_________ _ _______ _________ _______ \__ __/( \ ( ____ \\__ __/( ____ \ ) ( | ( | ( \/ ) ( | ( \/ | | | | | (__ | | | | | | | | | __) | | | | 1.1 | | | | | ( | | | | | | _ | (____/\ _ | (____/\ _ | | _ | (____/\ _ )_((_)(_______/(_)(_______/(_))_((_)(_______/(_) (The Little Eggy That Could - (C) 2006 by xCept) ____________________________________________________________ .++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++. + TABLE OF CONTENTS + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.) Forward 2.) Introduction 3.) System Requirements 5.) Feature Overview 6.) Story & Objective 7.) Controls 8.) Menu Options 9.) Game Interface 10.) Hazards 11.) Power-ups 12.) Tips & Tricks 13.) Cheats & Hidden Options 14.) Development Credits .++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++. + FORWARD + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Before spending the time reading through this seemingly long readme file, I would like to point out that the game itself is ultra simple in both gameplay and plot. In fact, if you spend even a brief moment looking through the "How To Play" section within the game itself, you will learn all that you need to know about the major objectives and aspects of the game. However, this extensive readme file is provided simply to ensure that there are no questions about any part of the game and so those looking for more information will be able to find it. This guide also explains features, tips, and options that are not covered in the game itself. .++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++. + INTRODUCTION + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I first learned about the 2006 Caiman Easter Competition back in late November or early December of 2005. The idea of an Easter-oriented game seemed like a fun idea to me, and the worldwide competition aspect of it made this all the more fun! While the competition does not require that the game be Easter in nature, I still decided to make mine exclusively about the Easter holiday and traditions -- in part because it seems Easter games are so rare to come by. So, after numerous days of brainstorming and dozens of game ideas flowing through my head, I finally came up with the basic plot and concept of the game which I would soon be developing. Now, over two months down the road, I am proud to present to you... "The Little Eggy That Could" .++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++. + SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ RECOMMENDED REQUIREMENTS: - 2.4GHZ Processor - 512MB RAM - 128MB Video Card - DirectX 9.0C - Surround sound speakers MINIMUM SUGGESTED REQUIREMENTS: - 733MHZ Processor - 128MB RAM - 16MB Video Card - DirectX 9.0C - Stereo speakers (unless you don't care about sound) WARNING: This game was designed so that it should function properly across most frame rates. This means that even on slightly older computers the game should be fully playable, though the lower the frame rate the more choppy the game will become. Since the game monitors the frame rate constantly and adjusts the performance based on the current frame rate, it is crucial that you do not have any other resource-intensive applications running while playing the game. This includes virus scanners, defragging, CD burning, or any other large applications. If a resource-intensive application is running in the background while you play the game, the gameplay and controls may become erratic which will make the game unplayable. So, make sure that all other major applications are closed before launching the game. As long as your machine is able to achieve at least 45FPS, you should be able to play the game. Most recent computers should have no problem running the game at a solid 90FPS. This game has been personally tested on a 1.2GHZ (with ATI 9200), a 2.4GHZ (with ATI 9800) and an Athlon XP 2200 (with an integrated NVidia display chip), and each one was able to run the game without any noticable issues. If you are experiencing a lot of lag or other unexpected behavior due to low frame rates, make sure that all other applications are closed and also try lowering the game resolution if possible. You may also wish to disable 3D sounds, fog effects, or other performance-altering settings. To do so, see the section of this document titled, "Cheats & Hidden Options". Finally, make sure that your video card and sound card drivers are up-to-date. .++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++. + FEATURE OVERVIEW + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ - 25 unique levels spread across five different worlds - 10 different characters to select from - Twenty different candies or candy variations to collect - Numerous power-ups and hazards spread across the levels - Worlds become unlocked once beat, so games can be loaded - High score feature which records the fastest time per map - Customizable options from controls, to resolution, etc. - Anti-cheat prevention and checking procedures - All original content, created exclusively for this game .