Hi Friend: Welcome to the TORMENT, one of the most exciting question/answer educational games. TORMENT describes your feelings when you cannot find the right answers and also when you are NOT playing the game. Don't say we didn't warn you. Once you have played you will be hooked. To use this program you should have an IBM or compatible computer running PC/MS DOS 3.1 or greater. The program requires only 86K bytes of memory so it will run on most computers. You have obtained this program through the "shareware" method of distribution. What this means is that you are participating in the unconventional grass-roots means of merchandising. You get to use a program to see if it satisfies your needs and that it works properly by simply paying the cost of copying and for the disk. This is totally unlike software in the store. The advantages to you are obvious. If you enjoy using the program or find it beneficial then you should send the author a contribution to encourage him/her to undertake the tremendous effort required to bring you entertainment or benefit. Because expensive marketing and packaging are eliminated the cost of the program is minimal. TORMENT comes in 3 versions: TORMENT I - The version you are currently using. We are asking a contribution of $10. TORMENT II - An improved version of TORMENT I. It contains: * multi-level play for more excitement, longer games and higher scores * color display support to double your pleasure * mouse support for faster responses * 1,000 questions to triple your knowledge. We ask for a contribution of $20 for this version. Reduce this amount by by prior contributions. TORMENT III- This version adds to TORMENT II the ability to enter your own questions. This is ideal for parents or teachers who wish to offer subjects through the game format. The suggested contribution is $25 for this version. All contributions of the suggested amount make you a registered owner of the software and entitled to receive updates and program improvements. Users of TORMENT II and III can participate in the monthly drawings (during 1991) for prizes of $100 cash. Details available with the TORMENT II & III packages. Although it may seem "smart" to use the program without supporting the author, you are doing yourself a disservice because you "kill the goose that lay this golden egg". Less authors means less low cost software. Kindly send contributions (check or money order) to: COMPETENT COMPUTER 433 Spur Drive North Bay Shore, NY 11706-3001. HOW TO PLAY. The object of the game is to work your way across the TORMENT board from left to right in the shortest time while earning the most money. You will select a polygon (it will become shaded) then answer the question associated with it. At the start of the game a polygon will be selected for you. Subsequently you will select a polygon by moving your joystick in its direction or by entering one of the directional instructions from the keyboard. All instructions are relative to the active polygon. The directional instructions are: U L \______/ R _____/active\_____ F \______/ G / D \ U = move to polygon above D = move to polygon below R = move to right top polygon G = move to right lower polygon L = move to left top polygon F = move to left lower polygon If you answer the question correctly the amount for that polygon is added to your earnings, that polygon becomes active and you may select another polygon. You cannot select a shaded polygon. If your answer is incorrect the polygon is shaded with a matted pattern and the active polygon becomes the one at which you gave the last correct answer. You will not be able to access a polygon for which you previously gave an incorrect answer. To advance you must work your way around it. Naturally, while you are doing this, precious time is galloping away. If the active polygon becomes surrounded by shaded polygons then you will be TRAPPED, unable to move, and the game will end. This is where the strategy comes in. In selecting the boxes which earn the most money you also increase the chances of giving an incorrect answer as these questions are more difficult. You must therefore select boxes in a judicious manner to reduce the chances of getting trapped before reaching the "finish line". When you get to the end of the board the clock will stop. If your time is less than the record (displayed on the bottom line of the screen) AND your earnings are greater than the record you will become the new CHAMPION and record holder. If you are a registered owner of a copy of TORMENT II or III you may enter your scores in the monthly drawings (during 1991) for $100 prizes. More details are in those packages. HOW TO ORDER. An order form is included on this diskette in file ORDER.FRM. Simply print it and fill in the details as instructed. Mail to COMPETENT COMPUTER, 433 Spur Drive North, Bay Shore, NY 11706. We thank you for your support. OTHER PRODUCTS. COMPETENT COMPUTER also has available a directory utility called VTOC. It works much like the DOS DIR command except that VTOC: * shows the space USED by the listed files (invaluable when doing backups to floppy disks if you wish to avoid "Insufficient disk space.." problems. * displays 3 files with file size on each line (like DIR/W but with the file sizes) * shows hidden files * includes a feature for checking if file sizes of critical files have been altered (possibly by viruses). This powerful utility is available for a mere $10. It is an unbelievable bargain. Please send comments, questions and contributions to COMPETENT COMPUTER, 433 Spur Drive North, Bay Shore, NY 11706-3001. This disk may be copied and freely distributed as long as the files are not altered in any way and the entire package remains intact. DISCLAIMER: This program and the accompanying documentation and files are the copyrighted property of COMPETENT COMPUTER and all rights are reserved. COMPETENT COMPUTER does not warrant that this program will work in all IBM compatible configurations. We would however be anxious to hear of any problems. Call us at (516) 665-6253. COMPETENT COMPUTER makes no warranty or representation, expressed or implied, as to the performance or fitness for a particular use. COMPETENT COMPUTER cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage caused by use of this product. (c) Copyright 1991 COMPETENT COMPUTER, 433 Spur Drive North, Bay Shore, NY 11706-3001. * IBM is the registered trademark of International Business Machines.