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Difference between revisions of "MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(Upgrading links to HTTPS with AutoWikiBrowser, replaced: http://www.patches-scrolls. → https://www.patches-scrolls., http://www.zeus-software.com/ → https://www.zeus-software.com/ (8))
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'''Key points'''
 
'''Key points'''
 
{{++}} [[#MechVM|MechVM]] fixes compatibility issues with modern systems.
 
{{++}} [[#MechVM|MechVM]] fixes compatibility issues with modern systems.
−
{{--}} Windows versions do not work on Windows 8 and later.<ref name="Windows 8">[http://www.zeus-software.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2305#p2305 Forum | Zeus Software • View topic - Mechwarrior 2: 31st Century Combat compatibility list error]</ref>
+
{{--}} Windows versions do not work on Windows 8 and later.<ref name="Windows 8">[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>
 
{{--}} Jumpjet recharge rate is dependent on framerate and often do not recharge at all unless the framerate is low.
 
{{--}} Jumpjet recharge rate is dependent on framerate and often do not recharge at all unless the framerate is low.
  
Line 54: Line 54:
 
{{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"/>
  
−
{{Fixbox|description=Use MechVM|ref=<ref>[http://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=
+
{{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 <code>mechvm.exe</code> and install the game through it.
 
# Run <code>mechvm.exe</code> and install the game through it.
Line 60: Line 60:
 
# If <code>dplay.dll</code> exists copy it to the MechWarrior 2 installation folder.
 
# If <code>dplay.dll</code> exists copy it to the MechWarrior 2 installation folder.
 
# Set <code>mech2.exe</code> to run in Windows 95 [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]].
 
# Set <code>mech2.exe</code> to run in Windows 95 [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]].
−
# For versions with 3dfx renderers (3dfx, Diamond Monster 3D, Titanium) use [http://www.zeus-software.com/downloads/nglide nGlide].
+
# For versions with 3dfx renderers (3dfx, Diamond Monster 3D, Titanium) use [https://www.zeus-software.com/downloads/nglide nGlide].
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Patches===
 
===Patches===
−
{{ii}} Install the latest [http://www.patches-scrolls.com/mechwarrior2.php Patch] to fix various issues. Battlepack and Titanium versions are already patched.
+
{{ii}} Install the latest [https://www.patches-scrolls.com/mechwarrior2.php Patch] to fix various issues. Battlepack and Titanium versions are already patched.
  
 
===Skip intro videos===
 
===Skip intro videos===
Line 110: Line 110:
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
 
|anisotropic                = hackable
 
|anisotropic                = hackable
−
|anisotropic notes          = Install [http://www.zeus-software.com/downloads/nglide nGlide] and force in the graphics card control panel.
+
|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 [http://www.zeus-software.com/downloads/nglide nGlide] and force in the graphics card control panel.
+
|antialiasing notes        = Install [https://www.zeus-software.com/downloads/nglide nGlide] and force in the graphics card control panel.
 
|vsync                      = hackable
 
|vsync                      = hackable
−
|vsync notes                = Install [http://www.zeus-software.com/downloads/nglide nGlide] and force in the graphics card control panel.
+
|vsync notes                = Install [https://www.zeus-software.com/downloads/nglide nGlide] and force in the graphics card control panel.
 
|60 fps                    = false
 
|60 fps                    = false
 
|60 fps notes              =  
 
|60 fps notes              =  
Line 126: Line 126:
  
 
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
−
{{ii}} The 3dfx edition can be played in widescreen (see the [https://www.wsgf.org/dr/mechwarrior-2-31st-century-combat/en WSGF entry]); other versions with 3dfx renderers can be run at higher resolutions using [http://www.zeus-software.com/downloads/nglide nGlide] (choice of stretched or pillarboxed 4:3).
+
{{ii}} The 3dfx edition can be played in widescreen (see the [https://www.wsgf.org/dr/mechwarrior-2-31st-century-combat/en WSGF entry]); other versions with 3dfx renderers can be run at higher resolutions using [https://www.zeus-software.com/downloads/nglide nGlide] (choice of stretched or pillarboxed 4:3).
  
 
{{Fixbox|description=Use nGlide|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Use nGlide|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
−
# Install [http://www.zeus-software.com/downloads/nglide nGlide].
+
# Install [https://www.zeus-software.com/downloads/nglide nGlide].
 
# Run the nGlide configurator from the Start screen/Start menu.
 
# Run the nGlide configurator from the Start screen/Start menu.
 
# Set your resolution.
 
# Set your resolution.

Revision as of 05:24, 14 June 2021

MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat
MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat cover
Developers
Activision
Engines
MechWarrior 2
Release dates
DOS July 24, 1995
Windows September 1995
Mac OS (Classic) July 1, 1996
MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat guide on StrategyWiki
MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat on MobyGames
MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
⤏ 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

Key points

MechVM fixes compatibility issues with modern systems.
Windows versions do not work on Windows 8 and later.[1]
Jumpjet recharge rate is dependent on framerate and often do not recharge at all unless the framerate is low.

General information

BattleTech Wiki - A massive wiki for everything BattleTech related
MechWarrior 2 Resource Forum
Local Ditch Gaming - A good source for tips.

