REPORT: Readme Version 1.0

Warzone 2100
README file
March 9, 1999
Version 1.0

Thank you for your purchase of Warzone 2100. This readme file contains troubleshooting and last minute gameplay information. We ask that you please read through the DirectX 6 and Graphic Card Support sections of this document. These sections have information that is essential if you wish to successfully run Warzone 2100 on your system.

Minimum Requirements:

P166 MHz Processor
Windows 95 / Windows 98
32 MB RAM
2MB SVGA card
8X CD-ROM Drive
100% DirectX 6 Compliant Sound Card
DirectX 6.0 or higher (included)
75 MB of Uncompressed Hard Drive Storage
Keyboard and Mouse

Recommended Requirements

P233 MHz Processor
64 MB RAM
4 MB Direct3D or 3Dfx compatible 3D Accelerator Card
16X CD ROM
Multiplayer Game requires one of the following:
IPX or TCP/IP local area network
28.8 Kbps or faster modem
28.8 Kbps or faster internet connection
Serial connection via null modem cable

NOTE: We do not support the game on Windows NT, Laptops, compressed hard drives, or Windows emulators. Although the game might run, its performance and stability will be questionable.

Installation

Treat your computer to a tune up - follow this procedure before installation:

Scandisk your hard drive

Defragment your hard drive

Virus Check (with the latest virus definitions) your Hard Drive

Reclaim hard drive space by deleting unnecessary files (look in your windows\temp file for prime candidates)

Verify that you have at least 150MB of free hard drive space (after game install) for your swap file

Now you can install and run Warzone 2100 on a pristine hard drive. Make sure you disable your resident virus checker (check system tray) during install to avoid installation hang-ups.

To install the game, insert CD1, and click the button labeled "Install Warzone 2100" when the Autorun Menu appears. If the menu does not appear, run setup.exe, from the root directory of CD1.

Graphic Modes

Warzone 2100 offers three graphic modes to display the 3D graphics:

Software: Any 2Mb SVGA graphics card will run Warzone 2100 in Software Mode. We suggest running Warzone in Software if you have problems running Direct3D.

Direct3D: You need a D3D compatible 3D accelerator card, with DX6 compliant drivers to run Warzone 2100 in D3D mode.

3Dfx GLIDE: You need a 3Dfx chip based 3D accelerator card, and the latest DX6 certified 3Dfx drivers (Glide 2.54 or higher)

Please see the DirectX 6 and Graphic Card Support sections below for additional information.

DirectX 6

Warzone 2100 makes extensive use of Microsoft's DirectX 6. In order for you to play the game, you must have DX6-compliant drivers for your video card and sound card. Please note that although DirectX 6 is installed with the game, your video and sound card drivers will not be upgraded to DirectX 6 drivers. You will need to obtain the latest DX6 drivers from your card manufacturer. If Warzone 2100 does not run properly on your video card, and there are no DX6 drivers available for your video card, you will have to run the game in Software Mode. This option is listed on the Start Menu as "Warzone 2100 Software".

Graphic Card Support

Running the game in D3D mode on a 2MB 3D accelerator card is not fully supported. If you experience texture drop out, or any other problems, please run the game in Software Mode.

If your 3D card does not support DX6, and does not have at least 4 Mb of video RAM, you will most likely have to run in Software Mode. On 3D accelerators with only 4MB of VRAM, you may be switched to low texture mode (8 bit).

If you run the game in 800x600 resolution, and experience texture drop out or any other problems, try switching back to 640x480 (default resolution).

You may notice slight seaming and transparency problems in Direct3D Mode.

If you continue to have problems, the EIDOS technical support page is listed in the Warzone 2100 folder on the Start Menu, and can also be reached at:

<http://www.eidosinteractive.com/help.html>

3Dfx Voodoo, Voodoo2, Banshee

Runs perfectly in 3Dfx GLIDE Mode, providing you have the latest DX6 drivers installed. To run Warzone in Glide, select "Warzone 2100 3Dfx" from the Start Menu. Voodoo1 cards don’t support 800x600 resolution.

