PowerPlay 1996 September/PowerPlay0996.iso/patches/netmech/nm10_5.bin/NETMECH.TXT

Text File | 1996-06-12 | 27KB | 618 lines

--- TABLE OF CONTENTS

* Introduction to NetMech
* Installation, Troubleshooting, and Customer Support
* Navigating through NetMech
* Transport Selection Screen
* Telecom Connection Screen
* Select Communications Port Screen
* Game Selection Screen
* Mission Setup Screen
* Mission Information Screen
* Clans Screen
* Mission Summary Screen
* 'Mech Selection Screen
* Dropship Launch Screen
* Mission Debriefing Screen
* Advanced NetMech Features
* Cockpit Controls


--- INTRODUCTION TO NETMECH

        For the day will come and our kin will stand
        On Terra's firm soil, ready to rebuild
        The Star League with their hearts and hands.
        But who shall lead? Upon whose shoulders
        Will the burden lie? The answer is the test;
        The test is the journey. Whichever Clan
        Carves its way through the barbarians
        To reach that fabled cradle of us all
        Shall be the vehicle of the League's rebirth. Upon
        The Star League throne shall sit that Clan's
        Wisest Khan. So should it be - So shall it be.

                - The Remembrance
                  Passage 72, Verse 22, Lines 14-24


We of the Clans have returned from centuries of exile to reclaim our
birthright, the cradle of all civilization: Terra. Those who remained in the
Inner Sphere now stand against us, united after decades of warfare. The
Clans, however, stand divided in the campaign to take back the Inner
Sphere. Each of us desired to further the glory of our own Clan, even at
the expense of the others; for those who take Terra will be known as the
ilClan, first among all our race. Each Clan covets that highest of honors.

Since the War of Refusal between Clans Wolf and Jade Falcon, the
assault on the Inner Sphere has been delayed. The Clans have become
embroiled in a war of petty skirmishes, fighting each other instead of
pursuing the ultimate goal. These clashes will weaken some Clans,
strengthen others, and eventually leave one supreme, poised to
spearhead the invasion to take Terra and claim the title of ilClan.

You will now embark on the newest phase in the battle for the Inner
Sphere. Here you will join the in-fighting that will result in one supreme
Clan. You will pilot your 'Mech against other warriors, all trying to
establish their Clan as the leader in the quest for Terra. You will choose
your battles, decide where and whom to fight, and determine the
conditions of combat.

Newly developed technology has enabled a new mode of combat that pits
MechWarriors directly against each other. Up to eight players can face off
against one another when connected via IPX-compatible local-area
network, four players can play via Dwango, and two players can play
against each other when connected via modem or direct null-modem
cable.

There are two different roles you may play in this war: host or player. The
host establishes the conditions of combat, decides whether you will
embark on a team or free-for-all mission, and selects which mission to
undertake. The players, although they can voice their preferences to the
host, must accept his or her decision in order to enter the war for
supremacy. They players also have the option of joining another game or
becoming hosts themselves.

Use this document to familiarize yourself with the combat protocols.
Fight with valor and honor to further your Clan's role in fulfilling the
destiny of a people.

The combat variables (screen resolution, display detail, etc.) and cockpit
controls (keyboard, mouse, joystick, etc.) used by NetMech are the same
as those set within MechWarrior 2. If you don't own a copy of
MechWarrior 2, you will be limited to the cockpit control configurations
that were provided with NetMech. To change your combat options or
cockpit controls, merely enter MechWarrior 2 and change these
selections as explained in the "Setting Cockpit Controls" section of your
MechWarrior 2 manual, and then run NetMech. The altered settings will
be used.


--- INSTALLATION, TROUBLESHOOTING, and CUSTOMER SUPPORT

For installation, troubleshooting, or customer support information,
please consult the companion file NETINFO.TXT (or, if you are running
Windows, NETINFO.HLP).


--- NAVIGATING THROUGH NETMECH

Note: You can skip the title screen movie and go immediately to the
Transport Selection Screen by pressing Esc.


--- TRANSPORT SELECTION SCREEN

Change to the hard disk and directory where you installed NetMech. At
the DOS prompt, type NETMECH. If you're running Windows 95, you can
start NetMech by opening the folder in which you installed it, and
double-clicking on the NetMech icon. After a brief introduction, the
screen to the right appears.

ENTER CALLSIGN - Type in your name. Note: This field must be filled,
or you will not be able to enter the game.

