To REALLY run this game properly... Install FSopen!

[kschang77]

For people who complain that this game doesn't support modern machines... You are right! This is an ANCIENT game. So what should you do? Play it with a MODERN engine!

That's right, folks, you can play this game with a modern DirectX compatible engine that was open-sourced by Volition a long time ago, called FSOpen!

What you need to do is NOT that complicated.

First, you do need to own this game (and Freespace 2 as well, really)

Second, download FreeSpace Open Installer from http://www.fsoinstaller.com/

Note: This installer requires Java, but it's for Windows. You will need to install Java first, if you haven't already.

Third, run the installer, and install it into your Freespace or Freespace 2 directory. (For Steam, it's probably Steam/Steamapps/common/Freespace or Freespace 2)

Fourth, follow the prompts, and it will prompt you to download the bare minimum of files, and/or the mods. You will need SOME of the mods, notably, FSport, which are the FS1 and FS2 missions ported into FSOpen engine. But there are a TON of good user campaigns from the FS Community you should try them out out. You can also download the improve visuals, new 720p briefings, and so on. If you want the max enjoyment (and lots of downloads), get the FSPort 2014 Media VP.

It will then download all the various files. Have patience.

After stuff had been downloaded, you can use either WXLauncher, or YAL (Yet Another Launcher) to build up the command line to launch the game itself. WX has more options, but YAL is much simpler.

There are a TON of options and it's beyond the scope of this note to explain them all, but now you can run the game natively in 1080p (or beyond) instead of using NGLIDE to scale up the ancient 640x480 graphics. Graphics now looks MUCH MUCH better and if you downloaded the improved briefings and visuals, the game will look pretty darn modern.

Any way, enjoy, and if you have problems getting it to run, share the problems and we'll work it out.

[Plantman Knows Where Plants Grow]

I forgot about this. I wish this were pinned or something.

[Ben]

What exactly is/does FSopen?

Does it allow you to play the original game(s) (i.e. Descent: FreeSpace & FreeSpace 2) on a Modern Machine (i.e. the actual original levels).
Does it it allows you to use modern USB joysticks (and adjust their sensitivity).

Despite paying for both titles on Steam - the main reason I've not spent much time on them is that I couldn't adjust the joystick sensitivity meaning the controls were/are too sensitive.

[kschang77]

Yes, and yes.

[Ben]

Originally posted by kschang77:

Yes, and yes.

Thanks - I'll have to download and install it over the weekend!

[Ben]

Originally posted by kschang77:

Yes, and yes.

If I want to play the original FreeSpace and then Freespace 2 - what Mods do I need to install?

Then How do I run the original game(s).

(There seems to be a lot of mods - I'd like to play the original games first - and then explore the mods later).

[kschang77]

Did you actually READ my first post way on the top?

[Ben]

Originally posted by kschang77:

Did you actually READ my first post way on the top?

Obviously I didn't :doh

Thanks.

[kschang77]

No worries. Come back if you have problems!

[Body_Count.EoT]

https://fsnebula.org/knossos/

[kschang77]

That helps too. More modern, more platforms supported. Kinda nextgen integrated everything.

[TalinPeacy]

Originally posted by kschang77:

First, you do need to own this game (and Freespace 2 as well, really)

By "(and Freespace 2 as well, really)" do you mean Freespace 2 is required or is it just that it makes sense to own Freespace 2, but can still run Freespace 1 alone if you happen to have bought that game a while back and forgot about it after it just didn't work? I'm pretty sure I just bought the first one to see if I liked it and would rather not buy the sequel now just to see if it's worthwhile.

The instructions seem to imply I can just use the freespace directory but I'm not sure how essential freespace 2 is to getting freespace 1 working.

(for context, I'm asking because I tried installing FSopen into the freespace directory in steam with the basic setup options but it seems to just change my aspect ratio and then freeze on opening. I have the most recent Java installed as well, using the link given on the FSopen website)

[kschang77]

FSOInstaller needs FreeSpace 2 installed as well. But It should have linked you to GOG game's listing for FS2. As the FSOInstaller.com, it says very clearly "A copy of FreeSpace 2 is required".

[erratic_gamer]

Originally posted by kschang77:

Third, run the installer, and install it into your Freespace or Freespace 2 directory. (For Steam, it's probably Steam/Steamapps/common/Freespace or Freespace 2)

if i want to install for both Freespace and Freespace 2 do i need to install to both directories one at a time? The instructions for install on FSOPEN's website aren't understandable.

Also will FSOPEN make my T.Flight Hotas One or Xbox One Controller work with the game?

[kschang77]

a) Yes, install into BOTH. You'd be using the FSopen engine to run the old data files.

b) It should, FSOpen is DX compatible. Mapping buttons... I leave to you.

[SuperDoc]

Hi there.
Just checked the new tool from the same guys - Install https://fsnebula.org/knossos/ on top of the Freespace 2 and you have basically both Freespace 1 and Freespace 2.
Bonus point- it is much more user friendly rather than original FSOpen :)