__ __ ___ ________ _______ __ ___ ________
| ||\ | ||___\ /________\ /_______\ | ||___\ |', |', |________\
| || \ | | ____ ____ __ | | ____ | '\ | | __
| | \ \ | ||____\ \ \ | \ | ||____\ | ||\| | | |
| |___\ | | |______ ___/ / | \_____ | |______ | || | | |
|_________| |_________\ \_____/ \_______/ |_________\ |___| \___| | |
\ |
F A Q \|
Version 1.15
Compiled by John D. DeCuir (decuirjd@netcom.com).
This is the OFFICIAL Descent FAQ. It provides pointers/answers to the
most Frequently Asked and easily answered Questions about Descent that
often get posted. This edition contains information relevant to the
registered/retail version of Descent, and Shareware Descent version 1.2.
This is NOT a substitution for the README.TXT that comes with Descent.
The README file contains vital information that every Descent-player
should read. This FAQ is intended as an up-to-date supplement, NOT
a substitution.
All specific names included herein are trademarks: Descent, Interplay
Productions, Parallax Software, FlightStick, Gravis GamePad, Pentium,
Intel, Cyrix, Id Software, Doom, Quake, Apogee, Wolfenstein 3D,
IBM, OS/2, OS/2 Warp, PC Gamer, CompuServe, America Online, GEnie,
Microsoft Windows, Smartdrive, Return of the Jedi, Star Wars, Death Star.
Any trademarks not mentioned here are hypothetically acknowledged.
This article is (C) Copyright 1995 by John D. DeCuir. All rights
reserved. You are welcome to make copies and redistribute this article,
as long as it is kept in its original form.
CONTENTS:
[1]. INTRODUCTION
[1a] What is Descent?
[1b] But I already play Doom. Why would I like Descent?
[1c] Who created Descent?
[1c-2] How can I contact Interplay?
[1d] What are the differences between the different releases of Descent?
[1e] Wait, I read somewhere about something called Quake. Isn't this it?
[1f] Will a level editor be released?
[1g] What is needed to run Descent?
[1h] Can I play Descent under OS/2?
[1i] Can I play Descent under Windows?
[1j] Where can I get Descent?
[1k] Is there a Descent newsgroup on Usenet?
[1l] Is there source code available?
[1m] What are the differences between the different robots?
[1n] What are some popular control configurations?
[1o] What are the VCR controls in the Demo Playback?
[1p] What's new in version 1.2?
[1q] What kinds of level editors are out right now?
[2]. TACTICS (or, "Doom Recovery 101")
[2a] Help! I'm lost in the maze.
[2b] I'm having trouble controlling my ship. Any suggestions?
[2c] I can't find places on the map.
[2d] How do I beat the big bad robot at the end of level 7?
[2e] I think Descent is too easy.
[2f] I think Descent is too hard.
[2g] The secret resource: Lava
[2h] What are those yellow tunnels with sparkly things in it?
[2i] What are those purple areas that new ships come out of?
[2j] What are the relative strengths of the weapons?
[2k] What are some multiplayer tactics suggestions?
[3]. CHEATS AND SECRETS
[3a] Is there a list of the secrets in Descent?
[3b] What are the cheat codes?
[3c] Undocumented Map features
[3d] A Walkthrough of Level 7
[3e] A Quick 'n' Dirty approach for stereoscopic (3-D) Descent
[4]. MULTI-PLAYER CAPABILITY
[4a] Can I play with other people?
[4b] Does each computer require a distinct version of the software?
[4c] Why do different computers play differently on a net game?
[4d] Can I play over the Internet?
[4e] Is there a good place to meet other players?
[4f] What speed should I set my modem at for IHHD?
[4g] A note about networking and Descent
[4h] How can I play those neat Chaos levels by myself?
[5]. OTHER PROBLEMS:
[5a] Why can't I save my game in the middle of a level?
[5b] I just died; where did all my stuff go?
[5c] How can I skip past all the dialogue in the beginning of the game?
[5d] How can I avoid motion sickness?
[5e] I'm having hallucinations when I look away from the monitor.
[5f] Advice for 4 MB memory setups
[5g] My frame rate is far too slow. Any suggestions to speed it up?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVISION HISTORY
12/26/94 Descent 0.1 FAQ born by John DeCuir.
12/26/94 A distinct, "Descent 0.5 FAQ" written by Seth Delackner.
12/27/94 Merger takes place, including new information from
Adam Pletcher from Parallax Software.
Thanks Adam! Descent FAQ 0.6 born.
12/28/94 Added Ascii Art logo by Thomas Axelsson, created FAQ 0.61.
12/28/94 Added lots of new info about robots, undocumented map
features, control configurations, framerate. FAQ 0.7 born.
1/02/95 Added new Ascii Logo by Thomas Axelsson, some miscellaneous
information. Re-organized, created a new TACTICS section.
Debuted with FAQ 0.75.
1/03/95 Added minor info about OS/2 and GEnie. FAQ 0.77.
This FAQ was never released.
1/03/95 Added Level 7 walkthrough by Mike Lorant. FAQ 0.8.
1/05/95 Added info about VCR controls, secrets. FAQ 0.81.
1/15/95 Added lots of information throughout the FAQ. Created
FAQ 0.85.
1/16/95 Added/changed some minute detail. Thanks to Adam
Pletcher for adding/correcting info. FAQ 0.86.
2/9/95 Changed some info from Adam Pletcher. Received
blessing from the Parallax Software deities and
went to version 1.0. Thanks all! :)
3/19/95 Updated FAQ to include info on registered Descent.
FAQ 1.1 born.
3/24/95 Included info on new cheats, DEVIL, Chaos tactics,
official specs. 1.15.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE FAQ?
