View manual text
1359 Xpl Bust-A-Move manual.qxd
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CONTENTS
LOADING INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
THE STORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
DEFAULT CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Player 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Player 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
MENUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
STARTING OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Arcade Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Challenge Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Win Contest Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Collection Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Edit Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Option Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
BASIC RULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
CONTINUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Name Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
GAME MODES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Arcade Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Challenge Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Edit Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SPECIAL BUBBLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
THE CHARACTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
HINTS AND TIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
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LOADING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Insert the CD into the CD-ROM drive. The CD will proceed to autorun and
installation will begin. Please proceed to step 3 if autorun is activated. If
not proceed to step 2.
2. Double click on ‘My Computer’. With the right mouse button click once on
your CD-ROM drive, select ‘Open’ from the menu that appears. Double
click on ‘Setup.exe’
3. Follow the installation process carefully.
THE STORY
One day… Bubble World’s magical master of mischief, DUNK, cast a
mysterious spell. With a sudden flash of light, eight characters from eight
other game worlds found themselves suddenly transported to Bubble World.
It’s up to you to send them home!!!
DEFAULT CONTROLS
PLAYER 1
Aim pointer Left
]
Aim pointer Right
[
Launch Bubble
Z
Confirm Selection
Z
Next Screen
Z
Cancel Selection
X
Fine Aim Left
H
Fine Aim Right
L
Start
n
Bring up Edit Map Menu
(only during ‘Edit’ Mode)
S
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PLAYER 2
Aim pointer Left
Numpad 4
Aim pointer Right
Numpad 6
Launch Bubble
Numpad 0
Confirm Selection
Numpad 0
Next Screen
Numpad 0
Cancel Selection
Numpad -
Fine Aim Left
Numpad 1
Fine Aim Right
Numpad 3
Start
j
* Button configuration can be changed in the ‘Key Assign Tool’ in the ‘Start
Menu’ in Windows.
MENUS
\ and ^ arrow keys to highlight item
] and [ to toggle settings
Z key to confirm
X key to cancel
STARTING OUT
At the title screen, press the START key. You will come to the Game Modes
screen, where you can choose one of 5 game modes in Bust-A-Move ’99, or
set your Options. Press the \ or ^ keys to make your choice, then press
the Z key to confirm it. We’ll go into more detail on each mode a little later,
but first let’s check out the Options and go over some Basic Rules.
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ARCADE MODE
This mode offers you the arcade conversion of Bust-A-Move ’99.
CHALLENGE MODE
In this mode, you’re given certain conditions for clearing each round. Your
gameplay will be evaluated when you clear all stages.
WIN CONTEST MODE
A one player contest against all game characters, using different puzzles.
COLLECTION MODE
A total of 1,025 rounds designed by Bust-A-Move players. Each round bears
the name of the designer.
EDIT MODE
Create and play your own puzzles! Save puzzles or load previously saved
puzzles.
OPTION MODE
In this mode, the player can modify the selections described below.
•
Use \ and ^ arrow keys to make your selection and ] and [ arrow
keys to modify digits and other conditions such as difficulty level
•
For SE LOAD, use ] or [ arrow keys to make your selection and press
the Z key to execute your selection.
Game Level
Choose from four difficulty levels
(Easy/Normal/Hard/Very Hard)
Match Point
Used to choose the number of rounds needed to win in Player Vs Player
games.
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Handicap
Choose to play with the handicap ON to keep games close, or OFF for and
honest match.
Sound
Brings up a sub-menu that lets you make these choices:
Sound
Used to toggle between Mono and Stereo Sound
Music Volume
Used to adjust the in-game music output level
SE Volume
Used to adjust the in-game sound effects output level
Music Test
For listening to the various tunes contained in the game
SE Load
Loads specific sound effects for each character featured in
the game
SE Test
For listening to the loaded sound effects
Exit
Return to Options Menu
Save Load
Choose Data Load to load your saved Puzzles from Edit Mode, or Data Save to
save them (See Saving / Loading data on Page 15 for details.)
Exit
Returns to the GAME MODE selection screen.
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BASIC RULES
Fire bubbles from your launcher and eliminate bubbles before they push past
the DEADLINE.
Eliminating Bubbles
Eliminate bubbles by connecting three or more of the same colour.
Dropping Bubbles
The more you drop at one time, the higher your score!
Game Over
The game’s over once the bubbles push past the DEADLINE.
Remember:
Aim the pointer by pressing the ] and [ keys.
Launch Bubbles by pressing the Z key.
And Don’t Forget:
H shifts the pointer slightly Left with each press.
L shifts the pointer slightly Right with each press.
CONTINUE
During the Game Over sequence, if you push START while the countdown is
being displayed, you can continue the current game.
Note: You have unlimited Continues.
NAME ENTRY
You can record up to three letters if you achieve a high-ranking score. Just
choose a letter by pressing the ] or [ keys, and execute your selection by
pressing the Z key.
