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Difference between revisions of "Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
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−
{{infobox
+
{{Infobox game
−
|cover         = Star Wars - X-Wing Alliance Coverart.png
+
|cover       = Star Wars X-Wing Alliance cover.jpg
−
|developer     = Totally Games
+
|developers  =
−
|publisher      = Lucasarts
+
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Totally Games}}
−
|release dates = February 28, 1999
+
|publishers  =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|LucasArts}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Disney Interactive Studios}}
 +
|engines     =  
 +
|release dates=  
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|March 24, 1999}}
 +
|taxonomy    =
 +
{{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/pacing            | Real-time }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | First-person }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Action, Vehicle combat }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | Space flight }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | Realistic }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Sci-fi, Space }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Star Wars: X-Wing }}
 +
|official site= https://web.archive.org/web/20000520063754/http://www.lucasarts.com/products/alliance/default.htm
 +
|steam appid  = 361670
 +
|gogcom id    = 1421404763
 +
|hltb        = 9143
 +
|igdb        = star-wars-x-wing-alliance
 +
|lutris      = star-wars-x-wing-alliance
 +
|strategywiki =
 +
|mobygames    = 1126
 +
|wikipedia    = Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance
 +
|winehq      = 2110
 +
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
X-Wing Alliance was released in 1999 and was designed to run on windows 95/98. Users therefore might run into some issues when trying to install and run the game on modern operating systems. Most notably the games' installer won't run in 64-bit windows so creating a fixed installer disc is necessary.
+
{{Introduction
−
The game is a spiritual successor to [[Star Wars: X-Wing|X-Wing]], [[Star Wars: TIE Fighter|TIE Fighter]] and [[Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter|X-Wing vs TIE Fighter]].
+
|introduction      =
  
−
==Patches==
+
|release history  =  
−
*[http://www.lucasarts.com/support/update/alliance.html 2.02]
 
−
Latest official patch
 
−
*[http://lucasfiles.com/?s=&action=file&id=1302 Font set]
 
−
Official font set. Fixes garbled fonts on certain resolutions.
 
−
*[http://sourceforge.net/projects/xwahacker/files/xwahacker.zip/download XWAHacker]
 
−
Includes a bunch of .bat-files that make useful tweaks to the game. Requires game to be patched to 2.02 to work.
 
  
−
==Issues and Fixes==
+
|current state    =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
'''General information'''
 +
{{--}} A controller or joystick is '''required''' for playing the game - '''without it, the game will not start.''' [https://www.xwaupgrade.com/index.php XWA Upgrade Mega Patch] includes Babu Frik's Configurator which includes an option for joystick emulation, bypassing this requirement. Another option is joystick emulation via external tools. Still, a joystick is '''strongly recommended''' to be used.
 +
{{GOG.com links|1421404763|star_wars_xwing_and_tie_fighter_series|for game series}}
 +
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3139443027 Steam Community Guide using a mouse as input using third party tools]
 +
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/361670/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 +
{{mm}} [http://xvt.uharc.net/ X-Wing Wiki] With lots of useful information
 +
{{mm}} [http://www.xwaupgrade.com/ X-Wing Alliance Upgrade project] Community dedicated to enhancing the game.
 +
 
 +
==Availability==
 +
{{Availability|
 +
{{Availability/row| Retail |  | disc check |  |  | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| GamersGate | star-wars-x-wing-alliance | Steam |  | | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 4079-1 | Steam | | | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | star_wars_xwing_alliance | DRM-free |  |  | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Humble | star-wars-xwing-alliance | Steam | | | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Origin | star-wars/star-wars-x-wing-alliance | Origin | Included with {{store feature|EA Play Pro}}. Currently only visible in the EA App's Browse menu. | | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Steam | 361670 | Steam |  |  | Windows }}
 +
}}
 +
{{ii}} A free demo version is available from [https://www.gamefront.com/games/star-wars-x-wing-alliance/file/star-wars-x-wing-alliance-demo GameFront].
  
