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MICHAEL JOHNSON PRODUCTIONS
"THE PICKLES"
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README.TXT
VER 1.2

First Version Released 11/2/02
This Version Released 1/20/03

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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I. INTRODUCTION
II. LICENSE AGREEMENT
III. A NOTE ABOUT THE LICENSE AGREEMENT
IV. UPDATE HISTORY
V. TROUBLESHOOTING/FAQ
VI. KNOWN BUGS
VII. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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I. INTRODUTION
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     Welcome to the Pickles Readme.txt file!  This document serves as an addition to the game manual.  It provides information that is updated every time you upgrade the game to a newer version.  To make sure you have the newest and best running version of the game, stop by the Michael Johnson Productions website at:

     http://users.ev1.net/~parson/michael

     Don't forget to check out the online Official Stradegy Guide for the Pickles while you're there!  It has everything you need to pass the game with ease, along with hints, level-by-level walkthroughs, and information about the making of The Pickles.
     In addition, you can e-mail me via lizy@ev1.net.  Please contact me concerning any bugs that you've found, ideas and suggestions regarding this or other MJPro games, question about how to get out of a stop you're having trouble with, or just to tell me how much you love the game!
     Have fun!

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II. LICENSE AGREEMENT
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     BY INSTALLING THIS SOFTWARE, YOU ARE ACCEPTING THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER YOU HAVE READ THEM OR NOT!  So please, take just a little time to read through the agreement if you haven't already.

     1) This game is "freeware."  That means you don't have to pay anything to use it.  You can give it to whomever you want, make as many copies as you want, upload it to any web sites you want, and install it on as many computers as you want.
     2) The contents of this software are copyrighted.  You may not rent, sell, lease, license, or distribute for any amount of money this computer program (or any part of it, including music, sound effects, graphics, etc.) without my permssion.
     3) Michael Johnson Productions is not responsible for any damage done to you, your sanity, your computer, your family, your pets, your home, your country, your favorite sports team, etc.  You use this software at your own risk.

     Thank you for taking the time to read this agreement, and for your understanding.

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III. A NOTE ABOUT THE LICENSE AGREEMENT
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     Ver. 1.2 of The Pickles introduces a new, altered version of the license agreement.  The original agreement did not allow users to upload the game to any website without permission.  This was changed in order to encourage further distribution of the game.  You can now upload this game anywhere on the web, so long as you don't charge any money for it (see article 2).

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IV. UPDATE HISTROY
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1.2 - Released 1/20/03
	* Corrected spelling in the ending sequence.
	* Adjusted License Agreement (See section III of this readme).

1.1 - Released 11/5/02
	* Tweaked the MJPro splash screen.
	* Fixed several levels, namely level 42 which was next to impossible to beat.
	* Fixed the font so that it is easier to read.
	* Added some additional dialog to fill players in on the "Can't Hold Two Tools At A Time" problem.

1.0 - Released 11/2/02
	* Initial release

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V. TROUBLESHOOTING/FAQ
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Q: What does FAQ stand for?
A: Frequently asked questions.

Q: I start up the game, but it won't respond to anything I push!
A: Make sure you are using the keyboard, and not the gamepad, mouse, remote control for your stereo system, or anything like that.  Also, remember that the SPACE BAR is the main button in the game, not enter.  For a complete list of controls, consult the manual.

Q: I can't get past this level!
A: You can e-mail me to get help.  Please make sure you plainly state which level you are on and how you are having trouble.

Q: How often do you update the game?
A: I only update the game if it has a really annoying bug, and only if I have to.

Q: The music(or sound) is too loud!  How can I adjust it?
A: Adjust the volume settings in the option menu.  Consult the manual for more information.

Q: The music sounds really bad!
A: I know I'm not THAT bad a composer (I hope).  In order to save space, among other reasons, the soundtrack is in MIDI format.  The quality of the MIDI files is only as good as your computer's sound card.  MIDI is like sheet music, it tells the sound card what note to play, when, how to play it, and using what instrument.  It's up to your soundcard to supply the actual sound, though.  If it bothers you too much, you can turn the volume all the way down on the options menu.  Consult the manual for more information on the options menu.

--> The following questions were added in Ver. 1.1 <--

Q: Whenever I go to pick up another tool and I'm already holding one, I loose the tool I had!
A: A natsy little trick that I included!  Keep it in mind, since you have to use it in a couple of the later levels.  You can't have two tools at a time.  Drop the one you have first, then pick up the other tool.

Q: If these are supposed to be questioned, how come some are statements?
A: Speak up, I can't hear you.  You need to talk louder.

--> The following questions were added in Ver. 1.2 <--

Q: Is there a walkthrough availible for this game?
A: Yes.  Check the official Michael Johnson Productions site for the on-line stradegy guide.

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VI. KNOWN BUGS
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     * The enemy collision-detection isn't very good, I know.  But at this point, there's no way I can fix it without doing a major overhaul on both the game engine, and some of the levels.  (Detected ver. 1.0)
     * During late beta testing, a problem was discovered concerning the scrolling ending sequence/credits at the end of the game that kept anything from being displayed on screen.  Although I think I fixed the problem, I was unable to figure out why it was being caused.  So if you run into any problems during the ending sequence, please contact me! (Detected ver. 1.0 - Fixed ver. 1.0)

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VII. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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"The Pickles"
TM and (C)Copyright 2002 Michael Johnson Productions
All rights reserved.