SOLDIER BOYZ Copyright (C) 1995-1997 MPCA Interactive [Version 1.0 -- February 11, 1997] NOTE: Printing this document and consulting it while installing and playing Soldier Boyz will greatly enhance both your ability to optimize the installation and your knowledge of available game play options! Topics covered in this README file: I. Getting Started - System Requirements II. Getting Started - Installing Soldier Boyz (DOS) III. Getting Started - Installing Soldier Boyz (Windows) IV. Getting Started - Running Soldier Boyz (DOS) V. Getting Started - Running Soldier Boyz (Windows) VI. Playing the Game - Game Play, Controller Info, and Other Features VII. Playing the Game - Main Menu VIII. Playing the Game - Modes of Game Play IX. Troubleshooting - DOS Configuration X. Troubleshooting - Windows Configuration XI. Troubleshooting - Autodetection of Sound Cards XII. Troubleshooting - Known Sound Card and Video Card Problems XIII. Troubleshooting - Multi-CD machines and CD-changers XIV. Technical Support / Game Updates, Patches and Ordering ======================================== I. Getting Started - System Requirements ======================================== * IBM PC or compatible * 486DX/66 processor (or better) * VGA compatible display (or better) * 8MB RAM minimum, 16MB RECOMMENDED (16MB required for Windows 95) * Double-speed CD-ROM drive (or better) * MS-DOS 5.0 (or better), or Windows 95/DOS 7.0 * Free hard drive space @28MB for Maximum install (RECOMMENDED) or @11MB for Minimum install (NOTE: Refer to Sections II and III, "...Installing Soldier Boyz...", below, for more information regarding Maximum and Minimum installation options. ALSO note that, in addition to this space allotted for the installation, an additional 10MB of free hard drive space is required when Soldier Boyz is run to allow for seamless audio and video playback). *** IMPORTANT! Soldier Boyz assumes that your computer system has been properly configured and is operational prior to attempting installation. Refer to Sections IX through XIII (below) for notes on properly configuring your computer system prior to and during Soldier Boyz installation. =================================================== II. Getting Started - Installing Soldier Boyz (DOS) =================================================== Following is a step-by-step procedure for installing Soldier Boyz in the DOS environment. Prior to attempting installation, ensure that the appropriate sound card, CD-ROM, and controller drivers are loaded and working. Refer to Section IX, "Troubleshooting - DOS Configuration" (below) for more information regarding setting up Soldier Boyz in DOS environments. *** NOTE: You absolutely MUST have either a mouse or joystick properly installed and configured for the installation to be successful! ------------------ A. Getting Started ------------------ 1. Insert the Soldier Boyz CD into your CD-ROM drive. 2. From the DOS prompt, type D:, where "D" is your CD-ROM drive letter. 3. Type INSTALL. ----------------------------- B. Drive and Path Assignments ----------------------------- Upon running INSTALL.EXE, the following option is presented: "Select a New Drive and Path" 1. Enter the drive LETTER where you would like the Soldier Boyz files to be installed (ex. C, D, E, etc.). The installation will default to the C: drive, but this selection may be changed to any other fixed disk drive by entering the appropriate drive letter. If you are not sure whether there is enough free space on the specified drive, keep in mind that Soldier Boyz requires either @28MB for a Maximum install (RECOMMENDED) or @11MB for a Minimum install, depending on your selection. ALSO note that, in addition to this space allotted for the installation, an additional 10MB of free hard drive space is required on the same drive when Soldier Boyz is run to allow for seamless audio and video playback. 2. Specify the path (folder) where you would like the Soldier Boyz files to be installed (the default is C:\Boyz); Hit to continue; 3. If the specified directory does not exist, you will be asked if the directory can be created. Answer (Y)es. 4. Allow a moment for the Soldier Boyz configuration files to be copied to your hard drive. The next phase of the installation is ready... ---------------------------- C. Main Menu - Quick Install ---------------------------- Upon reaching the Main Menu screen, the installation program should already have most of the information required to properly set up Soldier Boyz on your computer. These default settings will be listed under the heading "Current Configuration". Selecting Option #4, "Save and Exit", at this time will expedite the installation by taking you directly to the Sound System Configuration Utility. If any problems arise, re-run INSTALL and adjust the default settings (as described below in the Step-By-Step Instructions) before continuing with the installation. *** NOTE: If this "Quick Install" method is used, Soldier Boyz will assume certain things regarding your computer environment and configuration, and will use the default installation settings. For added flexibility (including the ability to select a controller, change the installation size, and other options), it is recommended that you NOT select Option #4 at this time, and instead proceed with "D. Main Menu - Step-By-Step Instructions" (below). ---------------------------------------- D. Main Menu - Step-By-Step Instructions ---------------------------------------- The Main Menu contains four selections. It is recommended that these options be selected in order (#1-4) to ensure that Soldier Boyz is properly installed and configured for your computer. 