Dr. Mario
written by: Tiffany Hershey and Kevin Lasher
Developed for CS 406 Java and Internet Programming, Roger Webster, Ph.D.
Millersville University Fall 2000
Note: Two Player Client - Server based upon code written by Roger Webster, Ph.D. and Andrew Miller
[Please wait while the game loads -- it may take several seconds.]
Game Overview:
Dr. Mario is a puzzle game similar to Tetris. However, there are some key differences. First, the object of Dr. Mario is to kill viruses. If you kill all of the viruses on one level you may proceed to the next level, up to level 20. Each time the number of viruses will increase by 4. Level 0 has 4 viruses, Level 1 has 8 viruses, etc. How do you kill a virus? It is easy. As you play the game, medicine capsules will drop into the game board. Each half of a capsule will either be red, blue, or yellow. You can kill the virus by aligning 3 half capsules of the same color around the virus. For example, suppose you are trying to kill a yellow virus. If you place three yellow half capsules on top of it, below it, or even on either side of it, you will successfully kill the virus. Also, if you place four half capsules of the same color in a row, they will disappear, leaving more space on your board. Basically, 4 in a row of the same color is how you can win the game.
One Player:
To start a one player game simply press "One Player" on the Dr. Mario start screen. Then you will be asked to select your playing options. You can choose you initial playing level. Also, you can choose how fast you would like the medicine capsules to fall (for a challenge try "High"). Finally, you may choose what music to listen to while you play. Once you have finished selecting your options press "Play" and you will be on your way. After you manage to kill all of the viruses in the current round, a button will appear that will take you on to the next level. Also, each virus you kill is worth ten points. Good Luck!
Two Player:
To start a two player game, press "Two Player" on the Dr. Mario start screen. A pop-up window will ask you to connect to the java gameserver. Once you have connected, a communications window will appear, listing all of the players currently wanting to play a two player game. To challenge a player, double-click on that player's name. Also, you can send messages to another player by typing a message in the text box and pressing enter. Message sending may be useful in choosing an opponent and selecting game options. Once you have challenged an opponent and they have accepted, both of you will be taken to the options screen. There you can choose you level, speed, and music. However, in two player Dr. Mario you race against each other, so unless you are really good you may wish to agree to a playing level. Once you have both chosen your options and pressed Play, the game will begin. The playing area is divided into two boards. Your board is on the left and your opponent's is on the right. The object is to be the first one to kill all of the viruses. To win the game you must be the first person to win three rounds. Good Luck!
Keys:
'z' = Rotate Left
'c' = Rotate Right
'Left-Arrow' = Move Left
'Right-Arrow' = Move Right
'Down-Arrow' = Make Capsule Fall Faster