

                                  BREAKFREE
                                 version 1.2

                           A 3D Arcade Action Game
                              by Software Storm



              Copyright (c) 1995, 1996 by Software Storm, Inc.




Table of Contents
=================

   [1]  Getting Started
      [1.1]  Introduction
      [1.2]  System Requirements
      [1.3]  Installation

   [2]  Game Play
      [2.1]  The Object of BreakFree
      [2.2]  BreakFree Game Elements
      [2.3]  Playing BreakFree
      [2.4]  BreakFree Hints and Tips

   [3]  Troubleshooting
      [3.1]  Could not find level
      [3.2]  Sound problems
      [3.3]  Game pauses between keystrokes
      [3.4]  Technical Support

   [4]  Ordering BreakFree from Software Storm
      [4.1]  The Shareware Version
      [4.2]  The Registered Version
      [4.3]  Ordering the Registered Version
      [4.4]  Contacting Software Storm

   [5]  License Statement



1 - Getting Started
===================

1.1 - Introduction
==================

   Welcome to BreakFree, a fast paced, first person, 3D action game of
   demolition and escape.  You will use fireballs and fire your gun to
   destroy all of the walls on each level, and escape to the next level.
   Each new level presents a new playing field to defeat. You will learn to
   move to keep your fireballs in play, and to use your guns to break free
   from each level in the shortest time possible.

   Escape from all of the levels, and you win.  Run out of fireballs and
   ammunition, and you are trapped in the playing field forever...

   This game is marketed by a method known as shareware.  The shareware
   version contains a few levels so you can try the game out before you buy
   it.  The shareware version can be thought of as a free sample, or a
   playable demo.  If you like it, you may recieve the full, registered
   version by sending a registration fee to Software Storm.

   Please visit us at our World Wide Web Site, to find out about our
   company, and other software titles we offer.  We are planning several
   other great game titles in the near future, so check back often to see
   our latest offerings.  Our site is:  http://www.software-storm.com


1.2 - System Requirements
==========================

   BreakFree requires:

      A 20-MHz 386 system or faster
      2 Megabytes of memory

   BreakFree also supports:
      Sound Blaster Sound Board (or 100% compatible)


1.3 - Installation
==================

   Installing the shareware version of BreakFree is very easy, the files are
   distributed in a ZIP file.  Simply unzip the files into any directory you
   choose, and you are ready to play.

   The registered version of BreakFree comes with an install program.  Run
   the install program (INSTALL.EXE) to install BreakFree onto your hard
   disk.  The files are distributed in a compressed format, so they must be
   installed before they can be used.

   Once you have installed the files, play BreakFree by running BRKFREE.EXE
   from the DOS command line.  BreakFree is not a Windows program, and best
   performance will be achieved by running it from the DOS command line.
   However, it does perform quite well in a Windows 95 DOS box.

   You may need to set up a BLASTER= environment variable for BreakFree to
   work with your Sound Blaster or compatible sound card.  Please see the
   section on sound problems in the troubleshooting chapter for information.


2 - Game Play
=============

2.1 - The Object of BreakFree
=============================

   The object of the game is to break free from each level by destroying
   all the breakable walls with your fireballs.  You have a limited
   number of fireballs with which to break out of all the levels in the
   game.  When you lose the last fireball, the game is over.


2.2 - BreakFree Game Elements
=============================

   Walls:

   There are many different types of walls in the game, but they fall
   into four general categories:

      - unbreakable walls.  The ball will bounce off these.

      - breakable walls.  The fireball destroys these.

      - power drain walls.  These walls consume the fireball.
        Usually, power drain walls are behind you.

      - special effect walls.

   Special Effect Walls:

   Some walls have special properties or exhibit special behavior during
   play.  Usually, these walls are marked, but not always.  Some walls
   require multiple hits to be destroyed.

   Objects:

   Some walls release objects when they are destroyed.  Some objects are
   good - try to catch them.  Other objects are bad and should be
   avoided.  You will have to learn which are which as you play.

   Objects also fall into several categories:

      - bonus objects.  You receive a bonus if you catch these.

      - penalty objects.  You are penalized if you catch these.

