DUOtris
www.binaryzoo.com
For quick-start see "Instructions" in game.

Performance

DUOtris requires DirectX 9.0b or higher to run.
The resolution is fixed at 1024 x 768 and 32 bit.

If you encounter performance problems then try altering the quantity of in game FX by selecting either "FX LOW" or "FX OFF" from the main menu.

Alternatively if you just find all the coloured FX too distracting then try selecting "FX Greyscale" from the main menu.

Music

Game music by FK'd Reality Compositions.

Additionally any music in mp3 format can be played in game by placing the files in the "My Music" directory and selecting "Play My Music" (play in sequence) or "Shuffle My Music" (random play) from the music menu.
Controls

Move Blocks Left - Left Cursor Key
Move Blocks Right - Right Cursor Key
Accelerate Block Fall Rate - Up or Down Cursor Keys
Swap Block Colours - Control or Space Keys

Pause Game - P (any key to restart)
Return To Main Menu - Escape Key

All on screen menu options, including online score system, selected using the mouse
(To exit online score page press any key)
The Game

The aim of the game is to get the highest score possible.  Points are scored by moving the falling blocks on both sides of the play area so as to arrange 3 or more blocks of the same colour together. These blocks will then disappear causing any blocks "above" them to fall and possibly create further combinations. The game ends when either stack of blocks crosses the game over line. Over time the speed of the blocks increases, more colours are introduced and the play area becomes narrower.

There are 2 game styles:

Classic - simply consists of the falling coloured blocks and is the more tactical game style of the two.

Arcade - this introduces several new elements (accelerated level progression, power-ups,
             indestructible blocks) and is the faster game style.
Scoring & Bonuses

There are several different ways to increase your score:

- the more blocks you remove in a single go the more points you get.

- the faster the game speed the higher the points.
  ( Select a faster starting speed from the main menu for higher scoring possibilities.)

- remove another group of blocks within 3 seconds of the previous group to increase the "combo"
  counter. This is in effect a score multiplier and is an essential technique to getting really highscores.
  ( Failing to create another group within 3 seconds will reset the counter to zero.)

- for every combo you get of 10 or above you get a bonus of 10,000 pts

- creating a scoring group on both sides at exactly the same time will get in a DUO bonus of 5,000 pts

Online Score System:
Online highscores can be viewed by selecting "View Online Scores" option or at www.binaryzoo.com

To submit a highscore simply select "Submit Online" after entering your name on the highscore screen.
Power-Ups

There are 10 different power-ups available in Arcade mode, some beneficial and some not.

To activate a power-up simply remove the block containing the power-up.

For an explanation of power-up effects and their relevant symbols see in-game instructions.
Tips

- combos are an essential technique to getting a highscore.
- to create large combos try stacking blocks rather than removing them at the first opportunity.
- by trapping one block against a column of stacked blocks the other can to be moved freely.
- not all power-ups are helpful so beware.
- try leaving some power-ups (remove column, remove same colour etc) until they will remove the
  maximum amount of blocks possible.
- if you're struggling then the "RND" power-up is very useful......you might just get lucky.

Thanks for playing.