Running Wolf 3D/Spear/Mods on Vista 

All DOS based games will only run on Vista in DOSBox. It's free, and the file to download is 'DOSBox0.73Win32-Installer'. A full list of instructions is given in the readme but I've listed the basic instructions below.

DOSBox Quick Instructions

Once installed, make a shortcut to the DOSBox exe and place the icon on the desktop. Drag the Wolf3D exe on to the shortcut icon on the desktop and the game should run automatically.

Some commands I find useful are:

ALT-ENTER Go full screen and back

Ctrl-f5 Save a screenshot

Ctrl-f10 Capture/Release Mouse

Ctrl-f11 Slow down emulation

Ctrl-f12 Speed up emulation

There's a full list of commands in the readme, and there's also a detailed DOSBox tutorial on the DOSBox site.

Note: Some mods with advanced coding features may run slower than normal - see the readme/tutorial for ways to improve this.

Vista Compatible Sets

At present there are only a few sets that make use of the Wolf SDL port. More are expected soon and I will be listing them here. They play on Vista straight from Windows without DOSBox:

Absence SDL Version Made by Havoc, the 18 seamless levels are well made and cover a wide range of scenarios. Virtually all graphics and sounds have been changed. There are many complex code changes like buying implants to improve weapon strength, switching to emergency power, passwords, diaries, shock barriers and exploding barrels. The log disc feature is very impressive too and helps to create more of an 'action role-playing' game rather than a straight shooter game. It all blends together very well.

Hotel Romanstein Gold Edition (SDL) Set in a hotel scenario, the 60 levels are extensive and well made. Virtually all graphics and sounds have been replaced and with the new music, it all fits together very well. Made by Mr. Choi. Please note that most of the actors are sparingly dressed. 

Hotel Romanstein Gold Edition 2 (SDL) Set in a hotel scenario, the 60 levels are extensive and well made. Virtually all graphics and sounds have been replaced and with the new music, it all fits together very well. Made by Mr. Choi. Please note that most of the actors are sparingly dressed.

Mac-enstein Second Encounter SDL Version 30 well designed and well decorated levels from Andy Nonymous. The graphics, sounds and music fit together well, and give a good emulation of the mac version. This is quite a good set from Andy and will especially suit those who haven't played the mac version before. Text file included. This new version is enhanced by the use of Ripper's Wolf4SDL engine, having improved digitized sounds and higher video resolution, plus a new color palette. It allows the music to be played on Windows XP.

NovoWolf Made by Thomas Weiling, the mod has 20 seamless levels, plus a secret level, that are well made and with good decoration. There are many changed graphics, including extra objects and walls, a new enemy and 2 brand new bosses. (Thanks to Bruno déo Vergilio for the bosses). There are changed sounds and music too but the game still retains a Wolf 3D feel. Code changes (the most recent exe done by Havoc) include shading, medicine, intermission screens, increased objects and enemies and much more. The helpart is well written and very informative. Vista-compatible.

Project: X By Richter Belmont & Mac Mendoza. The 60 levels are extensive and well made. Virtually all graphics and sounds have been changed and there are many different scenarios. There are also many advanced coding features, including a mini-map (pressing M brings it up), 15 weapons (all reloadable and some on the same key), 20 enemies, an advanced sound manager, advanced shading and different types of doors (depends on level). It all blends well together and looks very professional. Vista-compatible. The mod is 9Mb, but the music comes separately on several files of around 280Mb in total. The game will play without the music.

Super Haven Mapset A 60 level mapset made by members of the Wolf3D Haven Forum. Mapping contributions are by Dark_Wizzie, ack, Thomas Weiling, WLHack, Valts, Jayngo, Havoc, Jpb, Dr. Chainsaw and Schabbs. Most graphics are original (to keep the original Wolf3D feel), but there are code changes including increased static object limits and increased ammo/health limits. WLHack and Ronwolf did the code changes and Mr. Choi did the title screens. Text file included. Both Windows and Dos versions are included. The forum is at Wolf3D Haven Forum.

The Wolf3D Community Map Pack SDL Version The levels were made by Tricob, Thomas, Dean, WLHack, RonWolf and Brian. It has minor code changes, new music for the title screen, Spear Of Destiny graphics, and a handful of other enhancements. There are six new episodes in this collection, each of which has six levels in all. Level 5 of each episode is a boss level, and Level 6 of each episode is a Secret Level. Unlike the original Wolfenstein, General Fatface is in Episode 3, and Hitler is in Episode 6. Another difference is that Mutants and Officers are allowed to appear in any level in any episode.

Wolf/Spear SDL Shareware Versions SDL shareware versions of Wolf3D/Spear Of Destiny. Credits go to Ripper for his development work on the Wolf SDL port, BrotherTank for his compiling work, and id software/Apogee for the original shareware versions.

Other Wolf3D Vista-Compatible Ports

Besides Wolf SDL, there are a number of other Wolf3D Vista-compatible ports being developed, including WinWolf3D, and NewWolf. Some are listed at FPS Ports - Wolf3D.