Each game takes only minutes to learn, but advancing to higher skill levels takes practice. A high scores list included with each game enables different players to compete for bragging rights.

1.1. Included Files

The archive includes the following files and folders:

File/Folder	Purpose
Readme.txt	Explains how to register and order the software.
aardvark.prc	Installs Aardvark Games on your Palm Powered™ handheld.
aardvarkHR.prc	Installs high-resolution version of Aardvark Games on your Palm Powered handheld.
order.html	Automatically establishes link with Standalone, Inc. website. Places Aardvark Games in your shopping cart. If this does not happen automatically, click the Click to order link to go to our website.
license.txt	Contains the software license agreement. Please read this before using the software. By installing, copying, or otherwise using this software, you agree to be bound by the terms of the license agreement.
Manual	This folder contains the HTML version of this manual. The images subfolder contains the graphics for this manual.
Maze data files (multiple files)	Each maze data file installs a different maze for use with the Labyrinth game. Install at least one such file before starting Labyrinth. Each maze data file takes up 4 KB of storage space. Typical Palm Powered handhelds can easily store all of them.

Table 1 Aardvark Games Files and Folders

1.2. System Requirements

Palm OS version 3.0 is required. Visit http://www.standalone.com/palmos/ to obtain an updated list of supported Palm Powered devices. This manual refers to any compatible device as a “Palm Powered handheld.”

1.3. Installing Aardvark Games

Software such as the Palm Desktop™ enables you to install Aardvark Games via your desktop computer. Read the documentation that came with your Palm Powered handheld to ensure that the Palm Desktop or similar software is properly installed.

1.3.1. Windows Installation

Do the following steps to install Aardvark Games using a Windows-compatible desktop computer:

1. Download the Aardvark Games installer (.exe file) from www.standalone.com , saving it to an easily accessible location such as the desktop.

2. Click the executable icon. The installation wizard opens on the screen.

3. Complete the steps specified by the installation wizard.

4. Perform a Hot Sync operation with your Palm Powered handheld. Aardvark Games is automatically installed on your Palm Powered handheld.

1.3.2. Macintosh Installation

Do the following steps to install Aardvark Games using a Macintosh computer:

1. Download the Aardvark Games installer (.hqx file) from www.standalone.com , saving it to an easily accessible location such as the desktop.

2. Click the installer icon. The installation wizard opens on the screen.

3. Complete the steps specified by the installation wizard.

4. Perform a Hot Sync operation with your Palm Powered handheld. Aardvark Games is automatically installed on your Palm Powered handheld.

1.4. Registering Aardvark Games

Aardvark Games is shareware, software that you can download and try for free. The time-limited demo version of Aardvark Games includes all of the features available in the licensed version. After 30 days, the demo version will only work with a valid registration code. Registration includes free upgrades to any future version of Aardvark Games.

There are several ways to order your registration code:

· Order online at our website. This is the easiest way to register. The secure online shopping cart requires a current Netscape or Internet Explorer browser (version 4.0 or higher).

· E-mail your registration information to sales@standalone.com. We will send the registration code.

· Fax your order to us at (773) 477-2579.

1.4.1. Necessary Information

Have the following information ready before you register:

· Your exact name as it is entered in your Palm Powered handheld, including spaces.

· The complete list of programs that you wish to register.

· Payment information. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and personal checks. To pay with a credit card, provide the card number, the expiration date, and the type of card.

· Contact information. Please provide an e-mail address, mailing address, and phone number.

1.4.2. Entering the Registration Code

To enter the registration code before the 30 day evaluation period has expired:

1. Open Aardvark Games from the Applications menu. The start screen appears.

2. Select Options → Enter Registration Code from the menu. The Enter Reg Code screen containing a numerical keypad appears. The Name field shows your name as it is entered into your Palm Powered handheld.

3. Tap the numerical keypad to enter the registration code.

4. Tap the Register button.

To enter the registration code after the 30-day evaluation period has expired:

1. Open Aardvark Games from the Applications menu. The registration information screen appears.

2. Tap Enter Registration. The Enter Reg Code screen containing a numerical keypad appears. The Name field shows your name as it is entered into your Palm Powered handheld.

