


    Game Connection (tm)
    Version 1.40 User Documentation
    -------------------------------

    Game Connection allows you to play modem-to-modem games while
    logged onto this system.  With the two player games, this may
    allow you to play the game with someone who is not in your area,
    which would previously have cost you long distance charges, or to
    play a game with someone without having to give them your home
    phone number.  The real advantage here is the ability to play
    multi-player (i.e.  more than two player) games online.  This
    ability depends on the version of this program running on this
    system, as there is a two-player only version of Game Connection,
    and a multi-player version.

    Multi-player modem games would normally require one user to have
    several phones and modems, or are only playable by more than two
    persons if connected by a LAN.  Using Game Connection, you can
    play supported multi-player games as easily as the two player
    versions.


                          Beginning a Game
                          ----------------

    The first thing to is to call a Major BBS and enter Game
    Connection.  Some games have a chat mode that will allow you to do
    this from within them, but the majority require you to pre-dial.

    Pre-dialing refers to calling the BBS with your normal
    communications program (e.g. Telix, Procomm) in order to log on,
    enter Game Connection, and begin game mode.  This is explained in
    more detail below.  Make sure any notes on modem configuration are
    taken into account.  Some games require special modem
    configuration.

     NOTE: It is usually a good idea to have everyone at the same
     baud rate.  If you are not, game data may be lost if a low speed
     system is not able to accept the data as fast as the higher speed
     system(s) send it.

    After entering Game Connection, a menu selection allows you to see
    what other users on the system have set their game request flag,
    and which game they are interested in playing.  You can also get a
    list of all players currently in Game Connection, and their status
    (e.g.  Playing DOOM).

    If you want to play a 2 player game, select J)oin Two Player Game
    from the menu.  If the person you will be playing is already
    there, you can select him/her and begin playing.  Otherwise, you
    can select someone else on the system who has set their game
    request flag, and they will be notified of the challenge if
    possible.  (NOTE: If the system you are on has the multi-player
    version, and there are sufficient MP channels, you can play
    two-player games in an MP channel using distributed mode.)  Then
    just wait until they come to Game Connection to join you.  DO NOT
    exit the waiting prompt to the menu or you will cancel your
    challenge.

    To play a multi-player game, select the menu option to enter an
    MP channel.  You can join one of the existing games if it is not
    already in progress, or you can set up your own game channel, which
    you will be the moderator of.

    Some games allow open entry.  The only one that we know of at this
    time is Spectre VR.  Open entry means that a player can enter a
    game while it is in progress.  To do this, make sure that the game
    is not full (8 players for Spectre VR), and enter your game.



                             Moderating

    Setting up a game channel is just a matter of answering a couple
    of questions:

          Which game will be played?

    Just enter the name of the game you are planning to play.  This
    will allow other users to join you if they wish to play the same
    game.

          Playing mode?

    Several playing modes are available.

    The default selection is "Distributed" mode.  In this mode,
    everything coming from one player will be sent (distributed) to
    each of the other players.  This mode is not useful for most
    multi-player games, but works well for two-player games.  Of
    course, you are always welcome to try this mode for games that do
    not have their own mode and do not follow one of the standard
    protocols provided by Game Connection.

    If you cannot get a game to work in distributed mode, you may
    wish to attempt another non-game specific mode.  Such as
    "Master-Slave" mode.

    "Master-Slave" mode assumes one player is the master and sends
    all data from him/her to everyone else, while routing all data from
    the slaves to his/her channel only.  You may have some luck with
    this mode if the game is designed to have everyone call a master
    system and that system takes care of all communications.

    "Daisy Chained" mode is not likely to work.  It was thrown in
    just in case a need for it arose.  In this mode, everything is
    passed from one user to the next, and they are responsible for
    echoing it to the next player, or stopping it if they originated
    it.

    Two standard protocols are provided to allow games to be written
    for Game Connection: The Game Connection Protocol (GCP) is a binary
    protocol that is currently being used in game development, and
    Line Mode is an ASCII based protocol for games that wish to be
    compatible with 7-bit networks.  Additionally, GCP7 is a seven bit
    variation of the GCP protocol.

