___STAR______________________________________________________________ / ________ ______ ________ ____ _____ \ | | \ | | | \ | || | | | | __ \ | | | __ \ | || | | | | || | | /\ | | || | | || | | | | || | | || | | || | | |/ | | | | || | | || | | ~` / | / | | | || | | || | | /\ \ | |\ \ | | | || | | ~' | | || | | || | | | | ~' / | __ | | || | | || | | | |_______/ |__/ \__| |___||___| |___||___| | | _________ ______ ________ ______ _________ ______ | | | | / \ | \ / \ | | / \ | | | ____| / __ \ | __ \ / __ \ | ____| / __ \ | | | | | || | | || | | || | | | | ||___| | | | |___ | || | | || | | ||___| | |___ \_ \_ | | | ____| | || | | ~` / | | ____ | ____| \_ \_ | | | | | || | | /\ \ | || | | | ____\, \ | | | | | || | | || | | || | | |____ | || | | | | | \ ~' / | || | \ ~' / | | \ ~' / | | |___| \______/ |___||___| \______/ |_______| \______/tm| \______________________________________________________________ ___/ WARS STAR WARS: DARK FORCES The FAQList "The dark side of the force Just got darker." Version 2.60c (FINAL VERSION) Last Updated: October 16, 1996 Compiled and Maintained by Dr Karsten A. Loepelmann This FAQList is copyright 1995 and 1996 by Karsten A. Loepelmann. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction, distribution, transmission, or storage for noncommercial purposes only, on the condition that the contents are not changed in any way. Permission for any other use or distribution of this FAQList must be obtained from the rights holder, Karsten A. Loepelmann. All trademarks herein are acknowledged as the property of their respective owners. Star Wars is a registered trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. Dark Forces is a trademark of LucasArts Entertainment Company. This document will be Internet-published in: news:alt.games.dark-forces news:comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action news:rec.arts.sf.starwars.games http://www.connect.ab.ca/~kloepel/df.htm Abbreviations used: DF = Dark Forces LA = LucasArts TD = Thermal Detonator DT = Dark Trooper Contents: (*)=denotes a section that has changed since the last release of this FAQ (+)=denotes a section that has been added since the last release of this FAQ * 0.0 Welcome! 1.0 Introduction * 1.1 What is "Dark Forces"? 1.2 Is DF canon? 1.3 What is required to run DF? 1.4 What media format is DF offered on? 1.5 What sound cards are supported? 1.6 What controllers are supported? 1.7 Does DF have _________? 1.7.1 ...a multiplayer option? 1.7.2 ...a "save" feature? 1.8 How do I get DF? * 1.9 Will there be any sequels to DF? 1.10 MacDF 1.10.1 MacDF hardware requirements 1.10.2 Running custom levels on MacDF 1.10.3 MacDF patch file 1.10.4 MacDF demo 1.11 Sony PlayStation DF 2.0 DF Demo 2.1 Where can I get the demo? 2.2 Is the demo level in the full game release? 3.0 DF vs. DOOM 3.1 Isn't DF just a ripoff of iD Software's DOOM? 3.2 Does DF kick DOOM's butt? 3.3 Is DF easier than DOOM? 4.0 Undocumented Codes 4.1 Gameplay Cheat Codes 4.1.1 LABUG 4.1.2 LACDS 4.1.3 LADATA 4.1.4 LAIMLAME 4.1.5 LAMAXOUT 4.1.6 LANTFH 4.1.7 LAPOGO 4.1.8 LAPOSTAL 4.1.9 LARANDY 4.1.10 LAREDLITE 4.1.11 LASKIP 4.1.12 LAUNLOCK 4.1.13 LABRADY (Mac only) 4.1.14 LAOZ (Mac only) 4.1.15 LATERMINATE (Mac only) 4.2 Mission Codes 4.3 "Dork Farces" :) 4.4 Command Line Options 5.0 Weapons and Items 5.1 Weapons 5.1.1 Fists 5.1.2 Modified Bryar Pistol 5.1.3 Stormtrooper Laser Rifle 5.1.4 Thermal Detonators 5.1.5 Imperial Repeater Gun 5.1.6 Jeron Fusion Cutter 5.1.7 I.M. Mines 5.1.8 Packered Mortar Gun 5.1.9 Stouker Concussion Rifle 5.1.10 Assault Cannon 5.2 Ammo 5.3 Weapon Supercharge 5.4 How is aiming/targeting accomplished? 5.5 Various Items 5.5.1 Keys 5.5.2 Head Lamp 5.5.3 Infrared Goggles 5.5.4 Ice Cleats 5.5.5 Air Mask 5.5.6 Batteries 5.5.7 Shields 5.5.7.1 Shield Supercharge 5.5.7.2 Revive 5.5.7.3 Med Kit 6.0 Opponents 6.1 Imperial Stormtroopers 6.2 Imperial Officers 6.3 Imperial Commandos 6.4 Gun Turrets 6.5 Probe Droids 6.6 Interrogation Droids 6.7 Remotes 6.8 Mouse Droids 6.9 Trandoshans 6.10 Gran 6.11 Gamorreans 6.12 Dianoga 6.13 Boba Fett 6.14 Kell Dragons * 6.15 Dark Troopers 6.16 How many opponents are there in each Mission? * 6.17 How many shots are required to take out each opponent? + 6.18 How many hits can Kyle take from each weapon? 7.0 The Missions 7.1 Prologue Mission I: The Death Star Plans: Operation Skyhook: Phase 2 7.2 Mission II: After the Massacre 7.3 Mission III: The Subterranean Hideout 7.4 Mission IV: Imperial Weapons Research Facility 7.5 Mission V: The Blood Moon 7.6 Mission VI: Crix Madine's Fate 7.7 Mission VII: Deadly Cargo 7.8 Mission VIII: Ice Station Beta 7.9 Mission IX: The Death Mark 7.10 Mission X: Jabba's Revenge 7.11 Mission XI: The Imperial Mask 7.12 Mission XII: Smuggler's Hijack 7.13 Mission XIII: The Stowaway * 7.14 Mission XIV: The Dark Awakening 8.0 Miscellaneous Questions 8.1 What is "headwave"? 8.1.1 Does DF induce motion sickness? 8.2 Who are the people behind DF? 8.3 Has George Lucas provided any input to DF? 8.4 What is the name of Kyle's dropship? 8.5 What happened to the Imperial-class Star Destroyer Mission? * 8.6 Is there a strategy guide? * 8.7 Is there a DF fan club? * 8.8 Is there any DF merchandise available? 