Technical Problems

Gameplay Questions

Accessibility

Technical FAQs

 How do I retrieve a forgotten password?

Contact us via email and provide your user name and email contact information. You can also create a new profile by clicking the “My Profile” button on the Login screen.

I downloaded and installed the game but it is moving very slowly and some of the buildings and terrain look very dark. What do I do?

There are a few reasons that this may be happening. First, your graphics card may not be supported. Please check your computer against the minimal technical requirements:

Windows

• A Pentium III or IV 2GHz processor or better (or AMD 2 GHz or better).
• At least 128 Mb of video RAM (ATI or Nvidia graphics cards recommended). The game performance will be poor if you do not have at least 128 Mb of video RAM
• At least 1 Gb of system RAM and at least 150 Mb of hard drive storage for the game.
• Screen resolution set to a minimum of 1024x768.
• A broadband Internet connection.

MAC

• Mac OS X 10.4.5
• CPU: G4 1.2Ghz or Intel System Memory (RAM): 2GB
• Hard Disk: 250 MB free space
• Graphics Card: 3D-capable with 128MB of VRAM
• Screen resolution set to a minimum of 1024x768.

What platforms does the game support?

The game is available in both Windows and Mac operating systems. However, the Mac version only supports single player mode at this time.

My graphics seem to be flickering quickly on the screen. How do I fix this?

We have identified a problem with some Thinkpad machines (e.g., T60p). Although this fix may impact game performance, you can stop the flickering graphics problem by selecting another display driver. When you are in the game, select Ctrl+O to open the Options screen. When the options screen is open, change the default display driver selection, OpenGL, to D3D.

Gameplay Questions:

How do I communicate in this game?

Once the game begins, you will see a semi transparent gray box on the bottom left of the screen. This box contains chat messages between other players. Hitting the “Enter” key brings up a list of players in the vicinity that the player can pick to send a message to, or “All players” to send a message to everyone around. The player can then pick a phrase to broadcast from the menu next to it. Selecting a phrase closes the chat message box and sends the message. Even if a message has been targeted to a certain player, everyone in the vicinity can see it. They will just see that the message is intended for a specific player rather than for everyone. There is no private messaging in the game.

How do I move and interact in the game?

The game primarily uses different keyboard keys to control movement and interactions. The A,S,D,W keys are used to move your player. The E key is used to pick things up and control objects that are interactive. The Esc key is used to open the main menu. To see a full list of keyboard commands, hit the H key on your keyboard at any time during the game.

How do I know what to do in the Orientation Center and in the missions?

In the Orientation Center, talk to Engineer experts, use E key to interact with them. The Engineer non-player characters will explain the status of the planet, tell you about themselves, and sometimes invite you to join a mission. Throughout the game, your screen will display three types of information to keep you moving along: 1) non-player character tips in the lower right of the screen; 2) current objectives in the upper right corner; and 3) just in time tips in the middle of your screen. Pay close attention to these messages to help guide you during gameplay.

Where do all the people go in the missions?

All players enter at the Orientation Center and it contains many players at the same time. Missions, however, are fast-paced and sometimes time-limited. Missions can only support eight players at a time. When a player goes to a mission with a team, they leave the Orientation Center and cannot communicate with the other players there until they return. Players can only communicate with their team mates in mission.

How do I keep track of my scores?

Players win points based on their performance in the mission. Points are awarded at the end of each mission. At the completion of a mission, the total score will be displayed.

Can I play the missions alone?

Yes, you can play the missions alone if you do not want teammates or there aren’t any other players on the server. However, for the best possible gaming experience, we recommend you play as a team. It’s a lot more fun when its multiplayer!

How do I get to the missions from the Orientation Center ?

Explore! There are areas in the Orientation Center where you can talk to certain important characters. Talk to them enough and they will invite you to play a mission. You can also navigate to missions by using the main menu, opened by pressing the Esc key

How can I form a team? Can I form a team with friends? Can I ask specific people to join?

