Difference between revisions of "Thexder"
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{{ii}} The following trick is not necessary with DOSBox-X as it has a special machine=mcga mode which is compatible with Thexder. | {{ii}} The following trick is not necessary with DOSBox-X as it has a special machine=mcga mode which is compatible with Thexder. | ||
− | The games MCGA mode is normally reserved for the IBM PS/2 Model 25 and Model 30, and the game specifically checks for these machines. When started on a VGA system will instead use EGA graphics, despite the fact that VGA can also do MCGA. But with a little trick we can force it to use MCGA graphics. | + | The games MCGA mode is normally reserved for the IBM PS/2 Model 25 and Model 30, and the game specifically checks for these machines. When started on a VGA system it will instead use EGA graphics, despite the fact that VGA can also do MCGA. But with a little trick we can force it to use MCGA graphics. |
To understand what is going on, first a little explanation about some of the game files. On the disk there is a THEXDER.COM which detects the hardware and then runs the actual game code. The following files contain the main game code: | To understand what is going on, first a little explanation about some of the game files. On the disk there is a THEXDER.COM which detects the hardware and then runs the actual game code. The following files contain the main game code: |
Revision as of 11:12, 17 March 2020
Developers | |
---|---|
Game Arts | |
Publishers | |
Sierra | |
Release dates | |
DOS | October 1987 |
Key points
- Can be run under DOSBox.
General information
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | The original disks use CPC Copy Protection DRM. |
Essential improvements
Three-channel audio support
- The game supports three-channel audio, which requires the hardware built into the PCjr or Tandy 1000 computer. Other systems are limited to one-channel audio played through the PC speaker.
Use DOSBox |
---|
Notes
|
Forcing MCGA mode
- The following trick is not necessary with DOSBox-X as it has a special machine=mcga mode which is compatible with Thexder.
The games MCGA mode is normally reserved for the IBM PS/2 Model 25 and Model 30, and the game specifically checks for these machines. When started on a VGA system it will instead use EGA graphics, despite the fact that VGA can also do MCGA. But with a little trick we can force it to use MCGA graphics.
To understand what is going on, first a little explanation about some of the game files. On the disk there is a THEXDER.COM which detects the hardware and then runs the actual game code. The following files contain the main game code:
- MAIN - This is the CGA version
- MAINEG - This is the EGA version
- MAINJR - This is the PCjr/Tandy version
- MAINPS - This is the PS/2 MCGA version
So on a VGA system it will run MAINEG while we want it to run MAINPS. As such simply rename MAINEG to MAINEG.BAK and copy MAINPS to MAINEG and start the game. You will now get MCGA graphics which looks slightly better than EGA.
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
- The game auto detects the hardware on each startup. There is no configuration file.
Save game data location
- The game does not support saving progress
Video settings
Input settings
Audio settings
Gallery
Localizations
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English |
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
DOS video modes | CGA, EGA, MCGA, PCjr, Tandy | Runs in 320x200 native resolution regardless of video adapter. MCGA only works on the IBM PS/2 Model 25 and 30. PCjr/Tandy graphics only work on an IBM PCjr or Tandy 1000. |
System requirements
DOS | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | ||
Processor (CPU) | Intel 8088 / 8086 | |
System memory (RAM) | 256 KB | |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | ||
Video card (GPU) | CGA | EGA |