++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++. + STORY & OBJECTIVE + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ It is the day before Easter, when suddenly the Easter Bunny comes down with a sickness and feels that he will be unable to gather up all of the candies in time to deliver them to the children. Not knowing what to do, the Easter Bunny decides that the only hope he has is to assign the candy collecting job to his friend, the Easter Egg. In the game, you star as the Easter Egg. As the egg, you must make your way through each level while picking up all of the pieces of candy that there is to collect. After all of the candy has been collected, a Golden Egg will appear somewhere within the level. You must locate and jump into this Golden Egg in order to be teleported to the next level or world. Being the egg that you are, you must be very careful during your adventure. Avoid falling too far before landing or you'll crack and break. Also, you will want to stay clear of all hazards that may appear such as lasers and hot plates -- or you'll instantly be turned into one very scrambled egg! In addition, be warned that stepping on a surface fan will propel you high into the air. Throughout the game, you will encounter several power-ups which will prove to be valuable as you make your way across the levels. One such power-up will turn you into a temporarily hard-boiled egg so that you won't crack or turn scrambled if struck by lasers, etc,. Another power-up enables you to run at a much faster speed when activated. You also have the natural ability to double jump, which can prove to be both helpful or hurtful depending on how you use it. .++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++. + CONTROLS + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MENU CONTROLS ____________________________________________________________ UP, DOWN - Select previous or next menu option RIGHT, LEFT - Modify selected option in Options Screen SPACE, ENTER, or SHIFT - Activate highlighted selection ESC - Return to previous menu, or exit if on Title Screen IN-GAME CONTROLS (can be customized in Options Screen) ____________________________________________________________ UP - Move player forward DOWN - Move player backward LEFT - Turn player to the left RIGHT - Turn player to the right 'Z' - Jump, Double Jump 'X' - Activate Speed Power-up MOUSE FORWARD, MOUSE BACKWARD - Alter camera height LEFT MOUSE BUTTON WITH MOVEMENT - Alter camera distance RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON - Reset camera height and distance MIDDLE MOUSE BUTTON - Auto top-down camera angle F12 - Pause Game * ESC - Exit to main menu (game checks for new records first) * Each time you pause and un-pause the game, up to one second will be added to your current time (similar to when you crack or become scrambled). In addition, the cycles used by any lasers within the level continue to progress silently even when paused (if you pause the game when a laser is in-active, there is a chance it will instantly activate once un-paused depending on its current cycle). .++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++. + MENU OPTIONS + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ When you first launch the game, after you lose all lives, or after you win the game, you will be taken to the Main Menu. This menu is used to access all sections of the game: ____________________________________________________________ NEW GAME - Will start a fresh game from World 1, Level 1. LEVEL SELECT - Will allow you to pick the world and level that you wish to start from. In order for a full world to become unlocked, you will first need to finish all five of the levels for that specific world. Worlds that haven't yet been completed in full will only allow you to begin from Level 1 (making the game slightly more challenging). BEST TIMES - Will display the record times set for each level of every world. Use the LEFT and RIGHT keys to browse through all of the records. HOW TO PLAY - Will provide you with a graphical display of all major aspects of the game, the objective, and so forth. Use the LEFT and RIGHT keys to scroll through the various pages of instructions. OPTIONS - Will take you to a screen which can be used to configure various aspects of the game. From here, you will be able to select a character, adjust the music and sound volume, change the screen resolution, and set the user controls. EXIT - Will terminate the game and return you to Windows. .++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++. + GAME INTERFACE + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ When playing the game, you will see the user interface which presents you with a variety of different statistics. The information on screen, from top-down left-right, includes: ____________________________________________________________ LEVEL INDICATOR - Found at the top of the screen, this area displays the current world and level that you are on. For example, "3-1" indicates World 3, Level 1. LIVES INDICATOR - Found at the bottom of the screen, this area displays the total number of extra lives you have with a maximum of four extra lives possible (in addition to the current life you are using). HARD-BOILED INDICATOR - Found at the bottom of the screen, this area visually indicates how much time you will remain hard-boiled (invincible). The moment that the thermometer reaches zero, you will lose your invincibility power. CANDY LEFT INDICATOR - Found at the bottom of the screen, this area displays how much candy remains to be collected in the current level. Each time a piece of candy is picked up, the counter will go down. Once all candy has been grabbed, the Golden Egg will appear. VEG OIL INDICATOR - Found at the bottom of the screen, this area visually indicates how much vegetable oil is left in your inventory. Each time you activate and use some of the slick, the amount remaining decreases until none is left. TIME INDICATOR - Found at the bottom of the screen, this area displays the current game time, along with the record game time for the active level. .