Let's replay WC....as a community!

Dundradal · 12-16-2007, 09:21

Hey guys,

With all the new threads popping up it got my mind going. We are discussing and analyzing all aspects of WC, well why not refresh all of our memories?

What I'm proposing is that sometime in the New Year (perhaps mid-January?) we have a weekly replay. We'll start with WC1 and play maybe 4 or 5 missions a week then log onto the CZ to discuss those missions. Depending on what people think we could also extend it to a two week period or whatever works.

I figure this way we could replay the main games in several months time and all enjoy playing them in unison sharing war stories and tactics.

I proposed the start date for mid-January because I still need to acquire a CD copy of WC1 Deluxe, which I have found on ebay. So after Christmas when money isn't such an issue I'm going to grab it along with a few other WC things.

What's everybody think? I think it would be a great reason for all of us to replay the series as well as have a great time doing it sharing stories of battle.

Houkiboshi · 12-16-2007, 09:35

Not bad at all... I've been thinking about a little tour of duty to the front latelly

Nomad Terror · 12-16-2007, 10:05

I think this is a great idea. This could really spark some real community effort.

MannPower · 12-16-2007, 10:13

I'm already replaying them, so I've got a head start! Over the last couple weeks, I ran through WC 1 and 2 (and the SMs/SOs). Right now I want to get in some Armada, but I'm having the ubiquitous flightstick calibration trouble.

Even with HCl's patch, too, and the latest DosBox. Ths calibration is seeing Hat-Right and Hat-Down as button pushes, and not hat-buttons - despite being configured correctly in both Windows and DosBox.

EDIT: Okay, I got it to work - I selected YES for 'Is there a Thrustmaster flightstick attached?' at the end of the installation the first time. I ran install again, and selected NO. Now the hat doesn't work, but at least I can fly! ... Having trouble finding which button on the flightstick fires missiles, though. Can only fire guns and afterburners.

Sharpshooter · 12-16-2007, 10:54

4 or 5 missions a week? C'mon, I'm sure most of us would easily be able to play 4 or 5 missions a day (and I probably could finish any WC game -except perhaps for SO1- within 2 days if I really put my mind into it, but not everyone has that kind of free time).

Anyway, that's a great idea. I think we should play through both the winning paths and the losing paths as well.

I'm sure some of the missions will make epic stories of woe, frustration, and finally triumph.

Dundradal · 12-16-2007, 11:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharpshooter

Anyway, that's a great idea. I think we should play through both the winning paths and the losing paths as well.

I'm sure some of the missions will make epic stories of woe, frustration, and finally triumph.

Oh definitely on playing both paths, but just think about WC1. Will everyone spend the time and effort to beat Kursawa 2? or will they just suck it up and head down the losing path?

As for the 4-5 missions a week, I just assumed not everyone has the same amount of time for WC anymore so we would extend it out. It also allows for people to post that entire week instead of just on day 1.

Another possibility of this massive replay is that we could in essence create a new and extremely thorough game guide with the firsthand experience of wingnuts shaping it.

Max Gene · 12-16-2007, 12:59

WC1 doesn't present that much of a problem at Kurasawa- you still go on to the next mission, and then you just add in Rostov, THEN Venice (or Hell's Kitchen, if you suck.)

It's a great idea. "Colonel, you are clear to launch"

Sharpshooter · 12-16-2007, 22:53

I still can't believe that Kurasawa 2 is still known as "Teh Hardest Mission ever" after so many years of playing. It really shouldn't take most players more than 5 tries to beat it with a little strategy (not counting those of us who can beat it almost every time).

Just wait 'till we get to Hubble's Star 2, Hell's Kitchen 2, Ghorah Khar B4 (and its slightly easier losing version), or some UE missions.

Mekt-Hakkikt · 12-17-2007, 01:53

That's a great idea though I most certainly won't be able to participate.

Max Gene · 12-17-2007, 04:09

The problem with Kurasawa is NOT your survival, obviously. I can handle extremely tough missions just fine and come out alive. The problem is saving something else. THAT is what is so hard for many pilots- I'm too concerned about my own skin, or making kills, and I hate escort missions of any sort. Still, it isn't the hardest mission ever- just a very hard one for certain pilot types.

Dundradal · 12-17-2007, 06:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mekt-Hakkikt

That's a great idea though I most certainly won't be able to participate.

Why?

If you need to pick up some of the games this is a great excuse!

Max Gene · 12-17-2007, 10:06

He might well mean time or other reasons, though.

Mjr. Whoopass · 12-17-2007, 11:04

I think this is a great idea! I would propose that we don't allow separate time for losing missions though. It might be interesting to hear from different pilots and where they ended up.

Also, I would suggest as short of time spans as is reasonable for how long we allow for missions: a mission a day maybe? That way people that don't have one of the games won't lose interest. People that can't play every day could then catch up by playing 3 in a day, etc. For instance, I don't have WC2, so I wouldn't be able to participate for the month or two it takes to beat that game. Someone who didn't have WC3 would have to wait a LONG time.

Dundradal · 12-17-2007, 11:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mjr. Whoopass

I think this is a great idea! I would propose that we don't allow separate time for losing missions though. It might be interesting to hear from different pilots and where they ended up.