1. Main Menu Option #1 -- Configure Sound Card ---------------------------------------------- Upon making this selection, the "Sound System Configuration Utility" should appear. If you have a mouse properly installed, you may use the mouse cursor to navigate the Sound System Configuration Utility and make the necessary selections. If you do not have a mouse installed, the keyboard arrow keys may be used instead. a. Under "Sound Configuration Options", choose "Select and configure digital audio driver". Select the correct digital audio driver from the list by moving the cursor over the arrow buttons on the right side of the screen and scrolling up and down until the correct sound card is visible. (NOTE: If you do not know which sound driver to select, consult your computer and/or sound card documentation for more information on selecting the proper sound driver for your sound card hardware. You may also attempt to use the "Sound Blaster Pro" driver, as this is a popular configuration). b. Highlight the correct driver and choose "Select", or double-click on the appropriate selection, to continue with the installation. c. Now that you have selected a sound card, the following options will be shown: "Attempt to configure the sound driver automatically" "Skip auto-detection and configure sound driver manually" "Select a different sound driver" In most cases, you should try the "Attempt to configure sound driver automatically" option first. If your PC locks up, or if the message "Sound hardware not found" appears, you will need to use the "Skip auto-detection and configure sound driver manually" option instead. You should select the "Skip auto-detection and configure sound driver manually" if you know that your PC contains peripherals which are likely to conflict with your sound card's factory default I/O settings. This option will allow you to enter your sound card's I/O parameters manually, which can also be necessary if the "Attempt to configure sound driver automatically" option fails to detect your sound card properly. i. "Attempt to configure the sound driver automatically" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This is the RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE for setting up the correct sound drivers. When this option is selected, the setup program attempts to detect and configure the sound driver. If your PC locks up, or if the message "Sound hardware not found" appears, you will need to use the "Skip auto-detection and configure sound driver manually" option instead. If the auto-detection is successful, select "OK", then "Done" to continue with the installation (refer to Main Menu Option #2 -- "Configure Input Devices", below, for the next step). ii. "Skip auto-detection and configure sound driver manually" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - When this option is selected, you will be asked to specify an I/O address for your sound card hardware. Consult your computer and/or sound card documentation for more information on selecting the proper I/O address for your sound card hardware. Type in the I/O address and select "Continue". The setup program will now attempt to detect and configure the sound driver. If your PC locks up, or if the message "Sound hardware not found" appears, you may need to specify a different I/O address. If the detection is successful, select "OK", then "Done" to continue with the installation (refer to Main Menu Option #2 -- "Configure Input Devices", below, for the next step). iii. "Select a different sound driver" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This option allows you to select a different sound driver from the available list prior to attempting automatic or manual detection. 2. Main Menu Option #2 -- "Configure Input Devices" --------------------------------------------------- Upon making this selection, you will be asked to select your desired input device, either 1. Mouse or 2. Joystick. If "Joystick" is selected, the installation should continue by prompting you to calibrate your joystick. If you get an error message upon selecting a controller, consult your hardware documentation to properly set up and configure your mouse or joystick prior to installation. 3. Main Menu Option #3 -- "More Options" ---------------------------------------- Upon making this selection, you will be able to make further adjustments to the Soldier Boyz default installation settings. These default settings will be listed under "Current Options". a. Option #1 -- "Flip Joystick" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This option allows you to change the joystick orientation prior to installation (either "Normal" or "Flightstick"). b. Option #2 -- "Installation Size" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This option allows you to change the amount of hard drive space required by the installation. The Maximum installation (@28MB hard disk drive space required) will speed up loading times by up to 80%, resulting in quicker game play. Choosing the "Minimum" installation consumes @11MB of hard disk drive space, but loading times experienced during game play will be quite long. It is recommended that the "Maximum" installation is used, as this is the default setting. c. Option #3 -- "Music On/Off" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This option allows you to specify whether music should be enabled when the game is first run. Unlike the previous options, this selection CAN be changed at any time during game play by activating the Main Menu (refer to Section VII, "Playing the Game - Main Menu"), below, for more info regarding this and other features). 