    All other modes are game specific (e.g. "Empire Deluxe" mode), and
    are special modes for particular games.  If you have a
    multi-player game that is not specifically supported by Game
    Connection, you are welcome to try these modes, but don't expect
    too much.


                              Commands

    Once a channel is setup, you are in a mini-teleconference.  There
    are a number of commands that can be done from here before the
    game starts, such as JOIN another channel.  These commands are
    listed as you enter, and help is available online.

    If you are the channel moderator, you have additional
    capabilities.  You can remove people from the channel, limit the
    number of players who may enter, change the playing mode, etc.
    Again, these commands are listed when you enter the channel.

    When everyone is ready, the moderator can begin game mode by typing
    START.




                          Playing the Game
                          ----------------

    Once you are in game mode, either by joining another user in a
    two player game, or typing START in a multi-player channel, you
    need to exit your communications program, unless you called through
    your game, and bring up the game.  Shelling out is usually not
    sufficient, as most games require a lot of memory.

    Your games will then be in contact with each other, and you can
    play them as normal.  Make sure you have called the BBS at a baud
    rate supported by the game, and that the game is configured to use
    that speed.  If the game tries to use a speed other than what you
    called at, the data will not make it through to the other side.

    Most games have a direct connect mode to use a null modem cable or
    an established modem connection; this is the communications mode
    you will need to select.


                           Ending the Game
                           ---------------

    When the game is over, you will need to go back into your
    communications program again, unless you called through your game,
    and type a series of Ctrl-Z's.  After about two seconds of
    inactivity following the Ctrl-Z's, you will be returned to the
    mini-teleconference for multi-player channels, or the Game
    Connection main menu for two-player games.



                           Supported Games
                           ---------------

   Most two-player games (or multi-player games in two player mode)
   will work flawlessly in Game Connection.  Some, however, do not have
   a chat mode that would allow you to log on to the BBS, and insist on
   hanging the modem up and dialing themselves.  These games will not
   function via Game Connection.

   We are constantly in the process of adding specific support for more
   games, and working on known incompatibilities and problems with
   supported games.  Below is a list of the games that either we have
   tested, or have been reported to work, along with comments about
   their performance.  If you find a game that is not listed here, or
   that you have alternate comments on, please have your sysop contact
   Sirius Software, Inc. and let us know the name of the game, the
   developer, and any success or failures you've had with the game.

   Read the notes on the game you are attempting to play prior to
   calling the BBS.  Some games require special modem configuration.

   If a game hangs up on you when attempting to begin the game, or in
   the middle of the game, there are a couple of ways to get around it.
   One is to add &D0 to your modem init string prior to dialing.  If
   the game is dropping the DTR signal to your modem, the modem will
   automatically disconnect unless this configuration option is used.
   You will have to hang your modem up manually if you do this,
   however, since most modems are hung up by dropping DTR.

   The second possibility is that the game is sending +++ to put your
   modem in command mode, and then issuing a hangup command.  This can
   be disabled by adding S2=255 to your modem initialation string prior
   to dialing.
\
   NOTE:

     * Multi-player games require the multi-player version of Game
         Connection for more than two players.

     Pre-dial - means that you will have to call a Major BBS system
          with a com program (such as Telix or Procomm), enter
          Game Connection, and go into game mode prior to running
          the game.  These games do not have a chat mode that would
          allow you to log on and get to The Game Connection from
          within the game.

          When you pre-dial for a game, select the option that says
          "Direct Connection", "Established Connection", or "Serial
          Connection" if available.  There is no need to select modem,
          because you do not need to initialize or dial.

          When pre-dialing from Windows, you will have to minimize your
          com program, but leave it active, or Windows will disconnect
          you from the BBS.


   -------------------------------------------------------------------

DOOM  (ID Software)      Up to 4 players               (shareware)

     If the system you call is running the multi-player version of Game
     Connection V1.40 or higher, then you will need the SIRDOOM front
     end to play, and can play 2 to 4 players.  Otherwise, see the two
     player instructions below.

