If you want to run from a hard drive, create a new folder for this game and copy the PLAY.PRG and STORY.DAT files to that folder. If using a colour monitor, change to medium resolution. Double-click on PLAY.PRG to run the game. You can also copy the COVER.PI1 file from the AUTO folder, but you'll need a way to view this manually in low resolution on a colour monitor.
This is a traditional text adventure. A text adventure is a form of computer game that presents you with a story. You take on the role of the main character in the story and control that character's actions. The story has a goal and you will need to solve puzzles to achieve that goal. The computer tells you where you are, what you can see and what's happening around you. You can then move around, examine the things you find and manipulate those things by telling the computer what to do using simple English commands.
Commands consist of a verb phrase, optionally followed by a noun phrase. Most commands can be abbreviated to a verb followed by a noun. For example, OPEN THE CAR TRUNK can be abbreviated to OPEN TRUNK.
If a preposition follows the verb, this may alter its meaning. For example, GET CART will attempt to pick up the cart, but GET IN CART will attempt to enter it.
In some cases, the verb phrase and first noun phrase may be followed by a second noun phrase. The two noun phrases are usually separated by a preposition. For example, HIT ALIEN will attempt to hit the alien with your hands (as you didn't specify a second noun phrase), but HIT ALIEN WITH ROCK will attempt to hit the alien with the rock. If you only use a verb and a noun, the game will generally tell you if it needs an extra phrase or implicitly try to deduce what is needed for the second phrase.
Don't panic! It's not as complicated as it sounds. Just use simple English sentences starting with a verb and it will all feel quite natural.
Movement
To move around, use commands like GO NORTH and GO SOUTH. You can move in any of the four cardinal compass directions, as well as UP and DOWN. To save typing, movement commands can be abbreviated to N, S, E, W, U and D. You can sometimes use other movement commands such as IN, OUT, ENTER, EXIT, CLIMB, GET IN or GET OUT. These will be reasonably obvious when the time comes.
Examining things
Make sure you EXAMINE everything you come across, even insignificant things like scenery and objects mentioned in room descriptions, as subtle hints and clues are scattered everywhere. To save typing, EXAMINE can be abbreviated to X. For example, EXAMINE CABINET can be abbreviated to X CABINET.
You can also try your other senses when it seems appropriate, e.g. SMELL, TOUCH or LISTEN. Unlike EXAMINE, these actions aren't necessary to solve any puzzles, but may prove useful at some point in the game.
Manipulating objects
Apart from examining things, most of your time will be spent manipulating objects. Use commands like GET or TAKE to pick up an object, e.g. GET SHOTGUN. Use commands like DROP or DISCARD to drop an object, e.g. DROP SHOTGUN. Use WEAR to wear something, e.g. WEAR HAT. Use REMOVE to remove something that is already worn, e.g. REMOVE HAT.
To see what you're currently carrying and wearing, use INVENTORY (or I). As you're not a pack horse, you can only carry ten items at a time, plus whatever you're wearing.
There are many other verbs that can be used to manipulate objects. These will be fairly obvious when the time comes. Common verbs include OPEN, CLOSE, EAT, DRINK, READ, SHOOT and so on. Use PUT, PLACE or INSERT to put objects into containers or on supporters, e.g. PUT BATTERY IN CASSETTE PLAYER.
Advanced features
You can use IT or THEM to refer to the noun used in the previous command, e.g. EXAMINE BAG, OPEN IT (for a singular object) or TAKE BEANS FROM BAG, DROP THEM (for plural objects). You can also use HIM and HER to refer to male and female characters used in the previous command, e.g. TALK TO DOCTOR, ASK HIM ABOUT MEDICINE.
You can refer to multiple objects by separating the objects with AND, e.g. GET NEWSPAPER AND KEY. Using IT and THEM in the next command will only refer to the last of those objects, e.g. EXAMINE IT will refer to the key.
You can use ALL to refer to all the appropriate objects with GET and DROP, e.g. GET ALL to get everything in the current location, GET ALL FROM TABLE to get everything on the table, DROP ALL to drop everything you're holding, but not wearing.
When using ALL, you can use EXCEPT or BUT to exclude some objects, e.g. DROP ALL EXCEPT REVOLVER.
Finally, you can enter multiple commands on the same line by separating them with a period, e.g. EXAMINE BOX. OPEN IT.
Other commands
Use LOOK (or L) to refresh the display.
Use VERSION to get the game version. Use ABOUT or INFO to get background information and credits for the game. Use CREDITS to get the credits only.
Use SAVE to save your progress. Use RESTORE to restore a saved game.
Use UNDO to undo the last move. This is handy if you get killed, change your mind or make a mistake. You can get killed in this game, but you shouldn't be able to get into an unwinnable situation.
Use AGAIN (or G) to repeat the last command.
Use WAIT (or Z) to do nothing apart from pass the time.
Use HELP to get a brief reminder of how to play the game or HINT to get a context-sensitive hint related to the current location.
Use RESTART to restart the game from the beginning. Use QUIT (or Q) to quit without restarting. (Don't use QUIT with the online version of the game, as the game will appear to be locked up. If this happens, press the Back button in your browser.)
Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the game.
Keyboard shortcuts
Some interpreters have keyboard shortcuts. If you are using an interpreter on a computer with a conventional keyboard, most will allow you to press the up and down arrow keys to cycle through your past commands. This is handy if you want to repeat the previous command or correct a typo.