Ultra Assault : How to play.

| how to play hints & tips editor |

## Editor

Ultra Assault contains a powerful editor which you can use to create levels to share with others.

Since the editor is complex, only a brief outline of how to use it is contained here. For more detailed reference and tutorials, keep checking www.smallrockets.com.

To start the editor, go to the Windows Start menu, Programs, Small Rockets, Ultra Assault and run the 'Ultra Assault Editor' link. Ultra Assault will load as normal.

To get going, select a difficulty level (this will become the difficulty level when you test your level), then choose a level to play. The level will load as normal. When play begins, press the '`' key (typically to the left of the 1 key at the top of the keyboard).

You will now be in the level editor. To begin, open the 'File' menu in the top left of the screen and select 'New'. The level will change to a starfield. This is a blank level ready to be designed.

What's provided here is a brief overview of the functions of the editor, not a guide to creating levels. Please feel free to experiment with the editor - it's the best way to learn.

The editor has two main modes - Level editing and Alien editing. To switch between modes, press the Tab key.

While editing, you can switch to the game to play your level at any time. To do this, press the '`' key. The game will start at the position the editor is displaying.

The level editor is used to place aliens, objects, backgrounds and sequences. The alien editor is used exclusively to create new types of enemy for the player to kill.

### Main Menus

Both editor modes have menus:

Level editor

- File: Handles loading and saving levels
- Edit: Handles control of various level settings
- Grid: Allows change of grid snap settings
- View: Allows various editor display options to be changed

  Alien editor

- File: Handles loading and saving aliens
- Test: Allows real-time testing options to be changed
- View: Allows various editor display options to be changed

  To access any menu, left-click its name, and then left-click the option you want to change.

  ### Context Menus and Dialogs

  In both editor modes, clicking the right button when the mouse is over an object will open a menu related to the object. You can left-click items in this menu to select them.

  Some options will open a 'Dialog' menu - this is a list of values which you can change, and then left-click the OK button to confirm. When a dialog is open, only values in it can be edited.

  ### Documentation and Tutorials

  On the main Ultra Assault site (http://www.smallrockets.com/pc/ultraassault/index.htm) we will provide an ongoing tutorial for the editor. The forums on our main site are also an ideal place to ask for help, or swap level ideas and tips with others.

  ### License

  This software is provided 'as is', and Small Rockets take no responsibility for any problems you may encounter through use of this editor. You are free to distribute .len and .lev files freely, so long as you make no charge for doing so.