Last update
30.08.20.
Part 1.
Tested on Windows 10 x64.
1. Download the disc with the original game here
https://www.moddb.com/mods/mechcommander-gold-hi-res/downloads/mcgoldiso Disk is needed only in order to formally launch this or that campaign.
2. To run the game in the process, mount it in Daemon Tools Lite
https://www.daemon-tools.cc/rus/products/dtLite#page3. Download the campaign that interests you
https://www.everythingbattletech.com/forum?p=post%2Fall-mechcommander-single-player-campaign-standalones-overview-10615818*. You can also install the russian language if you want -
https://www.old-games.ru/game/download/get.php?fileid=9596&modal=1. It's partially compatible with other non-original campaigns. Replace 4 files ART.FST, MISC.FST, MISSION.FST, SHAPES.FST. .EXE does not need to be replaced.
4. In the Control Panel -> select the Category -> Programs -> Turn Windows features on or off -> Legacy Components -> enable DirectPlay. If you don't want to mess with it, but as a result you will end up with crumpled titles (at least), find b DirectDraw = TRUE in PREFS.CFG and replace TRUE with FALSE. Set the read-only option in the file properties.
* (optional) 5. An important point. If you are experiencing any of the 3 problems below. Otherwise, you can skip it.
5.1. Fixes a bug with a mess mouse lag at resolutions below 1024x768.
5.2. Problems with 640x480 / 800x600 resolution if you want to play in full screen mode without small interface elements.
5.3. Makes the zoom option work fine in the game - without the .dll it is often impossible to use the mouse in this mode.
Download
DDrawCompat from here
https://static.old-games.ru/utils/Ddraw_Compact.rar and put it in the folder with the selected campaign. Or take it from the official site -
https://github.com/narzoul/DDrawCompat/releases The latest suitable version at the moment is
0.2.1. The test version from
14.07.20 is not compatible with the game.
* (optional) 6. To run all packages I recommend using MCXOriginal.exe or, in case of MCX Original,
MCX.exe. Press
Esc once at startup.
Returning to point 5. On the individual specifics of separate packages in combination with .dll. The problem as a whole lies in what kind of campaign this or that set of maps uses at its core. tileset from the original Port Arthur campaign or Desperate Measures. The problems are related to the original one.
MCG Exodus & Turncoat.
1. In the case of MCG Exodus & Turncoat there may be some twitching of the picture when starting the original campaign. If this moment is annoying, then in this case delete / do not put the .dll in the folder and use it to launch MCX800x600.EXE. The menu and control area will occupy 2/3 of the screen in 1920x1080. The warzone will function normally in full screen mode.
2. When launching the Expansion campaign, the .dll will be required.
MCX Original.
1. In case of original campaign .dll is needed.
2. In the case of Expansion, on the contrary, it will interfere and create an analog of problems in the spirit of 1 point of Exodus & Turncoat. The recommendation is the same - go to 800x600.
MCG Xenocide & BengalLancers.
1. In case of original campaign .dll is needed.
2. In the case of Expansion, on the contrary, it will interfere and create an analog of problems in the spirit of 1 point of Exodus & Turncoat. The recommendation is the same - go to 800x600.
MCG X-ray & DSCRaid.
.dll will be required in both. At the same time, some screen twitching may remain in campaigns, but there is no other way out - both in 640x480 and 800x600 without .dll, mouse lags and zoom not working are possible.
The Repulse.
.dll is not required.
Darkest Hours 4.2.
The situation is similar to MCG X-ray & DSCRaid - .dll is required in both. In the original, minor screen twitching is possible. In Expansion, they are more visible. Otherwise, unfortunately, in the same 800x600 in Expansion, problems with the mouse are possible.