
+-------------------------------+
|              Qyx              |
|       Demo Instructions       |
|                               |
|     (c) 2022 Champ Games      |
|    https://www.champ.games    |
+-------------------------------+


*** ABOUT ***

This ROM file is a fully playable demo version of Qyx for the Atari 2600 with the following restrictions:

- ADVANCED and CHALLENGE skill levels have been disabled (NOVICE and STANDARD are included).
- One player only (two player alternating and two player co-op games have been disabled).
- SaveKey functionality has been disabled, but high scores are still maintained for each skill level during play until the game is turned off.
- The game will go back to Level 1 after Level 4 has been completed.

If you enjoy the demo of Qyx and would like to purchase the full version, it is available either as a ROM file 
or as a physical cartridge (includes box, manual and poster) from the Champ Games store:

Full ROM from Champ Games:                  http://rom.qyx.champ.games
Cartridge from Champ Games:                 http://cart.qyx.champ.games
Champ Games store:                          http://store.champ.games

For additional information about the game:  http://qyx.champ.games

Thank you for your support and have fun! 


*** COMPATIBILITY ***

* TV type *

The Qyx Demo ROM can be played on NTSC or PAL60 systems.  Please ensure that the version you are playing matches the TV type of the monitor you are using.


* AtariVox and SaveKey *

The AtariVox and SaveKey are devices that allow high scores and game settings to be saved when playing Qyx.  The save functionality has been disabled in 
the demo version but will be available in the full version.

- For more information about the AtariVox:          https://atariage.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1045
- For more information about the SaveKey device:    https://atariage.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1194


* QuadTari *

The QuadTari is a device that allows you to plug up to 4 joysticks and other compatible controllers to an Atari console (2 joysticks per port).  Qyx plans to take advantage of this device 
to support a 2-player* games with a AtariVox or SaveKey by using two joysticks plugged into the QuadTari connected to the left controller port and an AtariVox or SaveKey device connected 
to the right controller port.  Since this demo is 1 player and does not save scores to the SaveKey or AtariVox, a QuadTari does not offer any benefits (but will when the full version is released).

*The 2-player game modes are available in the full version only.

- For more information about the QuadTari:          https://www.bitethechili.com/quadtari/


* Multi-carts *

Multi-carts are special cartridges that plug into a real Atari 2600 (or compatible) and allow you to play various ROM files either on an SD card or via WiFi.

Here is a list of multi-carts that Qyx has been tested with and the current compatibility.  
Where applicable, the version in () indicates the minimum BIOS requirement for the multi-cart.  

Multi-carts                 Compatible?         Website
----------------------      ---------------     --------------------------------------------------------
Harmony (v1.06+)            Yes                 https://harmony.atariage.com/Site/Harmony.html      
Harmony Encore (v1.06+)     Yes                 https://harmony.atariage.com/Site/Harmony.html
Unocart                     No                  https://thebrewingacademy.com/products/uno-2600-cartridge
PlusCart+                   No                  https://pluscart.firmaplus.de/pico/


* Emulators *

An emulator is a special program that runs on a PC that emulates an Atari 2600, allowing you to play ROMs on your computer.  

Here is a list of emulators that Qyx has been tested with and the current compatibility:

Emulator                    Compatible?         Website
---------------------       ---------------     --------------------------------------------------------
Stella (v6.7+)              Yes                 https://stella-emu.github.io/downloads.html
Stellarator                 Yes                 https://6502ts.github.io/stellerator/#/cartridge-manager
Gopher2600                  Yes                 https://github.com/JetSetIlly/Gopher2600
Javatari                    No                  https://javatari.org/

* Emulator consoles *

An emulator console is a physical game system that emulates an Atari 2600.  These systems allow you to play ROMs on devices like HD televisions (or in some cases, on the go).  
Some of these systems allow you to play game ROMs via an SD cart or even have a cartridge slot.  

Emulated Console            Compatible?         Website
---------------------       ---------------     --------------------------------------------------------
AtGames Flashback           No                  https://www.atgames.us/products/atari-flashback-9
AtGames Flashback Portable  No                  https://www.atgames.us/products/atari-flashback-portable-2019
RetroN 77 (cartridge slot)  No                  https://hyperkinlab.com/retron-77-hd-gaming-console-for-2600-hyperkin/
RetroN 77 (SD card)         No*                 https://hyperkinlab.com/retron-77-hd-gaming-console-for-2600-hyperkin/
Atari 2600+	                No                  https://atari.com/products/atari-2600-plus
Atari Gamestation Pro       No                  https://www.myarcadegaming.com/products/atari-gamestation-pro

*The latest community firmware of the RetroN 77 is using Stella 6.6, but since Stella 6.7 is required for Qyx it is currently not compatible.  
When the community build is updated to Stella 6.7, Qyx should be compatible with the RetroN 77 from an SD card.  

