FireSoul's SFC:OP BootStrap list

(→‎D2 Directory Server Updater)
(→‎Networking Ports for other related software)
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** port 13139, both TCP and UDP
 
** port 13139, both TCP and UDP
  
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== Tuning SFC to play on modern hardware ==
 +
 +
Note: this section was added on 2015-08-06. SFC2 is 15 years by now.
 +
First some facts:
 +
* SFC doesn't really optimize graphic output for better play
 +
** no anti-aliasing nor anisotropic filtering
 +
* SFC2 has been around for 15 years or more.
 +
** based on Moore's law, that means the average computer is about 1000x more powerful/efficient at the same cost as it was back around Y2K.
 +
* graphics drivers these days have great capabilities.
 +
 +
 +
=== Aspect ratio and scaling ===
 +
 +
If you have a modern system like me, then you probably have a 16x9 ratio monitor. Mine is 2560x1440, and this monitor isn't current edge tech. SFC, SFC2:EAW and SFC:OP were all designed for 4:3 ratio monitors.
 +
 +
This means you're probably playing SFC:OP with a stretched image. You can force the monitor to display the image scaled proportionally by adjusting your scaling and aspect ratio.
 +
 +
Note: my monitor could not, but my video card can. Thus:
 +
http://klingon.pet.dhs.org/screenshots/20150806_nvidia_settings_scaling_GPU_override.png
 +
 +
 +
=== Manage 3D Settings ===
 +
 +
SFC does not have any 3D settings of importance. Your video card management tools might. In this example (mine), Nvidia drivers can have overrides based on what executable you're launching.
 +
 +
Here's my suggestions:
 +
* anti-aliasing
 +
** don't touch FXAA Anti-aliasing. That just fuzzies up the image.
 +
** otherwise go ahead, crank it up. I've set it to CSAA Anti-Aliasing with as much sampling possible.
 +
** research! Go online and google up what anti-aliasing does.
 +
* Anisotropic filtering
 +
** affects crispness of textures
 +
** also crank it up.
 +
* texture quality
 +
** set those to very high quality of course.
 +
* test test test!
 +
* enjoy!
 +
 +
http://klingon.pet.dhs.org/screenshots/20150806_nvidia_settings_SFC_1.png
 +
http://klingon.pet.dhs.org/screenshots/20150806_nvidia_settings_SFC_2.png
 +
http://klingon.pet.dhs.org/screenshots/20150806_SFCOP_with_tweaked_settings.png
  
 
== Visit the Dynaverse.net forums ==
 
== Visit the Dynaverse.net forums ==

Revision as of 02:50, 7 August 2015

So you want to know how I set up SFC:OP? Ok!


Contents

Install SFC:OP

  • Find your CD.
  • Find your CD-Key.
  • Install.

Patch to SFC:OP 2.5.5.2

What, you don't have 2.5.0.0 but something else? See here: All SFC Patches and ServerKits

Run the game to type the CD-Key

  • Make sure you have your CD-Key on paper or something you can read from
    • copy-paste won't work here
  • just start it up, and type in your Key.
  • exit the game when you're done.

Install OP+

See: SFC:OP Plus Refit

  • Get the latest OP+
    • .. or whatever people are playing. I suggest the latest.
  • Install it.

Set up your preferences with EzINI

  • get EzINI
  • run EzINI
  • Select Orion Pirates.

My suggestions for EzINI settings

  • Video
    • Resolution: 1024 x 768
  • Audio
    • Music Volume --- OFF
      • That's completely optional. You can leave it on if you want.
    • Max Channels: 64 (max)
    • Crew Sounds: Maximum
  • Multiplayer
    • Set up your Default Multiplayer Player Name
    • Set up your Game Name
    • OPTIONAL: click on Multiplayer Hidden Race
    • OPTIONAL: click on Multiplayer Hidden BPV
  • Misc
    • Difficulty: Admiral
    • turn ON Volley Information

Install Co-Op Ace

See: Co-op Ace for SFC:EAW and SFC:OP

  • Get the latest coopace
  • install it.

