SOMA...
=======
What 'Soma' is:
---------------
'Soma' is a simulation of the ancient soma cube puzzle. The cube
is split into 7 shapes, and the aim of the puzzle is to
reconstruct the cube from these shapes.
'Soma' consists of three files: SOMA.PRG (the executable file),
SOMA.SPR (a sprite file created using STOS) and SOMA.DOC (this
document, containing instructions and registration details).
The program was originally coded in STOS basic, but since the
resulting stand-alone program was over 230k in length (I don't
have the STOS compiler), I decided to re-code the program in
assembler.
Instructions
------------
Loading:
Ensure that the SOMA.PRG and SOMA.SPR files are in the same
directory, then double-click SOMA.PRG in LOW RESOLUTION. The
title screen will appear; press either mouse button to start the
game.
The aim:
To complete a cube by putting together 7 shapes made from smaller
cubes.
The icons:
The main screen consists of several icons:
[1] an arrow pointing down
[2] an arrow pointing up
[3] 7 shapes
[4] 2 cubes with circles on each of the visible surfaces
[5] 1 cube with an arrow pointing away from each face
[6] an arrow pointing from left to right (at the center-bottom
of the screen)
[7] an 'I' in the bottom-left corner of the screen
[8] a 'Q' in the bottom-right corner of the screen
Also on the screen are two hexagons. The one on the left is used
for manipulating the individual shapes, whilst the one on the
right is used for building the cube.
How the icons work:
[1] The downward-pointing arrow is used for transferring the
shapes to the left-hand hexagon, where they can be shifted and
rotated. When selected, the icon will be highlighted. If a
shape is also selected, this shape will be transferred and a
box will appear which encloses the shape, indicating that the
shape is no longer available for selection.
[2] The upwardly-aligned arrow is used for making a shape that
has previously been selected (using the down-arrow) available
again. The box surrounding the shape vanishes, indicating its
availability. As with the down-arrow, this icon will have an
effect only if the icon and one of the shape icons have both
been selected.
This icon can be used for retrieving a shape from either of
the hexagons. If the left-hand hexagon contains a shape and
you wish to select another shape, there is no need to use
this icon first; the current shape will be returned
automatically when the down arrow and the new shape are
highlighted.
[3] The shapes can be selected for use with the up- and
down-arrows (see [1] and [2]) by clicking on them with the
left mouse button.
Clicking on any shape with the right mouse button will reveal
what space (if any) the shape occupies in the right-hand
hexagon. Let go of the right button to return the shape in the
hexagon to normal.
[4] These icons are used for rotating the shapes inside the two
hexagons. Click on a face of the cube with the left mouse
button to rotate the shape anti-clockwise about that face;
click with the right mouse button to rotate clockwise.
There are two of these icons, one for each hexagon.
[5] This icon is used for shifting the shape currently being
manipulated in the left-hand hexagon. Click on a face with the
left button to shift the shape in the direction of that arrow,
or use the right button to move the shape in the opposite
direction.
[6] Transfer shapes from the left-hand hexagon to the right-hand
hexagon using this icon. When all the shapes have been
successfully transferred, the puzzle has been completed (but
that's not the end of it... there are over 130 ways of
completing the puzzle!).
[7] The information icon. Clicking on this will display
information about 'Soma'.
[8] The quit icon. To quit at any time during the game, simply
click on this icon with both mouse buttons simultaneously.
Sound
-----
The more astute among you may notice a lack of sound. This is
because I can't program the sound chip. I would have liked to add
a few short samples, but I can't afford a sampler.
Shareware bit
-------------
This game is SHAREWARE. If you don't know what that means (and
most people do), here's a simple explanation:
If you like the game, you register by sending me a donation (I
think about œ3.00 is right). If you would like a copy of the
source code, then either include a stamped, addressed (and
preferably padded) envelope and a blank disk, or make the cheque
out for œ4.00.
If you would like to see a monochrome copy of 'Soma', then please
let me know; if there's enough interest then I'll produce one.
'Soma' may be distributed freely, on the condition that ALL THREE
FILES are copied.
Please make the cheque payable to M J Gallagher, and send it to
the following address:
Mark J Gallagher,
'Bentleigh',
Harold Street,
(Keighley Road),
Bingley,
West Yorkshire,
BD16 2RT.
Thanks.