4. Main Menu Option #4 -- "Save and Exit" ----------------------------------------- Selecting Option 4, "Save and Exit", at this time will automate the installation as much as possible. If any problems arise, re-run INSTALL and adjust the default settings (as described above) before making this selection and continuing with the installation. *** NOTE: Several of these options (such as music and joystick calibration) can be re-activated and changed at any time during game play by hitting the key to activate the Soldier Boyz "Main Menu" (refer to Section VII, "Playing the Game - Main Menu", below, for more information regarding these options). If you encounter any difficulties while attempting to install Soldier Boyz in a DOS environment, refer to Section IX, "Troubleshooting - DOS Configuration" (below) for more information, and consult your computer and/or sound card documentation. ======================================================== III. Getting Started - Installing Soldier Boyz (Windows) ======================================================== Following is a step-by-step procedure for installing Soldier Boyz in the Windows 95 environment. NOTE TO WINDOWS 3.1 OR WINDOWS 3.11 USERS: It is recommended that you exit Windows and play Soldier Boyz from a DOS prompt. This greatly enhances the performance and playability of the game on 486 class machines, especially those with lower amounts (less than 16MB) of physical RAM. Refer to Section IX, "Troubleshooting - DOS Configuration" (below) for more information regarding setting up Soldier Boyz in DOS environments. This game has been fully tested under both DOS and Windows 95 environments. Playing under pre-Windows 95 versions of the Windows operating system (Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups v3.11) is not recommended. It is suggested that you instead exit to DOS and install and play Soldier Boyz in DOS. *** NOTE: You absolutely MUST have either a mouse or joystick properly installed and configured for the installation to be successful! ------------------ A. Getting Started ------------------ 1. Insert the Soldier Boyz CD into your CD-ROM drive. 2. Using the Windows 95 Explorer, navigate to your CD-ROM drive directory. 3. From the contents of the CD-ROM directory, double-click on "INSTALL.EXE". ----------------------------- B. Drive and Path Assignments ----------------------------- Upon running INSTALL.EXE, the following option is presented: "Select a New Drive and Path" 1. Enter the drive LETTER where you would like the Soldier Boyz files to be installed (ex. C, D, E, etc.). The installation will default to the C: drive, but this selection may be changed to any other fixed disk drive by entering the appropriate drive letter. If you are not sure whether there is enough free space on the specified drive, keep in mind that Soldier Boyz requires either @28MB for a Maximum install (RECOMMENDED) or @11MB for a Minimum install, depending on your selection. ALSO note that, in addition to this space allotted for the installation, an additional 10MB of free hard drive space is required on the same drive when Soldier Boyz is run to allow for seamless audio and video playback). 2. Specify the path (folder) where you would like the Soldier Boyz files to be installed (the default is C:\Boyz); Hit to continue; 3. If the specified directory does not exist, you will be asked if the directory can be created. Answer (Y)es. 4. Allow a moment for the Soldier Boyz configuration files to be copied to your hard drive. The next phase of the installation, MAIN MENU, is ready... ---------------------------- C. Main Menu - Quick Install ---------------------------- Upon reaching the Main Menu screen, the installation program should already have most of the information required to properly set up Soldier Boyz on your computer. These default settings will be listed under the heading "Current Configuration". Selecting Option #4, "Save and Exit", at this time will expedite the installation by taking you directly to the Sound System Configuration Utility. If any problems arise, re-run INSTALL and adjust the default settings (as described below in the Step-By-Step Instructions) before continuing with the installation. *** NOTE: If this "Quick Install" method is used, Soldier Boyz will assume certain things regarding your computer environment and configuration, and will use the default installation settings. For added flexibility (including the ability to select a controller, change the installation size, and other options), it is recommended that you NOT select Option #4 at this time, and instead proceed with "D. Main Menu - Step-By-Step Instructions" (below). ---------------------------------------- D. Main Menu - Step-By-Step Instructions ---------------------------------------- The Main Menu contains four selections. It is recommended that these options be selected in order (#1-4) to ensure that Soldier Boyz is properly installed and configured for your computer. 1. Main Menu Option #1 -- Configure Sound Card ---------------------------------------------- Upon making this selection, the "Sound System Configuration Utility" should appear. If you have a mouse properly installed, you may use the mouse cursor to navigate the Sound System Configuration Utility and make the necessary selections. If you do not have a mouse installed, the keyboard arrow keys may be used instead. a. Under "Sound Configuration Options", choose "Select and configure digital audio driver". Select the correct digital audio driver from the list by moving the cursor over the arrow buttons on the right side of the screen and scrolling up and down until the correct sound card is visible. (NOTE: If you do not know which sound card to select, select "Return to Main Menu" and then select "View Windows 95 Configuration" prior to making a selection. Refer to subsection iv, "Choosing to View Windows 95 configuration" (below) for details. You may also attempt to use the "Sound Blaster Pro" driver, as this is a common configuration. Consult your computer and/or sound card documentation for more information on the selection of the proper sound driver for your sound card hardware). b. Highlight the correct driver and choose "Select", or double-click on the appropriate selection, to continue with the installation. c. Now that you have selected a sound card, the following options will be shown: "Attempt to configure