Author Topic: Installing and running MechCommander / Desperate Measures / DH / another sets  (Read 8832 times)

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Offline UnknDoomer

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Installing and running MechCommander / Desperate Measures / DH / another sets
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#page
3. 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.
« Last Edit: May 28, 2023, 10:12:17 am by UnknDoomer »
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Offline UnknDoomer

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Re: Installing and running MechCommander / Desperate Measures / DH / another sets
Ammo pack add-on, aka "Lostech". Part #1.

Modification "Lostech" has been updated to version 0.31. 24 new types of weapons, also carries out a significant rebalancing of both equipment in general and the weapons of opponents in particular. Currently only compatible with Darkest Hours 4.2. Will not work with standalone campaigns or the original game.

Known bugs - the mini-map is displayed fully explored, when the mission just started.

https://www.moddb.com/mods/mechcommander-lostech-mod/downloads/mechcommander-lostech-release-v031

After was an update.

Nemo:

Quote
try this prototype

or better this, more chances of working if not extracted last one

that should work on other campaign versions besides Darkest Hours, if anyone tries it, report here

specially should work on the original one since its tested with its loadouts

Version 0.4 has been released. Checked Prototype B. Raw at the moment. Other campaigns, remember, can be found here: https://www.everythingbattletech.com/forum?p=post%2Fall-mechcommander-single-player-campaign-standalones-overview-10615818

Several bugs were found.

1. Menu glitch.
2. Restarting any pack results in an error.
3. When launching packs other than MCX Original, the tabs for mechs, pilots, weapons and vehicles will be empty and virtually unavailable for interaction.

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« Last Edit: October 04, 2020, 09:03:04 pm by UnknDoomer »
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Offline UnknDoomer

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Re: Installing and running MechCommander / Desperate Measures / DH / another sets
Ammo pack add-on, aka "Lostech". Part #2.

The mod has been updated to version 0.4C and is now fully compatible with MCX Original, Xenocide & BengalLancers. Details in v04.txt. Other assemblies are still being tested. The mod is not compatible with the russian version, as well as with DH 4.2. For that purpose use the previous version.

Known bugs.

Xenocide & BengalLancers:

1. Some of the vehicle pictures can be displayed on the right, although the vehicle is not yet available.
2. The Gauss Rifle may display as if it ran out of ammo. To fix it remove it from the mech and put it back on again. This should help. The bug is planned to be fixed in the next version.

Quote
That happens because I changed C gauss rifle to use same ammo as IS one, however the campaign start file still has the shadowcat with the now-unused clan ammo.- I will fix that but it tkes away the slot for one future weapon...

3. If the path to the game directory is too long an error may occur and the game will crash.

*. In the case of launching a series of solo missions the game can theoretically crash. 50/50. However, the problem here may not lie in the modification itself, but in the fact that, by definition, they are not working in one or another pack, including DH.

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Offline UnknDoomer

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Re: Installing and running MechCommander / Desperate Measures / DH / another sets
Ammo pack add-on, aka "Lostech". Part #3. / Launcher plans.

Q1. 0.5 will work with each pack, right?
Q2. 0.6 will have also possibility to load, for example, MW3 campaign from DH? Not only current separate packs?

Nemo:

Quote
A1. Darkest Hours release is my priority, after Darkest Hours is confirmed to work, I will see how much work is making others work. If not they will be playable as savegames in 0.6.
A2. Maybe. Depends on how good I am at reordering campaigns.

In version 0.5-0.6 it is planned to add support for the rest of the campaigns, but the primary priority is Darkest Hours 4.2. In 0.6 it is also possible that campaigns will be highlighted that are currently not presented as separate "standalone packs", for example, a campaign that is dedicated to the events of MechWarrior 3.

Because a separate launcher for setting up and launching campaigns, in particular, does not exist while it is planned to implement a crutch solution - to load a particular campaign through a pre-configured  savegame. From the side disadvantages of such a decision - the specific campaign may not have a clear end, i.e. at some point it can go to another.

Quote
"ARES" part of original campaign, try that.

"New Life" mission, also try this one.
You can test two attached files for now.


RizZen by other hand is looking for people to help create a launcher. Basically, it needs the following options:

1. Choosing which campaign to start, Original, Expansion, Darkest Hours, Bengal, Repulse, ...
2. It is possible to select one particular solo mission or campaign that was part of DH, such as the MW3 events.
3. Enable / disable the add-on for ammunition from Nemo.
4. Enable / disable the addition to the view area.
5. Change the screen resolution in different proportions.

Quote
What I need is files to work on. So when anyone can create a simple game launcher with the intended functions I although need the complete source and maybe software for further development. I need not just the exe file then. But all the DLL files, plaintext and basic code.

It must be editable and update able and I need those functions:

- renaming game files
- doing some edits in plaintext files
- switching files in subfolders as a plus maybe
- starting the game execution with the resolution players desire
- offering options for all changes that can be done in PREFS.Cfg.

Before I have something like that for mechcommander I simply can not activate the full potential darkest hours could offer.

There are more than 500 missions in it. You can play just 130 campaign missions... 370 only available as solo missions. Even whole campaigns that where never released like Mechwarrior 3 campaign or 'the first offense.

When you asked for specs. I need the exe launcher with source code.

The last paragraph means, as an option, the transition of the source code to assembler, and from it to C ++.

Perhaps somebody can use the old mcshell as a core for these purposes.

Quote
What I need is the exe with prototype functions and a simple user interface.

With source code and possibilities for me to develop it further.


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Offline UnknDoomer

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Re: Installing and running MechCommander / Desperate Measures / DH / another sets
Some other links and information.