−
===Game installer won't run:===
+
==Essential improvements==
−
The game installer is a 16-bit program meaning it will not run natively on a 64-bit machine. Fortunately there is a fix, even if it takes a little bit of work. Go to [http://www.markusegger.at/Software/Games/Default.aspx] and grab the appropriate installer (note that there is one for the German version of the game and one for the English/Italian). Follow the instructions here: [http://www.markusegger.at/Software/Games/XwaMsi/Instructions.html] to create a fixed disc.  
+
===Patches===
−
If the autostart-menu doesn't pop up run '''SETUP.EXE''' directly from the disc. Also, run the game from '''XWINGALLIANCE.EXE''' not '''ALLIANCE.EXE'''
+
* The latest official patch 2.02 is available [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/492-star-wars-x-wing-alliance-patch/ here] and at [https://soggi.org/misc/game-patches.htm soggi.org].
 +
*[https://sourceforge.net/projects/xwahacker/files/ XWA Hacker] - utility with useful tweaks and fixes. Requires game to be patched to 2.02 to work.
 +
*[https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/983-x-wing-alliance-steam-to-xwa-compatible-patch/ Steam to XWA Compatible patch] - modifies Steam's executable in order for it to be compatible with XWAHacker. Do not use it on non-Steam version.
  
−
===Graphical corruption when running in 3D-accelerated mode:===
+
===Skip intro videos===
−
Download [http://sourceforge.net/projects/xwahacker/files/xwahacker.zip/download XWAHacker] (requires game to be patched to 2.02 to work) and extract it to your game-folder. Run fixedclear.bat. Your .exe should now be patched to fix this issue. You can also try downloading [http://xvt.uharc.net/_media/tech:ddraw_hack_viewport3_clear2_.zip this] ddraw.ddl and put it in the main game folder.
+
{{Fixbox|description=Start {{file|xwingalliance.exe}} with <code>skipintro</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]]|ref=<ref>{{refcheck|user=Suicide_machine|date=2017-09-12|comment=It has to be xwingalliance.exe or its copy. It cannot be a launcher!}}</ref>}}
  
−
===Interface flashes rapidly:===
+
==Game data==
−
Probably related to Crossfire/SLI. Try turning it off.
+
===Configuration file(s) location===
 +
{{Game data|
 +
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\config.cfg}}
 +
}}
  
−
===Fonts in-game are messed up===
+
===Save game data location===
−
For lower resolutions you can try the official font fix above. You can also try the alternative fix by Guru Redeye here: [http://www.freewebs.com/gururedeye/download.htm]
+
{{Game data|
−
Note that text corruption might also be caused by forcing anti-aliasing.
+
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\{{P|uid}}.plt}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 +
{{Save game cloud syncing
 +
|discord                  =
 +
|discord notes            =
 +
|epic games launcher      =
 +
|epic games launcher notes =
 +
|gog galaxy                = false
 +
|gog galaxy notes          =
 +
|origin                    = true
 +
|origin notes              =
 +
|steam cloud              = true
 +
|steam cloud notes        =
 +
|ubisoft connect          =
 +
|ubisoft connect notes    =
 +
|xbox cloud                =
 +
|xbox cloud notes          =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Video==
 +
{{Image|Star Wars - X-Wing Alliance video settings.png|Video settings.}}
 +
{{Video
 +
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/star-wars-x-wing-alliance
 +
|widescreen wsgf award      = incomplete
 +
|multimonitor wsgf award    = incomplete
 +
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = incomplete
 +
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 +
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
 +
|widescreen resolution notes= See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 +
|multimonitor              = hackable
 +
|multimonitor notes        = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 +
|ultrawidescreen            = hackable
 +
|ultrawidescreen notes      = <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfzMHQm65N0|title=Star Wars X-Wing Alliance Hyper Space Fixed with ultrawide 21:9 resolution|date=2021-06-19}}</ref>
 +
|4k ultra hd                = hackable
 +
|4k ultra hd notes          = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 +
|fov                        = hackable
 +
|fov notes                  = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 +
|windowed                  = false
 +
|windowed notes            =
 +
|borderless windowed        = false
 +
|borderless windowed notes  =
 +
|anisotropic                = hackable
 +
|anisotropic notes          = See [[#Anisotropic filtering (AF)|Anisotropic filtering (AF)]].
 +
|antialiasing              = hackable
 +
|antialiasing notes        = See [[#Anti-aliasing (AA)|Anti-aliasing (AA)]].
 +
|upscaling                  = unknown
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 +
|vsync                      = false
 +
|vsync notes                =
 +
|60 fps                    = hackable
 +
|60 fps notes              = Game is locked at 24 FPS. Use [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1853-justagais-x-wing-series-60-fps-fix/ Justagai's X-Wing series 60 FPS fix] or [https://github.com/rdoeffinger/xwa_ddraw_d3d11/ rdoeffinger's DDraw wrapper].
 +
|120 fps                    = false
 +
|120 fps notes              =
 +
|hdr                        = unknown
 +
|hdr notes                  =
 +
|color blind                = unknown
 +
|color blind notes          =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Install XWAHacker|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Download [http://sourceforge.net/projects/xwahacker/ XWA Hacker] and extract it to the installation folder.
 +
# Run {{file|changeres.bat}}. The program will ask you to pick a resolution to modify.
 +
# Pick 800x600.
 +
# Next input the horizontal resolution you want when prompted and then the vertical.
 +
# Now run the game and pick 800x600. The game will then run at the resolution you specified. A vertical resolution greater than 1200 will likely lead to crashes.  
 +
# To further improve graphics and performance also run {{file|32bitmode.bat}}. Keep in mind this might distort the colors of in-game menus.
 +
 