the sound driver automatically" "Skip auto-detection and configure sound driver manually" "Select a different sound driver" In most cases, you should try the "Attempt to configure sound driver automatically" option first. If your PC locks up, or if the message "Sound hardware not found" appears, you will need to use the "Skip auto-detection and configure sound driver manually" option instead. You should select the "Skip auto-detection and configure sound driver manually" if you know that your PC contains peripherals which are likely to conflict with your sound card's factory default I/O settings. This option will allow you to enter your sound card's I/O parameters manually, which can also be necessary if the "Attempt to configure sound driver automatically" option fails to detect your sound card properly. i. "Attempt to configure the sound driver automatically" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This is the RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE for setting up the correct sound drivers. When this option is selected, the setup program attempts to detect and configure the sound driver. If your PC locks up, or if the message "Sound hardware not found" appears, you will need to use the "Skip auto-detection and configure sound driver manually" option instead. If the auto-detection is successful, select "OK", then "Done" to continue with the installation (refer to Main Menu Option #2 -- "Configure Input Devices", below, for the next step). ii. "Skip auto-detection and configure sound driver manually" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - When this option is selected, you will be asked to specify an I/O address for your sound card hardware. Refer to subsection iv, "Choosing to View Windows 95 configuration" (below), or consult your computer and/or sound card documentation for more information on selecting the proper I/O address for your sound card hardware. Type in the I/O address and select "Continue". The setup program will now attempt to detect and configure the sound driver. If your PC locks up, or if the message "Sound hardware not found" appears, you may need to specify a different I/O address. If the detection is successful, select "OK", then "Done" to continue with the installation (refer to Main Menu Option #2 -- "Configure Input Devices", below, for the next step). iii. "Select a different sound driver" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This option allows you to select a different sound driver from the available list prior to attempting automatic or manual detection. iv. "Choosing to View Windows 95 configuration" ----------------------------------------------- In case you encounter problems in manually selecting the correct sound driver under Windows 95, choosing to "View Windows 95 configuration" in the Sound System Configuration Utility Main Menu prior to selecting a driver may assist you in making the correct selection. If this selection is made, your current Windows 95 sound hardware configuration will be listed. Moving the cursor over the arrow buttons on the right side of the screen and scrolling up and down will display your current Windows 95 sound driver environment, and should list all the information necessary to make the proper sound card selection. Once you have finished gathering the required information, select "Return to Previous Menu" to continue the Sound System Configuration. 2. Main Menu Option #2 -- "Configure Input Devices" --------------------------------------------------- Upon making this selection, your will be asked to select your desired input device, either 1. Mouse or 2. Joystick. If "Joystick" is selected, the installation should continue by prompting you to calibrate your joystick. If you get an error message upon selecting a controller, consult your hardware documentation to properly set up and configure your mouse or joystick prior to installation. Main Menu Option #3 -- More Options ----------------------------------- Upon making this selection, you will be able to make further adjustments to the Soldier Boyz default installation settings. These default settings will be listed under "Current Options". a. Option #1 -- "Flip Joystick" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This option allows you to change the joystick orientation prior to installation (either "Normal" or "Flightstick"). b. Option #2 -- "Installation Size" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This option allows you to change the amount of hard drive space required by the installation. The Maximum installation (@28MB hard disk drive space required) will speed up loading times by up to 80%, resulting in quicker game play. Choosing the "Minimum" installation consumes @11MB of hard disk drive space, but loading times experienced during game play will be quite long. It is recommended that the "Maximum" installation is used, as this is the default setting. c. Option #3 -- "Music On/Off" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This option allows you to specify whether music should be enabled when the game is first run. Unlike the previous options, this selection CAN be changed at any time during game play by activating the Main Menu (refer to Section VII, "Playing the Game - Main Menu"), below, for more info regarding this and other features). 