Also, I would suggest as short of time spans as is reasonable for how long we allow for missions: a mission a day maybe? That way people that don't have one of the games won't lose interest. People that can't play every day could then catch up by playing 3 in a day, etc. For instance, I don't have WC2, so I wouldn't be able to participate for the month or two it takes to beat that game. Someone who didn't have WC3 would have to wait a LONG time.

Not everyone has the same amount of free time so I figured a slightly longer time span would allow everyone to participate. I figure 5-8 missions a week would be manageable for most.

Another reason for doing this was to spur people into getting the games they are missing

Max Gene · 12-17-2007, 14:35

That would be great, except I'd already have ALL of them if I had the money, so it can't work for some of us

Dundradal · 12-17-2007, 16:05

They aren't very expensive nowadays. I found WC1 Deluxe/WC2 Deluxe on one CD just yesterday for $8 (which I immediately ordered since WC1 DOS is the last DOS version I need). Just do a quick search, very few are expensive, if you dug around and with some luck, you could probably grab almost every game in the series for less than $150 if not less.

Max Gene · 12-17-2007, 16:45

I'm on part-time minimum wage and have to help pay for my senior trip as well as 30 other things, and maybe a little for college- if only $150 were so easy to save up. By the time I even get $20 I'm probably feeling deprived of mountain dew or taco bell, and staying strong is...so...hard...~~~.

That, and I need to get a graphics card so I can play Phantasy Star Universe, which I already have for $10. I'm sick of integrated!

Mjr. Whoopass · 12-17-2007, 18:36

Just thought of another fun side thing to do if we decide to play the games as a community.. We could have a 'Christopher Blair' (or 'Maniac'!?) competition for those playing through on the nightmare difficulties (or in games that have only one difficulty everyone can participate). Basically we try to play as far as we can get without replaying a mission or dying and report on how far we made it and which path we ended on. Then of course after we die, we can simply play through the game where we left off and comment like the rest of the posters.

It would be interesting to see who if anyone survives each game.. and if someone makes it through to win a whole game we can call him 'ace of aces' (or liar of liars?). If someone wins through ALL the games we can ban them for being a huge liar

. It would also be interesting to read reports on how we died: collided into the carrier, too close to a skipper missile, Maniac shot me, etc..

Dundradal · 12-17-2007, 18:46

Could also do some kind of "kills" competition as well. Take screenshots of the killboard as you advance.

If there's one thing the CIC needs it's more killboards. I've got a fever and the only prescription is more killboards

Max Gene · 12-17-2007, 18:48

Keep one finger on the eject button, kids. You'll need it.

Incidentally, I was playing through WC1 under that idea today, and I was going in a Rapier at top speed. Asteroid at max velocity came straight for me, I saw it for half a second.

Which brings me to quite the point- if we have "stupid" deaths due to impatience, would you count that against us? I for one do NOT enjoy asteroids, and I often speed up for convenience. My suspicion is that you'll hold us to it regardless =P.

At any rate, I'm all for Maniac mode. It's a good idea, and it shows us WHY Blair needed pilgrim powers =P

Mjr. Whoopass · 12-17-2007, 18:50

Yes, because for one thing, I think stupid deaths will be the funniest: "I died because I got bored and flew into an astroid".. so you were bored to death!?

I think a lot of people would be eliminated in Wing Commander 4 on the scientist extraction mission when Maniac has to survive until the extraction.. "Maniac just randomly crashed into the ground!" (That actually happened in one of my play throughs while no enemies were around, it was frustrating and hilarious at the same time.)

Also, I think it would add an element of realism and help us appreciate JUST how good Christopher Blair would have to be... of course I think this could be one of the primary causes of cheaters.. people who tell themselves: Knight shot me. That doesn't count. I'm going to replay it!! Then they replay it and don't tell anyone.

Dundradal · 12-17-2007, 18:59

Well before we start getting ahead of ourselves we need to figure out what would be a good starting date. I think we should stick to the weekly schedule for moving through missions in each of the games. Now that's not to say people shouldn't pick up late if they have to because of whatever issues may pop up. If anything that should motivate people to play catch up

My WC1/2 Deluxe CD shipped today so I'm already really excited about this. I'm also almost done WCP as well. Just jumped into Kilrah last night.

Mjr. Whoopass · 12-17-2007, 19:05

Sounds good to me. Maybe we could start a new thread each week for the missions.. Week 1: Wing Commander 1 missions 1-5... people could then comment even if they were a week or two late. We could have someone take charge and be the one to start each thread... I would nominate Dundradal.

Dundradal · 12-17-2007, 19:12

That was my intention to start individual threads. I really see this as almost a three goal undertaking. First, for all of us to replay the games and enjoy the experience en mass. Second, to in essence create a new type of playguide that could be used in conjunction with the CIC guides to help people get through some of the tougher mission as well as have great stories to go along with the strategies. Finally, with so many people playing through the games we can also work on WCPedia as we go along.

So basically, this is a win, win, and win situation for us all

Max Gene · 12-17-2007, 20:11

Oh, and by the way- if you're going to include wingman inflicted deaths, I'll just shoot them myself! I did THAT today a few hours ago- nuking my own wingman to play it by myself. They're not smart enough to catch on...

Mjr. Whoopass · 12-17-2007, 22:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max Gene

Oh, and by the way- if you're going to include wingman inflicted deaths, I'll just shoot them myself! I did THAT today a few hours ago- nuking my own wingman to play it by myself. They're not smart enough to catch on...