3. Tap the numerical keypad to enter the registration code.

4. Tap the Register button.

Please e-mail sales@standalone.com if you have any questions about registering.

1.5. Contacting Stand Alone, Inc.

There are several ways to get in touch with us. E-mail is preferred. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

1.5.1. Business Hours

Stand Alone is open from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. We are closed on Saturday and Sunday. These times are CST and GMT -5.

1.5.2. E-mail

Internet: info@standalone.com

1.5.3. Fax

Fax: (773) 477-2579

1.5.4. World Wide Web

http://www.standalone.com

1.6. Customer Support

Please e-mail us at techsupport@standalone.com if you have problems starting or running Aardvark Games. Include the following information to help us isolate and identify the problem:

The type of Palm Powered handheld that you are using (e.g. Palm IIIx).
The software name and version number. Select Options → About Aardvark Games from the menu to view the software name and version number (e.g. Aardvark Games for Palm OS®, version 3.0b2).
Any error messages that accompany the problem.
A brief description of how we can recreate the error.
Your name and e-mail address.

2. Starting a Game

Each Aardvark Game appears as a separate icon on the Palm Applications menu. To start a game:

Tap the game icon in the Palm Applications menu. If Aardvark Games was just installed, the beginners’ instructions appear.
Read the instructions if desired.
Tap Done. The start screen for that game appears.
Select New Game.

Each Aardvark Game automatically shows beginners’ instructions when you play it for the first time. After a game has been played once, the instructions are skipped. While playing a game, select Options → How to Play to pause and go back to the beginners’ instructions.

3. Using the Game Menu

Each Aardvark Game has a standard Game menu to start a new game or switch between games. Tap the Menu button to the left of the graffiti pad to access the Game menu.

Game →	Graffiti Pad Shortcut	Purpose
New Game	N	Start a new game of the type that is currently open on the screen.
Aardvark Games…	A	Open the Aardvark Games selector and jump to a different Aardvark Game.

Table 2 Game Menu

4. Connections

The objective of Connections is to combine single cells into finished groups. A group is finished when each of its cells is fully connected to adjacent cells. Finish a group in order to remove it from the screen and to make room for new groups. Earn a higher score by finishing larger groups containing many cells. The game ends when incoming cells overflow the queue.

Figure 1 Connections

4.1. Cell Icons

The cell icon shows the number of free connection points remaining on a cell. The icon changes as you make connections to a cell and reduce its number of free connection points.

Cell Icon	Description
	Fully connected cell
	Requires one connection
	Requires two connections
	Requires three connections
	Requires four connections
	Nuke Cell. Requires one connection. Destroys any group (finished or unfinished).

Table 3 Connections Cell Icons

4.2. The Queue and the Board

Cells enter the screen one at a time into the queue. (Figure 2) To move a cell, tap an empty location on the board to the right of the queue. Cells can only be moved from the bottom of the queue.

Figure 2 Cells Entering the Queue

Cells enter the queue more rapidly as the skill level increases.

4.3. Building a Group

To build a group:

1. Tap an empty spot in the board. The cell at the bottom of the queue jumps there.

2. Tap a spot close to the first cell. The next cell in the queue jumps appropriately. The two cells (if close enough together) automatically connect and their cell icons change to show the remaining number of free connection points.

3. Repeat the previous step until the group is finished.

Finishing a group often requires setting certain cells aside. For example, a group that has only one remaining connection point will become more difficult to complete if a cell having multiple connection points is added to it. You may choose to set aside cells that need multiple connections in an empty area, waiting for a cell that requires only one connection point to finish a group.

4.4. Nuking a Group

A nuke cell is a special cell that removes any type of group (finished or unfinished) from the screen. (Table 3) A nuke cell disappears if placed in an area where it cannot connect to an adjacent cell.

4.5. Choosing Adjoining Cells

It is possible to add a cell that does not have enough connection points to connect to all adjacent cells. In this situation either the player or the computer must choose which cells to connect. By default the computer makes this choice at random. To choose adjoining cells manually:

Select Options → Preferences from the menu. The Preferences screen appears.
Uncheck Auto-Select Flashers.
Tap Done. The game resumes.
Place a cell so that it is adjacent to multiple cells but cannot connect to all of them. The adjacent cells begin flashing.
Tap the desired adjoining cells until no connection points remain.

