HOWITZER
                         Version 0.84beta
        by Randall Spangler (rspangle@micro.caltech.edu)


     Howitzer is still in beta-test, although by now it seems pretty
stable (at least on the two machines I've tested it on).  I'd appreciate
feedback on game mechanics, playability, the manual, etc.

     Please do read the manual, especially the troubleshooting section
at the end.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

*    Higher resolution - Howitzer runs in 800x600x256 Super-VGA graphics on
     most common video cards.
*    Support for Adlib and Soundblaster compatible sound cards.
*    Pop-up help - Alt+H from any screen brings up a help window.
*    More realistic terrain and background, which generate in advance while
     the program waits for input
*    Over 60 types of ammunition, shields, guidance, etc. - including tank
     modifications such as armor, different bodies, and improved barrels
     and turrets.
*    All bullets and explosions are resolved simultaneously, instead of one
     bullet at a time.  (Yes, this means that bullets actually move AT THE
     SAME TIME explosions are happening.)
*    32-bit fixed point math, for quick and accurate modeling without a
     math coprocessor.
*    Six types of computer opponents
*    A beginner mode which removes some of the more complicated controls
     and equipment

In order to provide this, Howitzer requires the following hardware:

*    At least a 386-based machine
*    A video card capable of displaying 800x600x256
*    432 KB of free memory (though you can get by with less if you have
     enough expanded memory- see Howitzer and Memory, section 7)

Howitzer will run better with the following:

*    A two or three button mouse, with its driver already installed
*    A 486-based or Pentium-based machine
*    540 KB or more free conventional memory
*    2048 KB or more of expanded memory

SHAREWARE:

     Howitzer is shareware; please see howitzer.txt for details.  It's cheap
     to register - $10, $5 if you're a full-time student, and a postcard
     if you live outside the US.

LIMITED WARRANTY:

     Howitzer is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind,
expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties
of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.  Use this program
at your own risk.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

FILE LIST:

howitzer.exe	The executable
howitzer.txt	Documentation, ASCII format
howitzer.pif	PIF file for running Howitzer under Microsoft Windows
register.frm	Registration form
upgrade.txt	Notes on upgrading from a previous release of Howitzer
readme.txt	This file
file_id.diz	Very short description

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

RELEASE NOTES:

0.90beta (7/04/93)

     There have been a LOT of changes since 0.83beta.  Everything should
be more stable and intuitive, and there are zillions of new features. 
Some of the major changes include:

*	More border types
*	More ammunition (including walls of glass and liquid rubber)
*	Better on-line help
*	Permanent tank modifications (better barrels, armor,
		backup generators, etc.)
*	Fractal cloud skies
*	Variable gravity and air viscosity
*	Explosions happen while bullets are still moving
*	Improved memory handling - can run in under 320 KB memory
		if EMS is available (try doing THAT with any
		other Super-VGA game!)
*	Better animations for nuclear explosions and termites
*	Runs more reliably under Windows - allows task swapping
		without the risk of corrupting the screen
*	Flight and explosion sounds on Adlib-compatible sound cards
*	More readable howitzer.ini configuration file
*	Drop shadows on popup menus and messageboxes
*	Optional beginner mode, with simplified settings menu and
		less equipment
*	Better algorithms for collapsing and landsliding dirt
		(several times faster)
*	Mouse is no longer required (but strongly recommended)