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Difference between revisions of "Descent"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(moved Mac OS details to version differences section with changes)
(→‎Availability: Linux installer added quietly, but the store page is not updated)
 
(89 intermediate revisions by 32 users not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:
 
|developers  =  
 
|developers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Parallax Software}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Parallax Software}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/macporter|Interplay Entertainment}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Interplay Entertainment|Mac OS}}
 
|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Interplay Entertainment}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Interplay Entertainment}}
 
|engines      =  
 
|engines      =  
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|DOS|1994}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|DOS|March 17, 1995|ref=<ref name="release">{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001122021300/http://interplay.com/press/desretl.html|title=DESCENT - Press Release (retrieved)|date=2023-06-02}}</ref>}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|March 17, 1995}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|March 17, 1995|ref=<ref name="release"/>}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|1995}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|November 1995|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001017034532/http://www.macplay.com/website/pressbox/dcontest.html|title=MacPlay: October 10, 1995 (retrieved)|date=2023-10-16|snippet=This Mac User Group-only competition commences in mid-November, when the Macintosh version of the game is set to release.}}</ref>}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|October 26, 2012|ref=<ref>[https://www.gog.com/news/gogcom_adds_interplay_games_for_mac_os_x GOG.com adds Interplay games for Mac OS X ● GOG.com]</ref>}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|July 22, 2008|wrapper=DOSBox}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|October 25, 2012|wrapper=DOSBox|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028123737/https://www.gog.com/news/gogcom_adds_interplay_games_for_mac_os_x|title=GOG.com adds Interplay games for Mac OS X - GOG.com (retrieved)|date=2023-10-16}}</ref>}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|September 23, 2021|wrapper=DOSBox}}
 +
|reception    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|descent|rating}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|OpenCritic|link|rating}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|descent|rating}}
 +
|taxonomy    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | First-person }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Action, FPS, Shooter, Vehicle combat }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | Space flight }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | Realistic }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Sci-fi }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Descent }}
 
|steam appid  = 273570
 
|steam appid  = 273570
−
|gogcom page  = descent_1_descent_2
+
|gogcom id    = 1207663083
−
|strategywiki =  
+
|official site= http://interplay.com/games/descent.php
 +
|hltb        = 2455
 +
|lutris      = descent
 +
|mobygames    = 692
 +
|strategywiki = Descent
 
|wikipedia    = Descent (video game)
 
|wikipedia    = Descent (video game)
 
|winehq      =  
 
|winehq      =  
 +
|license      = commercial
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Introduction
 +
|introduction      =
 +
 +
|release history  =
 +
 +
|current state    =
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Series|Descent}}
 
  
 
'''Key points'''
 
'''Key points'''
−
{{++}} Engine is open source with modern multi-platform ports available. It is highly recommended to use either [http://www.dxx-rebirth.com/ DXX-Rebirth] or [http://www.descent2.de/ D2X-XL].
+
{{++}} Engine is open source with modern multi-platform ports available. It is highly recommended to use either [http://www.dxx-rebirth.com/ D1X-Rebirth] or [http://www.descent2.de/ D2X-XL].
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
−
{{mm}} [http://interplay.com/games/descent.php Official game site]
+
{{GOG.com links|1207663083|descent_series|for game series}}
−
{{GOG.com links|descent|descent_series|for game series}}
+
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/273570/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
−
{{mm}} [http://steamcommunity.com/app/273570/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 
 
{{mm}} [http://www.descent2.com/ddn/sources/descent1/ Descent source code download page]
 
{{mm}} [http://www.descent2.com/ddn/sources/descent1/ Descent source code download page]
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
−
{{Availability/row| Retail | | unknown | | | DOS, Windows, Mac OS }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | DRM-free | | | DOS, Windows, Mac OS }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Epic Games Store | descent-62cef4 | unknown | | | Windows, OS X }}
 +
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | descent | DRM-free | DOS version pre-packaged with [[DOSBox]].<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/forum/general/list_of_gog_games_using_dosbox/page1|title=List of GOG games using DOSBox, page 1 - Forum - GOG.com|date=May 2023}}</ref> | | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Steam | 273570 | Steam | DOS version pre-packaged with [[DOSBox]].<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/273570/discussions/0/522730701716870241/|title=Native or DOSBOX? :: Descent General Discussions|date=May 2023}}</ref> |  | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{ii}} No longer sold digitally due to licensing issues.<ref>[https://www.gog.com/forum/general/descent_12_descent_3_removed_from_sale/post142 Descent 1+2 & Descent 3 - Removed From Sale, page 8 - Forum - GOG.com]</ref>
 
