(3rd in the series - see BDREAM.ZIP and FURTHER.ZIP, or my shrink for details.)
System requirements: AT or better, with minimum VGA/MCGA 256-color card monitor. A sound card (AdLib, SB, SBPro, ATI all ok), rodent, and/or joystick are optional but recommended.
Programmed using the Domark Virtual Reality Studio, by yours surly.
PURPLE is FreeWare by fLAtDiSk SoftWorks, circa1992. Abuse at will. We make no reparations to any eyestrained individuals addicted to VR or computers who can't get enough of a good thing. Take a break for lunch, ok?
RUNVGA.EXE is (C)1991 Domark. You can use it, but All Rights Reserved.
What Should Be Included for this ZIP to be Legit:
- PURPLE.BAT (28 bytes), a FREE batch file to run it. You may modify to suit yer needs.
- RUNVGA.EXE (38,566 bytes), the Domark runner file. Don't rename. This file is required to run any Dream.
- PURPLE.RUN (100,164 bytes), which is the program file. Also required, unless you have a copy of Lawnmower Man to watch or something better to do.
- FLATFACE.GIF (14,580 bytes), a graphic explanation of the little buttons and arrows and stuff. View with VPIC or whatever. Not required to run The Dream.
- FLATKEYS.GIF (6,223 bytes), a graphic explanation of the entirely optional and a bit confusing keyboard alternatives which Domark built into the system. Blame them, ok? Not required, etc.
- FLATDOCS.TXT (4,076 bytes), which is this as usual rambling text file and also not required, but read on nonetheless. (I'm jest a ramblin' man, girls..)
To run it, use the batch file or type RUNVGA PURPLE.RUN at the command line, (with the files in your path, of course.) All Dreams can be launched from GEOS - probably from Windows too.
To return to the operating system or shell of yer choice, press SHIFT and ESC firmly.
Ok. I didn't mention some things in previous rambling docs, so I will make amends here:
- If you want to shoot something - no matter what your motive - you aim at it with the mouse and press the left button. This is obvious to most, but there is always some guy in Secaucus..
- You will find that happily gliding around through these Dreams (ie., your moves, buster) will generally rely on pointing at an interface button and pressing the left mouse button, HOWEVER, to move faster, or with a "slower" VGA card, press the right rodent button. This will double-time, (causing chaos with some controls - like 360 degree turns at near light speed), but will have no adverse effects on The Dream. Doing this in little bursts is also a good technique to use on any machine.
And now, some general Hints:
- In fact, nothing you do inside will have an adverse effect on The Dream. If you hang around in there long enough, you may find ways to sneak behind the scenes. For what it's worth, it is possible..
- You can FLY sometimes, but not always. Useful knowledge in the PURPLE Maze.
- The key to progress in the beginning of PURPLE is to take on the Grave responsibility of facing death head-on. Or colliding with it, in any case..
- I didn't say how many "areas" there were in the first two Dreams, and I ain't squealing in this one either. Just keep colliding with doors. All three Dreams can be "mapped" if you like. I did use a flow chart doing PURPLE, but I'm NOT gonna give it to you, pal.
- Chairs are for sitting on - sort of..
- The Doctor is out, (walking K9). Remember the Tartus is a multidimensional time travel vehicle. Pre-dates Bill and Ted and Quantum Leap, kids.
- Lou and the Candle Routine. (Hey-y-y, Chick!)
- Shoot at internal control switches to turn things on or off, or when you really get dazed and confused - or annoyed.
- There are a few sliding panels you can shoot at to open.
PURPLE.RUN is dedicated to my favorite Pumpkin, wherever she is now, and not to be confused with songs by Jimi or Prince.
Ok, that's enough ramblin'. Have a Happy Halloween!