Using the chat interface (Enter key), you can select a specific player�s name and ask him/her to go to a mission. When you initiate a mission, you can see a list of available missions. You select a mission by highlighting the row number and clicking Start Mission. This interface will show you new missions and those that are in progress. You can enter a mission that has already started, however, you will not experience the full mission from start to finish. To play with friends, your best bet is to initiate the mission at about the same time, but there are no guarantees. In the future, we plan on making teaming a lot more flexible and players will have the ability to choose and form their own persistent teams with friends.

How do I customize my avatar?

When you create a profile, you are asked to select your player�s gender. This will be the model that will appear when you open the avatar customization screens. You can open the avatar customization screens at any time by using the V key. You can change your skin color, hair color and style, and the patterns and colors of your clothes. Click the �continue� buttons to move to the next screen. The last screen has a �done� button that will exit you from the avatar customization feature.

How do I build wind turbines?

Explore the level and try to find parts that may help you build the wind turbine. Use the E key to pick up a windmill part. When you are close to a part of the level where you can construct a wind turbine, a tip will appear on screen. Bringing up the wind turbine construction panel will let you view the parts you have picked up and assemble them together to form a wind turbine. At the end, clicking the �Build it!� button will construct your wind turbine. Experiment! Different combinations of parts and locations will generate different amounts of power. Remember, a poorly built turbine may not operate at all!

How do I align Heliostats in the solar missions?

Interact with a heliostat (solar panel) by pressing the E key when close to one. This will bring up the Heliostat focusing display. Using the arrow keys or clicking the arrow buttons in the interface will let you move the direction of the heliostat. Orient the heliostat till the beam is focusing on the top of the tower. You will know you have aligned it correctly when the temperature goes up. Press the E key again to leave the heliostat.

How many times can I die?

Players are allowed to respawn a total of 5 times in a mission. If a player dies more than 5 times, he loses the mission and is sent back to the Orientation Center . Make sure you play wisely, or you will lose points! The mission will also become harder for your teammates if you are forced to leave.

How do I get help with the use of different key commands and functions in the game?

Use the “H” key at any time to open a screen that outlined the functions for all key commands and mouse functions in the game.

Accessibility FAQ:

What does PowerUp offer for people with disabilities?

PowerUp can be played in many different ways. Access for players with disabilities is provided through options a user can select, and special commands available to all players. The accessibility options can be viewed at any time by pressing Control-A. They can also be reached by choosing the 'Accessibility Options' button on the login screen.

On the left of the accessibility options screen is a set of buttons describing different ways to play the game, including playing by audio, playing with low vision, getting help with reading, playing without sound, and playing with only a keyboard or only a mouse. When one of these buttons is selected, an explanation of the relevant options and commands is displayed.

How do I play the game without vision?

PowerUp can be played by audio. Use the speech output and extra sound effects options available in the accessibility options screen. When the game launches use the command Control-T to turn on speech feedback. You can navigate all the screens using the standard keyboard navigation keys: tab, space and enter. Each item will be spoken. At any time, you can ask to have the current screen read out to you by pressing Alt�a.

Several commands are available to describe the 3D world, and the objects around you. Select the �Play by audio� option on the accessibility options screen to hear a description of these commands, and of the sound effects you will hear. These commands provide ways to find out what�s around you, aim at a moving target, and get to objects without walking into danger. They also provide a way to follow another player. Useful tips for playing by audio are also available.

How do I play the game without a mouse?

You can navigate all 2D screens and menus by using the standard keyboard navigation keys: tab and shift-tab to move through the set of controls on the screen, and space or enter to select the current control. Each control will be highlighted as you tab on to it, to show where the focus is. If you have selected the �speech output� option, the control�s name and status will also be spoken when you tab to it. Within the 3D world, use the arrow keys to control where you look. Use the �q� key to �click�.

How do I play the game without a keyboard?

