Anonymous edits have been disabled on the wiki. If you want to contribute please login or create an account.

Warning for game developers: PCGamingWiki staff members will only ever reach out to you using the official press@pcgamingwiki.com mail address.
Be aware of scammers claiming to be representatives or affiliates of PCGamingWiki who promise a PCGW page for a game key.

Difference between revisions of "Jane's Longbow Gold"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
m (→‎Video settings: updated template usage)
 
(49 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{cleanup|The fixes could be written better}}
 
 
{{Infobox game
 
{{Infobox game
 
|cover        = JCSLBG.jpg
 
|cover        = JCSLBG.jpg
Line 6: Line 5:
 
|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Electronic Arts}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Electronic Arts}}
 +
|engines      =
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|DOS|June 30, 1997}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|DOS|June 30, 1997}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|June 30, 1997}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|June 30, 1997}}
 +
|taxonomy    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | First-person, Third-person }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Action, Vehicle combat }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | Helicopter }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | Realistic }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Asia, Europe, Middle East, North America, Contemporary }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Jane's Combat Simulations }}
 
|steam appid  =  
 
|steam appid  =  
−
|gogcom page  =
+
|gogcom id    =  
 +
|strategywiki =
 +
|mobygames    = 2715
 
|wikipedia    = Jane's AH-64D Longbow
 
|wikipedia    = Jane's AH-64D Longbow
 
|winehq      =  
 
|winehq      =  
 +
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Series|Jane's Combat Simulations}}
 
  
−
'''Key points'''
+
{{Introduction
−
{{ii}} Combination of Jane's AH-64D Longbow and Jane's Longbow Flash Point Korea.
+
|introduction      = '''''Jane's Longbow Gold''''' is the Windows-native port of the 1996 flight simulation game ''[[Jane's Longbow]]'' with its ''Flash Point Korea'' expansion pack.
−
{{ii}} [[#Longbow Gold for DOS in DOSBox|DOS]] version requires [[DOSBox]] to run on modern systems.
+
 
−
{{ii}} [[#Longbow Gold for Windows Fixes|Windows]] version requires patching, but works on modern systems.
+
|release history  =
−
{{++}} The Windows version of the game will run on low-end hardware.
+
 
 +
|current state    = The Windows version of game requires a [[#Patching for Windows|specific installation procedure]].
 +
}}
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
−
{{Availability/row| Retail | | CD |Original Longbow Gold 3-CD set. Includes unpatched DOS and Windows.}}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | Original Longbow Gold 3-CD set. Includes unpatched DOS and Windows. | | DOS, Windows }}
−
{{Availability/row| Retail | | CD |Longbow Anthology 2-CD version. Includes patched Windows and no DOS executable.}}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | Longbow Anthology 2-CD version. Includes patched Windows and no DOS executable. | | Windows }}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
−
===Longbow Gold for Windows Fixes===
+
===Patches===
 +
====Version 1.04F====
 +
 
 +
The latest official patch 1.04F is available at [https://soggi.org/misc/game-patches.htm soggi.org]. It fixes skipping and garbled in-flight speech, and fixes the movies in the game locking up, skipping, or crashing to the desktop in both Windows and DOS versions of the game. Longbow Anthology versions of Longbow Gold do not need this patch, as they have it included.
 +
 
 +
====GoldFX / 3dfx-patch====
 +
The GoldFX patch adds 3DFX Voodoo support to Windows versions of Longbow Gold and is available at [https://soggi.org/misc/3dfx-voodoo-game-patches.htm soggi.org]. This renders the DOS version unplayable but enhances the graphics under Windows and allows the game to be playable on modern Windows with nGlide. This patch does not work with Longbow Anthology versions of Longbow Gold and requires a special version included on the first CD-ROM called '''GoldFXA'''.
 +
 
 +
{{ii}} Applying the GoldFX(A) patch will disable the AH-64A variant of the Longbow, making only the AH-64D usable.
 +
 
 +
===Patching for Windows===
 
Both of these methods are similar, but have different installation methods. GoldFXA and GoldFX are not interchangeable and are exclusive to their separate versions.
 
Both of these methods are similar, but have different installation methods. GoldFXA and GoldFX are not interchangeable and are exclusive to their separate versions.
  