Additional details on the RetroN 77 community build can be found at https://atariage.com/forums/topic/289929-stella-6-on-the-r77-the-eagle-is-landing/
                                        

*** GAME OPTIONS ***


* Players *

The demo version of Qyx is a one player game only.  The full version adds two-player alternating, co-op and alternating co-op game modes.


* Skill levels *

To select the skill level, move the joystick left and right from the TITLE screen:

- Novice:           Player starts with 4 tries.  Level 1 starts with one Sparx.  Only 65% of the area needs to be claimed.  Sparx, Fuses and the Qyx move at a slower rate.  The sSarx Timer moves slower.
- Standard:         Player starts with 3 tries.  Level 2 starts with two Sparx.  70% of the area needs to be claimed.  Sparx, Fuses and Qyx move at a normal rate.  Sparx Timer moves at a normal rate.  

# Available only in the full version: #
- Advanced:         Player starts with 3 tries.  75% of the area needs to be claimed.  Sparx, Fuse and Qyx move at a faster rate.  Spark timer moves faster.   
- Challenge:        Player starts with 3 tries.  75% of the area needs to be claimed.  Special level challenges, including the Super Fuse and powerups (slow Qyx, freeze Sparx, reduce threshold, etc.).

The color of the LEVEL text and the try indicators in the game status area will match the current skill level (GREEN=Novice, BLUE=Standard, RED=Advanced, YELLOW-Challenge).
For two player games, the color of the Sparx Timer will match the active player (RED for Player 1 and BLUE for Player 2).


* Menu screens *

Move the joystick up/down to cycle through the 4 menu screens. If you do not move the joystick or start a game, the screens will cycle through after a certain amount of time.

- Title screen
- Instructions
- High scores
- Credits


*** DIFFICULTY SWITCHES ***

The left difficult switch is used to enable or disable Sparx Traps:

- Difficulty A:  Most Sparx Traps are disabled, making it more difficult to avoid additional Sparx as they enter the play area.
- Difficulty B:  Sparx will more likely become trapped (unable to escape) paths if set up correctly, making them easier to avoid.

The right difficulty switch is used to select the blend method used when drawing the fill areas:

- Difficulty A:  Draw the fill area with alternating color lines (no flicker).
- Difficulty B:  Draw the fill area by blending colors, allowing for 3 unique colors per line with minimal flicker.

To start a new game, either press RESET or joystick 1 button.


*** PLAYING THE GAME ***


* Object *

The object of Qyx is to guide your marker around the arena and claim enough of the play area to advance to the next level while avoiding the Sparx, Fuse and the 
unpredictable Qyx!


* Player Control *

Qyx supports the joystick controller.  Use the joystick to maneuver your marker around the border of the open area.  Press the button and move into the open area
to start drawing a Stix:

1 button joysticks:  

- tap and release the button while moving to draw fast (blue) Stix.  Completing an area while drawing fast will earn half as many points as drawing slow.
- press and hold the button while moving to draw slow (orange) Stix.  Completing an area while drawing slow will earn twice as many points as drawing fast.

Note: Once you start drawing fast, you can still press the button to move slow (for more precise control) but you the area will still be blue and earn points for a fast draw.

2 button joysticks (Sega Genesis gamepads):

- press and hold button B while moving to draw fast.
- press and hold button C while moving to draw slow.  

To complete an area, move the marker and draw Stix to connect to an existing path.  Once you complete a path, the area where the Qyx is not roaming will be filled in the 
color based on the speed the Stix were drawn (blue - fast, orange - slow).  For fast fills, you earn 100 points per 1% that you claim.  For slow fills, you earn 200 points per 1%.


* The Enemies *

The Qyx:

The Qyx is an oddly-shaped enemy composed of lines that moves erratically and unpredictably around the open area of the arena.  If the Qyx comes in contact with your Stix while drawing,
you will lose a try.  


