Difference between revisions of "MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries"
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{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
{{Infobox game | {{Infobox game | ||
− | |cover = MechWarrior 2 - Mercenaries | + | |cover = MechWarrior 2- Mercenaries (PC Cover).png |
|developers = | |developers = | ||
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Activision}} | {{Infobox game/row/developer|Activision}} | ||
|publishers = | |publishers = | ||
|engines = | |engines = | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/engine|MechWarrior 2}} | ||
|release dates= | |release dates= | ||
− | {{Infobox game/row/date|DOS|1996}} | + | {{Infobox game/row/date|DOS|September 25, 1996|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980210124918/http://www.ogr.com/news/news0996.html|title=Online Gaming Review|date=2024-03-31}} (archived)</ref>}} |
− | {{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|1996}} | + | {{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|September 25, 1996}} |
+ | |taxonomy = | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization | One-time game purchase }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }} | ||
+ | {{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 | Vehicle combat }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles | Robot }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles | Stylized }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes | Sci-fi }} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series | MechWarrior }} | ||
|steam appid = | |steam appid = | ||
− | |gogcom | + | |gogcom id = |
+ | |hltb = 19617 | ||
|strategywiki = MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries | |strategywiki = MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries | ||
+ | |mobygames = 1710 | ||
|wikipedia = MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries | |wikipedia = MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries | ||
|winehq = 3526 | |winehq = 3526 | ||
+ | |license = commercial | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | |||
− | ''' | + | {{Introduction |
− | + | |introduction = '''''MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries''''' is the second expansion pack for the 1995 [[Glossary:Sci-fi|sci-fi]] [[Glossary:Vehicle combat|vehicle combat]] game ''[[MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat]]''. Unlike ''Ghost Bear's Legacy'', it is standalone and does not require the base game to play. It includes its own set of campaigns for various mercenary groups, as well as all 'Mechs from ''31st Century Combat'' and ''Ghost Bear's Legacy''. It has its own version of the multiplayer client ''NetMech'', called ''MercNet'', which this time comes bundled with the main game. | |
− | + | ||
+ | |release history = Like the original, ''Mercenaries'' had several different releases; see [[#Version differences|Version differences]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |current state = On modern systems, the DOS version of the game is commonly played via [[#MechVM|MechVM]]. However, the Windows-native versions do not work on Windows 8 and later.<ref name="Windows 8 Zeus">[https://www.zeus-software.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2305#p2305 Forum | Zeus Software • View topic - Mechwarrior 2: 31st Century Combat compatibility list error]</ref><ref name="Windows 8 MechVM">MechVM Manual.pdf</ref> | ||
+ | }} | ||
==Availability== | ==Availability== | ||
Line 25: | Line 43: | ||
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | | | DOS, Windows}} | {{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | | | DOS, Windows}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | {{ii}} | + | {{ii}} A free demo version is available from [https://archive.org/details/MechWarrior2Mercenaries_1020 Archive.org]. |
===Version differences=== | ===Version differences=== | ||
− | {{ii}} The Titanium Trilogy includes Mercenaries as well as [[MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat]] | + | {{ii}} The Titanium Trilogy includes Mercenaries as well as [[MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat]] and Ghost Bear's Legacy. However, it has an abbreviated soundtrack and gameplay changes. |
− | {{ii}} The 3Dfx Interactive Edition does not actually include a 3dfx renderer.<ref> | + | {{ii}} The 3Dfx Interactive Edition does not actually include a 3dfx renderer.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.oocities.org/mechwarrior2_3d/FAQ.htm|title=MW2 3D - FAQ|date=May 2023}}</ref> 3dfx support was included in the Titanium version. |
{{ii}} The DOS version uses software rendering. This version can be played in [[DOSBox]]. | {{ii}} The DOS version uses software rendering. This version can be played in [[DOSBox]]. | ||
− | {{ii}} Windows versions can be played using [[#MechVM|MechVM]]. | + | {{ii}} DOS and Windows versions can be played using [[#MechVM|MechVM]]. |
+ | |||
+ | {{DLC| | ||
+ | {{DLC/row| MercNet | Mercenaries equivalent of NetMech. | DOS, Windows}} | ||
+ | }} | ||
==Essential improvements== | ==Essential improvements== | ||
===MechVM=== | ===MechVM=== | ||