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} A user friendly app-version of XWA Hacker is available [https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9PPKMJSRTM2B  here]
 +
{{ii}} Main-menu is always rendered at 640x480.
 +
{{ii}} This fix doesn't work with '''Steam version'''. Use [http://www.xwaupgrade.com/downloads.php XWAU Craft Pack] installer instead.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===[[Glossary:Anisotropic filtering (AF)|Anisotropic filtering (AF)]]===
 +
Patch the graphics to 32-bit before forcing AF from the level of graphical drivers. See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 +
Automatically enabled if using xwaupgrade patches or ddraw.dll wrapper (e.g. https://github.com/rdoeffinger/xwa_ddraw_d3d11/releases)
 +
 
 +
===[[Glossary:Anti-aliasing (AA)|Anti-aliasing (AA)]]===
 +
Patch the graphics to 32-bit before forcing AA from the level of graphical drivers. See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 +
{{ii}} Forcing antialiasing might make in-game fonts distorted, to prevent that, enable "Alternate Pixel Centers" if you have an ATI card. Alternatively, force Supersampling anti-aliasing (SSAA) to resolve font distortion.
 +
 
 +
==Input==
 +
{{Input
 +
|key remap                = true
 +
|key remap notes          =
 +
|acceleration option      = false
 +
|acceleration option notes =
 +
|mouse sensitivity        = false
 +
|mouse sensitivity notes  =
 +
|mouse menu                = true
 +
|mouse menu notes          =
 +
|invert mouse y-axis      = false
 +
|invert mouse y-axis notes =
 +
|touchscreen              = false
 +
|touchscreen notes        =
 +
|controller support        = always on
 +
|controller support notes  = Required to run the game; this can be bypassed with a tool such as [https://github.com/njz3/vJoy vJoy] or [https://www.xwaupgrade.com/index.php XWA Upgrade Mega Patch].
 +
|full controller          = false
 +
|full controller notes    = No controller support in menus.
 +
|controller remap          = true
 +
|controller remap notes    =
 +
|controller sensitivity    = false
 +
|controller sensitivity notes=
 +
|invert controller y-axis  = true
 +
|invert controller y-axis notes=
 +
|controller hotplug        = unknown
 +
|controller hotplug notes  =
 +
|haptic feedback          = true
 +
|haptic feedback notes    = For XInput controllers see [[Controller#Force feedback driver for XInput|XInput force feedback vibration in DirectInput games]].
 +
|simultaneous input        = true
 +
|simultaneous input notes  =
 +
|steam input api          = false
 +
|steam input api notes    =
 +
|steam hook input          = hackable
 +
|steam hook input notes    = Requires replacing a launcher with game's EXE. May require vJoy if fails to start.
 +
|steam input presets      = false
 +
|steam input presets notes =
 +
|steam controller prompts  = false
 +
|steam controller prompts notes =
 +
|steam cursor detection    = false
 +
|steam cursor detection notes =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Audio==
 +
{{Audio
 +
|separate volume          = true
 +
|separate volume notes    = Music, engine, effect, cockpit sound, exterior sound
 +
|surround sound          = true
 +
|surround sound notes    = Need A3D. See [[Glossary:Sound card#DirectSound hardware path|DirectSound3D restoration software]].
 +
|subtitles                = true
 +
|subtitles notes          =
 +
|closed captions          = unknown
 +
|closed captions notes    =
 +
|mute on focus lost      = unknown
 +
|mute on focus lost notes =
 +
|eax support              = true
 +
|eax support notes        = A3D 1.0 (2.02 update mandatory)
 +
|royalty free audio        = unknown
 +
|royalty free audio notes  =
 +
|red book cd audio        = false
 +
|red book cd audio notes  =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{L10n|content=