9.0 DF Customization 9.1 How do I remap the keys? 9.2 What are .GOB files? 9.2.1 What software was used to create the .GOB files? 9.2.2 How should a custom .GOB file be loaded? 9.3 How are the different floors separated? 9.4 How are textures assigned? 9.5 How are dynamic properties assigned? 9.6 How do you place objects in a mission? 9.7 Can you create floor panels that can be blown up? 9.8 Can you create sloped floors? 9.9 How are sounds associated with actions? 9.10 Is there a limit to the size and complexity of the missions? 9.11 Day of the Tentacle? * 10.0 Custom Missions and Mission Editors * 10.1 MPC mission editors * 10.2 MacDF mission editors * 10.3 Custom missions * 11.0 Troubleshooting 11.1 Help installing 11.2 Help with sound cards * 11.3 Misc help 11.4 How do I contact LA technical support? * 12.0 Acknowledgements 13.0 References ========================================================================== ============ 0.0 Welcome! ============ This file is a list of frequently asked questions about the MPC (MS-DOS CD-ROM) game _Star Wars: Dark Forces_ (which was released March 7, 1995). It's also a file of answers to those questions ;-) DF was voted the #1 game! (Poll taken in _Computer Gaming World_'s April, 1995 issue; results listed in the June, 1995 issue.) *** NOTE! *** This is the 'final' version of the FAQList. I have relinquished maintainance of the custom missions list (see section 10.3), so I do not anticipate making any changes to this FAQList (sorry, but I just don't have the time). A great big THANKS! to all who contributed. I hope this document was able to help some of you through DF! Dark Forces Project Leader Daron Stinnett and Lead Artist/Co-writer Justin Chin provided me with much inside info on DF. Many of the questions below were answered with info provided to me by them. Thanks, Daron and Justin! The *new* WWW site for the DF FAQ is (and will be, for the time being): http://www.connect.ab.ca/~kloepel/df.htm (A great big thanks to John-Paul May and the great people at TWEB for giving the DF FAQList Website a home for over a year! Unfortunately, a fire destroyed TWEB in October, 1996. :-( I humbly note that my site has been honoured on the "Cool List" compiled by Warren Ernst , author of the excellent _Using Netscape_ . Check out his Cool List at: http://llama.jpl.nasa.gov/bookmark.htm -KAL May the (Dark) Forces be with you! ================ 1.0 Introduction ================ 1.1 What is "Dark Forces"? ========================== "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.... "The New Order of the Empire stretches its evil clutches across the galaxy, consuming planets with devastating results. Through many struggles, the Rebel Alliance has learned of a new Imperial battle station, the DEATH STAR, with enough power to destroy an entire planet. "Unable to acquire the plans to the deadly space station, the Rebels have employed the skills of Kyle Katarn. Known to most as a mercenary for hire, Katarn is a rogue figure who has a partial alliance with the Rebels. "Armed only with a blaster pistol and an intimate knowledge of Imperial methods, Katarn prepares to infiltrate the Imperial base in which the plans are kept..." Dark Forces is LucasArts' new first-person perspective game. It is based on a LA-developed 'Jedi Engine', which supports "full 3D objects, a realistic lighting model, atmospheric effects (haze, fog, etc.), Gouraud shading, animating textures, 3D viewing angles and more." Each of the 14 missions encompasses a different world, each with a unique look and feel. This is not a static environment, according to project leader Daron Stinnett: "the worlds extend out in all directions. There are elevators to take you to multiple floors, bridges over flowing water, catwalks, air shafts and other architectural features. We wanted an active environment, so ships come and go at the flight decks, rivers sweep along, platforms and conveyor belts move, and much of the machinery functions." In this game, you play Kyle Katarn, a mercenary once employed by the Galactic Empire who is now working with the Rebel Alliance. Kyle's first mission is to steal the plans for an awesome space station: the Death Star. Subsequently, the Rebels learn of Imperial General Mohc's plans to create battalions of mechanized "Dark Troopers" -- specially enhanced stormtroopers which could spell the end of the rebellion. In Dark Forces, the player, as Katarn, must travel to varied locations -- such as the Gromas Mines, a Super Star Destroyer, the Imperial City on Coruscant, and the spaceport moon of Nar Shaddaa -- to stop the Empire from unleashing the Dark Troopers... The characters inhabiting the game are familiar ones from the Star Wars universe, and include Imperial Stormtroopers and officers, pig-like Gamorreans, interrogation droids, the monster from the trash compactor, and Boba Fett, among others. You will be able to use many different weapons; among them a blaster rifle, thermal detonators, and an assault cannon. 