



                             Super Bubble Mania


                             Copyright (c) 1997
                        Delphic Oracle Entertainment
                           www.delphicoracle.com

                                04 / 04 / 97


                               I. Introduction
                              II. Installation
                                  i) DOS Installation
                                 ii) Win95  Installation
                             III. Sound Setup
                              IV. Game Play
                                  i) Controls
                                 ii) Menus
                               V. Registration
                              VI. Misc.
                             VII. Special Thanks
                             IIX. Credits


D I S C L A I M E R

          We have tried to make the software as stable as possible,
          and even though it is highly unlikely that it will cause
          any damage, Delphic Oracle Entertainment cannot be held
          responsible for for any damage caused directly or indirectly
          by the use of this program. This software is provided as-is
          and has no warranty of any kind. All code, music and art are
          property of Delphic Oracle Entertainment, and may not be
          reproduced without explicit permission of Delphic Oracle
          Entertainment. Any reverse engineering of code or data is
          strictly prohibited and may cause the game to stop working.
          If you received a copy of this game that does not work for
          some reason then please contact us (see [Section VI] ).

          If you do not agree to these terms then please delete
          this game.


I. Introduction
-

          Thank you for trying out our latest game! This game is
          what is known as Shareware. You can try out some levels
          and if you like the game (as we're sure you will), then
          you can buy the full registered version. Super Bubble
          Mania is based on a popular acade game called 'Buster
          Bros.'. We've tried to enhance this game and at the
          same time preserve the original as much as possible.

          Please support Shareware by buying Super Bubble Mania if
          you enjoy playing it. The full version includes many more levels,
          power-ups, bosses and other secrets.

          The shareware copy of Super Bubble Mania can be distributed
          freely to everyone, as long as you charge nothing and include
          all the original files.

          We hope that you enjoy Super Bubble Mania as much as we
          enjoyed making and playing it.
          ( Note: a (*) indicates that this feature is only available
                  in the full registered version)

These files should have been included in the BMANIA.ZIP file:


          FILE_ID .DIZ        - Short description of Super Bubble Mania
          BMANIA  .EXE        - Run this to launch Super Bubble Mania
          BMANIA  .CDF        - Data file
          SETSOUND.EXE        - Run this to configure your soundcard
          CWSDPMI .EXE        - DOS Extender by CW Sandmann (Note: This file
                                is loaded automatically, and should not be
                                run by seperately).
          VIEW    .EXE        - Text file viewer
          BMANIA  .TXT        - This text file
          ORDER   .TXT        - Text file to fill out if you want to order
                                the registered version of Super Bubble Mania
          DESC    .TXT        - Longer description of Super Bubble Mania
          README  .BAT        - Run this to view the documentation

          If you're missing any of these files, then please download a
          complete copy from our website.

II. Installation


i) DOS Installation

    a) Unzip the file into an empty directory
      (Example: C:\> pkunzip bmania.zip c:\games\bmania)
    b) Change your current directory to the directory where you
       installed the game
      (Example: C:\> cd\games\bmania)
    c) Run the included SETSOUND.EXE to setup your sound card
      (Example: C:\GAMES\BMANIA> SETSOUND)
      (See part III for help in setting up the your sound card)
    d) Run the game by typing BMANIA
      (Example: C:\GAMES\BMANIA> BMANIA)

ii) Win95 Installation

    a) Go to MS-DOS Prompt by clicking on the MS-DOS Prompt icon
       in your Programs folder.
       From there, follow the same procedure as in part (i).
       Then you should create a shortcut to the executable BMANIA.EXE
       by going into Windows Explorer in your Programs folder.
    b) To play the game simply double click on the icon you created.


III. Sound Setup


   Super Bubble Mania has support for SoundBlaster, SoundBlaster Pro,
   SoundBlaster 16 (or compatibles such as SoundBlaster AWE 32 or 64),
   and Gravis Ultrasound cards.

   To setup your sound card, you must run the included SETSOUND.EXE
   which is located in the directory where you installed Super Bubble
   Mania.

   Simply follow the instructions in the SETSOUND program. If you don't
   know your exact sound setup, you can use the AutoDetect feature.
   Note however, that this isn't always a successful means of detection.
   Once the sound has been setup, you can enjoy music and sound effects
   during game play. If for some reason you don't get sound after you've
   set it up, try using different settings and try using the AutoDetect
   feature (if you haven't already).
   If the sound still doesn't work then please contact us (see [Section VI]
   on how to reach us)

   (Note for GUS users : For IRQ's > 7, please change the IRQ settings
   to a value of 3,5 or 7. This is done by using the SETGUS.EXE utility
   that comes with your card. This fault is due to performance issues under
   the DOS Extender we're using, and we have no control over this).


