NewtHack
Version 1.1

By Christopher A. Dopp			

Copyright  1996-1997. All Rights Reserved.

newthack@pobox.com
http://www.pobox.com/~newthack


About NewtHack

NewtHack is a fantasy role-playing game for Newtons running system version 2.0 or later. You assume the role of an adventurer who descends deep into a dungeon to rescue a sacred item that has been stolen from your village. You will have to defeat the many hostile creatures that dwell in the dungeon and gain experience to successfully complete your quest.


Installing NewtHack

NewtHack consists of two packages named NewtHack.pkg and NewtHack Sounds.pkg. To play the game you only have to install NewtHack. If you want to have sound effects, you also need to install the NewtHack Sounds package. You may install the packages either internally or on a flash card.  You can also install the Register package if you want register NewtHack using your Newton.


Playing the Game

When you first start a game, a slip will appear allowing you to generate and name your character.  You may re-roll your characters ability scores by tapping the Re-Roll button. Once you are satisfied with your character's ability scores, tap on the Play button to start the game. 

Your Newton will generate the first dungeon level and the display will change to show a portion of the dungeon and a status area. The status shows the current dungeon level, your current number of hit-points as well as several buttons. 

The Action button lists the actions that your character can perform. You can always choose to view your inventory of items, or equip your character with any armor or weapons that you have.  Other actions such as picking up items or opening and closing doors may optionally appear in this menu. 

To move your character, tap in the direction you want to go. You may repeatedly move by holding down the pen. You will probably notice that you're not alone. To make your way deeper into the dungeon you will need to overcome the various creatures that dwell there.  To attack a creature, just tap on it from an adjacent tile. If you hit the creature its image will invert. But beware, creatures fight back! If you are hit by a creature the entire screen will invert momentarily and your hit point gauge will change to reflect the damage. If a creature hits you enough to remove all your hit-points, you die and the game is over.

You may also encounter items on the ground as well as staircases and doors.  To pick up items on the ground, move your player to the tile where the items are and click on the Action button.  One of the items in the popup menu will allow you to pick up some or all of the items on the ground. If you are on either side of a door, one of the items will allow you to open or close the door. Also, if you are on a staircase, one of the items will allow you to climb or descend it.

The Pass button allows you to do nothing for a turn. You may hold your pen on this button to pass for multiple turns. The last button displays information about your character.

You may end a game in progress and start a new game by selecting New Game from the info-button. You can display a list of high scores by selecting Hall of Fame. You may also enter a registration code and enable the entire game by selecting Register.

Registering NewtHack

NewtHack is shareware and is distributed in a state that allows you to explore the first five levels of the game.  Registration costs $20 (US) and allows you to explore deeper into the dungeon and discover more powerful items and creatures. A registered copy of NewtHack also allows users to save and restore games in progress. It also entitles you to free upgrades and that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you support quality Newton shareware. :-)

To register NewtHack send your full name as it is displayed on the owner card in your Newton, the email address where you want your registration code sent and cash, check, or money order for $20 (in US funds only) to: 

	Christopher Dopp
	21 Linden Street, Suite. 136
	Quincy, MA 02170

If you don't have an email address, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

If you wish to pay by credit card, you can do so through the Kagi clearinghouse. You can do so in a couple of different ways- 

1. You may register NewtHack over the World-Wide Web at the following address:

http://kagi.direct.net/cgi-bin/register1.cgi?FJ

This site also supports secure connections. If the owner name of your newton is different from the name on your credit-card please enter the correct name in the comments field.

2. You may use the Register package which is included in the NewtHack archive to electronically send in your payment. To do so, select Register from the info-button of NewtHack and tap on the icon button to start the registration program and fill out some of the basic information for you. Consult the register programs on-line help for instructions on how to send the payment to Kagi. 

Your payment will be processed by a clearinghouse called Kagi and upon validation of your payment they will notify me. I will then email you the necessary password to unlock NewtHack. This process could take several days.


Version History

Version 1.0		11/20/96

The first public release.


Version 1.1		1/8/97

This version improves the speed of the game and allows registered users to save and restore games.  There are improved visual effects in combat and additional magical items. I had the opportunity to test NewtHack on both the eMate and Newton 2000 and am happy to report that it runs well. Other improvements to the game include better support for larger screens, adjustments to the creature and treasure tables and fixes to all of the known bugs in the last release. 
