Lemmingz 83/83+ Windows 98 Level Editor

by Matthew Roberts (mattrob@wam.umd.edu, meroberts@chesapeake.net)


	The level editor is pretty self-explanatory. But there are
a few things you may want to know. First is that if you make a good,
interesting lempack (Lemmingz level pack) I would really appreciate
it if you would upload to ticalc.org. The more levels available, the
better Lemmingz is for everyone!
	To run the editor, just click on the .exe. You could also
create a shortcut and put it on your desktop. No install program is
used, no uninstall program is necessary.
	The included Lempack is the same one that came with Lemmingz.
The password is "lemming".

THE LEMPACK

	The level editor works on the same .83p you would send to the
calculator. All lempacks are password-protected, so in order to open
an existing one you need that password. If you want people to be able
to edit your lempack, be sure to supply that password with the file
when you upload it to ticalc.org. Note, however, that anyone with the
lempack and the password will be able to change everything about that
lempack, including your name and all the level passcodes.


USING THE EDITOR

	The interface is simple. Select a brush from the brush
toolbar, and start drawing on the grid shown. Using buttons on the
other toolbar, you can place static elements such as the entry door,
the exit door, and metal pieces. Fields are available to set the name
and passcode of each level. Make sure something is in each field before
you save. By clicking the button with the lemmingz on it, you can set
the characteristics of the lemmingz for that level.
	In order to save the lempack, every level must have an entry,
an exit, and a four-character passcode. Make sure you don't use any
exotic characters in the name, and keep the passcode to all letters.
	Use the resize buttons to resize the level.
	You can also use the Reorder dialog, accessed through the
File menu, to manage your level order and to delete levels.
	Once you save, the file you have created is calculator-ready.


TIPS FOR A GOOD, WORKING LEMPACK

Don't place ground on the entry or exit doors. Instead, flush up the
	ground under the exit door.

If you want to have lemmingz drop into the exit from above, put a sliver
	of ground under the exit. In fact, always have at least a sliver
	under it.

Don't provide any means for the lemmingz to get near the sides of the
	levels. If they walk off the level, they'll die or contact the
	OPPOSITE side of the level. Instead, put large walls or gaps
	along the sides.

Think up cool tricks!

Restrict the supply of critical types of lemmingz.

Be sure and thoroughly TEST all the levels you create, from beginning to
	end. Pretend you've never seen the level before, and try to beat
	it.

Try to make the levels beatable in one and only one way.

Study the original for ideas.

Use metal to stop lemmingz cold.

Try to avoid situations that require blockers on steep hills. In these
	situations, climber lemmingz may be able to get by them.

Block off the area over the entry door with ground or make sure no
	lemmingz can get near it. If they go near it, they may disappear.


BUGS

	I'm not the most experienced Windows programmer. The toolbar at
the top of the editor may partially disappear if you change the height
of the toolbar or the size of the window. I just want you to be sure you
are aware of all the available buttons. It won't hurt anything or crash
your computer, just be advised.
	Also, whenever you open the editor, it will always be in the
same place on your monitor; it won't save your settings when it closes.
	If you find any more bugs or somehow create a level that
won't work with lemmingz, let me know so I can fix it.