  
 
===Version differences===
 
===Version differences===
−
{{ii}} The classic [[Mac OS]] version was substantially improved during the porting process. It features high-res (640x480 vs DOS's 320x200) menus, backgrounds, fonts & briefing images. It also had studio quality audio tracks. [http://www.dxx-rebirth.com/ DXX-Rebirth] supports the Mac OS data files.
+
{{ii}} The classic [[Mac OS]] version was substantially improved during the porting process. It features high-res (640x480 vs DOS's 320x200) menus, backgrounds, fonts & briefing images. It also had studio quality audio tracks. This version would later be used as the base for the PlayStation version, which additionally had intro videos (verses slides) and simple lighting effects. [http://www.dxx-rebirth.com/ D1X-Rebirth] supports the Mac OS data files though Windows users may require [https://forum.dxx-rebirth.com/showthread.php?tid=639 these] patches.
  
 +
==Monetization==
 
{{DLC|
 
{{DLC|
 +
{{ii}} The PlayStation version included additional multiplayer maps ("anarchy levels"). Although porting them to the PC would theoretically be simple, no attempt has been made.
 +
 
{{DLC/row| Levels of the World |  | DOS, Mac OS }}
 
{{DLC/row| Levels of the World |  | DOS, Mac OS }}
 
{{DLC/row| Anniversary's bonus levels (no official name given) | Also included with The Definitive Collection | DOS }}
 
{{DLC/row| Anniversary's bonus levels (no official name given) | Also included with The Definitive Collection | DOS }}
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{ii}} In addition to the add ons above, Interplay had many map making competitions which some players considered to be the game's unofficial 3rd DLC. Although no official compilation has been made, a user on gog.com has made one of his own with almost all competition entries included. It can be downloaded [https://www.gog.com/forum/descent_series/bunch_of_descent_12_levels_from_two_interplays_1997_contest/page1 here].
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
 
===Source ports===
 
===Source ports===
−
{{ii}} There are four (five technically) source ports available for Descent. These ports are major upgrades to the game and will improve almost all aspects of the game. Most notably, these ports support Windows, OS X, and Linux natively without the need for DOSBox.
+
{{ii}} This is a selective list of source ports available for Descent. These ports are major upgrades to the game and will improve almost all aspects of the game. Most notably, these ports support Windows, OS X, and Linux natively without the need for DOSBox.
 +
{{ii}} The base game files required for these source ports to work are <code>descent.hog</code> and <code>descent.pig</code>. These can be obtained from the game's installation folder or the install disc.  
  
−
====[http://www.dxx-rebirth.com/ DXX-Rebirth]====
+
{{Source ports table|content=
−
Focussed mostly on maintaining original gameplay and being authentic.
+
{{Source ports table/row| D1X-Rebirth | url=http://www.dxx-rebirth.com/ | Focused mostly on maintaining original gameplay and being authentic. [https://www.dxx-rebirth.com/about/ Feature List] | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
−
{{ii}} [http://www.dxx-rebirth.com/features/ Feature List]
+
{{Source ports table/row| D2X-XL | url=http://www.descent2.de/ | Focused mostly on graphical and gameplay improvements. [http://descent2.de/d2x-bugfixes.html Changelog/Feature List] | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
−
 
+
{{Source ports table/row| DXX-Retro | url=http://www.descentrangers.com/WebContent/Index?key=Downloads | Based on DXX-Rebirth. Focused mostly on improving multiplayer. [https://github.com/CDarrow/DXX-Retro Source & Changelog] | Windows, OS X }}
−
====[http://www.descent2.de/ D2X-XL]====
+
{{Source ports table/row| Project D2X | url=https://icculus.org/d2x/ | Very old source port, hasn't been updated in a long time. This project was the base for DXX-Rebirth & XL | Windows, OS X, Linux, DOS }}
−
Focused mostly on graphical and gameplay improvements.
+
}}
−
{{ii}} [http://descent2.de/d2x-bugfixes.html Changelog/Feature List]
 
−
 
 
−
====[http://www.descentrangers.com/WebContent/Index?key=Downloads DXX-Retro]====
 
−
Based on DXX-Rebirth. Focussed mostly on improving multiplayer.
 