3Dfx Voodoo Rush

You may have problems with the cursor under 3Dfx Glide Mode. If you experience problems such as a ghost cursor, please run in D3D mode, by selecting "Warzone 2100 Direct3D" from the Start Menu.

NVIDIA RIVA TNT

Runs well in Direct3D mode with the latest DX6 drivers installed, however you may experience some font corruption on the menus and in-game text. We HIGHLY recommend you install the DETONATOR driver series for your NVIDIA card. The new Nvidia Detonator drivers are recommended for optimal performance and graphical quality. You will find these drivers in the NVIDIA folder. We suggest that you first check your manufacturer’s web site for new drivers before installing the reference drivers found on the CD.

If you continue to get font corruption after installing the latest available drivers for your TNT card, you can fix this problem by running a registry patch file called DisableTexelOffset.reg from the NVIDIA directory. If you wish to undo this change, run EnableTexelOffset.reg. These files assume that your card is set to its default values; if you are unsure that this is the case, run nvreset.exe from the same directory.

For the latest NVIDIA reference drivers, please go to: <http://www.nvidia.com/>

NVIDIA RIVA 128, 128 ZX

You may experience some font corruption on the menus and in-game text. Please make sure you install the latest available drivers for your video card, this may fix the problem.

If you continue to get font corruption after installing the latest available drivers for your RIVA 128 card, you can fix this problem by running a registry patch file called DisableTexelOffset.reg from the NVIDIA directory. If you wish to undo this change, run EnableTexelOffset.reg. These files assume that your card is set to its default values; if you are unsure that this is the case, run nvreset.exe from the same directory.

For the latest NVIDIA reference drivers, please go to: <http://www.nvidia.com/>

Intel/Real 3D i740

Runs fine with the latest drivers

3D Labs Permedia 2

Runs well with the latest drivers. There is a BIOS update that is recommended, which should be available from your card manufacturer or from the 3D Labs web site.

Rendition V1000, V2100, V2200

The whole Rendition family runs Warzone 2100 nicely using the latest available drivers.

ATI Rage Pro

This card will run Warzone 2100 adequately, providing you own a 4 Mb Rage Pro card. On cards with only 2 Mb VRAM, you may experience texture drop out. If you experience problems, you can run Warzone in Software Mode, by selecting "Warzone 2100 Software" from the Start Menu.

ATI Rage 128, Rage Fury

Runs fine with the latest drivers.

S3 Savage 3D

Warzone 2100 should run well on this card. If you are having problems running the game in 800x600, run in 640x480 (default). Also, you may need to turn texture compression off.

Matrox G200

Runs fine with the latest drivers.

Matrox Mystique, Mystique 220, Millenium II

Needs the latest BIOS and drivers available from Matrox. If you experience any problems at all, such as corrupted textures, make sure to update the BIOS and install the latest drivers available. You will not be able to run in 800x600 resolution, please use 640x480 (default). If you only have 2 Mb VRAM on the card, you will most likely have to run in Software Mode.

Trident Blade 3D

Runs well with the latest drivers. You may experience some font corruption on the menus and in-game text. Keep checking Trident’s web site for driver updates which may fix this problem.

Here is a list of 3D cards that are known not to have drivers that are compliant with DX6, at the time of this writing (March 9, 1999), and as a result, will not run Warzone 2100 properly. You may want to contact your card manufacturer to see if up-to-date DX6 drivers have recently been made available.

Chipset

S3 Virge 325

S3 Virge GX/DX/VX

S3 Virge GX2

#9 Ticket to Ride

Cirrus Logic CL-5465

Trident Image 975

PowerVR PCX1

PowerVR PCX2

Chromatic Research Mpact

ATI Rage II

Graphic card drivers

It is imperative that you keep your 3D graphic card (and sound card) drivers updated with the latest drivers available. Please visit your card manufacturer's web site to check if there are new DX6 drivers for your card on a monthly basis. You can also check the chip manufacturer’s web site for reference driver updates.