      - gun (and ammo).  You will be able to shoot if you catch
        this.  If you catch a second gun, it adds to your ammo count.

      - different types of balls.  These have interesting effects
        in the game that you will have to learn by trying them out.


2.3 - Playing BreakFree
=======================

   Starting a new game:

   To start a new game, choose "NEW GAME" from the Main Menu.  You will
   be prompted to select from one of three difficulty settings:  Easy,
   Medium, and Hard.  Below are some of the items which vary depending
   on the setting:

      - number of fireballs you start with
      - ball speed
      - number of bullets you receive with a gun

   Playing:

   Launch your fireballs by pressing the space key.  Your fireballs and
   other objects will bounce off the walls in front of you, and return
   towards you.  You need to keep your fireballs in play by bouncing
   them off an invisible paddle directly in front of you.  You must
   constantly predict where each fireball will return, and move yourself
   to intercept it.

   Movement:

   During game play, you can move forward, backward, and from side to
   side.  Moving forward and back is especially important for
   controlling where the fireballs will bounce, and thus how long it
   takes to break free from a level.  You can move with either the arrow
   keys or the mouse.

   Key Summary:

      Arrow keys = move up/back/left/right
      +/- keys   = resize the main view screen
      Space      = launch more fireballs
      S          = toggle sound on/off
      W          = Warp to a level
      Ctrl       = fire gun (only if you have a gun)
      Esc        = show the Main Menu
      F1         = show online help screens

   Screen:

   The top of the screen has the main view screen, where the game action
   takes place.  Located at the bottom of the screen are several fields
   which indicate your current play status:

      +--------+  +-------------------+ +-----+ +-----+ +--------+
      |  ammo  |  | level name        | |lev.#| |timer| |        |
      |  count |  +-------------------+ +-----+ +-----+ |        |
      |        |  +----------+ +--------------+         |        |
      | weapon |  | SCORE    | | score        |         | radar  |
      |        |  +----------+ +--------------+         |        |
      |        |  +-----------------------------------+ |        |
      |        |  | fireballs remaining and in play   | |        |
      +--------+  +-----------------------------------+ +--------+

      - ammo count/weapon.  Shows gun (if any) and ammo remaining.
      - level name.  This is used for warping.
      - level number.
      - timer.  This shows the time remaining to complete the level.  You
        get bonus points for completing a level before the timer runs out.
      - score.
      - fireballs remaining.  Empty circles are balls currently in play.
      - radar.  This displays an overhead view of the current level.
        Colors in the radar indicate different items:

            dark red  = unbreakable walls
            light red = breakable walls
            dark grey = power drain walls
            yellow    = fireballs in play
            green     = you

   Watch the radar to keep track of the fireball when it goes out of
   view on the main view screen!

   Shooting:

   On some levels, guns and ammo can be found.  In order to get a gun
   you must capture it (similar to the other bonus objects).  Once you
   have a gun, use the Ctrl key to shoot.  Be careful, because your
   first inclination is to use the space bar, which will launch
   fireballs instead.

   Use your ammunition wisely.  It can be carried over from level to
   level, and you can save it for hard-to-get walls.

   Pausing:

   If for some reason you get interrupted while playing the game, or
   just need to stop and collect your thoughts, you can pause the game
   by pressing the Esc (escape) key to get to the Main Menu.  From the
   Main Menu you can continue playing exactly where you left off by
   selecting the RESUME GAME option.

   Scoring:

   You get points for every wall that you destroy.  The number of points
   per wall increases with higher levels.  Therefore, you can warp past
   some of the beginning levels and still get a high score.

   When you complete a level, you get a bonus for the balls that are
   still in play, and for any time remaining on the timer.

   Warping:

   Every level has a name.  When you get to each level, write down the
   level's name.  Using the name, you can warp to that level any time
   you want.

   Often you will want to start a new game (to establish the difficulty
   setting), then warp directly to a level to keep playing where you
   left off.

   Winning:

   If you can break free from all the levels with your fireballs and
   other items you find along the way, you have escaped and you win the
   game!  Even if you don't finish all the levels, you may get a score
   which is one of the greatest of all time.  If so, at the end of the
   game you will be asked for your name, to go on the high score list.
   You may view the high score list at any time by selecting SHOW HIGH
   SCORES from the Main Menu.