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = English
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = unknown
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = French
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = unknown
 +
|notes    = Retail only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = German
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = unknown
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Italian
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = unknown
 +
|notes    = Retail only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Spanish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = unknown
 +
|notes    = Retail only. Translation [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gE6ILx2iabP8iKaXFzWaBwAkAQ4lRyT_/view?usp=share_link Download] (From ''Clan Dlan'' archives).<br>
 +
Mods translations by ''Clan Dlan'': [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VpusdJtF1EUWh6K3xdEtfTGZDmL1TxqV/view?usp=share_link TIE Fighter Total Conversion – Classic Edition], [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1or_e3qNuRik6mTFOIROH-TzCb2bZoBhA/view?usp=share_link X-Wing Redux].
 +
|fan      = true
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Network==
 +
{{Network/Multiplayer
 +
|local play          =
 +
|local play players  =
 +
|local play modes    =
 +
|local play notes    =
 +
|lan play            = true
 +
|lan play players    = 8
 +
|lan play modes      =
 +
|lan play notes      =
 +
|online play          = false
 +
|online play players  = 4
 +
|online play modes    =
 +
|online play notes    = The official multiplayer service was shut down.
 +
|asynchronous        =
 +
|asynchronous notes  =
 +
}}{{Network/Connections
 +
|matchmaking        =
 +
|matchmaking notes  =
 +
|p2p                =
 +
|p2p notes          =
 +
|dedicated          =
 +
|dedicated notes    =
 +
|self-hosting      =
 +
|self-hosting notes =
 +
|direct ip          =
 +
|direct ip notes    =
 +
}}{{Network/Ports
 +
|tcp  =
 +
|udp  =
 +
|upnp =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Issues fixed==
 +
===Installing retail version on 64-bit versions of Windows===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Installing a game using alternative installer|ref={{cn|date=March 2017}}|fix=
 +
The game installer is a 16-bit program meaning it will not run natively on a 64-bit machine.
 +
# Go to [http://www.markusegger.at/Software/Games/Default.aspx Markus Egger website] and grab the appropriate installer (note that there is one for the German version of the game and one for the English/Italian).
 +
# Follow the instructions [http://www.markusegger.at/Software/Games/XwaMsi/Instructions.html here] to create a fixed disc.
 +
 
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} If the autostart-menu doesn't pop up run '''SETUP.EXE''' directly from the disc.
 +
{{ii}} Run the game from '''XWINGALLIANCE.EXE''' not '''ALLIANCE.EXE'''
 +
}}
  
−
===Can't activate 3D-audio:===
+
===Graphical corruption when running in 3D-accelerated mode===
−
If you're a using creative sound card and have Alchemy installed try adding the following to it:<br>
+
{{Fixbox|description=Install XWAHacker|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
−
[Star Wars X-Wing Alliance]<br>
+
# Download [http://sourceforge.net/projects/xwahacker/files/xwahacker.zip/download XWAHacker] (requires game to be patched to 2.02 to work)
−
RegPath: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC\X-Wing Alliance\v1.0\Install Path<br>
+
# Extract it to your game-folder.
−
Buffers=5<br>
+
# Run {{file|fixedclear.bat}}.  
−
Duration=10<br>
+
# The .exe should now be patched to fix this issue. You can also try downloading [http://xvt.uharc.net/_media/tech:ddraw_hack_viewport3_clear2_.zip this] ddraw.ddl and put it in the installation folder.
 +
}}
  
