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!flashmazelogo.gif!
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h2. History

The [Flash Protocol|gcomm:FlashProtocol] by [Tim Stryker|gcomm:TimStryker] brought yet another advanced feature to [The Major BBS|gcomm:TheMajorBBS]: Realtime gaming! In short, it turned the BBS into a multi-player gaming network, and allowed users of "Flash Games" to connect, meet in the teleconference, and start playing. The games could be written in ANSI graphics or VGA/hires graphics; the limitation was what the host computer could display.

In order to demonstrate the protocol, [Tim Stryker|gcomm:TimStryker] ported his old Commodore PET two-player game [Flash Attack|gcomm:FlashAttack] to the new protocol. In addition, he created a simple realtime chat program called [Flash Chat|gcomm:FlashChat], which was included in the [Flash Developer's Kit|gcomm:FlashDevelopersKit] as an example program.

[Stryker|gcomm:TimStryker] needed more examples of the technology, so he asked his friends at [Galactic Innovations|MoonshaeTelecomm] to develop something. Enter Flash Maze, which was developed by [Scott Brinker|gcomm:ScottBrinker] and [Chris Robert|gcomm:ChrisRobert] a few months prior to [Galacticomm|gcomm:Home]'s acquisition of that company. Flash Maze was the second Flash game ever developed! 

h2. Game Information and Gameplay

Flash Maze is a multiplayer battle to the death where the last one remaining is the victor. Each player has a wide arsenal of weapons and devices to help them achieve this goal -- may the best man (or woman) win! To move around, use the arrow keys on the numeric keypad (turn NumLock off.)

h4. Weapons

Photons, Zappers, and Drillers are all "aimed" weapons; use the shifted arrow keys on the number keypad (no NumLock) to fire. Hit ENTER to select a weapon (rotates between them). Bombs and Cubes are "dropped" weapons. To drop a Bomb, hit B and move quickly away. To place a Cube, hit C and move away. Remember, limited supply!

!flashmazeweapons.jpg!

h4. A-Mazing Surprises

!flashmazesurprises.jpg!

h4. The Countdown

To keep the pace racing, every so often the maze flashes, and each player loses 2 points of stamina.

h4. Zombie

When you lose all stamina, if more than one other player still has stamina, you become a "zombie". You can not use any weapons or devices, but you can use the "surprises" (energy beacons resurrect).