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Difference between revisions of "Descent II"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
 
(75 intermediate revisions by 26 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|March 13, 1996}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|DOS|March 13, 1996|ref=<ref name="release">{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000903055545/http://interplay.com/press/diifnlpr.html|title=Interplay Releases Descent II (retrieved)|date=2023-06-02}}</ref>}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|March 13, 1996}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|March 13, 1996|ref=<ref name="release"/>}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|1997}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|1997}}
−
{{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|Unknown|wrapper=DOSBox}}
 +
|reception    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|descent-ii|89}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|OpenCritic|link|rating}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|descent-ii|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  = 273580
 
|steam appid  = 273580
−
|gogcom page  = descent_1_descent_2
+
|gogcom id    = 1207663093
 +
|official site= http://interplay.com/games/descent.php
 +
|hltb        = 2458
 +
|lutris      = descent-2
 +
|mobygames    = 694
 
|strategywiki =  
 
|strategywiki =  
 
|wikipedia    = Descent II
 
|wikipedia    = Descent II
 
|winehq      = 5816
 
|winehq      = 5816
 +
|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 [https://www.dxx-rebirth.com/ D2X-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|1207663093|descent_series|for game series}}
−
{{GOG.com links|descent_2|descent_series|for game series}}
+
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/273580/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
−
{{mm}} [http://steamcommunity.com/app/273580/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 
 
{{mm}} [http://www.descent2.com/ddn/sources/descent2/ Descent II source code download page]
 
{{mm}} [http://www.descent2.com/ddn/sources/descent2/ Descent II source code download page]
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
−
{{Availability/row| Retail | | unknown | | | DOS, Windows, Mac OS }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | Startup disc check | | DOS, Windows, Mac OS }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Epic Games Store | descent-ii-fe049e | unknown | | | Windows, OS X }}
 +
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | descent_2 | 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 }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Steam | 273580 | Steam |  DOS version pre-packaged with [[DOSBox]]. | | 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>
+
{{ii}} A demo version is available from [https://archive.org/details/descent-2-demo Archive.org].
  
 +
===Version differences===
 +
{{ii}} The Infinite Abyss and Definitive Collection have slightly remixed versions of the game's soundtrack.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012100242/http://www.descent2.com/goodies/music/d2_tracklist.shtml|title=Descent 2 Tracklist|date=May 2023}}</ref>
 +
 +
==Monetization==
 
{{DLC|
 
{{DLC|
 
{{DLC/row| Vertigo Series |  | DOS }}
 
{{DLC/row| Vertigo Series |  | DOS }}
−
{{DLC/row| Descent: Maximum (unofficial) | Descent: Maximum was the PSX version of Descent 2. It can be played on the PC via a total conversion. | N/A }}
 
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{ii}} Descent: Maximum (the total conversion) can be downloaded free [http://www.enspiar.com/dmdb/viewMission.php?id=705 here], being fan content.
 
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
 +
===Patches===
 +
{{ii}} The latest official patch 1.2 (DOS, Mac, Win95/98), Rendition Vérité patch (requires patch 1.2) and S3 ViRGE patch are available at [https://soggi.org/misc/game-patches.htm soggi.org].
 +
{{ii}} The 3dfx-patch Release 6 is available at [https://soggi.org/misc/3dfx-voodoo-game-patches.htm soggi.org].
 +
{{ii}} [https://dbb.d3k.org/viewtopic.php?t=21386 Unofficial Unauthorized D2 Sound Patch] - Corrects D1 robot sounds in D2.
 +
{{ii}} Descent 2 DOS 3dfx modded-patch v1.06b that has no cd and no ship bobbing (ship bobbing speed is tied to framerate and is too fast on modern systems with original code) available at [https://archive.org/details/d-2-3dfx-b-nocd-noshipbob] for DOSBOX Enhanced Community Edition [https://dosboxece.yesterplay.net/]
 +
 
===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 II. 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.
  
−
====[http://www.dxx-rebirth.com/ DXX-Rebirth]====
+
{{Source ports table|content=
−
Focussed mostly on maintaining original gameplay and being authentic.
+
{{Source ports table/row| D2X-Rebirth | url=https://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]====
+
===Descent: Maximum===
−
Two very old source port, 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.
+
{{ii}} Descent: Maximum was the PlayStation version of Descent II. An unofficial total conversion can be downloaded [https://sectorgame.com/dxma/mission/?m=705 here].
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
−
{{Game data/row|DOS|}}
+
{{Game data/config|DOS|}}
−
{{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|}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Save game data location===
 
===Save game data location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
−
{{Game data/row|DOS|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|DOS|}}
−
{{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|}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[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 II Video.png|In-game video settings.}}
 
{{Image|Descent II Video.png|In-game video settings.}}
 
{{Image|Descent II Resolution.png|In-game screen resolution settings.}}
 
{{Image|Descent II Resolution.png|In-game screen resolution settings.}}
−
{{Image|GOG.com DOSBox Configurator v2.png|Graphics settings (GOG.com version)}}
+
{{Video
−
{{Video settings
+
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/descent-ii
−
|wsgf link                  = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/descent-ii
 