−
Applying the GoldFX(A) patch will render the A variant of the Longbow unplayable, making only the AH-64D usable.
+
{{Fixbox|description=Installing the Anthology version|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
−
 
+
# During the installation of Longbow Anthology, do a '''Custom''' installation and check only '''Longbow Gold''' when prompted. When asked to install '''GoldFX''' select '''No'''.
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
# Open the Longbow Anthology CD 1 and copy {{folder|goldfxa.exe}} to anywhere on the computer.
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Install Anthology.|}}
 
−
# Insert your first Longbow Anthology CD-ROM. Open the autorun and select "Install."
 
−
# Follow the installer until you're asked if you want to do a typical installation. Select "Custom" instead.
 
−
# Install as normal, you will eventually be asked if you want to install GoldFX. Say no.
 
−
# Finish the installation, and don't start the game yet.
 
−
# Go onto your Longbow Anthology CD-ROM and copy goldfxa.exe to your Desktop.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Installing the regular Gold version|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Install Gold.|}}
+
# Install Longbow Gold to {{folder|C:\JANES\LBGOLD}} using the Windows installer.{{cn|date=July 2023|comment=There has to be a way to run it in a custom directory...}}
−
# Install Longbow Gold using DOSBox, or install it on Windows XP/98 and copy the files over.
+
# Get the V1.04F patch and extract it to {{folder|{{p|game}}}}.
−
# Get the [ftp://159.153.229.114/Pub/legacy_support/jane%27s/patch/Longbow_Gold/english/lbg104e.exe V1.04e patch] and apply it using DOSBox.
+
# Download [[DOSBox]] and install it.
−
# Download the [ftp://159.153.229.114/Pub/legacy_support/jane%27s/patch/Longbow_Gold/3Dfx_patch/goldfx.exe GoldFX patch] archive.
+
# Open DOSBox and use these commands:
 +
<pre>
 +
mount c C:\JANES\LBGOLD
 +
c:
 +
PATCH.EXE
 +
</pre>
 +
# Download the GoldFX patch.
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Apply the patch, fixes, and nGlide|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Apply the patch, fixes, and nGlide.|}}
+
# Open GoldFX(A) and extract the files to an easily accessible folder.
−
# Open it with 7zip or a similar archive program that can open archive executables.
+
# Set [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]] for Windows 98/ME and running as administrator on all of the applications inside that folder.
−
# Copy all of the files in it to a folder on your desktop.
+
# Run {{file|FXPatch.exe}}. Click Continue in the window that pops up and point it to the Longbow Gold installation directory to continue installation.
−
# Go into that folder, and go into Properties on all of the .exe files that were extracted. Set "Windows 98/Windows ME" compatibility mode and "Run as Administrator" on all.
+
# When it finishes, go to where {{folder|{{p|game}}}} and open {{file|CA.INI}} with a text editor.
−
# Double-click FXPatch.exe. Click Continue in the window that pops up and point it to your Longbow Gold installation directory to continue installation.
 
−
# When it finishes, go to where Longbow Gold is installed and open "CA.INI"
 
 
# Append these two lines to the file at the top:
 
# Append these two lines to the file at the top:
 
<pre>
 
<pre>
Line 62: Line 87:
 
HEAP_PERCENT=0
 
HEAP_PERCENT=0
 
</pre>
 
</pre>
−
# Right-click on Lbwin.exe and click "Properties." Go to the Compatibility tab.
+
# Set {{file|lbwin.exe}} to run in [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]] for Windows XP SP2, as administrator and in 640x480 mode.
−
# Set the compatibility mode to "Windows XP (Service Pack 2)" and check the "Run as Administrator" and "Run in 640x480 resolution" boxes.
+
# Download and install [https://www.zeus-software.com/downloads/nglide nGlide].
−
# Download nGlide 1.03, or whatever latest version is currently available, and install it.
+
# Start the game. Press {{Key|Alt|O}} and set all the graphical options to the maximum.
−
# Start Longbow Gold using LBWin.exe or a shortcut to LBWin.exe
 
−
# Get to the main menu and press Alt+O to go to the options menu. Set everything to the maximum.
 
