hang
about!

Points are gained for each square you explore and for the
amount of time remaining when you finish the level. From time
to time, you'll find bonus items in squares - the most common
are Smart Bombs, but there are others...

Good luck... You'll need it!


About the game
--------------

Bomb Dash is FREE! That's right, no money, no registation, no
nothing! Just enjoy playing it... If, however, you wish to
distribute it on, for example, a CD, disk, or other medium
which will not be free, please ask for my permission first.

Needless to say, I disclaim all responsibility for any harm or
damage done to your computer caused as a result of using this
software. So, don't blame me if your new palmtop suddenly
starts venting blue smoke, and growling "Feed me!"...

If you have any comments, questions (or complaints!) about the
game, I'd be delighted to hear from you.

E-mail me, Mike Wagstaff, at: aj93@dial.pipex.com

For updates to this game and others, and lots more besides,
visit my homepage:

http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/plaza/aj93/waggy/hp

Have fun playing Bomb Dash!