++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++. + HAZARDS + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Depending on which level you are on, there will be a number of different ways in which your egg may become cracked or scrambled, indicating death. The hazards are outlined below: ____________________________________________________________ FALL DISTANCE - If your egg drops too far before hitting a platform, chances are that you will crack (unless you are invincible or land on a slope). If you fall and land on the very ground surface of any level, you will also crack even if you are invincible. LASERS - There are three different sizes of lasers in the game (short to long) and two different types of lasers. Some of them will remain active forever, while others will flash on and off at set intervals. If you get too close to any active laser, it will zap you and turn you into a scrambled egg. So, ensure you are a safe distance away from these at all times. HOT PLATES - On the surface of some platforms you will find hot plates. These come in a couple different sizes, and even the slightest contact with one of these will instantly fry you into a scrambled egg. SURFACE FANS - If you step on any spinning fan located on a platform, you will be propelled high into the air. This can be helpful if you need to reach very high distances, but if you don't land on a high enough platform after launching you will likely crack. .++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++. + POWER-UPS + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ There are several different power-ups and abilities found within the game. The various specials and power-ups are defined below: ____________________________________________________________ DOUBLE-JUMP - This is a natural ability that you always have. Before reaching the peak of your first jump, you can perform a double jump by pressing the 'Jump' key one more time. Be careful, as performing a double-jump without landing on a higher platform may result in a broken egg. RAMP LANDING - If you fall too far but are fortunate enough to land on any ramp or slope, your impact will be absorbed by the ramp and you will not crack. The rare exception to this is if you land on a ramp at an unusually high speed or unusually sharp angle, you will still then crack. POT OF WATER - Grab the pot of water which can be found on certain levels, and you will temporarily become hard-boiled. When hard-boiled, no falls will hurt you no matter how far they are. Likewise, lasers and hot plates will also have no effect on you. The one exception to this rule is if you land on the very ground surface of any level, which will still break you. Keep an eye on how much time remains of invincibility as the instant the time runs out, you will be breakable and destructible. VEGETABLE OIL - Slide over a puddle of Vegetable Oil and you will be given the ability to cruise at much faster speeds each time you activate this powerup. This powerup will stay in your inventory until you either use all of the slick up, lose all of your lives, or move on to the next level. EXTRA LIFE - Occasionally, you may find an extra life floating around. Collect it and you will naturally be given one more life (turn). .++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++. + TIPS & TRICKS + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ - For an added challenge, replace the default record times with either the Beginner or Expert times found within the root 'Maps' directory. You can swap the records or reset them back to default by clicking on the corresponding batch file (_Beginner.bat, _Expert.bat, _Reset.bat). * - Most of the levels have multiple paths and shortcuts which can be taken if desired. To beat levels in the fastest times possible, taking shortcuts and using the other tips included here is a must. - Moving while using a combination of jumps and turns will allow you to travel slightly faster than simply moving forward on the flat surfaces. - While ramps will automatically accelerate you downwards as you rest on them (to a degree), you can gain some more speed by holding in the forward key when accelerating down any ramp. - Since landing on ramps will not crack your egg, you can use this ability to cruise through levels faster and to reach platforms and areas that otherwise may be impossible to get at. - If you jump right as you reach the bottom of any ramp, especially if you have been holding in the forward key, you will be able to soar farther distances. You can also double jump when taking this approach which will achieve even greater distance. - Sometimes you may end up in a spot which you can't get out of no matter how hard you try. If this happens, you will need to double jump and destroy yourself so that you appear back at the start of the level. This technique can also be used if you need to get back to the