4. Main Menu Option #4 -- "Save and Exit" ----------------------------------------- Selecting Option 4, "Save and Exit", at this time will automate the installation as much as possible. If any problems arise, re-run INSTALL and adjust the default settings (as described above) before making this selection and continuing with the installation. *** NOTE: Several of these options (such as music and joystick calibration) can be re-activated and changed at any time during game play by hitting the key to activate the Soldier Boyz "Main Menu" (refer to Section VII, "Playing the Game - Main Menu", below, for more information regarding these options). If you encounter any difficulties while attempting to install Soldier Boyz in a Windows environment, refer to Section X, "Troubleshooting - Windows Configuration" (below) for more information, and consult your computer and/or sound card documentation. ================================================ IV. Getting Started - Running Soldier Boyz (DOS) ================================================ DOS: To launch Soldier Boyz from the DOS Prompt, switch to the Soldier Boyz installation directory, (for example, if you are at the C:\ prompt, type , which will take you to C:\BOYZ. At C:\BOYZ, type "BOYZ" . 1. Insert the Soldier Boyz CD into your CD-ROM drive. 2. From the DOS prompt, type CD\BOYZ, where "BOYZ" is the target directory specified during installation. 3. Type BOYZ. =================================================== V. Getting Started - Running Soldier Boyz (Windows) =================================================== 1. Insert the Soldier Boyz CD into your CD-ROM drive. 2. Using the Windows 95 Explorer, navigate to the C:\Boyz folder, where "Boyz" is the target directory specified during installation. 3. From the contents of the specified folder, double-click on "Boyz.exe". You may also create a Windows 95 Shortcut (see details below) to facilitate launching the game repeatedly. --------------------------------- A. Creating a Windows 95 Shortcut --------------------------------- If desired, a Soldier Boyz Shortcut can be created on the Windows 95 desktop. This Shortcut will simplify launching Soldier Boyz repeatedly under Windows 95. To create a Soldier Boyz Windows 95 Shortcut, do the following: 1. Using the Windows 95 Explorer, navigate to the C:\Boyz folder, where "Boyz" is the target directory specified during installation. 2. From the contents of the specified folder, RIGHT-click and drag the file Boyz.exe, to your desktop. 3. Release the mouse button. Select "Create Shortcut(s) Here". Windows 95 should make an MS-DOS icon named "Shortcut to Boyz". 4. If you wish, you can change your Soldier Boyz Shortcut icon to something a little more exciting by right-clicking on the new icon, and from the pop-up menu, selecting "Properties". Then select the "Program" tab at the top. 5. Click on "Change icon...". Navigate to the C:\Boyz folder, where "Boyz" is the target directory specified during installation, and highlight the "Soldier Boyz" icon. 6. Click on "OK" when you are finished. 7. To complete this process, click on "OK" once again. 8. You may rename your Soldier Boyz Shortcut by RIGHT-clicking on the shortcut icon, choosing "Rename", and typing in the new name. ===================================================================== VI. Playing the Game - Game Play, Controller Info, and Other Features ===================================================================== ------------ A. Game Play ------------ Soldier Boyz is divided into Five "Territories", each of which is broken down into several "Sectors". Your goal is to survive each Territory, as your HEALTH is refreshed to 100% at the beginning of each Territory. Soldier Boyz consists of both interactive and non-interactive (cinematic) segments. During interactive segments, you possess the ability to FIRE, TALK, and RELOAD (as described in "Controller Info", below). You may FIRE and TALK while the targeting cursor is red, and may RELOAD at any time while the HEALTH and AMMO interface is on-screen. During non-interactive (cinematic) segments, you do not possess the ability to SHOOT, TALK, or RELOAD. During interactive game play, the AMMO status bar (located in the upper-right corner of the screen) tracks your AMMO count. One AMMO point is deducted every time you fire a weapon. Each individual Soldier Boyz character has a distinct AMMO allotment, as the Soldier Boyz are each using different weapons. You may reload the weapon (as described in subsection B, "Controller Info", below) as often as desired. During interactive game play, the HEALTH status bar (located in the upper-left corner of the screen) tracks your HEALTH count. One HEALTH point is deducted every time you get hit, either by an enemy character or by getting reprimanded and punched by Toliver, the team leader. When the HEALTH bar reaches zero, you die, and may then choose how to proceed and either Retry Sector, Restart Territory, Begin New Mission, or Quit for Now (refer to subsection C, "Other Features", below, for more information regarding these options). There are basically two types of characters you may encounter while playing Soldier Boyz - Enemy characters (Enemies), and Friendly characters (Friendlies). You should strive to eliminate as many Enemies as possible. There are also several "Alarm Guys" scattered throughout the game, who say "Sound the Alarm!" if not killed, resulting in your IMMEDIATE death. Unlike most of the Enemies encountered throughout Soldier Boyz, these "Alarm Guys" MUST be killed in order to continue game play. You should also TALK to as many Friendlies as possible, as they provide vital game survival information. ------------------ B. Controller Info ------------------ In Soldier Boyz, you can either FIRE at characters or TALK to them. Firing is achieved by clicking the joystick button #1/trigger (or left mouse button) when the cursor is positioned over the character. Talking is achieved by clicking the joystick button #2 (or right mouse button) when the cursor is positioned over the character. The cursor will indicate that a character is activated when it fills in with color; otherwise, it is simply an outline. Summary of controller functions: - Joystick trigger/button #1 - Left mouse button : Fires weapon - Joystick button #2 - Right mouse button : Reloads weapon (when positioned over the AMMO bar) - Joystick button #2 - Right mouse button : "Talks" to Friendlies (NOTE: when depressed and HELD