

                              3-D - PITFALL
                     Copyright (C) 1994 by J. Shramko
                           All Rights Reserved

    This shareware version of 3-D - PITFALL is identical to the
    registered version in all regards except that it contains a
    limited set of 14 different geometric shapes.  The registered
    version contains over 80 different shapes, including special
    "melter" and "bomber" objects, as described below.  You may
    obtain the registered version as well as a hint sheet by
    sending $12 to:

                          John Shramko
                          P.O. Box 20480
                          Newark, NJ 07101  USA

    
    INTRODUCTION:

         As the game starts, an "active" block appears at the top
    of the pit.  It will gradually fall to the bottom, and
    "freeze" into fixed cubes when it hits bottom, or if it lands
    on top of a previously fixed cube.  When an entire layer of 25
    cubes is filled, it disappears and the fixed cubes above fall
    down one layer.  The game is over when an active block can no
    longer enter the pit due to the high level of fixed cubes.
    The goal is to "plug up the holes" on each layer so that they
    will disappear and there is then room for more active blocks
    to enter the pit.


    GETTING STARTED:

         At the Main Menu screen, you can press Enter to start the
    game, or you may want to change some options.  Pressing "p"
    for Speed Level will change the amount of time the active
    block remains at each level before falling one level closer to
    the bottom of the pit.  Higher speed level settings give
    shorter times, but also score more points.  Pressing "k", for
    Skill Level, varies the number of randomly placed, fixed
    blocks present at the start of the game, from none at skill
    level 1, to 16 blocks on the lower layers at level 5.  Higher
    skill level settings are more challenging and give higher
    scores.

         Other options can be changed by pressing the "c" key for
    the Customize Menu.  Colors can be changed pressing the
    appropriate keys, from "a" to  "u".  The number of possible
    combinations available can make every game unique!  You can
    change the pit depth to either 9, 12 or 16 layers, using the
    "v" key.  Also on the Customize Menu is the Quick Moves
    option, the "w" key.  Set at Normal, the blocks will smoothly
    shift from one position to another.  In Faster mode, the block
    jumps from one position to another.  In Fastest mode, the
    block is seen only as a wire frame, which also jumps from one
    position to another.  The Normal setting is the most
    aesthetically pleasing, but runs slower than the other modes.
    If you have a slower machine, or have developed greater skill,
    try one of the fast modes.

         The "x" key chooses the Block Set to be used.  The Small
    set consists of 12 kinds of blocks, each made from 1, 2, 3, or
    4 cubes.  The Medium set consists of the small set plus 29
    different blocks, each made from 5 cubes.  The medium set also
    has exploding Black Bombers and liquefying White Melters.  The
    Large set includes a percentage of 6-cube blocks, selected
    from a total of about 40 types.  Only the Small set is included
    in the Shareware version.  Please register for the full version.


    PLAYING THE GAME:

         The active block appears at the top of the pit, in the
    upper left corner.  You can shift its position using the arrow
    keys or the numeric keypad (with the "num lock" light off).
    Rotate the block using the "q", "w", and "e" keys or the "a",
    "s", and "d" keys.  (Technically, the rotations will be around
    the x, y, and z axes, either clockwise or counter-clockwise.)
    This may seem tricky at first, but with a bit of patience,
    you'll get the hang of it.  Try the arrow keys with the right
    hand, and the letter keys with the left hand.  The left thumb
    is also useful for hitting the space bar, which drops the
    block from its current height.  This makes the game quicker
    and also affects scoring, as you will see below.

         The "Backspace" key pauses the game until a key is
    pressed, and the "Esc" key exits the game.

         The number of fixed blocks in each layer is listed in the
    column of numbers on the left.  For instance, 24 means that
    only one space in that layer remains to be filled, at which
    time the layer will disappear and the fixed cubes above it
    fall down one layer.


    ACTIVE BLOCKS:

         An active block consists of up to 6 cubes.  It is the
    only block that you can move with the keys.  It freezes upon
    hitting the pit floor or landing on a previously frozen block.
    If possible, another active block then enters the top of the
    pit.

         There are two special blocks:  White Melters, and Black
    Bombers.  Melters burn a hole through to the bottom of the
    pit.  This may make the game tougher, because then there are
    more holes to fill.  On the other hand, it may open up a
    passage that may be helpful when "tunneling" (more on that
    later).  Bombers dissolve all fixed blocks just under whatever
    level they hit.  This is a help, because it gives you more
    "breathing room" in the pit to work with.

    Register today for the latest version of 3-D - PITFALL!!!

