December 16, 1994
-----------------

MAJOR RELEASE

Iron Ox v. 2.00 for DOS and OS/2

New Features

* Computer-controlled players; support for "mixed games" between humans
  and AI's as well as one-player games against the computer!
* Player-selectable game difficulty level.
* Variable-sized map (up to eleven times larger than in 1.x).
* Multinode messaging and chat under DOS version of the game.
* Spy database.
* Option to join game midway by replacing AI players.
* Option for AI players to take over the characters of AWOL players.
* Lower memory requirements (by about 75k).
* New terrain types (desert and swamp).
* Option to hide products on unowned plots of the map.
* Depletion of heavily-mined squares.
* Spoilage when player holds a large surplus of any product.
* Option to explore map to collect information and look for products.
* Many new configuration options, including "Total turns per day."
* Support for Wildcat 4.00's SYSINFO.DAT file.
* "Paper-saving" electronic notepad for players and communes.
* Option to "catch a ride home" (concede) with sysop-configurable penalty.
* Much more!

June 17, 1994
-------------

Iron Ox v. 1.11 for DOS

Bug Fixes

* Fixed defect in prize processing function that was causing incorrect
  on some systems and sporadic lockups on at least one.
* Fixed problem that sometimes caused "abnormal termination"
  of conversion utility.
* Editor corrupted screen when sysop set plot owner to "No One."
* "Change game length" feature in the editor wouldn't accept all valid
  numbers.

May 27, 1994
------------

Iron Ox v. 1.10 for DOS

External Support / Documentation

* Added option to specify node ID on command-line.
* Added option to specify dropfile name on command-line.
* Added internal async support.
* Added command-line parameters to control baud-rate handling and port
  configuration without FOSSIL driver.
* Added complete sysop editor with support for remote operation (read-
  only in unregistered version).
* Added support for sysop-defined score reset period (not just monthly).

Competitive Features

* Players may now play their first turn *AS SOON AS THEY START OR JOIN A
  GAME*; they do not need to wait for other players.
* Added complete team support, with pooled scoring and mutual access to
  inventory.
* Added Sheriff's Office as countermeasure to stealing.
* Added option to order pizzas for other players.
* Caper's vacations are now keyed to boredom.  Player must "keep Caper
  entertained."
* Players may summon the luxite pirates to cause a luxite shortage.
* Added option to bribe newspaper reporter.
* Added "Trojan Ox" as countermeasure to sabotage (registered-only).
* Player may choose game length within sysop-selected limits
  (registered-only).

Playability Changes

* Added option for player to specify min and max players in game.
* Added small individual "presents."
* Added trade deal menu with option to skip, edit, and delete deals.
* Added option to review already-received messages.
* Players may now claim an extra plot of land when they miss a turn.
* Game now makes note of records in the planetary newspaper.
* Added limit on the number of oxen the factory can make each month.
* Added option for player to (V)iew a Game when not his/her turn.
* Gave player option to "go home early" when everyone else is dead.
* A player may now resume turns interrupted by lost carrier so long as
  he/she is the next person into the game.
* Players who don't play for several turns are now declared AWOL.

Bug Fixes

* Reorganized and "rationalized" odds system for stealing.
* Outcome of trade deals was not always being saved.
* Announcements about contest outcome were sometimes wrong.
* Game wasn't handling new SFDOORS.DAT format correctly.
* Game was mishandling ANSI status and time prizes in SFDOORS.DAT.
* Disabled (incorrect) PCBOARD.SYS support; hope to reenable it (with
  correct structures) in next release.

February 11, 1994
-----------------

Initial release:  Iron Ox 1.00!