Running Timeshock! on 8Meg machines =================================== Included on the CD is a lower-memory version of the game. If you have an 8Meg PC and you find that the game runs out of memory whatever options you select, then try running the lower-memory version instead. If the normal game runs fine then you do not need to use these versions. In order to use the DOS lower-memory version, just type "SHOCK8" instead of "SHOCK" to run the game. We have included a Windows95 lower-memory version as well, although the game should run under Windows on machines with very little RAM, you will find on these machines that Windows will use the hard disk to simulate more memory, and the constant accessing of the hard disk will slow the game down. The Windows low-memory version is called "Timeshock!_8Meg", and you can run this version by clicking on the icon in the "Pro Pinball\Timeshock!" start menu group. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Known Problems ============== Windows 95 (and some DOS systems) --------------------------------- On some systems, changing the CD or Master volume levels doesn't take effect until the next time a track is played. This means on the audio test screen, you can't hear the volume level the music will be played at unless you move up and select a different track. We have also found that some systems incorrectly report which mixer control changes the CD volumes, and on these systems, you will not be able to alter the CD volume from within the game. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tips to improve the performance of Timeshock! ============================================= Dot Matrix Display ------------------ At high resolutions the load the Dot Matrix puts on the system can be considerable. This load can be reduced by selecting a small size Dot Matrix from the Custom section of the Graphic Detail menu. Also, make sure you're using a TRANSPARENT Dot Matrix mode, as it is more efficient than the SOLID mode. Table View ---------- The lower the viewing angle, the greater the load placed on your machine. The lowest view in particular, is very demanding. Unless you have a powerful machine we recommend using the medium view or higher. Screen Flipping --------------- Generally speaking DISABLING screen flipping will put a greater load on the system and possibly slow the game down. However, it's possible under W95 that some graphics cards will enable the game to run faster with screen flipping DISABLED. In DOS we recommend that you ENABLE screen flipping unless you need to DISABLE it to access higher display modes. Resolution and Colours ---------------------- The number of colours and resolution can make a big difference to the games performance. There is no difference in performance between 256 and 256+, or 65000 and 65000+ as the "+" only effects the appearance of the graphics and the time taken to load them, not the speed during the game. Selecting fewer colours or a lower resolution is one of the easiest ways to make the game run more smoothly. The reducing the refresh rate of your chosen display mode can also make a difference. If you are lucky there will be a utility provided with your graphics card to enable you to experiment with different refresh rates. Audio Quality ------------- Very high audio quality (44KHz) is very demanding, unless you have a powerful machine we recommend you stick to high quality (22KHz) and below. Switching to MONO sound is only recommended if all other options have been exhausted. As it makes a big difference to the quality of the sound without large gains in performance. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you have any comments or suggestions you can Email the Pro Pinball development team at: propinball@fat.cix.co.uk Also be sure to check our WWW site for information and free upgrades: http://www.empire.co.uk/propinball