Bring up the �Accessibility Options� screen by clicking on the �Accessibility Options� button on the login screen. Click the 'Show keyboard and mouse options' button. Click the 'Mouse-only mode'' option. This allows you to use the mouse to look all around in the 3D world, and the right mouse button to start and stop walking. When other commands are needed, click the middle mouse button to bring up a special heads�up display. This provides a set of buttons through which you can control your avatar, and access all the available commands. If you check the 'Use pictures on the buttons' option, this heads-up display will show pictures for the available movement commands, instead of text labels.

When creating and entering your password at the start of the game, use an on-screen keyboard. No other typing is needed.

How do I play the game without sound?

PowerUp can be played without sound. All chat is displayed as on�screen text, and audio speech is simultaneously displayed on the screen. All sound effects coming from visible objects are represented by corresponding visual effects. The game does not require players to be aware of sound effects coming from outside their field of view.

Some of the text in the game is difficult to read. Is there a way to change it?

Yes. The �Accessibility Options� screen offers several ways to change the text in the game. If the text is too small, try the large and extra large text size options, shown here.

If the color of the text against the background is the problem, try the high contrast options of black on white or white on black, or try the low contrast option of green on brown. Choosing one of these color options will cause all the text to be given a solid background.

Also check out the speech output option, which will read out the text on the screen for you (see also �What is the speech output option?�). You can also use the Z key to zoom in on items in the 3D world. This provides a way to magnify in-world text.

What is the speech output option?

When you select the �Speech Output� option from the �Accessibility Options� screen, text on the screen will be read out to you. If you use the tab key to move between the controls on a screen, those controls will also be spoken as you tab into them. Speech will also be provided when text appears in a heads-up display while you are in the world, and events that are echoed as on�screen text will also be spoken.

At any time, you can ask to have any screen read out to you by pressing Alt�a.

What is the extra sound effects option?

When you select the �Extra sound effects� option from the �Accessibility Options� screen, extra sounds and speech will be provided in the 3D world. You will hear footsteps while you are walking, and the footstep sounds will change if you are walking up or down. You will hear different kinds of sound when you bump into objects, players or SmogGobs. When you cross a threshold, you will get a description of the general area you have just entered.

Is there an auto-aim feature?

Yes. The < and > keys will point your avatar at the next object to your left or right. If that object moves, you will keep turning to face it. You can then move towards the object by pressing Control-W. This is a way to walk without having to hold down any keys. The controlled walk mode will follow a moving object until either the object is reached, or some obstacle is hit. Controlled walk will also stop if you are at the top of a cliff, or if you press Control-W again.

Can I change the key mapping?

Some alternative key mapping options are available. To see the current mapping, press the 'h' key while in the game. To change the mapping at any time, bring up the �Accessibility Options� screen by clicking on the �Accessibility Options� button. Click the 'Show keyboard and mouse options' button. The Key Controls section of the screen shows the available key mapping options. The first is the default key mapping, in which the W, S, A and D keys are used to walk, and the arrow keys (or mouse) are used to look around. The second mapping option swaps these walk and look keys so that the player walks with the arrow keys and looks around with the W, S, A and D keys. The third and fourth options make extensive use of keys near to you on the keyboard, and reduce the amount of reaching needed to play the game. Choose the 'use near keys' option if you do not use any pointing device. Choose the 'use mouse and nearby keys' option if you do also use a mouse or other pointing device. Finally, if you check the 'Make all commands a single key press' option, then the key mapping will be adjusted so that no modifier keys are used. For example, instead of typing Control-A to open the accessibility options panel, you would type a single letter.

Can I adjust the speed and sensitivity of the controls?

You can adjust the speed your avatar turns. Do this by going to the 'Accessibility Options' screen, and clicking the 'Show keyboard and mouse options' button. Click a 'Speed of turning' button to control how quickly the avatar turns when you hold down a key or click an on-screen turn button. You cannot adjust the walking speed.

You can also fix the mouse so that it turns the avatar to the left and right, instead of looking all around. This means that you only look left or right when you move the mouse, never up and down. You can still look up and down by using the arrow keys or the buttons on the on-screen navigation display.