Note that it is typically a poor strategy to place a cell having few connection points in a space where multiple cells wait to be connected. The ability to choose adjoining cells is occasionally useful for advanced players.

4.6. Scoring

More points can be earned by finishing larger groups. The larger the group, the more points each cell is worth.

4.7. Advancing to Higher Skill Levels

Finish a series of groups to advance to the next skill level. The status bar in the upper right corner of the screen shows how many more groups are needed to complete a series. The messages 3 to go…, 2 to go…, etc. flash as you finish each group in a series. Finishing small groups earns minimal points, and they may not count in the series. Higher skill levels require you to create larger groups.

4.8. Options Menu

Tap the Menu button to the left of the graffiti pad to access the Options menu.

Options →	Graffiti Pad Shortcut	Purpose	Comments
Preferences…	R	Open the Preferences Screen	Read Section 4.9, Preferences Screen.
High Scores…	S	Open the High Scores Screen
Toggle Sounds	T	Turn sounds on or off
How to Play	H	Read an overview of the game.
Enter Registration Code	A	Enter registration information for Aardvark Games software.	Read Section 1.4, Registering Aardvark Games.
About Connections	I	Show the game version number and additional registration information.

Table 4 Connections Options Menu

4.9. Preferences Screen

Use the Preferences screen to change the appearance or behavior of the game. (Figure 3) To access this screen, select Options → Preferences from the menu, or enter R in the graffiti area.

Figure 3 Connections Preferences Screen

Preference	Purpose	Comments
Theme	Change appearance of cells.	The cell icons can be replaced by dice or pool balls.
Play sounds	Turn sounds on or off	Uncheck the checkbox to turn off sounds.
Auto-select flashers	Enable the computer to always select the adjoining cell(s).	Read Section 4.5, Choosing Adjoining Cells.
Use fixed cell icons	Show the original number of required connection points for each cell, regardless of how it is connected.	Check this box to turn off dynamic cell icons. Cell icons will not change to reflect the remaining number of connection points.
Animated queue	Activate or deactivate the animated motion of cells into the queue.	If the movement of falling cells in the queue is distracting, uncheck the checkbox to turn off the animation. New cells appear instantaneously in the queue.
Show background image	Show or hide the Aardvark logo background image.
Queue Position	Move queue to the left or right side of the screen.
Background color	Select the background color.	Tap the color swatch to select a solid background color for the game screen.
Level	Select a different skill level.

Table 5 Connections Preferences

5. Foundation

The objective of Foundation is to destroy blocks before they accumulate and overflow the top of the screen.

Figure 4 Foundation

5.1. Identifying Grouped Blocks

The primary strategy of Foundation is to identify and destroy blocks that are grouped. To be grouped, three or more blocks must be of the same color and horizontally or vertically adjacent.

Figure 5 Groups of Green Blocks

Tap any block in a group to destroy the group. Any blocks directly above will collapse into the crater. Destroying an entire column of blocks causes the outer stacks to collapse towards the center.

5.2. Using Nuke and Flash Cells

Special blocks called flash cells and nuke cells enable you to destroy blocks that are not grouped.

Cell	Name	Description
	Flash Cell	Tap to destroy all adjacent blocks.
	Nuke Cell	Tap the nuke cell, and then tap a block of the desired color. All blocks of that color are destroyed. This enables you to clear out large portions of the board.

Table 6 Flash and Nuke Cells

5.3. Scoring

When a block is destroyed its point value appears on the screen momentarily.

Destroying a large group of blocks with a single tap earns more points than tapping many small groups of blocks individually. Destroy groups selectively in order to form large groups of a single color.

Avoid tapping blocks that are not part of a group. You will lose points each time you do this.

Tap an multiplier block to double the ordinary point value of a group.

5.4. Options Menu

Tap the Menu button to the left of the graffiti pad to access the Options menu.

