Anonymous edits have been disabled on the wiki. If you want to contribute please login or create an account.

Warning for game developers: PCGamingWiki staff members will only ever reach out to you using the official press@pcgamingwiki.com mail address.
Be aware of scammers claiming to be representatives or affiliates of PCGamingWiki who promise a PCGW page for a game key.

Difference between revisions of "Descent 3"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
m (→‎Piccu Engine: Link changed.)
 
(138 intermediate revisions by 24 users not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:
 
|developers  =  
 
|developers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Outrage Entertainment}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Outrage Entertainment}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/linporter|Loki Software}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Loki Software|Linux}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Graphsim Entertainment|Mac OS}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Ryan C. Gordon|Linux|ref=<ref name="RCG2020Ports">[https://www.patreon.com/posts/project-descent-33611585 Project: Descent 3 - Ryan C. Gordon on Patreon]</ref>}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Ryan C. Gordon|OS X|ref=<ref name="RCG2020Ports"/>}}
 
|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
−
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Interplay Productions}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Interplay Entertainment}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sold Out Software|Re-release}}
 
|engines      =  
 
|engines      =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/engine|Fusion}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/engine|Fusion}}
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|June 11, 1999}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|June 17, 1999|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050318201654/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/020/144/descent3_retail.html|title=Descent III Hits Retail News (retrieved)|date=2023-06-03}}</ref>}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|November 24, 1999}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|November 23, 1999|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991127201334/http://www.graphsim.com:80/macdescent/pgNews.htm|title=pgPress|date=2024-03-31}} (archived)</ref>}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|1999}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|July 2000}}
−
|steam appid  =  
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|January 31, 2020|ref=<ref name="RCG2020Ports"/>}}
−
|gogcom page  = descent_3_expansion
+
|reception    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|descent-3|89}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|OpenCritic|link|rating}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|descent-3|rating}}
 +
|taxonomy    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack }}
 +
{{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  = 273590
 +
|gogcom id    = 1207658657
 +
|hltb        = 2456
 +
|lutris      = descent-3
 +
|mobygames    = 1051
 +
|strategywiki = Descent 3
 
|wikipedia    = Descent 3
 
|wikipedia    = Descent 3
 +
|winehq      = 664
 +
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Series|Descent}}
 
  
−
'''Key points'''
+
{{Introduction
−
{{ii}} Mac OS and Linux versions not available on any digital distribution platform.
+
|introduction      =
 +
 
 +
|release history  = The game's source code was released on GitHub by Kevin Bentley, one of the game's programmers, on April 16, 2024. It includes changes from the unreleased v1.5 patch.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://github.com/kevinbentley/descent3|title=GitHub - kevinbentley/Descent3: Descent 3 by Outrage Entertainment|date=2024-04-16|comment=Thanks to [[User:Williamjcm]] for spotting this!}}</ref>
 +
 
 +
|current state    =
 +
}}
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
−
{{mm}} [http://www.gog.com/forum/descent_series GOG.com Community Discussions] for game series
+
{{mm}} [https://github.com/kevinbentley/descent3 Official source code]
−
{{mm}} [http://www.gog.com/support/descent_3_expansion GOG.com Support Page]
+
{{GOG.com links|1207658657|descent_series|for game series}}
 +
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/273590/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
−
{{Availability Table|
+
{{Availability|
−
{{Availability Table/row| Retail | {{ID|Retail}} | }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc | Oversized {{term|DRM}} in US release (lead-out area shortened and used for data, to prevent most contemporary CD-RW drives from copying the method), {{DRM|LaserLok}} in European release. Can be removed using an officially sanctioned no-CD patch. | | Windows, Mac OS, Linux }}
−
{{Availability Table/row| [http://www.gog.com/game/descent_3_expansion GOG.com] | {{ID|DRM-free}} | Windows only. Includes 'Descent 3: Mercenary' expansion. }}
+
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | descent_3_expansion | DRM-free | Descent 3 + Mercenary. <br /> Comes pre-configured with nGlide. | | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Steam | 273590 | Steam | Descent 3 + Mercenary.<ref name="Sui">{{refcheck|user=Suicide_machine|date=2017-12-16}}</ref><br>Linux and macOS versions are enhanced ports.<ref name="RCG2020Ports"/> | | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
 +
}}
 +
{{ii}} Two [http://www.descent3.com/downloads.php#d3_demos demo] versions were released.
 +
 
