ASTRAWARE Palm OS Products 
 
Zap!2000 Information
Current released version: 1.7 - 10th February, 2004
Current release expires: never
Feedback to: David Oakley (zap2000@astraware.com)
Game Info: http://www.astraware.com/games/astraware/zap/
Recent update headlines: Added enhanced sounds for PalmOne OS5 devices, Updated controls forms to allow for easier configuration on devices with a d-pad, and on the Tapwave Zodiac

Copyright (c) 1999-2003 Astraware Ltd. All rights reserved.
All rights reserved.

Introduction

Zap!2000 opens a new era in gaming for the Palm: smooth colour or grey-scale graphics, scrolling backgrounds, more aliens, bigger bosses, more power-ups! Playing it is simple, just shoot the aliens, dodge the incoming shots, and pick up the power-up gems! The further you go, the harder it gets. The boss which is found at the end of each mission has a special attack (watch our for it), but also a weakness that you can exploit to destroy it and move on!

Zap!2000 (for greyscale and 8-bit colour) and Zap!2016 (for 16-bit colour handhelds) are now the same price, and so we've merged the instructions. Where we refer to Zap!2000, the same applies to Zap!2016!

How To Install

To reduce the occurrence of piracy of our games, we have a separate version of Zap!2000 for our registered users. If you have registered Zap!2000, please read the registration email that we send to you to check where to download a package containing the full versions of the game.

Zap!2000/2016 comes in three varieties, and you'll need to install the correct one for your handheld:

If the version you need isn't included in the zip file you downloaded, go to the Zap!2000 or Zap!2016 web page and get the correct one. Use an extractor program such as WinZip on the PC or Stuffit Expander on the Mac to get at the Zap!2000 files. Install the game by double-clicking the prc file. Use the HotSync button as usual to install the game onto your handheld.

Now run Zap!2000 or Zap!2016 and tap the screen to play the game. If you are running the full game for the first time and haven't registered by entering your code in the game yet, you will be asked to do so. Your registration code is included in your registration email.

If you've got any queries about Zap!2000 or the registration process, please check out our Support Knowledgebase on our website (you must be connected to the internet to access this). If this doesn't help, get in touch with us at support@astraware.com. If you've got any questions (or suggestions, we love those) about the game itself, please get in touch with us at the email address at the top of this page.

Known Problems with Hacks

Zap!2000 graphics and gameplay push the capabilities of your palm to its limits! To do this, we've had to make direct use of much of the hardware of your machine. While this causes no problem for most users, we've had reports from a few users running lots of hacks that the game reports memory problems - even when there is plenty to spare.
 Since many hacks also try to use the same hardware calls, sometimes they might be incompatible. If you get the memory error, and you know that you've got enough space, then try de-activating your hacks one by one until you can narrow down which are causing the problems. So far, we have had confirmed reports that Padlockhack and Switchlock hack seem to be incompatible with
Zap!2000
.

Speed Up Hacks
There are quite a few hacks available ( Afterburner, Tornado, and I personally use Eco-Hack) which allow you to change the speed your main processor runs at. At the expense of some battery life (about 20% less) your palm can run faster by overclocking. This does not cause any problems with
Zap!2000
, and many users use these hacks to make the game run faster (or slower) than normally allowed by the standard Zap!2000 speed settings. For those concerned with getting high up the internet high score table, using these hacks makes the game run at a relatively higher speed - so you will get a difficulty bonus added to your score!

Playing Zap!2000

Install and run the game on your Palm.
Tap the screen to start a game.

Control buttons can be fully customised if you wish, by selecting the 'Controls...' menu option! You can also turn 'auto-fire' on or off using the 'Game Preferences...' option.



(Datebook)
Left
(Phonebook)
Right
(Up)
Special Attack
(To Do List)
Thrust
(Memo pad)
Fire
(Down)
Shields

The above table only holds true for the most common Palm OS devices with that particular button configuration. More recent devices may have different button configurations, the controls setting form in game will take this into account.