Back To Main

Gameplay Questions

Accessibility

Technical FAQs

 How do I retrieve a forgotten password?

Contact us via email and provide your user name and email contact information. You can also create a new profile by clicking the “My Profile” button on the Login screen.

I downloaded and installed the game but it is moving very slowly and some of the buildings and terrain look very dark. What do I do?

There are a few reasons that this may be happening. First, your graphics card may not be supported. Please check your computer against the minimal technical requirements:

Windows

• A Pentium III or IV 2GHz processor or better (or AMD 2 GHz or better).
• At least 128 Mb of video RAM (ATI or Nvidia graphics cards recommended). The game performance will be poor if you do not have at least 128 Mb of video RAM
• At least 1 Gb of system RAM and at least 150 Mb of hard drive storage for the game.
• Screen resolution set to a minimum of 1024x768.
• A broadband Internet connection.

MAC

• Mac OS X 10.4.5
• CPU: G4 1.2Ghz or Intel System Memory (RAM): 2GB
• Hard Disk: 250 MB free space
• Graphics Card: 3D-capable with 128MB of VRAM
• Screen resolution set to a minimum of 1024x768.

What platforms does the game support?

The game is available in both Windows and Mac operating systems. However, the Mac version only supports single player mode at this time.

My graphics seem to be flickering quickly on the screen. How do I fix this?

We have identified a problem with some Thinkpad machines (e.g., T60p). Although this fix may impact game performance, you can stop the flickering graphics problem by selecting another display driver. When you are in the game, select Ctrl+O to open the Options screen. When the options screen is open, change the default display driver selection, OpenGL, to D3D.

Back To Main

Technical Problems

Accessibility

Gameplay Questions:

How do I communicate in this game?

Once the game begins, you will see a semi transparent gray box on the bottom left of the screen. This box contains chat messages between other players. Hitting the “Enter” key brings up a list of players in the vicinity that the player can pick to send a message to, or “All players” to send a message to everyone around. The player can then pick a phrase to broadcast from the menu next to it. Selecting a phrase closes the chat message box and sends the message. Even if a message has been targeted to a certain player, everyone in the vicinity can see it. They will just see that the message is intended for a specific player rather than for everyone. There is no private messaging in the game.

How do I move and interact in the game?

The game primarily uses different keyboard keys to control movement and interactions. The A,S,D,W keys are used to move your player. The E key is used to pick things up and control objects that are interactive. The Esc key is used to open the main menu. To see a full list of keyboard commands, hit the H key on your keyboard at any time during the game.

How do I know what to do in the Orientation Center and in the missions?

In the Orientation Center, talk to Engineer experts, use E key to interact with them. The Engineer non-player characters will explain the status of the planet, tell you about themselves, and sometimes invite you to join a mission. Throughout the game, your screen will display three types of information to keep you moving along: 1) non-player character tips in the lower right of the screen; 2) current objectives in the upper right corner; and 3) just in time tips in the middle of your screen. Pay close attention to these messages to help guide you during gameplay.

Where do all the people go in the missions?

All players enter at the Orientation Center and it contains many players at the same time. Missions, however, are fast-paced and sometimes time-limited. Missions can only support eight players at a time. When a player goes to a mission with a team, they leave the Orientation Center and cannot communicate with the other players there until they return. Players can only communicate with their team mates in mission.

How do I keep track of my scores?

Players win points based on their performance in the mission. Points are awarded at the end of each mission. At the completion of a mission, the total score will be displayed.

Can I play the missions alone?

Yes, you can play the missions alone if you do not want teammates or there aren’t any other players on the server. However, for the best possible gaming experience, we recommend you play as a team. It’s a lot more fun when its multiplayer!

How do I get to the missions from the Orientation Center ?

Explore! There are areas in the Orientation Center where you can talk to certain important characters. Talk to them enough and they will invite you to play a mission. You can also navigate to missions by using the main menu, opened by pressing the Esc key

How can I form a team? Can I form a team with friends? Can I ask specific people to join?