2.4 - BreakFree Hints and Tips
==============================

  * A good way to control the ball is by is by hitting the edges of the
    paddle.  For example, if you hit the ball on the left side of the
    paddle (the left side of the main view screen), the ball will bounce
    more towards the left.

  * You may launch a ball even if you already have one in play.
    Sometimes it is useful to finish off a level faster by having more
    than one ball in play.  But be warned, it is VERY difficult to keep
    multiple balls in play for a long period of time.  (Hint: you might
    to do this only when you are almost finished with a level.)

  * You get a bonus for each ball still in play at the end of each level.
    Plus, each ball is added to your fireballs remaining.

  * Pay attention to the radar to keep track of where the ball is.  The
    fireball can go behind walls and come out in a different place.
    Sometimes, the ball will change direction when you can't see it.  It
    is generally a good idea to watch the radar whenever the ball goes
    out of view on the main view screen.

  * Move forward and back to control where the fireball bounces.  This
    is the key to finishing levels before the time runs out.  Often, as
    you get to the end of a level, there are just one or two hard-to-get
    walls left.  By moving forward and back, you have much more control
    of where the fireball will bounce.  For example, in the case below
    where there is a single block left in the corner, and the ball has
    just bounced off the back wall, then if you stay at the back of the
    level, the ball will bounce off the paddle and miss the block.  (see
    below)

        +-------------------+      +-------------------+
        |[]          / \    |      |[]                 |
        |           *   \   |      |   *               |
        |                   |      |  /       /        |
        |                   |      | /       /         |
        |                   |      | \      /          |
        |                   |      |  \    /           |
        |                   |      |   \  /            |
        |                   |      |    \/             |
        |  --               |      |    --             |

    However, if you move up to intercept the ball, you can reflect it
    directly at the remaining block.  (see below)

        +-------------------+      +-------------------+
        |[]          / \    |      |[]                 |
        |           *   \   |      |   *      /        |
        |                   |      |    \    /         |
        |                   |      |     \  /          |
        |                   |      |      \/           |
        |                   |      |      --           |
        |                   |      |                   |
        |                   |      |                   |
        |  __               |      |                   |


3 - Troubleshooting
===================

3.1 - Could not find level
==========================

   If you are attempting to warp to a level, and you get the message "Could
   not find level", try warping again, checking to make sure that you spell
   the destination level name correctly.  If you get the message again, you
   may have written the level name down wrong.


3.2 - Sound problems
====================

   If you have a SoundBlaster or compatible sound card, but the game does
   not play digital sounds (either the game produces no sound at all, or
   only produces sounds through the PC speaker), then you may not have your
   sound card configured properly, or you may not have your BLASTER
   environment variable set.

   Type SET at the DOS command prompt, and you will see a list of DOS
   environment variables.  You should see a line starting with "BLASTER=",
   followed by some settings, like "A220 D1 I7".  These settings indicate
   the I/O port, the DMA channel, and the interrupt number for your sound
   card.  If you do not have an environment variable like this, then you
   will need to set one in order for BreakFree to use your sound card.  When
   your sound card was installed, it was configured with an I/O port, a DMA
   channel and an interrupt number (IRQ).  If you know what these options
   are, you can use the DOS SET command to create a DOS environment variable
   which BreakFree can use.

   For example, if your sound card is at I/O port 220 (hex), uses DMA
   channel 1 and interrupt (IRQ) number 7, then you should type

      SET BLASTER=A220 D1 I7

   at the DOS command prompt.  If you place this line in your AUTOEXEC.BAT
   file, it will be set every time you start your computer.


3.3 - Game Pauses Between Keystrokes
====================================

   If you are using power management software, such as POWER.EXE or
   POWER.SYS, then the game may pause between keystrokes.  If the game
   pauses, then starts again when you hit a key, then power management is
   probably shutting down your computer's microprocessor.  Turn power
   management off to play BREAKFREE.  Most power management software can be
   turned off from the dos prompt with the command POWER OFF.