The Sparx:

The Sparx travel along the border of the open area not claimed and move either in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.  If a Sparx collides with your marker, you 
will lose a try and you will continue the level from the last point on the path.


The Fuse:

When drawing Stix, if you stop drawing for too long a Fuse will appear at the start of the new path and follow your marker.  Continue moving to have the Fuse stop pursuing your marker,
but be aware that the Fuse will start from its last position!


Spiral Death Trap:

While drawing new Stix, since you cannot cross your existing path and there must be an area between any new Stix, be careful not to corner yourself where you cannot move your marker.  If
you do, the Fuse will ignite and follow the path to your marker until it is destroyed.


Super Sparx:

If the Sparx Timer completes two cycles, a warning sound is played and any existing Sparx will turn into Super Sparx.  These Sparx act like regular Sparx but are blue and green (instead of yellow and red)
and will follow your marker even when you're drawing new Stix!


* Sparx Timer *

The Sparx timer appears on the top of the screen and is constantly shrinking to complete a cycle:

- After the first complete cycle, 2 new Sparx enter the arena.
- After the second complete cycle, a warning sound is played and the existing Sparx on the board turn into Super Sparx.
- After the third complete cycle, 2 new Super Sparx enter the arena (STANDARD skill and above).
- After the fourth complete cycle, 2 new Super Sparx enter the arena (ADVANCED skill and above).


* Claim Bonus *

For each level, a certain percentage (65% - 80%) of the board must be claimed to advance to the next level.  Once you have claimed above the 
threshold, the level ends and the results are displayed.  You earn a 1000-point bonus for every % above the threshold that you are able to claim.

For example, if the threshold is 70% and you are able to claim 78%, you will earn 8000 bonus points.

If you are able to claim 20% over the threshold, you will be awarded a free try if you are not already on your first try.


* Split the Qyx *

Starting with LEVEL 3, two Qyx will appear on the screen.  If you can draw Stix and complete a path that separate the two Qyx, you will "split the Qyx" 
and the level will end immediately.  The bonus multiplier screen is then displayed, and the multiplier is increased (to 2x up to 9x!).  For the next levels, any 
points earned by claiming an area will be multiplied by this bonus multiplier value.  Additionally, you will still receive 2x points for filling areas using slow draw.


GOOD LUCK!


*** SCORING ***

You earn points in Qyx based on how much area you claim per level plus whether you claim the areas using slow or fast draw:

- 100 points for each 1% claimed using fast (blue) draw.
- 200 points for each 1% claimed using slow (orange) draw.

Additionally, all points earned for claiming an area is increased by the bonus multiplier (2x - 9x) that increases each time you "split the Qyx" (see above).

At the end of each level, you can also earn bonus points for claiming an area that exceeds the minimum threshold for that level.

- You will earn 1000 points for each 1% claimed over the minimum threshold for the current level.


*** CONSOLE SWITCHES ***

During a game the console switches do the following:

- Reset:                        Restarts the game with the current skill/# of players/options.
- Select:                       Ends the current game and returns to the title screen.
- Color/BW (PAUSE on a 7800):   Pause the game; press or flip the switch again or press the joystick button to resume.
- Left Difficulty:              Enable or disable spark traps.  A=disable, B=enable.
- Right Difficulty:             Set the playfield graphics display.  A=scanline, B=blend.


*** GAME OVER ***

You lose a try for colliding with a Sparx, Super Sparx, Fuse or having the Qyx collide with a Stix while drawing.  Once all the tries have been used up,
the game ends.


*** HIGH SCORE ***

If the current player achieves a high score for the current skill level, the high score entry screen is displayed. 

Use the joystick to enter up to 3 initials:
- Move the joystick up/down to change the current initial (blinking) and press the button to move to the next initial. 
- Move left/right to change the initial to update. Once completed, press the button after entering in the 3rd initial to register your name and be added to the list of QYX KICKERS!

NOTE: SaveKey support has been disabled for this demo.  In the full version, game settings and high scores (for each skill level) can be saved to an AtariVox or SaveKey device.


*** CREDITS ***

Programming and Design:         John W. Champeau
Graphics and Design:            Nathan Strum
Music and Sound Effects:        Bob DeCrescenzo
Testing:                        Nathan Withee (McCallister)
                                Jurgen Oster (Bomberman94)
                                
For the physical boxed release:

Packaging & Illustration:       David Exton
Publishing:                     Champ Games