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = limited
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = limited
Line 104: Line 143:
 
|widescreen resolution notes= A source port is required. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 
|widescreen resolution notes= A source port is required. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 
|multimonitor              = hackable
 
|multimonitor              = hackable
−
|multimonitor notes        = Use [http://www.dxx-rebirth.com D2X-Rebirth] (D2X-XL has incorrect scaling).
+
|multimonitor notes        = Use [https://www.dxx-rebirth.com D2X-Rebirth] (D2X-XL has incorrect scaling).
 
|ultrawidescreen            = hackable
 
|ultrawidescreen            = hackable
−
|ultrawidescreen notes      = Use [http://www.dxx-rebirth.com D2X-Rebirth] (D2X-XL has incorrect scaling).
+
|ultrawidescreen notes      = Use [https://www.dxx-rebirth.com D2X-Rebirth] (D2X-XL has incorrect scaling).
 
|4k ultra hd                = unknown
 
|4k ultra hd                = unknown
 
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
 
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
 
|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 119: Line 158:
 
|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]].
Line 125: Line 167:
 
|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 II Remapping.png|In-game key map settings.}}
 
{{Image|Descent II Remapping.png|In-game key map settings.}}
−
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
Line 142: Line 186:
 
|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 152: Line 198:
 
|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
−
|button prompts notes     =  
+
|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        = unknown
 
|controller hotplug notes  =  
 
|controller hotplug notes  =  
 
|haptic feedback          = unknown
 
|haptic feedback          = unknown
 
|haptic feedback notes    =  
 
|haptic feedback notes    =  
−
|light bar support        = unknown
+
|simultaneous input        = unknown
−
|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 174: Line 248:
 
|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  = Choice of Red Book or MIDI music (configured with {{code|SETUP.EXE}}).
 +
|general midi audio      = true
 +
|general midi audio notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 188: Line 268:
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
−
  |fan notes =  
+
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Russian
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    = [https://www.old-games.ru/game/download/get.php?fileid=20123&modal=1 Fan translation by users site «Descent2.ru»]
 +
  |fan       = true
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
Line 234: Line 321:
 
|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 through [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 246: Line 337:
 
|osvr                        = unknown
 
|osvr                        = unknown
 
|osvr notes                  =  
 
|osvr notes                  =  
−
|tracked motion controllers  =  
+
|windows mixed reality      = unknown
−
|tracked motion controllers notes=  
+
|windows mixed reality notes =  
−
|keyboard-mouse              =  
+
|forte vfx1                  = true
 +
|forte vfx1 notes            = Said to have added support with the game's v1.1 patch.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.mindflux.com.au/products/iis/vfx1soft.html|title=VFX1 Headgear Compatible Softwater - Mindflux|date=May 2023}}</ref> May also work with v1.2, though this has not been confirmed. Unknown if any source ports support the headset.
 +
|keyboard-mouse              = true
 
|keyboard-mouse notes        =  
 
|keyboard-mouse notes        =  
 
|3rd space gaming vest      =  
 
|3rd space gaming vest      =  
Line 256: Line 349:
 
|trackir                    =  
 
|trackir                    =  
 
|trackir notes              =  
 
|trackir notes              =  
−
|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  =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Other information==
 
==Other information==
 +
{{ii}} Also supported the now antiquated RRedline graphics API for Rendition Redline cards.
 +
{{ii}} Also supported the now antiquated S3D graphics API for S3 ViRGE cards.
 +
{{ii}} Also supported the antiquated QuickDraw 3D/RAVE API on the classic Mac OS.
 
===API===
 
===API===
 
{{API
 
{{API
 
|direct3d versions      =  
 
|direct3d versions      =  
 
|direct3d notes        =  
 
|direct3d notes        =  
−
|directdraw versions    =  
+
|directdraw versions    = 2.1
−
|directdraw notes      =  
+
|directdraw notes      = Requires the Windows 95/98 patch.
 
|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.
 
|glide versions        = unknown
 
|glide versions        = unknown
−
|glide notes            = Requires an official patch from interplay. Also require a fork of [[DOSBox]] with Glide support if being player in DOSBox.
+
|glide notes            = Requires an official patch from interplay. Also requires a fork of [[DOSBox]] with Glide support if being played in DOSBox.
 
|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 patches from interplay
 
|mantle support        =  
 
|mantle support        =  
 
|mantle support notes  =  
 
|mantle support notes  =  
 
|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 298: Line 428:
 
|minCPU  = Intel 486DX 50 MHz
 
|minCPU  = Intel 486DX 50 MHz
 
|minRAM  = 8 MB
 
|minRAM  = 8 MB
−
|minHD    = 700 MB
+
|minHD    = 50 MB
 
|minGPU  = SVGA video card
 
|minGPU  = SVGA video card
  
Line 304: Line 434:
 
|recCPU  = Intel Pentium
 
|recCPU  = Intel Pentium
 
|recRAM  = 16 MB
 
|recRAM  = 16 MB
 +
|recHD    = 300 MB
 
|recGPU  =  
 
|recGPU  =  
 +
|recaudio = 16-bit stereo sound card with general MIDI support
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 311: Line 443:
  
