Psi Blocks and Psi Columns
==========================

Introduction
------------
This program, Shareware version 1.21 for the Series 3a/3c, started off life as 
a personal project to write myself a game basses on Tetrus.  It wasn't till 
some weeks after starting the project that I discovered the Psion sites on the 
Net and, with that, several versions of the game already in circulation.  I tried 
several of these and found each one lacking something for me, so I pushed on with 
my version.  I use the PC version of the game that I was hooked on as the template 
for the game play and features: more about those later.  The result is, I think, a 
very playable version of the game that makes use of many of the features of the 
Psion, and shows what can be done without any special packages and working almost 
exclusively on the Psion for the development.

Thanks must go to the Beta testers: Donna, Sarah, Mark and my dad: who spent 
many hours testing the high score system!

Enhancements
------------
This version has been updated from version 1.2 to improve the memory handling.  In
short, it now requires less memory to run.

Instillation
===========
The zip file should contain the following files:

	Readme.txt (this file)
	PsiBlock.opa (main file - required) 23,850 bytes
	Blocks.pic (Graphic file - required) 2,412 bytes
	PsiBlock.pic (Icon picture - required) 608 bytes
	Down.wve (sound file - optional) 1,262 bytes
	High.wve (sound file - optional) 8,642 bytes
	Level.wve (sound file - optional) 1,672 bytes
	Over.wve (sound file - optional) 3,104 bytes
	Row.wve (sound file - optional) 2,761 bytes
	Level_0.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes
	Level_1.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes
	Level_2.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes
	Level_3.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes
	Level_4.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes
	Level_5.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes
	Level_6.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes
	Level_7.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes
	Level_8.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes
	Level_9.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes
	Level_10.pic (level back-drop - optional) 17,312 bytes

There are a number of variations for the installation:
1) Minimal - only the basic set of files are installed 
   (requires 27K of disk space);
2) Mid - as Minimal but includes all the sound files 
   (requires 43K of disk space);
3) Full - as Mid but includes one or more of the graphical back-drops 
   (requires from 60K -  230K of disk space).


Stages for installation
----------------------
For Minimal:
1) Create a directory, "\APP\PSIBLOCK\", on either the internal disk or a 
   Flash disk;
2) Copy the Psiblock.pic and Blocks.pic files to this directory;
3) Copy the Psiblock.opa file to the "\APP\" directory on any disk, it does 
   not have to be the same disk as where the files in step 2 were copied;
4) From the Psion System screen select the Menu for Apps->Install, select 
   the disk where you placed the opa file in step 3 then select Psiblock.opa 
   from the "File: Name" list;

Additionally For Mid:
5) Copy ALL of the wve files to the directory created in step 1;

Additionally For Full:
6) Copy one or more of the Level pic files to the directory created in step1;

If you wish, you can substitute any of the level pic files for one of you own 
to allow further customisation!  For this you will need a picture of 418 by 
158 minimum and with both black and grey planes.  Just rename your picture 
with the same name as the level file you are replacing!

You are now ready to play!

On-line help is provided and can be accessed from the menu or the Help key.  
However, I have also included the help details at the end of this file.


Disclaimer
==========
Though every effort has been made to test this program and to ensure that 
there are no bugs, however,  the author cannot accept any responsibility for 
any loss or damage caused by the use or miss use of this program.


Features
========
The objective of the game is to complete as many rows of blocks as possible 
by fitting the falling block into free spaces and thus preventing the wall 
from growing to the top of the screen preventing the next block from having 
sufficient space to appear in.  Blocks can rotate and moved left or right to 
position then to fall into place.  But BEWARE!  The more rows you complete 
the faster the game becomes!

Following default keys have been set up for the control of the game action:
	Left arrow -    Move falling block left
	Right arrow -  Move falling block right
	Up arrow -        Rotate falling block clock-wise
	Down arrow -  Drop falling block into place.

The following parameters can be set to change the way the game is played:
	Player level:  Beginner or advanced (registered version only),
	Game variation: PsiBlocks or PsiColumns,
	Sound effects: on or off,
	Initial starting level: 1-10 (registered version only),
	Number of starting rows in the wall: 0-12 (registered version only),
	Next piece preview: On or Off,
	Drop mode: One touch or Hold Key,
	The selected game play keys.


Player level
------------
The beginners setting gives 7 different shapes in PsiBlocks and 5 different 
shapes in PsiColumns.
The advanced setting gives 10 different shapes in PsiBlocks and 7 different 
shapes in PsiColumns.


Game Variations
---------------
PsiBlocks -
    Complete rows to prevent the wall from growing too high.
PsiColumns -
    Complete three or more adjacent identical shapes, diagonally, horizontally 
    or vertically to prevent the wall from growing too high.


Drop Mode
---------
One Touch -
    The block will fall as far as it can when the drop key is pressed.
Hold Key-
    The block will fall fast only while the drop key is held down.


Game Control Keys
-----------------
The standard keys can be changed to allow comfortable game control for the 
individual (and prevent the keys becoming to worn!).


Registration
============
To gain access to high score track record, advanced game options and remove 
Nag screen.  Send 10 with your name, address and any e-mail details to:
    David Steer
    41 B Queen Margarets Grove,
    London. N1 4PZ
    UK


Comments and Suggestions
========================
If you have any comments on the program or suggestions for improvments and additions
then please e-mail me at: David_N_Steer@GB.COOPERS.COM.  Though I may not be able to
reply directly, your comments and suggestions will be taken into account.

Continued development of other projects relies on your support and comment.