 +
==Monetization==
 +
{{DLC|
 +
{{DLC/row| Mercenary |  | Windows }}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{ii}} Two [http://www.descent3.com/downloads.php#d3_demos demo] versions were released
 
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
 
===Patches===
 
===Patches===
−
{{mm}}Latest patches for every game version available [http://www.descent3.com/downloads.php here]
+
{{mm}} Latest patches for every game version available [https://www.patches-scrolls.de/patch/1214/7/ here]
  
 
===Skip launcher===
 
===Skip launcher===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Launch the game with {{code|-launched}} [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]]|ref=<ref name="Sui" />}}
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Make new shortcut}}
 
−
# Make a shortcut to <code>MAIN.EXE</code> somewhere convenient.
 
−
# Right-click and choose Properties.
 
−
# Add <code> -launched</code> to the end of the Target.
 
−
# Add any other switches (e.g. your [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]).
 
−
# Click OK. This shortcut will launch the game directly.
 
−
}}
 
  
 
===Skip intro videos===
 
===Skip intro videos===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Launch the game with {{code|-nointro}} [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]]|ref=<ref name="Sui" />}}
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Delete/rename video files}}
+
 
−
# Go to <code>movies</code> in the installation folder.
+
===[https://github.com/InsanityBringer/PiccuEngine/releases Piccu Engine]===
−
# Delete or rename <code>dolby1.mv8</code> and <code>intro.mve</code>.
+
{{ii}} A source port that makes several enhancements to the game, including restoration of missing features in the OpenGL renderer, native widescreen support, adjustable FOV that is automatically expanded for widescreen, easy switching between fullscreen and windowed modes, bug fixes, and more.
−
}}
 
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
−
{{Game data/row|Windows|{{p|hklm}}\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Outrage\Descent3\}}
+
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|hklm}}\SOFTWARE\{{p|wow64}}\Outrage\Descent3\}}
−
{{Game data/row|Mac OS|}}
+
{{Game data/config|Mac OS|}}
−
{{Game data/row|Linux|}}
+
{{Game data/config|Linux|}}
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{XDG|unknown}}
  
 
===Save game data location===
 
===Save game data location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
−
{{Game data/row|Windows|{{p|game}}\savegame\}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\savegame\}}
−
{{Game data/row|Mac OS|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Mac OS|}}
−
{{Game data/row|Linux|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Linux|}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{ii}} <code>*.plt</code> in the installation folder stores pilot-related settings.
 
{{ii}} <code>*.plt</code> in the installation folder stores pilot-related settings.
  
−
==Video settings==
+
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
−
[[File:Descent 3 video settings.png|290px|right|thumb|Video settings.]]
+
{{Save game cloud syncing
−
[[File:Descent 3 detail settings.png|290px|right|thumb|Detail settings.]]
+
|discord                  =
−
{{Video settings
+
|discord notes            =
−
|wsgf link                  = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/descent3
+
|epic games launcher      =
 +
|epic games launcher notes =
 +
|gog galaxy                = false
 +
|gog galaxy notes          =
 +
|origin                    =
 +
|origin notes              =
 +
|steam cloud              = false
 +
|steam cloud notes        =
 +
|ubisoft connect          =
 +
|ubisoft connect notes    =
 +
|xbox cloud                =
 +
|xbox cloud notes          =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Video==
 +
{{Image|Descent 3 video settings.png|Video settings.}}
 +
{{Image|Descent 3 detail settings.png|Detail settings.}}
 +
{{Video
 +
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/descent3
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = unsupported
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = unsupported
−
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = incomplete
+
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = unsupported
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
 
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
−
|widescreen resolution notes= See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
+
|widescreen resolution notes= See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]] or use [[#Piccu Engine|Piccu Engine]].
−
|multimonitor              = false
+
|multimonitor              = unknown
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
 
|ultrawidescreen            = unknown
 
|ultrawidescreen            = unknown
Line 86: Line 136:
 
|4k ultra hd                = unknown
 
|4k ultra hd                = unknown
 
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
 
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
−
|fov                        = false
+
|fov                        = hackable
−
|fov notes                  =  
+
|fov notes                  = Use [[#Piccu Engine|Piccu Engine]] and set the FOV option to your liking in the Video menu in Options. Automatically expands for widescreen.
−
|windowed                  = false
+
|windowed                  = hackable
−
|windowed notes            =  
+
|windowed notes            = See [[#Disable Windows 95 compatibility (Steam)|Disable Windows 95 compatibility (Steam)]] and use [http://dege.freeweb.hu/dgVoodoo2/dgVoodoo2.html dgVoodoo 2], [[Glossary:Windowed#D3DWindower|D3DWindower]], or [[#Piccu Engine|Piccu Engine]].
 