You get an extra ship every 5000 points.

Zap!2000 has a facility to allow you to save your position at key points throughout the game. You can use 'Save game' only at the end of each mission. After you kill a boss you will see a 'Save' icon while the Summary is shown. Tap it and your score, lives and power-ups will be saved at the start of the following mission. You can use the 'Game' menu to use 'Resume game' and continue from where you were.

Registering

In Demo form, you can play 10 games of Zap!2000 for free, as you decide whether you like it or not. After these games are up, the program will display a short message reminding you to register each time you play!

If you beam a demo to someone else, and they also like the game, then they can register it either by purchasing a copy from a local store, or by purchasing online.

Registering Online:

For those that like the speed and convenience of buying of the internet, when you register for the game, you'll get a code which will unlock the game and remain valid for future upgrades. Go to the web page at http://www.astraware.com/games/astraware/zap/ for more details.

You'll need to know your HotSync ID which you can find by running Zap!2000, and going into the menu, and selecting the 'Register...' option. Your HotSync ID will be filled in for you below.

When you register, Astraware will generate a key based on your ID, which will normally be sent out by email within 48 hours of you registering. When you receive your key, go to the same register option, and enter the key into the space provided.

Astraware Products

You can find out about Astraware and the product range we have for mobile platforms by visiting our website at www.astraware.com.
Here are our top products at time of writing:

Astraware Palm Packs
Abysma/Elixir Twin PackBuy the brain-busting Elixir and Abysma together and save $5!
GameHouse Games Pack 1Get shuffling with Nisqually, blast those blocks with Collapse and test your word power with TextTwist!
GameHouse Games Pack 2Make crazy chains in Glinx, match stunning gems in Gem Drop, and get them balls bouncing in Bounce Out!
It's A Blast! Shooting PackLet out your tension with some target practice with Galaxy Ranger, Police Range and Bang Bang!
Palm Games Pack 2001Zap!2000, Biplane Ace and Bzzz! together for under $25 - save over 25%
PopCap Games Pack 1Get the web games revolution that is Bejeweled, plus Alchemy, Seven Seas, Mummy Maze and Atomica!
PopCap Games Pack 2PopCap Games Pack 2 brings you another five awesome games from the masters of web games, in one pack for one great price!
Astraware Palm Games
AbysmaIt's a race against time as you attempt to fill in the puzzle pieces before the descending bar of doom!
AlchemyTurn lead into gold in Astraware's addictive PopCap puzzle game!
Astro DefenceDefend your city from the asteroid threat!
AtomicaMake Molecules in Dr. Atomica's Laboratory in Astraware's addictive PopCap puzzle game!
Bang BangBackyard blasting fun
BejeweledBejeweled is the official handheld version of the incredibly popular and addictive online game by PopCap
Big Money!Coin collecting fun in another Pop Cap classic!
Biplane AceDogfight against rival fighter pilots
BookWorm for PalmFeed the bookworm’s loquacious appetite with words made from connected letter tiles.
Bounce OutBrain bending ball matching action
Bzzz! for PalmFly-catching action for the Palm
Candy Cruncher for PalmCandy Crunching Fun
Candy TrainGot a sweet tooth? Get your teeth into this new game from PopCap!
ChromaGamesGreat triple pack of classic games
Collapse!Tap matching blocks in this simple but frantic GameHouse game.
CubisThe next generation puzzle game
DynomiteGet prehistoric with this dino egg-citing game!
ElixirCollect valuable elixir from a stack of capsules without upsetting the balance in this ultra addictive game from Trixiam Studios.
Eye of HorusUnleash your magical powers with this Astraware puzzle game.
Fruit FrolicIt's time to get fruity with this new game from Pyrogon!
Galaxy RangerBe a Galaxy Ranger, Save the Universe!
Gem DropGem dropping, jewel matching fun
GlinxMake chains of gems as long as you can!
GTS Racing ChallengeBring the power of high speed car racing to the Palm of your hand!
InsaniquariumFeed fish and fight aliens in the craziest aquarium ever!
Link Letters for PalmForm chains of words by altering single letters in Astraware's version of a classic word linking game
MahjonggRelax your mind with the most authentic Mahjongg solitaire game for Palm-powered handhelds
Mars Needs CowsThe challenging PopCap puzzle game of animal abduction!
Mummy MazeEscape the maze and outsmart the mummy in this great PopCap game!
NisquallyMake lines of blocks to clear the screen and complete the level
Noah's ArkSave pairs of animals from the rising water in this great PopCap game!
Police RangePolice Range is a fast game of reactions, dexterity, accuracy and good judgment!
RicochetClassic brick blasting fun comes to the Palm in this conversion of the PC favourite.
Rocket ManiaPopCap's new pyrotechnic puzzler is here!
Rooks RevengeTry to kill king in this real time chess game from ASAP Games.
Round UpMarble Moving Madness
Seven SeasShip Ahoy! Blast pirates with a broadside and navigate through dangerous waters, in this PopCap puzzle game
Shattered Worlds: Space Combat for PalmYour planet needs YOU!
T-BlasterPractice your graffiti/text entry by blasting aliens!
TacTicA twist on the classic Tic-Tac-Toe game pits you against the brain
Text TwistJuggle letters to make as many words as you can in a limited time!
TipTopTipTop is a swinging new action puzzle game with plenty of Fifties style and Vegas pizzazz.
What Word for PalmWord finding fun on your palm
Word Mojo for PalmMisplaced your mojo? Just say the word!
Zap!2000/2016Arcade gaming on the Palm has never looked so good!
Astraware Palm Applications
e.GuideYour essential TV episode guide for Palm
Timetable LiteKnow whats when with Timetable!
Timetable ProPlusThe essential tool for teachers and students, with assignment tracker