3.4 - Technical Support
=======================

   If you are still having difficulty, technical support is available by
   e-mail.  Please send a description of your problem to:
      support@software-storm.com


4 - Ordering BreakFree from Software Storm
==========================================

   We hope you enjoy playing BreakFree.  BreakFree is distributed in two
   different versions, a shareware version, and a registered version. 
   The shareware version of the game is free, but the registered version
   must be purchased from Software Storm.


4.1 - The Shareware Version
===========================

The shareware version of BreakFree is our way of advertising the game to
potential customers.  The shareware version of BreakFree contains only a
few levels, and is essentially a free sample, or a playable demo of the
full game.  The shareware version is clearly marked as such by the
appearance of the word "Shareware" on the title screen, and on the
closing screen which appears after you choose to exit the game.  You can
play the shareware version of BreakFree as much as you like for free.  You
may copy it and give it to your friends as much as you like.  You may
also, upload it to your favorite bulletin board systems, on-line
services, and software archives.  In fact, we would like you to
distribute the shareware version of BreakFree like crazy because we want
as many people as possible to be able to try it out.  If you choose to
distribute copies of the shareware version of BreakFree, please keep all
of the files together, as released by Software Storm.  And, please don't
sell it without our permission.  If you are a Shareware Vendor, the
license agreement contains the terms under which you may sell the
shareware version of BreakFree.


4.2 - The Registered Version
============================

   The registered version of BreakFree contains over seventy levels of heart
   pounding, gut wrenching demolition.  The registered version contains the
   full game, including more motifs, and more effects.  If you liked playing
   the shareware version, don't stop there.  Order the registered version of
   BreakFree from Software Storm.  The Registered version of BreakFree is
   not free.  It must be purchased from Software Storm.  You should not have
   the registered version unless you have paid for it.  If you have obtained
   this version without paying for it, we ask that you please do so using
   the form below.


4.3 - Ordering the Registered Version
=====================================

   The registration fee for BreakFree v1.2 is only $19.95, plus shipping
   and handling.  We also have a BreakFree Level Editor, that allows you to
   modify the game's levels, or to create levels of your own for you and
   your friends to play.  The BreakFree Level Editor is only $9.95 plus
   shipping.  Register both BreakFree, and the BreakFree Level Editor at the
   same time for only $24.95, and save $5.00.  Shipping is $3.00 for United
   States orders and $5.00 for international orders.

   Please print and fill out the Software Storm order form and send it with
   your check or money order. The order form is in the text file ORDER.FRM,
   and it is also at the end of this text file. Send your orders to:

               Software Storm
               P. O. Box 2029
               Orem, UT 84059

   Please note that all prices are in US Dollars.  Payment must be made in
   US Dollars, and drawn against a US Bank.  We are sorry, but we are unable
   to accept international checks.  International customers may send an
   international money order, payable in US Dollars.  These can generally be
   obtained from your post office, or a large bank.

   Thank you!


4.4 - Contacting Software Storm
===============================

   All correspondence should be sent to:
      Software Storm
      P. O. Box 2029
      Orem, UT 84059

   Software Storm may be also be reached by e-mail:
      storm@software-storm.com

   Please visit our World Wide Web site:
      http://www.software-storm.com


5 - License Statement
=====================

   Limited Use Software License Agreement

   By installing, or by loading or by executing the Software, or by
   distributing the Software, you agree to be bound by this Agreement's
   terms and conditions.

   1.  Grant of License.  This software product (the "Software") is owned by
   Software Storm, Inc., and is protected by copyright law and International
   treaty provisions.  Software Storm grants to you a non-exclusive license
   to use and to distribute the Software as set forth in this agreement (the
   "Agreement").

   2.  Conditions of Use.  You may install the Software onto a hard disk or
   other storage device, and you may load the Software into your computer's
   memory and execute it.  If the Software is or contains a Level Editor,
   you are permitted to use it to create additional levels to be used by
   yourself and other licensees of the Software under this Agreement.  You
   may make one copy of the Software for archival or backup purposes.  You
   may permanently transfer your rights under this agreement, provided you
   also transfer to the transferee all copies of the Software, and provided
   the transferee agrees to the term and conditions of this Agreement.