|borderless windowed        = false
 
|borderless windowed        = false
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
−
|anisotropic                = hackable
+
|anisotropic                = false
−
|anisotropic notes          = Can be forced in your GPU's control panel.
+
|anisotropic notes          =  
−
|antialiasing              = hackable
+
|antialiasing              = false
−
|antialiasing notes        = Can be forced in your GPU's control panel.
+
|antialiasing notes        =  
 +
|upscaling                  = unknown
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 
|vsync                      = true
 
|vsync                      = true
 
|vsync notes                = Enabled by default. Set in Options, Video.
 
|vsync notes                = Enabled by default. Set in Options, Video.
−
|oculus rift                = false
+
|60 fps                    = hackable
−
|oculus rift notes         =  
+
|60 fps notes              = 50 FPS default cap;<ref name="FPS cap">http://www.descent3.com/patch/Readme_14.txt</ref> use the [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line arguments]] <code>-framecap 60</code>
−
|high frame rate            = unknown
+
|120 fps                    = hackable
−
|high frame rate notes     =  
+
|120 fps notes              = Use <code>-framecap X</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line arguments]] with the desired cap.
 +
|hdr                        = unknown
 +
|hdr notes                 =  
 +
|ray tracing                = unknown
 +
|ray tracing notes         =  
 
|color blind                = false
 
|color blind                = false
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
Line 107: Line 164:
  
 
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Add resolution switches|ref=<ref>[https://www.wsgf.org/dr/descent3 Descent3 | WSGF]</ref><ref name="SW149">{{refcheck|user=SonicWind149|date=2021-11-13}}</ref>|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Add resolution switches|ref=<ref>[http://www.wsgf.org/dr/descent3 Descent3 | WSGF]</ref>}}
 
 
# Go to the shortcut/launcher properties:
 
# Go to the shortcut/launcher properties:
−
#* If you are skipping the launcher, right-click the <code>MAIN.EXE</code> shortcut and choose Properties.
+
#* If skipping the launcher, right-click the {{file|MAIN.EXE}} shortcut and choose Properties.
−
#* If you are using the launcher, run it and go to Setup, Misc.
+
#* If using the launcher, run it and go to Setup, Misc.
−
# Add your resolution in the following format: <code>-width 1920 -height 1080 -aspect 1.78</code>
+
# Add the desired resolution in the following format to the applicable [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line arguments]] field: <code>-width 1920 -height 1080 -aspect 1.78</code>
−
{{ii}} <code>-aspect</code> should be <code>1.78</code> for 16:9 or <code>1.6</code> for 16:10
+
#* <code>-aspect</code> should be <code>1.78</code> for 16:9 or <code>1.6</code> for 16:10 (calculate by dividing width by height)
−
# Click OK to save your changes.
+
# Click OK to save the changes.
−
{{ii}} If the output is pillarboxed in-game use the key to the left of {{key|Backspace}} to zoom in.
+
 
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} [[#Piccu Engine|Piccu Engine]] natively supports widescreen resolutions, and the desired resolution can be found under Change... in the Video menu in Options.
 +
{{ii}} If the output is pillarboxed in-game, use the key to the left of {{key|Backspace}} to zoom in.
 +
{{ii}} Resolutions higher than 2048 pixels on either axis will crash the game; use [[dgVoodoo 2]] to remove resolution limits.
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
−
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|acceleration option      = false
 
|acceleration option      = false
 
|acceleration option notes =  
 
|acceleration option notes =  
 +
|mouse sensitivity        = true
 +
|mouse sensitivity notes  =
 
|mouse menu                = true
 
|mouse menu                = true
 
|mouse menu notes          =  
 
|mouse menu notes          =  
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = true
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = true
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes = Go to Config, Joy/Mouse and click the question mark beside the axis.
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes = Go to Config, Joy/Mouse and click the question mark beside the axis.
 +
|touchscreen              = unknown
 +
|touchscreen notes        =
 
|controller support        = true
 
|controller support        = true
 
|controller support notes  = Supports force feedback but not vibration.
 
