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                     One Must Fall 2097: Photo Compiler
                     From Rob Elam, author of OMF 2097
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What is the photo compiler?
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The photo compiler is a development utility that Rob uses to add pilots to
OMF tournaments.

We're releasing this utility freely for your enjoyment, so enjoy it but
please don't call or email us with questions because we're already really
busy developing new games and helping customers with existing ones.  
We hope you understand.

To talk with other OMF enthusiasts and exchange pilot photos and info, we
recommend the following places:

Internet news: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action
Internet FTP: ftp.uml.edu
CompuServe: GO EPIC and GO GAMERS
Exec-PC BBS: 414-789-4360

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About the photo compiler: Notes from Rob Elam
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This program requires DOS4GW.EXE.  If you do not have it in the directory
or the path, then copy the file DOS4GW.EXE from your OMF directory.

The photo compiler is fairly limited because it was only meant for
development use.  It will operate correctly only with 320x200 8-bit PCX
files.  I used Deluxe Paint IIE to create these images, but other 320x200,
256-color graphics editors might work.  Use this program at your own risk
and discretion.  Feel free to distribute player photo libs any way you wish.
There's a batch file that will compile the normal OMF pilots.  Just type
PLAYERS to run it.

Most things in the PLAYERS.PHT script file should be fairly
obvious, but here are a few that may not be:

* If your graphics editor changes the palette of pictures when you load
  them, it won't work with the photo compiler.  NeoPaint seems to do
  this.  Your best bet is to obtain a copy of DPaint IIE from Electronic
  Arts.

* The bottom 48 colors of the PCX file are used for the customizable robot
  colors.  Refer to the example PCXs.

* When distributing photo libs, you need only give someone the PLAYERS.PIC
  file. Replace the old file with the new PLAYERS.PIC and the new photos will
  be available for pilot creation.

* You must stick to the palette specified in the example files for the photo.
  Do not use colors below number 160 or over 243.

* Each pilot has a unique set of colors for his robot.  You can change these
  colors by modifying the picture's palette.  Look at the sample robots in
  the picture to see what your palette will look like.

* The robots in the picture are only useful for seeing your palette.  They're
  not actually used by the game.
  
Enjoy!

-Rob