On the Internet, specifically in the Usenet newsgroups,
look for it in comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action, alt.games.descent,
or e-mail decuirjd@netcom.com for the latest version.
You can also FTP the FAQ from ftp.netcom.com in the directory
/pub/cs/csua/descent.
Alternatively, look on the IRC in channel #descent and ask for it.
Either Bruin or Descender should have a current copy.
To find a copy of the FAQ in WWW (World Wide Web) format, look at
http://www.ping.de/~sven/descent/, or
http://www.eskimo.com/~stickman/deshome.html. Some delays may occur
after the release of a new FAQ, however.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part [1]. INTRODUCTION
-- [1a] ---------- What is Descent?
"Descent is a heart-pounding, gun-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat experience."
-from the README.TXT file in Descent
"The sensation of speed is amazing, and the 3D, texture-mapped graphics
make this game a genuine joy to behold."
-PC Gamer
Descent is a new game from Interplay and Parallax Software. It immerses
you in a full 3D environment with 6 degrees of freedom -- you truly have
the experience of weightlessness and zero gravity.
You are a pilot who must rescue hostages and blow up the reactors of
certain enemy mines. However, there are many, many robot drones out to
destroy you before you destroy them. When the reactor blows, you have
45 seconds to get out of there before you go with it!
You are given an arsenal of different weapons, such as the Vulcan
chaingun-like gun. Also, you have finite energy and shield strength,
both of which may be replenished in the course of the game.
Descent boasts true heightmapping and light sourcing -- the textures
and feel of the game are absolutely real. And the light effects are
terrific -- try shooting a missile down a dark corridor and watch it
light the walls along its path.
-- [1b] ---------- But I already play Doom. Why would I want Descent?
Descent, unlike Doom, has a true 3-D environment with six degrees
of freedom. This means you have three axes of motion and three axes of
rotation.
Descent also has 3D texture-mapped polygon enemies, and no flat enemy
bitmaps like Doom has. As to which is better is a matter for debate. :)
Descent boasts unrestricted level design -- it's not limited to 90 degree
walls (like Wolfenstein) or 2-dimensional layouts.
This is nothing against Doom, of course -- Doom was a revolutionary game
in its own right; but what Doom did for Wolfenstein 3D, Descent does for
Doom.
-- [1c] ---------- Who created Descent?
Descent was created by Parallax Software, along with Interplay Productions.
-- [1c-2] How can I contact Interplay?
Interplay Technical Support can be reached 24 hours a day through their
Automated Customer Service system, with representatives available during
normal business hours. Their phone number is 714-553-6678.
Other ways to get help:
Interplay Productions Interplay BBS: 714-252-2822
attn: Customer Service America Online: keyword INTERPLAY
17922 Fitch Avenue email "IPTECH"
Irvine, CA 92714 GEnie: type "M805;1"
CompuServe: GO GAMBPUB
Prodigy: email to "PLAY99B"
Internet: email to support@interplay.com
-- [1d] ---------- What are the differences between the releases of Descent?
The shareware release of Descent was released in December 1994,
and contains the first 7 levels of the game.
The 1.2 version of Shareware Descent was released in Mid March.
Following is the official word on Registered Descent purchase
information. Thanks to Matt Toschlog for this info.
Registered Descent Purchase Information
---------------------------------------
There's been a lot of questions about purchasing Registered Descent,
so here's the definitive information.
Registered Descent includes:
30 levels (including the 7 shareware levels)
Full save game feature
4 new weapons
New multiplayer games: cooperative, team anarchy, & anarchy w/ robots
Registered Descent is available on both floppy and CD-ROM; the two
are identical and cost the same. This is the only version of
Descent available at this time.
To order, call 1-800-INTERPLAY. Registered Descent costs US $39.95,
plus $4.50 shipping. For mail orders, see the file ORDERFRM.TXT,
included with the shareware version.
European orders are UK#29.99. Call (44) 707-675-757 (UK) for info.
The Registered version is available through normal retail
channels (stores & mail order) now.
A CD-Enhanced version will be available Summer '95 with lots of extra
features, including new levels & robots, more powerups, redbook audio,
and more animations. There will be a reasonable upgrade path from
Registered to CD-Enhanced. (This version will probably be called
"Descent: Second Strike". -ed.)
-- [1e] ---------- Wait, I read somewhere about something called Quake.
Isn't this it?
No. Quake is a game currently being designed by Id software, the makers
of Doom. Quake is promised to contain many of the features that Descent
carries, such as true 3D. But for now, Descent is wholly independent of
the Quake project, and there is no overlap between the two.
-- [1f] ---------- Will a level editor be released?
A level editor will not be released directly by Parallax Software,
but they have released the specs for Descent levels. This
document is in a preliminary format, currently at version 0.10.
You can get the specs from most of the FTP sites that Descent itself
is located.
Descent editors have already started to pop up! The first one, called
DEVIL, is a substantial effort. See the section on DEVIL later on.
-- [1g] ---------- What do I need to run Descent?
According to the README.TXT, the bare requirements for running Descent are:
- IBM PC compatible 386-33 or faster
- 4 MB RAM
- DOS 5.0 or greater
Strongly recommended are:
- 486 or Pentium processor
- 8 MB RAM
- stereo 16-bit soundcard with General MIDI support
- a quality joystick
-- [1h] ---------- Can I play Descent under OS/2?
Yes! Descent runs PERFECTLY under OS/2. All you need to do is to increase
your memory settings for a Descent object to 8 megs or more, and you can
run it fine. You should change "DPMI_MEMORY_LIMIT" to 8 megs or
more.