1.2 Is DF canon? ================ DF itself is *not* canon (meaning 'in Star Wars continuity'), but that's not to say it doesn't have ties to Star Wars continuity. Kyle Katarn's first mission takes place shortly before the events of _Star Wars: A New Hope_ (Episode IV). Surely, if there were a Rebel who had accomplished as much as Katarn (succeeding in over a dozen extremely difficult missions single-handedly, facing hundreds of opponents), we would have heard of him by now. But, hey -- just try to play along, okay? After all, you may shoot down the enigmatic bounty hunter Boba Fett -- but he later appears in _Return of the Jedi_ to be fed to the Sarlacc, and then reappears on Nar Shaddaa in the Dark Horse Comics series _Star Wars: Dark Empire_. On the other hand, Justin Chin writes: Kyle Katarn is not a more visible character in the Rebellion because Mon Mothma and the rest of the leaders of the Rebellion are concerned about the controversial nature of his employment. Namely his past with the Empire, in which he had many successful operations against the Rebellion, leaving many dead. The other is that he is not officially a part of the Rebellion, and is paid very well for his deeds. Other rebel members are not paid so well if not at all. In fact this very fact greatly upsets Princess Leia to no end. Even with the success with the Death Star plans and the Dark Troopers. Mon Mothma went behind Leia's back to hire him to steal the Death Star plans. BTW, 'katarn' (the surname of the protagonist in DF) is the name of a predator on the Wookie homeworld of Kashyyyk. Also, in the Star Wars book _Heir to the Empire_, written by Timothy Zahn (the first book in his trilogy), there is a Lieutenant Page who heads a New Republic group called the 'Katarn Commandos.' Justin Chin writes: ["Katarn"] was used before I officially started on the project. I tried to think of a better one, but I as well as others, were used to it so it was not changed. He was in fact named after the animal. But he has no relation to the Katarn Commandos. 1.3 What is required to run DF? =============================== COMPUTER: IBM and 100% compatibles OPERATING SYSTEM: MS-DOS 5.0 or higher CPU: 386DX/33 minimum (486DX/33 or higher strongly recommended) CD-ROM drive required MEMORY: 8 megabytes RAM (6.5 megabytes XMS free) HARD DISK DRIVE: 3.5 megabytes available space required INPUT DEVICE: keyboard; joystick and mouse optional VIDEO: 256-colour VGA/MCGA (Local Bus or PCI recommended) SOUND CARDS: various popular sound cards are supported. See section 1.5 The CD-ROM drive need not adhere to the MPC2 standard of a 300kb/s transfer rate, but the faster your drive, the faster you'll load the levels. Note that DF actually exceeds certain MPC2 requirements (i.e., you *must* have 8 Mb RAM). Yes, you need at least 8 (eight) megabytes of RAM -- no, this is *not* a typo. Time to upgrade that PC XT! The README.TXT file accompanying the DF demo states that DF requires a Microsoft-compatible mouse, but will also support the Flightstick Pro and ThrustMaster Flight Control Systems, as well as regular joysticks. 1.4 What media format is DF offered on? ======================================= Right now, DF is being offered on MPC and Mac CD-ROM *only*. Although it has been rumoured, there are apparently *no* plans to offer DF on floppies later. Daron Stinnett notes: I don't think so. We considered it, but it doesn't look like the retailers want a floppy version. Some players have expressed their disdain for the small size of DF. They say that the CD is "padded" with the inclusion of the DF demo. (In fact, the demo of Full Throttle is larger than DF itself -- this is largely due to the former's extensive sound and animation components.) However, others have noted that just because a game comes on a CD-ROM doesn't mean that it *should* take up 640 Mb -- some games don't lend themselves to that. It would have been nice to have a few more Missions on the CD, like another 200 or so ;-) Think of it this way: what if DF were only offered on (two dozen) floppies? Would you have been happy? *** Important note: If you are offered DF on ~21 floppy disks, or find such a version on a BBS or FTP site, that version is *pirated*. Do *not* download, purchase, or accept DF in this format. This is *illegal*. You are considered an accessory unless you report this violation of copyright to the authorities. A lot of people worked very hard on DF -- they don't work for free. If you want to try out DF, get the demo level (see section 2.0). 1.5 What sound cards are supported? =================================== Creative Labs' SoundBlaster, SoundBlaster Pro, SoundBlaster 16, AWE32; MediaVision's ProAudioSpectrum, PAS16, ProAudio Studio, and Premium 3-D; Roland MT32/LAPC-1; Ensoniq Soundscape; Gravis UltraSound and UltraSound Max in native mode; General MIDI, and compatibles. (Plug: the stereo sound on my PAS16 is flawless and fabulous.) 1.6 What controllers are supported? =================================== Two-and three-button mice (mouses?) are supported, as are the FlightStick Pro, and the ThrustMaster FCS and compatibles. Note: the FLCS is *not* supported. The Gravis GamePad is supported, and the buttons are configurable. 