DOWN, this feature "rapid-fires") - Joystick button #2 - Right mouse button - : "Skips over" cinematic segments - : Pauses game and activates MAIN MENU (where you can re-calibrate the joystick, Retry a Sector, load another Mission, Quit, etc.) - (refer to Section VII, "Playing the Game - Main Menu", below, for more details) ----------------- C. Other Features ----------------- Whenever you die (runs out of HEALTH points), you are given several options - Retry Sector, Restart Territory, Begin New Mission, or Quit for Now. If you choose to "Retry Sector", you will be restored to the beginning of the current Sector, with the same number of HEALTH points that were available during the previous attempt. Sectors may be Retried as often as needed. If you choose to "Restart Territory", you will be restored to the BEGINNING of the current Territory, with HEALTH fully restored to 100%. (NOTE: if this option is selected, the game will play as though the current Territory had never been played. Therefore, you must use this option with some discretion.) If you choose to "Begin New Mission", your current Mission file will be saved, Soldier Boyz will prompt you for a new Login name, and a new Mission will begin. NOTE: you will be able to return to any previously saved Mission at any time by choosing to "Begin New Mission" and typing in any previously used Login name. Upon furnishing a previously used Login name, you will be fully restored to the beginning of the first uncompleted Sector of that Mission. If you choose to "Quit for Now", game will end and all Mission information is AUTOMATICALLY SAVED. Upon re-launching Soldier Boyz, and furnishing a previously used Login name, you will be fully restored to the beginning of the first uncompleted Sector of that Mission. ---------------- D. Score Tallies ---------------- At the conclusion of each Territory, a tally screen will display your Territory Stats. These performance statistics include Enemies Eliminated, Ammo Expended, and Info Acquired, as well as a percentage "score" for your overall performance. This information is important, as you can determine whether certain parts of the Territory should be replayed in order to acquire information missed during previous attempts (refer to Section VIII, "Playing the Game - Modes of Game Play", below, for more information regarding replaying previously completed Sectors). At the completion of the entire game, a final tally will display your overall Mission Stats, summarizing your performance for the entire Mission. ================================= VII. Playing the Game - Main Menu ================================= At any time during game play (NOT during installation!), you may hit the key to activate the Soldier Boyz "Main Menu", which includes many useful options, described as follows: ----------- A. "Resume" ----------- Selecting this option resumes game play at your exact previous position. B. "Missions" ------------- Selecting this option allows you to "Retry Sector", "Restart Territory", "Begin New Mission", or "Quit for Now" (refer to subsection VI.C, "Playing the Game - Other features", above, for more information regarding these options). C. "Modes" ---------- Selecting this option allows you to switch between "Mission" and "Flashback" game play modes (refer to Section VIII, "Playing the Game - Modes of Game Play", below, for more information regarding these options). D. "Options" ------------ Making this selection allows you to change several options relating to the overall game play environment: 1. "Joystick Calibration" ------------------------- This option allows for calibration of the joystick (assuming that Soldier Boyz was properly installed and configured for use with a joystick) 2. "Sound Options" ------------------ This option allows you to turn the looping music On or Off (NOTE: the music heard throughout Soldier Boyz is independent of the sound effects (gunshots, screams, etc.). If the music is turned off, the sound effects will continue to be heard. 3. "Game Credits" ----------------- Selection this option displays the game credits for Soldier Boyz, including creative, technical, and cinematic personnel. --------- E. "Quit" --------- Selecting this option allows you to Quit Soldier Boyz. If you choose to Quit, game will end and all Mission information is AUTOMATICALLY SAVED. Upon re-launching Soldier Boyz, upon furnishing a valid Login name, you will be fully restored to the last Sector played. =========================================== VIII. Playing the Game - Modes of Game Play =========================================== In Soldier Boyz, you may switch between two "Modes" of game play: MISSION Mode and FLASHBACK Mode. MISSION Mode is the "default" game play mode. When the game is launched, you will always be prompted for a "Login" name, which Soldier Boyz uses to track your interactions as you progress from Sector to Sector, and from Territory to Territory. The game constantly updates the MISSION data file with your progressive interactions. Upon exiting and reloading a previously saved MISSION (by typing in a previously used "Login" name), you will be restored to the exact Sector where you previously terminated game play. This feature means that you are never required to manually save or load a MISSION(s), as Soldier Boyz performs this automatically. FLASHBACK Mode is an optional game mode, which you can switch to at any time using the "MODES" submenu (accessible anytime during game play by hitting the key). FLASHBACK Mode allows you to replay any previously completed Sector of the game by selecting the Sectors from an interactive menu. While in FLASHBACK Mode, you may replay any Sector(s) as often as desired in order to encounter enemies and acquire information that was missed during regular game play in MISSION Mode. Once you decide to resume MISSION Mode, you will be restored to the exact Sector where you