BraveheartTM Readme July 8, 1999 Thank you for your purchase of Braveheart. This readme file contains troubleshooting and last minute gameplay information. We ask that you please read through the DirectX 6.1 and Graphic Card Support sections of this document. These sections have information that is essential if you wish to successfully run Braveheart on your system. System Requirements Minimum Requirements: • PII 233 MHz Processor (software) • P233 MHz Processor (Hardware acceleration) • Windows 95 / Windows 98 • 32 MB RAM • 4MB SVGA card for software (fully DX6.1 compliant) • 4MB or greater D3D accelerator for D3D (fully DX6.1 compliant) • 4MB or greater 3DFXcard (Voodoo1, 2, 3 or Rush, Banshee) for Glide • 8X CD-ROM Drive • 100% DirectX 6.1 Compliant Sound Card • DirectX 6.1 or higher (included on disc) • 600 MB of Uncompressed Hard Drive Storage • Keyboard and Mouse Recommended Requirements • PII 300 MHz Processor • 64 MB RAM • 8 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 (56.6 modem is highly recommended) • 28.8 Kbps or faster internet connection (56.6 modem is highly recommended) • Serial connection via null modem cable NOTE: We did not test Braveheart with laptop/notebook systems and therefore we cannot guarantee compatibility. Due to the variety of hardware configurations that ship with today's laptop systems, it would be impossible to configure a game that would work with all of them. Many laptop/notebook computers are limited in their ability to be used as a gaming machine. This is because of memory configurations, their micro-channel architecture, port configurations (i.e. no place for a joystick) and sound systems that are primarily designed to be used with productivity software. The other common problem is that laptop systems will attempt to compress the traditional version of the standard 101-function keyboard (found on almost all desktop systems) into a much smaller keyboard configuration. This is usually done by relying on multifunction keys that allow the user to assign different functions to the same key. Unfortunately, this has been known to cause problems with our games. Additionally, Braveheart is not supported using Windows NT, 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) • Disable your resident (check system tray) virus checker during install to avoid installation hang-ups • 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 Braveheart on a pristine hard drive. To install the game, insert CD, and click the button labelled “Install” when the Autorun Menu appears. If the menu does not appear, run setup.exe, from the root directory of CD. Copy Protection Braveheart is copy protected against piracy. If you experience any problems installing or running the game, please verify that you are not running in MSDOS compatibility mode via System Properties (Performance tab). Check you have the latest drivers for you CDROM drive or your CDROM drive is listed in System Properties (Device Manager tab). You may also attempt disabling the DMA option, if checked, on your CDROM drive (Device Manager tab). Some users may encounter problems running this game using a DVD-ROM drive, we would therefore recommend disabling the game port on your soundcard. If you are not sure how to disable the game port, contact your sound card or computer manufacturer. This can be achieved by doing the following... • Right click on My Computer and select Properties • Select the DEVICE MANAGER tab • Expand the tree labelled Sound, video and game controllers • Double clicking on the Gameport Joystick • And select Disable in this hardware profile (box should now be checked) • Click OK We would recommend that the system be re-booted before attempting to run the game again. Swap File Braveheart requires that you have at least a 150MB swap file or free space on your hard drive to run the game. The larger the swap file, the faster the game will load. Graphic Modes Braveheart offers three graphic modes to display the 3D graphics: Software: Any 4Mb SVGA graphics card will run Braveheart in Software Mode. We suggest running Braveheart in Software if you have problems running Direct3D. Direct3D: You need a D3D compatible 3D accelerator card, with DX6.1 compliant drivers to run Braveheart in D3D mode. 3Dfx GLIDE: You need a 3Dfx chip based 3D accelerator card, and the latest DX6.1 certified 3Dfx drivers (Glide 2.54 or higher) Please see the DirectX 6.1 and Graphic Card Support sections below for additional information. DirectX 6.1 Braveheart makes extensive use of Microsoft's DirectX 6.1. In order for you to play the game, you must have DX6.1-compliant drivers for your video card and sound card. Please note that although DirectX 6.1 are installed with the game, your video and sound card drivers will not be upgraded to DirectX 6.1 drivers. You will need to obtain the latest DX6.1 drivers from your card manufacturer. If Braveheart does not run properly on your video card, and