1.7 Does DF have __________? ============================ 1.7.1 ...a multiplayer option? ============================== LA made the decision not to include modem or network play in DF, preferring instead to concentrate on producing a solid game (I'm paraphrasing). Although it wouldn't make much sense to have a 'deathmatch'-style game with two rebels fighting each other, a one-on-one Kyle Katarn/Trooper match is possible. A cooperative modem game option would fit much better into the storyline, considering that some fairly intricate and complex puzzles must be solved to complete a mission. The storyline, however, is *not* the decisive factor here. LA obviously decided that DF would be "popular enough" without a modem option. Many net.players have modems or are on networks, thus the high demand for this option on the Net is understandable. 1.7.2 ...a "save" feature? ========================== There is *no* mid-mission save feature in DF. After you complete a mission, your status and weapons are saved. In each mission, there are various invisible "save locations". If you die, and you have at least one life left, you are "reincarnated" at the last save location you passed with 100 shield units and 100% health. You keep all the items you found up to that point and your map contents, ammo status, and the status of all enemies (dead/alive), doors, etc. is unchanged. If you lose all your lives, you restart at the beginning of the mission and everything (enemies, doors, map, etc.) is reset as if you'd started the mission anew. Additionally, *you* are reset as you were when you first started the mission. That is, you have all the weapons, ammo, lives, shields, and special items you had when you first started the mission. It's not like starting Mission 1 again, with no extra weapons, etc. Is this a good feature, or a glaring omission? On the pro side, some observe that having to play all the way thru a mission nonstop is exciting, and contributes to the realism of the game. On the con side, others note that reality has a way of intruding into game-playing, and that it would be nice to save the game in the middle of one of those long missions and come back to it later to do such mundane activities as eating, sleeping, and going out on dates, for example. 1.8 How do I get DF? ==================== MPC DF and MacDF are listed at US$44.95 when ordered directly from LA (CA residents add 7.25%). Shipping and handling is another US$5 per order within the US; US$6 to Canada. To order DF in the USA and Canada, call 1-800-STARWARS, or 1-800-98LUCAS (1-800-9858227), or check your local software retailer. 1.9 Will there be any sequels to DF? ==================================== Yes! On March 18, 1996, LA announced the sequel to DF. From the press release: Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II PC and Macintosh CD-ROM First-Person Action Adventure The long-awaited multiplayer sequel to the award-winning _Dark Forces_, _Jedi Knight_ continues the story of the young mercenary Kyle Katarn as he takes a quest into his past and learns the ways of the Jedi. With this knowledge he must stop seven Dark Jedi from unlocking the powers of a hidden Jedi burial ground. _Jedi Knight_ fulfills *Star Wars* game fans' ultimate wish -- an opportunity to experience the power of the Force and, with lightsaber in hand, become a Jedi Master. JK: DF II is scheduled to be released in late 1996/early 1997. For the full press release, see: http://www.lucasarts.com/pages/Announcement.527.html Project leader is Justin Chin; other team members include Ingar Shu and Ray Gresko. For more information on JK: DF II, please see the Invisible Knights HeadQuarters at: http://ikteam.simplenet.com/ or Ackbar's Jedi Knight Page at: http://www.nucleus.com/~dlovejoy/ 1.10 MacDF ========== A version of DF for the Apple Macintosh computers has been released; the port was done by Aaron Giles . The missions are identical to those in the MPC version. A demo version has also been released--see section 1.10.4 for locations. (Although I've used Macs before, I don't run DF on a Mac. Mac users are encouraged to correct me on any errors in this section!) MPC vs. Mac versions of DF: - All Missions are identical; all MPC cheat codes work; custom levels work on both platforms. - Animations from Rebel Assault II and Full Throttle are included on the Mac disc. 1.10.1 MacDF hardware requirements ================================== COMPUTER: Apple Macintosh OPERATING SYSTEM: MacOS version 7.1 or higher CPU: minimum 68040 or PowerPC required CD-ROM drive required MEMORY: minimum 8 megabytes RAM HARD DISK DRIVE: 5mb HD space minimum, 13mb HD space recommended INPUT DEVICE: keyboard or mouse (see note below) VIDEO: 13" color monitor required Powermacs can run DF in high resolution (640x480), but it's apparently "a bit sluggish" on a 60 MHz 601. On an 80 MHz PowerMac 6100, it runs at hi-res at letterbox size, or at low-res (320x240)in full-screen. You should have no trouble running DF in high resolution on a PowerMac 8100 or 9500. Note: the CD includes settings for the following joysticks and pads: Thrustmaster, MouseStick, GamePad, Flightstick Pro, Questick, and QuePad. 