EIDOS Interactive maintains a web page with links to all major video and audio card manufacturers, which is a good first stop if you're looking to upgrade your drivers. You can reach this page through our technical support web site:

<http://www.eidosinteractive.com/help.html>

For your convenience we have listed the web sites below, at which drivers can be found:

3Dfx (Voodoo, Voodoo Rush, Voodoo 2, Banshee, Voodoo3)

<http://www.3dfx.com/>

NVIDIA (RIVA 128, 128 ZX, RIVA TNT)

<http://www.nvidia.com/>

Matrox (Millennium, Millennium II, G100, G200)

http://www.matrox.com/mga/drivers/home.htm

Rendition (V1000, V2100 and V2200)

http://www.rendition.com/download.html

ATI (Rage II, Rage Pro, Rage 128, Rage Fury)

<http://www.atitech.com/>

S3 (Virge GX/DX/VX, Virge GX2, Savage 3D, Savage 4)

<http://www.s3.com/>

NEC PowerVR (PCX1, PCX2, Series2)

<http://www.powervr.com/>

Intel (i740)

http://support.intel.com/support/swd/graphics.htm

Real 3D (i740)

<http://www.real3d.com/>

Trident (Blade 3D, Image 975)

<http://www.tridentmicro.com/>

Diamond Multimedia

<http://www.diamondmm.com/>

STB

<http://www.stb.com/>

Canopus

<http://www.canopuscorp.com/>

Hercules

<http://www.hercules.com/>

Creative Labs

<http://creative-ca.creaf.com/>

Quantum 3D

<http://www.quantum3d.com/>

Graphic Resolution

Graphic card resolution changes are only supported through the START MENU. The game runs in 640x480 resolution by default. Software mode can only run in 640x480 resolution. The maximum game resolution is 800x600 in 3Dfx and Direct3D. If you have problems running 800x600, quit out and run the game in 640x480.

800x600 Resolution - Users need to have a 3D accelerator with at least 6 Mb of VRAM.

3DNOW!

Warzone 2100 supports AMD’s 3DNOW! Technology. If you own a system with an AMD K6-2 processor, you will receive a benefit of a 20% frame rate gain (typically 5fps) over non K6-2 systems. Please go to the AMD web site for more information.

http://www.amd.com/products/cpg/3dnow/index.html

Audio

Currently, Warzone 2100 supports Q-sound and DirectSound for playback. There are plans to support the major 3D sound APIs - after release. For optimal sound reproduction and speed, we recommend a highly rated PCI soundcard with the latest drivers available.

Audio Drivers

A3D (Aureal -Vortex 1.0 and 2.0)

<http://www.a3d.com/>

Creative Labs (all Soundblaster cards)

<http://www.soundblaster.com>

Turtle Beach

<http://www.tbeach.com/>  

Multiplayer

The Warzone CD is required in your CD-ROM drive for all multiplayer games. We have provided 2 CD’s in the Warzone box - you may use either CD to start a multiplayer game.

We recommend a visit to EidosGames.com to access free Internet play (via Mplayer.com). This is an excellent service in which to play an enhanced version of the Multiplayer game. You can also easily meet other Warzone 2100 aficionados and kick their butts with your own Cyborgs and Tanks.

Playing on Mplayer via EidosGames.com should pose no problems. However, if your ping times are greater than 500ms, you may not be able to access the service.

If you wish to play direct TCP/IP games over the Internet, select the INTERNET option on the Multiplayer Menu, and enter the IP address of the Host machine. We require that you have at least a 28.8 Kbps connection to the Internet (33.6 or higher is recommended) for all multiplayer games over the Internet.

Modem and Serial modes have been successfully tested in a limited capacity. A null modem cable is required to play a game by Serial connection.

Compatibility

Warzone 2100 was run through our compatibility labs. However, due to the myriad PC specifications in the consumer market, we cannot guarantee full compatibility with your system.

Some tips to improve compatibility:

1. Update your video and soundcards with the latest drivers available. Contact your hardware manufacturer for the most recent drivers. (Using Beta listed drivers is not recommended)

2. Verify that your system is not running in compatibility mode. Click on the START MENU, then click on the SETTINGS option, then click on the CONTROL PANEL. Once there select the SYSTEM settings. Then select the PERFORMANCE tab. In the list, both File System and Virtual Memory should read 32 bit. If not, there is a driver or system conflict that you need to address. In this same dialog box, click the DEVICE MANAGER tab. In Device Manager, any hardware device with a red "X" or yellow "!" is causing the problem.