     Dial Method: Dial from SIRDOOM's built in terminal program

     Buad Rates: Any

     Comments: Unzip the SIRDOOM front end into your DOOM directory.
          We are working on a configuration editor, but for now you
          will need to edit the configuration file to set up your com
          port, baud rate, etc.  See SIRDOOM.DOC for complete
          instructions.

          SIRDOOM and DOOM Mode were designed to work together.  In
          order to use SIRDOOM, you must select DOOM mode, and the odds
          of any other DOOM loader working in this mode are nil.

          Once you are in game mode, that is about it.  One player
          needs to host the game by typing Alt-S.  SIRDOOM will
          automatically pull the rest of the players in, and return you
          to teleconference mode when you complete the game. (You will
          not have to type Ctrl-Z's)

          Again, if you have any questions or problems, see SIRDOOM.DOC.


DOOM - For Two-player Game Connection (or < V1.40)

     Dial Method: Pre-dial

     Baud Rates: Any (w/ SERSETUP replacement)

     Comments: You will need to replace your SERSETUP files with the
          ones provided in DOOMSER.ZIP.  See the sample batch file for
          running the game and instructions on using the SERSETUP
          replacement.  This replacement is not required, but makes the
          game much more playable, because it allows high speed
          connections with V.42bis)


Spectre VR  (Velocity)   Up to 8 players

     Dial Method: Pre-dial

     Baud Rates: Any (skips from 19.2K to 57.6K, ie. no 38.4K)

     Setup: Execellent Virtual Reality game.

          Select direct connect under network setup.

          If the BBS you are calling has the multi-player version of
          Game Connection V1.40 or greater, there is a mode for this
          game that will allow 2-8 players in the same game.  No front
          end or patch is required.

          This game allows open entry.  Once the game is started, other
          players will be allowed to enter unless you have limited the
          number of users in the channel.

          When you enter, it will notify you that you are in game mode.
          Run SVR as normal and try to click on PLAY between flashes
          (or just type P).

          This game seems to conflict with a number of TSRs.  If you
          get black boxes on some of the screens, or your screen goes
          completely black, try booting with only necessary drivers and
          TSRs.


Empire Deluxe  (New World Computing)  Up to 6 players

     Dial Method: Pre-dial

     Baud Rates: Up to 19200

     Comments: Modem initialization MUST include &D0.  This game drops
          DTR constantly, and without &D0, your modem will hang up.

          This game plays very well, and allows 2-6 players at a
          time out of the box.  Use Empire Deluxe mode for more than 2
          players.

          Once you are in game mode, exit your terminal program and run
          Empire.  Click on 'Play Game'.  All players but one should
          click on 'Remote Slave'.  The remaining player is the host or
          master player.  He/She should click on one of the game modes:
          Basic, Standard or Advanced and then decide what map will be
          used.

          Then the host should configure a slot for each player that
          will be in the game; setting each as remote via the same com
          port (the one your modem is on).

          Each person should select the appropriate baud rate (whatever
          you called in at) direct with automatic connect control.  All
          players should be at the same baud rate if possible.  The
          game should play even if they aren't, but it may lock up or
          play slowly.

          After that, click on OK, and you are started.

          If at all possible, the host should enter the game before the
          last player.  Otherwise, Game Connection will figure out who
          the host player is and start passing data.  This will allow
          player number requests to build up in the host's buffer and
          can confuse the game as to how many players there are which
          may cause odd behaviour.

          Don't be afraid to save the game and take it up again later.
          A large map and skilled players can drag Empire Deluxe games
          out for days.  Just exit the game, and it will prompt each
          player for a save file.  The next time you play, just chose
          'Load Saved Game'.  The only player who must save the game is
          the host, but the slave players will have to re-issue all
          commands when you resume play.


Global Conquest  (MicroPlay/Microprose)  Up to 4 players

     Dial Method: Pre-dial

     Baud Rates: Any

     Comments: Requires a patch to play over the BBS.  You will need to
          copy DRIVER2.OVL (from GLOBOVL.ZIP) into your Global Conquest
          directory.  Then, when you enter Global Conquest, select
          Special DRIVER2.OVL.