1.10.2 Running custom levels on MacDF ===================================== There were initially some problems getting the custom MPC DF missions to work with MacDF, but they have been solved! Follow these instructions: 1. Use Stuffit Deluxe (a $30 commercial program) and choose "Unzip" from the "Translate" menu to unzip the files. Make sure "Convert CR/LFs" box is *unchecked*. (You can also use ZipIt, a $15 shareware program.) 2. Use a file utility such as ResEdit to change the Type code of the .GOB file to "DATA" and the Creator code to "dRfO" (the last character is the letter O, *not* zero). 3. Move the .GOB file into the same folder as your Dark Forces application. Do *not* move it into the Dark Forces Data folder, or the game will crash when you try to start the level. 4. Double-click on the .GOB file to start Dark Forces and play the custom mission. Note that you do not need the accompanying *.BAT file to run a custom level with MacDF. 1.10.3 MacDF patch file ======================= There is a file that updates MacDF to version 1.2; this 687 Kbyte file is available from the LA WWW site: http://www.lucasarts.com/downloads/patches/mac/df1.2patch.sit.bin These are the changes that have been made since the original release: - added a warning if RAM Doubler/virtual memory is detected - fixed the crash after loading bug ("black screen" bug) - reenabled code to automatically adjust the memory partition when things are tight - fixed the lack of stereo panning and the high pitched rattling noise - fixed color table code to properly notify the system of palette changes - fixed Thread Manager detection code - provided an updated settings file for the Flightstick Pro 1.10.4 MacDF demo ================= There is a single-mission, 5095 Kb demo of MacDF available, called "dark-forces-demo.hqx". Sorry, but it appears that this file is no longer available. (Maybe from LA?) 1.11 Sony PlayStation DF ======================== LA has announced a version of DF for the Sony PlayStation. From the press release: The award winning _Dark Forces_ is a first-person action-adventure game executed in richly detailed 3D graphics. The compelling *Star Wars* story is fraught with danger and intrigue and challenges players to destroy the Empire's latest weapon: the dark trooper. =========== 2.0 DF Demo =========== There is a single-mission demo of DF: "Prologue Mission 1: The Death Star Plans, Operation Skyhook: Phase 2" is available in a package of three files: DFORCES1.ZIP - This file contains the first level of Dark Forces. This is the only file that is REQUIRED to play the demo. FILE SIZE: 3.3 Megabytes HD SPACE : 8.0 Megabytes DFORCES2.ZIP - This file contains the opening cutscene for the demo. This file is optional. The demo will work without this file, however you will not see the opening cutscene. FILE SIZE: 1.0 Megabytes HD SPACE : 2.0 Megabytes DFORCES3.ZIP - This file contains the trailing cutscene for the demo. This file is optional. The demo will work without this file, however you will not see the trailing cutscene. FILE SIZE: 5.8 Megabytes HD SPACE : 8.0 Megabytes 2.1 Where can I get the demo? ============================= If you buy DF, you get the demo on the CD-ROM for free! However, if you just want to try it out before buying, here are some options: Try the following sites: http://www.3dg.com/DarkForces/demo.html http://www.lucasarts.com/downloads/demos/ The demo was also included on the CD-ROM coverdisks of the magazines _PC Gamer_, Vol.2, No.3 (March, 1995), and _Computer Gaming World_, No.128 (March, 1995). The demos on the CD-ROMs are version 0.16D, as opposed to the 0.163D version available on the Net. Only the Net version allows you to choose mission difficulty from Easy, Medium, and Hard. 2.2 Is the demo level in the full game release? =============================================== Yes, mostly. However, not all of the enemies, weapons, and secrets in the demo level are in the final game. The demo level was loaded up with goodies so that people would have more fun with the demo and see more variety. =============== 3.0 DF vs. DOOM =============== I've only included this section because there's a *lot* of net.advocacy (and net.noise) on Usenet. Don't flame me! I have tried to make this section as balanced and fair as possible, staying away from mere opinions in favour of the facts. If my facts are wrong, let me know. Ultimately, every individual must make up his or her own mind which game he or she prefers. I suggest you make up your own mind -- and not try to "convert" others. Download the shareware version of DOOM 1.8 and compare it with the DF Prologue Mission 1 demo, available at better FTP sites everywhere. (Me? I bought DOOM, and have played it solo and over the modem, and have played a bit of DOOM II -- in addition to DF, of course. But I'm probably not going to "rmdir doom" anytime soon. I like each game for its unique features.) If you wish to flame me on these (quite reasonable, I think) answers, get a clue. Like IDDQD. ;-) 3.1 Isn't DF just a ripoff of iD Software's DOOM? ================================================= Strictly speaking, no: although Dark Forces is a first-person perspective action/adventure game -- as is DOOM -- it