Independence War is the enhanced U.S. version of the highly acclaimed PC CD-ROM game I-War.
The game has been completely remastered for the U.S. release to take advantage of 3Dfx and Voodoo2 graphics acceleration, and many improvements over the original version have been implemented. This demo is also representative of the free downloadable 3Dfx upgrade for the original I-War.
This guide is a mini manual for the game.
Introduction
INDEPENDENCE WAR is a space simulator title. We've endeavored to make this program as realistic and as playable as possible.
This demo includes two missions: WEP Advanced - a combat training mission, and a specially modified version of one of the game's storyline missions - Neutronium Galore.
DEMO DIFFERENCES
The demo is designed to be typical of the gameplay in the game; but to minimize the size of the demo we've made some changes to non-essential parts of the game
.
* In the full game the multimedia briefings are accompanied by wireframe movie sequences. The movies have been replaced by a series of still pictures for the demo.
* In the full game there is a plot-advancing movie sequence part way through the mission Neutronium Galore . This has been replaced in the demo by dialogue spoken by the character Clay.
In all other respects the demo is fully representative of the full game.
THE GAME
* Use any of four bridge stations - Commander, Navigator, Gunner or Engineer.
* Uncompromisingly realistic simulation, using real physics but still amazingly playable.
* Use combat skills, puzzle solving, imagination, and bravery to play through over 40 handcrafted and gameplay-honed missions.
* Each mission illustrated and enhanced by movie-quality cinematic sequences.
Non-player ships have sophisticated artificial intelligence systems. They can:
1. follow general orders
2. group in formation to achieve the best tactical configuration
3. react to unforeseen events
4. retreat in order to repair and regroup if required
5. take advantage of opportunities
6. dock to complex moving targets
THE SHIP
The ship and its systems are based on future technology, this has been extrapolated from present day development and thinking on the future of space travel.
Control of the player's ship is achieved by a fly-by-wire system which makes Newtonian-based space combat and maneuvering as easy as dogfighting in an aircraft.
The player's ship is modeled in exacting detail. 34 separate systems are simulated in real-time.
The systems interact with each other. Damage in one system will affect systems further down the chain. Player can adjust system parameters to affect entire ship's performance.
GRAPHICS
* Real-time light-sourced 3D graphics of the highest quality
* Specularity mapping
* Multiple light sources
* Texture mapped planets - both real astronomical maps and fractally generated
* Pre-rendered movie sequences comparable with the best that Hollywood science fiction can offer
3Dfx specifics:
* High detail ships and space stations (over 700 polygons on the Dreadnaught!)
* Crisp, clear, 16bit color visuals
* Fast, smooth frame rate
* Adjustable dynamic and ambient lighting
* Spectacular explosions.
* All new Nebula effects
* Missile smoke trails
* Main thruster and attitude thruster exhaust effects
* New shield impact visuals
* Perspective correct texture mapping
* Bi-linear filtering
* Transparency and additive effects
* Voodoo2 specific 800x600 mode
SOUND
* Real-time 3D sound to provide player with audible cues to aid in combat and navigation
* Fully spoken dialogue during the game and in briefings
Requirements
The Independence War demo requires this minimum machine specification:
Windows 95
Pentium 90 or equivalent
16Mb RAM
Microsoft compatible mouse
DirectX5 compatible video card
DirectX5 compatible sound card
Approximately 35Mb free hard disk space
We recommend (especially for 3Dfx mode):
Windows 95 or Windows 98
Pentium 166 or equivalent
Microsoft compatible mouse
32Mb RAM
3Dfx Voodoo or Voodoo2 compatible video card
16bit DirectX5 compatible sound card
Approximately 35Mb free hard disk space
Joystick
DirectX5 must be installed. For the 3Dfx version Glide version 2.43 (Voodoo) or 2.5 (Voodoo2) must be installed.
Quick Start
Running the Demo
Please see the Requirements section before running the demo.
Click on the IndependenceWar executable to view the demo menu.
You can choose from one of three video modes:
* Software mode
* 3Dfx Voodoo (640x480)
* 3Dfx Voodoo 2 (800x600)
Note: Please ensure you choose the correct option for your hardware or the demo may not work properly.
There are two gameplay modes:
* Arcade
* Simulation
Simulation is the default original flight mode. We recommend that you play in this mode.
Arcade mode is designed for easier (but much less realistic) flight control, and has several differences from Simulation mode. It has less inertia when you turn, the weapons are three times more powerful, and damage is limited so your systems never fully go off-line. Extra enemies are generated to compensate for the more powerful weapons.
Arcade mode also has some disadvantages: There's a manual thruster override limit of 2000m/s (See NAV Workstation Guide), and ripple fire mode is not available (See WEP Workstation guide).
In-Game Help can be turned on or off. When prompts are selected you will be given hints during the game.
Click on the Help button to show this guide.
The Particle Systems Website button will load your web browser and display our website, where you can view the latest information for Independence War.
When you're happy with your selection click on one of the two mission buttons: Play Training Mission or Play Combat Mission
Playing the Game
We recommend you play the game using a good quality joystick, preferably one with a throttle control and a 'hat' switch. though you can play the game entirely using the keyboard if you wish.
The buttons and controls on the game's four workstations can be operated with the mouse, but there are keyboard shortcuts for most functions.
When you start a mission you'll see a briefing. Study the briefing carefully to learn your mission objectives. When the briefing is finished press F2 to go to the NAV workstation.
We recommend you use the NAV workstation for the majority of navigation and combat (See NAV Workstation Guide).
Quick guide
To fire your weapons use SPACE or Joystick button 1.
To switch weapons use ENTER and BACKSPACE or Joystick buttons 2 & 3
To target the ship nearest the center of the screen press T or Joystick button 2.
Use + and - or the joystick throttle to set your speed, or press A or Z to boost forward and reverse thrust.
Enemies are shown as RED in the head-up display and other instruments, friendly ships show up as BLUE, and neutral ships as GREEN.
Press R to target your nearest enemy.
TAB switches between normal and full screen mode.
Frequently Used Keys
To get you started here's a selection of the most commonly used keys. A more complete guide is at the end of this document.