It even runs inside a PM window, although the frame rate
isn't great... :)
-- [1i] ---------- Can I play Descent under Windows?
You can, although it is not recommended. There are certain timing
problems which interfere with Descent's performance when you play
through a DOS Window (whether full screen or windowed).
The best performance will be achieved when you exit Windows entirely
(by File/Exit), and THEN load Descent directly from DOS.
-- [1j] ---------- Where can I get Descent?
You can download the shareware version of Descent from the following
sources: (two files: dcnt12-1.zip and dcnt12-2.zip)
:: Interplay BBS: 714-252-2822, 24 hours, up to 28.8k baud, 8N1
:: Software Creations BBS: 508-368-4137, 24 hours, 8N1
or telnet to swcbbs.com
:: redeye BBS: +49.89.5460535, Munich, Germany, 24 hours, 28.8k,
big Descent Area, free downloads
:: CompuServe: "GO GAMBPUB", in the Interplay software libraries
:: America Online: keyword "INTERPLAY", in the software libraries
:: GEnie: type "M805;3", then search for "Interplay"
:: FTP sites...
ftp.wustl.edu in /pub/msdos_uploads/descent
ftp.uwp.edu in /pub/incoming/games
ftp.funet.fi in /pub/msdos/games/interplay
ftp.netcom.com in /pub/cs/csua/descent
ftp.demon.co.uk in /incoming OR /pub/ibmpc/games/misc
janus.library.cmu.edu in /pub/descent
ftp.cdrom.com in /.17/games/incoming
ftp.leo.org in /pub/comp/platforms/pc/games
ftp.prairienet.org in /pub/software/descent
The upgrade from versions 1.0 and 1.1 are available under
dcnt12up.zip in the above directories.
You can get the registered version of Descent directly from Interplay, or
you can buy it in retail stores.
-- [1k] ---------- Is there a Descent newsgroup on Usenet?
Yes! Most sites carry the newsgroup "alt.games.descent". Ask your
local news administration to carry it if they don't already.
-- [1l] ---------- Is there source code available?
Descent is a commercial product, and hence, no source code of the game
is available, aside from the source code provided in the official
specs.
-- [1m] ---------- What are the differences between the different robots?
From the introductory info: (Robots labeled ** appear only in the
registered/retail version.)
Class 1 Drone (Yellow) :
Standard utility robot, apparently modified for combat. Should
pose little threat alone, but could be trouble in groups.
Class 2 Drone (Blue) :
Aggressive when cornered. Relatively weak weapons, but fires
rapidly.
Medium Lifter (Green with arms) :
Normally used to burrow through porous rock. Recon cameras
have witnessed this robot shredding anything in sight -- including
hostages! Stay away from this robot -- because he has no
projectile weapons, your best bet is to fire from far away.
** Secondary Lifter (Red, has one arm) :
Usually used in groups of 2 or 3. Advanced intelligence;
fires in rapid bursts.
** Advanced Lifter (Red, 4 arms) :
Silent and fast. Usually in groups. Has a tendency to
ram into you once it sees you.
"Spider" Processing Robot (Red, 4 arms) :
These mechs were designed to pick up rubble for processing in
their body cavities. Explodes into smaller spiders when hit.
Class 1 Driller (Silver) :
This robot is vicious, as it fires its vulcan guns (chaingun)
at you immediately when it sees you. Don't stay in its sight
too long!
** Class 1 Heavy Driller (Dark brown) :
Tough and armed to the teeth. Proceed with extreme caution!
** Class 2 Supervisor Robot (Blue, small; has antennae) :
Supervisory; will increase the awareness of other robots
nearby. Often fast.
** PTMC Defense Prototype (Grey & Dark Brown) :
Fires rapidly without overheating.
** Class 2 Platform Robot (Sleek; light brown) :
Has lasers or missiles. Big threat if cornered.
** Class 3 Gopher Robot (Grey, small) :
Generally known for laying bombs in its path.
Small Hulk (Green, bulky) :
Standard borer robot. Tough and agile.
Medium Hulk (Yellow/Brown, bulky) :
Heavily armored for explosive deployment deep in mines. Slow
moving, but very dangerous.
SuperMech (Red; fires homing missiles) :
These guys are like the hulks, but about 200% more angry.
Mega Hulk (Yellow, huge, cloaks) :
This robot is huge and cloaks whenever you hit it. It reappears
somewhere else. For hints on how to kill it, see section [2d].
** "Boss" (Red with enormous eye) :
Like the Mega Hulk, cloaks whenever you hit it.
-- [1n] ---------- What are some popular control configurations?
"I use a basic analog joystick, along with the keyboard. I use
W,A,S, and D to strafe, and F to accelerate and V to reverse.
Ctrl fires and space bar fires a missile. The joystick controls
where my ship is pointed."
-John D., aka Bruin on #descent
(FAQ Note: "Strafing" means to slide, as opposed to accelerate.
For example, when you sidestep to your left, you are "strafing".
While the terminology is confusing, it is well-rooted in the
Doom culture of today, so this writer will choose to keep
it in.)
"The mouse is the best for me. Pitch up is the mouse, y-axis
inverted. Pitch down is the mouse's x-axis. Fire primary is
mouse left button, and fire secondary is the mouse right button.
(If you're using a 3 button mouse, use the middle button to fire
the secondary, and right button to go forward. W,A,S, and D
to strafe, and Caps Lock for a reverse view. Reverse
acceleration is left shift, and forward is space bar. Everything
else is default."