−
# You're done!
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 +
===Patching for DOS===
 +
Running the game in [[DOSBox]] will look worse and possibly perform worse{{cn|July 2023}}, but works on all operating systems.
  
−
===Longbow Gold for DOS in DOSBox===
+
{{Fixbox|description=Install and play in DOSBox|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
−
This method is lengthier but will work on any operating system at the cost of looking and possibly performing worse with no proper joystick support.
+
# Install Longbow Gold in the Windows installer. When prompted to select a directory, point it to {{folder|C:\DOS\LBGOLD}} and say '''Yes''' to creating it if it does not exist.
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
# Use software like [http://www.filehorse.com/download-imgburn/976/ ImgBurn] to rip your Longbow Gold CDs to ISO format. Name them '''LBGx''', where '''x''' is the CD number. Put the ISOs in {{folder|C:\LBGISO}} for easy reference.  
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Install and play in DOSBox.|}}
+
# Install and start up DOSBox 0.74  
−
# Use software such as [http://www.filehorse.com/download-imgburn/976/ ImgBurn] to rip your Longbow Gold CDs to ISO format. Name them "LBG1" for the first CD, "LBG2" for the second CD, and "LBG3" for the third CD. Put the ISOs in "C:\LBGISO" for easy reference.  
+
# Use these commands in DOSBox:
−
# Create a folder in your C:\ drive or wherever you would like to put Longbow Gold named "DOS."
+
<pre>
−
# Install DOSBox 0.74 if you don't already have it.
+
mount c c:\DOS
−
# Start up DOSBox 0.74 and use these commands:
+
c:
−
<pre>mount c c:\dos
+
cd LBGOLD
−
imgmount d c:\LBGISO\LBG1.iso -t iso
+
SETSOUND.EXE</pre>
−
d:
+
# The sound setup will start. Press {{Key|Enter}} on '''Select and configure digital audio driver'''
−
install
+
# Select '''Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16 or AWE32''' and '''Attempt to configure device automatically.''' Press '''OK''' and then '''DONE'''. Do not close DOSBox.
−
</pre>
+
# Get the V1.04F patch and open it in [https://www.7-zip.org/download.html 7-Zip]. Extract the contents to where Longbow Gold is installed.
−
# Use all the defaults in the installer and proceed to install. Select "High Detail Terrain" in the installer if it's not defaulted to that.
+
# Type '''PATCH.EXE''' into DOSBox and press {{Key|Enter}}. Wait for the patch to finish. When it does, the game will be fully playable.
−
# The installer will open the Sound Setup. Press Enter on "Select and configure digital audio driver"
+
# To skip mounting the ISOs manually every time and to start the game when DOSBox starts, put this in your DOSBox configuration file after [autoexec] at the end:
−
# Select "Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16 or AWE32" and "Attempt to configure device automatically." Press "OK" and then "DONE"
 
−
# The setup will finish, but don't start Longbow yet. Get the [ftp://159.153.229.114/Pub/legacy_support/jane%27s/patch/Longbow_Gold/english/lbg104e.exe V1.04F] patch.
 
−
# Open the lbg104e.exe archive in [http://www.7-zip.org/download.html 7zip] or some other application capable of opening archive .EXEs.
 
−
# Extract the contents to where you installed Longbow Gold.
 
−
# Type "PATCH.EXE" into DOSBox and press enter.
 
−
# Let the 1.04F patch do its thing. It will finish eventually.
 
−
# Longbow Gold will now start up in DOS and can be patched to GoldFX to play on Windows.
 
−
# To skip mounting the ISOs manually every time, put this in your DOSBox configuration file after [autoexec] at the end:
 
