Glasscars v1.0 (83, 83 Ion, 83+, or 83+ Ion)

by Matt Roberts
meroberts@chesapeake.net

Zip file includes:
Glasscar
gclevel1
glasscar.txt

**********************************************************************************
*    Note to ASM programmers:
*    Impressed by Glasscars' 3-D capabilities? It is powered by a small, fast,
*    easy-to-adapt engine. If you would send me a personal email, I would be
*    happy to send the source code and detailed instructions, which I will be
*    preparing shortly. Also write if you would like the code for the extremely
*    fast and reasonably accurate line drawing program that allows so many lines
*    to be drawn to the screen so quickly in Glasscars. It runs at an average of
*    6.5 frames per second!
**********************************************************************************

FIRST, A WORD ABOUT COMPATIBILITY
	For those of you who wish to play Glasscars two player, every version can play
with every other version that is out or will ever come out. (See TWO PLAYER) Furthermore, the level
files are exactly the same between the 83 and 83+. They are completely transferable
between the two platforms, and always will be. The Glasscars program itself will only run on it's
respective systems.

STARTING A GAME
	This is the first version of Glasscars. Many bells and whistles have yet to be put
in. For now, all the choices you have are 1) which level, 2) how many players (calcs),
3) which player you are (two player only),  and 4) how many laps the race will run. Note
that hitting MODE (quit) will exit at practically any time.
	If no levels are in RAM when the program looks for them, it will simply exit out. To
put a level in RAM, just load it onto the calculator. If you are using an 83+, the levels
cannot be archived.
	Select the level by pressing the corresponding number (or letter, for later levels).

GAMEPLAY
	You will find yourself dropping down onto the starting position of the track. The screen will
display Ready..., Set..., then GO!!! The objective is to beat the smart opponent. The keys are as
follows:
	
	Mode - quits to home screen, or if you have finished the race, the scoring screen.
	2nd - Accelerates the car forward.
	Alpha - Will brake if moving forward, and eventually will cause you to go reverse.
	Del - Camera toggle inside/outside the car. Just press it and see!
	Stat - Looks behind your car.
	Vars - Looks to your left.
	Clear - Looks to your right.
	Left Arrow - Turns the wheel left.
	Right Arrow - Turns the wheel right.

	The three view keys work in both inside and outside camera modes. They only look in
their respective directions as long as they are pressed.

	You cannot go off the track. Hitting the side will slow you down, as will hitting the opponent.
It is important to note that the opponent plays by exactly the same rules you do. Neither of you can
go off the road, exceed a certain speed, or turn faster than a certain rate. I have also made it very
hard to cut the course or cheat by not going all the way around! :)
	The race is over when you see the camera switch to a fixed view of the finish line with you
passing over it. Isn't that neat?

TWO PLAYER
	After selecting two calcs, you and the other calculator user must agree on which player
each of you are. One must be player one, and the other must be player two. Player one gets to
choose the number of laps, but player two gets the more advantageous starting position. You will
reach a screen that says to wait for the other calculator and then press a key. Once both calculators
are on this screen AND they are linked together, hit a key on each at the EXACT same time (There is a
1 or 2 second margin for error). This is necessary to sync the calcs. You will know the key was
succesfully pressed because the message on the screen will change to "Waiting for other player..." 
	I really apologize for the inconvenience this method might cause. It is really the only way I know of
to arrange a two-player calc-to-calc game. But playing a human opponent in real-time 3-D is a really
worthwhile use of your calculator! :)
	If the two players have not selected the same level in the beginning of the game, an error will
result and the game will end.
	If the connection is lost at any time for more than a second or two, (because of a bad link
connection), each player's game will freeze and then result in an error or quit.
	If either player hits quit during a game, both games will end. Any players that have finished will
go to the scoring screen, or if they are still racing they will be kicked out to the home screen.


KNOWN BUGS
	No real bugs, really. If for any reason one car "lands" on another car from a height, they may
become locked together. An element of reality! Try not to jump on other cars for that reason. :)

THANK YOU FOR PLAYING GLASSCARS! MORE LEVELS ALWAYS ON THE WAY!
(Level 2 at least will be available shortly after you read this)