Many game players have used the Universal Hint System for years now. I know a common wish has been to allow the hints to “”pop”” up on top of the games while they are being played. I experimented for a while making a UHS reader that could do this, but I gave up, as many games use unusual graphics modes.
Instead, I wrote WIN_UHS, using Borland’s TPW. If you can run Microsoft Windows on your computer, and run your game in a “”DOS window”” or as “”full screen”” DOS application, then you will be able to flip back and forth between your game and WIN_UHS. To re-enter Windows from a full screen DOS application, just press and hold the ALT key, and then press the ESC key. A full explanation of how to do this is in your Windows manual.
Even if you can’t get your game to start from under Windows, you can still use WIN_UHS to view the hints for your game. I feel that the reading of clues under WIN_UHS is a lot more fun than it was under the my old DOS version. All the normal mouse and keyboard conventions are followed, I think. You can use the space bar to advance through the clues if you don’t have a mouse.
Also, WIN_UHS accepts command line parameters. Why is that important to you? The nicest thing about is is that you can use Windows to “”associate”” any file that has the extension UHS with WIN_UHS. (Check with your Windows manual on how to use the file manager to associate an extension with a program.) After you do this, you can just double-click on any UHS file in the file manager, and WIN_UHS will start up and show you that file.”
Another thing that really makes The Universal Hint System Reader for Windows v2.1 enjoyable for me is how it manages to stay interesting even after playing it multiple times. Many games feel repetitive after a while, but here, the experience still feels fresh because of the small details and different ways you can approach the gameplay. As you continue playing, you naturally start improving and understanding the mechanics better, which makes everything feel more rewarding. I also appreciate the balance the game maintains—it’s not too difficult, but it’s not too easy either. You can play it casually for a short break or spend longer sessions without getting bored. That flexibility is one of the biggest reasons why I keep coming back to The Universal Hint System Reader for Windows v2.1. Overall, it’s the kind of game that doesn’t just entertain you for a moment, but actually gives you a consistently enjoyable experience every time you play.