About the keys in the original MechCommander, which, incl. seasoned veterans of the series, they rarely use.

1. To save ammo you can press A - then only energy weapons will be used.
2. Pressing 1/3 on the numpad - shoot in the leg.
3. Pressing 8 on the numpad - shoot the head.
4. In order for the minelayer to lay mines, press F.

Read more about aiming at certain parts of the Mech and myths related to this issue: https://www.moddb.com/mods/mechcommander-gold-hi-res/tutorials/mc-beginners-tactical-guide-targetting-specific-mech-parts
About mines: https://www.moddb.com/mods/mechcommander-gold-hi-res/tutorials/mc-beginners-tactical-guide-minelayer

5. Walkthrough and useful hints. Original MechCommander & Desperate Measures. https://www.old-games.ru/forum/threads/mechcommander-desperate-measures-proxozhdenie.93766/ At the moment on russian only.
*. Mirror of this topic on russian - https://www.old-games.ru/forum/threads/mechcommander-mc2-mc2x-omnitech.93531/

Utilities.

1. MCG Mission Viewer in Unity - https://github.com/IronArthur/MCUnity
2. Optional visual sight & weapon range. Build 0.1 alpha - https://www.moddb.com/mods/mechcommander-gold-hi-res/downloads/mcmcg-optional-visual-sight-weapon-range-mod
3. Other utilities, including mcshell - https://www.moddb.com/mods/mechcommander-gold-hi-res/downloads/mechcommander-pc-game-user-fan-package
4. Different source codes:

4.1. https://www.moddb.com/games/modding-mechcommander/downloads/mcg-darkest-hours-seperated-non-mission-files
4.2. https://www.moddb.com/games/modding-mechcommander/downloads/modding-mechcommander-mc-abl-libraries
4.3. https://www.moddb.com/members/mcrizzen/addons/mcg-source-code-extracted




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« Last Edit: October 04, 2020, 09:00:21 pm by UnknDoomer »
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Offline RizZen

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Wrong information - dead ends!
You tested it on WIN 7 - 64 bit - not Windows 10!

For Windows 10 users: Unless you have no issues to start the game the easy way. Forget what was mentioned above.
It has become appalingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.

Albert Einstein

 

Offline UnknDoomer

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Re: Installing and running MechCommander / Desperate Measures / DH / another sets
Check the attached screen then. On Windows 7 didn't test it by other hand, but seems to you / others did. So.

Quote
For Windows 10 users: Unless you have no issues to start the game the easy way. Forget what was mentioned above.
In total must be no problems. But there can be some specific related one - resolution, "slow" mouse, and kind. Main points of this manual, 4 & 5.

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« Last Edit: October 09, 2020, 12:21:36 pm by UnknDoomer »
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Offline RizZen

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Quote

Hey MCRizZen,

Thank you for the suggested fix, and technically it worked, but it brought the game down to like 15FPS or less. Made the game really jerky and more un-playable. After, messing around this is what I have figured out.

- I believe it has something to do with my screen size. I am playing on my 4K-55" TV.
- The higher the resolution, the better the game run. With the 1080P.exe, I do not have this problem at all. Game runs at 100%, but everything is so small and you are so far zoomed out on the battle field that it is impossible for me to play. And as you know, if you zoom in on battle field, you can't edge scroll the map or use arrow keys.
- The lower the resolution the worse it is.
(by resolution I am referring to the different .exe files)
- This also helped me figure out that it has something to do with the camera height. As when the camera (battlefield view point) is on flat ground I do not have this problem. It only occurs when I am trying to scroll over hills and more so mountains. This makes sense with the view being so far away (high) on 1080P that I don't have this problem.
- I also tried on my laptop with a 19" screen, and although I still have this problem it is not as bad. (I did not try the ddraw.dll on the laptop)
- conclusion: There is some kind of collision going on with the "camera" and terrain.

I also tried dgVooDoo to see if that helps. Using dgVooDoo, I can't get the game to run in full screen, and once in battle field, if I try to edge scroll it blips and crashes the game. So that's no good.

For now I have been using the 1024x768.exe as it is the highest resolution (furthest I can get the camera away from battlefield) without everything being too small. (minimap, characters, menu).

Please understand, I am not begging for a fix and your work on this has not gone un-noticed. I do understand that you have posted this as the final revision and don't plan to make anymore updates and/or fixes. I am amazed how much time and effort has been put into this project, and I thank you for everything you have done. This is just my feedback.

P.S. If I am the only one having this problem, I understand it is something on my end.

Thank you again for everything on this game.
It has become appalingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.

Albert Einstein

  

Offline UnknDoomer

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Re: Installing and running MechCommander / Desperate Measures / DH / another sets
Last update 28.05.23. Part 2.

It's about ~ 2,5 years I've last time checked the things. So decide to look on it in new system, Windows 11 x64.



1. I've tested things with Prometheus 0.2a Beta https://www.moddb.com/games/modding-mechcommander/downloads/mcg-prometheus-fullversion + https://www.moddb.com/games/mechcommander-gold/downloads/mcg-prometheus-latest-patch.
2. DDrawCompat, both latest and older versions are useless now. Same goes for some other tweaks. Instead of for point 5, as well if you game doesn't run / show black screen / give errors, use latest version of DxWnd, which can be found here https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxwnd/. I've checked with 2.05.96.
3. Run dxwnd.exe, Edit -> Add -> Path -> MCX.EXE or any other one -> pick "Destop" on the right -> Try... -> OK.
4. Next time you run the program just press MCX.EXE icon.

« Last Edit: May 28, 2023, 10:24:04 am by UnknDoomer »
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