start area in a hurry and are far away (for record setting purposes). - This tip is only for the extreme egg players! If you are able to land on the VERY edge of any platform after falling, the platform will absorb the impact and you will survive. This is a very difficult technique to master but can also prove to be live-saving if executed successfully. If you are falling and know you will break when you land, try aiming for the very edge of the platform and you might just get lucky. There are actually a couple other moves which can be executed to also save you from cracking, but I'll leave that to you to explore. - The music I've created and included in the game may become very boring and repetetive in a short time. If you would like to use your own music in the game, simply replace the existing WMA files in the "Music" directory with any other WMA files that you wish - being sure to maintain the same file names. * For the beginner high scores included, I went through each level without taking any shortcuts, moving at a slower speed. For the expert high scores, I played each map using every shortcut and technique possible. Many of the expert scores took numerous attempts to accomplish. If you are able to beat any of the expert records, consider yourself to be beyond an expert Eggy (very challenging)! If you run the 'Reset' batch file, all of the top scores will be reset to 54:32:10. If you can't figure out how I finished any level at the speed in which I did, feel free to send me an e-mail and I can try to help you out! All records were made using a turn sensitivity of 18.0. .++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++. + CHEATS & HIDDEN OPTIONS + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ --[ HIDDEN OPTIONS ]-- To activate any of these hidden options, simply create a blank text document using Notepad and save it to the root TLETC directory (where this Readme file resides) using any of the names listed below, and then restart the game. The files must all be in small-case. nojumpsnd.txt.......Disables the 'Player Jump' sound nolandsnd.txt.......Disables the 'Player Land' sound nozapsnd.txt........Disables the '3D Zapper Activate' sounds nofansnd.txt........Disables the '3D Surface Fan' sounds nofpslimit.txt......Uncaps FPS (NOT recommended, nor tested)^ showfps.txt.........Displays the current frame rate in game nofog.txt...........Disables in-game fog effects nosky.txt...........Disables in-game sky and sky effects nofarcam.txt........Greatly decreases camera range* turnspeed.txt.......Allows you to specify turn sensitivity% ^ If you uncap the frame rate, certain aspects of the game may malfunction. However, if you are experiencing lags and slow performances when playing the game, uncapping the frame rate may work just fine while also making the game smoother. * If you decrease the camera range, objects in the distance will be clipped, thus reducing the polygon count and likely improving the performance. This does not look good nor does it make the game very enjoyable . But, the option is here if you need it (try all other options first, though). % To specify a custom turn sensitivity, enter the desired value inside of the "turnspeed.txt" document. This value can be any number, but it is highly recommended that the value be between 14.5 and 20.0 to ensure that all levels and turns are possible. The default value is 16.0, if you delete this file the turn speed will be reset to default. The lower the value, the slower you turn. IN ADDITION: I have supplied both higher-resolution texture maps and lower-resolution texture maps along with the game so that computers with less video or processing power should still be able to run the game fairly, simply with some lower quality graphics. To alternate between the texture quality, run the corresponding batch file(s) included within the root 'Maps' directory (_LowRes.bat or _HighRes.bat). --[ CHEATS ]-- WARNING: Cheating isn't cool! But, if you do decide to use any of the cheats to help you through the levels, be aware that you will not be able to set any records this way as the game will detect that you are cheating. UNLOCK ALL LEVELS - While on the Initial Title screen, key in "letc" to temporarily unlock all worlds and levels. If done successfully, you will hear a chime and can then select any level from the Level Selection screen. EXTRA LIVES - While playing the game, press the following keys in order to receive an extra life instantly (you must do this while still alive): "F6, F9, F8, F5, F7" you will hear the Extra Life sound and the game will be updated immediately. You can only have four extra lives at any given time. INSTANT CANDY COLLECT - While playing the game, press the following keys in order to instantly collect all candies and unlock the Golden Egg (you must do this while still alive): "F3, F4, F9, F8, F5, F2" you will hear the All Candy Collected sound and the Golden Egg will appear. .