Options →	Graffiti Pad Shortcut	Purpose	Comments
How to Play	H	Read an overview of the game.
High Scores…	S	Open the High Scores Screen
Toggle Sound	T	Turn sounds on or off
Preferences…	R	Open the Preferences Screen	Read Section 4.9, Preferences Screen.
Enter Registration Code	A	Enter registration information for Aardvark Games software.	Read Section 1.4, Registering Aardvark Games.
About Foundation	I	Show the game version number and additional registration information.

Table 7 Foundation Options

5.5. Preferences Screen

Use the Preferences screen to change the appearance or behavior of the game. (Figure 6) To access this screen, select Options → Preferences from the menu, or enter R in the graffiti area.

Figure 6 Foundation Preferences Screen

Preference	Purpose	Comments
Play sounds	Turn sounds on or off	Uncheck the checkbox to turn off sounds.
Show Title Screen	Turn off the Foundation start screen.	Uncheck the checkbox to jump directly into the game from the Palm Applications menu.
Item Design	Change the appearance of the colored blocks.
Draw Background Image	Show or hide the Aardvark logo background image.
Background color	Select the background color.	Tap the color swatch to select a solid background color for the game screen.

Table 8 Foundation Preferences

6. Labyrinth

Labyrinth simulates the classic puzzle game in which the player moves a ball through a maze by tilting the maze board on its axes. The objective is to earn a high score by reaching the end of maze as many times as possible before the timer expires. The game ends if the ball falls through a hole. Tap the screen to start a new game.

Figure 7 Labyrinth

6.1. Moving the Ball

Labyrinth simulates a wood labyrinth containing a steel ball bearing. Tap the stylus at the outer edges of the board to tilt it. Drag the stylus to gradually change the tilt angle in a desired direction. Adjustments can also be made by tapping the border surrounding the board.

6.2. Scoring

Points accumulate as the ball follows the green line towards the end of the maze. If the ball reaches the end of the maze, Labyrinth adds any time remaining on the clock to the score, adds 40 tics to the timer, and puts the ball back at the starting position.

6.3. Changing Mazes

Aardvark Games includes several maze data files for use with Labyrinth. At least one maze data file must be installed to start Labyrinth. If multiple files are installed, the maze can be changed.

To change the maze:

Select Options → Board Selection … from the menu. The Board Selection screen appears and shows a list of the installed maze data files. (Figure 8)

Figure 8 Board Selection Screen

Tap the name of a maze to load it. Labyrinth begins a new game with that maze type.

6.4. Options Menu

Tap the Menu button to the left of the graffiti pad to access the Options menu.

Options →	Graffiti Pad Shortcut	Purpose	Comments
How to Play	H	Read an overview of the game.
High Scores…	S	Open the High Scores Screen
Toggle Sound	T	Turn sounds on or off
Preferences…	R	Open the Preferences Screen	Read Section 4.9, Preferences Screen.
Board Selection …	B	Load a different maze.
Enter Registration Code …	A	Enter registration information for Aardvark Games software.	Read Section 1.4, Registering Aardvark Games.
About Labyrinth	I	Show the game version number and additional registration information.

Table 9 Labyrinth Options Menu

6.5. Preferences Screen

Use the Preferences screen to change the appearance or behavior of the game. (Figure 9) To access this screen, select Options → Preferences from the menu, or enter R in the graffiti area.

Figure 9 Labyrinth Preferences Screen

Preference	Purpose	Comments
Ball Speed	Synchronize the animation frame rate with the graphics capabilities of the handheld.	Read Section 6.6, Troubleshooting Labyrinth Graphics.
Friction	Increase or decrease the distance that the ball rolls when the board is level.	Choose Rough, Normal, Smooth, or Icy from the pull-down menu.
Gravity	Increase or decrease the rate at which the ball accelerates when the board is tilted.	Choose one of the following from the pull-down menu: Moon (least acceleration) Mars (damped acceleration) Earth (realistic acceleration) Saturn (most acceleration)
Static Board	Turn off the board tilting animation which can be sluggish on older Palm Powered handhelds.	Check the checkbox to always show a level board. Read Section 6.6, Troubleshooting Labyrinth Graphics.
Roll Ball	Control the ball directly with the stylus.	This option appears when Static Board is checked. Check this checkbox to control the ball directly with the stylus.
Use Graffiti Area	Control board from the graffiti area.	This option appears when Static Board is checked. Check this checkbox to control the board (or the ball) from the graffiti area. Note that this deactivates the shortcut regions located in the bottom corners of the graffiti area.
Low Resolution	Activate low resolution mode for certain Sony devices.	Only appears on high resolution Sony devices. Check the checkbox to adjust the graphics to the capabilities of the handheld.