-"vxl" on IRC/#descent
"Mouse Y: pitch; Mouse X: turn (yaw); Mouse 1: primary weapon;
Mouse 2: accelerate; Mouse 3: reverse; W,A,X,D: slide; Q,E: roll;
C,Z,S: increase, decrease, stop cruise; spacebar: primary weapon;
Left Alt: secondary weapon; Left Shift: slide mode for mouse;
Left Ctrl: bomb. I tend not to use the cruise control much."
-Sean Gugler
"Number pad as ship heading controls. / above 8 is the flare
launcher; the * is the bomb key. My right hand is on the num pad
with my pointer on 4, my middle finger on 8, and my ring finger
on 6. My thumb rests on 0, which is the thrust-reverse key. My
left hand controls forward movement, and rests on the right side
of the main keypad. Right shift is thrust forward, the alt is
strafe on, and ctrl is fire. On the num pad, the 1 and 3 are
roll left and right."
-Matt Ebel
-- [1o] ---------- What are the VCR controls in the Demo Playback?
Down Arrow: Pause
Up Arrow: Resume Playback
Left Arrow: Go back one frame
Right Arrow: Go forward one frame
Shift Left Arrow: Fast Reverse
Shift Right Arrow: Fast Forward
Ctrl Left Arrow: Rewind to beginning
Ctrl Right Arrow: Fast Forward to end
(thanks to adliber@aol.com)
-- [1p] ---------- What's new in Shareware version 1.2?
From the README.TXT:
Fixed: "unable to allocate buffer in mouse.c" bug if no VESA driver loaded
"divide overflow" bug if you pause game overnight
bug with joysticks glitching out occasionally
UART detection code that couldn't detect some UARTS
bug with net kills getting lost after you exit mine
hang bug with some Cyrix/T.I CPUs
hang bug when using mouse with disk write caching and heavy paging
bug with robot's shields reseting after you die
Added: support for multiple sockets during netgames
hooks for Spaceball controller support
alternate joystick reading methods, -joypolled and -joybios
-- [1q] ---------- What kinds of level editors are out right now?
As of the time of this FAQ, the only level editor out now is one
called DEVIL. DEVIL, which stands for Descent Editor for Vertices,
Items and Levels, was created by Achim Stremplat
(ubdb@rz.uni-karlsruhe.de). It's available at several FTP sites, among
them being
ftp.netcom.com in /pub/cs/csua/descent
ftp.cdrom.com in /pub/incoming
The filename is DEVIL097.ZIP.
DEVIL is a graphically-oriented Descent level editor. It ONLY works
with the registered version, as of now.
Kudos to Achim for releasing the first Descent editor! Here's hoping
this is not the last, but the first of many.
Part [2]. TACTICS, or "Doom Recovery 101."
-- [2a] ---------- Help! I'm lost in the maze.
The transition from 2D to 3D is not an easy one. While it can be
challenging, once you're used to it, 2D worlds will just seem, well,
flat.
The best advice is to keep checking your map (hit TAB). How the maze is
oriented once you enter the map screen is a view from behind your ship,
with "up" going "up". You can rotate the map around after you realize
where you are to see where you want to go. To zoom in and out,
strafe up and down.
Also, look for landmarks -- i.e. a room full of monitors, a huge cavernous
room, or a room full of doors. Keep returning to these rooms until you've
explored every branch.
One technique that may or may not work is to simply barrel down tunnels,
not caring where you're going, just to kill enemies. This has two
advantages -- one, a lot of the enemies in the maze will be wiped out so
you don't have to deal with them when you start exploring, and a
substantial chunk of the maze will already be mapped on your automap.
Once you get a large portion of the map, you can start exploring and
looking for keys. Of course, your mileage may vary.
Another technique to keep in mind is to keep the lights of
the tunnel to the top of the screen; this will orient you correctly.
-- [2b] ---------- I'm having trouble controlling my ship. Any suggestions?
This is often the most brought up subject. Like I said earlier, the
transition to 3D is not an easy one.
The predominant opinion is that the best setup is with a fancy joystick,
such as the FlightStick. This has lots of buttons and switches on the
stick itself that will let you control the game.
Failing that, the next best option is to use a normal, ANALOG joystick
together with the keyboard. I personally use the joystick to point
where I want to go and to use Z and X to accelerate and decelerate,
respectively. I don't suggest a digital joystick, such as the Gravis
gamepad, because a large portion of that immersive experience is lost
when you can't control how fast or how slow you want to turn.
The least attractive solution is to use the keyboard by itself, although
it has been known that a lot of players have become quite adept at this
method. The best way is to use the keypad for pointing, strafing, etc.
and other keys (such as z and x) on the other side of the board for
accelerating and firing.
One suggestion that everyone should try, though -- have DEDICATED strafing
keys! For example, use W,A,S and D for strafe up, left, down, and right,
respectively. This lets you strafe while doing other things, such as
turning, and will improve your gameplay significantly.
-- [2c] ---------- I can't find places on the map.
Remember that when you enter the map screen, the view is from behind
your ship, with up pointing up. Use strafe up and down with the map to
zoom. (With defaults, use left alt + up or down.)
Note that these controls were altered for the registered/retail
version. In this version, the strafing keys move the map around
("pan" it) and the forward/backward keys control the zooming.
Also, by hitting the primary fire button, it resets the map to
the view from behind your ship, as mentioned above.
For the shareware version, to pan across the map (make the map move, as
if you put your hand there and slid it over), hold down "S" while moving
the joystick/cursor keys. Your new center of rotation will be the
center of the screen, NOT your ship.
-- [2d] ---------- How can I beat the big bad robot at the end of level 7?
Adam Pletcher of Parallax Software recommends:
"Stay tight against the inside pillar, and keep circling. This is the
best way to lose missiles that have lock. Take out the Vulcan
Guys, SuperMechs (the red guys), and the Boss, in that order. Get the
cloak in the alcove on the far side of the pillar. When attacking the
Boss, make passes, don't sit still. And make extra sure none of
those green missiles hit you in the face, they'll probably kill you."