 
<pre>
 
<pre>
−
imgmount d "c:\LBG\LBG1.ISO" "c:\LBG\LBG2.ISO" "c:\LBG\LBG3.ISO" -t iso
+
imgmount d "c:\LBGISO\LBG1.ISO" "c:\LBGISO\LBG2.ISO" "c:\LBGISO\LBG3.ISO" -t iso
 
mount c c:\DOS\
 
mount c c:\DOS\
 
c:
 
c:
 
cd JANES\LBGOLD\
 
cd JANES\LBGOLD\
 
LB.exe
 
LB.exe
 +
exit
 
</pre>
 
</pre>
  
−
{{ii}} CRTL+F4 toggles what disc/ISO is currently active. Disc 1 is used for the main campaign, Disc 2 is used for the historical missions, and Disc 3 is used for the Korea campaign.
+
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} {{key|Ctrl|F4}} toggles what disc/ISO is currently active. Disc 1 is used for the main campaign, Disc 2 is used for the historical missions, and Disc 3 is used for the Korea campaign.
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 108: Line 126:
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
−
{{Game data/row|DOS| In game directory.}}
+
{{Game data/config|DOS|{{p|game}}\}}
−
{{Game data/row|Windows| In game directory.}}
+
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Save game data location===
 
===Save game data location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
−
{{Game data/row|DOS|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|DOS|}}
−
{{Game data/row|Windows|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Windows|}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Video settings==
+
==Video==
−
<!--[[File:game settings.png|290px|right|thumb|General settings.]]-->
+
{{Image|Longbow Gold Inflight Graphics Menu.png|Graphics settings during flight.}}
−
{{Video settings
+
{{Video
 
|wsgf link                  =  
 
|wsgf link                  =  
 
|widescreen wsgf award      =  
 
|widescreen wsgf award      =  
Line 126: Line 144:
 
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award =  
 
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award =  
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    =  
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    =  
−
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
+
|widescreen resolution      = false
−
|widescreen resolution notes= Use nGlide and change resolution to your desktop resolution.
+
|widescreen resolution notes= 320x240 or 640x480 only.
−
|multimonitor              = unknown
+
|multimonitor              = false
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
−
|ultrawidescreen            = unknown
+
|ultrawidescreen            = false
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      =  
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      =  
−
|4k ultra hd                = unknown
+
|4k ultra hd                = false
 
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
 
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
 
|fov                        = false
 
|fov                        = false
Line 144: Line 162:
 
|antialiasing              = false
 
|antialiasing              = false
 
|antialiasing notes        = nGlide has some antialiasing by default, but there are no in-game settings.
 
|antialiasing notes        = nGlide has some antialiasing by default, but there are no in-game settings.
−
|vsync                      = hackable
+
|upscaling                  = unknown
−
|vsync notes                = Enable vSync in nGlide.
+
|upscaling tech            =
−
|high frame rate            = false
+
|upscaling notes            =
−
|high frame rate notes     = Locked to 62 frames per second no matter the refresh rate.
+
|vsync                      = false
 +
|vsync notes                =  
 +
|60 fps                    = true
 +
|60 fps notes              =
 +
|120 fps                    = false
 +
|120 fps notes             = Locked to 62 frames per second no matter the refresh rate.
 +
|hdr                        = unknown
 +
|hdr notes                  =
 
|color blind                = false
 
|color blind                = false
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
−
{{Input settings
+
{{Image|Longbow Gold Inflight Controls Menu.png|Control settings during flight.}}
 +
{{Input
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|acceleration option      = false
 
|acceleration option      = false
−
|acceleration option notes = Mouse is only use for buttons on the cockpit and the main menu. No acceleration.
+
|acceleration option notes = The mouse is only used for buttons on the cockpit and the main menu. No acceleration.
 +
|mouse sensitivity        = unknown
 +
|mouse sensitivity notes  =
 
|mouse menu                = true
 
|mouse menu                = true
−
|mouse menu notes          = All menus are navigable with a mouse. nGlide causes left mouse clicking for selection to be broken, use the Enter key in place of a left click.
+
|mouse menu notes          = All menus are navigable with a mouse. nGlide causes left mouse clicking for selection to be broken, use {{key|Enter}} in place of a left click.
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = false
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = false
−
|invert mouse y-axis notes = Mouse is only used for cockpit buttons, so an inverted y-axis is never needed.
+
|invert mouse y-axis notes = The mouse is only used for cockpit buttons, so an inverted y-axis is never needed.
 
