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Path: bloom-beacon.mit.edu!nic.hookup.net!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!EU.net!sun4nl!hacktic!not-for-mail
From: jojo@hacktic.nl (Jurgen Appelo)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.announce,rec.games.misc,comp.answers,rec.answers,news.answers
Subject: PC GAMES FAQ <- Guide To The Gaming World (Part 1 of 2)
Followup-To: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.misc
Date: 29 Jan 1994 13:20:55 -0000
Organization: Hack-Tic, networking for the masses
Lines: 1340
Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.Edu
Distribution: world
Expires: 02/17/94
Message-ID: <PC-games-faq-1-759849663@hacktic.nl>
Reply-To: jojo@hacktic.nl (Jurgen Appelo)
NNTP-Posting-Host: xs4all.hacktic.nl
Summary: This FAQ has answers to common questions and other useful
information that all new readers of the comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.*
newsgroups should read before posting.
Xref: bloom-beacon.mit.edu comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.announce:336 rec.games.misc:5138 comp.answers:3595 rec.answers:3890 news.answers:14598
Posted-By: auto-faq 2.4
Archive-name: PC-games-faq/part1
Posting-frequency: two times per month
Editor: Jurgen Appelo
Version: 1.15
Last-modified: January 27, 1994
Hello everybody, this is my first posting of the csipg FAQ as the new
maintainer, having recently taken over this responsibility from Jurgen
Appelo (jojo@hacktic.nl). Let's all give him a big round of applause for
doing such a good job!
So far, I've only made some minor (mostly formatting) changes to the FAQ,
but I plan on making some major revisions to it, so if you have any ideas
on how to improve this FAQ, now would be a great time to let me know about
them.
Michael Wang
mmwang@mv.us.adobe.com
/ \
/ \
/ \
===========================================================================
+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+ INTERNET PC GAMES FAQ :+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
===========================================================================
Guide To The Gaming World
\ /
\ /
\ /
This FAQ contains answers to questions that appear frequently in the
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.* (csipg.*) newsgroups. New readers of the csipg.*
newsgroups are encouraged to read this document before posting to any of
the groups. This FAQ not only answer frequently asked questions, but holds
general information about PC games and Internet resources. Reading this
document can save you from embarrassing moments and getting into annoying
discussions.
This FAQ is posted twice per month to the comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.announce,
rec.games.misc and news.answers newsgroups. It can be retrieved by FTP from
rtfm.mit.edu in the /pub/usenet/comp.answers/PC-games-FAQ/ directory.
The questions presented in this document are not always frequently asked
questions. Some may be questions that people don't dare to ask, to avoid
looking stupid or to avoid flames. Other questions are just here to
introduce some useful information. The word "guide" could be a better term
to describe this document, but things aren't always what you want them to
be on Internet.
For answering some of the questions I used information written by other
persons. The names are mentioned just above the texts that they wrote. I
hope I got them all right. Some of the submitted texts have been altered
slightly. I had to, I'm the editor.
If you think there is some information missing in this document, or if you
think something should be changed or deleted, just send me a message. You
can email me at mmwang@mv.us.adobe.com. But please don't ask me to help you
solve your problems. Post your questions to the newsgroups. If it appears
you had a very frequently asked question, that should be included in this
FAQ, I will probably notice or else be notified by others. The answer will
then be included in the next version of the FAQ, for future readers. Enjoy!
===========================================================================
CONTENTS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.0: USENET NEWSGROUPS
1.1: What are the comp.sys.ibm.pc.games groups for?
1.2: How did the comp.sys.ibm.pc.games groups come to exist?
1.3: What topics are commonly discussed?
1.4: What groups are in the comp.sys.ibm.pc.games hierarchy?
1.5: What are the differences between subgroups?
1.6: Are there other newsgroups related to PC games?
1.7: What guidelines should I follow when posting?
1.8: What do I have to avoid when posting?
1.9: How do I post a spoiler?
1.10: How do I post to csipg.announce?
2.0: GENERAL INFORMATION
2.1: What does the term ... mean?
2.2: What does the acronym ... mean?
2.3: Which other FAQs about games exist?
2.4: Which mailing lists for game players exist?
2.5: Where can I find email addresses of game publishers?
2.6: What is Game Bytes?
2.7: What is the Top 100?
3.0: FTP GUIDE
3.1: How do I FTP?
3.2: What are the most important FTP sites?
3.3: How can I find a game or file?
3.4: Where can I find shareware, freeware and public domain games?
3.5: Where can I find demos?
3.6: Where can I find solutions, hint files and cheats?
3.7: Where can I find cracks, editors and updates?
3.8: Where can I find archivers?
3.9: How do I use Archie?
4.0: HARDWARE ISSUES
4.1: What special hardware is made for games?
4.2: What are the most important alternatives?
5.0: SOFTWARE ISSUES
5.1: Who is that company?
5.2: Who is that person?
5.3: What general problems do game players experience?
5.4: What does the acronym ... mean?
5.5: Which games have different names?
5.6: Which games have multi-player abilities?
5.7: Which games have additional files available for free?
5.8: What are the known bugs?
5.9: Which games are we all waiting for?
===========================================================================
1.0: USENET NEWSGROUPS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.1: What are the comp.sys.ibm.pc.games groups for?
(From: Christina Warren)
The purpose of these groups is to provide a forum for the discussion of
games for the IBM PC and compatible machines. This is not just limited to
MS-DOS, but extends to OS/2, Windows and anything else that can run on an
IBM PC compatible machine.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.2: How did the comp.sys.ibm.pc.games groups come to exist?
