PCMania 73/PCMania CD73_1.iso/if18/DATA1.CAB/Basic_Game/ReadMe.txt

Text File | 1998-09-08 | 20KB | 535 lines

          iF/A-18E Carrier Strike Fighter Demo README
                   Interactive Magic

This file contains information concerning the iF/A-18E CSF Demo
and is not all inclusive in regards to the full game.  This demo
is provided as-is.  No support or guarentees are provided for this
demo.

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

Table of Contents

I.   INSTALLATION & SETUP

II.  PERFORMANCE OPTIONS

III. FUNCTIONAL ITEMS
    1. 3D Accelerator Cards
    2. Operations on Machines with Cyrix Processors
        3. CH Products Joysticks and Throttles
        4. Matrox Millenium, Matrox Mystique, and S3
           ViRGE-based video cards
    5. Using Digital Joysticks
    6. Riva 128 Cards
    7. Windows 98 Disk Cleanup
        8. Windows 98 and AWE64Gold
        9. Screen Maximizing after Joystick Calibration
       10. Screen Distorted in 800x600
       11. Non US 101/102-Key Keyboards
       12. Alt-Tab during mission loading
       13. Buzzing sound/static on Carrier Videos
       14. FLIR "Black Hot" and "White Hot"
       15. DDI Zoom In and DDI Zoom Out
       16. Coupled Direct Autopilot Mode
       17. User Interface Screens Blacked Out

IV.  GAMEPLAY
        1. Carrier Landings and ACLS
        2. 'On the Hook' Time After Landing
        3. Easy Radar Mode
        4. Padlock View on the Carrier
        5. Erratic Velocity Vector
        6. Edge of the World

V.   ACCELERATOR CARDS AND DRIVERS TESTED WITH CSF


I. INSTALLATION & SETUP

    For best performance, we strongly recommend that you quit all
  other programs before starting the demo.  This includes
  closing the special options bar for Microsoft Office and any
  applications that periodically pop up dialog boxes, such as e-mail
  and Scheduling programs.  Pressing Ctrl-Alt-Del once will present
  you with a box listing all applications running at that time.
  You can shut these down individually from this window.

  CSF requires:

  * Windows 95
  * Pentium 166 MHz CPU or faster
  * 24 Mb RAM
  * 1024x768 SVGA graphics adapter with 2MB video memory
  * 8X or faster CD-ROM drive

  CSF Demo requires the CD be in your computer's CD-ROM drive to
  play the demo.

DirectX 5.2

  Please ensure that you have installed the latest DirectX 5
  drivers for your particular accelerator.  Check your 3D
  accelerator vendor's Web site or Technical Support hotline for
  the latest driver information.  CSF was designed using DirectX 5.2
  and this should be installed for proper functioning.

II. PERFORMANCE OPTIONS

  CSF has been designed and implemented to be enjoyable on a
  broad variety of systems, from unaccelerated 166 MHz Pentiums
  with 24MB of RAM to a 3D accelerated 266 MHz Pentium II with
  32MB of RAM and beyond.  The tradeoff between frame rate
  (how often the screen gets updated), image quality, and hard
  disk space requirements is a matter of personal choice, so CSF
  offers several options to allow you to customize the demo
  to your hardware configuration.  A little experimentation with
  each of these will help you decide which combination matches
  your system and the way you want to play the demo.

  * Enable the demo to use your 3D accelerator card.  In the
    demo, go to Options - Graphics Settings.  Select your board
    from the Direct3D Device drop down and select its 3D
    Hardware Chipset.

  * Make sure no other applications are currently open, as they
    force resource sharing under WIN95.

  * Defrag your hard drive using the Disk Defragmenter under the
    Start Menu - Programs - Accessories - System tools.

  * Allocate at least 80MB of virtual memory.  Do this by going
    to Start - Settings - Control Panel - System - Performance
    - Virtual Memory.  Select the "Let me specify my own virtual
    memory settings" option then enter a value of 80 or more in
    the Maximum and Minimum settings windows.  Click OK to
    complete the process.

  In general the more RAM and virtual memory you have, the better
  the demo runs.

Flight Screen Resolution

  The demo offers three options for Flight Screen Resolution:
  640x480, 800x600, and 1024x768.  The lowest resolution (640x480)
  will give the best performance on all systems.  If you have a
  faster machine or a 3D accelerator card, you may want to try
  experimenting with the higher screen resolutions.  The higher
  resolutions will provide more visual detail, including crisper
  cockpit and HUD display and more detailed out-the-window
  graphics.  Note that many 3D accelerators do not have enough
  memory to run the demo at 1024x768 resolution.