−
==Graphical Tweaks==
+
===Interface flashes rapidly===
−
===Widescreen/high resolution===
+
{{Fixbox|description=Turn off Crossfire/SLI|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
−
Download [http://sourceforge.net/projects/xwahacker/files/xwahacker.zip/download XWAHacker] and extract it to the game folder. Run changeres.bat. The program will ask you to pick a resolution to modify. Pick 800x600. Next input the horizontal resolution you want when prompted and then the vertical. Now go go the game and pick 800x600. The game will then run at the resolution you specified.  
+
* If you're using Crossfire/SLI - turn it off.
−
To further improve graphics and performance also run 32bitmode.bat. Keep in mind that this messes up the colors of in-game menus though.
+
}}
  
−
===Multimonitor Support===
+
===Fonts in-game are messed up===
−
[http://widescreengamingforum.com/forum/forums/gaming/requestdiscuss-game-solutions/19992/star-wars-x-wing-alliance-multi-monitor-solu Widescreen Gaming Forum].
+
{{Fixbox|description=Replace fonts|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
* Download [http://lucasfiles.com/?action=file&id=1302 Font set] or [http://www.freewebs.com/gururedeye/download.htm alternative font fix by Guru Redeye].
 +
}}
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Change anti-aliasing|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
* Text corruption might also be caused by forcing anti-aliasing (to prevent that, enable "Alternate Pixel Centers" if you have an ATI card).
 +
}}
  
−
===Antialiasing===
+
===Can't activate 3D-audio===
−
To make proper use of antialiasing you must first run 32bitmode.bat from [http://sourceforge.net/projects/xwahacker/files/xwahacker.zip/download XWAHacker] to make sure the game uses 32-bit graphics. Then you should be able to force it from your graphics control panel. Note that forcing antialiasing might make in-game fonts distorted.
+
{{Fixbox|description=Edit settings of Creative Alchemy|ref={{cn|date=January 2017}}|fix=
 +
If you're a using creative sound card and have Alchemy installed try adding the following to it:<br />
 +
[Star Wars X-Wing Alliance]<br />
 +
RegPath:
  
−
===Anisotropic Filtering===
+
<pre>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC\X-Wing Alliance\v1.0\Install Path</pre>
−
See above. Patch the graphics to 32-bit before forcing.
 
  
−
===V-sync===
+
Path<br />
−
The game is locked at 30 fps. [http://sourceforge.net/projects/xwahacker/files/xwahacker.zip/download XWAHacker] comes with a file called changefps.bat but unfortunately it only works for the menus, and maximum fps seems to be 60.
+
Buffers=5<br />
 +
Duration=10
 +
}}
  
−
==Performance Improvements==
+
===Can't enable 3d acceleration===
−
Patching the game to run at your native resolution as well as at 32-bit should smooth out the performance, but since the framerate is locked at 30 it doesn't make much of a difference.
+
* Use '''Direct3D 11 via DDraw.dll''' from [http://www.xwaupgrade.com/phpBB3008/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=11167 XWA Upgrade].
  
−
===Run Without CD?===
+
===Steam Controller doesn't work===
−
The game requires the CD to be in the drive when launching the game.
+
{{Fixbox|description=Replace game's launcher with the game's EXE|ref=<ref>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=940792633 XWA Getting Steam Controller Working || Steam Guide]</ref>|fix=
 +
# Go to {{p|game}}.
 +
# Rename {{file|alliance.exe}} to something different.
 +
# Make a copy of {{file|xwingalliance.exe}} and rename it to {{file|alliance.exe}}.
 +
}}
  
−
==Save Game Data==
+
==Other information==
−
===Folder Location===
+
===API===
−
*Pilots are stored in <pre>\LucasArts\X-Wing Alliance</pre> as a .plt-file named after your character.
+
{{API
−
Game options are saved in '''config.cfg''' in the same folder.
+
|direct3d versions      = 6
 +
|direct3d notes        =
 +
|directdraw versions    =
 +
|directdraw notes      =
 +
|opengl versions        =
 +
|opengl notes          =
 +
|glide versions        =
 +
|glide notes            =
 +
|software mode          = true
 +
|software mode notes    =
 +
|mantle support        =
 +
|mantle support notes  =
 +
|metal support          =
 +
|metal 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      =
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app = unknown
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app = unknown
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 +
|macos app notes        =
 +
|linux 32-bit executable= unknown
 +
|linux 64-bit executable= unknown
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 +
|linux executable notes =
 +
}}
  
−
==Controller Support==
+
==System requirements==
−
The game supports joysticks and gamepads out of the box. Even rumble works!
+
{{System requirements
 +
|OSfamily = Windows
  
