
Preface
=======

1. This is the README file for Arithmetic_II game

2. The game is distributed FREE under GPL license and Perl Artistic License.

3. All brands and trademarks are copyright of respective owners.

4. This document covers version 1.6 of the game. All future enchancements
will be documented and attached to new versions respectively.

5. The game exist in two forms: perl-script (all platforms) and MS Windows
executable. All external resources placed externally and used by both
programs in the same form. Modification of those resources is possible
but not recommended. Although you can freely create new resource sets
(and use it like "skins"). For example, in Israely schools ordinary plus
sign replaced with semi-cross due to religious reasons.


System requirements
===================

Unix: *nix station/X-terminal with color graphics support and pre-installed
Perl/Tk 8.00

MS Windows: Win'95, Win'98, WinNT, Win2000. Display with resolution 1024x768.

For other than English languages recommended respective language support by OS.


Usage
=====

Unix:
Arithmetic_II.pl [-h] [-c] [-a]

Windows:
Arithmetic_II.exe [/c] [/a]

  -c,/c - run game with configuration dialog (recommended when running 1st time)
  -a,/a - run game with 'about' dialog
  -h    - hope you know ;-)


Recommendations for parents
===========================

   The game is meant for use by pre-school and elementary school kids. The kid
must be able to control mouse. Main game idea is to strengthen basic arithmetic
knowledges and find 'weak points' for further enforcement.

   It's supposed that game played by kid in independent mode and results controlled
by grown-ups. By default game played on level 1 (easyest). If your child
finished all 'trail' you can re-start game with harder level. The level determine
how many possible answers will get player for choise.

   For 4-5 years old it will be naturally to move 'maximum number' control to
leftmost position (numbers from 1 to 4). The lowest station in game will be the
most suitable task for this age. After becoming familiar with numbers you
kid can learn arithmetic signs. You can follow in two independent directions:
learn more numbers or more arithmetic.


Gamefield
=========

   The game played on 'fairy field' containing 'check stations'. When check station
passed player get diamond in respective position on the right. Player can practice
at any station before one-by-one questioning.

   Check stations Under The Hill related to articles counting, while all higher
stations operate with numbers.

   After pressing 'Compass' button player must complete all stations (with increasing
complexity). At any moment player can return to original screen by pressing '<< back'
button.


Special thanks to
=================

  my son Yosi - the man who inspired this game creation ;-)
  Dmitri Kaikov - for design ideas and bug reports


Author
======
        felixl@rambler.ru
        http://felix.da.ru
