Version 1.01
(C) Copyright 2004 Arcade Lab - PDA port by Viex Games 2006


System Requirements

5 MB free storage space for the installation
Pocket PC version : Windows Mobile 2002
PalmOS version: PalmOS 5.2, high density screen. Depending of your device, GoldMinerJoe may also need up to 4MB of additional free storage space.


The Plot

When Joe unveiled the legendary four-shafted gold mine, little did he know that the evil farmer brothers Kev and Bill Kentucky followed his footsteps.
Guide greedy Joe through the different shafts; from the caves full of glittering gold and gems, to the very last hidden treasure chamber. Avoid the sneaking Kentucky brothers who won't hesitate to fire your rump full of salt.


Goal Of Every Level

Collect all of the gold to fill your gold-o-meter, then go to the exit that will lead you to the next cave.
Bonus items are spread out through the caves and will raise your score. Some well hidden bonuses like treasure chests, extra lives and gems can be found as well.
If you find a key, it will open up the next shaft on the progress screen. (see below)


The Progress Screen

When you start a new game or finish the last level of a shaft, Joe will find himself standing on the progress screen.
From here you can either enter a new unlocked shaft or use the password system to warp to a specific level. You can also see which hidden gems you have found.

An opened shaft will remain open even if you exit the game and restart your device. This makes the game even more entertaining since you don't have start all over every time you leave the game.

Note: In the trial version you can only enter the first (brown) shaft. To enable the rest you must purchase the full version!


Protect Yourself

There are 2 ways to protect yourself, either throw stones using the fire button on your joystick or shift key on your keyboard, or drop a dynamite using space bar or enter key on your keyboard.
Be careful when you drop dynamites, they are quite powerful so you better protect yourself by running away or jumping to a platform below or above you.

Hint: You are given 5 sticks of dynamite per new level which also is the maximum amount you can carry. If you are running out of dynamite you can refill your arsenal by picking up a dynamite box.


Scores

Stone hits a baddie - 10 points
Picking up gold - 25 points
Getting rid of a baddie - 50 points
Picking up bonus item (axe, shovel) - 50 points
Picking up bonus item (pickaxe, detonator, rifle) - 75 points
Picking up treasure chest or hidden gem - 750 points


High Scores

If your score is good enough, you will be allowed to enter your name for the high score table.
The high score table displays your name, your score, and which difficulty level you played when you took the score. Can you reach the number one spot?


Game Difficulty

On the options screen you will find the difficulty setting.
If you choose easy or medium you will be given extra hitpoints, which means Joe can take hits before losing a life.

Easy - Start with 8 extra lives and 2 hitpoints, slower lifts, Joe jumps slightly longer, Kentucky (the barrel man) shows up with long intervals, weaker baddies

Medium - Start with 5 extra lives and 1 hitpoint, normal lifts, Kentucky shows up with normal intervals

Hard - Start with 3 extra lives and no hitpoints, Kentucky shows up with short intervals, stronger baddies


Special Items

Gold Miner Joe contains the special items listed below.

Checkpoint Flag - Sets a new start point at the current level
Hidden Gem - In most cases hidden in cracks in the ground. Full version of Gold Miner Joe contains 8 gems. Shows up on the progress screen when found!
Fire - Avoid it or you will lose a safety heart or life
Extra Life - Pick up this golden coin and you will gain a life
Wooden Boxes - Can be stacked to help Joe reach high platforms
Lever - Push from left or right to toggle lifts
Dynamite Box - Pick up to give you a maximum of 5 dynamites
Password Button - Appears on progress screen. Jump on to set a specific number!
Warp Sign - Go past this to warp to the level you typed in the password for
Cracks In Ground - Use dynamite to blow up. Contains hidden items.


Disclaimer

Gold Miner Joe is provided "as is", without warranty of any kind. Arcade Lab or Viex Games can not be held responsible for any damage whatsoever, direct or indirect, caused by the software.


History

PDA Version (2006-06-01)

• Palm and PocketPC offcial release

v1.0 (2004-01-16)

• First Official PC Release