SELECT CONNECTION TYPE - Choose IPX Driver if you wish to play via
IPX network; Null Modem Driver if you wish to play via direct cable
hookup between two computers; or Modem Driver if you wish to play via
modem. Click on your selection, then click the SELECT button or press
Enter.

Note: If you choose IPX Driver, You will be taken directly to the Game
Selection Screen.

Note: You can also play NetMech via Dwango (four players, maximum) by
entering the appropriate commands at the DOS prompt. Please consult the
Dwango web page at http://www.dwango.com for details on playing via
Dwango.

QUIT - Click this button to exit NetMech and retreat to the safety of
your operating system.

QUICK HELP - As you move your cursor around, a brief description of
each section of the screen will appear here.


--- TELECOM CONNECTION SCREEN

If you choose Modem in the Transport Selection Screen, the screen to the
right appears. Note: Only two warriors can play via modem.

WARRIORS - The callsigns of the players appear here.

PHONE NUMBER - Listed here are the phone numbers of your fellow
NetMech players.

ADD - If you click this button, the Warrior Entry Screen will appear,
allowing you to add new warriors and their phone numbers. Enter the
name(s) and number(s) and click on ACCEPT.

EDIT - If you click on this button, the Warrior Entry Screen will appear,
allowing you to edit any name(s) and number(s) that you wish.

DELETE - Highlight the name and number you wish to delete, then
click on this button.

MODEM SETTINGS - If you click on this button, the Modem Setting
Screen will appear. Select your settings for Modem Type, Com Port and
Baud Rate, then click on ACCEPT. You will also be able to read your
Modem Init. String, but if you wish to add a new modem type, you must
exit the game and do so in DOS with EDIT MODEM.LST.

QUICK HELP - As you move your cursor around, a brief description of
each section of the screen will appear here.

BACK - Click this button to return to the Transport Selection Screen.

DIAL and ANSWER - Because one player must click on DIAL and the
other one on ANSWER, you should decide beforehand who will do which.
If you both click the same button, a dialog box will appear indicating that
the line is busy. Note: You might wish to disable Call Waiting by
attaching the disabling code (70#) to the beginning of the phone number.
Once the connection is made, you will be taken to the Game Selection
Screen.

QUIT - Click this button to exit NetMech and retreat to the safety of
your operating system.


--- SELECT COMMUNICATIONS PORT SCREEN

If you choose Null Modem, to play via direct cable link between two
players, the screen to the right will appear.

BACK - Click this button to return to the Transport Selection Screen.

ACCEPT - Highlight the com port you wish to use and then click here.
You will then be taken to the Game Selection Screen.

QUIT - Click this button to exit NetMech and retreat to the safety of
your operating system.

QUICK HELP - As you move your cursor around, a brief description of
each section of the screen will appear here.


--- GAME SELECTION SCREEN

After you have chosen a transport and finished with its setup screen, the
screen to the right will appear.

CAMPAIGNS - Listed here are the Pilots' Lounge, where anyone looking
for a game can talk to other prospective warriors, and Ready Rooms,
where you can find out which warriors have joined certain games.
Highlight the Ready Room of the host whose game you wish to play, then
click the JOIN button.

WARRIORS - If you highlight a Ready Room, then the callsigns of the
warriors joining that mission will be listed here.

INTERCOM - This area serves as a communication link between
warriors. Click in the smaller bottom section and type your message,
then press Enter to send it to everyone in the same room or lounge as
you. All messages will appear in the larger top section.

QUICK HELP - As you move your cursor around, a brief description of
each section of the screen will appear at the bottom of the screen.

BACK - Click this button to return to the Transport Selection Screen.

JOIN - Click this button to join a Pilot's Lounge or Ready Room.

HOST - Click this button if you wish to host a game. Note: Only those
warriors with MechWarrior 2 CDs in their CD drives can host a game.

QUIT - Click this button to exit NetMech and retreat to the safety of
your operating system.


--- MISSION SETUP SCREEN

In an adaptation of the ancient Clan tradition of the batchall, the site
and method of each confrontation are decided before combat begins. The
Mission Setup Screen offers choices of missions and battle conditions.
Because the privilege of making choices is reserved solely for game hosts,
this screen only appears if you choose to host a game. Other warriors
may offer suggestions and debate the host's wisdom, but in the end they
must agree to abide by his or her conditions (or join another mission).

Note: If you choose to join a game, rather than host, the Mission
Information Screen will appear instead.

Free for All - Click here and then use the left or right scrolling arrow to
see a list of free-for-all missions in which you are the only representative
of your Clan fighting alone against warriors of other Clans.

