TGDB.net - Game news, cheats, solutions, walkthroughs, trainers, saved games and much more!

Descent also has 3D texture-mapped polygon enemies, and no flat enemy bitmaps like Doom has.

Descent boasts unrestricted level design -- it's not limited to 90 degree walls (like Wolfenstein 3-D) or 2-dimensional layouts.

-- [1d] ---------- What do I need to run Descent?

According to the README.TXT, the bare requirements for running Descent are:
- IBM PC compatible 386-33 or faster
- 4 MB RAM
- DOS 5.0 or greater

Strongly recommended are:
- 486 or Pentium processor
- 8 MB RAM - stereo 16-bit soundcard with General MIDI support - a quality joystick

-- [1e] ---------- Can I play Descent under OS/2?

Yes!  Descent runs perfectly under OS/2.  All you need to do is to increase your memory settings for a Descent object to 8 megs or more, and you can run it fine.  You should change "DPMI_MEMORY_LIMIT" to 8 megs or more.

It even runs inside a PM window, although the frame rate isn't great... :)

-- [1f] ---------- Can I play Descent under Windows 3.1/3.11?

You can, although it is not recommended.  There are certain timing problems which interfere with Descent's performance when you play through a DOS Window (whether full screen or windowed).

The best performance will be achieved when you exit Windows entirely (by File/Exit), and THEN load Descent directly from DOS.

-- [1g] ---------- Can I play Descent under Windows 95?

Yes.  Descent runs perfectly under Win95, with little, if any, configuration.  Just run a MS-DOS prompt and run Descent.

For optimum performance, create a shortcut to DESCENT.EXE, right click on the shortcut, go to Properties, go to Memory, and click on "Protected".  Also, under Misc, change the Idle Sensitivity to "Low" (the leftmost position).

There are currently no publicly-known plans for a special port of
Descent to Windows 95.

-- [1h] ---------- Where is the Linux port of Descent?

There is no port to Linux, and there are currently no plans for such a port to be developed.  For now, Descent will remain a DOS game only.

-- [1i] ---------- Where can I get Descent?

You can download the 1.4 shareware version of Descent from the following sources:

:: Interplay BBS:  714-252-2822, 24 hours, up to 28.8k baud, 8N1
:: Software Creations BBS:  508-368-4137, 24 hours, 8N1 or telnet to swcbbs.com
:: redeye BBS: +49.89.5460535, Munich, Germany, 24 hours, 28.8k, big Descent Area, free downloads
:: CompuServe:  "GO GAMBPUB", in the Interplay software libraries
:: America Online:  keyword "INTERPLAY", in the software libraries
:: GEnie: type "M805;3", then search for "Interplay"
:: FTP sites... ftp.wustl.edu         in /pub/msdos_uploads/descent ftp.uwp.edu           in /pub/incoming/games ftp.funet.fi          in /pub/msdos/games/interplay ftp.cdrom.com         in /.17/games/incoming
:: WWW sites... http://www.interplay.com

You can get the registered version of Descent directly from Interplay, or you can buy it in retail stores.

-- [1j] ---------- What are the differences between the releases of Descent?

The shareware release of Descent was released in December 1994, and contains the first 7 levels of the game.

BOTH the shareware and registered versions of Descent are currently at version 1.4.  You can find the shareware version, and the registered patch to 1.4 at the above FTP sites, or at Interplay's Web site: http://www.interplay.com

Following is the official word on Registered Descent purchase information.  Thanks to Matt Toschlog for this info.

Registered Descent Purchase Information
              ---------------------------------------

There's been a lot of questions about purchasing Registered Descent, so here's the definitive information.

Registered Descent includes:

30 levels (including the 7 shareware levels)
Full save game feature 4 new weapons
New multiplayer games: cooperative, team anarchy, & anarchy w/ robots

Registered Descent is available on both floppy and CD-ROM; the two are identical and cost the same.  This is the only version of
Descent available at this time.

To order, call 1-800-INTERPLAY.  Registered Descent costs US $39.95, plus $4.50 shipping.  For mail orders, see the file ORDERFRM.TXT, included with the shareware version.

European orders are UK#29.99.  Call (44) 707-675-757 (UK) for info.

The Registered version is available through normal retail channels (stores & mail order) now.

The version currently on the computer shelves is version 1.0.  You can find the patch to version 1.4 on various FTP sites.

-- [1k] ---------- What's new in Shareware version 1.4?

