Announcing the release of RanDOOM version 1.55! New in this version: * A "best fit" placement algorithm, -M3 * Optimized monster sizes * RANDOOM.LOG file containing the random number seed last used * More items! * Even more squished bugs Check it out! NEW IN 1.55: ------------ RanDOOM 1.55 corrects a minor problem with randomization mode 3. Although placing the objects in inverse-size order allowed maximal fit, it also tended to put like items adjacent to each other - not very random, neh? This is now fixed. Also, thanks to the kind efforts of Chris Gregg, there are some new items which you can add to your weight files which will add even more variety to the game. Check out the weight file ALLITEMS.W in the distribution archive. NEW IN 1.41: ------------ A new command line switch, -L, which allows you to specify a particular level (or levels) for RanDOOM to ranDOOMize. For example, randoom -m2 -wrandoom.w -ck -le1m1 will ranDOOMize only episode one, map one, leaving all others unchanged. By running RanDOOM multiple times in series, this will allow you to set up different "themes" for different levels, e.g. randoom -m2 -wrandoom.w -le1m1 -le2m1 randoom -m2 -wrland.w -le1m2 -le1m3 randoom -m2 -wberzerk.w -le1m4 -le2m2 randoom -m2 -wzombie.w -le1m5 -le2m4 etc. A sample batch file has been included with the distribution which illustrates this process. NEW IN 1.4: ----------- RanDOOM 1.4 is a major upgrade to this fantastic utility. Along with the bug fixes come these new features: "Teflon" object selection. No longer will the monsters be stuck in the walls! Before placing an object into the game map, RanDOOM now checks to make sure there's enough room, in three dimensions, for that object to fit. If there's not enough space, a diferent object is chosen. This means that each and every monster is free and clear to navigate, not stuck motionless like a lame, sitting duck. Smarter "facing" of monsters. In many cases, RanDOOM can place monsters so that they face towards the middle of the room. This means the enemies will see you faster, react to you sooner, and be tougher for you to sneak up on - thus robbing you of the easy frag. Graphical display. If you have a VGA card and monitor (and you must if you're playing DOOM ;-), RanDOOM can actually SHOW you where it is placing objects. At least it's better than watching that same old progress thermometer all the time... '386-specific code and integer/fixed-point math are used extensively for speed. WHAT THE HELL (pun intended!) IS RanDOOM? ---------------------------------------- RanDOOM is a utility which will randomize the placement of objects in the DOOM playfield. Tired of knowing where everything is in each level? Tired of starting out in the same old places in DEATHMATCH mode? Run RanDOOM and all that will change. Not just another DOOM randomizer, RanDOOM has some smarts about the manner in which it will scramble things - it's designed to never leave you with a pillar blocking the exit, or a keycard on the opposite side of the door from where you start, or to erase all the DEATHMATCH warp-in spots with other objects (preventing DEATHMATCH network play), or to replace the endgame bosses with other objects (thus preventing the completion of an episode). In short, RanDOOM will always leave you with a playable level. RanDOOM is user-configurable WRT how many of each object it will add. RanDOOM can load a set of weight values from a flat ASCII text file which controls the relative proportion of that object in each level. Is E1M1 too easy? Just raise the weight factor for the Barons of Hell, Cacodemons, and Spectres. Not enough ammo? Raise the weight on bullets, shotgun shells, and energy cells. Too tough? Lower the weights on the monsters and/or raise the weights on weapons. It's all up to you and your preferences. Surgeon General's Warning: At id's request, RanDOOM will only work with the registered version of DOOM. OK, SO HOW DO I GET IT? ----------------------- To get your copy of RanDOOM, anonymous ftp to wuarchive.wustl.edu:/pub/MSDOS_UPLOADS/games/doomstuff and grab the file RDOOM151.ZIP. You'll be glad you did! Alternatively, you could get it via ftpmail: Send a mail message to ftpmail@decwrl.dec.com In the body of the message, type reply connect wuarchive.wustl.edu binary chdir /pub/MSDOS_UPLOADS/games/doomstuff get rdoom155.zip quit RanDOOM is freeware, BTW. So rev up the chainsaw, swallow the invulnerability sphere, charge up the BFG, and go kick some devilish butt!!! And remember, "If you don't have RanDOOM, you suck." - M. D., Mississippi State University