3. During installation and operation of the game, we recommend that you disable any virus checker or screen saver program.

4. Do not play on a system that is below minimum specification.

5. DO NOT overclock your CPU or video card.

6. Verify you have 150MB of free hard drive space after install.

7. Purchase system hardware that is well rated and recognized for game playing.

Windows Clock

On rare occasions, during very long games, the Windows Clock may stop running. If you notice that your Windows Clock is showing the incorrect time after exiting a game of Warzone 2100, please reboot your system, and your clock will reset to the proper time.

Windows Taskbar

If your Windows Taskbar is set to "Auto hide" (taskbar disappears when the Windows cursor is hovering over it), you may experience problems, such as the game minimizing while clicking in the area of the screen in which your Windows Taskbar resides. To fix this, please right-click on your Windows taskbar, click Properties, and make sure the "Auto hide" box is unchecked.

Copy Protection

To prevent piracy, Warzone 2100 has been copy protected.

Future Warzone 2100 releases

Be sure to visit the Eidos Interactive or Pumpkin Studios web sites for updates after releases. Some goodies are rumored to be coming, including 3D Audio support, and new maps and units!

Eidos Interactive

<http://www.eidosinteractive.com/>

Pumpkin Studios

<http://www.pumpkin.co.uk/>

Warzone 2100 Web Site

<http://www.warzone2100.com/>

Gameplay and last minute additions or changes

Mission 2 (power surge) - build power station module onto your base station to end mission

Mission 8 (Enemy transmissions detected) - all enemy structures must be destroyed

All indirect units within the sensor range will use the sensor to target. Cannon units gain accuracy.

You can only pause the game during a single player campaign game. Pausing the game occurs when the design screen is brought up, and by hitting ESC to bring the in-game menu up, and while viewing Intelligence Briefings (Intelligence Display). These options do not pause the game during multiplayer games.

Rocket weapons need tile of space between the enemy in order to fire.

Right click (default select cursor) to view the health status of any enemy unit.

Game speed setttings are as follows: .3 normal, .5 normal, 1 (default speed), 1.3 normal, 1.5 normal.

When the game is paused, the user may still right click on the radar map and move about the map.

Pressing B for center on base is only possible with an HQ built

The symbol in the manual for unlimited production (infinity) has been replaced by a * symbol.

The first mission in campaign two exploring the area to the west is the key to victory!

If you build factories near hills, verify that the delivery point IS NOT on the hilltop. Move it to another location or produced vehicles may get stuck.

80 unit maximum - when reached, no more units will be manufactured. If you go to the manufacture option and view the FAST FIND menu, units that frozen and blinking will not be produced. You must re-click on item in the build menu to re-initiate.

Skirmish games are designed as multiplayer training. If you want the best challenge, play 8 player matches with advanced bases and medium power. Give the computer 20 minutes to build.

Skirmish games cannot be saved. This may be changed in a future update.

Skirmish games allow human alliances.

Skirmish games do not have tally screens, this may change in future releases.

Setting CD EJECT request in Windows is not recommended nor is using ALT+TAB to access the desktop

The Flashing Research reticule option indicates that you still have further artifacts to research.

If you should ever have problems closing menus, click on the CLOSE reticule menu option.

When using FAST FIND, a single click takes you to that structure or unit. Clicking again will take you back to the original map location from where you accessed the FAST FIND.

Transport Missions (it is crucial to listen to the mission briefing)

Return to LZ (landing zone) after destroying all enemy structures (some may be hiding)

If you receive a Return to LZ message, ALL units must be returned to the LZ to win that mission.

In D3D mode build/upgrade hammer icons are white. 3DFX mode is yellow.

Damaged buildings DO NOT suffer performance hits.

Damaged units suffer speed and fire rate performance hits

If you units do not attack the enemy, verify that they are not under HOLD orders in the Unit menu.

Some addition gameplay information can be found in the ‘Reference’ section at the end of the document.

