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Difference between revisions of "MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
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{{stub}}
 
{{stub}}
 
{{Infobox game
 
{{Infobox game
−
|cover        = MechWarrior 2 - Mercenaries cover.jpg
+
|cover        = MechWarrior 2- Mercenaries (PC Cover).png
 
|developers  =  
 
|developers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Activision}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Activision}}
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{{Infobox game/row/engine|MechWarrior 2}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/engine|MechWarrior 2}}
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|DOS|September 1996}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|DOS|September 25, 1996|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980210124918/http://www.ogr.com/news/news0996.html|title=Online Gaming Review|date=2024-03-31}} (archived)</ref>}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|September 1996}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|September 25, 1996}}
 
|taxonomy    =
 
|taxonomy    =
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase }}
−
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
Line 18: Line 17:
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Vehicle combat }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Vehicle combat }}
−
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | Robot }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | Robot }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | Stylized }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | Stylized }}
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}}
 
}}
  
−
'''Key points'''
+
{{Introduction
−
{{++}} [[#MechVM|MechVM]] fixes compatibility issues with modern systems.
+
|introduction      = '''''MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries''''' is the second expansion pack for the 1995 [[Glossary:Sci-fi|sci-fi]] [[Glossary:Vehicle combat|vehicle combat]] game ''[[MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat]]''. Unlike ''Ghost Bear's Legacy'', it is standalone and does not require the base game to play. It includes its own set of campaigns for various mercenary groups, as well as all 'Mechs from ''31st Century Combat'' and ''Ghost Bear's Legacy''. It has its own version of the multiplayer client ''NetMech'', called ''MercNet'', which this time comes bundled with the main game.
−
{{--}} 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>
+
 
 +
|release history  = Like the original, ''Mercenaries'' had several different releases; see [[#Version differences|Version differences]].
 +
 
 +
|current state    = On modern systems, the DOS version of the game is commonly played via [[#MechVM|MechVM]]. However, the Windows-native versions do not work on Windows 8 and later.<ref name="Windows 8 Zeus">[https://www.zeus-software.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2305#p2305 Forum | Zeus Software • View topic - Mechwarrior 2: 31st Century Combat compatibility list error]</ref><ref name="Windows 8 MechVM">MechVM Manual.pdf</ref>
 +
}}
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
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{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | | | DOS, Windows}}
 
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | | | DOS, Windows}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{ii}} This game is not available digitally.
 
 
{{ii}} A free demo version is available from [https://archive.org/details/MechWarrior2Mercenaries_1020 Archive.org].
 
{{ii}} A free demo version is available from [https://archive.org/details/MechWarrior2Mercenaries_1020 Archive.org].
  
 
===Version differences===
 
===Version differences===
−
{{ii}} The Titanium Trilogy includes Mercenaries as well as [[MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat]] with both expansions.
+
{{ii}} The Titanium Trilogy includes Mercenaries as well as [[MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat]] and Ghost Bear's Legacy. However, it has an abbreviated soundtrack and gameplay changes.
−
{{ii}} The 3Dfx Interactive Edition does not actually include a 3dfx renderer.<ref>[http://www.oocities.org/mechwarrior2_3d/FAQ.htm MW2 3D - FAQ]</ref> 3dfx support was included in the Titanium version.
+
{{ii}} The 3Dfx Interactive Edition does not actually include a 3dfx renderer.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.oocities.org/mechwarrior2_3d/FAQ.htm|title=MW2 3D - FAQ|date=May 2023}}</ref> 3dfx support was included in the Titanium version.
 
{{ii}} The DOS version uses software rendering. This version can be played in [[DOSBox]].
 
{{ii}} The DOS version uses software rendering. This version can be played in [[DOSBox]].
−
{{ii}} Windows versions can be played using [[#MechVM|MechVM]].
+
{{ii}} DOS and Windows versions can be played using [[#MechVM|MechVM]].
  
 
{{DLC|
 
{{DLC|
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==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
 
===MechVM===
 
===MechVM===
−
{{ii}} Windows versions do not work on Windows 8 and later; choose the DOS version when prompted (not included with all Windows versions).<ref name="Windows 8"/>
+
{{ii}} Windows versions do not work on Windows 8 and later; choose the DOS version when prompted (not included with all Windows versions).<ref name="Windows 8 Zeus"/><ref name="Windows 8 MechVM"/>
  
 
{{Fixbox|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=
 
{{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 {{file|mechvm.exe}} and install the game through it.
 
# Run {{file|mechvm.exe}} and install the game through it.
−
# Go to the {{file|directx|folder}} folder on the game disc.
+
# Go to the {{folder|directx}} folder on the game disc.
 
# If {{file|dplay.dll}} exists, copy it to the Mercenaries installation folder.
 
# If {{file|dplay.dll}} exists, copy it to the Mercenaries installation folder.
 
# Set {{file|mercswin.exe}} to run in Windows 95 [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]].
 
# Set {{file|mercswin.exe}} to run in Windows 95 [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]].
Line 68: Line 69:
  
 
===Patches===
 
===Patches===
−
{{ii}} The [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/352-mechwarrior-2-mercenaries-patch/ v1.1 Patch] fixes various issues and adds dynamic salvage (the original release had pre-determined salvage<ref>[https://groups.google.com/group/comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action/msg/23faa70494e81244 MW2 - Mercenaries, What's the deal with salvage? - Google Groups]</ref>). Battlepack and Titanium versions are already patched.
+
{{ii}} The [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/352-mechwarrior-2-mercenaries-patch/ v1.1 Patch] fixes various issues and adds dynamic salvage (the original release had pre-determined salvage<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://groups.google.com/group/comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action/msg/23faa70494e81244|title=MW2 - Mercenaries, What's the deal with salvage? - Google Groups|date=May 2023}}</ref>). Battlepack and Titanium versions are already patched.
  