−
{{ii}} [https://github.com/CDarrow/DXX-Retro Source & Changelog]
 
−
 
 
−
====[https://icculus.org/d2x/ Project D2X] & [https://web.archive.org/web/20100716184607/http://d1x.warpcore.org/ Project D1X]====
 
−
Two vary old source ports, haven't been updated in a long time. Both projects are closely related but technically two separate entities. Are the bases for DXX-Rebirth & XL.
 
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
Line 67: Line 96:
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
−
{{Game data/row|DOS|{{p|game}}}}
+
{{Game data/config|DOS|{{p|game}}\}}
−
{{Game data/row|Windows|{{p|game}}}}
+
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\}}
−
{{Game data/row|Mac OS|}}
+
{{Game data/config|Mac OS|}}
−
{{Game data/row|OS X|}}
+
{{Game data/config|OS X|}}
 +
{{Game data/config|Linux|}}
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{XDG|unknown}}
  
 
===Save game data location===
 
===Save game data location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
−
{{Game data/row|DOS|{{p|game}}}}
+
{{Game data/saves|DOS|{{p|game}}\}}
−
{{Game data/row|Windows|{{p|game}}}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\}}
−
{{Game data/row|Mac OS|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Mac OS|}}
−
{{Game data/row|OS X|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|OS X|}}
 +
{{Game data/saves|Linux|}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
−
|gog galaxy           = false
+
|discord                  =
−
|gog galaxy notes     =  
+
|discord notes            =
−
|origin               =  
+
|epic games launcher      = false
−
|origin notes         =  
+
|epic games launcher notes =
−
|steam cloud           = false
+
|gog galaxy               = false
−
|steam cloud notes     =  
+
|gog galaxy notes         =  
−
|uplay                =  
+
|origin                   =  
−
|uplay notes           =  
+
|origin notes             =  
−
|xbox cloud           =  
+
|steam cloud               = false
−
|xbox cloud notes     =  
+
|steam cloud notes         =  
 +
|ubisoft connect          =  
 +
|ubisoft connect notes     =  
 +
|xbox cloud               =  
 +
|xbox cloud notes         =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Video settings==
+
==Video==
 
{{Image|Descent Video.png|In-game video settings.}}
 
{{Image|Descent Video.png|In-game video settings.}}
−
{{Image|GOG.com DOSBox Configurator v2.png|Graphics settings (GOG.com version)}}
+
{{Video
−
{{Video settings
+
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/descent
−
|wsgf link                  = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/descent
 
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = limited
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = limited
Line 114: Line 149:
 
|fov                        = false
 
|fov                        = false
 
|fov notes                  =  
 
|fov notes                  =  
−
|windowed                  = true
+
|windowed                  = false
−
|windowed notes            = Toggle with {{key|Alt|Enter}} (when using [[DOSBox]]).
+
|windowed notes            =  
 
|borderless windowed        = false
 
|borderless windowed        = false
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
Line 122: Line 157:
 
|antialiasing              = hackable
 
|antialiasing              = hackable
 
|antialiasing notes        = A source port is required. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 
|antialiasing notes        = A source port is required. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 +
|upscaling                  = unknown
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 
|vsync                      = hackable
 
|vsync                      = hackable
 
|vsync notes                = A source port is required. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 
|vsync notes                = A source port is required. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 
|60 fps                    = hackable
 
|60 fps                    = hackable
−
|60 fps notes              = Capped at 50 FPS;<ref>[http://www.descent2.com/archives/articles/art0018.html Higher Framerate = good or bad?]</ref> for 60 FPS see [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
+
|60 fps notes              = Capped at 50 FPS;<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.descent2.com/archives/articles/art0018.html|title=Higher Framerate = good or bad?|date=May 2023}}</ref> for 60 FPS see [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 
|120 fps                    = hackable
 
|120 fps                    = hackable
 
|120 fps notes              = A source port is required. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 
|120 fps notes              = A source port is required. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 +
|hdr                        = unknown
 +
|hdr notes                  =
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
 
