Together Retro: Dark Forces

[Hatta]

this thread is an example of why I shy away from PC gaming. For every 1 post about the game there's like 5 posts about how to get it working.

People just like to whine. It's not that hard at all.

[dsheinem]

this thread is an example of why I shy away from PC gaming. For every 1 post about the game there's like 5 posts about how to get it working.

People just like to whine. It's not that hard at all.

I'm with you on this on Hatta. This game is from an era where FPS games were designed with the PC foremost in mind. Console ports were an afterthought. Today this is no longer the case, as most FPSs consider consoles to be the lead platform.

I'd rather trade a very minor graphical glitch that has happened only a few times, the prospect of modifying some files, or the relatively minor learning curve concerning older keyboard controls for the PS1 port which is slow, ugly, and requires a VERY awkward button configuration in order to do anything (http://www.replacementdocs.com/download.php?view.5524). Seriously, toggling L2 to hit L1 to look up or down?! How the hell do you crouch and jump simultaneously, which you need to do at a few points, when both are mapped to the same button?! Circle to cycle through 10 weapons?! Sorry, but the controls are absolutely horrible as this game is just too complex to use an old PS1 controller.

Crucial to my enjoyment of this game so far has been the sense of speed. Looking at PS1 videos on YouTube ( I couldn't imagine playing this for more than a few minutes without wanting to throw the controller.

I'm not one of those folks who feels all FPS games need to be played on a PC, but any PC/console FPS game prior to about 2005 or so really benefits from being played on the lead platform.

[noiseredux]

I'd rather trade a very minor graphical glitch that has happened only a few times, the prospect of modifying some files, or the relatively minor learning curve concerning older keyboard controls for the PS1 port which is slow, ugly, and requires a VERY awkward button configuration in order to do anything (http://www.replacementdocs.com/download.php?view.5524). Seriously, toggling L2 to hit L1 to look up or down?! How the hell do you crouch and jump simultaneously, which you need to do at a few points, when both are mapped to the same button?! Circle to cycle through 10 weapons?! Sorry, but the controls are absolutely horrible as this game is just too complex to use an old PS1 controller.

hmmm I've yet to take issue with the controls. Although I haven't gotten to a point that requires a crouching jump yet either. I also have NOTHING to compare this game to. Though from my old Wolfentein/Doom days, I can definitely say I prefer a controller to keyboard/mouse hands down. I just don't find keyboard/mouse comfortable myself. I suppose that's also part of the reason PC gaming has never appealed to me all that much.

I am kind of surprised just how much you put the PS1 port down, DSH. With yr love for that growing-pains era of console gaming, I'd think that the struggle to make this game fit within the confines of the console would be endearing to you.

[dsheinem]

I am kind of surprised just how much you put the PS1 port down, DSH. With yr love for that growing-pains era of console gaming, I'd think that the struggle to make this game fit within the confines of the console would be endearing to you.

My affection for the PS1 and the era doesn't mean I can't call a turd a turd. There are many FPS games that are more impressive on the PS1. Doom (which is a little older) runs much better and feels more natural on the controller. Even Quake 2, which is much more graphically intense than Dark Forces, is much much better on the PS1 than Dark Forces. The Medal of Honor games are good. Even Kileak or Alien Trilogy - both of which are older longbox games - are better, IMO. I can appreciate games which try to get the most out of the system and do it well. Dark Forces feels like a cash grab port that wasn't given much care.

[noiseredux]

My affection for the PS1 and the era doesn't mean I can't call a turd a turd. There are many FPS games that are more impressive on the PS1. Doom (which is a little older) runs much better and feels more natural on the controller. Even Quake 2, which is much more graphically intense than Dark Forces, is much much better on the PS1 than Dark Forces. The Medal of Honor games are good. Even Kileak or Alien Trilogy - both of which are older longbox games - are better, IMO. I can appreciate games which try to get the most out of the system and do it well. Dark Forces feels like a cash grab port that wasn't given much care.

Ah, like I said -- no comparisons available for me. I don't own a single other PS1 FPS right now. I'm sure I'll eventually find out that this was a bad port, but I have to say that it's at least good enough to keep me interested for the time being. Hopefully I'll finish it this month. We'll see.

[FerretGamer]

Has anyone tried playing around with the PS1 copy on epsxe?
I wonder what the improvements to the graphics would look like.

I'll have to give it a shot and take screenshots when I receive my copy in the mail. I guess the nice thing about PS1 games are that I can play it on my PS1, PS2, PS3, or on epsxe.

[dsheinem]

Just beat it!

The last level is really quite epic. Everyone should persevere through to the end, regardless of the port you are playing The level design and the story itself are both quite good throughout, and I am now itching to play the sequel later this month if I can squeeze it in.

If you want a helpful hint, hold on to your Assault Canon ammo until that last stage - you'll need it!

[noiseredux]

So last night I was in the 3rd Mission -- the sewer maze. I don't like mazes.

EDIT: Wow DSH that was really fast!

[dsheinem]

So last night I was in the 3rd Mission -- the sewer maze. I don't like mazes.

EDIT: Wow DSH that was really fast!

Not really - Steam says I played for 14 hours, so that makes it about 3 times as long as most modern FPSs

[NebachadnezzaR]

Man, this is getting addicting! Got to level 11, I think, the Imperial City. The previous level, in Jabba's ship, was great. I never thought I'd have so much fun with this game.

noiseredux, patience I also hated that level, it's confusinf as hell, but as long as you pay attention to the map and memorize the areas you've already explored and the ones you still have to go to, you'll eventually beat it. Cheer up, there are great levels ahead of you.