Documentation
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Running the game for the first time: The first time you run this game, it creates a settings file containing your default preferences and high score data. On Windows, this file goes into the same folder as the program since there is no Preferences folder (as is the case on Macs). If you're on Windows and download the package version of this game, the program is already in its own folder; however, if you download the program only, you might want to consider putting it in its own folder.
Enabling music support: To enjoy music while you play your game, place a file called "Lines Music.mp3" (no quotes) in the same folder as the program. This can be any MP3 file of your choosing, from our official Dots 'n Lines music to a file from your own collection - just as long as it's named properly. If you checked the auto-play option in preferences, this file will play automatically each time you begin a new game. If you didn't check this box, or to play and pause the music manually, use the Music menu. This feature enjoys limited success under Windows, but if you've gotten it to work, we'd love to hear what you've discovered.
You can't complete squares in rapid succession on a network game. This is intentional and had to be implemented this way due to network timing issues.
Windows: Under Windows 2000/NT (and perhaps other versions of Windows where multiple user accounts are in place), if you aren't logged on with administrative privileges, the game will give a runtime exception and refuse to open.
Windows: Sounds are sometimes cut off. Solution: Get a Mac; this can't be fixed.
The AI doesn't compare moves toward the end of the game. This will be implemented in the future, but not before the end of this school year because we ran out of time. (see here for more...)
Please do not report any of the above issues as bugs; we are well aware of them. If, however, you think you've discovered a bug not listed above, we'd appreciate hearing about it!
The preferences window is your friend! It can make your experiences in the program more intuitive by tailoring gameplay to your exact specifications. Following is a summary of all the different options you can customize in the game:
Soundset: Choose a predefined "set" of sounds from this menu if you'd rather not set the individual sound options yourself. Options here include the default set, our favorites, and NONE (if you want the game to be completely silent and boring).
Open Program: Select the sound to be played when the program opens.
Choose Player: Select the sound to be played in succession as a player is chosen at the beginning of the game.
Begin New Game: Select the sound to be played when a new game begins (after a player is chosen).
Move Turn Counter: Select the sound to be played each time a player makes a move.
Square Completed: Select the sound to be played each time a player completes a square.
Win Game: Select the sound to be played when you win a game.
Lose Game: Select the sound to be played when you lose a game.
Auto-play Music: If checked and a valid music file is installed (see above), the music will be played each time a new game begins. If this box is unchecked and a valid music file is installed, the music can still be played through the Music menu.
Player 1: The name that will be pre-entered into the name field for Player 1 when beginning a new game.
Player 2: The name that will be pre-entered into the name field for Player 2 when beginning a new game.
Computer Player Name: The name of the computer player (AI) in one-player games.
Default IP to Join: The IP address that will be pre-entered into the Host Address field when joining a network game.
The game type that will be pre-selected each time you begin a new game.
Joining and Hosting: The opponent hosting the game must first begin hosting (waiting for the other opponent to join) before the other opponent can join the game. Once the host opponent begins waiting, his/her IP address is shown. This should be given to the other opponent if it is not already known. Alternatively, fully qualified domain names may be used in lieu of IP addresses (e.g. machinename.domain.com, or just machinename if both you and your opponent are on the same network with correctly configured search domains). Both work equally as well, but of course, domain names are generally easier to remember.
Chatting with your opponent: Once the game has begun, you're free to say choice things to your opponent in the chat window. Select File->Chat With Opponent to begin. Type what you want to say in the smaller box at the bottom; press return to send it. Pressing option/alt-return will cause your text to be sent in first person form (i.e. *** PlayerName is away, getting a snack.), similar to "/me" on IRC or the like on Hotline. A chat window will pop up if your opponent says something and you don't already have a chat window open.
High Scores: If your opponent wins the game and his/her score is appropriate (i.e. high enough) for your high score board, it will be added and vice-versa.
Content ©2001 Andy Misle
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