there are no DX6.1 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 “Braveheart Software”. DirectX 6.1 is available for installation on the game CD in the DirectX folder. Graphic Card Support Running the game in D3D mode on a 2MB 3D-accelerator card is not 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 DX6.1, and does not have at least 4 MB of video RAM, you will most likely have to run in Software Mode. The only support game resolution is 640x480x16. You may notice slight seaming and transparency problems in Direct3D Mode with certain cards. If you continue to have problems, the EIDOS technical support page is listed in the Braveheart folder on the Start Menu, and can be reached at this Internet address: http://www.eidos.co.uk/support.html Here is a list of 3D cards that are known not to have drivers that are compliant with DX6.1, at the time of this writing (July 8, 1999), and consequently, will not run Braveheart properly under D3D mode. You may want to contact your card manufacturer to see if up-to-date DX6.1 drivers have recently been made available. If not try running Braveheart under software mode. 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 3D World Test Results: RIVA TNT2 (Diamond Viper 770) D3D-runs Software-runs RIVA TNT1 (STB, Creative Labs, Diamond) D3D-runs Software-runs RIVA 128 (STB, Diamond) D3D-runs Software-runs 3Dfx Voodoo1 Glide-runs 3Dfx Voodoo2 Glide-runs 3Dfx Voodoo3 Glide-runs D3D-Will not run, error window appears “This Graphics card is not compatibile with this executable, please select another executable to run Braveheart" Software-runs 3Dfx Banshee Glide-runs D3D-Will not run, error window appears “This Graphics card is not compatibile with this executable, please select another executable to run Braveheart" Software-runs ATI Rage Pro, 8MB & 4 MB D3D-runs, no textures Software-runs ATI Rage 128 D3D-runs Software-runs S3 Savage3D D3D-runs Software-runs S3 Savage4 D3D-runs Software-runs Matrox Mil II D3D- “This Graphics card is not compatibile with this executable, please select another executable to run Braveheart" Software-runs Matrox G200 D3D-runs Software-runs Rendition V2200 D3D-runs Software-runs Intel i740 D3D-runs Software-runs Permedia 2 D3D-no overlays in 3D world (no cursor, radar borders, etc.) Software-runs S3 Virge DX/GX D3D-runs, no textures Software-runs 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 DX6.1 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 and TNT 2) http://www.nvidia.com/ Matrox (Millennium, Millennium II, G100, G200 and G400) 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/ Real 3D (i740) http://www.real3d.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://www.creaf.com/ Quantum 3D http://www.quantum3d.com/ Audio Currently, Braveheart supports only DirectSound for playback and uses the Miles Sound driver system. NOTE: No sound with the Packard Bell Sound 4 (Aztech 3011 chipset), even with the latest drivers. This is a Direct Sound issue. 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 Braveheart is scheduled to be launched on EidosGames (Mplayer) in early August The Braveheart CD is not required in your CD-ROM drive to play multiplayer games. 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 Braveheart aficionados and kick their butts with your own Beserkers and archers. 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 (56.6 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 Braveheart was run through our compatibility labs. However, due to the myriad of 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, screen saver program or any on-line chat programs such as ICQ or E-Mail. 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. Disable your screensaver and power saving mode 8. Purchase system hardware that is well rated and recognised for game playing. 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. This problem is 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 6.1 compatible drivers. Make SURE your card supports DirectX 6.1. If your card does not support DirectX 6.1, 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 In game sound effects seem to stutter and the 3D world pauses momentarily when I am playing. SOLUTION If you are running with the CD in the CD-ROM drive and the Braveheart music is playing in the background, you may find that the sound effects will stutter. If this occurs we recommend turning the music off in the options screen. 