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__ __ ___ ________ _______ __ ___ __ ________ | ||\ | ||___\ /________\ /_______\ | ||___\ |', | | |________\ | || \ | | ____ \ \ __ | | ____ | '\ | | | | | | \ \ | ||____\ \ \ | \ | ||____\ | ||\| | | | | |___\ | | |______ ___/ / | \_____ | |______ | || | | | |_________| |_________\ \_____/ \_______/ |_________\ |___| \___| | | \ | F A Q \| Version 0.7 Compiled by John D. DeCuir (decuirjd@netcom.com) and Seth Delackner (dax@rahul.net). This is an UNOFFICIAL Descent FAQ. It provides pointers/answers to the most Frequently Asked and easily answered Questions about Descent that often get posted. NEW information has stars (**) by it. 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 1994, 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] How can I contact Interplay? [1d] What are the differences between the different releases of Descent? [1e] Wait, I read somewhere about something called Quake. Isn't 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] Where can I get Descent? [1j] Is there a Descent newsgroup on Usenet? [1k] Is there source code available? ** [1l] What are the differences between the different robots? ** [1m] What are some popular control configurations? [2]. CHEATS AND SECRETS [2a] Is there a list of the secrets in Descent? [2b] What are the cheat codes? ** [2c] Undocumented Map features [3]. MULTI-PLAYER CAPABILITY [3a] Can I play with other people? [3b] Does each computer require a distinct version of the software? [3c] Why do different computers play differently on a net game? [3d] Can I play over the Internet? ** [3e] Is there a good place to meet other players? ** [3f] A note about networking and Descent [4]. OTHER PROBLEMS: [4a] Help! I'm lost in the maze. [4b] Why can't I save my game in the middle of a level? [4c] I'm having trouble controlling my ship. Any suggestions? [4d] I can't find places on the map. [4e] I just died; where did all my stuff go? [4f] How can I skip past all the dialogue in the beginning of the game? [4g] How do I beat the big bad robot at the end of level 7? [4h] I think Descent is too easy. [4i] I think Descent is too hard. [4j] How can I avoid motion sickness? [4k] I'm having hallucinations when I look away from the monitor. [4l] Descent and Cyrix CPUs [4m] Advice for 4 MB memory setups ** [4n] My frame rate is far too slow. Any suggestions to speed it up? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- REVISION HISTORY 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 (adaml@netcom.com) 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. WHERE CAN I FIND THE FAQ? Given that this is still a prototype FAQ and it's unofficial, you won't find it on news.answers. Look for it in comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action, alt.games.descent, or e-mail decuirjd@netcom.com for a copy. Alternatively, look on the IRC in channel #descent and ask for it. Either Bruin or Descender should have a current copy. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. However, 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 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 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] How 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 "IPTECH" 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 version of Descent was released in late December 1994, and is available from many different sites (see below). It contains the first 7 levels of the full game, and does not contain certain weapons. The registered version of Descent should be available early January, and contains the full 30 levels of the game. It also contains the weapons and missiles that were missing in the shareware version. To order the registered version, call 1-800-INTERPLAY. There will be a retail version selling in stores, and according to Interplay, there will be no differences between the registered version and the retail version, aside from the cardboard box. ** There will also be a special CD edition of Descent, shipping in Spring. It will include new levels, cut scenes, and things like that. -- [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: "Here'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." -- [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. It even runs inside a PM window, although the frame rate isn't great... :) -- [1i] ---------- Where can I get Descent? You can download the shareware version of Descent from the following sources: (two files: descent1.zip and descent2.zip) :: Interplay BBS: 714-252-2822, 24 hours, up to 28.8k baud, 8N1 :: Software Creations BBS: 508-368-4137, 24 hours, 8N1 or telnet to swcbbs.com :: CompuServe: "GO GAMBPUB", in the Interplay software libraries :: America Online: keyword "INTERPLAY", in the software libraries :: GEnie: type "M805;1", Category 13 under Interplay :: FTP sites... ftp.wustl.edu in /pub/msdos_uploads/descent ftp.uwp.edu in /pub/incoming/games ftp.funet.fi in /pub/msdos/games/interplay csc.mc.edu in /pub/games/descent ftp.netcom.com in /pub/cs/csua/descent ftp.demon.co.uk in /incoming OR /pub/ibmpc/games/misc You can get the registered version of Descent directly