|controller support notes  = Supports force feedback but not vibration.
Line 134: Line 198:
 
|controller remap          = true
 
|controller remap          = true
 
|controller remap notes    =  
 
|controller remap notes    =  
 +
|controller sensitivity    = true
 +
|controller sensitivity notes=
 
|invert controller y-axis  = true
 
|invert controller y-axis  = true
 
|invert controller y-axis notes= Go to Config, Joy/Mouse and click the question mark beside the axis.
 
|invert controller y-axis notes= Go to Config, Joy/Mouse and click the question mark beside the axis.
−
|touchscreen               = unknown
+
|xinput controllers        = unknown
−
|touchscreen notes        =  
+
|xinput controllers notes  =
 +
|xbox prompts              = unknown
 +
|xbox prompts notes        =
 +
|impulse triggers          = unknown
 +
|impulse triggers notes    =
 +
|dualshock 4               = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 notes        =
 +
|dualshock prompts        = unknown
 +
|dualshock prompts notes  =
 +
|light bar support        = unknown
 +
|light bar support notes  =
 +
|dualshock 4 modes        = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 modes notes  =
 +
|tracked motion controllers= unknown
 +
|tracked motion controllers notes =
 +
|tracked motion prompts    = unknown
 +
|tracked motion prompts notes =
 +
|other controllers        = unknown
 +
|other controllers notes  =
 +
|other button prompts      = unknown
 +
|other button prompts notes=
 +
|button prompts            = Generic
 +
|button prompts notes      =
 +
|controller hotplug        = unknown
 +
|controller hotplug notes  =
 +
|haptic feedback          = false
 +
|haptic feedback notes    =
 +
|simultaneous input        = true
 +
|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==
−
[[File:Descent 3 audio settings.png|290px|right|thumb|Audio settings.]]
+
{{Image|Descent 3 audio settings.png|Audio settings.}}
−
{{Audio settings
+
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume notes    = Sound and Music.
 
|separate volume notes    = Sound and Music.
 
|surround sound          = true
 
|surround sound          = true
−
|surround sound notes    = Via A3D 2.0 and DirectSound3D
+
|surround sound notes    = Via A3D 2.0 and DirectSound3D, or [[Glossary:Sound_card#Set_up_OpenAL|OpenAL]] through [[#Piccu Engine|Piccu Engine]].
 
|subtitles                = false
 
|subtitles                = false
 
|subtitles notes          =  
 
|subtitles notes          =  
Line 154: Line 258:
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|eax support              = true
 
|eax support              = true
−
|eax support notes        = EAX 2, DirectSound3D, A3D 2.0<ref>[http://www.quantexzone.com/vortex-of-sound/games-list/139-games-list-all-titles-supporting-3d-audio Games List - All Titles supporting 3D Audio]</ref><br />
+
|eax support notes        = EAX 2, DirectSound3D, A3D 2.0<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.quantexzone.com/vortex-of-sound/games-list/139-games-list-all-titles-supporting-3d-audio|title=Games List - All Titles supporting 3D Audio|date=May 2023}}</ref><br />
 
Correct support for the latter requires latest patch<ref>[http://members.optusnet.com.au/kirben/faq_general.html#Why%20does%20the%20A3D%202.0%20in%20Descent%203%20sound%20poor%20and%20why%20does%20it%20use%20so%20much%20CPU Aureal A3D Central - Frequently Asked Questions - General]</ref>
 
Correct support for the latter requires latest patch<ref>[http://members.optusnet.com.au/kirben/faq_general.html#Why%20does%20the%20A3D%202.0%20in%20Descent%203%20sound%20poor%20and%20why%20does%20it%20use%20so%20much%20CPU Aureal A3D Central - Frequently Asked Questions - General]</ref>
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{L10n|content=
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = English
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = German
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Retail only; [https://www.compiware-forum.de/downloads/file/495-descent-3-german-patch/ download for digital releases (does not affect Mercenary)]
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Polish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Only available in Polish retail release. [https://dubbingpedia.pl/wiki/Descent_3 Details] 'Mercenary' expansion pack was never translated.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 +
==Network==
 +
{{Network/Multiplayer
 +
|local play          =
 +
|local play players  =
 +
|local play modes    =
 +
|local play notes    =
 +
|lan play            = true
 +
|lan play players    = 16
 +
|lan play modes      = Co-op, Versus
 +
|lan play notes      =
 +
|online play          = false
 +
|online play players  = 16
 +
|online play modes    = Co-op, Versus
 +
|online play notes    = The official HEAT service has been shut down.
 +
|asynchronous        =
 +
|asynchronous notes  =
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Network/Connections
 +
|matchmaking        = false
 +
|matchmaking notes  =
 +
|p2p                = true
 +
|p2p notes          =
 +
|dedicated          = hackable
 +
|dedicated notes    = Use [http://www.dateiliste.com/en/descent-3/58-descent-3-dedicated-server-tool-for-windws/491-download-d3server3.html D3Server3].
 +
|self-hosting      = true
 +
|self-hosting notes =
 +
|direct ip          = true
 +
|direct ip notes    =
 +
}}{{Network/Ports
 +
|tcp  =
 +
|udp  =
 +
|upnp =
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==="Error: Unable to set temporary directory to ... The directory is in use" error at launch===
 
