Dropix ST

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Screenshots - Dropix ST

Dropix ST atari screenshot
Dropix ST atari screenshot
Dropix ST atari screenshot
Dropix ST atari screenshot
Dropix ST atari screenshot
Dropix ST atari screenshot

Information - Dropix ST

GenreBrain - TetrisYear1993
LanguageGFA BASICPublisher[no publisher]
ControlsJoystick, KeyboardDistributor
Players2 (alt.)DeveloperDSA
ResolutionLowLicensed from
Programmer(s)

Dytmire, Robert

CountryUSA
Graphic Artist(s)

Feldman, Ari / Stewart, John
Dytmire, Robert

SoftwareEnglish
Game design

Dytmire, Robert

Box / InstructionsEnglish
Musician(s)

Strong, Jeff

LicenseGame Demo or Preview - Freeware
Sound FX

Dytmire, Robert

Serial
Cover Artist(s)ST TypeST, STe / 1MB
MIDIVersionPreview
Dumpdownload atari Dropix ST Download / MSANumber of Disks1 / Double-Sided
Protection

Instructions - Dropix ST

Demo Version of Dropix - Copyright 1993 MajicSoft, Inc.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Notice: This archive may be freely distributed, so long as all of the
original files contained herein remain in the archive.  MajicSoft, Inc.
reserves all rights to the game of Dropix.  The final commercial version
of Dropix will ship during the first week of September 1993.  Look for it
in fine Atari stores everywhere or call 803-788-8177 to order.  If you
can't find the game in your local store, you may order it directly by
sending a money order for $39.95, plus $5.00 for shipping and handling
to:

                          MajicSoft, Inc.
                          348 Meredith Square
                          Columbia, SC 29223


HOW TO PLAY DROPIX

The object of the game is to stack the pieces so that horizontal rows of 
solid blocks are formed.  When a row is formed it is removed and the 
total number of rows to complete will be reduced.  When enough rows are 
formed then a level is completed.  The pieces may be rotated in 90 
degree increments to help fit together.  Once a piece lands on another 
piece the it is fixed into the playscreen.  If your stack reaches the 
top of the playfield the game is over.  Sounds simple eh?

THE DISPLAY

This game uses a split display.  The top menu/display area is for the 
left hand player or player #1 and the bottom menu/display area is for 
the right hand player or player #2.  The Level display indicates current 
level (of course!).  The numbers under the P indicate the amount of 
power points the player has.  The numbers under the L indicate the lines 
the player needs to complete to finish the level.  The row of icons with 
the glowing blue marker is the player's attack menu (more on this 
later).  The numbers under the attack menu is the current score.  The 
big empty patch in each display area is the Next Piece zone.  The next 
piece to come into play is shown here.

See Figure x.xx for more information.

CONTROLS

Joysticks- Joystick 1 controls player #2 and joystick 0 may be used to 
control player #1.  Pressing fire automatically starts your game.  If 
you are in modem mode player #1 will not be active from your machine and 
modem mode must be de-selected in order to restore control to your 
machine.

Keyboard- As an alternative you may select keyboard control for either 
player.  Only one player may have keyboard control at a time (except in 
modem mode, where both players can select keyboard control).  The 
keyboard controls work as follows:

     8 = Up  2 = Down  4 = Left  5 = Right  Space = Rotate/Select

Whatever the control method, pressing up will activate the attack menu 
(more on this later) while pressing down will speed your pieces fall.
Pressing fire will rotate your piece.
Other keyboard controls are universal and always active:

P = Pause the game

Q = Quit to the title sequence.

Esc = Quit to the desktop

The following keyboard commands work from the title sequence only:

R =  Right Player (Player #2) enters the game.

L = Left side player (Player #1) enters the game.

M = Select/Deselect modem mode  

F1  = Select Child mode.  This mode plays easier than adult mode.
F2  = Select Adult mode.  This is the default mode for the game.
F3  = Set Joystick Sensitivity.  Allows players to custom configure I/O.
F4  = Select Effects. Game will play sound effects instead of music.
F5  = Select Music.  Game will play soundtracks instead of effects.
F6  = Player #1's Keyboard Control toggle.
F7  = Player #2's Keyboard Control toggle.
F8  = Select starting level.
F9  = Set screen frequency to 50Hz.
F10 = Set screen frequency to 60Hz.



SCORING  

Every piece has a value of 0-15.  When that piece is placed (for better 
or worse) you will be awarded it's "Piece Points".  The more odd the 
piece shape the higher it's piece points tend to be.  Forming a row is 
worth different scores based on the number of rows formed by placing a 
single piece.  Scoring for rows works as follows:

1 Row (Single)   100 Points.
2 Rows (Double) = 200 Points.
3 Rows (Triple) = 400 Points.
4 Rows (Slam)   = 1000 Points.

As you can see, it is best to make several rows at one time for the 
highest scores.

When you have finished all of your rows for this level you will recieve 
a bonus based on how low your remaining pile is.  The lower the pile, 
the higher the score.  If you are playing two player mode the game will 
wait a few seconds and then it will begin awarding the finished player a 
"Wait Bonus".  This bonus quickly adds up until the other player 
finishes his/her level.  Big points can be earned by finishing first in 
a two player game.

