Kaboooom v1.05 Readme
=====================

Kaboooom is a simple game similar to other games like minesweeper, in which you have
to go from one corner of the board to the opposite corner of the board avoiding the
'mines' that are randomly scattered about.  Every square step on informs you of the
number of mines around that square.

Kaboooom was a port of code written in C and published in Dr Dobbs back in 1989.
Original port was done in Turbo pascal (text mode) with the OS/2 port created in Sibyl.

Source code is available from my web page at: http://pws.prserv.net/usinet.slack/

This program is provide 'as-is' with no implied warrenty.  In other words, use at 
your own risk :).

Fix History:
------------
1997-07-26  v1.00  Original port released (from Turbo Pascal sources).
1997-09-01  v1.01  Various changes made.
1997-10-05  v1.02  Added in code so that 'start' and 'home' aren't surrounded by mines.
1997-12-07  v1.03  Compiled with retail version of Sibyl, added additional dialogs.
1997-12-15  v1.04  Added win32 compile conditionals (untested).
1998-02-28  v1.05  Fixed a 'bug' caused by Sibyl FP2 and the way dialogs are dismissed.

To Install:
-----------
Unzip the program to a directory of your choice and enjoy.  In addition, you can run
the included 'kaboinst.cmd' script to add the programs icon to your desktop and then
drag to a chosen folder.

Options:
--------
Kaboooom comes equiped with several options.  They are:
(Game Params)
 - Safe Game: If checked, will not let you step on marked bomb locations.
 - Sounds On: If checked, plays various sounds for different game events.  Uses MMOS2.
 - Verbose Move: If checked, displays messages about the computers evaluation of the
                 board if the computer evaluation function is selected.
 - Random Number: If checked, generates a random number of bombs with each game (10-40).
 - Number of bombs: Enter the number of bombs to generate with each game.  Only available
                    if the 'random number' option is unchecked.
 - Confirmations On: If checked, will display confirmation dialogs at various points in
                     the game (exit, new game, etc.).
(Game Sounds)
 - Select '.wav' files for the various sound events listed.  Kaboooom comes equiped with
   appropriate sound files for each one.  Press the '...' button to browse for a .wav
   file.
Pressing OK will save the options selected, cancel will continue to use the current
options.

To Play:
--------
Move your piece (the human figure) around the board using the arrows in the lower left
corner of the window.  Press the button in the middle of the arrow buttons to have the
computer evaluate the board (from you current position).  To mark a square you think
has a mine in it, right click on the square and select 'mark/unmark'.  This is the
method to use to also unmark a square.
Press the 'new game' button to start over at any time.

Known Problems/Issues:
----------------------
- There is a bug in the computer evaluation code that will cause an infinite loop.  A
  'cancel' button was added to the evaluation process that seems to work to break out
  of the loop.  I have not yet determined what causes this loop error.
- This port of the game does not include keyboard control over the movement through
  the mine field.  Hopefully this feature will be added some day...

Contact:
--------
Michael G. Slack (slack@attglobal.net)