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 6.1. Braveheart requires a sound card that fully supports DirectX 6.1 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 6.1 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. DVD / CD ROM PROBLEM When launching the game it fails to run. SOLUTION We would recommend that you disable your game-port, please refer to the section on copy protection. PROBLEM The video files stutter when they 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 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 Modem games are slow or we cannot connect. SOLUTION Both Modems should run at 28.8 KBPS 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. Virus Checking Braveheart was virus checked for all known viruses as of 7/3/99. Technical Support Please read the following section before calling technical support: Because of the millions of different hardware and software combinations possible with today’s Personal Computers, you may still have to refer to your computer manufacturer of software publisher to properly configure their product to run our game. We highly recommend updating ALL hardware drivers to their latest version If you need technical assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us after reviewing 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. The support representative will need specific information about your computer and may need you to access or change some of the files while you are on the telephone. If it is impossible for you to be at your computer, be sure to have the following information: • A listing of your computer’s hardware and the settings from Device Manager, including what sound and video card you have. (Contact your computer manufacturer if you aren’t sure.) • What version of Windows™ you are using. • What version of DirectX™ is currently loaded on your computer. • How the game is currently configured. Note: Our Technical Support agents do not have access to game hints, tips, strategies or codes. How to reach us: USA ONLY If you need to talk to someone immediately, call us at (415) 547-1244. We are available to take your calls Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time. If possible, be at your computer when you call. World Wide Web: http://www.eidosinteractive.com/help.html Product Warranty Inquires: cs@eidos.com FTP: ftp://ftp.eidosinteractive.com/pub/pc Internet e-mail: techsupp@eidos.com Fax: (415) 547-1201 or (415) 537-0095 Mail: Eidos Interactive Customer Support 651 Brannan Street, 4th floor San Francisco, CA 94107 Please direct all game play inquires to the 900 hint line listed below. Hint Line: Eidos Interactive 24 hour automated hint line number is (900) 773-4367. The charge is $.95 per minute. You must be 18 years or older; or have you parents permission to call. How to reach us: EUROPE ONLY Our European customers should contact the UK office at 0121 356 0831 or 070000 Helpline EUROPEAN Technical Support Email Address Techsupport@eidosnet.co.uk Other Useful Weblinks Eidos Weblink: http://www.eidos.com Tech Support: http://www.eidos.co.uk/support.html Warranty: http://www.eidos.co.uk/warranty.html Eidos Multiplayer Gaming: http://www.eidosgames.co.uk Hints and tips will not be given out over the Technical Support lines, please call the Eidos Hint Line. Legal All company names in this document are Trademarked and Copyrighted. ** Late Additions ** Saved Games Unfortunately, it is impossible to use Save/Load games with the different executables (Glide, D3D & Software). Should you need to run via a different graphics mode, then you will have to abandon your current game and any saved games you may have using that executable. Each saved game requires upto 34MB of Hard Drive space. OpenGL Support Due to last minute complications, OpenGL support has been removed from Braveheart. This option though may be available to the user after more testing has taken place via a patch. This patch will be placed on the Eidos Web site later. Multiplayer games Users MUST use the same executable (e.g. Glide) to properly run the game. New Icons in 3D world This Icon in the 3D world represents a member of your armies currently under attack, for example if one of your two handed swordsmen is under attack the icon would look like the one below. This icon will remain on screen as long as the army member is still under threat. This icon represents one of your two handed a swordsman who is under threat or currently being attacked. To view this soldier right click on the icon with your right mouse button. The camera will take you to the soldier currently under threat. Combat • Troops may run (retreat) from combat if they are green, and the enemy is well armed and manned (especially if their leader is killed) - you will not always be able to rally them • Calvary is best used with the CHARGE command • The enemy will send scouts out to locate you (so should you), if you let them move unchallenged, you can shortly expect an enemy attack • SCATTER your archers when threatened to avoid a slaughter • Leader faces (strategy portraits) are usually not customized to their 3D bodies, there are exceptions. Leaders are BLUE dots on the radar and have a blue coat of arms • Shields are NOT show in the 3D world to maintain performance, they ARE factored in combat as defensive protection • To move a siege weapon, you MUST group four men and the weapon (look for the