==========================[ Network GamePlay ]================================

Mutant Earth v1.0 (Demo Version 04/09/97)
-----------------------------------------

This document describes how the multi-player network version of the game can
be run.

System Requirements:
====================

As described in README.TXT plus:

        IPX local-area network (including drivers).

This game has only been tested in network mode from true DOS - not within a
DOS box/shell from Windows95. The basic implementation of an IPX network
involves the loading of a packet driver for the particular make of network
card you have followed by the loading of an IPX driver. The file PDIPX.COM is
supplied for your convenience and can be used as an IPX driver should you not
already have one suitable. Please note however, that this driver requires a
suitable packet driver to already have been loaded. For example, I have a 3Com
card and do the following to load up the IPX interface:

   3c5x9pd.com  0x60          (0x60 tells the packet driver what interrupt
                               to use)

   pdipx.com

From this point on, IPX should be loaded. Naturally, you'll need to use the
corresponding packet driver for your network card. Please refer to your card's
documentation.


How To Get Network Gameplay Running:
====================================

For network gameplay, up to 8 players can play against eachother in a
'deathmatch' mode. For this you must all be running a connected IPX network.
This is explained in more detail in NETPLAY.TXT. To invoke network gameplay
simply run MUTANT.EXE using the following command line switches:

    /DEATHMATCH  identifies this PC as a network player.

    /SERVER      identifies this PC as a network server. You should also
                 specify the /DEATHMATCH switch so that the server is also a
                 player. Future versions may offer a dedicated server option
                 so that the server won't necessarily need to be a player
                 also.

Mutant Earth employs a client/server system. One PC within the network must be
designated as a server. It is the responsibility of the server to keep the
other players in sync. Currently, a server must also be a player.

When Mutant Earth is started in multi-player mode, you will be prompted to
enter a name from which you will be identified. This name can be up to 8
characters. While you are playing, you will see your name above your
character. Similarly, the other players within the game will also be
identified by their names. That way, you know who to shoot!

Mutant Earth allows multiple servers to be set up on the same network. If 2 or
more PCs are designated as being servers ordinary network players will need to
identify the server or game they wish to join. Furthermore, players can leave
and/or join games as often as they like. If a player leaves or joins all other
players are notified and redundant characters removed.

The sequence within which the server and the other players (clients) are
started up is quite important. The following describes how to best do things:

1. Start the server PC using the /SERVER and /DEATHMATCH switches i.e.

        MUTANT.EXE /SERVER /DEATHMATCH

2. Type in the name for the server.

3. Press any key to abort the demo and bring up the menu.

4. Select New Game to start playing.

5. Start up a player (client) using the /DEATHMATCH switch i.e.

        MUTANT.EXE /DEATHMATCH

6. Type in the name for the player.

7. Press any key to abort the demo and bring up the menu.

8. Select New Game to start playing.

Repeat steps 5 to 8 for other clients as required.


Network GamePlay:
=================

The principles behind network gameplay are quite simple - just shoot everyone!
Players are identified by their name being displayed above their character.
You have the same weaponry as in single player mode and it inflicts the same
amount of damage. Scattered around the game map are health and weapon pickups.
Try and remember where things are 'cos once they are picked up they will be
regenerated after about 5 minutes or so. The other thing to bear in mind is
that there are numerous 'hidey holes'. These are places where you can hide in
and lay in wait for some other player to pass by before jumping out and
blasting them!

During network gameplay there is no limit on the number of lives. Each time
you are killed you are regenerated in a random location within the game map.
You will need to have your wits about you at all times!

Scoring during network gameplay is simple. Every time you kill another player
(except yourself of course!) you get another 'frag'. Your score counter
represents the number of frags or kills that you've made.

Scenarios for you to play could include every man for himself (but babes can
play too!) or team play. However, the problem with team play is that there are
no guarantees that you won't get shot in the back!

Feedback
========

This is my first attempt at a network game. I think it's pretty cool but then
I would wouldn't I! I hope you like playing it. If you experience any problems
please report them to me at the address below. Try and be as descriptive as
possible. Screen shots would be nice too (only joking<g>)!

Anyway, have fun and I hope you enjoy it!


Additional Information
======================

If you experience any difficulty in running the game or manage to break it and
cause any memory exceptions please feel free to contact the author. Please try
and give as much information about the fault as possible. In addition, try to
include a copy of the start up screen which show the status of various
options, parameters, settings, etc. In particular, the sound blaster settings.

You can contact the author by one of the following:

E-Mail:         RoccoLoscalzo@compuserve.com

Snail-Mail:     Rocco Loscalzo
                30 Boynton Drive
                Nottingham
                NG3 3EP.
                UK

                ***  Please do not telephone this address  ***


==================================[ End ]=====================================