−
==Useful Links==
+
|minOS    = 95, 98
−
*[http://www.lucasarts.com/support/updates.html Lucasarts file repository]
+
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium 200 MHz
−
*[http://xvt.uharc.net/ X-Wing Wiki] With lots of useful information
+
|minRAM  = 32 MB
−
*[http://www.xwaupgrade.com/ X-Wing Alliance Upgrade project] Community dedicated to replacing every ship in the game with updated models/textures.
+
|minHD    = 131 MB (minimal installation)
 +
|minVRAM  = 2 MB
  
−
==See Also==
+
|recOS    =  
−
*[[Star Wars: X-Wing]]
+
|recCPU  =  
−
*[[Star Wars: TIE Fighter]]
+
|recRAM  =  
 +
|recHD    = 275 MB
 +
|recVRAM  = 4 MB
 +
}}
  
−
[[Category:Game]]
+
{{References}}

Latest revision as of 14:46, 2 May 2024

Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance
Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance cover
Developers
Totally Games
Publishers
LucasArts
Disney Interactive Studios
Release dates
Windows March 24, 1999
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives First-person
Controls Direct control
Genres Action, Vehicle combat
Vehicles Space flight
Art styles Realistic
Themes Sci-fi, Space
Series Star Wars: X-Wing
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Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance on HowLongToBeat
Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance on IGDB
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Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance on MobyGames
Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance on Wikipedia
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Star Wars: X-Wing
Subseries of Star Wars
Star Wars: X-Wing 1993
Star Wars: TIE Fighter 1994
Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter 1997
Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance 1999

Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance is a singleplayer and multiplayer first-person action and vehicle combat game in the Star Wars: X-Wing series.

General information

A controller or joystick is required for playing the game - without it, the game will not start. XWA Upgrade Mega Patch includes Babu Frik's Configurator which includes an option for joystick emulation, bypassing this requirement. Another option is joystick emulation via external tools. Still, a joystick is strongly recommended to be used.
GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
GOG.com Support Page
Steam Community Guide using a mouse as input using third party tools
Steam Community Discussions
X-Wing Wiki With lots of useful information
X-Wing Alliance Upgrade project Community dedicated to enhancing the game.

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
Windows
GamersGate
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Windows
Gamesplanet logo.svg
Icon overlay.png
Windows
GOG.com
DRM-free
Windows
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Origin
Origin
 Included with EA Play Pro. Currently only visible in the EA App's Browse menu.
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
Windows
A free demo version is available from GameFront.

Essential improvements

Patches

  • The latest official patch 2.02 is available here and at soggi.org.
  • XWA Hacker - utility with useful tweaks and fixes. Requires game to be patched to 2.02 to work.
  • Steam to XWA Compatible patch - modifies Steam's executable in order for it to be compatible with XWAHacker. Do not use it on non-Steam version.

Skip intro videos

Start xwingalliance.exe with skipintro command line argument[1]

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\config.cfg[Note 1]
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/361670/pfx/[Note 2]

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\<user-id>.plt[Note 1]
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/361670/pfx/[Note 2]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
Origin
Steam Cloud

Video

Video settings.
Video settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
 See Widescreen resolution.
Multi-monitor
 
 See Widescreen resolution.
Ultra-widescreen
 
 [2]
4K Ultra HD
 
 See Widescreen resolution.
Field of view (FOV)
See Widescreen resolution.
Windowed
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
See Anisotropic filtering (AF).
Anti-aliasing (AA)
See Anti-aliasing (AA).
Vertical sync (Vsync)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
60 FPS
Game is locked at 24 FPS. Use Justagai's X-Wing series 60 FPS fix or rdoeffinger's DDraw wrapper.
120+ FPS

Widescreen resolution

Install XWAHacker[citation needed]
  1. Download XWA Hacker and extract it to the installation folder.
  2. Run changeres.bat. The program will ask you to pick a resolution to modify.
  3. Pick 800x600.
  4. Next input the horizontal resolution you want when prompted and then the vertical.
  5. Now run the game and pick 800x600. The game will then run at the resolution you specified. A vertical resolution greater than 1200 will likely lead to crashes.
  6. To further improve graphics and performance also run 32bitmode.bat. Keep in mind this might distort the colors of in-game menus.

