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From: sbm@arthur (Steven B. Munson)
Newsgroups: net.micro.mac
Subject: Re: Comments on SpaceFlight...
Message-ID: <1044@arthur>
Date: Tue, 8-Oct-85 17:00:53 EDT
Article-I.D.: arthur.1044
Posted: Tue Oct  8 17:00:53 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 12-Oct-85 06:56:55 EDT
References: <724@decwrl.UUCP>
Organization: Department of Computer Science, Purdue University
Lines: 33
Summary: Numbers explained, etc.  A plot is needed?

In article <724@decwrl.UUCP>,
harrow@exodus.DEC (Jeff Harrow NCSE TWO/E92 DTN=247-3134) writes:
> ...  However, the documentation left me at a loss on 
> how to interpret the two "numbers" presented in the center of the 
> control panel, the number which appeared next to a star as you approach 
> it, or the undefined control which seems to Quit the application.
> ...
> it needs some carefully thought out "plot."

     The upper number is the distance to the nearest object, in various
units, depending on how far away it is.  The comma-separated pair is the
mouse position (not very useful, unless you are writing the program).  I am
not sure about the number next to the star, but the undefined control with
the 'Q' on it that seems to quit the application is the Quit control.  It
quits the application.  I am sure you will agree that the controls over all
are very well done, and the rough edges will probably be smoother in the
next version.  I particularly like the joysticks.  Other people writing
games (or even useful programs?) for the Mac could benefit from looking at
this program.

     I have had a lot of fun with this program, too, and I don't think it
necessarily needs a plot.  I certainly don't want it to degenerate into a
game where you have to shoot down the Evil Empire.  Did you notice that
there are planets around those stars?  I had a lot of fun flying around the
solar system and seeing how far Jupiter was from Earth at various times of
the year.  I am sure there will be more than enough to keep my interest
when the version that allows orbiting of planets and seeing their surface
features comes out.  I agree that the author, Robert Munafo, deserves a
round of applause.

					Steve Munson
					sbm@Purdue.EDU
					sbm@Purdue.CSNET