{{Image|Descent Remapping.png|In-game key map settings.}}
 
{{Image|Descent Remapping.png|In-game key map settings.}}
−
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
Line 141: Line 181:
 
|mouse menu                = hackable
 
|mouse menu                = hackable
 
|mouse menu notes          = A source port is required. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 
|mouse menu notes          = A source port is required. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
−
|mouse sensitivity        = unknown
+
|mouse sensitivity        = true
 
|mouse sensitivity notes  =  
 
|mouse sensitivity notes  =  
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = true
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = true
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
 +
|touchscreen              = unknown
 +
|touchscreen notes        =
 
|controller support        = true
 
|controller support        = true
 
|controller support notes  = A source port adds modern controller support. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 
|controller support notes  = A source port adds modern controller support. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
Line 151: Line 193:
 
|controller remap          = true
 
|controller remap          = true
 
|controller remap notes    =  
 
|controller remap notes    =  
−
|controller sensitivity    = unknown
+
|controller sensitivity    = true
 
|controller sensitivity notes=  
 
|controller sensitivity notes=  
 
|invert controller y-axis  = true
 
|invert controller y-axis  = true
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
−
|touchscreen               = unknown
+
|xinput controllers        = unknown
−
|touchscreen notes        =  
+
|xinput controllers notes  =
−
|button prompts            = unknown
+
|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=  
 +
|button prompts            = Generic
 
|button prompts notes      =  
 
|button prompts notes      =  
 
|controller hotplug        = unknown
 
|controller hotplug        = unknown
Line 163: Line 225:
 
|haptic feedback          = unknown
 
|haptic feedback          = unknown
 
|haptic feedback notes    =  
 
|haptic feedback notes    =  
−
|light bar support        = unknown
+
|simultaneous input        = true
−
|light bar support notes   =  
+
|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
+
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume notes    =  
 
|separate volume notes    =  
Line 177: Line 249:
 
|closed captions          = false
 
|closed captions          = false
 
|closed captions notes    =  
 
|closed captions notes    =  
−
|mute on focus lost      = true
+
|mute on focus lost      = false
−
|mute on focus lost notes = Can be enabled through [[DOSBox]]'s priority settings (use the pause emulation option).
+
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|eax support              =  
 
|eax support              =  
−
|eax support notes        =  
+
|eax support notes         =
 +
|royalty free audio        = unknown
 +
|royalty free audio notes  =
 +
|red book cd audio       = true
 +
|red book cd audio notes  = Mac OS CD-ROM version only.
 +
|general midi audio      = true
 +
|general midi audio notes = DOS version only.
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 187: Line 265:
 
  |language  = English
 
  |language  = English
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
−
  |audio    = true
+
  |audio    = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
−
  |fan notes =  
+
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Brazilian Portuguese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Retail only.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961202015234/http://www.sinfo.net/nwi/port.html|title=New World Interactive (1996)|date=2023-06-12}}</ref>
 +
  |fan       =  
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
Line 237: Line 322:
 
|native 3d                  = hackable
 
|native 3d                  = hackable
 
|native 3d notes            = Use [http://www.descent2.de D2X-XL] (anaglyph, 3D TV).<ref name="VR">[http://www.descent2.de/d2x-about.html D2X-XL - Descent (video game) revived and enhanced!About D2X-XL.]</ref>
 
|native 3d notes            = Use [http://www.descent2.de D2X-XL] (anaglyph, 3D TV).<ref name="VR">[http://www.descent2.de/d2x-about.html D2X-XL - Descent (video game) revived and enhanced!About D2X-XL.]</ref>
−
|nvidia 3d vision            = unknown
+
|nvidia 3d vision            = hackable
−
|nvidia 3d vision notes      =  
+
|nvidia 3d vision notes      = See [https://helixmod.blogspot.com/2018/12/descent-1-2-dxx-rebirth-opengl.html Descent 1 - 2 (DXX-Rebirth) &#91;OpenGL&#93;].
 