terminated game play during your previous MISSION. ======================================= IX. Troubleshooting - DOS Configuration ======================================= The following information is intended to assist you in configuring your computer system to run Soldier Boyz in either real DOS (DOS prompt) or Windows 95 "MS-DOS Mode" environments. This is a SAMPLE listing of the configuration settings required in your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS startup files, with descriptions of the configuration options required. You may either run the MS-DOS text editor or use the Windows Notepad to edit these files. Consult your computer and/or operating system documentation for more information regarding opening and editing these files. *** NOTE: Be careful when changing these parameters, as incorrect values can cause unpredictable results. To restore you computer system to its original configuration, it is highly recommended that you BACK UP your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS startup files prior to making any changes. Consult your computer and/or operating system documentation for more information regarding backing up these important system files. -------------- A. Audio Setup -------------- When using a Sound Card with Soldier Boyz, there are a few setup steps which must be taken. First, the "BLASTER" environment variable setting must be in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file (or you can type it in manually from the MS-DOS command prompt). Running the Sound Blaster utility "diagnose.exe" will automatically configure your sound card and put the following statement in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file for you. A typical blaster setting looks like this (although yours may vary): SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 H5 P330 T6 --------------- B. CD-ROM Setup -------------- There are commonly two steps in setting up a CD-ROM drive under DOS. First, a CD-ROM driver must be loaded in your CONFIG.SYS file. It typically looks like this (although yours may vary): DEVICE=C:\PROSCSI\CDROM.SYS /D:PROCD01 You will also need to run the CD-ROM driver MSCDEX.EXE, which assigns a drive letter to your CD-ROM. This line, loaded in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, should look similar to this (although yours may vary): C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND\MSCDEX.EXE /D:PROCD01 /L:D -------------- C. Mouse Setup -------------- If you are going to use a mouse when playing Soldier Boyz, you will need to load your mouse driver. This should go in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file as well. Here is an example (although yours may vary): C:\MOUSE\MOUSE.EXE ----------------- D. Joystick Setup ----------------- Ensure that your joystick is plugged into your joystick port or sound card BEFORE turning on your computer's power. If a joystick is plugged into the computer AFTER your computer has been turned on, it will generally not be recognized by your computer system. Usually, if the above-mentioned "Audio Setup" configuration is in place, then a joystick will be automatically detected by Soldier Boyz (as most joysticks are plugged directly into the sound card). ---------- E. SUMMARY ---------- Here is an example of the files you should see (yours will probably vary) listed in your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT. (Do not type the words in parentheses; these are explanations): In CONFIG.SYS: DEVICE=C:\PROSCSI\CDROM.SYS /D:PROCD01 (CD-ROM driver) In AUTOEXEC.BAT: SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 H5 P330 T6 (sound environment setting) C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND\MSCDEX.EXE /D:PROCD01 /L:D (CD-ROM driver) C:\MOUSE\MOUSE.EXE (mouse driver) ========================================== X. Troubleshooting - Windows Configuration ========================================== -------------------------------------------------- A. Windows and Windows for Workgroups v3.1 & v3.11 -------------------------------------------------- This game has been fully tested under both DOS and Windows 95 environments. Playing under pre-Windows 95 versions of the Windows operating system (Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups v3.11) is NOT RECOMMENDED. It is recommended that you instead exit Windows and install and play Soldier Boyz in DOS. This greatly enhances the performance and playability of the game on 486 class machines, especially those with lower amounts (less than 16MB) of physical RAM. Refer to Section IX, "Troubleshooting - DOS Configuration" (above) for more information regarding setting up Soldier Boyz in a DOS environment. ------------- B. Windows 95 ------------- The default behavior of Soldier Boyz under Windows 95 is to run as a "DOS box" process. This means that, although the interface may appear as though the system has switched to real DOS, Windows 95 continues to run in the background. 1. It is not recommended that you try and run Soldier Boyz as a Windows 95 DOS box if you are running Windows 95 with less than 16MB of physical RAM. If you have less than 16MB of physical RAM, it is recommended that you instead exit Windows and install and play Soldier Boyz in DOS. Refer to Section IX, "Troubleshooting - DOS Configuration" (above) for more information regarding setting up Soldier Boyz in a DOS environment. 2. The performance of Soldier Boyz in a Windows 95 DOS box is slightly slower than in a real DOS environment. You can improve movie playback performance by going into the Settings option on the Windows 95 START menu, selecting CONTROL PANEL, then SYSTEM, PERFORMANCE, FILE SYSTEM and then CD-ROM. There is a menu here which allows you to ENABLE read-ahead buffering of the CD (this seems to be disabled by default). Select the setting that matches your CD-ROM drive (2X, 4X etc.). You can also change the size of the buffer, usually the bigger this is the better the performance will be, however this does take away memory from the rest of the system. 