(From: Christina Warren)
The group comp.sys.ibm.pc.games (csipg for short) arose out of
rec.games.misc. For some time, that group had been dominated by discussions
of MS-DOS games. This proved confusing to new readers, and tended to starve
out non MS-DOS game and non-computer game oriented traffic. Therefore a new
group for PC games was created in May 1992 called comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.
This group became so very popular that it was split into 7 subgroups in May
1993.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.3: What topics are commonly discussed?
Most of the discussions on the csipg groups are about current, past and
upcoming games, problems, bugs, hints, companies, reviews, previews, demos,
strategies, patches, solutions, FTP-sites, shareware and vaporware. This
list is just an indication of the variety of subjects and is by no means
comprehensive. If you don't know what some of these words are, you're
reading the right document. Keep going.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.4: What groups are in the comp.sys.ibm.pc.games hierarchy?
Currently there are 7 groups available:
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action (csipg.action for short)
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.adventure (csipg.adventure)
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.announce (csipg.announce)
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.flight-sim (csipg.flight-sim)
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.misc (csipg.misc)
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.rpg (csipg.rpg)
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.strategic (csipg.strategic)
Officially, the main group (comp.sys.ibm.pc.games) doesn't exist anymore.
It has been replaced by its seven children. Some people may still be able
to post to it, but that's not how it should be.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.5: What are the differences between subgroups?
(From: Ron Dippold and Joseph Cochran)
------
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action
This unmoderated group is for the discussion of action/arcade games. Action
and arcade games are generally fast paced games which have a simple goal,
and usually require good hand-eye coordination.
Examples: Doom
Mortal Kombat
X-Wing
------
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.adventure
This unmoderated group is for the discussion of adventure games. Adventure
games are generally games in which an unchanging character is presented
with puzzles, problems and obstacles which must be solved to attain the
game's goal. Generally, combat is not a major feature of the game, and all
players are confronted with the same puzzles in the path to the solution.
These games usually transport the character from place to place in discrete
steps, using stylized art to enhance the backdrop and setting of the game,
and present the player with unique puzzles that have unique solutions.
Examples: Hand of Fate
Judgment Rites
King's Quest 6
------
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.announce (moderated)
This moderated group is for announcements that are useful to the entire PC
computer gaming population, including but not limited to new release
announcements, software publisher news, bug information, reviews, Top 100
and Game Bytes information. Follow-ups will be directed to csipg.misc or
another appropriate subgroup at the moderator's discretion. The moderator
is Joseph Cochran, jsciv@polaris.async.vt.edu.
------
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.flight-sim
This unmoderated group is for the discussion of flight simulation games.
Simulation games are games which simulate a real or theoretically plausible
air vehicle (using today's current technology as its basis), and allow
players to manipulate it as if it were real.
Examples: Aces Over Europe
Air Warrior
Falcon 3.0
------
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.misc
This unmoderated group is for the discussion of all topics that do not fall
under another games subgroup. This group has taken the place of the old
csipg and carries all discussions that should not be carried out in other
games subgroups, including those about sports and puzzle games.
Examples: The Incredible Machine
Links 386 Pro
World Circuit/Formula 1 Grand Prix
------
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.rpg
This unmoderated group is for the discussion of role-playing games.
Computer role-playing games are generally games in which a character is
presented with puzzles, problems and obstacles which must be solved.
Player, object, and monster characteristics are usually given in some
numerical or other discrete form. The most common example is "Hit points"
to indicate remaining health. Role-playing games are typically
characterized by continuous maps instead of discrete painted backdrops and
standardized options for attack, defense, and other forms of dealing with
obstacles. The intent of a RPG is to set the player's adventure in a larger
framework of an internally consistent world, as opposed to having the
player only relate to the game world through the particular puzzles that
are posed to him or her.
Examples: Dark Sun: Shattered Lands
Lands of Lore
Ultima VII Part 2
------
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.strategic
This unmoderated group is for the discussion of strategy games. Strategy
games usually involve complex manipulation of game resources in many
different ways, which directly affects the progress and outcome of the
game. Also included within this description are wargames, which often
involve similar strategic planning operations.
Examples: Civilization
Master of Orion
V for Victory series
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.6: Are there other newsgroups related to PC games?
There are many newsgroups for games, but only some of them have some
relation with PC games:
alt.cd-rom For all who have a CD-ROM drive
alt.games.vga-planets VGA Planets is a PC game
comp.sys.amiga.games Many PC games are ported to/from the Amiga
comp.sys.mac.games Many PC games are ported to the Mac
comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware You can discuss here what's inside your PC
comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc The group for anything that concerns the PC
comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard This one may be interesting for game players
misc.legal.computing If you insist talking about piracy
rec.arts.int-fiction This group is for designing adventure games
rec.aviation.simulators Some PC games are discussed here
rec.games.corewar Corewar can be played on the PC
rec.games.design There's much talk about the PC
rec.games.empire Empire can be played on the PC
rec.games.hack Hack can be played on the PC
rec.games.int-fiction This group concerns text-based adv. games
rec.games.moria There are some Moria variants for the PC
rec.games.programmer Here's a look behind the screen
There are more groups in rec.games.*, which you can check out for yourself.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.7: What guidelines should I follow when posting?
If you follow this advice and the advice given in 1.8, you will probably
not be flamed by anyone. You will be considered a good Usenet citizen.
