JMines - A MineSweeper clone for Java
=====================================

Disclaimer
----------
This is free software, supplied 'as is', and with no warranty whatsoever. This
program should run on any platform with Java 1.4.x support. It's been developed
and tested on eComStation 1.1 using Golden Code's Java 1.4.1 implementation.

Program Usage
-------------
The objective of the game is to 'flag' all the mines that are hidden under the
tiles, and 'remove' all the other tiles which are not covering a mine, and to
do all this in the shortest time possible. When you remove a tile that covers a
mine, the mine will explode and you loose the game. When you take too long to
reach the objective, you will loose as well.

The number of 'undiscovered' mines is displayed in the upper left
corner of the game window. The game time is displayed in the upper right
corner.

Mouse button 1:      removes a tile
Mouse button 2:      flags a mine (three state toggle)
Mouse button 1 + 2:  removes a tile and its surrounding tiles   

When you remove a tile, it will hint the number of surrounding mines. When you
remove a tile that has no surrounding mines, the surrounding tiles will be
removed automatically to save you some time.

The game has three skill levels: "Beginner", "Intermediate" and "Expert", each
with an increasing number of tiles and mines. Select the desired level from the
'Game' menu, or define your own "Custom" game level.

Requirements
------------
This program requires Java 1.4 or higher. 

Installation
------------
Unzip the 'jmines.zip' file in a directory of your choice (the program
directory).  From the program directory, type 'java -jar jmines.jar' at a
command prompt. This program can also be run with Sun's Java Web Start.

Version History
---------------
- v1.11  : June 14, 2004
           * fixed bug initializing score file after first game
- v1.1   : January 15, 2004
           + added sounds
- v1.0   : + initial release

Author
------
Luc Van Bogaert (luc <dot> van <dot> bogaert <at> skynet <dot> be)
I welcome all suggestions to improve this program, or to help find and
solve bugs ;-)
