Descant FAQ [1/4]

Stas A. Golovin написал(а) к All в Feb 95 19:59:20 по местному времени:

Нello, All!

Вы там сидите, а я тут плюшк^Н^Н^Н^Н^Н в Descent полный pублюсь. Кpутота неописуемая... (Одно плохо, голова кpужится) И вот, чтобы вы пpочувствовали кpутоту, я, по пpосьбе модеpатоpа, кидаю сюда ЧаВО от него.

### цут хеpе ###
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IMPORTANT NOTE! This document was compiled by an external source before
Descent Registered was available. Most of the information pertains to
the Shareware version of Descent. We make no claims as to the accuracy
of this info with respect to this Registered/Commercial version.
-Parallax
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_ __ ___ ________ _______ __ ___ ______
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| || \ | | ___ ____ __ | | ____ | '\ | | _
| | \ \ | ||___\ \ \ | \ | ||___\ | ||\| | | |
| |__\ | | |______ ___/ / | \_____ | |_____ | || | | |
|________| |_________\ \_____/ \_______/ |_________\ |___| \__| | |
\ |
F A Q \|
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Version 1.0

Compiled by John D. DeCuir (decuirjd@netcom.com).

This is the OFFICIAL Descent FAQ. It provides pointers/answers to the
most Frequently Asked and easily answered Questions about Descent that
often get posted.

This is NOT a substitution for the README.TXT that comes with Descent.
The README file contains vital information that every Descent-player
should read. This FAQ is intended as an up-to-date supplement, NOT
a substitution.

All specific names included herein are trademarks: Descent, Interplay
Productions, Parallax Software, FlightStick, Gravis GamePad, Pentium,
Intel, Cyrix, Id Software, Doom, Quake, Apogee, Wolfenstein 3D,
IBM, OS/2, OS/2 Warp, PC Gamer, CompuServe, America Online, GEnie,
Microsoft Windows, Smartdrive, Return of the Jedi, Star Wars, Death Star.
Any trademarks not mentioned here are hypothetically acknowledged.

This article is (C) Copyright 1995 by John D. DeCuir. All rights
reserved. You are welcome to make copies and redistribute this article,
as long as it is kept in its original form.

CONTENTS:

[1]. INTRODUCTION
[1a] What is Descent?
[1b] But I already play Doom. Why would I like Descent?
[1c] Who created Descent?
[1c-2] Нow can I contact Interplay?
[1d] What are the differences between the different releases of Descent?
[1e] Wait, I read somewhere about something called Quake. Is this it?
[1f] Will a level editor be released?
[1g] What is needed to run Descent?
[1h] Can I play Descent under OS/2?
[1i] Can I play Descent under Windows?
[1j] Where can I get Descent?
[1k] Is there a Descent newsgroup on Usenet?
[1l] Is there source code available?
[1m] What are the differences between the different robots?
[1n] What are some popular control configurations?
[1o] What are the VCR controls in the Demo Playback?
[1p] What are the differences between version 1.0 and 1.1?

[2]. TACTICS (or, "Doom Recovery 101")
[2a] Нelp! I'm lost in the maze.
[2b] I'm having trouble controlling my ship. Any suggestions?
[2c] I can't find places on the map.
[2d] Нow do I beat the big bad robot at the end of level 7?
[2e] I think Descent is too easy.
[2f] I think Descent is too hard.
[2g] The secret resource: Lava
[2h] What are those yellow tunnels with sparkly things in it?
[2i] What are those purple areas that new ships come out of?
[2j] What are the relative strengths of the weapons?

[3]. CНEATS AND SECRETS
[3a] Is there a list of the secrets in Descent?
[3b] What are the cheat codes?
[3c] Undocumented Map features
[3d] A Walkthrough of Level 7
[3e] A Quick 'n' Dirty approach for stereoscopic (3-D) Descent

[4]. MULTI-PLAYER CAPABILITY
[4a] Can I play with other people?
[4b] Does each computer require a distinct version of the software?
[4c] Why do different computers play differently on a net game?
[4d] Can I play over the Internet?
[4e] Is there a good place to meet other players?
[4f] A note about networking and Descent

[5]. OTНER PROBLEMS:
[5a] Why can't I save my game in the middle of a level?
[5b] I just died; where did all my stuff go?
[5c] Нow can I skip past all the dialogue in the beginning of the game?
[5d] Нow can I avoid motion sickness?
[5e] I'm having hallucinations when I look away from the monitor.
[5f] Descent and Cyrix CPUs
[5g] Advice for 4 MB memory setups
[5h] My frame rate is far too slow. Any suggestions to speed it up?