|controller support        = true
 
|controller support        = true
−
|controller support notes  =  
+
|controller support notes  = Longbow Gold is much harder to play on Expert flight settings without a full HOTAS setup, using a keyboard for anything but the Casual flight settings is not recommended.
−
|full controller          = true
+
|full controller          = false
−
|full controller notes    = Longbow Gold is close to unplayable without a HOTAS setup. Using a controller is not advised.
+
|full controller notes    =  
 
|controller remap          = true
 
|controller remap          = true
 
|controller remap notes    =  
 
|controller remap notes    =  
 +
|controller sensitivity    = unknown
 +
|controller sensitivity notes=
 
|invert controller y-axis  = false
 
|invert controller y-axis  = false
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
 
|touchscreen              = false
 
|touchscreen              = false
 
|touchscreen notes        =  
 
|touchscreen notes        =  
 +
|xinput controllers        = unknown
 +
|xinput controllers notes  =
 +
|xbox prompts              = unknown
 +
|xbox prompts notes        =
 +
|impulse triggers          = unknown
 +
|impulse triggers notes    =
 +
|dualshock 4              = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 notes        =
 +
|dualshock prompts        = unknown
 +
|dualshock prompts notes  =
 +
|light bar support        = unknown
 +
|light bar support notes  =
 +
|dualshock 4 modes        = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 modes notes  =
 +
|tracked motion controllers= unknown
 +
|tracked motion controllers notes =
 +
|tracked motion prompts    = unknown
 +
|tracked motion prompts notes =
 +
|other controllers        = unknown
 +
|other controllers notes  =
 +
|other button prompts      = unknown
 +
|other button prompts notes=
 +
|controller hotplug        = unknown
 +
|controller hotplug notes  =
 +
|haptic feedback          = unknown
 +
|haptic feedback notes    =
 +
|simultaneous input        = unknown
 +
|simultaneous input notes  =
 +
|steam input api          = unknown
 +
|steam input api notes    =
 +
|steam hook input          = unknown
 +
|steam hook input notes    =
 +
|steam input presets      = unknown
 +
|steam input presets notes =
 +
|steam controller prompts  = unknown
 +
|steam controller prompts notes =
 +
|steam cursor detection    = unknown
 +
|steam cursor detection notes =
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Audio settings==
+
==Audio==
−
{{Audio settings
+
{{Image|Longbow Gold Inflight Sound Menu.png|Sound settings during flight.}}
 +
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
−
|separate volume notes    =  
+
|separate volume notes    = Engine sounds, sound effects, and speech volume all have separate sliders.
 
|surround sound          = false
 
|surround sound          = false
 
|surround sound notes    =  
 
|surround sound notes    =  
Line 187: Line 256:
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|eax support              = false
 
|eax support              = false
−
|eax support notes        =  
+
|eax support notes         =
 +
|royalty free audio       = unknown
 +
|royalty free audio notes  =
 +
|red book cd audio        =
 +
|red book cd audio notes  =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{L10n|content=
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = English
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = French
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    = French is not available in any version but the French version of the game.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = German
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    = German is not available in any version but the German version of the game.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Other information==
 +
===API===
 +
{{API
 +
|direct3d versions      =
 +
|direct3d notes        =
 +
|directdraw versions    =
 +
|directdraw notes      =
 +
|opengl versions        =
 +
|opengl notes          =
 +
|glide versions        =
 +
|glide notes            =
 +
|software mode          =
 +
|software mode notes    =
 +
|mantle support        =
 +
|mantle support notes  =
 +
|metal support          =
 +
|metal support notes    =
 +
|vulkan versions        =
 +
|vulkan notes          =
 +
|dos modes              = unknown
 +
|dos modes notes        =
 +
|shader model versions  =
 +
|shader model notes    =
 +
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 +
|windows 64-bit exe    = unknown
 +
|windows arm app        = unknown
 +
|windows exe notes      =
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app =
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app =
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 +
|macos app notes        =
 +
|linux 32-bit executable=
 +
|linux 64-bit executable=
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 +
|linux executable notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 194: Line 331:
 
|OSfamily = DOS
 
|OSfamily = DOS
  
−
|minOS    = DOS
+
|minOS    =  
 
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium 66
 
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium 66
−
|minRAM  = 16MB
+
|minRAM  = 16 MB
−
|minHD    = 70MB
+
|minHD    = 70 MB
  