from Interplay, or you can buy it in retail stores starting in mid-January. -- [1j] ---------- Is there a Descent newsgroup on Usenet? It is currently being discussed, and there should be a alt.games.descent group very soon, if not by the time you read this document. -- [1k] ---------- Is there source code available? Descent is a commercial product, and hence, no source code of the game is available. ** [1l] ---------- What are the differences between the different robots? From the introductory info: Class 1 Drone (Yellow) : Standard utility robot, apparently modified for combat. Should pose little threat alone, but could be trouble in groups. Class 2 Drone (Blue) : Aggressive when cornered. Relatively weak weapons, but fires rapidly. Medium Lifter (Green with arms) : Normally used to burrow through porous rock. Recon cameras have witnessed this robot shredding anything in sight -- including hostages! Stay away from this robot -- because he has no projectile weapons, your best bet is to fire from far away. Small Hulk (Green, bulky) : Standard borer robot. Tough and agile. Medium Hulk (Yellow/Brown, bulky) : Heavily armored for explosive deployment deep in mines. Slow moving, but very dangerous. "Spider" Processing Robot (Red, 4 arms) : These mechs were designed to pick up rubble for processing in their body cavities. Explodes into smaller spiders when hit. Unknown name (Silver) : This robot is vicious, as it fires its vulcan guns (chaingun) at you immediately when it sees you. Don't stay in its sight too long! Level 7 Boss (Yellow, huge, cloaks) : This robot is huge and cloaks whenever you hit it. It reappears somewhere else. For hints on how to kill it, see section [4g]. ** [1m] ---------- What are some popular control configurations? "I use a basic analog joystick, along with the keyboard. I use W,A,S, and D to strafe, and F to accelerate and V to reverse. Ctrl fires and space bar fires a missile. The joystick controls where my ship is pointed." -John D., aka Bruin on #descent "The mouse is the best for me. Pitch up is the mouse, y-axis inverted. Pitch down is the mouse's x-axis. Fire primary is mouse left button, and fire secondary is the mouse right button. (If you're using a 3 button mouse, use the middle button to fire the secondary, and right button to go forward. W,A,S, and D to strafe, and Caps Lock for a reverse view. Reverse acceleration is left shift, and forward is space bar. Everything else is default." -"vxl" on IRC/#descent To submit your favorite configuration, e-mail it to decuirjd@netcom.com for inclusion in this FAQ! Part [2]. CHEATS AND SECRETS -- [2a] ---------- Is there a list of secrets in Descent? This section is under construction. If anyone is interested in writing this section, please e-mail decuirjd@netcom.com... -- [2b] ---------- What are the cheat codes? Type the following directly in the game, regardless of your current keyboard mapping setup. GABBAGABBAHEY = Cheats enabled! SCOURGE = WowieZowie Weapons! MITZI = All Keys! RACERX = Invulnerability On/Off! GUILE = Cloak On/Off! TWILIGHT = Shields Recharged! FARMERJOE = Warp to Which Level? You might want to change your "bomb" key to something that won't conflict with these codes, otherwise you might blow up before you finish typing it. :) ** [2c] ---------- Undocumented Map features The following features are undocumented: In the map, hold down "S" and move the control around. You can pan the map this way. If cheat codes are enabled (see above), hit "Alt-F" in the map screen. The entire map will appear. Part [3]. MULTI-PLAYER CAPABILITY -- [3a] ---------- Can I play with other people? Yes! Descent is a full multi-player game as well. You can either link up with a fellow player via modem, serial cable, or network. One of the advantages that Descent has over other similar games is that any player can join or leave the game at any time on a network. For modems, Descent's setup couldn't be easier. For the vast majority of modems, a simple ATZ sets things up for Descent, and you're ready to go. You can set this up in the multi-player setup menu off the main menu. -- [3b] ---------- Does each computer require a distinct version of the software? No. Each computer on a net game can be running a copy of the Descent software. -- [3c] ---------- Why do different computers play differently on a net game? When a Pentium and a 386 are playing on a network, there is an element of "unfairness" to the 386-user. In past games, such as Doom, the system compensated by reducing the Pentium-user's display to match the 386 display. However, Parallax and Interplay decided not to take this route, and to have every computer play at the level it can play at. -- [3d] ---------- Can I play Descent on the Internet? One of Descent's shining points is that it can be played over the Internet using IHHD (Internet Head to Head Daemon - a program that allows modem games to work over the internet). It's almost as fast, if not faster than a modem connection! In order to get started, you need to get the IHHD software compiled for the unix machine you have your shell account on (sorry slip users). On IRC in the #descent channel, type /dcc