Release Revision History!

Release 1.7 : 10th February, 2004

  • Added enhanced sounds for PalmOne OS5 devices
  • Updated controls forms to allow for easier configuration on devices with a d-pad, and on the Tapwave Zodiac

Release 1.0 : 20th January, 2004

  • First Public Release

Release 1.6 : 2nd September, 2002

  • Support for the latest devices

Release 1.52 : 17th June, 2002

  • Much better handing of low memory requirements

Release 1.5 : 26th April, 2002

  • Enhanced Sound Support added for Sony T-Series!
  • Improved Speed Support for new devices - Treo, M125/130/505/515, Sony Clies
  • Improved Memory Handling
  • Combined Registration System - Codes for Zap!2000 and Zap!2016 work on either version.

Release 1.45 : 18th January, 2001

  • Better memory management, should give more help when the handheld runs out of memory
  • Uses less working space on a Palm III which doesn't have much heap memory
  • Better backgrounds, as used in Zap!2016
  • WorldwideWidgetWorks GamePad support
  • More help for user registration

Release 1.3 : 9th September, 2000

  • Zap!2000 has now been Platinum Certified by Palm to be one of the most stable and usable games on the Palm.
  • Using the 'Find' facility when in Zap!2000 no longer crashes the machine.
  • No longer accesses screen memory directly
  • Better handling of low memory conditions 

Release 1.2 : 21st June, 2000

  • Two new levels for registered users, with new bosses, turrets, canyons, alien launchers, mines!
  • Save game available at end of each level, resume game restores you to the start of the next level with all lives and power-ups preserved
  • Tapping the top of the screen now opens up the menu, which is behaviour that Palm OS 3.5 users expect
  • Better compression techniques mean that the full colour 7-level version of Zap!2000 is now the same size as the old 5-level version was
  • Better error messages if game runs low or out of memory