I think in most (if not all) the games, you get in trouble for that. It would be better to send them home through your com system: "Return to base". Of course I don't think Maniac will listen to you.. not sure if the WC1 wingmen will. I think sending them home could be a good strategy in WC1 since I think they usually did more harm than good.

Sharpshooter · 12-18-2007, 04:48

You don't get in trouble for shooting your wingmen in WC1.

I don't think I'll participate in the killboard challenge if there is one... Replaying a mission again and again until I've *personally* shot down *everything* isn't my idea of fun.

EDIT : The "no reload" challenge sounds kinda interesting... I don't think I'm going to participate, though. It would be too annoying and long, especially for WC3 and WC4.

EDIT 2 : I think we might also want to try every available ship in WC3, WC4, and Standoff (and UE?) as well. That's probably what I'll do, anyway.

Mekt-Hakkikt · 12-18-2007, 05:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dundradal

Why?

If you need to pick up some of the games this is a great excuse!

Hehe, yeah it would be, though that's not my problem. I should have all DOS-WC games on CD now (though I am unsure, it could be that WC 2 is missing...have to check when I get to my parents!).

It's a time issue, because even with the holidays, I have to work and a matter of equipemt. The only PC I have at the moment is a 4 years old laptop with 512 MB RAM, a crappy video card and a 2 Ghz Pentium 4 M processor. My place is so cramped, I wouldn't even have the space to mount a seperate DOS-PC. I have no joystick anymore. Also, its CD-ROM drive is broken.

Yes, I love wallowing in self-pity.

But I certainly will follow the threads about it.

Dundradal · 12-18-2007, 06:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mekt-Hakkikt

Hehe, yeah it would be, though that's not my problem. I should have all DOS-WC games on CD now (though I am unsure, it could be that WC 2 is missing...have to check when I get to my parents!).

It's a time issue, because even with the holidays, I have to work and a matter of equipemt. The only PC I have at the moment is a 4 years old laptop with 512 MB RAM, a crappy video card and a 2 Ghz Pentium 4 M processor. My place is so cramped, I wouldn't even have the space to mount a seperate DOS-PC. I have no joystick anymore. Also, its CD-ROM drive is broken.

Yes, I love wallowing in self-pity.

But I certainly will follow the threads about it.

Bah. I'm in the same boat. My current "WC" machine is a Inspiron laptop that well sucks for games.

You don't need a separate PC, just setup DOSBox. That's how I do it.

Mekt-Hakkikt · 12-18-2007, 06:55

You think DOSBox will run properly on my system? The last time I tried, I couldn't play a single game, it was all stutters and freezes. Granted, that was some time ago, maybe newer versions of DOS box will require less ressources. That's something I could try over the holidays...

Max Gene · 12-18-2007, 08:02

You may have configured it downright horribly; between that and a new version it should work- I've never hit a snag. The main problem is if you give it too many cycles- it slows to a crawl. When you open it, type cycles auto for WC1 or 2, and cycles max for the later ones- works like a charm on my machine.

Dundradal · 12-18-2007, 08:55

Yeah it does require some tweaking. Armada ran like crap until I messed with the cycles. I have had no trouble using it for WC outside of that damn WC2 bug (meet Concordia...and crash!)

Otherwise I've gotten all the other games to run fine. Give it a try, you could have been missing out all this time!

AD · 12-18-2007, 12:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dundradal

I have had no trouble using it for WC outside of that damn WC2 bug (meet Concordia...and crash!)

Isn't loadfix supposed to cure that one?

Max Gene · 12-18-2007, 15:39

You don't even _have_ to tweak the cycles half the time- cycles auto does it for you.

Dundradal · 12-18-2007, 18:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by AD

Isn't loadfix supposed to cure that one?

I tried messing with it a while ago but wasn't able to find the right settings with loadfix. I'm messing with it again soon though.

Mekt-Hakkikt · 12-19-2007, 07:10

Well then, I'll see what I can get out of it. And I think my brother still has a joystick I could borrow.

Dundradal · 12-19-2007, 09:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max Gene

You don't even _have_ to tweak the cycles half the time- cycles auto does it for you.

It doesn't do that good a job. I had better luck manually adjusting it.

Dundradal · 12-21-2007, 15:15

So here's what I'm thinking.

Start for Wing Commander: January 27th

I'll start a thread called "Wing Commander Replay Week 1" and we can go from there.

How many missions does everyone think they can realistically do in a week? I'm sure many of you can do many more than others but I'd like to find a nice medium so that everyone can keep together. I'm thinking somewhere between 5-8 would work.

The WC1/2 Deluxe combo CD I ordered arrived today so I'm ready to rock!

Mjr. Whoopass · 12-21-2007, 22:05

I think 5 is good. As long as we don't do EVERY path. Each person does their own path. If someone wins each time compared to someone who wins/loses/wins/loses, they would finish several games ahead; so we'd have to decide when to move on. Someone who loses the game at Gateway 2 for instance, could replay the mission and move on with the rest of the group. There's not THAT many in the first Wing Commander game and I guess it should only take a couple weeks. Games like WC4 might require more per week if we wanted to get through faster.