IV. Game Play


   The idea behind the game is quite simple:

   POP ALL BALLS!

   Of course there are many different kinds of obstacles to conquer and
   many power-ups to discover. We don't want to spoil your fun by giving
   away all available power-ups and baddies. There are many secrets to
   be discovered and if you think you've seen it all ... think again.
   From rhinos to birds to big bad clowns that throw balls at you,
   Super Bubble Mania is sure to keep you entertained for hours on end!

   i) Controls

        Super Bubble Mania supports up to two players with either keyboard,
        joystick or both. You can basically do 5 things in Supper Bubble
        Mania:
                Walk Left
                Walk Right
                Walk Up
                Walk Down
                Shoot

        To walk left and right, all you need to do is stand on solid ground.
        To walk up and down, you need to stand right underneath or on top of
        some stairs. You can always shoot, as you have unlimited spirals in
        your backpack.

        The default controls for Player 1 are:

                       Ŀ
                        Key             Action     
                       Ĵ
                        Arrow Key Up    Move Up    
                        Arrow Key Down  Move Down  
                        Arrow Key Left  Move Left  
                        Arrow Key Right Move Right 
                        Space Bar       Shoot      
                       

        The default controls for Player 2 are:

                       Ŀ
                        Key             Action     
                       Ĵ
                        W               Move Up    
                        X               Move Down  
                        A               Move Left  
                        D               Move Right 
                        <Ctrl>          Shoot      
                       

        For information on how to remap these default controls or on how
        to calibrate your joystick, see [Section IV ii].

   ii) Menus

        Throughout the game you will encounter several menus. This is
        a description of each menu and their functions.

         World Mode

          Select this option to start playing the many levels!
          In this mode, you will get to play through 50 awesome levels!
          Once you complete a level, you move onto the next
          one until you either lose all your lives or defeat the
          game.  You will also have to defeat 5 deadly World Leaders.

        Mania Mode (*)

          In this mode you will be able to play through 100 continuous,
          heart-pounding action-packed levels consisting of nothing but
          balls!  (in extremely large quantities)

        Crazy Mode (*)

          This mode puts you and your optional partner in a game of skill.
          Here, you will have to defeat 50 extremely challenging Crazy levels
          and re-defeat the 5 insane World Leaders.

        Demo

         Chose this to see a demonstration of how to play the game.
         (This comes on automatically if you don't make a choice
          within some time)

        Highscores

         On this screen you can see your best scores and times.

        Configuration

         Go here if you wish to change your default key configuration.
         You can also callibrate your joystick in this menu.

        Credits

         Somebody had to make the game, right?

        Registration

         This item will show you some screens of the registered version,
         and gives you info on how to register.

        Quit

         Quits back to DOS. You should never have to use this.


V. Registration


   We hope you enjoy playing this shareware version of Super Bubble Mania.
   You are required to register this program if you keep it for more than
   30 days. Registered users will receive free updates and early notices
   of future games.

   Here are some of the features of the registered version:

         100 totally cool levels with new graphics and music !
         World, Mania and Crazy Modes
         5 ultra mean bosses
         More powerups
         Tech support
         Free updates and fixes

   ** Please see ORDER.TXT for ordering information **

   Thank you for supporting quality shareware.


VI. Misc


   There are some secret codes (maybe even secret levels) in the game. Some
   of these codes are hidden on our webpage, so come down and visit us for
   more information!

   To report bugs, ask questions or general comments please visit:

      http://www.delphicoracle.com

   Please visit our site frequently for info on our latest games!


   Here is an incomplete list of hidden Super Bubble Mania codes:

    BMGRAB   --> Capture screen (as .PCX)
    BMBIG    --> Enlarge screen
    BMBARS   --> Spectrum Analyzer Music Bars


VII. Special Thanks


   This game would not have been possible without these people:

        DJ Delorie  - For writing the world's best C++ compiler
        CW Sandmann - For writing CWSDPMI.EXE
        Dan Lee     - For helping with our website
        CAPCOM      - For making great games

IIX. Credits



                                    Code
            Adam Kolodziejczak                 Amit Bakshi

                                   Music
                    Joe Picard                 Chris Tong

                                    Art
                  Carlton Chan                 Slaven Karalic