chat descender. then type /msg descender files. the rest is easy. Once you have the IHHD Binary for your system, find someone to play. (there's almost always someone on #descent in IRC who'd like to play). One of you runs "tcpanswer", the other runs "tcpdialer machine_name_of_other_player". Once you have connected, each of you should exit your comm programs (leaving carrier up of course), load Descent and select multiplayer game, then Establish Null Modem Link. Presto! You've got a IHHDescent game going. ** [3e] ---------- Is there a good place to meet other players? On the IRC (Internet Relay Chat), there is always someone willing to play in the #descent channel. Of course, they vary in degrees of skill, but you can often find someone good to play with. There is also an IRC 'bot called Descender -- type "/msg Descender !ls" to see what files you can get from it. It stores this FAQ and the IHHD software, among other things. You can often find me (John) there as Bruin. MSG me for a copy of the most recent FAQ! ** [3f] ---------- A note about networking and Descent (Thanks to mdmbkr on #descent on IRC for writing this section.) Like most multi-player games, Descent uses packets to communicate with other players in the network. Each packet contains information that each other player in the network uses to determine the coordinates and other aspects of the players. For example, say you are playing in a 2 player network game. Your computer will broadcast packets to the other player's computer, and the other player's computer will broadcast packets to your computer. Like we mentioned above, Descent allows all computers in the network to run at their full speed, unlike Doom. Doom slows down the entire network to the speed of the slowest computer attached. It does this by forcing synchronized transmission to and from all of the players. Descent, on the other hand, does not require synchronized transmission. This is why all of the computers will run at their maximum speed, and that certain delays (such as those associated with IHHD) do not affect the playing speed of the game. However, in some cases, long delays in the reception or transmission of packets can yield unusual results. Please do not be alarmed; this is normal, especially if you are using IHHD. Part [4]. OTHER PROBLEMS -- [4a] ---------- Help! I'm lost in the maze. The transition from 2D to 3D is not an easy one. While it can be challenging, once you're used to it, 2D worlds will just seem, well, flat. The best advice is to keep checking your map (hit TAB). How the maze is oriented once you enter the map screen is a view from behind your ship, with "up" going "up". You can rotate the map around after you realize where you are to see where you want to go. To zoom in and out, strafe up and down. Also, look for landmarks -- i.e. a room full of monitors, a huge cavernous room, or a room full of doors. Keep returning to these rooms until you've explored every branch. One technique that may or may not work is to simply barrel down tunnels, not caring where you're going, just to kill enemies. This has two advantages -- one, a lot of the enemies in the maze will be wiped out so you don't have to deal with them when you start exploring, and a substantial chunk of the maze will already be mapped on your automap. Once you get a large portion of the map, you can start exploring and looking for keys. Of course, your mileage may vary. -- [4b] ---------- Why can't I save my game in the middle of a level? Interplay and Parallax intentionally did not enable saving of games in the middle of a level, much to the chagrin of Descent players. :) Their rationale is that if you could save anywhere, you could save before every big battle and be done with the game much faster than if you had to struggle through every level. While opinions vary on the subject, Interplay's rationale is solid, in this viewer's opinion. -- [4c] ---------- I'm having trouble controlling my ship. Any suggestions? This is often the most brought up subject. Like I said earlier, the transition to 3D is not an easy one. The predominant opinion is that the best setup is with a fancy joystick, such as the FlightStick. This has lots of buttons and switches on the stick itself that will let you control the game. Failing that, the next best option is to use a normal, ANALOG joystick together with the keyboard. I personally use the joystick to point where I want to go and to use Z and X to accelerate and decelerate, respectively. I don't suggest a digital joystick, such as the Gravis gamepad, because a large portion of that immersive experience is lost when you can't control how fast or how slow you want to turn. The least attractive solution is to use the keyboard by itself, although it has been known that a lot of players have become quite adept at this method. The best way is to use the keypad for pointing, strafing, etc. and other keys (such as z and x) on the other side of the board for accelerating and firing. One suggestion that everyone should try, though -- have DEDICATED strafing keys! For example, use W,A,S and D for strafe up, left, down, and right, respectively. This lets you strafe