++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++. + DEVELOPMENT CREDITS + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Programming................................xCept (Matt Pilz) Graphics...................................xCept (Matt Pilz) Textures...................................xCept (Matt Pilz) Models.....................................xCept (Matt Pilz) Levels.....................................xCept (Matt Pilz) Sounds.....................................xCept (Matt Pilz) Music......................................xCept (Matt Pilz) All aspects of this game were created exclusively for the Caiman Easter Competition 2006 (www.caimen.be) by myself. All coding was done using DarkBasic Pro 1.058. No third party plugins or libraries were used. Some of the model and/or platform textures that I composed may have been based in part on the royalty free textures available at either imageafter.com or texturewarehouse.com. However, each texture was modified to such a degree to ensure that it fit in with my game, that the base textures are generally not recognizable. All sound and music was generated using my aged CTK-150 and MD-1160 electronic keyboards, and other natural sounds. All characters portrayed within this game are fictitious and any resemblance to persons living, dead, or cartoon is purely erm... Coincidental? xCeptDB@GMail.com http://www.m3Dr.com ____________________________________________________________ E N D ____________________________________________________________ MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM| MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM8+?I?????88$8MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM| MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMO8?????OI8?????Z?8MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM| MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM8???$~+7??????Z~=7??O8MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM| MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM++++I=====I++++8=====I++8MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM| MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM8+++?8?+++++8+++?++++++ON+++IMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM| MMMMMMMMMMMMMM++++I...:$DZ?7+++O?I8M+...?++++MMMMMMMMMMMMMM| MMMMMMMMMMMMM++++=,...:I,.,7=++Z:..~I....D++++MMMMMMMMMMMMM| MMMMMMMMMMMM=====O...==Z8..Z===?~.:~?Z$..:+====MMMMMMMMMMMM| MMMMMMMMMMM======+..~ZZZZ.,I====N..$ZZ8...O=====MMMMMMMMMMM| MMMMMMMMMM=======7...:=..:$======$..:=....$======MMMMMMMMMM| MMMMMMMMM========?~.....8=========I=.....D========MMMMMMMMM| MMMMMMMM~~~~~~~~~~~I88?~~~+=~~~~+O7~~$DZ=~~~~~~~~~~MMMMMMMM| MMMMMMM=~~~~~~~~+~~~~~~~=MM?~~~~+MM:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~MMMMMMM| MMMMMMN~~~~~~~~8+~~~~~~~~$MM88MMO=~~~~~~~~+D+~~~~~~~~MMMMMM| MMMMMM~~~~~~~~O??7Z8Z+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~?88ZI+IZ:~~~~~~MMMMMM| MMMMM$:::::::??::::::~I8O+:::::::~?8O+~::::::D~:::::::MMMMM| MMMMO::::::::::::::::::::~I8Z=+8Z+:::::::::::::::::::::MMMM| MMMM:::::::::::::::::::::::::+=::::::::::::::::::::::::MMMM| MMM~::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::MMM| MMM,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,MMM| MMM,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,:MM| MM,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,MM| MM,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,MM| MM,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,:M| M,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,=,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,M| M,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,:8NON7,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,M| M,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,?ND7III$NO,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,M| MNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNO$$$$$$$$$NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNM| M$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$8N8ZZZZZZZZZZZZZNNZ$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$M| M++++++++++++++++++ONOZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZND?++++++++++++++++M| M++++++++++++++++++INDZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ8NO+++++++++++++++++M| M$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ZNNZ$ZZZZZZZZZZ8NO$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$M| M:::::::::::::::::::::::ONZ777777$DN=:::::::::::::::::::::M| MO::::::::::::::::::::::::7NOII7N8::::::::::::::::::::::::M| MM::::::::::::::::::::::::::?NNZ:::::::::::::::::::::::::MM| MM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~MM| MMM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~OMM| MMM=~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~MMM| MMMM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~MMMM| MMMMM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~MMMMM| MMMMMM===============================================MMMMMM| MMMMMMM=============================================MMMMMMM| MMMMMMMM===========================================MMMMMMMM| MMMMMMMMM8========================================MMMMMMMMM| MMMMMMMMMMM+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++MMMMMMMMMMM| MMMMMMMMMMMMM+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++MMMMMMMMMMMMM| MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM+++++++++++++++++++++++++++8MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM| MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM?????????????????????MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM| MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMI???????I8MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM| MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM| |