has many features that make it unique. Think of it this way: if DF is a ripoff of DOOM, then DOOM is a ripoff of Wolfenstein 3D, which is a ripoff of both Castle Wolfenstein and Wizardry for the Apple ][... Each one of these games has, shall we say, "inspired" a successor. The successor has made large improvements in gameplay and design. Also, advances in computer hardware have allowed the latter games to be more ambitious in their attempts to create a pseudo-immersive game environment. That is not to say, however, that DF could have existed without DOOM. But I will not change the answer to this particular FAQuestion unless I receive the "smoking gun" internal memo from LA stating "Develop a ripoff of DOOM." (The magazine _PC Games Plus Global_ reported that "apparently LucasArts confessed to Jay Wilbur of id that they had ripped apart the DOOM engine to assemble Dark Forces.") From _CD-ROM Magazine_: "So how much had id Software's Doom influenced the team.[sic] "When Doom first came out it made us set our sights a bit higher," said Stinnet[sic]. "We knew we wanted to do a first-person _Star Wars_ game, but we didn't know what programming technology we'd use. But it is our own engine, which we developed internally." Is it better than the Doom engine? "It has quite a bit more capability -- ours can look up and down and it has 3D objects." "However, there's no rivalry going on, just a lot of healthy American mutual respect. Both teams keep in touch through E-mail and the id team has played Dark Forces and (according to a Lucas PR person) loved every bit of it. This is probably because Dark Forces includes some of the features which id is supposedly including in its latest title, Quake. The most obvious difference is that in Dark Forces, you can look up and down. To create the right perspective, the programmers employed a clever fish-eye effect which makes buildings look as if they're really looming over you." 3.2 Does DF kick DOOM's butt? ============================= ("Huh-huh. Hey, Beavis. He said 'butt'. Cool.") DF does offer several substantial improvements over the features offered in DOOM. The primary one to be considered must be the fact that it is a part of the Star Wars universe. As a member of the "Star Wars Generation", I can attest to the impact of the movie trilogy on the popular culture shared by me and my peers. Indeed, George Lucas intended Star Wars to be no less than "a fairy tale for a generation that had none of their own" or something like that. DF and DOOM have many features in common: - designed as pseudo-immersive first-person shoot-'n'-move environments - use realistic lighting/shading fx (unknown whether DOOM uses Gouraud shading) - have the player acting as a single protagonist attempting to accomplish various goals (e.g., collecting keys, destroying enemies, finding exits) within each game level - have a myriad of weapons at the player's disposal DF, however, has several unique features: - great emphasis on solving elaborate puzzles to complete mission objectives - has many full 3D objects, whereas DOOM had exclusively planar graphics - allows multiple-layered 'levels' of play *directly* above each other, vs. DOOM's multiple-tiered, but single-layer levels - many animated fx (rotating Death Star holos, etc.) - atmospheric fx, like haze and fog - the ability to 'look up' and 'look down', as well as aim weapons up and down at will - the ability to jump and crouch - multi-megabytes of cutscenes The most significant difference between DOOM/DOOM II and DF is that id's games have multiplayer and save-game features, whereas LA does not currently offer these particular options in DF. A recent LA ad campaign contained the following copy: "After facing stormtroopers, the Death Star and Darth Vader, we took on our toughest adversary yet. [The critics.]", and these reviews: "Is it as good as DOOM? Actually, in almost every way, it's better." -Computer Gaming World "(four stars out of four) Just as the Star Wars saga set new sci-fi standards, Dark Forces sets a high mark..." -USA Today "10 rating...Dark Forces is the game that DOOM II should have been...a must-own." -Computer Player "The terrific 3D rendering is guaranteed to induce vertigo." -Newsweek 3.3 Is DF easier than DOOM? =========================== Did you finish all 14 Missions? Did you get all the secrets in all DF Missions? Enemies (including the Dark Troopers) not challenging enough, even on "hard"? Can you finish all Missions with your eyes closed? Which one is harder? Maybe I don't care; both are fun. Maybe you think you're some kind of DOOM-god. To you I say: Don't underestimate the Dark Forces. Your overconfidence is your weakness ;-) ====================== 4.0 Undocumented Codes ====================== To get a display of the cheat codes, run the sound card setup program IMUSE.EXE. Hold down both [Shift] keys and a [Ctrl] key and type the letters WORK. A message will scroll across the screen, followed by all DF cheat codes. Also, when the message is scrolling, push the [Tab] key, and test your music and sound. Note that this trick may not work on some Pentium-based PCs. There are three types of codes: gameplay, mission, and joke. :) 4.1 Gameplay Cheat Codes: ========================= To activate a cheat, you must be in control of Kyle in heads-up display mode (i.e., not in inventory, briefing, or cutscenes); simply type the keys below (e.g., L A B U G to activate Insect Mode). 