Power Monger (Electronic Arts)

     Dial Method: Pre-Dial

     Baud Rates: 300 - 4800

     Comments:   Run PM (press space bar to enter game).  Enter your
          name. Click on one of the game options (e.g. 'Start New').
          Click on compass symbol.  Appease the copy protection gods.
          Click on the game options symbol (floppy disk).  Click on
          GAME and then MULTI PLAY.  Set up the correct com port and
          baud rate.  Choose a color, and click on CONNECT.

          NOTE: We were not able to get this game to play in 256 color
          mode, and the 16 color mode still had problems with the
          graphics.


Grandest Fleet (QQP)

     Dial Method: Call through built in terminal

     Baud Rates: Any

     Comments: War strategy game, to start the game, one person should
          click on 'Select Control' and then escape out of modem area.


Seawolf (Electronic Arts)

     Dial Method: Pre-Dial

     Baud Rates: 9600 Only

     Comments: Submarine battles.  Run TWOPLAY.BAT.  Select B or C for
          COM1 or COM2 direct connect.  You can now chat to see if you
          are properly connected, and then each person should hit ESC
          to begin the game. Player 1 selects "Two Player Missions",
          then select a mission and click GO.


F-15 Strike Eagle III (Microprose)

     Dial Method: Pre-dial

     Baud Rates: Any (9600 suggested)

     Comments: After connecting, Use MENU option (top of screen) to
          set Baud and Com Port.  Both players must click on phone
          (to enter modem mode) and it will say connecting, hit #
          and the game should start.  If you have not played F-15
          via modem before, reading the F-15 Technical Document is
          highly recommended.


Falcon 3.0 (Spectrum Holobyte)

     Dial Method: Pre-dial

     Baud Rates: Any

     Comments: Works well.  A TSR in FALTSR.ZIP is available that
          allows compression and higher baud rates, and speeds up the
          initial connection.

          Set up your squadron and theater, and then click on the
          middle video screen that flashes COMMS.  Configure a direct
          connection with the proper baud rate and com port.  When you
          accept the configuration, it will attempt to connect to the
          other player.


Tornado (Spectrum Holobyte)

     Dial Method: Pre-dial

     Baud Rates: 9600

     Comments: Flight Sim/Combat game.  Select direct connect mode.
          One player should select Red Leader, and the other should
          select Blue Leader.


F16 Combat Pilot (Electronic Arts)

     Dial Method: Pre-dial

     Baud Rates: 1200-9600 (9600 suggested)

     Comments: Flight Sim/Combat game.  Select MISSIONS (Jacket on
          door).  Select Gladiator mission in upper right corner.  Set
          your com port an baud rate.  One player should select red
          leader, and the other blue leader.  Click on direct to begin
          game.


Knights of the Sky (MicroProse)

     Dial Method: Pre-dial

     Baud Rates: 1200-9600 (9600 suggested)

     Comments: Flight Sim/Combat game.  Low detail, but works well.
          Select head-to-head, configure your port and baud rate, and
          'connect directly' to begin.


Stunt Driver (Spectrum Holobyte)

     Dial Method: Pre-dial

     Baud Rates: 1200-38400

     Comments: Click Options and then Head-to-Head.  Set baud and
          port, and select direct connect.  Click DONE to start the
          game.


VETTE! (Spectrum Holobyte)

     Dial Method: Pre-dial

     Baud Rates: Any

     Comments: At any point before beginning the race, hit ESC to bring
          up the pop-up menu.  Select COMMUNICATIONS and set it up for
          a direct connection at the appropriate baud rate and com
          port.  One player should select call and the other answer.
          Click done and start the race.

          NOTE: Both players must select the same track.


Tetris Classic (Spectrum Holobyte)

Super Tetris   (Spectrum Holobyte)

Wordtris       (Spectrum Holobyte)

     Dial Method: Pre-dial

     Baud Rates: 2400 to 9600

     Comments: Select direct connect.  One player should select dial,
          and the other should select answer.  Then select
          head-to-head mode.