Using the chat interface (Enter key), you can select a specific player�s name and ask him/her to go to a mission. When you initiate a mission, you can see a list of available missions. You select a mission by highlighting the row number and clicking Start Mission. This interface will show you new missions and those that are in progress. You can enter a mission that has already started, however, you will not experience the full mission from start to finish. To play with friends, your best bet is to initiate the mission at about the same time, but there are no guarantees. In the future, we plan on making teaming a lot more flexible and players will have the ability to choose and form their own persistent teams with friends.

How do I customize my avatar?

When you create a profile, you are asked to select your player�s gender. This will be the model that will appear when you open the avatar customization screens. You can open the avatar customization screens at any time by using the V key. You can change your skin color, hair color and style, and the patterns and colors of your clothes. Click the �continue� buttons to move to the next screen. The last screen has a �done� button that will exit you from the avatar customization feature.

How do I build wind turbines?

Explore the level and try to find parts that may help you build the wind turbine. Use the E key to pick up a windmill part. When you are close to a part of the level where you can construct a wind turbine, a tip will appear on screen. Bringing up the wind turbine construction panel will let you view the parts you have picked up and assemble them together to form a wind turbine. At the end, clicking the �Build it!� button will construct your wind turbine. Experiment! Different combinations of parts and locations will generate different amounts of power. Remember, a poorly built turbine may not operate at all!

How do I align Heliostats in the solar missions?

Interact with a heliostat (solar panel) by pressing the E key when close to one. This will bring up the Heliostat focusing display. Using the arrow keys or clicking the arrow buttons in the interface will let you move the direction of the heliostat. Orient the heliostat till the beam is focusing on the top of the tower. You will know you have aligned it correctly when the temperature goes up. Press the E key again to leave the heliostat.

How many times can I die?

Players are allowed to respawn a total of 5 times in a mission. If a player dies more than 5 times, he loses the mission and is sent back to the Orientation Center . Make sure you play wisely, or you will lose points! The mission will also become harder for your teammates if you are forced to leave.

How do I get help with the use of different key commands and functions in the game?

Use the “H” key at any time to open a screen that outlined the functions for all key commands and mouse functions in the game.

Back To Main

Technical Problems

Gameplay Questions

Accessibility FAQ:

What does PowerUp offer for people with disabilities?

PowerUp can be played in many different ways. Access for players with disabilities is provided through options a user can select, and special commands available to all players. The accessibility options can be viewed at any time by pressing Control-A. They can also be reached by choosing the 'Accessibility Options' button on the login screen.

On the left of the accessibility options screen is a set of buttons describing different ways to play the game, including playing by audio, playing with low vision, getting help with reading, playing without sound, and playing with only a keyboard or only a mouse. When one of these buttons is selected, an explanation of the relevant options and commands is displayed.

How do I play the game without vision?

PowerUp can be played by audio. Use the speech output and extra sound effects options available in the accessibility options screen. When the game launches use the command Control-T to turn on speech feedback. You can navigate all the screens using the standard keyboard navigation keys: tab, space and enter. Each item will be spoken. At any time, you can ask to have the current screen read out to you by pressing Alt�a.

Several commands are available to describe the 3D world, and the objects around you. Select the �Play by audio� option on the accessibility options screen to hear a description of these commands, and of the sound effects you will hear. These commands provide ways to find out what�s around you, aim at a moving target, and get to objects without walking into danger. They also provide a way to follow another player. Useful tips for playing by audio are also available.

How do I play the game without a mouse?

You can navigate all 2D screens and menus by using the standard keyboard navigation keys: tab and shift-tab to move through the set of controls on the screen, and space or enter to select the current control. Each control will be highlighted as you tab on to it, to show where the focus is. If you have selected the �speech output� option, the control�s name and status will also be spoken when you tab to it. Within the 3D world, use the arrow keys to control where you look. Use the �q� key to �click�.

How do I play the game without a keyboard?