-- [2e] ---------- I think Descent is too easy.
Try the following:
:: Don't use any cheat codes
:: Increase the difficulty level of your game
:: Use only one type of weapon, i.e. use only the normal guns
Descent has many difficulty levels, and should appeal to every gamer.
-- [2f] ---------- I think Descent is too hard.
It depends what you mean by "hard". If you're having trouble controlling
the ship, see the section above about controlling your ship. Otherwise,
try the following:
:: Decrease the difficulty level of your game
:: Try flying around an empty mine tunnel as fast as you can and
as fluidly as you can.
:: PRACTICE STRAFING!! This technique will save you many times over
when it comes to enemy fire.
:: Learn when to (and when not to) use the different kinds of weapons
you have.
:: Practice, practice, practice!
-- [2g] ---------- The secret resource: Lava
"I discovered something about the lava by accident, and a fairly
costly one at that: the lava is REALLY explosive - like missiles. This
can be EXTREMELY useful:
Suppose you're in level 2 (the one with the very large room near
the start), and you're going to get the red keycard, which is defended
by about 4 or 5 robots. As you may recall, there'a large lava pit in
the middle of the room, which at least one of the robots is always
directly above. Instead of aiming at the robot, aim at the lava right
below it and fire a blast or two. The blasts will cause the lava under
it to explode, and blow the robot above it apart! Also, since the shots
are sufficiently far from the robot, it won't try to dodge the blasts!
The Vulcan can be nice here: it's extremely high rate of fire turns the
lava into an exploding pool of fiery death (what vivid language :).
This also can work well against humans: fire above them so they dive
into the lava, then blast the lava around them. Either you'll kill
them, or they'll accidentally shoot the lava and commit suicide - you
get their stuff either way."
-Scott Adams, via alt.games.descent
-- [2h] ---------- What are those yellow tunnels with sparkly things?
These are areas which recharge your energy. If your energy level
is below 100, if you enter this area, your energy will be refilled
to 100. Note that this area has no effect on your shield level.
-- [2i] ---------- What are those purple areas with new ships?
These are enemy generators, and they are VERY DANGEROUS. Try to
stay away from them, as new enemies pop out of them unexpectedly.
There is no way to destroy these areas (aside from blowing the
reactor, of course).
-- [2j] ---------- What are the relative strengths of the weapons?
Espen Monnich wrote the following table:
"----------------------------------------------------
|Weapon | Number | Damage | Total | Energy |
| |of shots| pr.shot | damage | pr.shot |
|-----------|--------|---------|---------|---------|
|Laser lv1 | 2 (4)* | 10 | 20 (30)| 0.25 |
| " lv2 | 2 (4) | 11 | 22 (33)| 0.25 |
| " lv3 | 2 (4) | 12 | 24 (36)| 0.25 |
| " lv4 | 2 (4) | 13 | 26 (39)| 0.25 |
|-----------|--------|---------|---------|---------|
|Vulcan | ca. 25 | -- | 4 | 0 |
|-----------|--------|---------|---------|---------|
|Spreadfire | 3 | 6 | 18 | 0.25 |
|-----------|--------|---------|---------|---------|
|C. Missile | 1 | 25 | 25 | 0 |
|H. Missile | 1 | 27 | 27 | 0 |
|-----------|--------|---------|---------|---------|
|Bomb | 1 | | 24 | 0 |
----------------------------------------------------
* () specifies the Quad laser. It shoots 4 shots, but does only 50% more
total damage.
NOTE: This table is a bit unclear, because I have not considered the fire-
rate for each of the weapons and the speed of the shot itself. For
example, the Spreadfire has a bit faster fire-rate than the Laser,
and the fire-rate and the speed of the shots for the Vulcan is very
high."
-- [2k] ---------- What are some multiplayer tactics suggestions?
Carl Gilbert writes in alt.games.descent:
o If you need to get away from someone, don't forget to use the bombs.
We rarely actually damage each other with them, but they slow the
pursuer down.
o With 3 or more players, make a secret pact with another player and
form an alliance.
o If you're playing at work, get all players on a conference call. After
a few minutes, you'll swear you're using ship radios.
o If you're low on shields, find a good hiding area, kill yourself, and
then return for your loot.
o Recognize when your enemy strafes horizontally. Remember The
Wrath of Khan? Horizontal strafing is 2D thinking - exploit it.
o Pretend to run out a door, but then do a way cool rotate-while-
sliding maneuver and double back on your opponent.
o If someone blows the reactor, wait in/near the exit doorway.
o Never pick up that useless Fusion cannon.
o Leave some goodies floating in the middle of a room and
wait in the dark (said the spider to the fly).
o Vulcan cannon doesn't have tracers. Helps keep you hidden."
What about specific moves you can use in multiplayer?
Dan Gentry writes in alt.games.descent:
"Since we've been playing against each other, I've noticed
several distinct types of moves that one can do, and I thought
I'd share them with you in hopes of getting some new ideas:
1: Ambush Type 1
Basically, hide in a hole in the ceiling/wall/floor and
wait for the other guy to blast by. Pop out and send a
missile up his tailpipe.
Also works with secret doors.
2: Ambush Type 2
Find a large open space and situate yourself under an
overhang - preferrably in shadow - where you can see all
of the exits to a room. Wait for enemy to flyby and let
the fun begin.
3: Jousting
In a long corridor, make passes with guns blazing.
Repeat as necessary."
