
+-------------------------------+
|             Mappy             |
|       Demo Instructions       |
|                               |
|     (c) 2018 Champ Games      |
|    https://www.champ.games    |
+-------------------------------+


*** ABOUT ***

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

- The game loops back to Level 1 after Level 6 is complete.
- ADVANCED skill level has been disabled (NOVICE and STANDARD are included).
- 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 option to have the prizes initialized in random locations is disabled (left difficulty switch A).

If you enjoy the demo of Mappy 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.mappy.champ.games
Cartridge from Champ Games:                 http://cart.mappy.champ.games
Champ Games store:                          http://store.champ.games

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

Thank you for your support and have fun! 


*** COMPATIBILITY ***

* TV type *

The Mappy 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 Mappy.  The demo version of Mappy 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


* 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 Mappy 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 Mappy 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 and some 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 *

Mappy is a 1 player game.


* Skill levels *

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

- Novice:           Players start with 5 lives, there are less cats to start and they move slower.
- Standard:         Players start with 4 lives, there are more cats and they move faster than Novice skill.

# Available only in the full version: #
- Advanced:         More difficult than Standard. Players start with 3 lives, there are more cats and they are quicker than the Standard skill level.


* 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
- "Starring" screen
- High scores
- Credits


*** DIFFICULTY SWITCHES ***

* Left difficulty *

The left difficulty switch is used to enable or disable random placement of the prizes on each platform level:

- Difficulty A:  The prizes are placed in random locations.
- Difficulty B:  The prizes are placed in the same locations each level. (similar to the arcade)

** NOTE: this feature is disabled in the demo ROM.** 


* Right difficulty *

The right difficulty switch controls the flicker display of the game sprites.

- Difficulty A:  Sprites flicker only when they have to (more than 2 sprites in a horizontal area).  Less overall flicker but more noticeable.
- Difficulty B:  Sprites flicker at a constant 30hz, reducing the perception of additional flicker when there are more enemies in one horizontal area.

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


*** PLAYING THE GAME ***

* Object * 

The object of Mappy is to guide Mappy the police mouse through the various mansions to collect the stolen goods while avoiding the gang of Meowky cats and their leader, Goro.


* Control * 

Use the joystick to move Mappy left and right on the platforms.  When you reach the end of a platform, continue to move in that direction to jump off and fall to a trampoline below.
As you bounce up and down from the trampoline, move left or right to jump off the platform onto another platform.  Be careful as you can only jump on a trampoline 3 times until it breaks 
and Mappy will fall to his doom.  The trampoline changes colors from green to blue to yellow to red before breaking.  Mappy cannot be hurt by the cats while jumping on a trampoline.


* Doors * 

On some platforms are doors.  The doors are either open or closed and open in the direction where the doorknob is shown.  Mappy can open a door while standing on a platform by facing the 
door and pressing the button (note that Mappy doesn't have to be near the door to open it).  Mappy can also use doors to hit the cats and stun them tempoarily.

The flashing doors have been rigged with traps and release a microwave burst when opened.  Mappy can use this to his advantage to catch the cats and earn big bonus points.  If you manage to 
catch Goro (the red cat) in the microwave, you will earn 2x the points!


* Prizes *

There are 5 matching pairs of items that Mappy needs to collect before a level is complete:  Radio, TV, computer, painting and a safe.  When one item is collected, the matching item will
start blinking.  If Mappy can collect that item before any other items, the bonus multiplier will increase and more points will be awarded.  Keep an eye on the prizes as sometimes Goro will
hide behind them.  Catch Goro while he's hiding behind a prize for extra points!


* Hurry! *

If you take too long to complete a level, a warning "Hurry!" message will appear and 2 more cats will enter the mansion and pursue Mappy.  If you still haven't collected all the items still,
the dreaded "Gosenzo" coin will appear!  This foe will track Mappy down and can catch him even when he's bouncing on a trampoline, so avoid him at all costs!


* Balloon Bonus *

Starting on stage 3 and every 4 stages after that, Mappy takes a short break from catching criminals to practice his trampoline bouncing skills during the Balloon Bonus stage.  Guide Mappy 
through the maze and try to pop all 15 balloons, plus the bonus Goro balloon to earn big points!  

In the demo version, the game will loop back to stage 1 once stage 6 is completed.  In the full version, there are 99 stages to complete, including different mansion layouts and additional traps, 
including falling bells and trap doors! 


* The Enemies *

- Meowkies:		These cats roam the mansion trying to catch Mappy.  Up to 9 Meowkies can appear in the later levels (full version only).
- Goro:			This red cat is the leader of the Meowkies.  He roams the mansion hiding behind the prizes and will catch Mappy if he can!
- Gosenzo:		This spinning coin appears if Mappy takes too long to collect all the items and will track down Mappy, even on trampolines.
                       

*** SCORING ***

Jump on a trampoline: 					10 points
Hitting a cat with a door:				50 points
*Dropping a bell on a cat: 				300 points
*Dropping a cat through a trap door:	300 points
Finding Goro hiding behind a prize:		1000 points
Collecting a stolen item:				100 - 500 points x multiplier (1x - 6x)
Capture cats in the microwave:			200 (1 cat) to 6,000 points (10 cats) x2 if Goro is captured too

*Full version only

An extra Mappy is awarded at 20,000 points, 50,000 points, and every 50,000 points.


*** 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 prize locations (see above).
- Right dificulty: select flicker type (see above).

*** GAME OVER ***

When Mappy has lost all of his reserves the game ends and GAME OVER will be displayed.


*** 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 a part of the elite Mappy force!

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:    Mike Haas
Music driver:               Darrell Spice, Jr.
Code optimizations:	        Thomas Jentzsch

For the physical boxed release:

Label, Box and Manual:      Nathan Strum
Manual Text:                Nathan Strum
Publishing:                 Champ Games