From the README.TXT:

1.3  Added: support for Virtual I-O's Iglasses! head tracking and stereoscopic 3D in 320x400 mode.  See the command line help for the switches to enable these new options. By default, the screen isn't rendered at the full resolution to keep the frame rate high.  However, with a fast enough computer you can toggle between the low-res mode and the fullest resolution by hitting
Shift+F6 during the game.

1.4  Fixed: Level 7 Boss robot made easier to kill -joybios switch now causes buttons to be read via BIOS also
Added: Full Save/Restore added to single-player games!  Use Alt-F2 to save, ALT-F3 to restore
HUD information added in VR modes

Also, high-resolution modes (up to 640x480) are included.  However, don't get too excited -- the 640x480 mode is barely playable, even on a Pentium.  It's best for taking screen shots for Windows backgrounds. :)

Also, the fusion cannon seeps less energy from your ship. (yay!)

-- [1l] ---------- What is Descent II?

Descent II is planned to be the sequel to Descent.  It will include new levels, robots, powerups, redbook audio, and more animations.  This product was originally called the "CD Enhanced" version of Descent.

The following information may change at any moment.

Descent II will probably include 3 versions of the program: - a MS-DOS version of the game - a Windows 3.1 version of the game - a Windows 95 version of the game

The rumors that were going around that Descent II is exclusively
a Windows 95 game are FALSE.  However, there are plans for a
Windows 95 version of the game.

Descent II is planned for a fall-late 1995 release.

-- [1m] ---------- Who created Descent?

Descent was created by Parallax Software, along with Interplay Productions.

-- [1m-2]   How can I contact Interplay?

Interplay Technical Support can be reached 24 hours a day through their
Automated Customer Service system, with representatives available during normal business hours.  Their phone number is 714-553-6678.

Other ways to get help:

Interplay Productions          Interplay BBS: 714-252-2822 attn: Customer Service         America Online: keyword INTERPLAY
17922 Fitch Avenue                             email "IPTECH"
Irvine, CA 92714               GEnie: type "M805;1"
CompuServe: GO GAMBPUB
Prodigy: email to "PLAY99B"
Internet: email to support@interplay.com

Interplay also has a very cool World Wide Web site at the following
URL: http://www.interplay.com

-- [1n] ---------- Is there source code available?

Descent is a commercial product, and hence, no source code of the game is available, aside from the source code provided in the official specs.

-- [1o] ---------- Is there a Descent newsgroup on Usenet?

Yes!  Most sites carry the newsgroup "alt.games.descent".  Ask your local news administration to carry it if they don't already.

-- [1p] ---------- Does Descent support any VR headsets?

Descent directly supports 3 VR headsets:  VictorMaxx's "CyberMaxx",
Forte's "VFX1", and Virtual I/O's "iGlasses".

Type "descent -help" on the DOS command line for more information on the switches needed to activate these headsets.


Part [2].  GAMEPLAY

-- [2a] ---------- Help!  I'm lost in the maze.

The transition from 2D to 3D is not an easy one.  While it can be challenging, once you're used to it, 2D worlds will just seem, well, flat.

The best advice is to keep checking your map (hit TAB).  How the maze is oriented once you enter the map screen is a view from behind your ship, with "up" going "up".  You can rotate the map around after you realize where you are to see where you want to go.  To zoom in and out, slide up and down.

Also, look for landmarks -- i.e. a room full of monitors, a huge cavernous room, or a room full of doors.  Keep returning to these rooms until you've explored every branch.

One technique that may or may not work is to simply barrel down tunnels, not caring where you're going, just to kill enemies.  This has two advantages -- one, a lot of the enemies in the maze will be wiped out so you don't have to deal with them when you start exploring, and a substantial chunk of the maze will already be mapped on your automap.
Once you get a large portion of the map, you can start exploring and looking for keys.  Of course, your mileage may vary.

Another technique to keep in mind is to keep the lights of the tunnel to the top of the screen; this will orient you correctly.

Mike Danseglio writes:
"What sometimes works best is leaving your 'mark' in the maze.  Where
Doom had dead bodies, Descent does not leave rubble of destroyed enemies.  Instead, seek out the monitors on the walls and blast 'em.
They will explode and remain broken throughout the game.  This really helps with the "Have I been here before?" problems.

-- [2b] ---------- I'm having trouble controlling my ship.  Any suggestions?