− | {{ii}} Windows versions do not work on Windows 8 and later; choose the DOS version when prompted (not included with all Windows versions).<ref name="Windows 8"/> | + | {{ii}} Windows versions do not work on Windows 8 and later; choose the DOS version when prompted (not included with all Windows versions).<ref name="Windows 8 Zeus"/><ref name="Windows 8 MechVM"/> |
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Use MechVM|ref=<ref>[https://www.zeus-software.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=502 Forum | Zeus Software • View topic - Mechwarrior 2: 31st Century Combat compatibility list error]</ref>|fix= |
− | |||
# Download [http://www.mechvm.org MechVM] and extract it. | # Download [http://www.mechvm.org MechVM] and extract it. | ||
− | # Run | + | # Run {{file|mechvm.exe}} and install the game through it. |
− | # Go to the | + | # Go to the {{folder|directx}} folder on the game disc. |
− | # If | + | # If {{file|dplay.dll}} exists, copy it to the Mercenaries installation folder. |
− | # Set | + | # Set {{file|mercswin.exe}} to run in Windows 95 [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]]. |
− | # For versions with 3dfx renderers use [ | + | # For versions with 3dfx renderers, use [https://www.zeus-software.com/downloads/nglide nGlide]. |
}} | }} | ||
===Patches=== | ===Patches=== | ||
− | {{ii}} The [ | + | {{ii}} The [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/352-mechwarrior-2-mercenaries-patch/ v1.1 Patch] fixes various issues and adds dynamic salvage (the original release had pre-determined salvage<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://groups.google.com/group/comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action/msg/23faa70494e81244|title=MW2 - Mercenaries, What's the deal with salvage? - Google Groups|date=May 2023}}</ref>). Battlepack and Titanium versions are already patched. |
===Skip intro videos=== | ===Skip intro videos=== | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Use replacement MINTRO.SMK|fix= |
− | + | Apply the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/455-mechwarrior-2-mercenaries-intro-skip/ MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries intro skip]. | |
− | Apply the [ | ||
}} | }} | ||
Line 59: | Line 79: | ||
===Configuration file(s) location=== | ===Configuration file(s) location=== | ||
{{Game data| | {{Game data| | ||
− | {{Game data/ | + | {{Game data/config|DOS|}} |
− | {{Game data/ | + | {{Game data/config|Windows|}} |
}} | }} | ||
===Save game data location=== | ===Save game data location=== | ||
{{Game data| | {{Game data| | ||
− | {{Game data/ | + | {{Game data/saves|DOS|}} |
− | {{Game data/ | + | {{Game data/saves|Windows|}} |
}} | }} | ||
− | ==Video | + | ==Video== |
− | {{Video | + | {{Video |
− | |wsgf link = | + | |wsgf link = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/mechwarrior-2-mercenaries/en |
|widescreen wsgf award = unsupported | |widescreen wsgf award = unsupported | ||
|multimonitor wsgf award = unsupported | |multimonitor wsgf award = unsupported | ||
Line 86: | Line 106: | ||
|fov = false | |fov = false | ||
|fov notes = | |fov notes = | ||
− | |windowed = | + | |windowed = true |
− | |windowed notes = | + | |windowed notes = Use {{key|Alt|Enter}} to go into windowed mode |
|borderless windowed = unknown | |borderless windowed = unknown | ||
|borderless windowed notes = | |borderless windowed notes = | ||
|anisotropic = hackable | |anisotropic = hackable | ||
− | |anisotropic notes = Install [ | + | |anisotropic notes = Install [https://www.zeus-software.com/downloads/nglide nGlide] and force in the graphics card control panel. |
|antialiasing = hackable | |antialiasing = hackable | ||
− | |antialiasing notes = Install [ | + | |antialiasing notes = Install [https://www.zeus-software.com/downloads/nglide nGlide] and force in the graphics card control panel. |
− | |vsync = | + | |upscaling = unknown |
− | |vsync notes = | + | |upscaling tech = |
+ | |upscaling notes = | ||
+ | |vsync = false | ||
+ | |vsync notes = | ||
|60 fps = unknown | |60 fps = unknown | ||
|60 fps notes = | |60 fps notes = | ||
|120 fps = unknown | |120 fps = unknown | ||
|120 fps notes = | |120 fps notes = | ||
+ | |hdr = unknown | ||
+ | |hdr notes = | ||
|color blind = unknown | |color blind = unknown | ||
|color blind notes = | |color blind notes = | ||
Line 105: | Line 130: | ||
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]=== | ||
− | {{ii}} Versions with 3dfx renderers can run at higher resolutions using nGlide (choice of stretched or pillarboxed 4:3); for Direct3D versions see the [ | + | {{ii}} Versions with 3dfx renderers can run at higher resolutions using nGlide (choice of stretched or pillarboxed 4:3); for Direct3D versions see the [https://www.wsgf.org/dr/mechwarrior-2-mercenaries/en WSGF entry]. |
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Use nGlide|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= |
− | + | # Install [https://www.zeus-software.com/downloads/nglide nGlide]. | |
− | # Install [ | ||
# Run the nGlide configurator from the Start screen/Start menu. | # Run the nGlide configurator from the Start screen/Start menu. | ||
− | # Set | + | # Set the desired resolution. |