Another option could be to open up a completely new forum section similar to the Arena or FanFiction forums where each mission could have it's own thread. Then there could be an overall thread for each entire game playthrough. People could post about their path, how many reloads, kills, etc.. That way it could be an archive like you had hoped for where people could post ideas for that mission over the years. The 'overall' thread could then be for our community replay in general.. Wing Commander 1 Replay: Jan-Feb/2008. Secret Missions 1 Replay Feb-Mar/2008..etc. The individual mission thread could read: Wing Commander I: Enyo System Mission 1 and label each mission.

This way the Wing Commander Chat forum wouldn't be overloaded with threads and a better archive of tips for each individual mission would be created.

P.S. I just got Wing Commander Prophecy Gold from my brother for Christmas!!! So I'd be able to participate in a Prophecy/Secret Ops replay!

Sharpshooter · 12-22-2007, 01:43

5-8 works for me.

Also, Mr.Robot, I somewhat disagree. I do think everyone should do every path. Sure, we'd have to lose on purpose, but it's more fun that way. Some of the best WC missions are losing missions everyone should play, IMHO.

Mekt-Hakkikt · 12-22-2007, 01:51

Ack, I forgot the other problem I have: my non-functioning CD-ROM ! And just today, I got a shitload of work I didn't expect on top of my other work. Happy holidays.

Nevertheless, I'll at least try to get it working. Maybe I can use my girlfriend's PC, I don't think she will need it much the next few days.

Dundradal · 12-22-2007, 13:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mjr. Whoopass

Another option could be to open up a completely new forum section similar to the Arena or FanFiction forums where each mission could have it's own thread. Then there could be an overall thread for each entire game playthrough. People could post about their path, how many reloads, kills, etc.. That way it could be an archive like you had hoped for where people could post ideas for that mission over the years. The 'overall' thread could then be for our community replay in general.. Wing Commander 1 Replay: Jan-Feb/2008. Secret Missions 1 Replay Feb-Mar/2008..etc. The individual mission thread could read: Wing Commander I: Enyo System Mission 1 and label each mission.

Hmmm. I'm not sure what method we should use. I figured one thread for each week would work as people would be able to post their stories as continuous thoughts. What do other people think?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mjr. Whoopass

P.S. I just got Wing Commander Prophecy Gold from my brother for Christmas!!! So I'd be able to participate in a Prophecy/Secret Ops replay!

Nice! Now you'll have to try WCP MP!

Mjr. Whoopass · 12-22-2007, 14:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dundradal

Nice! Now you'll have to try WCP MP!

Sadly, I've been dealing with issues on the Tech forums and it appears my brother got hosed by the amazon.com seller he bought it from. Hopefully he can get his money back since the "Brand New" CD's don't work due to the 3rd one which has scotch tape of all things trying unsucessfully to hold it together. Still, this replay would hopefully give me plenty of time to buy WCP before the community gets there. I wanted to play Standoff first anyway, but it's still disappointing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharpshooter

Also, Mr.Robot, I somewhat disagree. I do think everyone should do every path. Sure, we'd have to lose on purpose, but it's more fun that way. Some of the best WC missions are losing missions everyone should play, IMHO.

Maybe we should get a sense of what most people want to do. I think I would get bored if everyone played every single mission. If most people wanted to play through every mission though, I would still participate even though I'd rather just have everyone play through once and report on wherever they ended up. I'm flexible though.

Dundradal · 12-22-2007, 14:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mjr. Whoopass

Sadly, I've been dealing with issues on the Tech forums and it appears my brother got hosed by the amazon.com seller he bought it from. Hopefully he can get his money back since the "Brand New" CD's don't work due to the 3rd one which has scotch tape of all things trying unsucessfully to hold it together. Still, this replay would hopefully give me plenty of time to buy WCP before the community gets there. I wanted to play Standoff first anyway, but it's still disappointing.

Just checked that out. Ouch. Yeah sounds like you got a standard WCP edition. The WCP Gold case has the outline of a computer terminal with WCP Gold Edition printed in the middle. The back also has a UO image as well.

Dundradal · 12-22-2007, 14:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharpshooter

5-8 works for me.

Also, Mr.Robot, I somewhat disagree. I do think everyone should do every path. Sure, we'd have to lose on purpose, but it's more fun that way. Some of the best WC missions are losing missions everyone should play, IMHO.

People can do whichever they choose, although I do agree with you. The losing series are really great. I think Delius in WC3 is my favorite.

Mjr. Whoopass · 12-22-2007, 14:38

Actually we did get the Gold edition since it has "Gold Edition" written on the front cover and has the 4 CDs. Unfortunately the scotch taped CD doesn't seem to work.

Dundradal · 12-22-2007, 14:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mjr. Whoopass

Actually we did get the Gold edition since it has "Gold Edition" written on the front cover and has the 4 CDs. Unfortunately the scotch taped CD doesn't seem to work.

I'd say try to grab a normal edition of WCP and use its 3rd disc.

ChrisReid · 12-29-2007, 18:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mjr. Whoopass

Also, I would suggest as short of time spans as is reasonable for how long we allow for missions: a mission a day maybe? That way people that don't have one of the games won't lose interest. People that can't play every day could then catch up by playing 3 in a day, etc. For instance, I don't have WC2, so I wouldn't be able to participate for the month or two it takes to beat that game. Someone who didn't have WC3 would have to wait a LONG time.