Command HQ   (MicroPlay/Microprose)

     Dial Method: Pre-dial

     Baud Rates: 1200-19200

     Comments: Plays well with modem connections, although currently a
          bit slow when played via an X.25 network such as Compuserve.

          You will need to replace SERIAL.OVL with the replacement in
          CHQOVL.ZIP from your Game Connection support library.

          This game limits the transmission speed to less than 2400
          bps, so anything faster will only be for your convenience
          when logging on.

          Start a new war and select ANOTHER HUMAN as your opponent.
          Select DIRECT SERIAL, the appropriate com port and baud rate,
          and BEGIN GAME.


Conquered Kingdoms (Quantum Quality Productions)

     Dial Method:

     Baud Rates: Any

     Comments: Reported to work.


WW2: Battles of the South Pacific  (Quantum Quality Productions)

     Dial Method: Built in terminal

     Baud Rates: 2400-9600

     Comments: Reported to work.  A patch is required for playing
          on X.25 networks.  V1.2 patch is suggested, as it fixes some
          of the communications problems.


Perfect General  (Quantum Quality Productions)

     Dial Method: Built in terminal

     Baud Rates: 9600 baud recommended.

     Comments: Reported to work well.


Tank (Spectrum Holobyte)

     Dial Method: Pre-dial

     Baud Rates: Any

     Comments: Select game type and then multi-player, direct.


Tom Landry Football

     Dial Method: Has a chat screen, but pre-dial is suggested.

     Baud Rates: Any

     Comments: Reported to work.  Select direct serial connection.


Victory or Defeat

     Dial Method: Built in terminal.

     Baud Rates: 1200-2400-9600

     Comments: Windows program.  Reported to work.


IndyCar Racing  (Papyrus)

     Dial Method: Pre-dial

     Baud Rates: 9600 only

     Comments: One player should select answer, and one player should
          select dial.  The player selecting dial should enter first.


ARCHON Ultra  (Strategic Simulations, Inc.)

     Dial Method: Pre-dial (You can log on through the modem window,
          but this is difficult to do with only a partial line.)

     Baud Rates: 2400 only

     Comments: Before beginning a game, use the right mouse button to
          bring up the menu, and select CONNECT.  Both players must do
          this within 30 seconds of each other.


Theater of War  (Three-Sixty)

     Dial Method: Pre-dial (You can log on through the modem window,
          but this is difficult to do with only three lines.)

     Baud Rates: 1200-38400

     Comments: Strategic board game similar to chess.  Both players
          must select the same warrior set.  Select PLAYER-VS-PLAYER -
          REMOTE and click PLAY.  Set the proper baud rate and com
          port.  It may be necessary to set the com port before hand
          with the CONFIG utility.  If you are logging on through the
          chat window, type ATDT<phone number> to place the call and
          enter game connection at this time.  Once both players are
          connected and ready, click PLAY.


Battle Chess 4000  (InterPlay)

     Dial Method: Pre-dial

     Baud Rates: 300 only

     Comments: Before dialing, you must add &D0 to your modem init
          string and re-initialize your modem.  Otherwise, the game
          will cause your modem to hang up at various times throughout
          the game.

          Once you are in the game, select MODEM from the CONTROLS
          menu.  One player should set white/red to human and
          black/blue to human, and the other should set them the other
          way around.  Then click on OK, and you are playing chess.


Line Wars                                              (shareware)

     Dial Method: Pre-dial (from Windows)

     Baud Rates: Up to 19200

     Comments: Space game.  Set up as DUEL mode, DIRECT LINE.


MegaTron                                               (shareware)

     Dial Method: Pre-dial

     Baud Rates: Up to 9600

     Comments: Robots at war in a maze.  Make sure your modem is
          initialized to ignore "+++" by adding S2=255 to your modem
          init string before dialing.  Configure your com port and baud
          rate, and click on OPEN.


PanzerKrieg for Windows                                (shareware)

     Dial Method: Pre-dial (from Windows)

     Baud Rates:

     Comments: Use the serial connection option.