# Change aspect ratio to "4:3" for the correct perspective or "fit to screen" for a stretched output. | # Change aspect ratio to "4:3" for the correct perspective or "fit to screen" for a stretched output. | ||
# Select the 3dfx renderer in-game. | # Select the 3dfx renderer in-game. | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | ==Input | + | ===View Distance=== |
− | {{Input | + | {{ii}} A patch to increase the game's view distance is available [http://www.mech2.org/forum/download/file.php?id=44 here]. |
+ | |||
+ | ==Input== | ||
+ | {{Input | ||
|key remap = false | |key remap = false | ||
|key remap notes = | |key remap notes = | ||
Line 128: | Line 155: | ||
|invert mouse y-axis = unknown | |invert mouse y-axis = unknown | ||
|invert mouse y-axis notes = | |invert mouse y-axis notes = | ||
+ | |touchscreen = unknown | ||
+ | |touchscreen notes = | ||
|controller support = true | |controller support = true | ||
|controller support notes = | |controller support notes = | ||
Line 138: | Line 167: | ||
|invert controller y-axis = unknown | |invert controller y-axis = unknown | ||
|invert controller y-axis notes= | |invert controller y-axis notes= | ||
− | | | + | |xinput controllers = unknown |
− | | | + | |xinput controllers notes = |
− | |button prompts | + | |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 = | ||
− | | | + | |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 | + | ==Audio== |
− | {{Audio | + | {{Audio |
|separate volume = unknown | |separate volume = unknown | ||
|separate volume notes = | |separate volume notes = | ||
Line 164: | Line 221: | ||
|eax support = | |eax support = | ||
|eax support notes = | |eax support notes = | ||
+ | |royalty free audio = always on | ||
+ | |royalty free audio notes = | ||
+ | |red book cd audio = true | ||
+ | |red book cd audio notes = | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{L10n|content= | ||
+ | {{L10n/switch | ||
+ | |language = English | ||
+ | |interface = true | ||
+ | |audio = true | ||
+ | |subtitles = unknown | ||
+ | |notes = | ||
+ | |fan = | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{L10n/switch | ||
+ | |language = German | ||
+ | |interface = true | ||
+ | |audio = true | ||
+ | |subtitles = false | ||
+ | |notes = | ||
+ | |fan = | ||
+ | }} | ||
}} | }} | ||
Line 201: | Line 281: | ||
==Issues unresolved== | ==Issues unresolved== | ||
===Windows version crashes on mission launch on Windows 8 or later=== | ===Windows version crashes on mission launch on Windows 8 or later=== | ||
− | {{--}} Windows versions crash on Windows 8 and later; use the DOS version instead.<ref name="Windows 8"/> | + | {{--}} Windows versions crash on Windows 8 and later; use the DOS version instead.<ref name="Windows 8 Zeus"/><ref name="Windows 8 MechVM"/> |
==Issues fixed== | ==Issues fixed== | ||
Line 224: | Line 304: | ||
|metal support = | |metal support = | ||
|metal support notes = | |metal support notes = | ||
− | |vulkan | + | |vulkan versions = |
− | |vulkan | + | |vulkan notes = |
− | |dos modes = | + | |dos modes = unknown |
|dos modes notes = | |dos modes notes = | ||
|shader model versions = | |shader model versions = | ||
|shader model notes = | |shader model notes = | ||
− | |64-bit | + | |windows 32-bit exe = true |
− | |64-bit executable notes= | + | |windows 64-bit exe = false |
+ | |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 238: | Line 328: | ||
|OSfamily = DOS | |OSfamily = DOS | ||
− | |minOS = | + | |minOS = 5.0 |
|minCPU = 486-66 | |minCPU = 486-66 | ||
|minRAM = 8 MB | |minRAM = 8 MB | ||
Line 255: | Line 345: | ||
|minOS = 95 | |minOS = 95 | ||
− | |minCPU = Pentium 100 | + | |minCPU = Intel Pentium 100 |
|minRAM = 16 MB | |minRAM = 16 MB | ||
|minHD = 195 MB | |minHD = 195 MB |
Latest revision as of 15:48, 31 March 2024
Developers | |
---|---|
Activision | |
Engines | |
MechWarrior 2 | |
Release dates | |
DOS | September 25, 1996[1] |
Windows | September 25, 1996 |
Taxonomy | |
Monetization | One-time game purchase |
Modes | Singleplayer, Multiplayer |
Pacing | Real-time |
Perspectives | First-person, Third-person |
Controls | Direct control |
Genres | Vehicle combat |
Vehicles | Robot |
Art styles | Stylized |
Themes | Sci-fi |
Series | MechWarrior |
⤏ Go to series page | |
Subseries of BattleTech | |
MechWarrior | 1989 |
MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat | 1995 |
MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries | 1996 |
MechWarrior 3 | 1999 |
MechWarrior 4: Vengeance | 2000 |
MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries | 2002 |
MechWarrior: Living Legends (unofficial game) | 2009 |
MechWarrior Online | 2012 |
MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries | 2019 |
MechWarrior 5: Clans | 2024 |
MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries is the second expansion pack for the 1995 sci-fi vehicle combat game MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat. Unlike Ghost Bear's Legacy, it is standalone and does not require the base game to play. It includes its own set of campaigns for various mercenary groups, as well as all 'Mechs from 31st Century Combat and Ghost Bear's Legacy. It has its own version of the multiplayer client NetMech, called MercNet, which this time comes bundled with the main game.