−
|recOS    = Windows 95
+
|recOS    = 95
 
|recCPU  = Intel Pentium 120
 
|recCPU  = Intel Pentium 120
−
|recRAM  = 32MB
+
|recRAM  = 32 MB
−
|recHD    = 150MB
+
|recHD    = 150 MB
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
{{References}}

Latest revision as of 11:36, 28 July 2023

Jane's Longbow Gold
Jane's Longbow Gold cover
Developers
Origin Systems
Publishers
Electronic Arts
Release dates
DOS June 30, 1997
Windows June 30, 1997
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase
Modes Singleplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives First-person, Third-person
Controls Direct control
Genres Action, Vehicle combat
Vehicles Helicopter
Art styles Realistic
Themes Asia, Europe, Middle East, North America, Contemporary
Series Jane's Combat Simulations
Jane's Longbow Gold on MobyGames
Jane's Longbow Gold on Wikipedia
⤏ Go to series page
US Navy Fighters 1994
Jane's Advanced Tactical Fighters 1996
Jane's AH-64D Longbow 1996
Jane's US Navy Fighters '97 1996
Jane's Longbow Gold 1997
688(I) Hunter/Killer 1997
Jane's Fighters Anthology 1997
Jane's Longbow 2 1997
Jane's WWII Fighters 1998
Jane's F-15 1998
Jane's Israeli Air Force 1998
Jane's Fleet Command 1999
Jane's USAF 1999
Jane's F/A-18 2000
Jane's Attack Squadron 2002
Jane's Advanced Strike Fighters 2011

Jane's Longbow Gold is the Windows-native port of the 1996 flight simulation game Jane's Longbow with its Flash Point Korea expansion pack.

The Windows version of game requires a specific installation procedure.

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
 Original Longbow Gold 3-CD set. Includes unpatched DOS and Windows.
DOS
Windows
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
 Longbow Anthology 2-CD version. Includes patched Windows and no DOS executable.
Windows

Essential improvements

Patches

Version 1.04F

The latest official patch 1.04F is available at soggi.org. It fixes skipping and garbled in-flight speech, and fixes the movies in the game locking up, skipping, or crashing to the desktop in both Windows and DOS versions of the game. Longbow Anthology versions of Longbow Gold do not need this patch, as they have it included.

GoldFX / 3dfx-patch

The GoldFX patch adds 3DFX Voodoo support to Windows versions of Longbow Gold and is available at soggi.org. This renders the DOS version unplayable but enhances the graphics under Windows and allows the game to be playable on modern Windows with nGlide. This patch does not work with Longbow Anthology versions of Longbow Gold and requires a special version included on the first CD-ROM called GoldFXA.

Applying the GoldFX(A) patch will disable the AH-64A variant of the Longbow, making only the AH-64D usable.

Patching for Windows

Both of these methods are similar, but have different installation methods. GoldFXA and GoldFX are not interchangeable and are exclusive to their separate versions.

Installing the Anthology version[citation needed]
  1. During the installation of Longbow Anthology, do a Custom installation and check only Longbow Gold when prompted. When asked to install GoldFX select No.
  2. Open the Longbow Anthology CD 1 and copy goldfxa.exe to anywhere on the computer.
Installing the regular Gold version[citation needed]
  1. Install Longbow Gold to C:\JANES\LBGOLD using the Windows installer.[citation needed]
  2. Get the V1.04F patch and extract it to <path-to-game>.
  3. Download DOSBox and install it.
  4. Open DOSBox and use these commands:
mount c C:\JANES\LBGOLD
c:
PATCH.EXE
  1. Download the GoldFX patch.
Apply the patch, fixes, and nGlide[citation needed]
  1. Open GoldFX(A) and extract the files to an easily accessible folder.
  2. Set compatibility mode for Windows 98/ME and running as administrator on all of the applications inside that folder.
  3. Run FXPatch.exe. Click Continue in the window that pops up and point it to the Longbow Gold installation directory to continue installation.
  4. When it finishes, go to where <path-to-game> and open CA.INI with a text editor.
  5. Append these two lines to the file at the top:
[Backdoors]
HEAP_PERCENT=0
  1. Set lbwin.exe to run in compatibility mode for Windows XP SP2, as administrator and in 640x480 mode.
  2. Download and install nGlide.
  3. Start the game. Press Alt+O and set all the graphical options to the maximum.