Team - Click here and then use the left or right arrow to scroll through
a list of team missions in which you and other warriors of your Clan will
face a rival Clan. Note: You can click on the Clan logos in order to cycle
through the various logos and select appropriate ones for each of the
teams.

INTERCOM - This area serves as a communication link between
warriors, and is invaluable during mission setup especially if you're
playing on teams. Click in the smaller bottom section and type your
message, then press Enter to send it to all the warriors who have joined
the mission. Messages that other warriors send to you will appear in the
larger top section.

QUICK HELP - As you move your cursor around, a brief description of
each section of the screen will appear at the bottom of the screen.

OPTIONS - The following options allow you to shape the style of combat
by implementing or avoiding certain aspects of 'Mech warfare:
Regeneration - If this option is chosen, warriors can rejoin combat after
dying. Press the Spacebar to resurrect your destroyed 'Mech.

Unlimited Ammo - If this option is chosen, all warriors are provided
with an inexhaustible supply of ammunition (i.e., missiles, machine
guns, auto cannons and Gauss rifles).

Heat Tracking - If this option is chosen, 'Mechs are affected by the heat
they naturally generate and are susceptible to overheating. If not
selected, 'Mechs are unaffected by heat.

Splash Damage - If this option is chosen, 'Mechs will sustain damage
from weapons, ammo or missiles exploding nearby. If not selected,
'Mechs are immune to this damage.

Collision Damage - If this option is chosen, 'Mechs will be damaged by
falling or colliding with other objects. If not selected, 'Mechs are immune
to this damage.

Radar - If this option is chosen, 'Mechs are equipped with radar that
allows them to locate, track and automatically target other warriors. If
not enabled, targeting must be done manually (by moving the target
reticle over the enemy 'Mech and pressing the letter Q). Note: If this
option is enabled, F2 will toggle this option ON and OFF while in battle;
F2 also toggles visibility of the overhead map and auto-targeting.

Weight Limit - This option allows the host to determine the maximum
weight limit for each 'Mech, from 25 to 100 tons.

Gravity - The gravity of battle sites can be set to any number from 0.25
to 4.0, altering the effectiveness of jumpjets and the speed of 'Mechs.

Time of Day - This option allows the host to determine when the
mission will begin: dawn, day, dusk or night.
Temperature - This option allows the host to determine how quickly
'Mechs will heat up and cool down; the choices are Cold, Normal and
Hot.

BACK - Click this button to return to the Transport Selection Screen.

ACCEPT SETUP - Once all participants have agreed on the conditions of
battle, click this button to proceed to the Clans Screen. Note: If you got
to this screen by clicking the BACK button, then when you click ACCEPT

SETUP, then you will return to whichever screen you were in when you
clicked BACK.

QUIT - Click this button to exit NetMech and retreat to the safety of
your operating system.


--- MISSION INFORMATION SCREEN

This screen shows the mission and conditions that are being selected by
the host, and only appears if you choose to join a game. When the host is
finished establishing the mission conditions, the Clans Screen will
appear.

Note: If you choose to host a game, the Mission Setup Screen will appear,
rather than this one.

INTERCOM - This area serves as a communication link between
warriors, and is invaluable during mission setup especially if you're
playing on teams. Click in the smaller bottom section, type your message
and press Enter to send it to all who have joined the mission. Messages
that others send to you will appear in the larger top section.

QUICK HELP - As you move your cursor around, a brief description of
each section of the screen will appear at the bottom of the screen

MISSION - The name of the mission chosen by the host is shown here.

OPTIONS - Listed here are the mission conditions established by the
host. These options can only be changed by the host. Note: You can let
the host know your preferences by communicating via INTERCOM.

BACK - Click this button to return to the Game Selection Screen.

QUIT - Click this button to exit NetMech and retreat to the safety of
your operating system.


--- CLANS SCREEN

This screen allows warriors in a team mission to identify their Clan
affiliations once the conditions of the battle have been accepted.
Warriors are randomly divided into two teams. If you wish to betray your
Clan and switch to the enemy, click the CHANGE button. Note: you do
not need to highlight your name, since you can only change your own
Clan affiliation.

Note: In free-for-all missions, warriors can select their own Clan logos to
be displayed on their 'Mechs - just cycle through the logos by clicking
on the on-screen logo.

INTERCOM - This area serves as a communication link between
warriors, and is invaluable during mission setup especially if you're
playing on teams. Click in the smaller bottom section and type your
message, then press Enter to send it to all the warriors who have joined
the mission. Messages that other warriors send to you will appear in the
larger top section. Note: If you are playing a team mission, you may send
messages to ALL warriors engaged in the mission or to your CLAN only;
click to light up the appropriate box.