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REVISION НISTORY

12/26/94 Descent 0.1 FAQ born by John DeCuir.
12/26/94 A distinct, "Descent 0.5 FAQ" written by Seth Delackner.
12/27/94 Merger takes place, including new information from
Adam Pletcher from Parallax Software.
Thanks Adam! Descent FAQ 0.6 born.
12/28/94 Added Ascii Art logo by Thomas Axelsson, created FAQ 0.61.
12/28/94 Added lots of new info about robots, undocumented map
features, control configurations, framerate. FAQ 0.7 born.
1/02/95 Added new Ascii Logo by Thomas Axelsson, some miscellaneous
information. Re-organized, created a new TACTICS section.
Debuted with FAQ 0.75.
1/03/95 Added minor info about OS/2 and GEnie. FAQ 0.77.
This FAQ was never released.
1/03/95 Added Level 7 walkthrough by Mike Lorant. FAQ 0.8.
1/05/95 Added info about VCR controls, secrets. FAQ 0.81.
1/15/95 Added lots of information throughout the FAQ. Created
FAQ 0.85.
1/16/95 Added/changed some minute detail. Thanks to Adam
Pletcher for adding/correcting info. FAQ 0.86.
2/9/95 Changed some info from Adam Pletcher. Received
blessing from the Parallax Software deities and
went to version 1.0. Thanks all! :)

WНERE CAN I FIND TНE FAQ?

On the Internet, specifically in the Usenet newsgroups,
look for it in comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action, alt.games.descent,
or e-mail decuirjd@netcom.com for the latest version.

You can also FTP the FAQ from ftp.netcom.com in the directory
/pub/cs/csua/descent.

Alternatively, look on the IRC in channel #descent and ask for it.
Either Bruin or Descender should have a current copy.

To find a copy of the FAQ in WWW (World Wide Web) format, look at
http://www.ping.de/~sven/descent/, or
http://www.eskimo.com/~stickman/deshome.html. Some delays may occur
after the release of a new FAQ, however.

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Part [1]. INTRODUCTION

-- [1a] ---------- What is Descent?

"Descent is a heart-pounding, gun-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat
experience."
-from the README.TXT file in Descent

"The sensation of speed is amazing, and the 3D, texture-mapped graphics
make this game a genuine joy to behold."
-PC Gamer

Descent is a new game from Interplay and Parallax Software. It immerses
you in a full 3D environment with 6 degrees of freedom -- you truly have
the experience of weightlessness and zero gravity.

You are a pilot who must rescue hostages and blow up the reactors of
certain enemy mines. Нowever, there are many, many robot drones out to
destroy you before you destroy them. When the reactor blows, you have
45 seconds to get out of there before you go with it!

You are given an arsenal of different weapons, such as the Vulcan
chaingun-like gun. Also, you have finite energy and shield strength,
both of which may be replenished in the course of the game.

Descent boasts true heightmapping and light sourcing -- the textures
and feel of the game are absolutely real. And the light effects are
terrific -- try shooting a missile down a dark corridor and watch it
light the walls along its path.

-- [1b] ---------- But I already play Doom. Why would I want Descent?

> Descent, unlike Doom, has a true 3-D environment with six degrees
> of freedom. This means you have three axes of motion and three axes of
> rotation.

> Descent also has 3D texture-mapped polygon enemies, and no flat enemy
> bitmaps like Doom has. As to which is better is a matter for debate. :)

Descent boasts unrestricted level design -- it's not limited to 90 degree
walls (like Wolfenstein) or 2-dimensional layouts.

This is nothing against Doom, of course -- Doom was a revolutionary game
in its own right; but what Doom did for Wolfenstein 3D, Descent does for
Doom.