status bar) , after the soldiers man the weapon use the MOVE command to move the weapon • To maintain performance, a maximum of 150 soldiers may appear in the 3D world. Soldiers now represent multiple units (especially with multiple AI opponents) Misc. Messengers now have `Gift offer` amount next to their icon. The radar now shows topographical information. (Glide/D3D) The radar is transparent in Software mode After a skirmish battle, a post battle screen details the forces and leader information. A victory (top icon) is crowned and the vanquished (lower icon) is listed. Gameplay Notes: What are the requirements for the user to win the strategy game? 70% of all the clans, either by conquest or alliance OR kicking the English out of Scotland. For the English campaign: Capturing London. Does the user have to sack London to win complete game? Yes Is user end game rating still in? How is it determined? Yes. Basically, it tots up the combined resources you have attained at the end of both the Scottish and the English campaigns. Number of Locations + total money + number of leaders + combined land area etc How is 3D combat decided between soldiers? Do armor and weapons factor in? A soldier needs to hit the opponent. This is calculated by the skill (rank) of the combatants and their weapons. Certain weapons have advantages and disadvantages over others. Flanking and attacks from behind are useful because they negate the opponent’s defensive capacities. If they hit, the damage to the opponent is determined by their armour and shielding. The less armour they are wearing, the more damage they take. Is there a time limit to the game? In theory, how many years (maximum) can be played? No, there isn’t a time limit. If Auto-management is selected from options, how is Diplomacy and Messengers affected? Auto-management never initiates any missions apart from trade caravans if Auto trade is on. The player has to do it manually. Non-aggressive town growth, what is the meaning? Passive clans do nothing except mind their own business. When they grow, they tend to get aggressive and attack things. Caravans cannot be raided - shouldn’t selection make score lower? It’s a double-edged sword that one. The player is protected but then so are all the computer clans. In the 3D world, what is the line of sight radius for troops? How does weather and darkness affect this? That’s tweakable, I didn’t want to define it in the manual. Both weather and darkness reduces it. How does weather affect troops in combat? Not much, apart from line of sight. Heavy rain and snow slow movement. In Multiplayer, what is the maximum number of human AND computer players? Four is optimal for speed In multiplayer, What is the default skill level of troops? Will it change? Regular. No it doesn’t change. In the Settlements screen, will towns under British control be listed? Yes. Will leaders attributes and wage - increase or decrease over time? They should increase based on the leaders growing experience but I’m sure that’s been coded yet. New leaders come to your towns and ask for employment. Or you may bribe them from other towns. Or you can convert them from your prisons. Is tax rate effects linear? E.G. Higher = lower morale and vice versus... Yes. Why would a user ‘Raze’ his town? Benefits? Scorched earth. You could raze a town to stop the enemy getting it. Also each territory has a limit to the number of towns it can build. You may decide you want to build a town somewhere else, for resources or to move closer to a castle but have already reached your town limit. For builders, how is their efficiency determined? Are there rank increases? How is user notified? Workers get better with time. This is linear as long as they are working. For AUTO MANGEMENT, what is the default-building plan for each level? “People” concentrate on expanding the town. (Also protects against devastating PLAGUES!) “Military” try to build castles. “Trade” doesn’t build anything apart from repairs. Will any clan be able to construct walls? No. apart from castle walls. If a townsperson cannot work because there is no resource, will they relocated to another town with that resource? No, a player has to physically move them there. The only way to do that is to form an army, move them to another town and disband them into the population there. 3D combat - how is it determined? In the 3D world, can enemy ever enter building with raiding party and kill them The automatic resolution is a general equation that’s calculated by pairing off units against each other to give a simple result. Leadership of the leader plays a role. For Raids, deciding by Stealth rating of leader For 3D combat, the Leadership rating of the leader is most important influence for other soldiers (so they will not flee)? For this benefit, do soldiers have to be grouped with the leader (selected)? No. As long as a leader is alive, he projects his leadership over his entire army.