As Dundradal said, the whole point is to encourage people to play, and if they don't have a certain game, then to buy it. WC2 typically goes for $5-10 these days: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=110209342483 There's people here who would kill to get a brand new Wing Commander game in this day and age, so it always blows my mind when people don't spend the few dollars to get one they're missing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mekt-Hakkikt

You think DOSBox will run properly on my system? The last time I tried, I couldn't play a single game, it was all stutters and freezes. Granted, that was some time ago, maybe newer versions of DOS box will require less ressources. That's something I could try over the holidays...

Any 1 GHz system should be fine for WC1.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mjr. Whoopass

Another option could be to open up a completely new forum section similar to the Arena or FanFiction forums where each mission could have it's own thread. Then there could be an overall thread for each entire game playthrough. People could post about their path, how many reloads, kills, etc..

The Animated Fan Guide Forum is all yours if you want it. http://www.crius.net/zone/forumdisplay.php?f=30 It won't get nearly as much traffic as the general forum though.

I would have suggested a thread per system/series, since "mission 12-15" could be very different to different people depending on the game and path. That's how I would organize the whole thing: one system per week, or two if either of the systems are short or if you're including an optional losing or side path. Having one thread per mission isn't a bad idea, but it depends on what kind of response and how many people participate (and at that point, the subforum makes sense).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mjr. Whoopass

Sadly, I've been dealing with issues on the Tech forums and it appears my brother got hosed by the amazon.com seller he bought it from. Hopefully he can get his money back since the "Brand New" CD's don't work due to the 3rd one which has scotch tape of all things trying unsucessfully to hold it together.

If there's any kind of crack or top side scratch, I don't think any amount of tape will help it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mjr. Whoopass

Still, this replay would hopefully give me plenty of time to buy WCP before the community gets there. I wanted to play Standoff first anyway,

You don't need to buy anything for Standoff. The downloadable Secret Ops starter pack is enough.

Mjr. Whoopass · 12-29-2007, 18:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisReid

As Dundradal said, the whole point is to encourage people to play, and if they don't have a certain game, then to buy it. WC2 typically goes for $5-10 these days: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=110209342483 There's people here who would kill to get a brand new Wing Commander game in this day and age, so it always blows my mind when people don't spend the few dollars to get one they're missing.

Thanks for responding Chris. I actually will probably have my hands full since I just got Prophecy and Secret Ops and want to play through them after Standoff (which I'm playing now). I don't anticipate I would be through these by the time the WC2 part comes out.

ChrisReid · 12-29-2007, 19:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mjr. Whoopass

Thanks for responding Chris. I actually will probably have my hands full since I just got Prophecy and Secret Ops and want to play through them after Standoff (which I'm playing now). I don't anticipate I would be through these by the time the WC2 part comes out.

If Dund doesn't kick off WC1 for another month, at the five missions per week you were talking about, that wouldn't put WC2 until at least March. It could easily be April depending on how the Secret Missions go. Do you think it'll take more than three months to play through Standoff, Prophecy and Secret Ops? If so, then the 5 missions per week goal that people are talking about may be too high.

12-16-2007, 09:21	#1
Dundradal TCS Tarawa (CVE-8) "Plank Owner" Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Confederate Archives, Confed HQ, Sol System Posts: 5,033	Let's replay WC....as a community! Hey guys, With all the new threads popping up it got my mind going. We are discussing and analyzing all aspects of WC, well why not refresh all of our memories? What I'm proposing is that sometime in the New Year (perhaps mid-January?) we have a weekly replay. We'll start with WC1 and play maybe 4 or 5 missions a week then log onto the CZ to discuss those missions. Depending on what people think we could also extend it to a two week period or whatever works. I figure this way we could replay the main games in several months time and all enjoy playing them in unison sharing war stories and tactics. I proposed the start date for mid-January because I still need to acquire a CD copy of WC1 Deluxe, which I have found on ebay. So after Christmas when money isn't such an issue I'm going to grab it along with a few other WC things. What's everybody think? I think it would be a great reason for all of us to replay the series as well as have a great time doing it sharing stories of battle. __________________ "To you, we are deeply grateful, and release what little hold we might, as Durandal, have had on your soul. Go." - Final Terminal Message Marathon Infinity

12-16-2007, 09:35	#2
Houkiboshi Captain Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Caracas, Venezuela Posts: 329	Not bad at all... I've been thinking about a little tour of duty to the front latelly __________________ "Humans say Hell is paved with good intentions. Why? Do they think there's a shortage of bad ones?" Karm'Luk P'an Ku

12-16-2007, 10:13	#4
MannPower 1st Lieutenant Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Manchester, NH Posts: 232	I'm already replaying them, so I've got a head start! Over the last couple weeks, I ran through WC 1 and 2 (and the SMs/SOs). Right now I want to get in some Armada, but I'm having the ubiquitous flightstick calibration trouble. Even with HCl's patch, too, and the latest DosBox. Ths calibration is seeing Hat-Right and Hat-Down as button pushes, and not hat-buttons - despite being configured correctly in both Windows and DosBox. EDIT: Okay, I got it to work - I selected YES for 'Is there a Thrustmaster flightstick attached?' at the end of the installation the first time. I ran install again, and selected NO. Now the hat doesn't work, but at least I can fly! ... Having trouble finding which button on the flightstick fires missiles, though. Can only fire guns and afterburners. __________________ Go to Hell, Jazz.

