Indigo Prophecy Hints

I can't figure out the controls.

• Tell me about it. I almost wrote this game off because the controls are so confusing.
  
  To move your character around with the PC, you have two choices: the arrow keys or the mouse. I opted for the arrow keys, but you might find the other easier.
  
  The action stuff falls into three types: things that require dexterity like dancing, things that are sheer muscle like running, and things that require repeated effort like climbing a ladder.
  
  For the dexterity bits, you'll see the words "GET READY!", then two circles of colored buttons will appear on the screen. The game's docs call these PAR sequences, though they never define that acronym. On the PC, the left circle is the arrow keys and the right circle is the arrow keys in the number pad (though you can remap them if you want). As the colored buttons light up, push the corresponding arrow key. If you get that one right, you'll hear a high-pitched beep; if you don't, you'll hear a buzz. If you get the whole sequence right, the screen will say "GREAT!" -- if not, "FAILED!" These PAR sequences are also used to give you special knowledge (like hearing your opponent's thoughts).
  
  For the muscle bits, you'll see the words "GET READY!", then a blue bar with + on the right and - on the left will flash. When it stops flashing, push the right and left arrow alternately. The faster you go, the further the needle will move to the right and the better and faster you'll do whatever it is you're doing. If you get it right, the screen will say "GREAT!" -- if not, "FAILED!" These arrow-mashing sequences occasionally require you to keep the needle in the middle rather than just pushing it to the right, but more often it's a matter of pounding furiously at the keyboard. Be careful with this; I came out of one scene to find I'd cut my finger on the key and not noticed it. You might want to use pencil erasers or something else to pound with rather than your poor fingers.
  
  For the repeat bits, you'll see a mouse circle moving in two directions -- say, right and then up. Press and hold the mouse button, then move the mouse in that pattern and release the mouse button when you get to the end. If you do it right, you'll take a step and be ready for the next bit. There is a time limit to the action, so if you don't do anything at all, you'll fall off the ladder and have to start again. These mouse-drawing sequences can be very annoying, since you often fall out without really knowing why. Hold the mouse button down until the sequence is complete. Also, be sure you notice what action is being modeled -- some are one way, some are back and forth.
  

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