Release 1.12 : 10th April, 2000

  • Auto-fire (only available in registered version)
  • Now compatible with Chrome alternate colour settings on Palm IIIc
  • Now only loads graphics when needed - much quicker to load
  • Fix: used to crash when you tryed to use 'Reset Highscores'
  • Fix: used to crash if you cheated to jump past level 5

Release 1.1 : 10th March, 2000

  • First colour release for Palm IIIc
  • Completely configurable controls (map any button to any action)
  • Shields countdown clock
  • Ability to turn scenery off and on for a faster game

Release 1.01 : 25th February, 2000

  • Palm OS 3.5 compatibility (Palm IIIc and Palm IIIxe)
  • Removed duplicate printing of Game Over
  • Added 'Zap!2000 is loading' message

Release 1.0 : 1st January, 2000

  • New completion screen
  • Redesigned highscore page
  • Boss aliens are harder to defeat
  • Shields
  • Nuke bomb (registered version only)
  • Fix: aliens don't disappear anymore

Feedback

If you've got suggestions about how to improve Astraware Zap!2000 - or with reports of any problems you've had, then please contact us!

Zap!2000 enquiries/feedback: zap2000@astraware.com
Registration problems: registrations@astraware.com
General Astraware enquiries: feedback@astraware.com  

Contributors

Zap!2000 was based on an original monochrome game for Palms called "Zap!", written by Howard Tomlinson.

Zap!2000 was created by David Oakley, who made the game able to run in Greyscale, and then Howard and David worked together to add more aliens, levels, effects, and overall much more gameplay, ready for release on the first day of the year 2000!

The evolution of Zap! and Zap!2000 was also helped by...

  • Kevin Mohinani - for input to the design of graphics, and for providing some raw ship graphics to work with.
  • Pete Moss for the endless constructive feedback on how to improve the game.
  • Tim Adams for testing and nitpicking ;-)
  • All the beta testers who fed back with comments.

Software Licence Agreement

This is a legal agreement between you, the end user, and Astraware Limited. Read this agreement very carefully. If you do not wish to accept this agreement, you may not use Zap!2000 on a device or software emulator.

  1. Grant Of License
    This License permits you to use Zap!2000 on any single computer, provided the software is installed on only one handheld device at any time.

  2. Copyright
    The software is owned by Astraware Limited. and is protected by United Kingdom copyright laws, international treaty provisions, and all other applicable national laws. You may not modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, dissasemble or otherwise attempt to discover the code and algorithms of the software.

  3. Other Restrictions
    You may not rent or lease the software, but you may transfer your rights under this license agreement on a permanent basis provided you transfer all copies of the software and all written materials and the recipient agrees to the terms of this license.

  4. No Warranty
    The software is delivered as is and Astraware Limited. makes no warranty as to its use or performance. Astraware Limited. does not, and cannot warrant the performance or results you may obtain by using the Software or its documentation. Astraware Limited. makes no warranties, express or implied, as to noninfringement of third party rights, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. In no event will Astraware Limited. be liable to you for any consequential, incidental or special damages, or for any claim by any third party.

Legal

Astraware Ltd takes no responsibility for any adverse effect that this software could cause to your machine or the data on it: backup important data before using Zap!2000. Zap!2000 is protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties. Zap!2000 is licensed, not sold.

You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble this software.

Astraware’s and its suppliers’ entire liability and your exclusive remedy shall be, at Astraware’s option, either (a) return of the price paid, if any, or (b) replacement of the product that does not meet the warranty and which is returned to Astraware with a copy of your receipt. This warranty is void if failure of the product has resulted from accident, abuse, or misapplication. Any replacement software product will be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period or thirty (30) days, whichever is longer. These remedies are not available without proof of purchase from an authorized source.

Written permission must be obtained before distribution of this game, either in demo form or full form, through any online or offline methods. 

Copyright (c) 1999-2003 Astraware Ltd. All rights reserved..

Astraware and the planet logo are trademarks of Astraware Limited. All rights reserved.