12-17-2007, 01:53	#9
Mekt-Hakkikt Mpanty's bane Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Wiesbaden, Germany Posts: 4,888	That's a great idea though I most certainly won't be able to participate. __________________ "Khasra! I have heard enough of Khasra!" For the Glory of Sivar!

12-17-2007, 11:04	#13
Mjr. Whoopass I was going to say something funny about what you did, but looking at this silly robot made me too happy to remember what to write. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bloomington/Normal Illinois Posts: 940	I think this is a great idea! I would propose that we don't allow separate time for losing missions though. It might be interesting to hear from different pilots and where they ended up. Also, I would suggest as short of time spans as is reasonable for how long we allow for missions: a mission a day maybe? That way people that don't have one of the games won't lose interest. People that can't play every day could then catch up by playing 3 in a day, etc. For instance, I don't have WC2, so I wouldn't be able to participate for the month or two it takes to beat that game. Someone who didn't have WC3 would have to wait a LONG time. __________________ "Being a Christian isn't always a cruise ship to heaven. It's often like boarding the TCS Midway surrounded by Nephilim, stationed at the gates of Hell, and getting a refit in Heaven."

12-16-2007, 10:05	#3
Nomad Terror Colonel Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: TX Posts: 1,001	I think this is a great idea. This could really spark some real community effort.

12-16-2007, 10:54	#5
Sharpshooter Captain Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 362	4 or 5 missions a week? C'mon, I'm sure most of us would easily be able to play 4 or 5 missions a day (and I probably could finish any WC game -except perhaps for SO1- within 2 days if I really put my mind into it, but not everyone has that kind of free time). Anyway, that's a great idea. I think we should play through both the winning paths and the losing paths as well. I'm sure some of the missions will make epic stories of woe, frustration, and finally triumph.

12-16-2007, 12:59	#7
Max Gene Major Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 672	WC1 doesn't present that much of a problem at Kurasawa- you still go on to the next mission, and then you just add in Rostov, THEN Venice (or Hell's Kitchen, if you suck.) It's a great idea. "Colonel, you are clear to launch"

12-16-2007, 22:53	#8
Sharpshooter Captain Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 362	I still can't believe that Kurasawa 2 is still known as "Teh Hardest Mission ever" after so many years of playing. It really shouldn't take most players more than 5 tries to beat it with a little strategy (not counting those of us who can beat it almost every time). Just wait 'till we get to Hubble's Star 2, Hell's Kitchen 2, Ghorah Khar B4 (and its slightly easier losing version), or some UE missions.

12-17-2007, 04:09	#10
Max Gene Major Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 672	The problem with Kurasawa is NOT your survival, obviously. I can handle extremely tough missions just fine and come out alive. The problem is saving something else. THAT is what is so hard for many pilots- I'm too concerned about my own skin, or making kills, and I hate escort missions of any sort. Still, it isn't the hardest mission ever- just a very hard one for certain pilot types.

12-17-2007, 10:06	#12
Max Gene Major Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 672	He might well mean time or other reasons, though.

12-17-2007, 14:35	#15
Max Gene Major Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 672	That would be great, except I'd already have ALL of them if I had the money, so it can't work for some of us

12-17-2007, 16:05	#16
Dundradal TCS Tarawa (CVE-8) "Plank Owner" Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Confederate Archives, Confed HQ, Sol System Posts: 5,033	They aren't very expensive nowadays. I found WC1 Deluxe/WC2 Deluxe on one CD just yesterday for $8 (which I immediately ordered since WC1 DOS is the last DOS version I need). Just do a quick search, very few are expensive, if you dug around and with some luck, you could probably grab almost every game in the series for less than $150 if not less. __________________ "To you, we are deeply grateful, and release what little hold we might, as Durandal, have had on your soul. Go." - Final Terminal Message Marathon Infinity

12-17-2007, 16:45	#17
Max Gene Major Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 672	I'm on part-time minimum wage and have to help pay for my senior trip as well as 30 other things, and maybe a little for college- if only $150 were so easy to save up. By the time I even get $20 I'm probably feeling deprived of mountain dew or taco bell, and staying strong is...so...hard...~~~. That, and I need to get a graphics card so I can play Phantasy Star Universe, which I already have for $10. I'm sick of integrated!

12-17-2007, 18:36	#18
Mjr. Whoopass I was going to say something funny about what you did, but looking at this silly robot made me too happy to remember what to write. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bloomington/Normal Illinois Posts: 940	Just thought of another fun side thing to do if we decide to play the games as a community.. We could have a 'Christopher Blair' (or 'Maniac'!?) competition for those playing through on the nightmare difficulties (or in games that have only one difficulty everyone can participate). Basically we try to play as far as we can get without replaying a mission or dying and report on how far we made it and which path we ended on. Then of course after we die, we can simply play through the game where we left off and comment like the rest of the posters. It would be interesting to see who if anyone survives each game.. and if someone makes it through to win a whole game we can call him 'ace of aces' (or liar of liars?). If someone wins through ALL the games we can ban them for being a huge liar . It would also be interesting to read reports on how we died: collided into the carrier, too close to a skipper missile, Maniac shot me, etc.. __________________ "Being a Christian isn't always a cruise ship to heaven. It's often like boarding the TCS Midway surrounded by Nephilim, stationed at the gates of Hell, and getting a refit in Heaven."