|tridef 3d                  = unknown
 
|tridef 3d                  = unknown
 
|tridef 3d notes            =  
 
|tridef 3d notes            =  
 
|iz3d                        = unknown
 
|iz3d                        = unknown
 
|iz3d notes                  =  
 
|iz3d notes                  =  
 +
|vorpx                      = true
 +
|vorpx modes                = G3D
 +
|vorpx notes                = Officially supported game trough [http://www.descent2.de D2X-XL], see [https://www.vorpx.com/supported-games/ official vorpx game list].
 +
|vr only                    = false
 
|htc vive                    = false
 
|htc vive                    = false
 
|htc vive notes              =  
 
|htc vive notes              =  
Line 249: Line 338:
 
|osvr                        = unknown
 
|osvr                        = unknown
 
|osvr notes                  =  
 
|osvr notes                  =  
−
|tracked motion controllers  = unknown
+
|windows mixed reality      = unknown
−
|tracked motion controllers notes=  
+
|windows mixed reality notes =  
 +
|forte vfx1                  = true
 +
|forte vfx1 notes            = Said to have added support in the game's v1.4a patch.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.mindflux.com.au/products/iis/vfx1soft.html|title=VFX1 Headgear Compatible Softwater - Mindflux|date=May 2023}}</ref> Unknown if any source ports support the headset.
 
|keyboard-mouse              = true
 
|keyboard-mouse              = true
 
|keyboard-mouse notes        =  
 
|keyboard-mouse notes        =  
Line 257: Line 348:
 
|novint falcon              =  
 
|novint falcon              =  
 
|novint falcon notes        =  
 
|novint falcon notes        =  
−
|trackir                    =  
+
|trackir                    = true
−
|trackir notes              =  
+
|trackir notes              = Supports: Yaw, Pitch, Roll, X, Y, Z (Descent: D2X-XL).
−
|play area seated            =  
+
|tobii eye tracking          =
 +
|tobii eye tracking notes    =  
 +
|play area seated            = true
 
|play area seated notes      =  
 
|play area seated notes      =  
−
|play area standing          =  
+
|play area standing          = unknown
 
|play area standing notes    =  
 
|play area standing notes    =  
−
|play area room-scale        =  
+
|play area room-scale        = unknown
 
|play area room-scale notes  =  
 
|play area room-scale notes  =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 275: Line 368:
 
|directdraw notes      =  
 
|directdraw notes      =  
 
|opengl versions        = 1.0
 
|opengl versions        = 1.0
−
|opengl notes          = Requires a source port or official OpenGL patch from interplay. Also is a selectable rendering option in [[DOSBox]].
+
|opengl notes          = Requires a source port or official OpenGL patch from interplay.
−
|glide versions        = Unknown
+
|glide versions        =  
−
|glide notes            = Requires an official patch from interplay. Also require a fork of [[DOSBox]] with Glide support if being player in DOSBox.
+
|glide notes            =  
 
|software mode          = true
 
|software mode          = true
 
|software mode notes    = Default mode in source ports and only mode without graphics patch from interplay
 
|software mode notes    = Default mode in source ports and only mode without graphics patch from interplay
Line 284: Line 377:
 
|metal support          =  
 
|metal support          =  
 
|metal support notes    =  
 
|metal support notes    =  
−
|vulkan support        =  
+
|vulkan versions        =  
−
|vulkan support notes   =  
+
|vulkan notes           =  
−
|dos modes              = VGA & SVGA
+
|dos modes              = VGA, SVGA
 
|dos modes notes        =  
 
|dos modes notes        =  
 
|shader model versions  = unknown
 
|shader model versions  = unknown
 
|shader model notes    = Requires [http://www.descent2.de D2X-XL]
 