Known limitations

Path finding - due to the difficulty in navigating the 3D environment, there is a 1-3 second delay when commanding a group of units to move to a distant map location. Some in these convoys may get lost or take wrong paths. This is an engine limitation. However, it does mirror real world movement of armored units. Slower CPUs will experience a longer delay.

Trucks build into corners - There are cases when trucks (usually multiple trucks) are building structures or defenses and they will become locked/built into an area. This is an engine limitation. To solve: demolish a path out and rebuild from the other side.

Menu resets - Occasionally (during heavy action sequences) after clicking a menu option for construction of a structure, the build tile option will reset and you will have to reselect the option.

Drag defenses - When dragging building defenses, it is wise to ‘go slow’ currently, quick movements will cause the defense build line to radically shift.

Unexplained game slowdowns - there is issue with DX6, that on rare occasions causes the game to slowdown to unplayable levels. We recommend if this happens that you save your game, quit to Windows, restart the game in software mode, at the main menu then quit, and finally retry the game in normal accelerated mode. Microsoft is looking into a solution.

Reference

Commander rank increases:

Commander Rank increases (allows 2 more units to be attached) at: 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 designator kills

Artifact research tree

In the game there are three campaigns which each offer unique artifacts for research. Research artifacts lead to new weapons and technologies. The research trees are quite vast. The best way to track all of the research tree is to purchase the Prima Publishing Warzone 2100 strategy guide. However, here is a sample of Campaign one’s tree. The clever player uses two or more research facilities at the same time. ;-)

(founding technologies)

MACHINE GUN ENGINEERING SENSOR TURRET

MACHINE GUN

-Harden MG Bullets

-MG Guard Tower (end)

Light Cannon (end)

APDSB Bullets - MK2 (end)

(after researching APDSB Bullets) - Twin MG - Heavy MG - Heavy MG Hardpoint

ENGINEERING

Fuel Injection Engine - Mk2-Mk3 - Mini-pod

- Power Module (once Fuel Injection is researched)

Half-Tracks - Tracks

Mobile Repair Turret

Tank Trap (close)

Hardcrete - improved Hardcrete - (refined Base Structure-Mk2-mk3) - Mk2- Mk3

- (once improved Hardcrete researched) Machine Gun Bunker

SENSOR TURRET

Sensor tower + upgrade+ with Hardcrete MK3 = Hardened Sensor Tower

Troubleshooting

Video problems

PROBLEM

I hear a slight stutter when movies are played.

SOLUTION

This is a limitation of the movie player used in the game. It is more pronounced on slower CD-ROM drives

(less than 16x)

PROBLEM

I have a 3D accelerator and when I play the game, the system locks or the graphics are

corrupted. What is the problem?

SOLUTION

Visit the 3D card manufacturer’s web site or contact the card manufacturer, and install the latest DirectX 6 compatible drivers. Make SURE your card supports DirectX 6. If your card does not support DirectX 6, you will need to run in Software Mode. If your card only has 2 Mb of VRAM, you may also have to run in Software Mode.

You should obtain the latest WHQL certified drivers for the card and Install these drivers. If the problem persists, check that your Windows desktop is set at 16-bit color. Then disable any tweaks you may have to accelerate the video cards (if you overclock your card, it may become unstable). If the option to disable "mip-mapping" is present on the card’s properties - please disable it.

Sound Problems

PROBLEM

Why do I hear static or popping during the game?

SOLUTION

Two things may cause this problem. You may simply have the volume set too loud. Double click on the speaker icon on your desktop and move the slider of the "Wave" and "Midi" volume to the half way point. There may also be a DMA conflict with your sound card and another device on your computer. To check this click on Start>Settings>Control panel>System. When you have System Properties displayed click on the Device Manager tab; if you see any ‘!’ or red ‘X’s you have a conflict. You need to use the Windows Hardware Conflict Wizard to resolve the problem. If you cannot resolve the problem or you are unsure how to fix this problem, you will need to contact your computer manufacturer.

PROBLEM

What else could cause static or popping sound during the game?

SOLUTION

The possible cause for popping, static, or even no sound is that your sound card does not fully support DirectX 6.0. Warzone 2100 requires a sound card that fully supports DirectX 6.0 or later. You will need to contact your computer or sound card manufacturer for assistance in acquiring and install new drivers.