Terrain Resolution

  Each theater in CSF has two levels of terrain resolution:
  Low and High.  The High Resolution setting provides much more
  detail in the terrain, but may cause occasional, brief dips in
  performance on slower machines.

Perspective Correction

  This option is only used by the demo when you are not using a
  3D accelerator card to enhance the performance.  Using this
  option prevents terrian and other object textures from
  appearing distorted or warped looking, especially when flying
  close to the ground.  When turned on, this option may slow
  frame rate by 20% or more when flying at low altitudes.  When
  flying at higher altitude there is no penalty.

Field of View (FOV)

  This option modifies the amount of "peripheral vision" available
  on the screen.  The larger the value the more you can see on the
  screen.  However, with increased FOV, objects will appear smaller
  and it may slow the performance of the demo.  Decreasing the FOV
  may improve performance.

Gradient Sky and Smoke Trails

  The System Setup screen allows you to turn each of these visual
  effects on or off.  Turning them off may give you a small
  performance increase at the expense of some visual quality.
  Turning smoke trails off may deprive you of some visual cues
  that you'll need to play the demo effectively, so we don't
  recommend turning these off.


III. FUNCTIONAL ITEMS


1. 3D Accelerator Cards

  CSF uses Direct3D for 3D accelerator support.  Most 3D
  accelerator cards that work with Direct3D should work in CSF
  provided they support alpha blending, basic texture mapping,
  and chroma keying.  Additionally, the card should have at
  least 4MB of on-board RAM to work properly with CSF.

  Most problems related to playing CSF with Direct3D enabled
  can be traced back to the video drivers.  For example, we
  have seen problems with flying through clouds using a board's
  February drivers but the problem was solved when we updated
  the machine to the current drivers from July. Please refer to
  your board manufacturer's documentation to ensure you have
  the latest release level version of the drivers and that they
  are set-up correctly.

  CSF has been tested with a large variety of accelerated video
  cards, and is known to work with nearly all of them, though
  actual performance benefits may vary.  A list of tested cards
  can be found at the end of this readme.

  Owners of Apocalypse 3D card will find that each time they set
  their card to Maximum Perfomance the demo will freeze. Therefore,
  set the card to Maximum Compatible to avoid this problem.


2. Operations on machines with Cyrix processors

  Many Cyrix owners use a utility called 686_p.exe, which is loaded
  when their machine boots up.  This utility is designed to fool
  Windows into believing that an Intel Pentium chip is installed on
  the machine.  Unfortunately, this will induce crashes in CSF.
  When Win95 reports to CSF that a Pentium chip is in use, the
  demo then uses Pentium-specific routines.  These routines cannot
  be run by a Cyrix chip, and the demo crashes.

  To fix this problem, simply remove 686_p.exe from your
  AUTOEXEC.BAT file, reboot, and run CSF again.


3. CH Products Joysticks and Throttles

  CSF uses DirectInput to get joystick information.  In our testing
  with the Flightstick Pro we have seen the use of the hat cause
  view changes and weapons firing because its driver is telling us that
  there is no hat.  We have modified our code to force reading of
  hat information for joysticks we know have a hat.  Unfortunately,
  the Flightstick Pro returns combinations of button presses (which
  can cause view changes or weapon firing) instead of position data.

  If you have the CH Combatstick or the Virtual Pilot Pro joystick
  you must install the Windows 95 Combatstick or Virtual Pilot Pro
  Driver from CH Products.  This driver will enable all of the
  buttons and the hat switches to be recognized.  If you do not
  have this driver or are having difficulties with it, CH Products
  suggests calibrating the Combatstick as a CH Flightstick Pro
  for partial functionality or using CH's calibration applet.

  The CH Throttle uses the same gameport analog channel as the
  hat switch on Thrustmaster compatible joysticks.  This could
  cause the throttle to override the hat switch and use it for
  the throttle's slider controller instead.  CH Products suggests
  selecting a CH Flightstick Pro or joystick with a throttle in
  the Windows 95 Joystick Properties.

  The Pro Throttle works in a similar fashion.  You will need
  to specify which controller, the slider or the hat switch will
  be analog and which you want to be keyboard-programmed.  You
  will then need to program that controller.  Instructions can
  be found at CH's website in their FAQ.

  The drivers and additional information can be found at:
  http://www.chproducts.com/support.html


4. Matrox Millenium and S3-ViRGE based video cards

  The Matrox Millienium will report 3D accelerator support to
  Direct3D, however it only supports a very limited 3D feature
  set.  Because of the lack of basic texture mapping, alpha
  blending and chroma keying, this board should not be regarded
  as a 3D accelerator.  CSF requires these features and will not
  work properly (most likely crash) if you attempt to run the
  demo with 3D acceleration enabled with this board.  You will
  have to run using software only.

