
HardBall 4 patch compilation                                  May 21, 1996
============================

Welcome!  This patch compilation includes all of the HardBall 4 patches
combined into one easy installation.  To install, simply copy all of the
files included here into HB4 directory on your hard drive.  These files
are:

    HB4.EXE
    HB4Z.EXE
    DRVRLIST.BIN
    HMIDET.386
    HMIDRV.386
    HMIMDRV.386
    README.TXT

The various patch information is listed below.


SOUND PATCH
-----------

    This adds the Mozart 16, Orchid SoundWave 32, and Compaq Presario
    Built-In Audio Card to the Digital Audio Driver list.  It also
    cures some problems related to sound cards already existing in the
    Digital Audio Driver list.


HB4.EXE
-------

    This fixes some problems with the original HardBall 4 game.


HB4Z.EXE
--------

    This patch consists of a new file, HB4Z.EXE file which can be copied
    into your existing \HB4 directory of your harddisk.  It does not
    modify the distribution media, therefore if you re-install HardBall 4
    you'll need to re-copy this patch into the directory after the install
    is complete.

    This file is named differently than the main executable file because
    it has been found that this patch disables both manager's mode and
    modem play.  If you wish to engage modem play, follow the rules as
    laid out in the manual. If you wish to play manager's mode, start the
    game normally. If, however, you wish to play vs. the computer in arcade
    mode at varying levels of difficulty, use the "hb4z diff #" launch
    protocol as discussed below.

    Here is the complete list of items which have been fixed since the
    original pressing:

    - Improved physics-based batting model* which provides more user
      control and better hit locations.
    - Adjustable difficulty levels from 1 (easy) to 10 (hard).  The
      original version played at approximately level 5.  Run HB4 by typing
      "hb4z diff 3" to set difficulty to 3, etc.
    - Better computer pitching strategy (depending on difficulty level).
    - Computer pitcher attempts pickoffs at all bases.
    - Improved computer baserunning intelligence.
    - User gets control of catcher after pitch for throwing to 1st or 3rd.
    - Misc. other gameplay tuning.
    - Problems working with Mach 64 video cards corrected.
    - Detects DOS configuration problems which cause MLBPA leagues to be
      unplayable and suggests workaround.

*note: HardBall III and HardBall 4 have always used a physics-based
batting model.


Technical Support
-----------------

Email help is available from any of the following addresses:

    techelp@accolade.com
    accolade@aol.com
    76004.2132@compuserve.com

Telephone help is available Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5PM Pacific
Standard Time.  Call (408) 296-8400 or FAX (408) 246-0231.

You may also write us at this address:

    Accolade Customer Support
    5300 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Suite 500
    San Jose, California 95129


Visit our World Wide Web sites
------------------------------

Accolade:  http://www.accolade.com
MindSpan:  http://www.MindSpan.com/MindSpan

