Orbz 2.1 Release Notes
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Thank you for purchasing Orbz and supporting independent
game developers.  We hope you have as much fun playing Orbz
as we had building it .. see you online!


Overview
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Orbz is an action/arcade game set in colorful 3D environments. The object of the game is to shoot your orb at targets located throughout 13 distinct courses in a race to score the most points. Game play contains both intense action and also strategy in planning the best scoring shots. Power-ups, like the "Money Shot" and "Curse of the Goober", are also available to either give you a scoring advantage or to slow down your opponents.

In Solo Mode, the player completes a series of progressively difficult challenges that focus on scoring the most points in different scenarios. Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals are awarded for scoring performance and high scores for each challenge are tracked world-wide against all other Orbz players. For every 5 gold medals achieved, the player will also unlock a fancy new Orb to use in Solo or Online mode. Finally, there is a tutorial mode that will teach the player basics controls and scoring strategies.

The Online Mode allows Orbz players to compete against each other over the Internet or Local Area Network. Up to 10 players, including computer opponents called Botz, can join a Lobby where the matches will be coordinated by selecting the course to play, number of rounds in the match, and a per-round time limit. A world-wide ranking system is also available for those who wish to compete for the ultimate title of Orbz Champion.


Controls
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It is recommended that you play the Tutorial in Solo Mode in order to learn the basic controls and strategies of the game.  Following is a high-level overview of the controls.

Click the left mouse button to start the power bar. Click it
again to set power for the shot.

Click the right mouse button or press the spacebar on the 
keyboard to activate a power-up.

Use the mouse to aim and look around while your Orb is at
rest or in flight - even during a Freeze Frame.

R      - Toggle the zoom level for the radar
Enter  - Chat with others while in the game
0-9    - Number keys play humorous voice taunts
V      - Play a random voice taunt

F1     - Display Help
F2     - Display or hide the Player List during a game
F3     - Resize or hide the Radar during a game


Frequently asked questions:
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Question:  Why does the game bring up a dialog saying it can't 
find a compatible display device?  

Answer:  Make sure the drivers for your graphics card are up to
date.  Orbz requires an OpenGL or D3D compatible graphics 
accelerator with up-to-date drivers.    

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Question: I've practiced and am ready to play online.  What's the 
quickest way to get in on the action?

Answer: Press Play on the Main Menu, enter your player name, and 
then choose the "Quick" option from the Play Menu.  Using this option will automatically find a game to play and drop you into the action.

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Question: I'm the only one in the lobby when I start an online game, where
is everyone else?

Answer: Sometimes you will be the first person to enter an Orbz lobby.  Just hang out for a little bit and other people should join the game shortly afterwards.  As the first player in the lobby, you will have the ability to choose match settings (course, number of rounds, time limit) and also start the match when everyone is ready.

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Question: What is Online Ranking and do I need to use it?

Answer: If you elect to use the Online Ranking system (note the checkbox under where you enter your player name), your performance
in the game will be ranked against other Orbz players.  If you are not ready to be ranked, leave the checkbox blank when entering your player name.  You can always come back and elect Online Ranking at a later time. 

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Question: Why do I have to enter my email address when signing up for the Online Ranking system?

Answer: The main reason we ask for your email address is for password requests.  We also may use your email address for opt-out Orbz Bulletins to keep you informed about Orbz-related events like scheduled play sessions and upcoming contests, for example.  

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Question: Why can't I see LAN games in the Search window?

Answer: There have been a few reports that LAN games are not always  appearing in the Search window.  The work-around is to change your network filter (by pressing the "Filter" button on the Search window) to "LAN".  If you want to see Internet games again, you will need to  switch your filter back to "Internet" or "Any".

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Question: When I host a game of Orbz, my friends are unable to see it in the Search window.  What's going on?

Answer: If your network uses internet connection sharing software or hardware, special configuration settings may be required in order to host a game of Orbz.  In particular, ports 28000 and 28002 need to be opened up.  For more information, please visit the Orbz customer support forums.

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Question: Can I host a dedicated server for Orbz?

Answer: Yes. Refer to the ded_server.txt file for more details.

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The installer for this product was created using Installer VISE from MindVision Software. For more information on Installer VISE, contact: 

MindVision Software
5901 North 58th Street
Lincoln, NE 68507 

Voice: (402) 323-6600
Fax: (402) 323-6611
E-mail: mindvision@mindvision.com 
http://www.mindvision.com
 