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GAME MODES
ARCADE MODE
Arcade mode offers three different games: Puzzle (1 Player), Player vs.
Computer and Player vs. Player. That’s a lot of bubble-busting fun! Select the
desired mode of play by pressing either the ] or [ key and start the mode
with the Z key.
Game Selection
PUZZLE (ONE-PLAYER)
Clear a round by eliminating all the bubbles on the
playfield
PLAYER VS. COMPUTER
Compete against the CPU-controlled characters
PLAYER VS. PLAYER
Compete against another player
Difficulty Level
•
There are three levels of difficulty from which you can select from. Press
either the ] or [ keys and decide your selection with the Z key.
Character Selection
•
Press either the ] or [ keys to select a character and decide your
selection with the Z key.
•
Note: When playing Puzzle/One-Player, character selection is conducted on
the map screen by pressing the \ or ^ keys.
The game will start after you’ve selected a character and pressed the Z key.
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Puzzle/One-Player
PRACTICE
Beginner level gameplay with bubble launcher guideline
NORMAL
Average level of difficulty
VER 2.5
Re-arranged rounds based on ‘Bust-A-Move 2’
Rules
•
Eliminate all bubbles on the playfield to clear a round.
•
The abilities of the various characters are not applied in this mode.
•
You are offered a choice of routes for every 5 rounds that you clear.
•
An ending sequence will be displayed if you clear the final zone.
•
When an opponent character is displayed, you can only clear the zone in
the following manner:
•
Keep eliminating bubbles from the playfield until the meter on the left side
of the screen fully extends itself.
•
To clear a round, eliminate all bubbles on the playfield - after the meter
reaches its maximum.
Player vs. Computer
PRACTICE
Beginner level that ends after three rounds of gameplay
NORMAL
Average level of difficulty
HARD
Above-average level of difficulty with several variations such
as initial setup
Rules
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Compete against CPU-controlled characters on a round-by-round basis.
Eliminate as many bubbles as possible or drop bubbles (see page 7) into
your opponent’s playfield.
You win when your opponent’s bubbles push past the DEADLINE.
When you win, you proceed to the next round and a new opponent.
The game is over when you lose a round.
An ending sequence will be displayed when you clear the last round.
There’s a different ending for each character.
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Player vs. Player
PRACTICE
Compete with beginner level features such as the guideline
NORMAL
Average level of difficulty
VARIETY
Features difficult conditions starting with bubble setup and
requires a high level of gameplay
Rules
•
Head-to-Head competition against another player where the first player to
clear the number of rounds designated in the OPTION MODE’S MATCH
POINT is declared the winner.
•
Attack and win/lose conditions are the same as those described in Player
vs. Computer.
•
The game’s over once a winner is declared.
•
By choosing CONTINUE, you can carry on another match.
During ARCADE MODE gameplay, a second player can join in to compete by
pressing the Player 2 START key.
CHALLENGE MODE
Challenge mode offers 5 different challenge stages, each with 5 rounds. Try
your hand at each different challenge, then see how you did in the evaluation
screen!
Stage Map
•
On the Character Selection Screen, choose a character by pressing [ or
] keys and decide your choice with the Z key. The composition of the
rounds will vary in accordance with the selected character.
•
The Map will display the current stage to be played and the conditions for
clearing the stage.
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Begin Gameplay
•
Each stage commences with a stipulated number of rounds. Clear the
stage according to the conditions described in the Stage Map.
Stage Evaluation
•
After clearing the stipulated number of rounds in a stage, an evaluation
screen will be displayed, followed by the next stage of the game.
Grade
When all stages are cleared, the player will be graded according to
performance and technique.
Win Contest Mode
This mode is similar to Player vs. Computer, but offers different puzzles.
Please see Player vs. Computer for details on Rules etc.
Collection Mode
Collection mode offers a vast collection of some of the best Bust-A-Move
puzzles ever created. There are over 1,000 different puzzles from our top
designers, so hunker down for a funfest!
Round Selection
•
Select the round you wish to play in the manner described below.
•
You can search for a screen by pressing the \ and ^ keys.
•
By pressing the ] and [ keys, you can search for a screen by a
designer name. Selecting ‘END’ will return you to the title screen.
•
After selecting the screen of your choice, press the Z key to commence
gameplay.
Objective
•
To clear the round, eliminate all bubbles on the playfield. 1,025 rounds to
choose from! Clear ‘em all!
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Choices
The following menu is displayed, after clearing a round:
TRY AGAIN
Replay the current screen
NEXT STAGE
Play the next screen
RETURN TO MENU Return to Round Selection Screen
EXIT
Return to main menu
EDIT MODE
When you select the Edit Mode in the Mode Selection screen it will take you
to the Edit Menu screen, where you can select Puzzle Set Up to create a
puzzle or Puzzle Play to play your created puzzle(s).