Use a good subject header that explains what your message is about. Mention
the game that you're going to talk about and/or the kinds of information
that readers can expect. For example:
U7: problem with installing /* You have a big problem with
Ultima 7 */
4SALE: 6 strategy games /* You want to get rid of 6
games */
But don't use meaningless subject headers, like:
Read THIS! /* Some people will be curious,
most people will skip it */
Help me pleazzze /* Ditto */
Having words like HELP:, SPOILER:, BUG:, 4SALE:, REVIEW: or any other at
the front of the subject line (like the name of the game), is some sort of
convention that is used by some people in the newsgroups. It can make life
a bit easier for the readers. For most games people use acronyms to make
the lines shorter. This has been done for Ultima 7 in the example above.
You can find most common acronyms in section 5.4.
An additional question mark or exclamation mark can make quite a
difference. For example:
UW2: walkthru
UW2: walkthru?
UW2: walkthru!
The first subject header leaves people to wonder if you are looking for a
walkthru (Ultima Underworld 2, in this example) or if you are providing
one. The other two subject headers are much clearer in that respect.
Always post your message to the correct newsgroup. It's very obvious but
there are people violating this principle every day. If your message is
about an action game, then it should be posted to csipg.action; if your
message is about a sports game and a strategic game, then it should be
posted to csipg.misc and csipg.strategic. In the latter case you crosspost
the message to these two groups. This means you post one message to several
groups at the same moment. Your message will then be stored only once, but
can be read in both groups. Please don't post a message to all the groups,
unless you think of yourself as a Very Important Person with Big News.
Finally, if you are posting a follow-up to another message, don't quote too
much text. Some people find it necessary to quote entire messages and then
add a single line. This is a waste of bandwidth and a waste of the reader's
time. Don't do it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.8: What do I have to avoid when posting?
Don't ask for codes that are in the manual of the game. You will be flamed
so intensely, your hair will catch on fire. People on the net don't like to
discuss with others who get their games in a not so legal way. It's the
biggest taboo you can think of. So don't get yourself involved in piracy,
and if you do, don't let it show. In fact, try to avoid mentioning piracy
at all. It has already been discussed much too often in the newsgroups.
People get very tired
of it.
Don't spoil other people's fun in playing a game. Don't give away a clue
without giving a warning in advance. You can read below, in 1.9, about how
to use spoilers.
Don't use the net for commercial activities. If you're from a company that
wants to announce the release of a new game, that's OK. But don't fall into
the temptation of inviting people to order it. There are flame throwers on
the net with an unlimited amount of ammunition.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.9: How do I post a spoiler?
It may be necessary sometimes to give away part of a solution to a game to
have a useful discussion. Be aware that some people may not have found this
solution yet and don't want to read about it. They paid for the fun to find
the solution themselves, so don't spoil it.
(From: Christina Warren)
At minimum you should include the word SPOILER in your subject line and a
line in your message that indicates that a spoiler follows. One way to do
this is as follows:
[SPOILER ALERT]
^L /* control-L */
24 carriage returns
<text of spoiler>
[END SPOILER ALERT]
Spoilers should definitely include a form-feed character (control-L) to
avoid 'giving away' the secrets. Use of multiple CR's to support readers in
window oriented environments, like the Mac, is recommended in addition to
the control-L. Some people argue with justification that newsreaders that
don't support control-L as a pause are broken, and some people argue that
control-L doesn't make sense in a window environment. In any way, spoilers
should definitely have a ^L included to follow Usenet conventions and
support workstation readers who may have large screens.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.10: How do I post to csipg.announce?
The csipg.announce newsgroup is a moderated group. This means that all
messages have to be approved by the moderator before they are posted. The
main goal for this group is to provide information about games and their
publishers, like reviews, release dates, addresses and other info to be
announced to the public.
The moderator is Joseph Cochran, jsciv@polaris.async.vt.edu, and if you
have any questions about the group, he will be glad to answer them if he
can.
(From: Joseph Cochran)
The csipg.announce group exists to provide a low-noise environment where
information of interest to the general PC gaming population can be read
without a lot of searching through threads. Here are some brief guides to
help you submit. Check csipg.announce for more detailed guidelines, posted
every other Thursday.
Send submissions to csipga@polaris.async.vt.edu or post directly to the
group (most news software will then automatically forward the message to
the moderator).
Any announcements of game releases should be either from the publisher
directly or first hand.
Game reviews are gladly accepted. Please make sure that your primary intent
in a review is to inform the prospective buyer rather than to start a
discussion. The moderator will work with you on getting a review posted.
The following types of articles cannot be accepted: articles which ask a
question, voice an opinion (game reviews have limited freedom with respect
to this particular point), ask to be subscribed, or list forsale items.
These types of articles are better served in the other csipg groups, where
follow-ups can be made and arguments can ensue.
===========================================================================
2.0: GENERAL INFORMATION
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.1: What does the term ... mean?
add-on
A new release of software that should be installed with another game
you already have, like new planes for a flight simulator or new
missions for a strategy game.
bug
Any behavior by a program that is not intended by the developers, due
to a design or coding error or omission. Some bugs effect gameplay,
mostly in a negative way. Serious bugs can often be fixed by getting
the appropriate patch by FTP or from the company itself or its BBS's.
bugfix
A bugfix is an update that fixes problems encountered in a game that
has already been released.
cheat
A cheat is a description of how to change the gameplay of a game, so
that playing it becomes easier or offers new possibilities. Some cheats
are built in the code by the developers, usually for debugging
purposes, and kept secret until some player discovers them. They are
referred to as the "debug mode". Other cheats require that you have a
binary file editor that can change the datafiles or code of the game.
crack
(From: Neil Ensor)
A crack is a method for evading copy-protection on games, ranging from
copied documentation to actual patches that change the program to skip
or nullify the copy protection.
demo
(From: Neil Ensor)
There are two meanings for this one:
(1) The demo of a game is anything from a playable demonstration
program to a simple slide-show of pictures. It exists with the intent
of getting people to buy the real game.