|shader model notes    = Requires [http://www.descent2.de D2X-XL]
−
|64-bit executable     = hackable
+
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
−
|64-bit executable notes= Requires a source port
+
|windows 64-bit exe    = hackable
 +
|windows arm app        = unknown
 +
|windows exe notes      = 64-bit requires a source port.
 +
|mac os x powerpc app  = hackable
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app = hackable
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app = unknown
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 +
|macos app notes        = OS X support requires a source port.
 +
|linux powerpc app      = hackable
 +
|linux 32-bit executable= hackable
 +
|linux 64-bit executable= hackable
 +
|linux arm app          = hackable
 +
|linux 68k app          = unknown
 +
|linux executable notes = Requires a source port.
 +
|mac os powerpc app    = true
 +
|mac os 68k app        = unknown
 +
|mac os executable notes=
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Middleware===
 +
{{Middleware
 +
|physics          =
 +
|physics notes    =
 +
|audio            = Human Machine Interface (HMI) audio drivers
 +
|audio notes      =
 +
|interface        =
 +
|interface notes  =
 +
|input            =
 +
|input notes      =
 +
|cutscenes        =
 +
|cutscenes notes  =
 +
|multiplayer      =
 +
|multiplayer notes=
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 308: Line 433:
 
|recRAM  = 8 MB
 
|recRAM  = 8 MB
 
|recGPU  = SVGA
 
|recGPU  = SVGA
−
}}
 
−
 
−
{{System requirements
 
−
|OSfamily = Mac OS
 
−
 
−
|minOS    = System 7 (classic)
 
−
|minCPU  = PowerPC 601 90MHz
 
−
|minRAM  = 8 MB (3 can be virtual memory)
 
−
|minHD    = 18 MB
 
−
|minGPU  = 640x480 display with 256 colors
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 332: Line 447:
 
|recRAM  = 1 GB
 
|recRAM  = 1 GB
 
|recDX    = 9
 
|recDX    = 9
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{System requirements
 +
|OSfamily = Mac OS
 +
 +
|minOS    = System 7 (classic)
 +
|minCPU  = PowerPC 601 90 MHz
 +
|minRAM  = 8 MB (3 can be virtual memory)
 +
|minHD    = 18 MB
 +
|minGPU  = 640x480 display with 256 colors
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 342: Line 467:
 
|minVRAM  = 64 MB
 
|minVRAM  = 64 MB
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
{{System requirements
 +
|OSfamily = Linux
 +
|minOS    = Ubuntu 16.04
 +
|minCPU  = 2.0 GHz
 +
|minRAM  = 1 GB
 +
|minHD    = 50 MB
 +
|minGPU  = OpenGL compatible
 +
|minVRAM  = 256 MB
 +
 +
|recOS    =
 +
|recCPU  =
 +
|recRAM  =
 +
|recHD    =
 +
|recGPU  =
 +
}}
 +
{{ii}}Supported Sound Cards: Sound Blaster (Pro, 16, AWE32); Media Vision Pro-Audio Spectrum (Plus, 16, Studio); Gravis Ultrasound; Roland MT-32/LAPC-1/SCC-1 (music only)
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}

Latest revision as of 14:40, 3 November 2023

Descent
Descent cover
Developers
Parallax Software
Mac OS (Classic) Interplay Entertainment
Publishers
Interplay Entertainment
Release dates
DOS March 17, 1995[1]
Windows March 17, 1995[1]
Mac OS (Classic) November 1995[2]
Windows (DOSBox) July 22, 2008
macOS (OS X) (DOSBox) October 25, 2012[3]
Linux (DOSBox) September 23, 2021
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives First-person
Controls Direct control
Genres Action, FPS, Shooter, Vehicle combat
Vehicles Space flight
Art styles Realistic
Themes Sci-fi
Series Descent
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Descent on HowLongToBeat
Descent on IGDB
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Descent guide on StrategyWiki
Descent on MobyGames
Descent on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Descent
Descent 1995
Descent II 1996
Descent 3 1999
Descent (cancelled) renamed to S.T.F.U (Ships That Fight Underground) April 2024

Descent is a singleplayer and multiplayer first-person action, FPS, shooter and vehicle combat game in the Descent series.