 
===Skip intro videos===
 
===Skip intro videos===
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|fov notes                  =  
 
|fov notes                  =  
 
|windowed                  = true
 
|windowed                  = true
−
|windowed notes            = Use Alt+Enter to go into windowed mode
+
|windowed notes            = Use {{key|Alt|Enter}} to go into windowed mode
 
|borderless windowed        = unknown
 
|borderless windowed        = unknown
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
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==Issues unresolved==
 
==Issues unresolved==
 
===Windows version crashes on mission launch on Windows 8 or later===
 
===Windows version crashes on mission launch on Windows 8 or later===
−
{{--}} Windows versions crash on Windows 8 and later; use the DOS version instead.<ref name="Windows 8"/>
+
{{--}} Windows versions crash on Windows 8 and later; use the DOS version instead.<ref name="Windows 8 Zeus"/><ref name="Windows 8 MechVM"/>
  
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==

Latest revision as of 15:48, 31 March 2024

This page is a stub: it lacks content and/or basic article components. You can help to expand this page by adding an image or additional information.
MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries
MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries cover
Developers
Activision
Engines
MechWarrior 2
Release dates
DOS September 25, 1996[1]
Windows September 25, 1996
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives First-person, Third-person
Controls Direct control
Genres Vehicle combat
Vehicles Robot
Art styles Stylized
Themes Sci-fi
Series MechWarrior
MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries on HowLongToBeat
MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries guide on StrategyWiki
MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries on MobyGames
MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries 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

MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries is the second expansion pack for the 1995 sci-fi vehicle combat game MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat. Unlike Ghost Bear's Legacy, it is standalone and does not require the base game to play. It includes its own set of campaigns for various mercenary groups, as well as all 'Mechs from 31st Century Combat and Ghost Bear's Legacy. It has its own version of the multiplayer client NetMech, called MercNet, which this time comes bundled with the main game.

Like the original, Mercenaries had several different releases; see Version differences.

On modern systems, the DOS version of the game is commonly played via MechVM. However, the Windows-native versions do not work on Windows 8 and later.[2][3]

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
DOS
Windows
A free demo version is available from Archive.org.

Version differences

The Titanium Trilogy includes Mercenaries as well as MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat and Ghost Bear's Legacy. However, it has an abbreviated soundtrack and gameplay changes.
The 3Dfx Interactive Edition does not actually include a 3dfx renderer.[4] 3dfx support was included in the Titanium version.
The DOS version uses software rendering. This version can be played in DOSBox.
DOS and Windows versions can be played using MechVM.

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
MercNet Mercenaries equivalent of NetMech.
DOS
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).[2][3]
Use MechVM[5]
  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 Mercenaries installation folder.
  5. Set mercswin.exe to run in Windows 95 compatibility mode.
  6. For versions with 3dfx renderers, use nGlide.

Patches

The v1.1 Patch fixes various issues and adds dynamic salvage (the original release had pre-determined salvage[6]). Battlepack and Titanium versions are already patched.

Skip intro videos

Use replacement MINTRO.SMK

Apply the MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries intro skip.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
DOS
Windows

Save game data location

System Location
DOS
Windows

Video

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
 4:3 only; for higher 4:3 resolutions see Widescreen resolution.
Multi-monitor
 
Ultra-widescreen
 
4K Ultra HD
 
Field of view (FOV)
Windowed
Use Alt+↵ Enter to go into windowed mode
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Install nGlide and force in the graphics card control panel.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Install nGlide and force in the graphics card control panel.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
For DOSBox use an unofficial build (see the glossary page for other workarounds).
60 FPS and 120+ FPS

Widescreen resolution

Versions with 3dfx renderers can run at higher resolutions using nGlide (choice of stretched or pillarboxed 4:3); for Direct3D versions see the WSGF entry.
Use nGlide[citation needed]
  1. Install nGlide.
  2. Run the nGlide configurator from the Start screen/Start menu.
  3. Set the desired 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

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
For DOSBox use the DOSBox Mapper (see the glossary page for other workarounds).
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Full controller support
Controller remapping
For DOSBox use the DOSBox Mapper (see the glossary page for other workarounds).
Controller sensitivity
Controller Y-axis inversion
Controller types
XInput-compatible controllers
PlayStation controllers
Generic/other controllers
Additional information
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M

Audio

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio
Red Book CD audio
On Windows, CD music might not play correctly; see the troubleshooting guide for solutions.

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
German

Network

Multiplayer types

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

Issues unresolved

Windows version crashes on mission launch on Windows 8 or later

Windows versions crash on Windows 8 and later; use the DOS version instead.[2][3]

Issues fixed

No music

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

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
DOS video modes
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

System requirements

DOS
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 5.0
Processor (CPU) 486-66
System memory (RAM) 8 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 45 MB
Video card (GPU) SVGA 256 Color
Windows
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 95
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 100
System memory (RAM) 16 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 195 MB
Video card (GPU) Direct3D or 3dfx compatible


References