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
 Mac OS version is a separate release.
DOS and Windows versions are packed together except in the earliest releases.
DOS
Windows
Mac OS
This game is not available digitally.

Version differences

MechWarrior 2: The Titanium Trilogy is a complete edition including both expansions and MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries. Note however it is based on the Mercenaries' engine and thus has different stats and textures to the original as well as a cutdown music score.
The DOS version uses software rendering. This version can be played in DOSBox.
The Windows 95, Pentium, Diamond Monster 3D, 3Dfx, Battlepack and Titanium versions can be played using MechVM. 95 and Pentium can be converted to be Glide capable with these files.
The ATI Rage, Matrox Mystique, PowerVR, S3 ViRGE and STB Velocity versions are not usable on modern systems.
There are many visual differences between the hardware-accelerated versions; see the 3D Acceleration Comparison for details. Also see MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat - DOS/Win95/3DFX/PS1/Saturn and Different Versions of MechWarrior 2.

DLC and expansion packs

A standalone follow-up, MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries, is also available.
Name Notes
MechWarrior 2: Ghost Bear's Legacy Sold separately or bundled with later releases.
DOS
Windows
NetMech Online multiplayer service for MechWarrior 2. Was incomplete at the time of game release so was later released as an "expansion".
DOS
Mac OS
Windows

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).[1]
Use MechVM[2]
  1. Download MechVM and extract it.
  2. Run mechvm.exe and install the game through it.
  3. Go to the directx folder on the game disc.
  4. If dplay.dll exists copy it to the MechWarrior 2 installation folder.
  5. Set mech2.exe to run in Windows 95 compatibility mode.
  6. For versions with 3dfx renderers (3dfx, Diamond Monster 3D, Titanium) use nGlide.

Patches

Install the latest Patch to fix various issues. Battlepack and Titanium versions are already patched.

Skip intro videos

Use replacement MINTRO.SMK

Apply the MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat intro skip.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
DOS
Windows <path-to-game>\[Note 1]
Mac OS (Classic)

Save game data location

System Location
DOS <path-to-game>\mw2reg.cfg
Windows
Mac OS (Classic)

Video

In-game general settings.
In-game general settings.
In-game movie playback settings.
In-game movie playback settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
 See the WSGF entry.
Multi-monitor
 
Ultra-widescreen
 
4K Ultra HD
 
Field of view (FOV)
Windowed
By default.
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)
Install nGlide and force in the graphics card control panel.
60 FPS and 120+ FPS

Widescreen resolution

The 3dfx edition can be played in widescreen (see the WSGF entry); other versions with 3dfx renderers can be run at higher resolutions using nGlide (choice of stretched or pillarboxed 4:3).
Use nGlide[citation needed]
  1. Install nGlide.
  2. Run the nGlide configurator from the Start screen/Start menu.
  3. Set your resolution.
  4. Change aspect ratio to "4:3" for the correct perspective or "fit to screen" for a stretched output.
  5. Select the 3dfx renderer in-game.

View Distance

A patch to increase the game's view distance is available here.

Input

In-game key map settings.
In-game key map settings.

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Full controller support
Controller remapping
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
Joystick interferes with keyboard aiming.

Audio

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
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

Network

Multiplayer requires the Netmech expansion (sold separately or bundled with later releases).

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
8
Online play
8 Official servers have been shut down.

Connection types

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

Issues unresolved

Windows version crashes on mission launch on Windows 8 or later

Windows versions crash on Windows 8 and later; use the DOS version instead.[1]

Issues fixed

No music

The disc must be inserted in CD-ROM 0; see this page for details.

Joystick not detected in Ghost Bear's Legacy

Copy missing giddi/giddiwin files[3]
  1. Open the giddi folder on the CD.
  2. Copy the contents to giddi in the installation folder.
  3. Open the giddiwin folder on the CD.
  4. Copy the contents to giddiwin in the installation folder.

Jump jets not recharging

Jump Jets don't recharge if the computer is too fast.
Reduce DOSBox cycles[4]
  • Can be set on command line or batch file, config -set cpu cycles 100000
  • Ctrl-F11 or Ctrl-F12 can also adjust the game speed until jumpjets can recharge.

Audio quality issues

The DOS version is sensitive to an incorrect Sound Blaster choice.
Change audio settings
  1. Open mw2setup.exe
  2. Choose "Configure Sound Devices", and "Select and configure digital audio driver"
  3. Choose the correct sound card.
    • DOSBox uses the Sound Blaster 16 by default.
    • If you are unsure, pick "Creative Labs Sound Blaster or 100% compatible".

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 2 Availability varies (see Version differences).
DirectDraw
Used to draw main menu only.
OpenGL
Rage 3D and PowerVR versions only.
Glide 2.11 Availability varies (see Version differences).
Software renderer
Availability varies (see Version differences).
DOS video modes SVGA
ExecutablePPC16-bit 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
Mac OS (Classic)

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Cutscenes Smacker Video Technology

System requirements

DOS
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 5.0
Processor (CPU) Intel 486 66 MHz
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 MHz
System memory (RAM) 16 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 195 MB
Video card (GPU) Direct3D or 3dfx compatible


Notes

  1. ↑ When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below %PROGRAMFILES%, %PROGRAMDATA%, or %WINDIR% might be redirected to %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore on Windows Vista and later (more details).

References