(2) A demo of the capabilities of the computer is usually a non-
interactive show of graphics and music that highlights very impressive
capabilities of the computer, usually pushing the boundaries of the
hardware.
dox (or docs)
This term is short for "documents". It refers to any printed material
that came along with the purchase of a game, including the manual and
possibly a reference card. It can also refer to electronic versions of
this material that are distributed illegally. They are used heavily by
people who "have lost their manual".
Dungeons & Dragons/Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (acronyms: D&D, AD&D)
(From: Dups)
These terms refer to games invented by Gary Gygax and others in 1973
which involve real people playing the role of fantasy characters
through a set of rules based on dice rolls with one person controlling
the flow of the game (called the Dungeon Master). It was and still is
the basis of many RPG games for computers and otherwise. Some are based
upon D&D, others upon AD&D. Yes, these two are different.
editor
An editor is a program that allows you to change something in a game in
any way you like. Some editors change the statistics of the characters
in a game to make them stronger of weaker. Other editors may change the
maps or twist the plot in another way.
face-to-face (acronym: FTF)
This refers to playing a game with someone else at the same physical
location.
fantasy role-playing game (acronym: FRPG)
This is a role-playing game that involves fantasy, specifically the
"Swords and Sorcery" genre, with ghosts, strange creatures, wizards,
spells, etc.
freeware
(From: S.M.Sabri S.M.Ismail)
Freeware programs are free copyrighted software. Sometimes the
copyright on freeware allows the programs to be copied and modified as
long as the new program has the same or less stringent copyright
restrictions. Other times you're not allowed to change anything at all
and you can just use the program for free.
gouraud shading
(From: Ken Fishkin)
Gouraud shading, also called intensity interpolation shading or
color interpolation shading, elminates intensity discontinuities.
Gouraud shading extends the concept of interpolated shading
applied to invididual polygons by interpolating polygon vertex
illumination values that take into account the surface being
approximated.
head-to-head (acronym: H2H)
This refers to playing a game with someone else, usually by modem.
hint
Hints are descriptions that send you in the right direction to
solve a game or a part of a game. Some people consider them as
spoilers, others don't. A hint should make your effort of finding
the solution to something a bit easier, without giving away too
much.
On all FTP sites hints and solutions are stored in one directory.
They are not handled differently. It's one of the reasons why
people may use these terms as synonyms.
nagware
This term is used for shareware that has a message pop up much too
often, which says that you should register the program.
non-player character (acronym: NPC)
(From: Neil Ensor)
This is a character usually found in an RPG, which is a computer
controlled character that your player character may interact with.
They are sometimes called "actors". Usually the player has little
or no control over these characters and they may come and go as
the game progresses.
patch
A patch is a piece of code that changes the behaviour of a game.
The patch may be a program itself that literally modifies the code
of the game you have installed on your harddisk. It may consist of
one or more files that replace some of the files of your game or
they may just be added to it. A patch can also be a TSR that you
should run before playing the game. It will then monitor the
behaviour of the game and react to it where necessary. Patches
usually fall in two categories: cracks and updates.
player character (acronym: PC)
This is a character that the player is supposed to control in a
game. In adventure games there is usually only one Player
Character. In role-playing games there may be up to 6 (or more)
player characters.
play-by-email (acronym: PBEM)
(From: Sir Launcelot du Lac)
This is the term used to describe the process where players play
their turn, save the game and then send the save game to the next
person in turn through email.
play-by-mail (acronym: PBM)
(From: Sir Launcelot du Lac)
This is like Play-by-Email, only the save game is sent by regular
postal mail instead.
preview
A preview is a short review, for a game that is not yet released.
public domain (acronym: PD)
(From: S.M.Sabri S.M.Ismail)
Public domain programs are free non-copyrighted software. Anyone
is free to copy the programs and modify them. People can also
copyright the modified programs and even resell them as commercial
programs. This is the reason many free programs are now
copyrighted (freeware).
rendering
The process of creating images from models is called rendering.
review
someone who has no relation with the publisher of the game. It
contains hardware and software specifications, a description of
its functionality, the pro's and con's, possibly some bugs,
usually the opinion of the author and sometimes a kind of rating
for graphics, sound, gameplay and other characteristics.
role-playing game (acronym: RPG)
(From: Neil Ensor)
A role-playing game is a game where the player controls one or
more characters he/she generated and named. These characters
progress in skill and gain new abilities over the progress of the
game, usually by battle with enemies. This distinguishes role-
playing games from adventure games, which only allow you to play a
pre-generated character.
rotoscoping
This is the act of capturing performances by actors on video, and
convert them to animation on the computer screen.
saved game
This term refers to a file which is used by a game to store
details of the progress of the game player at the time it was
saved. Saved games are loaded to restore gameplay and continue at
the point where the player had stopped.
shareware
(From: Dups)
Shareware are programs produced by companies that do not have the
size of commercial companies such as Origin, Electronic Arts or
Microsoft. They release their programs to the public via BBS's and
FTP sites on a trial basis. Typically you can try these programs
for 30 days, and if you still like them afterwards and continue to
use them then you must register them for a fee.The registration
makes you receive documents and (sometimes) newer or additional
software. Shareware can be distributed free of charge but you must
include all the files that originally came with it.
shovelware
(From: Mitch Aigner)
CD-ROMs have over 600 Megabytes of space available for code. As a
result, one would naturally expect that the CD-ROM version of a
game would have spectacular graphics, sound, etc. This is
typically not the case. Software vendors simply take the same
exact code provided on the normal floppy-disk based version of the
game and "shovel" it onto the CD. They then jack the price up.
Also, this term is used for CD's that consist of a huge amount of
small useless programs. Most of the stuff is shareware, so you
have to pay registration fees on top of the CD price.
simulation (abbreviation: SIM)
(From: Blair Prescott)
A computer program that attempts to mimic the essential features
of some system in the real world, usually placing the player in a
situation that is not normally available. Some simulations have a
concrete goal, like military victory, while others just allow the
player to explore the dynamics of the system. Various simulation
games deal with vehicles like aircraft, cars, tanks and
submarines, strategy of military forces, corporate business
dealings and environmental systems.
solution (also solve or walkthru)
The solution to a game consists of a complete set of instructions
on how to finish the game. Solutions usually exist for adventure
games and RPG's. They are The Biggest Spoilers You Can Imagine.
spoiler
Any information that gives away (part of) a solution to a puzzle
in a game or events that can be expected. You should avoid
spoilers in your posts, unless they have been asked for or when
they are unavoidable. If you have spoilers in a message you should
warn the readers in advance. See 1.9.
texture mapping
(From: Ken Fishkin)
As detail becomes finer and more intricate, explicit modelling
with polygons or other geometric primitives becomes less
practical. An alternative is to map an image, either digitized or
synthesized, onto a surface, a technique pioneered by Catmull and
refined by Blinn and Newell. This approach is known as texture
mapping or pattern mapping. The image is called a texture map, and
its individual elements are often called texels.
update
An update is a patch released by a game publisher to change the
behaviour of a game they have already released. Updates usually
fall in two categories: bugfixes and upgrades. They may also be a
combination of the two.
upgrade
An upgrade is a newer version of a game that has already been
released. It offers new functionality and usually enhances
gameplay.
There are differences in the definitions of patches, cracks,
updates, bugfixes and upgrades, but many people in the newsgroups
use them more or less as synonyms. So, when reading other people's
posts, don't hold onto these definitions too much.
vaporware
Vaporware is any software product that is highly anticipated, that has
already missed several deadlines and that is still not released.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.2: What does the acronym ... mean?
You can find acronyms of game titles in 5.4. Here's a list of acronyms for
all other kinds of terms:
AD&D Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (game type)
AI Artificial Intelligence (game design)
FS FlightStick (hardware)
FSPro FlightStick Pro (hardware)
CRPG Computer Role-Playing Game (game type)
CGW Computer Gaming World (magazine)
D&D Dungeons & Dragons (game type)
EMS Expanded Memory Specification (MSDOS)
FCS Flight Control System (hardware)
FMV Full Motion Video (game design)
FTF Face To Face (game design)
FRP Fantasy Role-Playing (game type)
GB GameBytes (magazine)
GUS Gravis UltraSound (hardware)
H2H Head To Head (game design)
HMA High Memory Area (MSDOS)
IF Interactive Fiction (game type)
IHHD Internet Head-to-Head Daemon (game design)
MB MIDI Blaster (hardware)
MUD Multi-User Dungeon (game type)
NPC Non-Player Character (game design)
PAS Pro Audio Spectrum (hardware)
PBEM Play By E-Mail (game design)
PBM Play By Mail (game design)
PC Player Character (game design)
PD Public Domain (copyright type)
RCS Rudder Control System (hardware)
RPG Role-Playing Game (game type)
SB SoundBlaster (hardware)
SB16 SoundBlaster 16 without advanced signal processor (hardware)
SB16 ASP SoundBlaster 16 with Advanced Signal Processor (hardware)
SBPro SoundBlaster Pro (hardware)
Sim Simulation (game type)
T&T Tunnels & Trolls (game type)
TSR Terminate and Stay Resident (MSDOS)
UMA Upper Memory Area (MSDOS)
UMB Upper Memory Blocks (MSDOS)
WB Wave Blaster (hardware)
WCS Weapon Control System (hardware)
XMS Extended Memory Specification (MSDOS)
There are also many words and acronyms that are not specific to the PC game
groups. Some of these are:
Flame Anything that is meant not so nicely, directed at another
person.
Newbie Someone who is new to Internet or to a newsgroup in
particular.
BTW By The Way
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
FTP File Transfer Protocol
IMHO In My Humble (Honest) Opinion
RTFM Read The Fucking Manual
RTM Read The Manual
You can find a lot more information about Internet jargon on:
mc.lcs.mit.edu /pub/jargon/*
nic.funet.fi /pub/gnu/*
ftp.denet.dk /pub/doc/jargon/*
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.3: Which other FAQs about games exist?
Apart from this main FAQ for PC games, some other FAQs exist. Some are for
one game specifically, some are for other newsgroups that are in some way
related to PC games. Check out the FTP site first. If the FAQ is not there,
or no FTP site is mentioned, try mailing the author or have a look in the
newsgroup.
Title: Adventure Game Authoring Systems
FTP site: rtfm.mit.edu
Location: /pub/usenet/rec.answers/games/adventure-systems
Maintainer: Nathan Torkington <Nathan.Torkington@vuw.ac.nz>
Newsgroup: rec.arts.int-fiction
Title: Adventure Game History
FTP site: ftp.gmd.de
Location: /if-archive/rec.games.int-fiction/adventure-game-hist.
Maintainer: Hans Persson <unicorn@lysator.liu.se>
Newsgroup: rec.games.int-fiction
Title: Air Warrior FAQ
Maintainer: Gary Cooper <GRCooper@aol.com>
Newsgroup: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.flight-sim
Title: alt.cd-rom FAQ
FTP site: rtfm.mit.edu
Location: /pub/usenet/alt.answers/cdrom-faq
Maintainer: rab@cdrom.com
Newsgroup: alt.cd-rom
Title: Australian Air Warrior FAQ
Maintainer: Adam Eberbach <adam@arcadia.cs.rmit.EDU.AU>
Newsgroup: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.flight-sim
Title: Civilization FAQ
FTP site: ftp.uwp.edu
Location: /pub/msdos/romulus/hints/civ.faq
Maintainer: Dave Stanworth <djh@wcl.bham.ac.uk>
Newsgroup: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.strategic
Subject: When requesting by mail, the subject must contain
"Civ FAQ please"
Title: Civilization 2 proposals
Maintainer: <buckel_j@oldham.gpsemi.com>
Newsgroup: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.strategic
Title: Commander Keen FAQ
FTP site: ftp.uwp.edu
Location: /pub/msdos/games/romulus/hints/keenfaq.zip
Maintainer: Brian Milner <Brian.Milner@brunel.ac.uk>
Newsgroup: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action
Title: comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard FAQ
FTP site: rtfm.mit.edu
Location: /pub/usenet/comp.answers/PCsoundcards/generic-faq
Maintainer: Joel Plutchak <plutchak@porter.geo.brown.edu>
Newsgroup: comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard
Title: Doom FAQ
Maintainer: Hank Leukart <ap641@cleveland.Freenet.Edu>
Newsgroup: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action
Title: Dune 2 FAQ & Strategy Guide
FTP site: ftp.uwp.edu
Location: /pub/msdos/games/romulus/hints/dune2_??.lzh
Maintainer: Simon <sepollit@cs.adelaide.edu.au>
Newsgroup: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.strategic
Title: Forgotten Realms Unlimited Adventures FAQ
Maintainer: John Kochmar <kochmar@sei.cmu.edu>
Newsgroup: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.rpg
Title: Frontier (Elite 2) Guide
Maintainer: M.J. Welford <c2mjw@dmu.ac.uk>
Newsgroup: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action
Title: Gravis Ultrasound FAQ
FTP site: rtfm.mit.edu
Location: /pub/usenet/comp.answers/PCsoundcards/generic-faq
Maintainer: Matthew E. Bernold <meb117@psuvm.psu.edu>
Newsgroup: comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard
Title: Lemmings FAQ
FTP site: ftp.uwp.edu
Location: /pub/msdos/games/romulus/hints/lemfaq.zip
Maintainer: Brian Milner <Brian.Milner@brunel.ac.uk>
Newsgroup: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action,comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.misc
Title: Master of Orion FAQ and Strategy Guide
Maintainer: Dave Chaloux <chaloux@mandolin.mitre.org> (Dave Chaloux)
Newsgroup: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.strategic
Title: Multi-player Civilization FAQ
Maintainer: Bilbo Baggins <ws523669@longs.lance.colostate.edu>
Newsgroup: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.strategic
Title: Pro Audio Spectrum FAQ
FTP site: ftp.uwp.edu
Location: /pub/msdos/proaudio
Title: rec.aviation.simulators FAQ
FTP site: rtfm.mit.edu
Location: /pub/usenet/rec.answers/aviation/flight-simulators
Maintainer: John Mechalas <mechalas@gn.ecn.purdue.edu>
Newsgroup: rec.aviation.simulators
Title: rec.games.corewar FAQ (Core Wars)
FTP site: rtfm.mit.edu
Location: /pub/usenet/news.answers/games/corewar-faq
Maintainer: Stefan Strack <stst@vuse.vanderbilt.edu>
Newsgroup: rec.games.corewar
Title: rec.games.design FAQ
FTP site: rtfm.mit.edu
Location: /pub/usenet/rec.answers/games/design-FAQ
Maintainer: Travis S. Casey <casey@cs.fsu.edu>
Newsgroup: rec.games.design
Title: rec.games.hack FAQ (Nethack)
FTP site: rtfm.mit.edu
Location: /pub/usenet/rec.answers/nethack-faq
Maintainer: Yu Cao <yucao@cco.caltech.edu>
Newsgroup: rec.games.hack
Title: rec.games.int-fiction FAQ
FTP site: ftp.gmd.de
Location: /if-archive/rec.games.int-fiction/FAQ
Maintainer: ????
Newsgroup: rec.games.int-fiction
Title: VGA Planets FAQ
Maintainer: Gary Grothman <grothmag@vax.cs.hscsyr.edu>
Newsgroup: alt.games.vga-planets
Title: Wizardry 7 FAQ
Maintainer: <jim@thinkage.on.ca>
Newsgroup: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.rpg
Title: Wolfenstein-3D / Spear of Destiny FAQ
FTP site: ftp.uwp.edu
Location: /pub/msdos/games/id/home-brew/wolf3d/w3d_???.faq.Z
Maintainer: Stanley Stasiak <stasiak@tartarus.uwa.edu.au>
Newsgroup: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action
Title: Internet Guide to X-Wing Strategy
FTP site: wpi.wpi.edu
Location: starwars/X-Wing/X-WingGuide?
Maintainer: Nick Vargish <vargish@sura.net>
Newsgroup: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action,
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.flight-sim
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.4: Which mailing lists for game players exist?
If you want to subscribe to a mailing list, you have to send a message to a
certain address, with a certain subject header and a certain line in the
message body.
Name: Air Warrior 666th-etal@cactus.org
Subscribe: listserv@cactus.org
Name: Bitnet Games-l
Subscribe: listserv@utarlvm1.uta.edu
Body: SUBSCRIBE GAMES-L <your full name>
Name: Falcon 3.0
Subscribe: major-domo@onion.rain.com
Body: subscribe falcon3
Info: <jeff@onion.rain.com>
Name: Forgotten Realms Unlimited Adventures
Subscribe: frua-dev-request@andrew.cmu.edu
Name: Harpoon
Subscribe: cz-request@stsci.edu
Name: Hi-Tech Simulators
Subscribe: major-domo@onion.rain.com
Body: subscribe hitech-sim
Info: jeff@onion.rain.com.
Title: Internet Head-To-Head ihhd@cactus.org
Subscribe: listserv@cactus.org
Name: MUDs
Subscribe: jwisdom@gnu.ai.mit.edu
Subject: mud list
Name: World Circuit/Formula 1 Grand Prix
Subscribe: wcf1gp-request@divsun.unige.ch
Subject: subscribe <your address>
Body: <your name>
This list is now inactive. Afzal <afzal@divsun.unige.ch> is looking for a
new home for this list. People interested can mail him.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.5: Where can I find email addresses of game publishers?
Here are some addresses from game publishers and developers, or people
working for them. The list is not comprehensive and not all the addresses
have been checked:
Access Linkspro_1@aol.com
Accolade 76004.2132@compuserve.com
Apogee apogee@delphi.com
joe.siegler@crs.com
DC Software 72557.336@compuserve.com
Digital Integration digint@cix.compulink.co.uk
Dragon's Eye Productions cat@wixer.bga.com
Electronic Arts 76004.237@compuserve.com
ea@cix.compulink.co.uk
Epic MegaGames 70451.633@compuserve.com
EpicGames@aol.com
GlenEpic@delphi.com
Id romero@idsoftware.com
jay@idsoftware.com
help@idsoftware.com
Impressions 71333.463@Compuserve.com
Intergalactic 76356.2172@compuserve.com
Interplay 76702.1342@compuserve.com
interpla@orion.oac.uci.edu
LucasArts 75300.454@compuserve.com
LucasArts@aol.com
Maxis 71435.276@compuserve.com
71333.1470@compuserve.com
Maxis@aol.com
zoinks@netcom.com
Merit 76711.2470@Compuserve.com
Microprose 76004.2223@compuserve.com
MicroProse@aol.com
New World shannon@inter.com
order@inter.com
Omnitrend 70300.245@compuserve.com
Origin 76004.2612@compuserve.com
OSI@aol.com
Origin_CS@aol.com
origin@world.std.com
Ozark 76326.403@compuserve.com
Papyrus papyrus@world.std.com
QQP 75300.3233@compuserve.com
Sierra 76004.2143@compuserve.com
Sierras@aol.com
SierDan@aol.com
ShadowSoft 76056.1537@compuserve.com
Sir-Tech 76711.33@compuserve.com
SSG 72040.340@compuserve.com
Spectrum Holobyte S_Holobyte@aol.com
SSI 76711.250@compuserve.com
StratSim@aol.com
Three-Sixty 76711.240@compuserve.com
threesixty@aol.com
Wizard 71764.3137@compuserve.com
WizardScot@aol.com
Fitzgerald@delphi.com
Sir Launcelot du Lac (swkgohw@leonis.nus.sg) is the keeper of the address
lists for software and hardware companies. These lists hold email
addresses, ftp sites, BBS's, telephone numbers etc. You can find the most
up-to-date lists in csipg.announce. You can also contact Gary Cooper
(cooper@grebyn.com). He has an up-to-date list of email addresses only.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.6: What is Game Bytes?
Game Bytes is a free electronic magazine. It has reviews, interviews,
reports and actual screen shots from games. You can find it at the
following sites:
ftp.uml.edu /msdos/Games/Game_Bytes/*
wuarchive.wustl.edu /pub/msdos_uploads/game_byte/*
nic.funet.fi /pub/msdos/games/gamebyte/*
The editors are Ross Erickson (rwericks@ingr.com) and Daniel Starr
(starr-daniel@yale.edu).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.7: What is the Top 100?
The Net PC Games Top 100 is a ranking of PC games published weekly in
csipg.announce. It is compiled using votes from game players on the
Internet. If you want to join, you can simply send a message to Jurgen
Appelo (jojo@hacktic.nl). You will receive a document that explains how to
vote and how the system works.
The editions of the Top 100 sometimes include a small list for each of the
different game categories.
===========================================================================
3.0: FTP GUIDE
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.1: How do I FTP?
This is the Very Very Very Short FTP Walkthru:
>From your system prompt type "ftp <host-name>", where <host-name> is the
name of the host machine that you are trying to get to. When you connect to
the host, you will have to enter a login and probably a password. Type
"anonymous" as the login name and your full email address as the password
(e.g. "xxx@yyy.zzz"). After you have successfully logged on, you can use
"cd <directory>" to get where you want in the directory tree. Use "ls" to
list the files. Once you are in the correct directory and know what files
you want, you can use "get <filename>" to download single files to your own
system. You can use "mget <filenames>" to copy multiple files. If the files
you are copying are not ASCII text files, you have to set the transfer mode
to binary first. You can do this by typing "binary". To switch back to
ASCII text mode type "ascii". Stop the FTP session by typing "quit".
Try this as an example:
> ftp nic.funet.fi /* connect to the site; a message follows */
> anonymous /* type this when it asks for your name */
> <your email address> /* type your address as the password */
> cd pub/msdos/Info /* go to the directory you want to be */
> get ftp.man /* get the file */
> quit /* stop this mysterious thing */
You now have downloaded the Beginner's Guide To FTP written by Brian
O'Neill. Read it.
You can also get the How To FTP Guide. Use the example above, only with
this ftp site, directory and filename:
typhoon.berkeley.edu /pub/Library/Network/how.to.ftp.guide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.2: What are the most important FTP sites?