Notes

A user friendly app-version of XWA Hacker is available here
Main-menu is always rendered at 640x480.
This fix doesn't work with Steam version. Use XWAU Craft Pack installer instead.

Anisotropic filtering (AF)

Patch the graphics to 32-bit before forcing AF from the level of graphical drivers. See Widescreen resolution. Automatically enabled if using xwaupgrade patches or ddraw.dll wrapper (e.g. https://github.com/rdoeffinger/xwa_ddraw_d3d11/releases)

Anti-aliasing (AA)

Patch the graphics to 32-bit before forcing AA from the level of graphical drivers. See Widescreen resolution.

Forcing antialiasing might make in-game fonts distorted, to prevent that, enable "Alternate Pixel Centers" if you have an ATI card. Alternatively, force Supersampling anti-aliasing (SSAA) to resolve font distortion.

Input

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Required to run the game; this can be bypassed with a tool such as vJoy or XWA Upgrade Mega Patch.
Full controller support
No controller support in menus.
Controller remapping
Controller sensitivity
Controller Y-axis inversion
Additional information
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
For XInput controllers see XInput force feedback vibration in DirectInput games.
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M
Steam Input
Steam Input API support
Hook input (legacy mode)
Requires replacing a launcher with game's EXE. May require vJoy if fails to start.
Official controller preset(s)
Steam Controller button prompts
Cursor detection

Audio

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Music, engine, effect, cockpit sound, exterior sound
Surround sound
Need A3D. See DirectSound3D restoration software.
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
EAX support
A3D 1.0 (2.02 update mandatory)
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
French
Retail only.
German
Italian
Retail only.
Spanish
Retail only. Translation Download (From Clan Dlan archives).
Mods translations by Clan Dlan: TIE Fighter Total Conversion – Classic Edition, X-Wing Redux.

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
8
Online play
4 The official multiplayer service was shut down.

Issues fixed

Installing retail version on 64-bit versions of Windows

Installing a game using alternative installer[citation needed]

The game installer is a 16-bit program meaning it will not run natively on a 64-bit machine.

  1. Go to Markus Egger website and grab the appropriate installer (note that there is one for the German version of the game and one for the English/Italian).
  2. Follow the instructions here to create a fixed disc.

Notes

If the autostart-menu doesn't pop up run SETUP.EXE directly from the disc.
Run the game from XWINGALLIANCE.EXE not ALLIANCE.EXE

Graphical corruption when running in 3D-accelerated mode

Install XWAHacker[citation needed]
  1. Download XWAHacker (requires game to be patched to 2.02 to work)
  2. Extract it to your game-folder.
  3. Run fixedclear.bat.
  4. The .exe should now be patched to fix this issue. You can also try downloading this ddraw.ddl and put it in the installation folder.

Interface flashes rapidly

Turn off Crossfire/SLI[citation needed]
  • If you're using Crossfire/SLI - turn it off.

Fonts in-game are messed up

Replace fonts[citation needed]
Change anti-aliasing[citation needed]
  • Text corruption might also be caused by forcing anti-aliasing (to prevent that, enable "Alternate Pixel Centers" if you have an ATI card).

Can't activate 3D-audio

Edit settings of Creative Alchemy[citation needed]

If you're a using creative sound card and have Alchemy installed try adding the following to it:
[Star Wars X-Wing Alliance]
RegPath: 

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC\X-Wing Alliance\v1.0\Install Path

Path
Buffers=5
Duration=10

Can't enable 3d acceleration

Steam Controller doesn't work

Replace game's launcher with the game's EXE[3]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>.
  2. Rename alliance.exe to something different.
  3. Make a copy of xwingalliance.exe and rename it to alliance.exe.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 6
Software renderer
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 95, 98
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 200 MHz
System memory (RAM) 32 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 131 MB (minimal installation) 275 MB
Video card (GPU) 2 MB of VRAM 4 MB of VRAM


Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 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).
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

References

  1. ↑ Verified by User:Suicide_machine on 2017-09-12
    It has to be xwingalliance.exe or its copy. It cannot be a launcher!
  2. ↑ Star Wars X-Wing Alliance Hyper Space Fixed with ultrawide 21:9 resolution - last accessed on 2021-06-19
  3. ↑ XWA Getting Steam Controller Working || Steam Guide