Table 10 Labyrinth Preferences

6.6. Troubleshooting Labyrinth Graphics

Certain handheld devices may not be compatible with the default graphics settings. If necessary, adjust the settings to accommodate your hardware.

6.6.1. Graphics Rendering Too Slow

The movements of the tilting board may be sluggish on earlier Palm Powered Handheld versions. There are two methods to troubleshoot this problem:

Select Options → Preferences from the menu and check the Static Board checkbox to turn off the tilting animation. You can still tilt the board and cause the ball to roll, but the board always appears level. This reduces the number of pixels that need to be rendered and hence speeds up the movement.

Select Options → Preferences from the menu and select a faster Ball Speed. This also reduces the number of pixels that need to be rendered, but slightly reduces the smoothness of the animation.

6.6.2. Graphics Rendering Too Fast

The movements of the tilting board may be too fast on more powerful Palm Powered Handheld versions. Select Options → Preferences from the menu and select a slower Ball Speed. In addition to slowing down the ball, this also improves the smoothness of the animation.

6.6.3. Poor Picture Quality

Certain Sony handheld devices have a special high resolution screen that distorts the Labyrinth board. Labyrinth automatically detects these devices and shows a Low Resolution checkbox in the Preferences menu to offset the problem.

7. Sliders

The objective of Sliders is to remove blocks from the puzzle by aligning them in matching rows or columns. Failing to complete a row or column within a timed interval causes more blocks to be added to the puzzle. Remove all blocks from the puzzle to advance to the next skill level.

Figure 10 Sliders

7.1. Moving Blocks

A free block always exists on the perimeter of the puzzle. Use the stylus to drag it to the desired position. Align it with a row or column and then tap anywhere within that row or column to push in the block. This slides the row or column one square and pushes a new free block out on the other side.

7.2. Adding a Row

To manually add a row, select Game → Add Row from the menu or enter D via the graffiti pad. Sliders automatically adds a new row of blocks if there are not enough matching blocks to create a row or column.

7.3. Expert Mode

Sliders shows the Difficulty dialog box at the beginning of each new game. Tap Expert to play in expert mode. Expert mode increases the speed of the timer whenever the free block is moved, therefore the goal is to move the free block as little as possible. Slide blocks through the board, not around it, to conserve time.

7.4. Options Menu

Tap the Menu button to the left of the graffiti pad to access the Options menu.

Options →	Graffiti Pad Shortcut	Purpose	Comments
How to Play	H	Read an overview of the game.
High Scores…	S	Open the High Scores Screen
Toggle Sound	T	Turn sounds on or off
Preferences…	R	Open the Preferences Screen	Read Section 4.9, Preferences Screen.
Enter Registration Code …	A	Enter registration information for Aardvark Games software.	Read Section 1.4, Registering Aardvark Games.
About Labyrinth	I	Show the game version number and additional registration information.

Table 11 Sliders Options Menu

7.5. Preferences Screen

Use the Preferences screen to change the appearance or behavior of the game. (Figure 11) To access this screen, select Options → Preferences from the menu, or enter R in the graffiti area.

Figure 11 Sliders Preferences Screen

Preference	Purpose	Comments
Play sounds	Turn sounds on or off	Uncheck the checkbox to turn off sounds.
Smooth Movement	Make the blocks move smoothly rather than in steps.
Item Design	Change the appearance of the blocks.
Background Color	Select the background color.	Tap the color swatch to select a solid background color for the game screen.

Table 12 Sliders Preferences

HotSync, Palm Powered, Palm Desktop, and Palm OS are registered trademarks of Palm, Inc.