The Arsenal Files 3/The Arsenal Files 3.iso/games/desfaq.txt

Text File | 1995-01-01 | 22KB | 507 lines

220 6 <[e-mail]> article
Newsgroups: alt.games.descent
Path: ix.netcom.com!netcom.com!decuirjd
From: [e-mail] (John D. DeCuir)
Subject: Descent FAQ 0.6
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 261-4700 guest)
Date: Wed, 28 Dec 1994 08:46:27 GMT
Lines: 496

                                DESCENT FAQ
                                Version 0.6

    Compiled by John D. DeCuir ([e-mail]) and Seth Delackner
    ([e-mail]).

    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.

    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?

  [2]. CHEATS AND SECRETS
      [2a] Is there a list of the secrets in Descent?
      [2b] What are the cheat codes?

  [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?

  [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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 ([e-mail]) from Parallax Software.
              Thanks Adam!   Descent FAQ 0.6 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 or e-mail [e-mail] for a 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 [e-mail]

-- [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.

-- [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.


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 [e-mail]...

-- [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. :)


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.


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

---------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 [e-mail] on the Internet.  You'll get full
    credit.  Thanks!

    Happy Descenting!

    JDD-SD/12-27-94