Customize Co-Op Ace

  • run the Coop-Ace Customizer from your start menu
    • Set the Difficulty to around 1.5
      • or whatever you prefer. I got 1.7 right now
    • Set the AI Intelligence to Admiral
    • Races: single
    • uncheck all the pirates
      • up to you, but remember, pirates are weaker
    • Turn ON 'Force selection of ships created in current era'
      • This will improve the gaming experience, especially since you've installer OP+
    • Turn ON 'Use Enhanced Shiplist API Settings'

Fests+

See: Fests+ for SFC:OP

  • download the Fests+ installer
  • install it
  • download the extra mission: Battlefest+ Intense
  • install it
    • Find your SFC install directory
    • Hint! May be: C:\Program Files (x86)\Taldren Software Inc\Starfleet Command Orion Pirates
    • Go into Assets\Scripts\
    • copy Mul_Battlefest+Intense.scr there

Missions Refit pack

See: [SFC:OP Missions Refit]

Set up a key to launch all the fighters

  • Launch the game
  • Click on the 'Hot Keys' Button
    • never BEEN here, huh?!
  • click on 'Weapons'
  • put in a ket for Launch Fighters.
    • I tend to use 'L' for it.
      • 'L' is usually the Defense panel shortcut, which I never use via HotKey.
  • exit the game to make sure your settings change are saved

If you screwed up, no problem! Go pick up a fresh copy of bindings.ini from SFC-related missions, sources, patches and misc utilities.

D2 Directory Server Updater

The Dynaverse 2 Server list updater is optional: I don't know if there still are D2 servers for SFC:OP out there, but in case there are, you can use this:

Set up your FireWall to play online

Do you use a router? If so, you'll need to set up either a DMZ to your computer, or at least some portforward rules so that you can play SFC with others online.

Here are the ports to forward to your PC from the router:

SFC networking ports used

  • To join a game:
    • port 47624, both TCP and UDP
  • to host a game:
    • port range: 2300-2400
    • both TCP and UDP
  • For SFC3
    • port 6073, both TCP and UDP
  • to run an SFC server
    • (obviously optional)
    • port 27100, both TCP and UDP
    • port 3306, both TCP and UDP
      • Scary! That's usually a MySQL server's port!
    • port 15100, both TCP and UDP

Networking Ports for other related software

  • to play on mplayer.com
    • port range 8000-9000
    • both TCP and UDP
  • to play on GameSpy
    • port 13139, both TCP and UDP


Tuning SFC to play on modern hardware

Note: this section was added on 2015-08-06. SFC2 is 15 years by now. First some facts:

  • SFC doesn't really optimize graphic output for better play
    • no anti-aliasing nor anisotropic filtering
  • SFC2 has been around for 15 years or more.
    • based on Moore's law, that means the average computer is about 1000x more powerful/efficient at the same cost as it was back around Y2K.
  • graphics drivers these days have great capabilities.


Aspect ratio and scaling

If you have a modern system like me, then you probably have a 16x9 ratio monitor. Mine is 2560x1440, and this monitor isn't current edge tech. SFC, SFC2:EAW and SFC:OP were all designed for 4:3 ratio monitors.

This means you're probably playing SFC:OP with a stretched image. You can force the monitor to display the image scaled proportionally by adjusting your scaling and aspect ratio.

Note: my monitor could not, but my video card can. Thus: 20150806_nvidia_settings_scaling_GPU_override.png


Manage 3D Settings

SFC does not have any 3D settings of importance. Your video card management tools might. In this example (mine), Nvidia drivers can have overrides based on what executable you're launching.

Here's my suggestions:

  • anti-aliasing
    • don't touch FXAA Anti-aliasing. That just fuzzies up the image.
    • otherwise go ahead, crank it up. I've set it to CSAA Anti-Aliasing with as much sampling possible.
    • research! Go online and google up what anti-aliasing does.
  • Anisotropic filtering
    • affects crispness of textures
    • also crank it up.
  • texture quality
    • set those to very high quality of course.
  • test test test!
  • enjoy!

20150806_nvidia_settings_SFC_1.png 20150806_nvidia_settings_SFC_2.png 20150806_SFCOP_with_tweaked_settings.png

Visit the Dynaverse.net forums

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