Darren Pong Lo continues the thread:
"4: Circle of Death
Especially in two-player battles, I find that a commonly evolving
pattern is that the two players just circle around and around, guns
blazing, until one dies or runs out of energy. Some opponents like to
break out of the circle and try to fly to where the other person will
be, but then what usually happens is that the circling resumes -- in
the opposite direction.
5: The Millenium Falcon Evasion tactic
I refer to the scene in The Empire Strikes Back, where the
Millenium Falcon escapes a fleet of Star Destroyers by plastering
itself to the hull of one, and then flying away with the garbage.
Basically, if you glue yourself flat against the wall near a door,
somebody coming out won't see you. Then you can do one of two
things: shoot them, or run through the door they've so kindly
opened for you.
6: Guerilla Warfare
Another behavior that often emerges in two-player games is that
they will get stuck on opposite ends of a short corridor. They will
both pop out around a corner, fill the air with lasers, then hide quickly.
This goes on until one decides to charge. The second player can then:
a) kill the first player (duh)
b) back off, at which point the sniping begins again in a new
corridor
c) try to fly around the first player (so that the positions of P1
and P2 are switched)
d) die. :)
7: Exit-Guarding (CHEAP)
If the reactor on the level is blown, you KNOW where your
opponent will come running..."
Check the newsgroup "alt.games.descent" for more information along
these lines...
Part [3]. CHEATS AND SECRETS
-- [3a] ---------- Is there a list of secrets in Descent?
Adliber@aol.com writes:
"In level 4 there is a long reddish tunnel which has a gate at the
end.. one you open the gate you see one of these purple areas on your
right... about 3 green medium lifter robots show up out of this area..
if successful you blast them and three more show up you can shoot them
until no more robots come out, and think that's it right? Well now
for the bonus... if you back out of the area through the gate you came
in, and come back in to the same area again...more robots come out
again... shoot them, until no more come out... the benefit is that
when you shoot them you'll get the blue sphere that replenishes your
shields... I did this about three times... (that is back out from the
area, and re-enter) and was able to replenish my shields all three
times. After all the robots were killed for the 3rd time.. no more
came out but I had replenished my shields from 25 to about 85! By then
I really needed the shields and it was the only place where I could
replenish them... I found this by accident, and will try the same on
other purple areas."
Adliber also writes:
"I found a hidden room by accident in Level 1...there is a hidden
room in the ceiling and it's full of goodies; it has about 3
or 4 packs of missiles and assorted ammo. When you get to the yellow
area with the floating "stars" that replenishes your energy... find
one of the video screens on one of the corner walls...look up at the
ceiling, and you will see (faintly) a door... shoot at it and you
will be able to go up into that room... There are two entrances to
this area but the easiest one to spot is the one by the video screen
on the wall. If you cannot see it... just shoot at the ceiling
where you see the video screen in this area..."
First Level secrets by Sven Neuhaus:
"1) From the start, turn right/down. Next intersection, turn right.
Turn left in front of the prison, turn right in front of the
ventilation. Now turn either right or left. The next corner
you are approaching has a secret entrance at the ceiling. Contains
vulcan ammo and rockets.
2) From the start, turn left/down. Follow the path. Turn up to fly
into the new room. Fly towards the left back corner. The wall
there has a horizontal seam on it. Fire at the door or fly close
to open it.
3) Inside the second secret, right behind the second secret's
entrance, but at the ceiling. Secret contains a Small Hulk and a
Laser.
4) Inside the second secret, turn left after you entered the second
secret door. Move down through the hole in the floor. Turn right.
There's a secret door with a shield boost behind it.
5) From the start, turn right/down. At the intersection, turn left.
There will be a hole in the ground. Move down. Fly forward slowly.
There is another hole in the ground at the very dark spot. This
leads to a room with a small hulk, the vulcan cannon and some energy
boosts."
-- [3b] ---------- What are the cheat codes?
Type the following directly in the game, regardless of your current
keyboard mapping setup.
GABBAGABBAHEY = Cheats enabled!
SCOURGE = WowieZowie Weapons!
MITZI = All Keys!
RACERX = Invulnerability On/Off!
GUILE = Cloak On/Off!
TWILIGHT = Shields Recharged!
FARMERJOE = Warp to Which Level?
***The following cheat codes work ONLY in the registered version***
BUGGIN = Turbo mode; everything (including enemies) speeded up
BRUIN = Extra Life!
BIGRED = SuperWowieZowie Weapons! (includes ALL weapons)
FLASH = Illuminates a path to the exit
AHIMSA = Turns off enemy ships' firing
You might want to change your "bomb" key to something that won't conflict
with these codes, otherwise you might blow up before you finish typing
it. :)
Note that when you use cheat codes, your score drops to 0.
Hence, use these codes only as practice runs.
(Thanks to adliber@aol.com)
Also, you can't use the cheat codes in a multiplayer game. If you
use the TWILIGHT cheat when your shield is over 100, the cheat will
reset your shield strength to 100! (Geoff Simmons)
-- [3c] ---------- Undocumented Map features
The following features are undocumented:
(Shareware only) In the map, hold down "S" and move the control around.
You can pan the map this way. In the registered version, use the strafe
keys to move the map around.
If cheat codes are enabled (see above), hit "Alt-F" in the map screen.
The entire map will appear.
-- [3d] ---------- A Walkthrough of Level 7
BIG thanks to Mike Lorant (mikel@ucc.su.oz.au, also "Dense" on
IRC's #descent) for writing this section. Obviously, this section
contains major spoilers. Read at your own risk.