QUICK HELP - As you move your cursor around, a brief description of
each section of the screen will appear at the bottom of the screen

BACK - If you are hosting a game, this button will return you to the
Mission Setup Screen. If you are joining a game, this button will return
you to the Game Selection Screen.

CLANS - Clicking this button has no effect because you are already in
the Clan Selection Screen.

MISSION - Click this button to enter the Mission Summary Screen,
where you will see a final summary of the mission.

'MECH - Click this button to enter the 'Mech Selection Screen, where
you can choose your 'Mech configuration.

DROPSHIP - Click this button to enter the Dropship Launch Screen
where you can indicate that you are ready to engage the enemy.

QUIT - Click this button to exit NetMech and retreat to the safety of
your operating system.


--- MISSION SUMMARY SCREEN

This screen gives the final summary of the mission. It lists the mission
name and briefing, and the conditions of combat.

OPTIONS - Listed here are the mission conditions established by the
host. If you would like any of the conditions changed, this is your last
chance to voice your opinion by communicating via INTERCOM.

Note: For descriptions of the remaining buttons, see the Clans Screen
section.


--- 'MECH SELECTION SCREEN

With widespread warfare breaking out between the Clans, the technician
caste has been overwhelmed, and tech support has been reduced to
simple repairs. As a result you will not be able to build your own 'Mech
as you could in MechWarrior 2 and Clan Ghost Bear; you can, however,
select a chassis and some variants. And it is possible for you to design a
'Mech in the MechLab within the original MechWarrior. As long as
NetMech was installed in the same directory as the original MechWarrior
2, your custom 'Mech will be transported to this quadrant of the universe
automatically upon saving and will be available in the NetMech 'Mech
Selection Screen.

Click on the outer arrows to scroll through the various 'Mech chassis;
click on the inner arrows to scroll through the alternate configurations of
'Mechs.

Note: For descriptions of the remaining buttons, see the Clans Screen
section.


--- DROPSHIP LAUNCH SCREEN

This screen lists the callsigns of all the warriors and allows you to launch
into the NetMech mission. if the box next to a player's name is lit up,
that player has clicked the LAUNCH button and is ready for battle. If you
have clicked LAUNCH and the box next to your name is not lit or the
LAUNCH button is disabled, then you should review the mission options
by going back to the Mission Summary Screen because one of several
possibilities may have occurred:

    * The host has made some changes.
    * You have not accepted the changes to the mission.
    * Your 'Mech is now invalid because the host has changed the
      parameters of the mission.
    * The host has selected an invalid option for that particular mission.
    * Another warrior has joined the mission or someone has changed
      Clan affiliations.

When all warriors have clicked the LAUNCH button and lit boxes appear
next to all names, everyone will be transported to the selected planet to
commence combat.

COCKPIT RESOLUTION - You can choose between 320x200, 640x480
and 1024x768 by clicking to cycle through the choices. The lower the
resolution, the faster the gameplay.

BACK - If you are hosting a game, this button will return you to the
Mission Setup Screen. Otherwise it returns you to the Game Selection
Screen.

Note: For descriptions of the remaining buttons, see the "Clans Screen"
section.


--- MISSION DEBRIEFING SCREEN

This screen gives information about the mission just completed,
including the score for each callsign and who completed the mission.
Click OK to end the mission.


--- ADVANCED NETMECH FEATURES

You can take advantage of the following new features while you are
engaged in a NetMech mission:

    * After your 'Mech is destroyed (if the Regeneration option is not
      selected), you can still track other warriors by pressing the
      Spacebar to toggle through the warriors' callsigns and by pressing
      Ctrl and the Arrow Keys to maneuver your camera.
    * You can chat with other warriors while on the battlefield by
      pressing Ctrl+F1 or B to access a window in which to type your
      message. After typing your message, press Enter to send it to all
      warriors; in a team mission you can send it to your starmates by
      pressing Ctrl+F or to your enemies by pressing Ctrl+E. Press Esc
      to abort.
    * You can also chat with specific warriors while on the battlefield.
      The function keys F2 through F8 are assigned to individual warriors.
      Press Ctrl+F? (the key corresponding to the warrior with whom you
      wish to chat), then type your message and press Enter. Press Esc to
      abort.


