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Serpent FAQ
For the Game Boy
Version 1.0 (Created 11/2/2010)
By Devin Morgan
This file is Copyright (c)2010 Devin Morgan. All rights reserved.
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Table of Contents
1. What's New
2. Introduction
3. Controls
4. Overview
5. Coypright Notice
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-= 1. What's New -=
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Version 1.0 (11/2/10): The first version.
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-= 2. Introduction -=
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Serpent is a take on the classic Snake computer game, where you control a
snake of varying lengths while trying not to run into a dead end. There are
two game modes with four difficulty settings, and you play against a second
snake (human or computer-controlled). The idea is to trap the other snake so
they can not move anywhere, causing them to self-destruct and lose the game.
It is a simple concept, but combined with the addictive nature and initially
confusing controls, you may have just the right mix to make a fun game. The
playing area is the same on all game modes, but the difficulty ramps up on
the higher levels. I would suggest checking this game out, especially if you
are familiar with the original version.
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-= 3. Controls -=
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Control Pad: Move cursor on menus
Left (Control Pad): Turn serpent to the left
Start: Start/pause game
A: Turn serpent to the right
B: Use missile item (during game)
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-= 4. Overview -=
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==========
Game Modes
==========
After you choose to play alone or with a second human player, you will go to
a screen with two game modes: Mode 1 and Mode 2. Each has four levels below
it; higher difficulties mean you move around the area more quickly. In Mode
1, there are no hazards other than the randomly appearing items. In Mode 2,
there will be smaller snakes moving across the screen periodically which can
instantly kill you upon contact. Also, the higher levels make it tougher to
trap the opponent, as they can reverse direction and escape. After you pick a
mode, the game will begin.
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Gameplay
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If you have ever played the classic Snake computer game, you will know
exactly what this is. If you haven't, then I will explain. Gameplay is in a
decently-sized arena with two snakes moving around within it. The idea is to
trap the other snake so they can not move by a combination of your movements
around it. If a snake is trapped, their eyes will start to get big and after
a few seconds, they will self-destruct.
Initially, each snake has 40 segments of its body. Meaning, if you were to
move around the arena, your body sticks to the spaces you cross over; this
means you need to strategize your movements so you don't get trapped by
yourself! That said, you can try such approaches as surrounding your enemy if
it is staying in one small area of the board, thus giving it little space to
escape the area.
A good strategy to employ is to move around in an open area of the board, so
you don't get entangled in your own body and get stuck losing. Stay along the
outer area of the arena, or even move along directly next to your opponent,
anticipating their upcoming turn and move to cut them off and ultimately
block their way out. This works best when you have a longer body than the
opponent, or if you are able to confine the opponent to a small corner/region
of the board.
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Items
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As you progress, small icons representing items will randomly appear in the
playing area. The numeric icons will increase your snake's maximum length by
a multiple of 10, or decrease it, depending on the icon's color. A number on
a white background increases, while the darker background decreases. There
are also two types of missiles: the white ones will slow your opponent
considerably, while the black ones are simple attacks.
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Statistics/Post Game
====================
At the top of the screen, you will see four pieces of information for each
player. First is a symbol, Alpha or Beta, which is the snake's name. Next to
it is a number showing the snake's current length. The space next to it would
correspond to any missiles you currently hold and how many you have. Finally,
the last number is the number of times you won a match. The first side to win
7 matches clears the level.
There are only four levels per mode, and you don't automatically move to the
next level upon clearing the previous one. You can then choose another level
or mode to play.
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-= 5. Copyright Notice -=
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This file is Copyright (c)2010 Devin Morgan. All rights reserved. Please view
the following URL to see the list of sites that are allowed to post my work:
http://www.freewebs.com/dbmfaqs/allowlist.html
This list is comprised of sites I know and trust well. If your site is not on
the aforementioned list, you are currently not allowed to post any of my
files on your site. Please respect my work and do not steal it or post it
without my permission. I only want my most recent work to be available and I
do not feel that can be achieved if others take from me without my knowledge
or permission.
If you are writing a FAQ for this game as well, and would like to use some
information, credit me for what you use. Please do not rip me off, as that is
blatant plagiarism and such will not be tolerated.
If you wish to contact me, do so at dbmfaqs(at)gmail(dot)com. Please only
contact me if there are corrections to be made to information that's
currently included. Thanks!
http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/recognition/3579.html
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