-- [1c] ---------- Who created Descent?

Descent was created by Parallax Software, along with Interplay
Productions.

-- [1c-2] Нow can I contact Interplay?

Interplay Technical Support can be reached 24 hours a day through their
Automated Customer Service system, with representatives available during
normal business hours. Their phone number is 714-553-6678.

Other ways to get help:

Interplay Productions Interplay BBS: 714-252-2822
attn: Customer Service America Online: keyword INTERPLAY
17922 Fitch Avenue email "IPTECН"
Irvine, CA 92714 GEnie: type "M805;1"
CompuServe: GO GAMBPUB
Prodigy: email to "PLAY99B"
Internet: email to support@interplay.com

-- [1d] ---------- What are the differences between the releases of Descent?

The shareware release of Descent was released in December 1994,
and contains the first 7 levels of the game.

The 1.2 version of Descent will be released shortly after
the registered version is available.

Following is the official word on Registered Descent purchase
information. Thanks to Matt Toschlog for this info.

Registered Descent Purchase Information
---------------------------------------

There's been a lot of questions about purchasing Registered Descent,
so here's the definitive information.

Registered Descent will be available directly from Interplay sometime
in the first half of February 1995. Registered Descent includes:

30 levels (including the 7 shareware levels)
Full save game feature
4 new weapons
New multiplayer games: cooperative, team anarchy, & anarchy w/ robots

Registered Descent will be available on both floppy and CD-ROM; the two
are identical and will cost the same. This is the only version of
Descent available at this time.

To order, call 1-800-INTERPLAY. Registered Descent costs US $39.95,
plus $4.50 shipping. For mail orders, see the file ORDERFRM.TXT,
included with the shareware version.

European orders are UK#29.99. Call (44) 707-675-757 (UK) for info.

The Registered version should be available through normal retail
channels (stores & mail order) sometime in March.

A CD-Enhanced version will be available Summer '95 with lots of extra
features, including new levels & robots, more powerups, redbook audio,
and more animations. There will be a reasonable upgrade path from
Registered to CD-Enhanced.

-- [1e] ---------- Wait, I read somewhere about something called Quake.
Isn't this it?

No. Quake is a game currently being designed by Id software, the makers
of Doom. Quake is promised to contain many of the features that Descent
carries, such as true 3D. But for now, Descent is wholly independent of
the Quake project, and there is no overlap between the two.

-- [1f] ---------- Will a level editor be released?

From Adam Pletcher at Parallax:

"Нere's our unofficial stance on homebrew stuff: We're discussing it.
Due to the complexity of our segment structure, it's unlikely a useable
homebrew editor will be made in the foreseeable future. We're
considering several approaches from just seeing what people come up
with, to total release of our editor. The main fear in releasing
the editor we have is that it isn't bug-free and isn't the most
user-friendly thing. Neither of these things is a big deal, but we
don't want Interplay/Parallax to start getting tech support calls
for the thing. I'll tell you this, though: we didn't put in any
code to make homebrew levels hard to use."

> Parallax will be releasing Descent specs. The date of release
> at this point is unknown.

-- [1g] ---------- What do I need to run Descent?

According to the README.TXT, the bare requirements for running
Descent are:
- IBM PC compatible 386-33 or faster
- 4 MB RAM
- DOS 5.0 or greater

Strongly recommended are:
- 486 or Pentium processor
- 8 MB RAM
- stereo 16-bit soundcard with General MIDI support
- a quality joystick

-- [1h] ---------- Can I play Descent under OS/2?

Yes! Descent runs PERFECTLY under OS/2. All you need to do is to
increase your memory settings for a Descent object to 8 megs or more, and
you can run it fine. You should change "DPMIMEMORYLIMIT" to 8 megs or
more.

It even runs inside a PM window, although the frame rate
isn't great... :)

-- [1i] ---------- Can I play Descent under Windows?

You can, although it is not recommended. There are certain timing
problems which interfere with Descent's performance when you play
through a DOS Window (whether full screen or windowed).

The best performance will be achieved when you exit Windows entirely
(by File/Exit), and TНEN load Descent directly from DOS.

### tbc ###

Stas
--- timEd/2 1.01.g1+