Patching for DOS

Running the game in DOSBox will look worse and possibly perform worse[citation needed], but works on all operating systems.

Install and play in DOSBox[citation needed]
  1. Install Longbow Gold in the Windows installer. When prompted to select a directory, point it to C:\DOS\LBGOLD and say Yes to creating it if it does not exist.
  2. Use software like ImgBurn to rip your Longbow Gold CDs to ISO format. Name them LBGx, where x is the CD number. Put the ISOs in C:\LBGISO for easy reference.
  3. Install and start up DOSBox 0.74
  4. Use these commands in DOSBox:
mount c c:\DOS
c:
cd LBGOLD
SETSOUND.EXE
  1. The sound setup will start. Press ↵ Enter on Select and configure digital audio driver
  2. Select Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16 or AWE32 and Attempt to configure device automatically. Press OK and then DONE. Do not close DOSBox.
  3. Get the V1.04F patch and open it in 7-Zip. Extract the contents to where Longbow Gold is installed.
  4. Type PATCH.EXE into DOSBox and press ↵ Enter. Wait for the patch to finish. When it does, the game will be fully playable.
  5. To skip mounting the ISOs manually every time and to start the game when DOSBox starts, put this in your DOSBox configuration file after [autoexec] at the end:
imgmount d "c:\LBGISO\LBG1.ISO" "c:\LBGISO\LBG2.ISO" "c:\LBGISO\LBG3.ISO" -t iso
mount c c:\DOS\
c:
cd JANES\LBGOLD\
LB.exe
exit

Notes

Ctrl+F4 toggles what disc/ISO is currently active. Disc 1 is used for the main campaign, Disc 2 is used for the historical missions, and Disc 3 is used for the Korea campaign.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
DOS <path-to-game>\
Windows <path-to-game>\[Note 1]

Save game data location

System Location
DOS
Windows

Video

Graphics settings during flight.
Graphics settings during flight.

Graphics feature State Notes
Widescreen resolution
320x240 or 640x480 only.
Multi-monitor
Ultra-widescreen
4K Ultra HD
Field of view (FOV)
Automatically scales with resolution. Does not support custom values.
Windowed
For DOSBox toggle with Alt+↵ Enter (see the glossary page for other workarounds).
Borderless fullscreen windowed
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Anti-aliasing (AA)
nGlide has some antialiasing by default, but there are no in-game settings.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
For DOSBox use an unofficial build (see the glossary page for other workarounds).
60 FPS
120+ FPS
Locked to 62 frames per second no matter the refresh rate.

Input

Control settings during flight.
Control settings during flight.

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration
The mouse is only used for buttons on the cockpit and the main menu. No acceleration.
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
All menus are navigable with a mouse. nGlide causes left mouse clicking for selection to be broken, use ↵ Enter in place of a left click.
Mouse Y-axis inversion
The mouse is only used for cockpit buttons, so an inverted y-axis is never needed.
Controller
Controller support
Longbow Gold is much harder to play on Expert flight settings without a full HOTAS setup, using a keyboard for anything but the Casual flight settings is not recommended.
Full controller support
Controller remapping
Controller sensitivity
Controller Y-axis inversion
Controller types
XInput-compatible controllers
PlayStation controllers
Generic/other controllers
Additional information
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M

Audio

Sound settings during flight.
Sound settings during flight.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Engine sounds, sound effects, and speech volume all have separate sliders.
Surround sound
Subtitles
Subtitles are only available in training. Copilot and helicopter voices are not subtitled.
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
For DOSBox change the priority background value in the DOSBox configuration file.
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
French
French is not available in any version but the French version of the game.
German
German is not available in any version but the German version of the game.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
DOS video modes
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

System requirements

DOS
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 95
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 66 Intel Pentium 120
System memory (RAM) 16 MB 32 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 70 MB 150 MB


Notes

  1. ↑ When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below %PROGRAMFILES%, %PROGRAMDATA%, or %WINDIR% might be redirected to %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore on Windows Vista and later (more details).

References