Bring up the �Accessibility Options� screen by clicking on the �Accessibility Options� button on the login screen. Click the 'Show keyboard and mouse options' button. Click the 'Mouse-only mode'' option. This allows you to use the mouse to look all around in the 3D world, and the right mouse button to start and stop walking. When other commands are needed, click the middle mouse button to bring up a special heads�up display. This provides a set of buttons through which you can control your avatar, and access all the available commands. If you check the 'Use pictures on the buttons' option, this heads-up display will show pictures for the available movement commands, instead of text labels.

When creating and entering your password at the start of the game, use an on-screen keyboard. No other typing is needed.

How do I play the game without sound?

PowerUp can be played without sound. All chat is displayed as on�screen text, and audio speech is simultaneously displayed on the screen. All sound effects coming from visible objects are represented by corresponding visual effects. The game does not require players to be aware of sound effects coming from outside their field of view.

Some of the text in the game is difficult to read. Is there a way to change it?

Yes. The �Accessibility Options� screen offers several ways to change the text in the game. If the text is too small, try the large and extra large text size options, shown here.

If the color of the text against the background is the problem, try the high contrast options of black on white or white on black, or try the low contrast option of green on brown. Choosing one of these color options will cause all the text to be given a solid background.

Also check out the speech output option, which will read out the text on the screen for you (see also �What is the speech output option?�). You can also use the Z key to zoom in on items in the 3D world. This provides a way to magnify in-world text.

What is the speech output option?

When you select the �Speech Output� option from the �Accessibility Options� screen, text on the screen will be read out to you. If you use the tab key to move between the controls on a screen, those controls will also be spoken as you tab into them. Speech will also be provided when text appears in a heads-up display while you are in the world, and events that are echoed as on�screen text will also be spoken.

At any time, you can ask to have any screen read out to you by pressing Alt�a.

What is the extra sound effects option?

When you select the �Extra sound effects� option from the �Accessibility Options� screen, extra sounds and speech will be provided in the 3D world. You will hear footsteps while you are walking, and the footstep sounds will change if you are walking up or down. You will hear different kinds of sound when you bump into objects, players or SmogGobs. When you cross a threshold, you will get a description of the general area you have just entered.

Is there an auto-aim feature?

Yes. The < and > keys will point your avatar at the next object to your left or right. If that object moves, you will keep turning to face it. You can then move towards the object by pressing Control-W. This is a way to walk without having to hold down any keys. The controlled walk mode will follow a moving object until either the object is reached, or some obstacle is hit. Controlled walk will also stop if you are at the top of a cliff, or if you press Control-W again.

Can I change the key mapping?

Some alternative key mapping options are available. To see the current mapping, press the 'h' key while in the game. To change the mapping at any time, bring up the �Accessibility Options� screen by clicking on the �Accessibility Options� button. Click the 'Show keyboard and mouse options' button. The Key Controls section of the screen shows the available key mapping options. The first is the default key mapping, in which the W, S, A and D keys are used to walk, and the arrow keys (or mouse) are used to look around. The second mapping option swaps these walk and look keys so that the player walks with the arrow keys and looks around with the W, S, A and D keys. The third and fourth options make extensive use of keys near to you on the keyboard, and reduce the amount of reaching needed to play the game. Choose the 'use near keys' option if you do not use any pointing device. Choose the 'use mouse and nearby keys' option if you do also use a mouse or other pointing device. Finally, if you check the 'Make all commands a single key press' option, then the key mapping will be adjusted so that no modifier keys are used. For example, instead of typing Control-A to open the accessibility options panel, you would type a single letter.

Can I adjust the speed and sensitivity of the controls?

You can adjust the speed your avatar turns. Do this by going to the 'Accessibility Options' screen, and clicking the 'Show keyboard and mouse options' button. Click a 'Speed of turning' button to control how quickly the avatar turns when you hold down a key or click an on-screen turn button. You cannot adjust the walking speed.

You can also fix the mouse so that it turns the avatar to the left and right, instead of looking all around. This means that you only look left or right when you move the mouse, never up and down. You can still look up and down by using the arrow keys or the buttons on the on-screen navigation display.