==="Error: Unable to set temporary directory to ... The directory is in use" error at launch===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Delete .lock file|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Delete .lock file}}
+
# Go to {{file|{{p|game}}\custom\cache|folder}}.
−
# Go to the installation folder.
+
# Delete {{file|.lock}}
−
# Go into <code>custom\cache</code>.
 
−
# Delete <code>.lock</code>
 
 
# The game should now start normally.
 
# The game should now start normally.
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
===Mouse movement issues on Windows 8.1===
 +
{{ii}} For the GOG.com version, use the Windows 8.1 mouse lag fix installer from the game library.
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Install mouse fix|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Install the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/264-descent-3-mouse-fix/ Descent 3 mouse fix].
 +
}}
 +
 +
==Other information==
 +
===API===
 +
{{API
 +
|direct3d versions      = 6.1
 +
|direct3d notes        =
 +
|directdraw versions    =
 +
|directdraw notes      =
 +
|opengl versions        = 1.2
 +
|opengl notes          =
 +
|glide versions        = 3
 +
|glide notes            =
 +
|software mode          = false
 +
|software mode notes    =
 +
|mantle support        =
 +
|mantle support notes  =
 +
|vulkan versions        =
 +
|vulkan notes          =
 +
|dos modes              =
 +
|dos modes notes        =
 +
|shader model versions  =
 +
|shader model notes    =
 +
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 +
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = unknown
 +
|windows exe notes      =
 +
|mac os x powerpc app  = unknown
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app = true
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app = true
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 +
|macos app notes        =
 +
|linux powerpc app      = unknown
 +
|linux 32-bit executable= true
 +
|linux 64-bit executable= true
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 +
|linux 68k app          = unknown
 +
|linux executable notes =
 +
|mac os powerpc app    = true
 +
|mac os 68k app        = unknown
 +
|mac os executable notes=
 +
}}
 +
{{ii}} The 64-bit executables for OS X and Linux are currently only available for the enhanced Steam ports, and there are no plans for a Windows release of said port.<ref name="RCG2020Ports"/>
 +
 +
===Disable motion blur===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Launch the game with -nomotionblur [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]]|ref=<ref>Descent 3 readme</ref>}}
 +
 +
===Disable Windows 95 compatibility (Steam)===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Disable Windows 95 compatibility|ref=<ref name="Sui" />|fix=
 +
{{List|content=
 +
{{List/row|row=Go to {{file|{{p|game}}}} and edit {{file|descent3install.vdf}} with a text editor.}}
 +
{{List/row|row=Replace the install script with:
 +
<pre>installscript"
 +
{
 +
"firewall"
 +
{
 +
"Descent 3" "%INSTALLDIR%\main.exe"
 +
}
 +
}
 +
"kvsignatures"
 +
{
 +
"installscript" "ae6f36bbf6850d924011583c9a45f397d815843cb8aa9e03b04367c4563bebd81dc1104a1b27bda3699bff37cbcda2c2277b94558559994a055fe20da5d65710611ed3335789a2ecc6210350c503dfa1b366b4a6a8d3807e8351e27f698df33c4b2d6ee3b3eeec1c65b699efb437b15c4dc2cd726a0b9c1eae6d7f7855469b0f"
 +
}</pre>}}
 +
{{List/row|row=Save the changes.}}
 +
{{List/row|row=Right click on {{file|descent 3.exe}} and choose properties.}}
 +
{{List/row|row=In Compatibility tab disable <code>Run this program in compatibility mode with</code> and click OK.}}
 +
{{List/row|row=Right click on {{file|main.exe}} and choose properties.}}
 +
{{List/row|row=In Compatibility tab disable <code>Run this program in compatibility mode with</code> and click OK.}}
 +
}}}}
  
