
+-------------------------------+
|           Zoo Keeper          |
|       Demo Instructions       |
|                               |
|     (c) 2020 Champ Games      |
|    https://www.champ.games    |
+-------------------------------+


*** ABOUT ***

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

- ADVANCED skill level has been disabled (NOVICE and STANDARD are included).
- Two player alternating game has been disabled (one player only).
- The continue feature is disabled.
- The left difficulty setting that enables random bonus item placement on the zoo stage and platforms reversing on the platform stage is 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 loops back to Round 1 after Round 4 is complete.

If you enjoy the demo of Zoo Keeper 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.zoo-keeper.champ.games
Cartridge from Champ Games:                 http://cart.zoo-keeper.champ.games
Champ Games store:                          http://store.champ.games

For additional information about the game:  http://zoo-keeper.champ.games

Thank you for your support and have fun! 


*** COMPATIBILITY ***

* TV type *

The Zoo Keeper 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 Zoo Keeper.  The demo version of Zoo Keeper will detect a SaveKey but the save 
functionality has been disabled and is available in the full version only.

- 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).  Zoo Keeper takes advantage of this device 
to support a 2-player* alternating game 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.  

*The 2 player option is 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 are a list of multi-carts that Zoo Keeper 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 are a list of emulators that Zoo Keeper has been tested with and the current compatibility:

Emulator                    Compatible?         Website
---------------------       ---------------     --------------------------------------------------------
Stella (v6.0.1+)            Yes                 https://stella-emu.github.io/downloads.html
Stellarator                 Yes                 https://6502ts.github.io/stellerator/#/cartridge-manager
Javatari                    No                  https://javatari.org/
Gopher2600                  Yes                 https://github.com/JetSetIlly/Gopher2600/releases


* 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)         Yes*                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

*requires the firmware of the RetroN 77 to be upgraded.  Details 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 Zoo Keeper is a one player game only.  The full version adds a two player option where each player alternate turns.


* Skill levels *

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

- Novice:           Player starts with five lives.  Animals escape less frequently on the zoo stage and less coconuts are thrown on the platform stage.
- Standard:         Most like the arcade. Player starts with four lives.  Animals escape and coconuts are thrown at a normal rate.

# Available only in the full version: #
- Advanced:         Player starts with three lives.  Animals escape from the cage and coconuts are thrown more frequently than Standard mode.


* 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
- Scoring screen
- High scores
- Credits


*** DIFFICULTY SWITCHES ***

* Left difficulty switch *

The left difficulty switch controls the bonus item placement on the zoo stage and the platform reverse mode on the platform stage:

- Difficulty A:  Bonus items are placed in random positions on the zoo stage.  Platforms will reverse direction every 4 seconds on the platform stage.
- Difficulty B:  Bonus items are placed in the same locations on the zoo stage.  Platforms do not reverse on the platform stage.  This is most like the arcade game.


* Right difficulty switch *

The right difficulty switch controls how the bricks are rendered which controls the graphic details and flicker.

- Difficulty A:  Bricks are rendered solid with no vertical lines.  Less graphic details with no flicker.
- Difficulty B:  Bricks are rendered with vertical lines.  More graphic details with 30hz flicker.


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


*** PLAYING THE GAME ***

* Object *

You are Zeke, the zoo keeper in charge of the local zoo.  Marcel the Monkey has freed all of the animals and has captured your girlfriend Zelda!  Guide Zeke through the three unique 
stages to capture the animals and save your girlfriend!


* Player Control *

Move the joystick controller left and right to guide Zeke around the zoo perimeter and the various platforms.  Press the button to have Zeke jump over the animals or from platform to platform.


* Zoo Stage *

In the Zoo Stage, your task is to build up the zoo wall and keep the animals from escaping.  Move Zeke around the perimeter of the zoo to add bricks to the wall as the animals will remove bricks as
they collide with them trying to escape.  The timer above will let you know when bonus items will be available to collect for big points!  If the bonus item is a net, Zeke can grab it to capture the 
animals and send them back to the middle cage.  Survive to the end of the timer and earn a bonus for each animal you can keep inside the zoo walls.


* Platform Stage *

In the Platform Stage, your girlfriend Zelda has been captured by Marcel the Monkey and needs your help!  Guide Zeke to the top platform to rescue her, collecting bonus items along the way while avoiding
the coconuts being thrown at you by Marcel.


* Bonus Stage *

In the Bonus Stage, jump over the charging animals and ride the escalators to Zelda and earn a bonus life.


In the demo version, the game will loop back to Round 1 once Round 4 is completed.  In the full version, there are 99 levels to complete.

GOOD LUCK!


*** SCORING ***

* Zoo Stage *

Collecting a bonus item:        
- Round 1:      120 - 1,000 points
- Round 2:      250 - 2,000 points
- Round 3:      500 - 4,000 points
- Round 4:      1,000 - 8,000 points

Jumping animals:    
- 1 animal:     100 points
- 2 animals:    500 points
- 3 animals:    2,000 points
- 4 animals:    6,000 points
- 5 animals:    15,000 points
- 6 animals:    30,000 points
- 7 animals:    60,000 points
- 8 animals:    120,000 points

In the full version, you can jump over as many as 16 animals for a 30,000,000 point bonus! 

End level capture bonus:
- Elephant:     250 points
- Snake:        500 points
- Camel:        1,000 points
- Rhino:        2,000 points

In the full version, try to capture the moose for 4,000 points and the lion for 30,000 - 70,000 points! 


* Platform Stage *

Jump onto a platform:   40 - 5,000 points

In the full version, you can earn up to 40,000 points for jumping on a platform.

Collecting prizes:
- Root beer:    300 points
- Clover:       600 points
- Ice Cream     1,200 points
- Watermelon:   2,500 points
- Strawberry:   5,000 points
- Trophy:       10,000 points

In the full version, collect dollar signs and rainbows for 20,000 and 40,000 points!

Saving Zelda:
- Round 2:      5,000 points
- Round 4:      10,000 points

In the full version, earn up to 80,000 points for saving Zelda!


* Bonus Stage *

Jumping animals:    Same points as the Zoo Stage

When you save Zelda, you are awarded an extra life.


*** 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/disable random bonus item placement and platform reverse.*
- Right Difficulty:             Enable/disable vertical lines in the bricks.

*Available only in the full version.


*** GAME OVER ***

When Zeke loses a life and there are no more in reserve, GAME OVER will be displayed.  In the full version, you are able to continue a game from the current round (up to three times).


*** 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 BEST KEEPERS!

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:        Robert Vieira
Music and Sound Effects Code:   Thomas Jentzsch
Additional Music & Testing:     Lee "Keebz" Kebler

For the physical boxed release:

Packaging & Illustration:       Nathan Strum
Publishing:                     Champ Games