4.1.1 LABUG =========== Toggles "Insect Mode". Decreases your "size" parameter: when you see your "self" in map view, you no longer have a "circle" around you. Allows you to squeeze thru narrow openings, and helps you avoid enemy fire. Also, when you crouch, your minimum height goes from 2.0 to 0.3 units. 4.1.2 LACDS =========== Toggles "Map Supermode". Type it once to get a full detailed map, showing item locations as well as enemy location and movement. Typing it again changes the colour of any "steps" to a darker green colour. Typing it a third time turns Supermode off. The letters "CDS" are the initials of DF Project Leader Daron Stinnett. These are the objects: Yellow circle = Mouse Droid or starship Yellow circle around dot = laser turret Yellow triangle = live opponent Grey triangle = deceased opponent Blue triangle = shield units Blue square = ammo White dot = mine Yellow dot = static scenery Orange triangle = dynamic scenery (changes to pale yellow when shot) 4.1.3 LADATA ============ Toggles coordinate information display, which gives your location in the game. Good for level mapping. There are five variables: X = east/west position; increases from west to east Y = altitude Z = north/south position; increases from south to north H = height of protagonist; usually 5.8 S = % secrets discovered The first four parameters are apparently in units of feet. 4.1.4 LAIMLAME ============== Toggles full invincibility. You're safe from shots to falls. Note: if you pick up a Shield Supercharge while using this code, when the Supercharge runs out, you will be vulnerable again. Just retype the code to reinstate it. You have to admit to being "lame" to become invulnerable (and back again)! 4.1.5 LAMAXOUT ============== This cheat gives you all weapons, full ammo and shields, plus all inventory items. Maxed out! 4.1.6 LANTFH ============ Teleport to current map position. This cheat 'ports you to the center point of the map. Hit [Tab] to bring up the map. Hold down the [~] key and press the arrow keys to move the map, without moving yourself. You may also hit the [ or ] key to change the level of your destination. Type LANTFH, and you will be teleported to the location of the red dot on that level, if possible. If you press [Alt]-[Tab] to turn on *all* layers, you will be teleported to the topmost layer. Note that you cannot teleport to a location that is undefined. The letters stand for "No Time For Hugs". Note: For MacDF, you must use the 8, 4, 6, and 3 keypad keys for movement. 4.1.7 LAPOGO ============ Toggles height checking. Good for making those impossible jumps up (though not across chasms): if you walk up to a wall with a ledge above it, it will move you to that ledge. "Pogo-stick" mode. 4.1.8 LAPOSTAL ============== Gives all guns, and full ammo, shields, and health (as well as battery power, ice cleats, infrared goggles and gas mask). I can see the headline now: "Postal Worker Goes on Rampage--Apparently Triggered by Implication Made in Violent Computer Game" :) 4.1.9 LARANDY ============= Weapon Supercharge. Increases firing rate (and ammo consumption :( for 50 seconds. "RANDY" is apparently an inside joke among the DF team members; it has nothing to do with the president of LA. 4.1.10 LAREDLITE ================ Toggles enemy-freeze mode. If you shoot opponents in this mode, they won't die/fall/explode until you toggle it off. Called "pondering toggle". 4.1.11 LASKIP ============ Immediately forces successful completion of mission, and marks it as a victory. Will show any cutscenes. 4.1.12 LAUNLOCK =============== Gives you all the keys, code cards, broken Dark Trooper gun, the Phrik metal, data tape, ice cleats, IR goggles in your inventory. 4.1.13 LABRADY (Mac only) ========================= Full ammo. Note: this code only works with MacDF. 4.1.14 LAOZ (Mac only) ====================== "Dorothy Mode." Speeds up music and voices, and shrinks enemies to about half their normal size. Note: this code only works with MacDF. 4.1.15 LATERMINATE (Mac only) ============================= Full invincibility, unlimited ammo, and unlimited weapon supercharge. Unlike LAIMLAME, laser bolts do not bounce off you. Note: this code only works with MacDF. 