Key points

Engine is open source with modern multi-platform ports available. It is highly recommended to use either D1X-Rebirth or D2X-XL.

General information

GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
GOG.com Support Page
Steam Community Discussions
Descent source code download page

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
DRM-free
DOS
Windows
Mac OS
Epic Games Store
DRM details are not known
Windows
macOS (OS X)
GOG.com
DRM-free
 DOS version pre-packaged with DOSBox.[4]
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Steam
Icon overlay.png
 DOS version pre-packaged with DOSBox.[5]
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux

Version differences

The classic Mac OS version was substantially improved during the porting process. It features high-res (640x480 vs DOS's 320x200) menus, backgrounds, fonts & briefing images. It also had studio quality audio tracks. This version would later be used as the base for the PlayStation version, which additionally had intro videos (verses slides) and simple lighting effects. D1X-Rebirth supports the Mac OS data files though Windows users may require these patches.

Monetization

DLC and expansion packs

The PlayStation version included additional multiplayer maps ("anarchy levels"). Although porting them to the PC would theoretically be simple, no attempt has been made.
Name Notes
Levels of the World
DOS
Mac OS
Anniversary's bonus levels (no official name given) Also included with The Definitive Collection
DOS
In addition to the add ons above, Interplay had many map making competitions which some players considered to be the game's unofficial 3rd DLC. Although no official compilation has been made, a user on gog.com has made one of his own with almost all competition entries included. It can be downloaded here.

Essential improvements

Source ports

This is a selective list of source ports available for Descent. These ports are major upgrades to the game and will improve almost all aspects of the game. Most notably, these ports support Windows, OS X, and Linux natively without the need for DOSBox.
The base game files required for these source ports to work are descent.hog and descent.pig. These can be obtained from the game's installation folder or the install disc.
Name Description
D1X-Rebirth Focused mostly on maintaining original gameplay and being authentic. Feature List
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
D2X-XL Focused mostly on graphical and gameplay improvements. Changelog/Feature List
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
DXX-Retro Based on DXX-Rebirth. Focused mostly on improving multiplayer. Source & Changelog
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Project D2X Very old source port, hasn't been updated in a long time. This project was the base for DXX-Rebirth & XL
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
DOS

Game data

In-game general settings.
In-game general settings.

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
DOS <path-to-game>\
Windows <path-to-game>\[Note 1]
Mac OS (Classic)
macOS (OS X) <path-to-game> (mounted in DOSBox)[Note 2]
Linux <path-to-game> (mounted in DOSBox)[Note 2]
It's unknown whether this game follows the XDG Base Directory Specification on Linux. Please fill in this information.

Save game data location

System Location
DOS <path-to-game>\
Windows <path-to-game>\[Note 1]
Mac OS (Classic)
macOS (OS X) <path-to-game> (mounted in DOSBox)[Note 2]
Linux <path-to-game> (mounted in DOSBox)[Note 2]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
Epic Games Launcher
GOG Galaxy
Steam Cloud

Video

In-game video settings.
In-game video settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
 A source port is required. See Source ports.
Multi-monitor
 
 Use D1X-Rebirth (D2X-XL has incorrect scaling).
Ultra-widescreen
 
 Use D1X-Rebirth (D2X-XL has incorrect scaling).
4K Ultra HD
 
Field of view (FOV)
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)
A source port is required. See Source ports.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
A source port is required. See Source ports.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
A source port is required. See Source ports.
60 FPS
Capped at 50 FPS;[6] for 60 FPS see Source ports.
120+ FPS
A source port is required. See Source ports.
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Input

In-game key map settings.
In-game key map settings.

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
A source port is required. See Source ports.
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
A source port adds modern controller support. See Source ports.
Full controller support
Controller remapping
Controller sensitivity
Controller Y-axis inversion
Controller types
XInput-compatible controllers
PlayStation controllers
Tracked motion controllers
Generic/other controllers
Additional information
Button prompts Input settings icon - Generic Controller.svg
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M

Audio

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
Subtitles
No Audio Dialogue to subtitle.
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
For DOSBox change the priority background value in the DOSBox configuration file.
Royalty free audio
Red Book CD audio
Mac OS CD-ROM version only.
General MIDI audio
DOS version only.