 
|minOS    = System 7 (classic)
 
|minOS    = System 7 (classic)
−
|minCPU  = PowerPC 601 90MHz
+
|minCPU  = PowerPC 601 90 MHz
 
|minRAM  = 8 MB (3 can be virtual memory)
 
|minRAM  = 8 MB (3 can be virtual memory)
 
|minHD    = 18 MB
 
|minHD    = 18 MB
Line 340: Line 472:
 
|minVRAM  = 64 MB
 
|minVRAM  = 64 MB
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{ii}}Supported Sound Cards: Sound Blaster (Pro, 16, AWE32); Media Vision Pro-Audio Spectrum (Plus, 16, Studio); Gravis Ultrasound/Max; Roland SCC-1 (MIDI music only)
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}

Latest revision as of 15:33, 16 October 2023

Descent II
Descent II cover
Developers
Parallax Software
Mac OS (Classic) Interplay Entertainment
Publishers
Interplay Entertainment
Release dates
DOS March 13, 1996[1]
Windows March 13, 1996[1]
Mac OS (Classic) 1997
Windows (DOSBox) July 22, 2008
macOS (OS X) (DOSBox) October 25, 2012[2]
Linux (DOSBox) Unknown
Reception
Metacritic 89
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 II on HowLongToBeat
Descent II on IGDB
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
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Icon overlay.png
Descent II on MobyGames
Descent II on Wikipedia
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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 II 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 D2X-Rebirth or D2X-XL.

General information

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

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
 Startup disc check
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.[3]
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Steam
Icon overlay.png
 DOS version pre-packaged with DOSBox.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
A demo version is available from Archive.org.

Version differences

The Infinite Abyss and Definitive Collection have slightly remixed versions of the game's soundtrack.[4]

Monetization

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Vertigo Series
DOS

Essential improvements

Patches

The latest official patch 1.2 (DOS, Mac, Win95/98), Rendition Vérité patch (requires patch 1.2) and S3 ViRGE patch are available at soggi.org.
The 3dfx-patch Release 6 is available at soggi.org.
Unofficial Unauthorized D2 Sound Patch - Corrects D1 robot sounds in D2.
Descent 2 DOS 3dfx modded-patch v1.06b that has no cd and no ship bobbing (ship bobbing speed is tied to framerate and is too fast on modern systems with original code) available at [1] for DOSBOX Enhanced Community Edition [2]

Source ports

This is a selective list of source ports available for Descent II. 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.
Name Description
D2X-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

Descent: Maximum

Descent: Maximum was the PlayStation version of Descent II. An unofficial total conversion can be downloaded here.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

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

Save game data location

System Location
DOS
Windows <path-to-game>\[Note 1]
Mac OS (Classic)
macOS (OS X) <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.
In-game screen resolution settings.
In-game screen resolution settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
 A source port is required. See Source ports.
Multi-monitor
 
 Use D2X-Rebirth (D2X-XL has incorrect scaling).
Ultra-widescreen
 
 Use D2X-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
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
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M

Audio

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
Subtitles
Available through D2X-XL
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
Choice of Red Book or MIDI music (configured with SETUP.EXE).
General MIDI audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Russian
Fan translation by users site «Descent2.ru»

Network

Multiplayer types

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

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).[5]
Nvidia 3D Vision
See Descent 1 - 2 (DXX-Rebirth) [OpenGL].
vorpX
G3D
Officially supported game through 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.[5]
Windows Mixed Reality
This game might be playable with the Revive Compatibility Layer.
Forte VFX1
Said to have added support with the game's v1.1 patch.[6] May also work with v1.2, though this has not been confirmed. Unknown if any source ports support the headset.
Devices
Tracked motion controllers
Traditional controller
See Input for details.
Keyboard/Mouse
Play area
Seated
Standing
Room-scale

Other information

Also supported the now antiquated RRedline graphics API for Rendition Redline cards.
Also supported the now antiquated S3D graphics API for S3 ViRGE cards.
Also supported the antiquated QuickDraw 3D/RAVE API on the classic Mac OS.

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
DirectDraw 2.1 Requires the Windows 95/98 patch.
OpenGL 1.0 Requires a source port.
Glide
Requires an official patch from interplay. Also requires a fork of DOSBox with Glide support if being played in DOSBox.
Software renderer
Default mode in source ports and only mode without graphics patches 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 486DX 50 MHz Intel Pentium
System memory (RAM) 8 MB 16 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 50 MB 300 MB
Video card (GPU) SVGA video card
Sound (audio device) 16-bit stereo sound card with general MIDI support
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
Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 95 98
Processor (CPU) Intel 486DX 50 MHz Intel Pentium
System memory (RAM) 16 MB 32 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 700 MB
Video card (GPU) SVGA video card
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
Supported Sound Cards: Sound Blaster (Pro, 16, AWE32); Media Vision Pro-Audio Spectrum (Plus, 16, Studio); Gravis Ultrasound/Max; Roland SCC-1 (MIDI 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 File/folder structure within the installation folder reflects the path(s) listed for DOS game data.

References