Welcome to the Locus DOS Demo.
Locus DOS Demo version 1.0
(c) 1995 Zombie LLC. All rights reserved.
Minimum Requirements
====================
486DX2/66 with 8 MB RAM or better
double speed CD-ROM drive
mouse
VESA-compatible graphics card with 512K video memory
16-bit sound card
speakers or headphones
-- Supported Soundcards --
Card: Notes:
------------------------------------------------------------
Adaptec SCSI Audio Edge emulates Microsoft Sound System
Adaptec SCSI AudioMachine emulates Microsoft Sound System
Diamond Sonic Sound 32
Ensoniq Soundscape Use MPU 401 Midi
Epson ESS audiodrive
ESS 488/688 Audiodrive
Gravis Ultrasound must run LOADPATS.EXE
Gravis Ultrasound Max must run LOADPATS.EXE
Microsoft Sound System
Multiwave Wave Platinum 16 emulates Microsoft Sound System
Orchid Sound Wave32 emulates Microsoft Sound System
Pro Audio Spectrum 16
Roland RAP-10
Sound Blaster ASP/16
Sound Blaster AWE32
Sound Blaster Pro or Sound Blaster Compatible
-- optional --
joystick
i-glasses! by Virtual i-O
DOS Installation Instructions
=============================
You can install this demo into any directory by typing the following command:
pkunzip -d locus.zip <path>
where <path> is the directory path where you wish to install the demo.
The first time you play the game (by typing
<path>\locus where path is the directory path where you installed the game),
Locus Setup will run.
This utility allows you to select video and audio hardware options.
After choosing the settings you want, select "Play Locus" from the
current menu. At this point, you'll be asked if you want to save
your settings. After saving, Locus Setup will close and the game
will begin.
-- additional information --
For users with 8 MB RAM or those having memory problems on
running Locus, we recommend that you turn off smartdrv.exe,
which may be run from config.sys or autoexec.bat.
Also, adding the parameter "noems" to the EMM386 command in
your config.sys will help free up conventional memory, if
this is a problem.
Playing Locus After the Initial Installation
============================================
To play the demo, type
<path>\locus
where <path> is the directory where you installed the demo.
----- Important note for Gravis Ultrasound owners -----
Before running Locus, you must be sure to load our midi patches
into the Gravis Ultrasound's memory. To do this, run the utility
loadpats.exe found in the main directory as follows:
<path>\loadpats.exe
<path>\locus
where <path> is the directory where you installed the demo.
Changing Video and Audio Settings
=================================
If you want to change video or audio options for the game, type
x: (then hit the enter key)
cd <path> (then hit the enter key)
setup (then hit the enter key)
where x is the name of the drive that you installed locus to, and
<path> is the path for the demo.
Game Play
=================================
Locus takes place in arenas orbiting Earth, circa 2095.
You are one of few who have been selected to play on a Locus team.
The earthbound masses watch you, totally addicted to the game play.
Reflecting the anarchistic character of the sport, arena design
varies wildly according to the whims of the team who calls it
home. Each arena takes different skills to master.
Three teams play at a time in a triad of three games in three
arenas (the arenas being those belonging to each of the teams). If you
can win a majority of games in a triad, your proven skills will
be rewarded (in the full version) by triads in new arenas against
new teams, and by promotion to more advanced teams. In the demo
you are playing, you will be able to play in only one triad as a
member of only one team.
When playing a game, you will try to eliminate the other two
teams by scoring in their goals three times each, while defending your
own goal. If your opponents shoot three balls in your goal your team
is eliminated and the game is lost. A tunnel race, a faceoff where
the balls emerged, the arena's power core, a computer-controlled
partner in your team, and gadgets that play with your cycle's
capabilities and dynamics all add variety and challenge to the game.
>From your point of view, you can see the front of your cycle and
elements of the heads-up display. The arrow at the front of the
cycle points in the direction of the nearest ball, then points to the
nearest goal once you have a ball. The red bar indicates cycle power.
You get more power after scoring or after driving under a power
beam. The moving green arrow to your right indicates your current
direction and velocity. A target appears around opponent cycles in
your line of fire. And the score bars on the top of the screen show
you who is in play and how well each team is doing.
Watch out for opponents who might shoot and ram you to steal your ball.
Or do it to them first!
Controls
===================================
When playing the game, use the following controls:
Mouse movement controls movement.
Left mouse button fires.
Right mouse button toggles magnet, which allows you
to pick up and shoot balls.
Space bar jumps.
Arrow keys control head movement, changing your view
(in an HMD, just look around).
'c' centers your view.
'.' pauses.
<Tab> toggles a map view, which allows you to view
the arena from above.
<esc> quits the current level, cancels the current game,
and returns you to the user interface.
All controls can be configured from the options menu in the
user interface.
=================================
Network play for 2 to 9 people is available in the full version.
Watch for the full version of Locus coming to stores this November
for DOS and Windows95.
Distributed by GT Interactive Software. For ordering information,
call 1 800-610-GTIS, or visit http://www.gtinteractive.com.
Produced and developed by Zombie Virtual Reality Entertainment.
For technical support or comments, email drtrouble@zombie.com.
Visit the Zombie homepages at http://www.zombie.com.