 
==System requirements==
 
==System requirements==
Line 172: Line 411:
 
|OSfamily = Windows
 
|OSfamily = Windows
  
−
|minOS    = XP, Vista, 7, 8
+
|minOS    = 95
−
|minCPU  = 1 GHz
+
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium 200 MHz
−
|minmem   = 256 MB
+
|minRAM  = 32 MB
−
|minDX   = 7
+
|minHD    = 210 MB
 +
|minGPU  =
 +
|minDX    = 6.1
 +
|minVRAM  = 4 MB
 +
 
 +
|recOS    = 98, NT
 +
|recCPU  = Intel Pentium II 300 MHz
 +
|recRAM   = 64 MB
 +
|recHD    = 500 MB
 +
|recGPU  =
 +
|recDX   =  
 +
|recVRAM  = 8 MB
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{System requirements
 +
|OSfamily = Mac OS
  
−
|recCPU   = 1.4 GHz
+
|minOS    = 7.5
−
|recmem   = 512 MB
+
|minCPU   = PowerPC 604e
−
|recDX   = 9
+
|minRAM   = 32 MB
 +
|minHD   = 350 MB
 +
|minVRAM  = 6 MB
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}

Latest revision as of 03:05, 1 May 2024

Descent 3
Descent 3 cover
Developers
Outrage Entertainment
Linux Loki Software
Mac OS (Classic) Graphsim Entertainment
Linux Ryan C. Gordon[1]
macOS (OS X) Ryan C. Gordon[1]
Publishers
Interplay Entertainment
Re-release Sold Out Software
Engines
Fusion
Release dates
Windows June 17, 1999[2]
Mac OS (Classic) November 23, 1999[3]
Linux July 2000
macOS (OS X) January 31, 2020[1]
Reception
Metacritic 89
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase, Expansion pack
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
Descent 3 on HowLongToBeat
Descent 3 on IGDB
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Descent 3 guide on StrategyWiki
Descent 3 on MobyGames
Descent 3 on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Descent
Descent 1995
Descent II 1996
Descent 3 1999
Descent (cancelled) renamed to S.T.F.U (Ships That Fight Underground) TBA

Descent 3 is a singleplayer and multiplayer first-person action, FPS, shooter and vehicle combat game in the Descent series.

The game's source code was released on GitHub by Kevin Bentley, one of the game's programmers, on April 16, 2024. It includes changes from the unreleased v1.5 patch.[4]

General information

Official source code
GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
GOG.com Support Page
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
 Oversized DRM in US release (lead-out area shortened and used for data, to prevent most contemporary CD-RW drives from copying the method), LaserLock DRM in European release. Can be removed using an officially sanctioned no-CD patch.
Windows
Mac OS
Linux
GOG.com
DRM-free
 Descent 3 + Mercenary.
Comes pre-configured with nGlide.
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
 Descent 3 + Mercenary.[5]
Linux and macOS versions are enhanced ports.[1]
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Two demo versions were released.

Monetization

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Mercenary
Windows

Essential improvements

Patches

Latest patches for every game version available here

Skip launcher

Launch the game with -launched parameter[5]

Skip intro videos

Launch the game with -nointro parameter[5]

Piccu Engine

A source port that makes several enhancements to the game, including restoration of missing features in the OpenGL renderer, native widescreen support, adjustable FOV that is automatically expanded for widescreen, easy switching between fullscreen and windowed modes, bug fixes, and more.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Outrage\Descent3\[Note 1]
Mac OS (Classic)
Linux
It's unknown whether this game follows the XDG Base Directory Specification on Linux. Please fill in this information.

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\savegame\[Note 2]
Mac OS (Classic)
Linux
*.plt in the installation folder stores pilot-related settings.