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Brazilian Portuguese
Retail only.[7]

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
8 Versus, Co-op
Online play
8 Versus, Co-op

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
Self-hosting
Direct IP

VR support

3D modes State Notes
Native 3D
Use D2X-XL (anaglyph, 3D TV).[8]
Nvidia 3D Vision
See Descent 1 - 2 (DXX-Rebirth) [OpenGL].
vorpX
G3D
Officially supported game trough D2X-XL, see official vorpx game list.
Headsets
SteamVR
This game might be playable with the Revive Compatibility Layer (compatibility list).
Oculus VR (LibOVR)
Use D2X-XL.[8]
Windows Mixed Reality
This game might be playable with the Revive Compatibility Layer.
Forte VFX1
Said to have added support in the game's v1.4a patch.[9] Unknown if any source ports support the headset.
Devices
Tracked motion controllers
Traditional controller
See Input for details.
Keyboard/Mouse
TrackIR
Supports: Yaw, Pitch, Roll, X, Y, Z (Descent: D2X-XL).
Play area
Seated
Standing
Room-scale

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
OpenGL 1.0 Requires a source port or official OpenGL patch from interplay.
Software renderer
Default mode in source ports and only mode without graphics patch from interplay
DOS video modes VGA, SVGA
ExecutablePPC16-bit 32-bit 64-bitARM Notes
Windows
64-bit requires a source port.
macOS (OS X)
OS X support requires a source port.
Linux
Requires a source port.
Mac OS (Classic)

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Audio Human Machine Interface (HMI) audio drivers

System requirements

DOS
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 5.0 6.2
Processor (CPU) Intel 386 33 MHz Intel 486 33 MHz
System memory (RAM) 4 MB 8 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 25 MB
Video card (GPU) VGA SVGA
Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) XP, Vista, 7, 8 (runs in DOSBox)
Processor (CPU) 1 GHz 1.4 GHz
System memory (RAM) 512 MB 1 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 25 MB
Video card (GPU) DirectX 7 compatible DirectX 9 compatible
Mac OS
Minimum
Operating system (OS) System 7 (classic)
Processor (CPU) PowerPC 601 90 MHz
System memory (RAM) 8 MB (3 can be virtual memory)
Hard disk drive (HDD) 18 MB
Video card (GPU) 640x480 display with 256 colors
macOS (OS X)
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 10.6.8 "Snow Leopard" (runs in DOSBox)
Processor (CPU) Intel Core Duo 2 GHz
System memory (RAM) 1 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD)
Video card (GPU) 64 MB of VRAM
Linux
Minimum
Operating system (OS) Ubuntu 16.04
Processor (CPU) 2.0 GHz
System memory (RAM) 1 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 50 MB
Video card (GPU) OpenGL compatible
256 MB of VRAM
Supported Sound Cards: Sound Blaster (Pro, 16, AWE32); Media Vision Pro-Audio Spectrum (Plus, 16, Studio); Gravis Ultrasound; Roland MT-32/LAPC-1/SCC-1 (music only)


Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 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).
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 File/folder structure within the installation folder reflects the path(s) listed for DOS game data.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 DESCENT - Press Release (retrieved) - last accessed on 2023-06-02
  2. ↑ MacPlay: October 10, 1995 (retrieved) - last accessed on 2023-10-16
    "This Mac User Group-only competition commences in mid-November, when the Macintosh version of the game is set to release."
  3. ↑ GOG.com adds Interplay games for Mac OS X - GOG.com (retrieved) - last accessed on 2023-10-16
  4. ↑ List of GOG games using DOSBox, page 1 - Forum - GOG.com - last accessed on May 2023
  5. ↑ Native or DOSBOX? :: Descent General Discussions - last accessed on May 2023
  6. ↑ Higher Framerate = good or bad? - last accessed on May 2023
  7. ↑ New World Interactive (1996) - last accessed on 2023-06-12
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 D2X-XL - Descent (video game) revived and enhanced!About D2X-XL.
  9. ↑ VFX1 Headgear Compatible Softwater - Mindflux - last accessed on May 2023