4.2 Mission Codes ================= Typing one of the following codes will teleport you to that Mission; however you will forfeit all weapons and items. Mission: Code======= Title================== I LASECBASE Secret Base (The Death Star Plans) II LATALAY Talay: Tak Base III LASEWERS Anoat City (The Subterranean Hideout) IV LATESTBASE Imperial Weapons Research Facility V LAGROMAS Gromas Mines VI LADTENTION Imperial Detention Center VII LARAMSHED Ramsees Hed Docking Port VIII LAROBOTICS Robotics Construction Facility IX LANARSHADA Nar Shaddaa X LAJABSHIP Jabba's Ship XI LAIMPCITY Imperial City XII LAFUELSTAT Fuel Station XIII LAEXECUTOR The Executor XIV LAARC The Arc Hammer 4.3 "Dork Farces" :) ==================== Nowhere is the term "Dork Farces" more applicable than here, in the section on the "secret codes" which *DON'T* work, and are only *GAGS*, okay? Fake code===================================== What it doesn't do========== LADIDAOOHLALAFALALALALALALALAH Show Mohc naked in cut-scenes LASUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS Enable LAN Multiplayer Mode LAISASLADOESYOUKNOWWHATIMTALKINGABOUT Try it and see (18+ only) LAQUICKBROWNFOXJUMPEDOVERTHELAZYDOG Measure typing speed LASPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM Carpal tunnel activation These codes are, no doubt, a play on the finger-twisting DOOM cheat-code IDSPISPOPD. 4.4 Command Line Options ======================== To use the command-line options, start DF from the DOS prompt in the directory in which DF is located. Type DARK followed by one of the command-line switches. -c0 Disable cutscenes, briefing, and agent menu -f Disable FILES= test -g Record file name list (also -gob) -l Run level by name -m Disable memory check -p Use JEDIPATH environment variable for search path -shots Take screenshots. Press [PrintScreen] to save current screen in PCX format, as SCRSHTnn.PCX where nn goes from 00 to 99. -t Auto test (also -test) -u Load user GOB file -x Force CD drive letter ===================== 5.0 Weapons and Items ===================== 5.1 Weapons =========== You begin the game with only your fists and a Modified Bryar Pistol. At the start of succeeding Missions, you retain any weapons or other items (e.g., infrared goggles) that you finished a previous mission with. You also keep whatever ammo you had as well. You'll notice that the following list doesn't include a lightsabre. Why not? Because the protagonist, Kyle Katarn, is *not* a Jedi. Yet ;-) The names for most of the weapons were created by DF design team member Justin Chin: Names just come to mind, or I see them and I write them down in my notebook or on my white board and generally if they're good enough they will find a home. Another interesting note is the QS100 Welding arm. That was named after a robotic device that [lead programmer] Ray Gresko programmed when he worked in the robotics industry. That was his request. 5.1.1 Fists =========== This is what you have to use when you run out of ammo. Good luck! ;-) 5.1.2 Modified Bryar Pistol =========================== Fires coherent packets of intense light energy, also called "bolts" (ain't I a total Star Wars geek?). This gun is very accurate, but repeat firing is slow and its effectiveness is lessened over distance. Use this weapon when confronted by a few, less powerful opponents. Each red bolt takes one energy unit; shares ammo pool with Stormtrooper Laser Rifle. From Justin Chin: I got that [name] from composer Gavin Bryars. I just liked the name and it sounded great. Actually this weapon is a Bryar rifle with the barrel and muzzle shortened. Hence "modified" in the name. Saying it was a rifle would just confuse people. This is Kyle's trusty weapon it's accurate and reliable. In terms of the SW universe it's an antique but a very reliable weapon. 5.1.3 Stormtrooper Laser Rifle ============================== Fires more rapidly, but less accurately than the Bryar Pistol; also less effective over distances. Use this weapon when up against many opponents. Each red bolt takes two energy units; shares ammo pool with Modified Bryar Pistol. 5.1.4 Thermal Detonators ======================== When activated, TDs produce a fusion reaction which causes a small explosion. Princess Leia threatened to use one in _Return of the Jedi_ ("The mighty Jabba asks why he must pay fifty thousand. Because he's holding a *thermal detonator*!!" :). The longer you hold down the primary fire button (e.g., the [CTRL] key), the farther you toss the TD when you release it. Hitting secondary fire (e.g., [z]) tosses the TDs with a three-second time delay before detonation. Use TDs against a single, tough opponent in close proximity. 5.1.5 Imperial Repeater Gun =========================== Also known as the "autogun". Fires blue energy bolts. Pressing primary fire shoots off a single bolt, taking one unit from the power cells; whereas pressing secondary fire shoots off a trio of bolts simultaneously in a triangular configuration, taking three units. This weapon is fast and highly accurate, especially over long distances. Shares ammo pool with Fusion Cutter and Concussion Rifle. From Justin Chin: The name is pretty self-explanatory. My favorite gun. Uses standard off- the-shelf power cells. As explained in the game, this is the prototype for the Dark Troopers. I originally had the Phase 2 carrying this with a ribbon chain clip to an ammo pack slung in the back. 5.1.6 Jeron Fusion Cutter ========================= Fires green energy bolts; low repeat-fire rate. Pressing primary fire shoots green bolts successively from each of the four chambers; each shot takes one unit. Pressing secondary fire launches all four chambers simultaneously; this expends *eight* units from the power cells. Not good for long-range firing; better up close with several tough targets. Shares ammo pool with Repeater Gun and