Puzzle Set Up
Here you will be able to place bubbles on the field at your discretion, enabling
you to construct an original screen. In total, you can save up to twenty-five
(25) original screens.
HOW TO MAKE A PUZZLE SCREEN
1
Choose "Puzzle Setup" and finalise the selection.
2
Move the cursor with the arrow keys to finalise positioning of the bubbles.
3
Toggle bubble types by pressing the H or L Fine Aim keys (the R bubble
will randomly select the bubble colour.
4
Set the bubbles by pressing the Z key. Delete bubbles by placing the
cursor over the bubble and pressing the X key.
You cannot test the play on a screen comprised of only a Star Bubble and a
Block Bubble, or on a screen in which there are no bubbles touching the
ceiling. (In the event that such a screen appears in "To Play", the game will
summarily conclude.)
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The Edit Menu
When you press the S key while on the Puzzle Setup screen, the Edit Menu
window opens. You can change settings in Edit.
RANDOM COLOUR You can set random colour. You can choose the colour of a
displayed bubble via the ON/OF BUTTON (you cannot choose
OFF for all colours.)
CLEAR SCREEN
This will delete all the bubbles that are placed in the field
FIELD SIZE
When you select field size and finalise your selection, the
field size will change from wide to normal, or vice-versa
ROUND SELECT
You select the rounds to be constructed
Round Data
DATA COPY
Copies edited date to the designated round
DATA EXCHANGE
Replaces data with the designated round’s edited data
Test Play
Select Test Play to play a test round using the puzzle you are currently
editing. You can return to the Edit screen when you clear or lose the round.
Save / Load
LOAD
Loads save Edit Data (1st – 25th screens)
SAVE
Saves data (1st – 25th screens) that has been edited
EXIT
Return to Menu Screen
Saving / Loading Data
Only Edit Mode maps can be saved.
Press the \ and ^ keys to select SAVE or LOAD, then press the Z key.
You will be prompted to confirm your choice (Are you sure you wish to
SAVE/LOAD? YES or NO). Highlight YES or NO and press the Z key.
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PUZZLE PLAY
You can play the course you constructed. Basic rules are the same as in a
Puzzle Game. There are five courses, 1 – 5, and five rounds per course. Once
you clear an entire course, you are taken to the Course Transfer screen and
transferred to the next course. Upon completing the 5th course, the game
concludes. Unless you make all 25 screens in advance, the game will conclude
at the time all self-made courses have been beaten.
SPECIAL BUBBLES
The bubbles described below have special properties.
Star Bubble
Contact with a bubble will eliminate all bubbles of the same colour.
Rainbow Bubble
When in contact with an eliminated bubble, it will adopt the colour of that
bubble.
Block Bubble
Although blocks can’t be eliminated, you can still clear a round whether
they’re on the playfield or not.
Metal Bubble
Once launched, it will continue eliminating bubbles until it comes in contact
with either a wall or a Block Bubble.
Bublock Bubble
Similar to Block Bubbles, a Bublock can be removed by eliminating all the
surrounding bubbles in contact with it.
Note: You cannot clear a round if a Bublock is still on the playfield.
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THE CHARACTERS
Depending on the opposing character, bubble-attack combinations will vary.
BUBBLOON
A well-balanced character that attacks with a random
combination of eight colours.
PRETTIO
A very persistent character that guarantees a pretty steady
game.
TWINKLE
Not very strong on the defensive side. But beware this
character’s rainbow bubble-attack! Twinkle’s tough when the
pace of the game gets frantic.
MUSASHI
A strong and steady character that executes attack
combinations from the top and bottom of the screen.
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MARINA
An unpredictable character that attacks with a combination
or red, yellow and blue bubbles.
LUNA
The longer a battle’s drawn out, the tougher this character
gets.
SSB
Mixes block bubbles in his attack combinations. A vicious
character that leaves little room for counter-attacks.
JACK
With an attack combination that includes Block and Star
Bubbles, this is probably the most powerful character.
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HINTS AND TIPS
1
Study the way the puzzle is constructed, and how the bubbles are
suspended. Note which bubbles are "linchpin" bubbles (bubbles which have
a string of bubbles suspended from them.) Often, eliminating a particular
strategically placed bubble will cause an entire puzzle to give way!
2
Practice bouncing/angling your shots off the sides. This is the true way to
mastering the game. Once you’re good at doing this, you’ll be able to pull
off the tough shots that save the day!
3
Fire rapidly! As soon as you have your shot lined up, don’t hesitate, shoot!
Fire one right after another when bubbles are the same hue.
4
Watch your indicator to see what the next bubble is. A big part of a
successful strategy is aiming the current bubble in anticipation of where
you’ll shoot the next one!
5
When playing an opponent (Human or CPU), make sure to set up your
shots immediately. This means hanging a few bubbles off of two like
coloured bubbles so that you’ll be able to send "blocking" bubbles over to
your opponent after you’ve dropped your bundle!
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