  Technical problems have been reported by owners of Matrox
  Mystique and S3-ViRGE based video cards (including the
  Diamond Stealth 3D series).  Reported symptoms vary greatly,
  and may occur with or without Direct3D enabled.

  Some 3D boards, that do not support RGBA4444 pixel formats (such
  as the S3 ViRGE and some ATI boards), will not perform alpha
  blending correctly.  These may cause some visual anomolies
  during the demo.  You may want to aquire the newest drivers for
  the chipset itself from S3's Drivers and Utilities page. Be sure
  that you know exactly which chipset your video card has on it
  (this information should be in the video card's manual or the
  manufacturer of the video card can tell you).


5. Using Digital Joysticks

  If you are using a digital joystick and are experiencing
  spinning views or the gun firing continuously, it may be caused
  by a conflict with your joystick.  Your sound card's game port
  not passing MIDI signals to the DirectInput portion of DirectX.
  Often, simply updating your sound card's driver will fix this
  problem.

  The DirectX Diagnosis Page on our website has a section with
  additional suggestions on how to setup a digital joystick if
  you have problems with it working properly in DirectX.
  The url is:

  http://www.imagicgames.com/support.dir/faq.dir/directx.html


6. Riva 128 Cards

  If you have a video card based on the Riva 128 chip set you may
  see certain graphics problems or crashes.  A freeware utility
  called NV3 Tweak assists you in adjusting settings to fix
  compatibility problems or better optimize Direct3D performance.

  NV3 Tweak can be found on our tech support website at:
  http://www.imagicgames.com/techsupp.html

  Once you have installed this utility, go to display properties
  and click on the Riva 128 tab.  Disable "Use square textures
  only" by removing the check from the box next to it.


7. Windows 98 Disk Cleanup

  Under Windows 98, a system tool called disk cleanup pops up
  whenever a hard drive gets too close to full (user settable
  type option).  If CSF is installed to a drive that is
  relatively full, more information is transfered to/from the disk and
  could cause the system to start the cleanup tool.  The tool gains
  focus and makes it difficult to use or even close down CSF.

  You may disable this utility for the drive it is checking by
  right clicking on the drive and select Properties.  On the
  General tab select "Disk Cleanup..."  On the Settings tab
  uncheck "If this drive runs low on disk space automatically
  run Disk Cleanup."


8. Windows 98 and AWE64Gold

  Some people running Windows 98 and an AWE64Gold sound card
  have experienced problems where changing the the Music
  Volume Slider in the demo's System Settings resulted in
  either no change of the volume in the demo or acting
  like a master volume for both music and sound effects.

  Look on www.soundblaster.com for updated Windows98
  drivers for the Awe64Gold card which may solve this problem.


9. Screen Not Maximizing after Joystick Calibration

  If you go to joystick calibration from the systems setting icon,
  the demo may not restore to full screen after you exit the game
  controller dialog. To restore the demo, press Alt-Enter.


10. Screen Distorted in 800x600

  Some video cards cause the aspect ratio in 800x600 to be off and
  the screen appear distorted.  Adjusting your monitor settings may
  aleviate this problem.


11. Non US 101/102-Key Keyboards

  Key mappings on foreign keyboards or keyboards which are not
  the standard 101/102-Key keyboard may not match what is listed
  on the key card. They are related to the physical location of the
  key on the keyboard and not its value.  Experimenting with key
  remapping until you have achieved settings that work for you.


12.  Alt-Tab during Mission Loading

  Selecting Alt-Tab (minimize) while missions are loading will
  crash the demo. This is caused by a conflict between Win95 and
  demo resources.


13. FLIR "Black Hot" and "White Hot"

  The keylist indicates that you can change the FLIR display between "White Hot"
  and "Black Hot" using Shift-Ins and Shift-Del keys respectively."
  This function is not available in the demo.


14. DDI Zoom In and Zoom Out

  Different terminology is used on the key card and in the user
  interface.  The commands listed on the key card as, "Increase
  Radar Display Range," "Decrease Radar Display Range," "Increase
  FLIR Magnification," and "Decrease FLIR Magnification" are
  listed as "DDI Zoom In" and "DDI Zoom Out" in keyboard remapping.


15. User Interface Screens Blacked Out

  If, when returning to the user interface from flying a mission the
  screen is black and only the animations are shown, press F1 to
  refresh the screen.