1. Getting the blue key
At the start of the level go straight ahead up the ramp and follow the
corridor around to the right. At the room fly thru the far left hand
door and into a large room with a passover bridge in it. Then exit
via the corridor directly above from where you started. The corridor
will bend to the left and then dip down the slope. Fly through the
corridor with the grating on the left hand side and out the other
end. Follow the corridor past a T junction and around through the
rechargerator and over to the next T junction. See diagram 1. Turn
left and grab the blue key.
Diagram 1
_____
/ R \
/ ___ \ B = Blue Key
/ / \ \ 1 = 1st T junction
| |_____| | 2 = 2nd T junction
| 2 B 1 | R = Rechargerator
| _____ | E = Entrance
| | | | X = Exit
|==| |==|
| X| |E |
2. Getting to the blue door
Head back to the second T junction and turn left where there should be a
door in front of you. There will be grating on the left hand side with a
door down the end. Continue up the rising corridor and down the other
side until you enter a large spherical area and to the blue door on
the southern side of the room.
3. Getting the yellow key
Pass through the small corridor into the room with a red star shaped
structure and exit straight ahead (upward direction). As the corridor
points upwards watch out for the 2 cloaked Medium Lifters. The corridor
will level out again and continue following it. It will then dip a short
distance away and passes past a yellow grating with lava below it. The
grating that is above you sometimes contains a Class 1 drone so watch out
for its missles. It is recommended that if it is there you destroy it
because it can be a hinderance when tackling the next enemy. The
corridor will turn left at the bottom and at the end of it will be a
Supermech firing missles that lock on. Level out and grab the yellow
key.
4. Getting to the yellow door
Return to the beginning of the level (where you started). There will
be a yellow door on the left hand side, just below and behind the
ramp you came from. See diagram 2. Go through the yellow door.
Diagram 2
| |____
| |R | _Y
__| | | |
__ | S = Start
| | Y = Yellow door
| __ | R = Ramp
| | | |
| | |S |
5. Getting the red key
Pass down the long dark corridor with grating on the left hand side
with a yellow door down the end. There will be a small cavity
directly ahead which you can fly up. Go through there and fly to the
top. Watch out for the Supermech firing missles which lock on.
There will be a cloaking powerup at the top and just over the other
side will be the red key. Grab the red key.
6. Getting to the red door
Return to the start of the level and and fly up the ramp that you
initially flew through when getting the blue key. At the end of the
corridor go through the door straight ahead and you will enter a tiny
corridor with a door down the end. See diagram 3.
Diagram 3
___| 2|_
/ \
1 /\ |
\ \/ | E = Entrance
\ ____ / 1 = Go through on way to Blue door
| | 2 = Go through on way to Red door
/ |
/ /
| E|
As you enter the next room there will be a door on the top far left hand
side. After going through that you will find another corridor that will
dip down downwards. However, watch out for two secret doors behind you
that will open when you are halfway down the corridor. Two Automated
Scout Robots will come from those two chambers (left and right
side). Continue down to the end of the corridor into a large arena
room. The floor will be volcano shaped entrance with a red door on
the inner northern end. Go through the red door.
7. Killing the Shareware Big Boss
Note that the red door will be unopenable from the other side so you will
have no escape. Read section [2d] for details on tactics to destroy
him. Good luck!
-- [3e] ---------- Quick 'n Dirty 3-D Descent
Think Descent is incredible as it is? Imagine playing it in
a true 3D environment, and seeing your enemies literally float
in space in front of you...
If you want to whet your appetite for this without buying a $1000
VR Helmet, try the following:
Load Descent up in VFX mode (descent -vfx). There will be two
side-by-side screens in gameplay. (The flickering is due to page
swapping.) These images represent the left and right images for
your left and right eyes. If you could somehow get each image to
each eye, you will experience true 3D.
Get two small mirror surfaces. Make sure they are small (not
much wider than a butter knife), and mount them near your face
(either over or under your eyes) so that the left mirror is
reflecting the left image (and ONLY the left image) to your left
eye, and similarly for the right eye. Now, adjust them
so that an object in the viewport will converge. At this point,
you should be seeing in true stereoscopy.
I wouldn't recommend playing like this for an extended period of
time -- your eyes will get strained very easily. Do it just to
experience the 3D effect. If you can't live without it, buy
a VR Helmet. :)
Part [4]. MULTI-PLAYER CAPABILITY
-- [4a] ---------- Can I play with other people?
Yes! Descent is a full multi-player game as well. You can
either link up with a fellow player via modem, serial cable, or
network.
One of the advantages that Descent has over other similar games is
that any player can join or leave the game at any time on a network.
For modems, Descent's setup couldn't be easier. For the vast
majority of modems, a simple ATZ sets things up for Descent, and
you're ready to go. You can set this up in the multi-player setup
menu off the main menu.
-- [4b] ---------- Does each computer require a distinct version of the
software?
No. Each computer on a net game can be running a copy of the Descent
software.
-- [4c] ---------- Why do different computers play differently on a net
game?
When a Pentium and a 386 are playing on a network, there is an element
of "unfairness" to the 386-user. In past games, such as Doom, the
system compensated by reducing the Pentium-user's display to match the
386 display.
However, Parallax and Interplay decided not to take this route, and
to have every computer play at the level it can play at.
-- [4d] ---------- Can I play Descent on the Internet?
One of Descent's shining points is that it can be played over the
Internet using IHHD (Internet Head to Head Daemon - a program
that allows modem games to work over the internet). It's almost
as fast, if not faster than a modem connection! In order to get
started, you need to get the IHHD software compiled for the unix
machine you have your shell account on (sorry slip users). On
IRC in the #descent channel, type /dcc chat descender. then type
/msg descender files. the rest is easy. Once you have the IHHD
Binary for your system, find someone to play. (there's almost
always someone on #descent in IRC who'd like to play). One of
you runs "tcpanswer", the other runs "tcpdialer
machine_name_of_other_player". Once you have connected, each of
you should exit your comm programs (leaving carrier up of
course), load Descent and select multiplayer game, then Establish
Null Modem Link. Presto! You've got a IHHDescent game going.