   3.  Restrictions of Use.  You may not rent or lease the Software.  You
   may not modify, translate, disassemble, reverse compile, or reverse
   engineer the Software for any purpose.  You may not create derivative
   works based on the Software, except as expressly permitted in this
   Agreement.  You may not ship, transfer, or export the Software into
   any country in violation of United States Law, or use the Software in
   violation of any applicable law.

   4.  Shareware Distribution.  If this software product is a shareware
   product ("Shareware"), it will be clearly marked as such by the
   appearance of the word "Shareware" on the title screen of the Software.
   If the Software is not Shareware, you must not distribute the Software.
   If the Software is Shareware, you may and are encouraged to distribute it
   without charging for it by copying it, or uploading it to any bulletin
   board system, on-line service, or software archive.  All of the
   Software's files as released by Software Storm, must be included without
   modification in any distribution.

   5.  Distribution for fee.  If the Software is Shareware, Shareware
   Vendors and others may distribute the Software for a fee if the
   following conditions are met: You must clearly show the name
   "Software Storm" on the front of all packaging, and in all written
   descriptions, including catalog descriptions.  You must clearly mark
   both the front and back of all packaging, and all written
   descriptions with the word "shareware" and clearly explain the
   concept of shareware, and that an additional fee to Software Storm is
   required to receive the registered version of the Software.  All of
   the Software's files as released by Software Storm, must be included
   without modification in any distribution.  You must charge less than
   $9 (U. S. Dollars) for the Software or any collection of software
   programs that contains the Software.  You must obtain written
   permission from Software Storm to include the Shareware Software in
   any collection of software programs (including CD-ROMs) that will be
   sold for more than $9 (U. S. Dollars).

   6.  Warranties and Remedies.  Software Storm makes no warranties, of any
   kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of
   merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose as to the Software
   and its accompanying written documentation.  You agree that your entire
   and exclusive remedy against Software Storm for any loss or damage caused
   by any defect or failure in the Software, regardless of the form of
   action, shall be the return of the purchase price paid, if any, or the
   replacement of the Software.  This Agreement shall be construed in
   accordance with the laws of the State of Utah.

   7.  General Provisions.  Should any provision of this Agreement be held
   to be void, invalid, unenforceable or illegal by a court, the validity
   and enforceability of the other provisions shall not be affected thereby.
   If any provision is determined to be unenforceable, you agree to a
   modification of such provision to provide for enforcement of the
   provision's intent, to the extent permitted by applicable law.  Failure
   of a party to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not
   constitute or be construed as a waiver of such provision or of the right
   to enforce such provision.  Except for other written Agreements or
   Licenses between Software Storm and you, you agree that this Agreement is
   a complete and exclusive statement of the rights and liabilities of the
   parties.



                        SOFTWARE STORM ORDER FORM


Name _______________________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________

City _________________________ State/Province __________ ZIP _______________

Country  _____________________ E-mail ______________________________________


Qty Product                 Description                                Price

[ ] BreakFree v1.20         (Over 70 levels of 3D arcade action)      $19.95
[ ] BreakFree Level Editor  (Level Editor for BreakFree v1.2)         $ 9.95
[ ] BreakFree Combo Pack    (Both BreakFree and the Level Editor)     $24.95

                                              Sub-Total:       $____________

Shipping and Handling

[ ] USA:            $3 (1-2 items), $1 each additional item
[ ] INTERNATIONAL:  $5 (1-2 items), $1 each additional item

                                              Ship/Hndl:       $____________


                                              Total Enclosed:  $____________

                                                 (payable to SOFTWARE STORM)


All prices are in US Dollars.  Payment must be in US Dollars and drawn
against a US Bank.  International customers, you may send an international
money order payable in US Dollars.  These can be obtained from your post
office or a large bank.  We cannot accept international checks.


Send orders to:
                            Software Storm
                            P. O. Box 2029
                            Orem, UT 84059

                                                                       bf120
*** Thank you! *************************************************************

Have you purchased any other shareware software?  [ ] Yes  [ ] No

Is this your first order with Software Storm?  [ ] Yes  [ ] No

Where did you find this game?_______________________________________________

What processor do you have? (e.g.: Pentium 60 MHz) _________________________

============================================================================
To print this order form, type: COPY ORDER.FRM PRN:

