TFXplorer 2024.04.20

Our attempt at remaking DID’s flight sims.
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Krishty
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Joined: 2022-Jan-09, 00:59

TFXplorer 2024.04.20

Post by Krishty »

Announcing

TFXplorer 2024.04.20

New GUI, day-night cycles in EF2000, head tracking, and much more!

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System Requirements
  • 64-Bit Windows 7 or later
  • D3D9-compatible graphics card (from 2003 or later)
  • DirectX End-User Runtimes (June 2010) if you want sound.
  • One of the following games on your hard drive:
    • Total Air War 2.0
    • F22 Total Air War
    • F22 Air Dominance Fighter
    • EF2000 V2.0

Download

http://krishty.com/taw/tfxplorer/2024-0 ... xplorer.7z


Setup
  1. Extract the archive to an arbitrary directory.
  2. Run install.cmd to add your installed DID games to TFXplorer.
  3. If the above fails to find a game, run the corresponding install <game>.cmd and manually enter/paste the installation path.
  4. Start TFXplorer.exe.

Usage

In-Game:
  • Plane controls are just like TAW's.
  • Shift+Q quits the game or switches to explorer mode.
You can switch to explorer mode via Shift+Q; X:
  • Press and hold the left mouse button to move forward.
  • Shift+S skips 15 minutes forward.
  • Repeatedly press S to increase viewing range, or X to decrease.
  • F5 brings you back to in-game mode.
  • F1 toggles wireframe rendering.
  • Num 6, Num 2, Num 4, and Num 8 glide north, south, west, and east.
  • Num 5 and Ctrl+Num 5 glide up/down.

Changelog

With respect to TFXplorer 1.2
  • added GUI
    • replaces configuration files for scenario selection and game settings
    • in-game menu bar at the top edge for fast access to options
  • added control mapping (via Windows Registry keys)
  • added head tracking via TrackIR protocol (compatible with OpenTrack, FaceTrackNoIR, etc.)
  • added dynamic contrails
    • new for F-22
    • replaces old, static contrails on NPCs
  • added support for more hidden levels from EF2000
  • added day-night cycle for EF2000 Norway
  • added sound effects to NPCs
  • added wingtip vortices
  • added craters for bullets and debris
  • added more particle effects
  • added extension API
  • improved flight physics
    • pitch is no longer instantaneous
    • fixed F-22 fuel consumption
  • improved gear physics
    • landing gear can now break
    • realistic rolling resistance
    • fixed tire screech errors
    • fixed plane wobbling infinitely after some landings
  • added minimap to explorer mode
  • added restoring of last session’s window position
  • added thermometer/hygrometer (can be disabled via menu bar)
  • improved sky rendering
  • removed place name labels in Explorer mode
  • removed night vision
  • removed canopy shading
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Krishty
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Posts: 1379
Joined: 2022-Jan-09, 00:59

Re: TFXplorer 2024.04.20

Post by Krishty »

Ace Combat 3 Extension

This is a special gift for fellow Ace Combat fans. But be warned: it’s still pretty unstable!
  1. Download http://krishty.com/taw/tfxplorer/2024-0 ... rer-ac3.7z
     
  2. Extract to your UAW directory.
     
  3. Run install Ace Combat 3.cmd and enter the path to your Ace Combat 3 CD-ROM (where ACE.BPB and ACE.BPH are located). All game versions are supported (Japanese, Export, Demo).
     
  4. Start TFXplorer.exe.
You should now see the AC3 levels under Scenarios:

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You can explore the environment, but it’s not interactive yet. There are no enemies or missions.

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Known limitations:
  • Although all game versions are supported, do not install them side-by-side.
  • A few missions crash, e.g. One-Way Ticket.
Special thanks to DragonSpikeXIII from Project Nemo for allowing me to use the English translation of Japanese briefings!
mikew
Data Genius
Posts: 613
Joined: 2022-Jan-09, 20:21

Re: TFXplorer 2024.04.20

Post by mikew »

I'm a bit late to the party, but I've just installed this on a new PC and it works great!

In the Ace Combat instructions, you have "Extract to your UAW directory", but I think it should be the directory above that.
mikew
Data Genius
Posts: 613
Joined: 2022-Jan-09, 20:21

Re: TFXplorer 2024.04.20

Post by mikew »

Yay, I can land on AC3 bridges! :)
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I don't see any guardrails though. Maybe they only have self driving cars in Expo City. :D

Anway, seriously good work to mash TAW and AC3 together!
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Krishty
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Joined: 2022-Jan-09, 00:59

Re: TFXplorer 2024.04.20

Post by Krishty »

❤️

It really was invaluable in finding bugs. TAW’s terrain is so flat and featureless in comparison. Landing on these bridges, for example, made me fix rolling resistance and gravity on slopes.

AC2 is itching me – I decoded its terrains just like AC3’s, minus the stuff for sky boxes and enemy placements you found out. Its levels are even more detailled. But I have to resist …
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