IV. GAME PLAY

1. Carrier Landings and ACLS

  The Automatic Carrier Landing System is designed to land you
  aboard the carrier hands off and is realistically simulated in
  CSF.  Since it uses the Automatic Flight Control System to
  do this certain bank angle, AOA and 'g' limits restrict its
  ability to get 'on glideslope' and 'on-speed'.  To provide the
  ACLS the necessary time and airspace to properly fly the
  approach, engage the system as near the centerline and on
  glideslope as possible.  The system should be engaged outside
  of 5 miles.  Successful approaches can be made with engagements
  off course/glideslope by increasing the range at which the
  system is engaged.

  You may find the carrier will change course while you are on
  approach.  This is true in actual carrier operations.  Once a
  turn is made, the ship will normally remain on the new heading
  for 15-20 minutes before turning again.  To prevent turns at the
  last minute, call the tower once inside 5 miles.  This will
  freeze the carrier heading until you land or complete the pass.


2. 'On the Hook' Time After Landing

  Once you've come to a stop after landing on the carrier, you
  will remain 'on the hook' connected to the arresting wire, for a
  period of approximately 4 secs.  After that, you're considered
  to be 'off the hook' and will be placed back on the catapult.


3. Easy Radar Mode

  The F/A-18E's radar systems can be very complex to master.
  While you are learning the other controls, an overhead
  tactical radar mode is available to find targets in
  relationship to you.  Although it is cheating, if you
  are having problems learning the F/A-18E's avionics, this
  may make things easier.

  Shift-Alt-W will display the easy radar mode in the active
  DDI.  In the center of the display is an icon representing you.
  Other icons represent enemy (red), friendly (green), wingman
  (blue) and ground targets (yellow).


4. Padlock View on Carrier

  Shift-P will give you a padlock view on the carrier.


5. Erratic Velocity Vector

  In the Realistic flight model, you may note erratic movement of
  the velocity vector and vertical speed indicator while sitting
  on the catapult awaiting launch.  This is caused by various
  sensors on the aircraft being affected by ship movement.  It
  will stabilize once the cat stroke begins.


6. Edge of the World

  CSF use actual satelite photos and elevation data and therefore
  the world has defined boundaries. As you near this boundary, you
  will be given a 'Entering No-Fly Zone' warning. You should turn
  away at this time. If you continue to fly toward the border you
  will eventually hit the 'brick wall' of the world and the following
  will occur:

  - Joystick, rudder and throttle controls are disabled.
  - Coupled Direct autopilot is engaged to place you on a direct
    path back to your current waypoint.
  - A warning message ("Entering No-Fly Zone. Course correction
    engaged") appears on the chat bar.

  These steps will remain in affect until your position is
  corrected and you are back within the desired theater boundaries.
  The message, "Course corrected", notifies you when control has
  been restored.


V. ACCELERATOR CARDS AND DRIVERS TESTED WITH CSF

  We have made every attempt to test CSF with a variety of 3D
  Accelerator Cards and different driver levels.  Below is
  a list of some of those we have verified and know to work:

  ATI All-In-Wonder AGP
  ver: 5.2 build 4.10.2411

  ATI Rage Pro
  ver: 5.00

  Canopus Pure3D
  ver: 1.51

  Canopus Pure 3D II
  ver: 1.10

  Creative Labs 3D Blaster Voodoo2 12MB
  ver: 2.16

  Creative Labs 3D Blaster Voodoo2 8MB
  ver: 2.16

  Diamond Monster 3D II
  ver: 4.10.01.0200

  Diamond Stealth G460 AGP
  ver: 4.10.01.0136 & 4.10.01.1400

  Intergraph Intense 3D
  ver: 4.10

  Matrox G200 AGP w/ PowerDesk v4.00.015
  ver: 4.10.01.4000

  Metabyte Wicked 3D
  ver: Original drivers

  Orchid Righteous 3D (3Dfx) PCI
  ver: 3.01.00

  Orchid Righteous 3D 2
  ver: 1.2

  Permedia 2 AGP
  ver: 4.03.2102-0182

  Real3D Starfighter AGP
  ver: 0229

  Rendition Verite 1000
  ver: 4.10.00.1555

  Sierra Screamin' 3D
  ver: 2.20.07

  STB Blackmagic
  ver: 2.16

  STB Velocity 128
  ver: 4.10.01.0166

  STB Velocity 3D (Riva128/nVidia) AGP
  ver: 4.10.01.0105

  STB Velocity 128
  ver: 1.80


-----------------------------------------------------------------
'Windows 95', 'Windows 98'  and 'Explorer' are registered
 trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
'Pentium' is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.