Like the original, Mercenaries had several different releases; see Version differences.
On modern systems, the DOS version of the game is commonly played via MechVM. However, the Windows-native versions do not work on Windows 8 and later.[2][3]
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail |
- A free demo version is available from Archive.org.
Version differences
- The Titanium Trilogy includes Mercenaries as well as MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat and Ghost Bear's Legacy. However, it has an abbreviated soundtrack and gameplay changes.
- The 3Dfx Interactive Edition does not actually include a 3dfx renderer.[4] 3dfx support was included in the Titanium version.
- The DOS version uses software rendering. This version can be played in DOSBox.
- DOS and Windows versions can be played using MechVM.
DLC and expansion packs
Name | Notes | |
---|---|---|
MercNet | Mercenaries equivalent of NetMech. |
Essential improvements
MechVM
- Windows versions do not work on Windows 8 and later; choose the DOS version when prompted (not included with all Windows versions).[2][3]
Use MechVM[5] |
---|
|
Patches
- The v1.1 Patch fixes various issues and adds dynamic salvage (the original release had pre-determined salvage[6]). Battlepack and Titanium versions are already patched.
Skip intro videos
Use replacement MINTRO.SMK |
---|
Apply the MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries intro skip. |
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
---|---|
DOS | |
Windows |
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
DOS | |
Windows |
Video
Graphics feature | State | WSGF | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | 4:3 only; for higher 4:3 resolutions see Widescreen resolution. | ||
Multi-monitor | |||
Ultra-widescreen | |||
4K Ultra HD | |||
Field of view (FOV) | |||
Windowed | Use Alt+↵ Enter to go into windowed mode | ||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | |||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | Install nGlide and force in the graphics card control panel. | ||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | Install nGlide and force in the graphics card control panel. | ||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | For DOSBox use an unofficial build (see the glossary page for other workarounds). | ||
60 FPS and 120+ FPS |
Widescreen resolution
- Versions with 3dfx renderers can run at higher resolutions using nGlide (choice of stretched or pillarboxed 4:3); for Direct3D versions see the WSGF entry.
Use nGlide[citation needed] |
---|
|
View Distance
- A patch to increase the game's view distance is available here.
Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | For DOSBox use the DOSBox Mapper (see the glossary page for other workarounds). | |
Mouse acceleration | ||
Mouse sensitivity | ||
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Controller | ||
Controller support | ||
Full controller support | ||
Controller remapping | For DOSBox use the DOSBox Mapper (see the glossary page for other workarounds). | |
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
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | ||
Surround sound | ||
Subtitles | ||
Closed captions | ||
Mute on focus lost | ||
Royalty free audio | ||
Red Book CD audio | On Windows, CD music might not play correctly; see the troubleshooting guide for solutions. |
Localizations
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | ||||
German |
Network
Multiplayer types
Type | Native | Players | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
LAN play | 8 | |||
Online play | 8 | Official servers have been shut down. |
Issues unresolved
Windows version crashes on mission launch on Windows 8 or later
Issues fixed
No music
- The disc must be inserted in CD-ROM 0; see this page for details.
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
DOS video modes |
Executable | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Windows |
System requirements
DOS | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | ||
Operating system (OS) | 5.0 | |
Processor (CPU) | 486-66 | |
System memory (RAM) | 8 MB | |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 45 MB | |
Video card (GPU) | SVGA 256 Color |
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | ||
Operating system (OS) | 95 | |
Processor (CPU) | Intel Pentium 100 | |
System memory (RAM) | 16 MB | |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 195 MB | |
Video card (GPU) | Direct3D or 3dfx compatible |
References
- ↑ Online Gaming Review - last accessed on 2024-03-31 (archived)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Forum | Zeus Software • View topic - Mechwarrior 2: 31st Century Combat compatibility list error
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 MechVM Manual.pdf
- ↑ MW2 3D - FAQ - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Forum | Zeus Software • View topic - Mechwarrior 2: 31st Century Combat compatibility list error
- ↑ MW2 - Mercenaries, What's the deal with salvage? - Google Groups - last accessed on May 2023