3. Due to the game's employment of full-motion-video playback and extensive use of digital audio, it is highly recommended that Soldier Boyz be run in the "cleanest" Windows 95 environment possible. ---------------------------------------------------- C. Autodetecting Sound Cards in a Windows 95 DOS box ---------------------------------------------------- Because the Windows 95 DOS box is really just emulating DOS (Windows continues to run in the background), you may experience problems autodetecting your sound card in this mode. This is because Windows 95 sound drivers are already loaded, and may not be correctly configured to use in a DOS box. There are several things you can do to address this during the Soldier Boyz installation process: 1. Do not autodetect, but pick your sound card manually. Consult your computer and/or sound card documentation for more information on selection the proper sound driver for your sound card hardware. 2. In the Sound System Configuration Utility, select "View Windows 95 Configuration" in order to view your Windows 95 sound driver environment prior to making a selection. Refer to subsection III.A.1.c.iv, "Choosing to View Windows 95 configuration" (above) for details. 3. You may also attempt to use the "Sound Blaster Pro" driver, as this is a popular configuration. 4. Run through Windows 95 DOS Mode, as described below. -------------------------------------- D. Running through Windows 95 DOS Mode ------------------------------------- If you can select RESTART THE COMPUTER IN MS-DOS MODE from the START/SHUTDOWN menu and then still access your CD-ROM drive in that mode, we recommend installing and running Soldier Boyz in that environment (DOS 7.0). Whether you can do this or not depends on having the correct drivers loaded in the DOS environment. If you do NOT have the proper drivers present (Soldier Boyz fails to install or run), refer to Section IX, "Troubleshooting - DOS Configuration" (above) for more information regarding setting up Soldier Boyz in DOS environments, and consult your computer and/or sound card documentation for more information on configuring your DOS environment to allow for CD-ROM, sound card, and controller utilization. ================================================= XI. Troubleshooting - Autodetection of Sound Cards ================================================= NOTE: Refer to Sections II and III, "Getting Started - Installing Soldier Boyz..." (above) for extensive information regarding setting up your sound card driver during the Soldier Boyz installation process. Soldier Boyz utilizes sophisticated techniques to autodetect and configure your sound card. Because of the vast number of machine configurations possible on consumer PC's, Soldier Boyz may not autodetect your sound card or it might misidentify the card. For this reason you should treat the detected card as a suggestion only. If you know that the detected card is definitely wrong you should pick your sound card manually. Consult your computer and/or sound card documentation for more information on selection the proper sound driver for your sound card hardware. If you select a sound driver that is incompatible with your environment, your machine may lock-up, or the sound card may stop responding. Either of these situations may be corrected by simply turning off the computer, waiting 15 seconds, and then turning it back on. Upon re-booting your computer, re-run Install, and select a different sound driver. =============================================================== XII. Troubleshooting - Known Sound Card and Video Card Problems =============================================================== ---------------------------- Specific Sound Card Problems ---------------------------- There are no known sound card incompatibilities at this time. ----------------------------------------------------------- If you continue to have trouble with your sound card consult your computer and/or sound card documentation for more information. ---------------------------- Specific Video Card Problems ---------------------------- There are no known video card incompatibilities at this time. For optimal performance and video speed, a 1 Meg video card (or better) is preferred. ========================================================= XIII. Troubleshooting - Multi-CD machines and CD-changers ========================================================= Soldier Boyz does not support multiple CD-ROM drives or CD-changers and assumes that you only have one CD-ROM drive. If you have more than one CD-ROM drive, you should insert the Soldier Boyz CD into the first CD drive letter you are using. For example, if you have drives E:, F: and G:, your Soldier Boyz CD should be inserted into the E: drive. ================================================= XIV. Technical Support / Game Updates and Patches ================================================= ----------------- Technical Support ----------------- If you are having trouble installing or running Soldier Boyz you can receive technical support by sending e-mail to info@dreamcatcherinc.com, or by faxing to 416-398-4476. You can also refer to our web page, http:\\www.Dreamcatcherinc.com, or call: 416-398-9228. When sending support e-mail, cut and paste the following into your e-mail message and fill in the blanks: Date: Name: Phone number: E-mail address: (you MUST include this) Game Title: Operating system (i.e., DOS 6.0 or Windows 95): Computer type: BIOS date: BIOS version: Processor type: Processor speed: State the problem you encountered: State how to reproduce the problem: ------------------------ Ordering Information ------------------------ If you would like to order more copies of the game, please call: 416-638-5000 or 1-888-611-9999