Note: there are some sound cards that do not have drivers that are compatible with DirectX 6.0 at this time. If that is the case please use the suggestions provided above to diminish the problems with static or popping noises.

PROBLEM

I do not hear sound, even though my speakers are plugged in and operating?

SOLUTION

Verify in Windows that the sound card volume is up to mid-level for all sound reproduction. (Click on the volume system tray icon) Next, in the Control Panel, click on Multimedia and verify that your sound card is active and the PREFERED device for playback. Finally, check the SYSTEM control panel and verify NO conflicts with the soundcard are present. INSTALL the latest drivers for your soundcard.

CD ROM

PROBLEM

The video files stutter when the play, the CD spins up for a long time, or the game installation takes a very long time.

SOLUTION

Certain CD-ROM models (usually IDE 32X or 40X) have lesser seek and data transfer rates when transferring data. This is usually a limitation of the CD-ROM drive. You can also verify that the CD-ROM has enough Windows cache (at least 1MB), your are using the latest drivers or correct CD Drivers for your model, and that you are not running the CD-ROM in compatibility mode. Also, enable DMA support (if available) for the CD-ROM in Device Manager. Finally, make sure you have the CD-ROM connected directly to the second IDE controller on your motherboard and not as a slave with your CD-ROM drive.

Multiplayer

PROBLEM

I cannot connect to Mplayer.com!

SOLUTION

The Mplayer service is currently based in the US. We are planning to implement full European support by late Spring. If you cannot connect, it is probably due to your high Ping (slow connection) to their server (they have a filter to reduce overall lag). You can always start a TCP/IP game with the Internet option, and play your friends over the internet or play over a LAN.

PROBLEM

How does Multiplayer CD detection work?

SOLUTION

Per packaged game TWO users can play - one for each disc. The game must be installed on each system.

PROBLEM
Modem games are slow or we cannot connect.

SOLUTION

Both Modems should run at 28.8 Kpbs or faster. Your opponent should be in the same city or state/territory. Play during low traffic hours. Try disabling/enabling compression. If you cannot connect, verify that the modem and phone lines are operating correctly. Switch the HOST and CLIENT systems. Install the latest BIOS and driver for your modem.

PROBLEM

Direct Connection games are slow.

SOLUTION

Frankly, this is a limitation of the Serial port. To enable better transfer, make sure both systems are P200 or greater, and you can establish a serial connection. Make sure the Serial Cable is not defective.

Switch the HOST and CLIENT selections.

Technical Support

If you need technical assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us after reviewing the game manual and the Readme file. For your convenience, if you cannot get through to a representative by phone and you have access to a fax machine or the Internet, please consider contacting us through one of these alternative methods.

When contacting us, please be sure to provide us with as much information as possible. Make sure to note the exact type of hardware that you are using in your system, including: your sound card, CD-ROM drive, amount of RAM present, speed and manufacturer of your processor, and the specific type of modem that you are using (for questions involving multiplayer gaming). Also, make sure to include the title and version of the game, and a detailed description of the problem.

Technical Support Phone Number

Our support phone number is 415-547-1244. We have automated support available 24 hours a day. You may speak to a live representative Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time).

Hints and tips will not be given out over the Technical Support line, please refer to the Prima strategy guide for additional help.

Technical Support Fax

For your convenience, we also offer the option of faxing us with your technical questions at:

415-537-0095 or 415-547-1201

When sending us a fax, please include your name, return fax number with the area code, and a voice phone number so we can contact you if we experience any problems when trying to fax you back.

Technical Support Email Address

You may reach us on the web: <http://www.eidosinteractive.com/help.html>

or by e-mail at techsupp@eidos.com <mailto:techsupp@eidos.com> .

Technical Support Mailing Address

Eidos Interactive

651 Brannan Street, 4th floor

San Francisco, CA 94107

Attn.: Customer Support

Eidos Interactive Company Store

For the latest and greatest Eidos merchandise, you can now visit the Eidos Interactive Store. You can go to the web site at

<http://www.eidosstore.com>

Legal

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