12-17-2007, 18:46	#19
Dundradal TCS Tarawa (CVE-8) "Plank Owner" Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Confederate Archives, Confed HQ, Sol System Posts: 5,033	Could also do some kind of "kills" competition as well. Take screenshots of the killboard as you advance. If there's one thing the CIC needs it's more killboards. I've got a fever and the only prescription is more killboards __________________ "To you, we are deeply grateful, and release what little hold we might, as Durandal, have had on your soul. Go." - Final Terminal Message Marathon Infinity

12-17-2007, 18:48	#20
Max Gene Major Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 672	Keep one finger on the eject button, kids. You'll need it. Incidentally, I was playing through WC1 under that idea today, and I was going in a Rapier at top speed. Asteroid at max velocity came straight for me, I saw it for half a second. Which brings me to quite the point- if we have "stupid" deaths due to impatience, would you count that against us? I for one do NOT enjoy asteroids, and I often speed up for convenience. My suspicion is that you'll hold us to it regardless =P. At any rate, I'm all for Maniac mode. It's a good idea, and it shows us WHY Blair needed pilgrim powers =P

12-17-2007, 18:50	#21
Mjr. Whoopass I was going to say something funny about what you did, but looking at this silly robot made me too happy to remember what to write. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bloomington/Normal Illinois Posts: 940	Yes, because for one thing, I think stupid deaths will be the funniest: "I died because I got bored and flew into an astroid".. so you were bored to death!? I think a lot of people would be eliminated in Wing Commander 4 on the scientist extraction mission when Maniac has to survive until the extraction.. "Maniac just randomly crashed into the ground!" (That actually happened in one of my play throughs while no enemies were around, it was frustrating and hilarious at the same time.) Also, I think it would add an element of realism and help us appreciate JUST how good Christopher Blair would have to be... of course I think this could be one of the primary causes of cheaters.. people who tell themselves: Knight shot me. That doesn't count. I'm going to replay it!! Then they replay it and don't tell anyone. __________________ "Being a Christian isn't always a cruise ship to heaven. It's often like boarding the TCS Midway surrounded by Nephilim, stationed at the gates of Hell, and getting a refit in Heaven."

12-17-2007, 18:59	#22
Dundradal TCS Tarawa (CVE-8) "Plank Owner" Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Confederate Archives, Confed HQ, Sol System Posts: 5,033	Well before we start getting ahead of ourselves we need to figure out what would be a good starting date. I think we should stick to the weekly schedule for moving through missions in each of the games. Now that's not to say people shouldn't pick up late if they have to because of whatever issues may pop up. If anything that should motivate people to play catch up My WC1/2 Deluxe CD shipped today so I'm already really excited about this. I'm also almost done WCP as well. Just jumped into Kilrah last night. __________________ "To you, we are deeply grateful, and release what little hold we might, as Durandal, have had on your soul. Go." - Final Terminal Message Marathon Infinity

12-17-2007, 19:05	#23
Mjr. Whoopass I was going to say something funny about what you did, but looking at this silly robot made me too happy to remember what to write. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bloomington/Normal Illinois Posts: 940	Sounds good to me. Maybe we could start a new thread each week for the missions.. Week 1: Wing Commander 1 missions 1-5... people could then comment even if they were a week or two late. We could have someone take charge and be the one to start each thread... I would nominate Dundradal. __________________ "Being a Christian isn't always a cruise ship to heaven. It's often like boarding the TCS Midway surrounded by Nephilim, stationed at the gates of Hell, and getting a refit in Heaven."

12-17-2007, 19:12	#24
Dundradal TCS Tarawa (CVE-8) "Plank Owner" Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Confederate Archives, Confed HQ, Sol System Posts: 5,033	That was my intention to start individual threads. I really see this as almost a three goal undertaking. First, for all of us to replay the games and enjoy the experience en mass. Second, to in essence create a new type of playguide that could be used in conjunction with the CIC guides to help people get through some of the tougher mission as well as have great stories to go along with the strategies. Finally, with so many people playing through the games we can also work on WCPedia as we go along. So basically, this is a win, win, and win situation for us all __________________ "To you, we are deeply grateful, and release what little hold we might, as Durandal, have had on your soul. Go." - Final Terminal Message Marathon Infinity

12-17-2007, 20:11	#25
Max Gene Major Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 672	Oh, and by the way- if you're going to include wingman inflicted deaths, I'll just shoot them myself! I did THAT today a few hours ago- nuking my own wingman to play it by myself. They're not smart enough to catch on...

12-18-2007, 04:48	#27
Sharpshooter Captain Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 362	You don't get in trouble for shooting your wingmen in WC1. I don't think I'll participate in the killboard challenge if there is one... Replaying a mission again and again until I've personally shot down everything isn't my idea of fun. EDIT : The "no reload" challenge sounds kinda interesting... I don't think I'm going to participate, though. It would be too annoying and long, especially for WC3 and WC4. EDIT 2 : I think we might also want to try every available ship in WC3, WC4, and Standoff (and UE?) as well. That's probably what I'll do, anyway.