--- COCKPIT CONTROLS

'MECH PILOTING

Direct Throttle (Stop to 100%).................... 1 to 0
Increase/Decrease Throttle........................ +/-
Steer Left and Right.............................. Left Arrow/Right Arrow
Reverse Direction................................. Backspace
Torso Twist....................................... <  and  >
Recenter Torso.................................... /
Recenter Legs to Torso............................ M
Jump Jet (on applicable 'Mechs)................... J
Jump Jet Steering and Turning..................... 6-Key "Home" Keypad
Select NAV Point.................................. N
Autopilot ON/OFF.................................. A
MASC ON/OFF....................................... V
Manual Shutdown/Restart........................... S
Override Automatic Thermal Shutdown............... O
Pilot Ejection.................................... Ctrl+Alt+E
Auto-Ejection ON/OFF.............................. Ctrl+E
Self-Destruct..................................... Ctrl+Alt+X
General Chat (NetMech)............................ Ctrl+F1 or B
Individual Chat (NetMech)......................... Ctrl+F2, F3, etc.

PILOT VIEW CONTROLS

Zoom In........................................... Z
Zoom Out.......................................... Shift+Z
Reset Zoom Magnification.......................... Ctrl+Z
Glance Left, Right................................ Keypad 7, 9
Pilot Eye Control................................. Ctrl + Arrows
Low-Light Amplification ON/OFF.................... L
Enhanced Imaging ON/OFF........................... W
Satellite Uplink ON/OFF........................... F3
Radar/Satellite Uplink Zoom In.................... X
Radar/Satellite Uplink Zoom Out................... Shift+X
External Tracking Camera (XTC) ON/OFF............. C
External Camera Controls.......................... Ctrl+Arrows

WEAPONS

Fire.............................................. Spacebar
Select Weapon/Group............................... Enter
Chain-Fire/Group-Fire Toggle...................... \
Add Weapon to Group 1, 2, 3....................... Shift+1, 2, 3
Fire Group 1, 2, 3................................ Num Lock, /, * (Keypad)
Fire Current Group................................ ;
Jettison Ammunition............................... K

TARGETING

Cycle Through All Targets......................... T
Previous Target................................... R
Target Nearest Enemy.............................. E
Target Friendly (Starmate)........................ F
Target Object Underneath Reticle.................. Q
Inspect Targeted Object........................... I
Targeting OFF..................................... Ctrl+T

HUD SYSTEMS

Cycle Through Multi-Function Display.............. F1

  Displays

Radar Display (Normal/Full Screen)................ F2
Wire-Frame Damage Display......................... F5
HTAL (Head/Torso/Arms/Legs) Armor Damage Report... F6
Enable/Disable HUD................................ F11
Systems Status.................................... U
Objectives/Briefing Summary....................... F12

  Cameras

Target View....................................... F4
Rear View......................................... F7
Down View......................................... F8
Weapon View....................................... F9
Weapon View (Full Screen, After Launch)........... F10

NON-GAME CONTROLS

Options/Battle Parameters......................... Esc
Snap a Screenshot................................. Ctrl+P
Abort/Exit Mission................................ Ctrl+Q

---

Now that you are familiar with your new equipment and are ready to
enter the carnage that divides the Clans, heed my words. Revel in the
purifying fire of war and elevate our Clan to supreme reign over all. Then
we will be able to turn our focus back to regaining Terra and fulfilling the
prophecies of our ancestors:

        There will be a time when our descendants
        Return to claim what is our right.
        With honor swelling their hearts, they will crusade
        Against the dark emotions which have dimmed
        The Inner Sphere for so long.

        - The Remembrance
                  Passage 3, Verse 41, Lines 1-5


--- COPYRIGHT

The enclosed software product is copyrighted and all rights are reserved
by Activision, Inc. It is published exclusively by Activision, Inc. The
distribution of this product is intended for the use of the original
purchaser only and for use only on the computer system specified.
Lawful users of this program are hereby licensed only to read the
program from its medium into memory of a computer solely for the
purpose of executing the program. Copying (except for one backup copy
on those systems which provide for it), duplicating, selling, or otherwise
distributing this product is a violation of the law. This manual and all
other documentation contained herein are copyrighted and all rights
reserved by Activision, Inc. These documents may not, in whole or in
part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any
electronic medium or machine-readable form without prior consent, in
writing, from Activision, Inc. Willful violations of the Copyright Law of the
United States can result in civil damages of up to $50,000 in addition to
actual damages, plus criminal penalties of up to one year imprisonment
and/or a $10,000 fine. In addition, violations of the Copyright law of
other jurisdictions may result in civil damages and, in certain
circumstances, criminal penalties.


(c) 1996 Activision, Inc.

http://www.activision.com