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
Steam Cloud

Video

Video settings.
Video settings.
Detail settings.
Detail settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
 See Widescreen resolution or use Piccu Engine.
Multi-monitor
 
Ultra-widescreen
 
4K Ultra HD
 
Field of view (FOV)
Use Piccu Engine and set the FOV option to your liking in the Video menu in Options. Automatically expands for widescreen.
Windowed
See Disable Windows 95 compatibility (Steam) and use dgVoodoo 2, D3DWindower, or Piccu Engine.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
Enabled by default. Set in Options, Video.
60 FPS
50 FPS default cap;[6] use the command line arguments -framecap 60
120+ FPS
Use -framecap X command line arguments with the desired cap.
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Widescreen resolution

Add resolution switches[7][8]
  1. Go to the shortcut/launcher properties:
    • If skipping the launcher, right-click the MAIN.EXE shortcut and choose Properties.
    • If using the launcher, run it and go to Setup, Misc.
  2. Add the desired resolution in the following format to the applicable command line arguments field: -width 1920 -height 1080 -aspect 1.78
    • -aspect should be 1.78 for 16:9 or 1.6 for 16:10 (calculate by dividing width by height)
  3. Click OK to save the changes.

Notes

Piccu Engine natively supports widescreen resolutions, and the desired resolution can be found under Change... in the Video menu in Options.
If the output is pillarboxed in-game, use the key to the left of ← Backspace to zoom in.
Resolutions higher than 2048 pixels on either axis will crash the game; use dgVoodoo 2 to remove resolution limits.

Input

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Go to Config, Joy/Mouse and click the question mark beside the axis.
Controller
Controller support
Supports force feedback but not vibration.
Full controller support
Controller remapping
Controller sensitivity
Controller Y-axis inversion
Go to Config, Joy/Mouse and click the question mark beside the axis.
Controller types
XInput-compatible controllers
PlayStation controllers
Generic/other controllers
Additional information
Button prompts Input settings icon - Generic Controller.svg
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M

Audio

Audio settings.
Audio settings.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Sound and Music.
Surround sound
Via A3D 2.0 and DirectSound3D, or OpenAL through Piccu Engine.
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
EAX support
EAX 2, DirectSound3D, A3D 2.0[9]
Correct support for the latter requires latest patch[10]

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
German
Retail only; download for digital releases (does not affect Mercenary)
Polish
Only available in Polish retail release. Details 'Mercenary' expansion pack was never translated.

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
16 Co-op, Versus
Online play
16 Co-op, Versus
The official HEAT service has been shut down.

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
Use D3Server3.
Self-hosting
Direct IP

Issues fixed

"Error: Unable to set temporary directory to ... The directory is in use" error at launch

Delete .lock file[citation needed]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\custom\cache.
  2. Delete .lock
  3. The game should now start normally.

Mouse movement issues on Windows 8.1

For the GOG.com version, use the Windows 8.1 mouse lag fix installer from the game library.
Install mouse fix[citation needed]
  1. Install the Descent 3 mouse fix.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 6
OpenGL 1.2
Glide 3
ExecutablePPC16-bit 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Mac OS (Classic)
The 64-bit executables for OS X and Linux are currently only available for the enhanced Steam ports, and there are no plans for a Windows release of said port.[1]

Disable motion blur

Launch the game with -nomotionblur parameter[11]

Disable Windows 95 compatibility (Steam)

Disable Windows 95 compatibility[5]
  1. Go to <path-to-game> and edit descent3install.vdf with a text editor.
  2. Replace the install script with: 
    installscript"
{
	"firewall"
	{
		"Descent 3"		"%INSTALLDIR%\main.exe"
	}
}
"kvsignatures"
{
	"installscript"		"ae6f36bbf6850d924011583c9a45f397d815843cb8aa9e03b04367c4563bebd81dc1104a1b27bda3699bff37cbcda2c2277b94558559994a055fe20da5d65710611ed3335789a2ecc6210350c503dfa1b366b4a6a8d3807e8351e27f698df33c4b2d6ee3b3eeec1c65b699efb437b15c4dc2cd726a0b9c1eae6d7f7855469b0f"
}
  3. Save the changes.
  4. Right click on descent 3.exe and choose properties.
  5. In Compatibility tab disable Run this program in compatibility mode with and click OK.
  6. Right click on main.exe and choose properties.
  7. In Compatibility tab disable Run this program in compatibility mode with and click OK.

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 95 98, NT
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 200 MHz Intel Pentium II 300 MHz
System memory (RAM) 32 MB 64 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 210 MB 500 MB
Video card (GPU) 4 MB of VRAM
DirectX 6.1 compatible 		8 MB of VRAM
Mac OS
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 7.5
Processor (CPU) PowerPC 604e
System memory (RAM) 32 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 350 MB
Video card (GPU) 6 MB of VRAM


Notes

  1. ↑ Applications writing to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE will be redirected to other locations based on various criterias, see the glossary page for more details.
  2. ↑ 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).

References