AMAZE(6)

NAME
amaze - wander around in a maze

SYNOPSIS
program [-cmnsv]

DESCRIPTION
The objective of amaze is to find your way to the exit of a darkened maze. Two views of the maze are given: a perspective view of the maze lit up by your torch, and a plan view (map) indicating your position relative to the exit.

The following options modify the game:
-c  Carry a compass
-m  Carry a map that records where you have been
-n  Don't automatically exit when the exit is reached
-s  Carry a weapon for shooting through walls
-v  Carry breadcrumbs that are dropped as you move around, so you can see where you've been

The display is broken up into three sections: a perspective view on the left, a plan or map view on the right, and a message window at the bottom of the screen.

A solid block in the map view indicates a solid block in the maze, while a clear space represents a fully visible passage. A grey block is a partially visible passage.

Other things appearing in the maze are:
%   The exit
.   Some breadcrumbs (you're a messy eater)
^   You

When you reach the exit, the entire maze will be revealed.

To move around in the game, the following keys are used:
k   Move forward
j   Move backwards
h   Turn left
l   Turn right
H   Move to the left without turning
L   Move to the right without turning
q   Quit the game
space
    Shoot the wall ahead (cheat!)
w   Engage automatic walking feet, which causes you to follow the left wall until another key is pressed, or the exit is reached (cheat!)

The three possible outcomes of the game are:
lose
    You never reached the goal
win You reached the goal without cheating
cheated
    You reached the goal, but used a cheating keystroke along the way

The exit code of amaze is 0 only if the game is won. Good luck!

HISTORY
This game is based on an ancient game published in Australian Personal Computer Magazine (1986?) also called ‘amaze’. It was written in BASIC as I recall. But I've no idea who the author was, I'm afraid. I just remember porting it from QBASIC to AppleSoft BASIC, and simplifying the perspective line drawing code.

AUTHORS
David Leonard, david.leonard@csee.uq.edu.au