12-18-2007, 06:55	#30
Mekt-Hakkikt Mpanty's bane Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Wiesbaden, Germany Posts: 4,888	You think DOSBox will run properly on my system? The last time I tried, I couldn't play a single game, it was all stutters and freezes. Granted, that was some time ago, maybe newer versions of DOS box will require less ressources. That's something I could try over the holidays... __________________ "Khasra! I have heard enough of Khasra!" For the Glory of Sivar!

12-18-2007, 08:02	#31
Max Gene Major Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 672	You may have configured it downright horribly; between that and a new version it should work- I've never hit a snag. The main problem is if you give it too many cycles- it slows to a crawl. When you open it, type cycles auto for WC1 or 2, and cycles max for the later ones- works like a charm on my machine.

12-18-2007, 08:55	#32
Dundradal TCS Tarawa (CVE-8) "Plank Owner" Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Confederate Archives, Confed HQ, Sol System Posts: 5,033	Yeah it does require some tweaking. Armada ran like crap until I messed with the cycles. I have had no trouble using it for WC outside of that damn WC2 bug (meet Concordia...and crash!) Otherwise I've gotten all the other games to run fine. Give it a try, you could have been missing out all this time! __________________ "To you, we are deeply grateful, and release what little hold we might, as Durandal, have had on your soul. Go." - Final Terminal Message Marathon Infinity

12-18-2007, 15:39	#34
Max Gene Major Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 672	You don't even _have_ to tweak the cycles half the time- cycles auto does it for you.

12-19-2007, 07:10	#36
Mekt-Hakkikt Mpanty's bane Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Wiesbaden, Germany Posts: 4,888	Well then, I'll see what I can get out of it. And I think my brother still has a joystick I could borrow. __________________ "Khasra! I have heard enough of Khasra!" For the Glory of Sivar!

12-21-2007, 15:15	#38
Dundradal TCS Tarawa (CVE-8) "Plank Owner" Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Confederate Archives, Confed HQ, Sol System Posts: 5,033	So here's what I'm thinking. Start for Wing Commander: January 27th I'll start a thread called "Wing Commander Replay Week 1" and we can go from there. How many missions does everyone think they can realistically do in a week? I'm sure many of you can do many more than others but I'd like to find a nice medium so that everyone can keep together. I'm thinking somewhere between 5-8 would work. The WC1/2 Deluxe combo CD I ordered arrived today so I'm ready to rock! __________________ "To you, we are deeply grateful, and release what little hold we might, as Durandal, have had on your soul. Go." - Final Terminal Message Marathon Infinity

12-21-2007, 22:05	#39
Mjr. Whoopass I was going to say something funny about what you did, but looking at this silly robot made me too happy to remember what to write. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bloomington/Normal Illinois Posts: 940	I think 5 is good. As long as we don't do EVERY path. Each person does their own path. If someone wins each time compared to someone who wins/loses/wins/loses, they would finish several games ahead; so we'd have to decide when to move on. Someone who loses the game at Gateway 2 for instance, could replay the mission and move on with the rest of the group. There's not THAT many in the first Wing Commander game and I guess it should only take a couple weeks. Games like WC4 might require more per week if we wanted to get through faster. Another option could be to open up a completely new forum section similar to the Arena or FanFiction forums where each mission could have it's own thread. Then there could be an overall thread for each entire game playthrough. People could post about their path, how many reloads, kills, etc.. That way it could be an archive like you had hoped for where people could post ideas for that mission over the years. The 'overall' thread could then be for our community replay in general.. Wing Commander 1 Replay: Jan-Feb/2008. Secret Missions 1 Replay Feb-Mar/2008..etc. The individual mission thread could read: Wing Commander I: Enyo System Mission 1 and label each mission. This way the Wing Commander Chat forum wouldn't be overloaded with threads and a better archive of tips for each individual mission would be created. P.S. I just got Wing Commander Prophecy Gold from my brother for Christmas!!! So I'd be able to participate in a Prophecy/Secret Ops replay! __________________ "Being a Christian isn't always a cruise ship to heaven. It's often like boarding the TCS Midway surrounded by Nephilim, stationed at the gates of Hell, and getting a refit in Heaven."

12-22-2007, 01:43	#40
Sharpshooter Captain Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 362	5-8 works for me. Also, Mr.Robot, I somewhat disagree. I do think everyone should do every path. Sure, we'd have to lose on purpose, but it's more fun that way. Some of the best WC missions are losing missions everyone should play, IMHO.

12-22-2007, 01:51	#41
Mekt-Hakkikt Mpanty's bane Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Wiesbaden, Germany Posts: 4,888	Ack, I forgot the other problem I have: my non-functioning CD-ROM ! And just today, I got a shitload of work I didn't expect on top of my other work. Happy holidays. Nevertheless, I'll at least try to get it working. Maybe I can use my girlfriend's PC, I don't think she will need it much the next few days. __________________ "Khasra! I have heard enough of Khasra!" For the Glory of Sivar!

12-22-2007, 14:38	#46
Mjr. Whoopass I was going to say something funny about what you did, but looking at this silly robot made me too happy to remember what to write. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bloomington/Normal Illinois Posts: 940	Actually we did get the Gold edition since it has "Gold Edition" written on the front cover and has the 4 CDs. Unfortunately the scotch taped CD doesn't seem to work. __________________ "Being a Christian isn't always a cruise ship to heaven. It's often like boarding the TCS Midway surrounded by Nephilim, stationed at the gates of Hell, and getting a refit in Heaven."

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