(thanks to Seth Delackner (dax@rahul.net) for this)
-- [4e] ---------- Is there a good place to meet other players?
On the IRC (Internet Relay Chat), there is always someone willing
to play in the #descent channel. Of course, they vary in
degrees of skill, but you can often find someone good to play
with.
There is also an IRC 'bot called Descender -- type "/msg
Descender !ls" to see what files you can get from it. It
stores this FAQ and the IHHD software, among other things.
You can often find me (John) there as Bruin. MSG me for a copy of
the most recent FAQ!
-- [4f] ---------- What speed should I set my modem at for IHHD?
Word is, modems set at 19200 baud (both in the terminal program
AND in Descent) work better than 38800 baud for IHHD. (Thanks
to the gang on #descent for this info.)
-- [4g] ---------- A note about networking and Descent
(Thanks to mdmbkr on #descent on IRC for writing this section.)
Like most multi-player games, Descent uses packets to communicate
with other players in the network. Each packet contains information
that each other player in the network uses to determine the
coordinates and other aspects of the players. For example, say
you are playing in a 2 player network game. Your computer will
broadcast packets to the other player's computer, and the other
player's computer will broadcast packets to your computer.
Like we mentioned above, Descent allows all computers in the
network to run at their full speed, unlike Doom. Doom slows down
the entire network to the speed of the slowest computer
attached. It does this by forcing synchronized transmission to
and from all of the players. Descent, on the other hand, does
not require synchronized transmission. This is why all of the
computers will run at their maximum speed, and that certain
delays (such as those associated with IHHD) do not affect the
playing speed of the game.
However, in some cases, long delays in the reception or
transmission of packets can yield unusual results. Please do
not be alarmed; this is normal, especially if you are using
IHHD.
-- [4h] ---------- How can I play those neat Chaos levels by myself?
In registered/retail Descent, there exist 5 new levels called "Chaos
levels". They are intended for maximal enjoyment when playing
multiplayer games. However, if you can't play with other people,
don't fret! Load the CHAOS.MSN file into any text editor; there is
one line that says "Type = anarchy". Change this to "Type = normal".
Now when you select "New Game" under the Descent main menu, it will
give you a choice of missions. Select Chaos and enjoy!
Note that this works only in the registered/retail version of Descent.
Part [5]. OTHER PROBLEMS
-- [5a] ---------- Why can't I save my game in the middle of a level?
Mid-level saving of games is implemented in the registered
version of Descent. The shareware version does not incorporate
mid-level game saving.
-- [5b] ---------- I just died; where did all my stuff go?
Your stuff (weapons, energy, etc.) remain where you died. Just fly back
where you died and gather all your stuff back.
-- [5c] ---------- How can I skip past all the dialog in the beginning of
the game?
Hit "Enter" to stop the scrolling, or hit "Esc" to stop the entire dialogue
and to bring you directly to the game.
-- [5d] ---------- How can I avoid motion sickness?
Descent is a very immersive game, and you will likely still feel like
you're inside Descent's environment for a short time after playing. Many
people complain of motion sickness, or feeling ill after playing a while.
Try to follow the following advice if you're having problems.
:: Blink occasionally. During gameplay, you are staring intently
at the monitor, your eyes dry out, and you are subject to
strain, headaches, etc. Blinking helps to yank you back
in the real world occasionally. (Thanks to Jon Hylands)
:: Try different display sizes.
:: Try sitting closer/further from the display.
:: Try different machine speeds.
:: Try different input devices.
:: Play on your friend's computer, and see if it is better/worse.
:: TAKE BREAKS WHILE YOU PLAY.
:: If you have a sound card, try playing with/without the sound.
Of course, if you have any medical problems while playing this game,
stop playing IMMEDIATELY and call your doctor.
-- [5e] ---------- I'm having hallucinations when I look away from the
monitor.
You've been playing far too long, and you need sleep. Go take a nap. :)
-- [5f] ---------- Advice for 4 MB memory setups
"...the best setup seems to want emm386.exe with the RAM switch...
I still turn down the detail levels though because in combat it slows
down quite a bit. Also, use smartdrive, about 256K. Anything larger
eats into your RAM too much."
-Bradley Becker
-- [5g] ---------- My frame rate is too slow. Any suggestions?
Try the following, in order: (Thanks again to mdmbkr on
#descent for help in writing this.)
SOFTWARE solutions:
:: Change the game detail to something simpler. (F2)
:: Reduce the size of the screen. (+ and -)
:: Switch to the status bar screen instead of the cockpit view.
this increases speed, but minutely.
:: Turn off the music. This will also dramatically increase
the framerate, especially if you have a less powerful CPU.
Also consider turning off the digital sound effects. You can
use the setup program to make these changes.
HARDWARE solutions:
:: Make sure Smartdrive is loaded, as it has a drastic improvement.
See your DOS/Windows documentation for details (or just run
Memmaker -- this installs Smartdrive automatically).
:: Get a faster video board -- word is, the faster the video
board, the better.
:: Get more memory.
:: Get a faster computer.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Hope you all enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.
As a disclaimer, I do not work for any software company, and I am
just a satisfied gamer who is extremely impressed with the Descent
game engine.
If you have any contributions or comments to this FAQ, please send
them to me at decuirjd@netcom.com on the Internet. You'll get full
credit. Thanks!
Happy Descending!
JDD/3-24-95