ODD PIECES

There are three odd block types in Dropix.  There are bombs, weights, 
and power blocks.  Bombs will explode everything in within the following 
pattern:

                           X B X
                           X X X

Where B is the bomb and X are the possible bricks around the bomb.  The 
bombs may come in any piece shape and proper use of these blocks can be 
crucial on the upper levels.

The weights press down on any collom they are touching when the piece is 
placed.  If the individual weight is above thin air then it will NOT 
affect it's collum of blocks.  When a weight squishes a collum then 
it is possible to shift blocks into rows deep within the playfield.  
Really great players can form rows out of seemingly helpless playfields 
with weights!

Power Blocks.  When you place these pieces they become part of the 
playfield as normal pieces do.  However for every P block there is in a 
completed row you will recieve 5 power points.  Collecting power blocks 
is the ONLY way to regain spent Attack Menu power points.


THE SNEAKY COMPUTER

The computer will sometimes attempt to interfere with your game.  This 
happens most often on the upper levels.  Among some of the things that 
can occur are:

     * A random block will appear in the playfield.

     * The playfield will scroll up and a garbage line placed at the 
       bottom.

     * Dead Head Fred will come out and make fun of you. 


THE ATTACK MENU

Perhaps the most intense part of Dropix is the Attack Menu.  The Attack 
Menu only functions when two players are active and both players are 
actually playing (ie: You cannot attack a player once he/she has 
finished the level or entering his/her name on the highscore table).

The attack menu is made up of a row of icons and is highlighted by a 
glowing marker.  When the marker is blue you are not within the Attack 
Menu and your game plays normally.  Once you push up on the Joystick (or 
press 8 on the keypad) you will enter the Attack Menu.  The glowing blue 
marker will change to red and your controls will now do the following:

Left = Move the marker left.
Right = Move the marker right.
Up = No effect.
Down = No Effect
Fire/Select = Select this power to throw.

Pressing fire will activate the icon the marker is currently over.  If 
you do not have sufficient power to activate this icon then you will 
return to normal play with no penalty.  While you are in the Attack Menu 
your piece will continue to fall, HOWEVER you cannot control the piece! 
This means you must spend as little time in the attack menu as possible 
or risk messing your playfield up!


THE ATTACK ICONS

The icons are listed from left to right as they appear on the Attack 
Menu.

Confuse Joystick - Reverse controls on your opponent.  This power only 
lasts a few seconds but if timed properly it's all you need!  This 
attack costs 10 power points to use.

Increase Lines - Add one to the number of lines your opponent must 
finish to complete a level.  Watch out as this may lead to the dreaded 
"Bidding War".  This attack costs 15 points to use.

Increase Gravity - Your opponent's piece nows falls at maximum speed.  
While this power is one of the shortest it can finish the game for you 
opponent.  This attack costs 25 points to use.

Push Line - Take your lowest line and give it to your opponent.  This 
causes your playfield to drop a line and his to raise one.  Guaranteed 
to make friends fast!  This attack costs 50 points to use.

Freeze - Freeze your opponent for quite some time.  He gets to look at 
nice snowflakes while you continue playing.  This attack costs 100 
points to use.

Push Double - This works just like Push line only it does two lines 
instead of one.  Use this power only if you want total war between 
opponents.  This attack costs 150 points to use.

Vampire Drain - If you have 180 points of power you can drain up to 200 
points of power from your opponent.  Very nasty attack if your opponent 
is not watching you!

End Level - Use this icon to end the level.  If you need a break and 
want to collect a LOT of Wait Bonus points then this is the power to 
use.  This attack is the most expensive (300 points) to use.


You cannot re-enter the Attack Menu when the following powers are 
active:

          Confuse Joystick, Increase Gravity, or Freeze.

This is because Dropix ST does not allow multiple attacks at once upon 
your opponent.  Be carefull because in two of these three attacks your 
opponent can attack while you cannot stop him!

MODEM MENU

When using this menu both players must have already turned on their 
modems, agreed on a baud rate, and agreed whom will call whom.  Once 
this is accomplished you may link up over your modem for two-player 
action.

Step 1: Both players must go to their Modem menu and select the correct 
        baud rate.

Step 2: One player must select "Send" and the other "Recieve".  If your 
        modem requires special commands or you want to add commands to 
        the modem then select "Modem Prefix" and type in these commands.

Step 3: The "Send" player needs to select "Number" and enter the other 
        player's number.  The both player needs to select "Dial/Rec".

Step 4: Wait for connect message.  Once connected you will have dual 
        chat active.  Type at will to chat with your opponent.

Number - Enter your number here.  ATDT is assumed and may need to be 
typed in.

Baud - Push this button to change your baud rate. 

Dial/Rec - Send the number to the modem or alert modem for a call.

Exit Modem Menu - Return to the main menu.  This does NOT break an 
established modem connection and will start the game for both players.

Hangup - Break your connection and return the game to it's normal 
functions.  Note: The program assumes a Hayes compatable modem command.  

Additional modem notes: 

The computer will NOT mess with you in Modem mode.  This is because 
Dropix assumes you will have enough to deal with when the other player 
attacks you!

When one player selects "Exit Chat Menu" then both player's games will 
begin.  The sender's Start Level,Child/Adult mode settings will become 
the default for both players.  Each player may select the control option 
of his choice.  Function keys and mode selections will NOT function 
while in modem mode.
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