while doing other things, such as turning, and will improve your gameplay significantly. -- [4d] ---------- I can't find places on the map. Remember that when you enter the map screen, the view is from behind your ship, with up pointing up. Use strafe up and down with the map to zoom. (With defaults, use left alt + up or down.) Undocumented feature: To pan across the map (make the map move, as if you put your hand there and slid it over), hold down "S" while moving the joystick/cursor keys. Your new center of rotation will be the center of the screen, NOT your ship. -- [4e] ---------- I just died; where did all my stuff go? Your stuff (weapons, energy, etc.) remain where you died. Just fly back where you died and gather all your stuff back. -- [4f] ---------- How can I skip past all the dialog in the beginning of the game? Hit "Enter" to stop the scrolling, or hit "Esc" to stop the entire dialogue and to bring you directly to the game. -- [4g] ---------- How can I beat the big bad robot at the end of level 7? Adam Pletcher of Parallax Software recommends: "Stay tight against the inside pillar, and keep circling. This is the best way to lose missiles that have lock. Take out the Vulcan Guys, SuperMechs (the red guys), and the Boss, in that order. Get the cloak in the alcove on the far side of the pillar. When attacking the Boss, make passes, don't sit still. And make extra sure none of those green missiles hit you in the face, they'll probably kill you." -- [4h] ---------- I think Descent is too easy. Try the following: :: Don't use any cheat codes :: Increase the difficulty level of your game :: Use only one type of weapon, i.e. use only the normal guns Descent has many difficulty levels, and should appeal to every gamer. -- [4i] ---------- I think Descent is too hard. It depends what you mean by "hard". If you're having trouble controlling the ship, see the section above about controlling your ship. Otherwise, try the following: :: Decrease the difficulty level of your game :: Try flying around an empty mine tunnel as fast as you can and as fluidly as you can. :: PRACTICE STRAFING!! This technique will save you many times over when it comes to enemy fire. :: Learn when to (and when not to) use the different kinds of weapons you have. :: Practice, practice, practice! -- [4j] ---------- How can I avoid motion sickness? Descent is a very immersive game, and you will likely still feel like you're inside Descent's environment for a short time after playing. Many people complain of motion sickness, or feeling ill after playing a while. Try to follow the following advice if you're having problems. :: Try different display sizes. :: Try sitting closer/further from the display. :: Try different machine speeds. :: Try different input devices. :: Play on your friend's computer, and see if it is better/worse. :: TAKE BREAKS WHILE YOU PLAY. :: If you have a sound card, try playing with/without the sound. Of course, if you have any medical problems while playing this game, stop playing IMMEDIATELY and call your doctor. -- [4k] ---------- I'm having hallucinations when I look away from the monitor. You've been playing far too long, and you need sleep. Go take a nap. :) -- [4l] ---------- Descent and Cyrix CPUs If your game is locking up, try this: "Set Windows to give DOS programs 100% of the time slicing, and run Descent from there. The game will take longer to load, including quite a bit of disk thrashing at one point...but will still be quite playable." -M J MacKenzie -- [4m] ---------- Advice for 4 MB memory setups "...the best setup seems to want emm386.exe with the RAM switch... I still turn down the detail levels though because in combat it slows down quite a bit. Also, use smartdrive, about 256K. Anything larger eats into your RAM too much." -Bradley Becker ** [4n] ---------- My frame rate is too slow. Any suggestions? Try the following, in order: (Thanks again to mdmbkr on #descent for help in writing this.) SOFTWARE solutions: :: Change the game detail to something simpler. (F2) :: Reduce the size of the screen. (+ and -) :: Switch to the status bar screen instead of the cockpit view. this increases speed, but minutely. :: Turn off the music. This will also dramatically increase the framerate, especially if you have a less powerful CPU. Also consider turning off the digital sound effects. You can use the setup program to make these changes. HARDWARE solutions: :: Make sure Smartdrive is loaded, as it has a drastic improvement. See your DOS/Windows documentation for details (or just run Memmaker -- this installs Smartdrive automatically). :: Get a faster video board -- word is, the faster the video board, the better. :: Get more memory. :: Get a faster computer. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hope you all enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. As a disclaimer, I do not work for any software company, and I am just a satisfied gamer who is extremely impressed with the Descent game engine. If you have any contributions or comments to this FAQ, please send them to me at decuirjd@netcom.com on the Internet. You'll get full credit. Thanks! Happy Descenting!