For game players, these are the most important sites. They are mentioned
throughout this FAQ. If your system doen't recognize the name of the site,
try its IP number mentioned here.
ftp.denet.dk (129.142.6.74)
ftp.gmd.de (129.26.8.90)
ftp.uml.edu (129.63.17.1)
ftp.uwp.edu (131.210.1.4)
garbo.uwasa.fi (128.214.87.1)
mc.lcs.mit.edu (18.111.0.179)
msdos.archive.umich.de (141.211.164.153)
nic.funet.fi (128.214.6.100)
oak.oakland.edu (141.210.10.117) Simtel mirror
risc.ua.edu (130.160.4.7)
rtfm.mit.edu (18.70.0.209)
wpi.wpi.edu (130.215.24.1)
wuarchive.wustl.edu (128.252.135.4)
The numbers next to the names are IP addresses. If "ftp <site-name>"
doesn't seem to work, try "ftp <IP number>" instead. You can find a list of
many ftp sites (not only for games) at:
ftp.uwp.edu /pub/ftp.list/ftp.list/sites
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.3: How can I find a game or file?
There is a description of how to find sources on FTP sites around the
world. It includes a description of how to contact Archie, the worldwide
database for file locations. It is posted regularly to news.answers and you
can find it at:
rtfm.mit.edu /pub/usenet/news.answers/finding-sources
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.4: Where can I find shareware, freeware and public domain games?
You can try the following FTP sites. There may be more directories and
other sites available, but this should at least get you in the right
direction.
ftp.uml.edu /msdos/Games/Misc/*
/msdos/Games/Apogee/*
/msdos/Games/Epic/*
/msdos/Games/TextAd/*
/msdos/Games/Cards/*
/msdos/Games/Sports/*
/msdos/Games/Windows/*
ftp.gmd.de /if-archive/*
ftp.uwp.edu /pub/msdos/games/id/*
msdos.archive.umich.edu /msdos/games/*
nic.funet.fi /pub/msdos/games/adventure/*
/pub/msdos/games/apogee/*
/pub/msdos/games/arcade/*
/pub/msdos/games/board/*
/pub/msdos/games/card/*
/pub/msdos/games/epic/*
/pub/msdos/games/puzzle/*
/pub/msdos/games/strategy/*
wuarchive.wustl.edu /pub/msdos_uploads/games/*
/pub/msdos_uploads/windows/*
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.5: Where can I find demos?
These sites carry gamedemos. You can check them when you're planning to buy
a new game:
ftp.uml.edu /msdos/Games/Demos/*
ftp.uwp.edu /pub/msdos/demos/demos/*
wuarchive.wustl.edu /pub/msdos_uploads/game_demos/*
nic.funet.fi /pub/msdos/games/gamedemos/*
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.6: Where can I find solutions, hint files and cheats?
Everyone has been stuck in a game once. These sites can get you out of it:
ftp.gmd.de /if-archive/solutions/*
ftp.uwp.edu /pub/msdos/asa/*
/pub/msdos/romulus/cheats/*
/pub/msdos/romulus/hints/*
wuarchive.wustl.edu /pub/msdos_uploads/game_solutions/*
nic.funet.fi /pub/msdos/games/solutions/*
risc.ua.edu /pub/games/solutions/*
/pub/games/solutions/cheat.several/*
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.7: Where can I find cracks, editors and updates?
You can find all sorts of small additional programs for big commercial
games on these sites:
ftp.uml.edu /msdos/Games/Editors/*
/msdos/Games/Patches/*
ftp.uwp.edu /pub/msdos/asa/*
/pub/msdos/romulus/cracks/*
/pub/msdos/romulus/misc/*
wuarchive.wustl.edu /pub/msdos_uploads/games/*
/pub/msdos_uploads/upgrades/games/*
nic.funet.fi /pub/msdos/games/editors/*
/pub/msdos/games/patches/*
Remember that cracks uploaded to these FTP sites only exist for people who
have legal copies of their games. Do not use these cracks for piracy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.8: Where can I find archivers?
Most files on FTP sites are packed (archived). You have to have the correct
archiver to be able to unpack a them. Here's where to find them:
ftp.uml.edu /msdos/Archivers/*
ftp.uwp.edu /pub/msdos/arcers/*
nic.funet.fi /pub/msdos/packing/*
msdos.archive.umich.edu /msdos/compression/*
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.9: How do I use Archie?
Archie is a database of anonymous FTP sites and their contents. It can help
you find games, solutions, patches and other files available somewhere in
the world. Below are some machines that are currently running the archie
service:
archie.ans.net (147.225.1.2)
archie.au (139.130.4.6)
archie.doc.ic.ac.uk (146.169.11.3)
archie.funet.fi (128.214.109.110)
archie.mcgill.ca (132.206.2.3)
archie.ncu.edu.tw (140.115.19.24)
archie.rutgers.edu (128.6.18.15)
archie.sura.net (128.167.254.194)
archie.unl.edu (129.93.1.14)
archie.wide.ad.jp (133.4.3.6)
cs.huji.ac.il (132.65.6.5)
You can access archie at most of these machines in different ways. You can
telnet or rlogin to the machine with username "archie" and no password. Or
you can send mail to archie@<machine>. Send a message with "help" in the
body to find out more about the machine and its service. More information
about this can be found in:
rtfm.mit.edu /pub/usenet/news.answers/finding-sources
===========================================================================
End of part 1. If you do not own part 2 of this FAQ, you can download it by
FTP at rtfm.mit.edu from the /pub/usenet/comp.answers/PC-games-faq
directory.
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