RUNNING WOLF3D & SPEAR/MODS ON VISTA/WINDOWS 7

DOS based games will only run on Vista by using DOSBox. It's free, and the file to download is 'DOSBox0.74Win32-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/WINDOWS 7 COMPATIBLE SETS

At present there are some sets that make use of the Wolf SDL port. More are expected soon and I will be listing them here. They play on Vista/Windows 7 straight from Windows without using 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.

Amazing Grace SDL Version This mod was made by jpb6891 and has 5 levels. The first one is quite small but the other 4 are extensive. The game play can be quite challenging at times though all levels are beatable when playing in the hardest mode. Although the mod is Spear based, Hans Grosse makes an appearance. The game is meant to be played as an epilogue to the Wolf3D series, hence the title. The Spear entry questions have been left in.

Blake Wolf SDL Version SDL version of the shareware Blake Wolf set that I made 10 levels for in 1999. Excellent graphics, actors and sounds. Uses the Blake Stone images converted by Andy Nonymous. 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 Wolf3D shareware version.

Boesenstein SDL Version Made by Vincent, the 10 new levels are extensive and well designed and decorated. Most of the graphics and sounds have been changed, some from other mods like Halloween, Christmas Wolf, Lost Episodes etc, and some were made by Vincent. The lightly dressed SS from Hotel Romanstein is also used. The resulting mix keeps the Wolf3D feel intact somewhat but also gives the mod an atmosphere and theme of its own. 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 Wolf3D shareware version.

Castle Of The Nazi Zombies! SDL Version A 3 level shareware set released by Legendary Power Games. All levels are extensive and well decorated and the mod title fits the new graphics, sounds and scenarios very well. I particularly like the boss, which is credited to m2 software. Both Dos and SDL versions are included. Some mapping errors from the original download have been fixed.

Castle Totenkopf SDL Edition A reboot of Wolf Skevos-Jones' first mod "Castle Totenkopf" using the Wolf4SDL source port. The mod has 21 seamless levels and here are just some of the other features:
-new graphics
-new high-quality sounds and music
-new weapons, including a scoped rifle and usable MG42's
-smarter enemies
-improved levels
-floor/ceiling textures
-light shading (21.5Mb)

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.

The Inner Circle SDL Version SDL version of the 2 level Spear demo set The Inner Circie made by Philipp Luy. The levels are well designed and nicely decorated, and the guards are well placed. Style is similar to that in the original demo. Credits also go to Ripper for his development work on the Wolf SDL port, BrotherTank for his compiling work, and id software for the original Spear demo version.

The Last Mission SDL Version SDL version of the 10 level shareware set The Last Mission made by Martin Krysiak. The levels standard is very high, similar in quality and style to Martin's levels in the 'Melee' contest. Credits also go to Ripper for his development work on the Wolf SDL port, BrotherTank for his compiling work, and id software/Apogee for the original Wolf3D shareware version.

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.

The Nazi's Ride Again SDL Version A 10 level shareware set. An interesting mix of Wolf 3D and Spear graphics, from Spifferaneous. I did the 8th and the secret levels. Credits also go to Ripper for his development work on the Wolf SDL port, BrotherTank for his compiling work, and id software/Apogee for the original Wolf3D shareware version.

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.

Project Totengraeber SDL Version SDL version that includes the final part of BJ Rowan's excellent project. There are 48 well designed seamless levels, plus a host of graphics and source code changes. Considered by many to be the best TC ever. It was converted to the SDL format by MCS Amsterdam. Screenshots.

The Secret Of Graal Made by Daniele Fardin. The game uses a new engine built with Allegro Library but it keeps the Wolf3D feel very well. It plays in Windows xp, Vista and 7 without needing dosbox. There are 10 well designed levels of a good size and are nicely decorated. The graphics and sounds are mostly a mix from the original game and other mods though the music is new and it all fits well together. The first level has weather effects and some other levels have ceiling colour changes. There's no saved game feature, instead you need to retrieve passwords from the exit elevator walls on levels 3 and 6. These passwords can be used from the main menu to start the next level without redoing everything. You can see more info (mostly in Italian) and also download the game from Human Games in the section Download.

Secrets Of The Grauburg Dungeons SDL Version SDL version of the 10 level shareware Secrets Of The Grauburg Dungeons set made by Kuki. The levels are well made, the predominantly grey colouring looks good, and the original 'feel' of the game still remains. There's a well written manual included. Credits also go to Ripper for his development work on the Wolf SDL port, BrotherTank for his compiling work, and id software/Apogee for the original Wolf3D shareware version.

Spear Of Destiny Reloaded There are 21 extensive well made levels. Virtually all graphics and sounds are new. I especially like the weapon designs and hand drawn guards. Features include player profiles, throwable grenades, a trigger system and a new special difficulty setting. Playing this set feels like playing a completely new game. There are both Dos and Windows versions included. By KFH Games.

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.

Wolfhell SDL Version Here's Wolfhell, an SDL version of the first wolfmod Acord Games ever did about 15 years ago. It has since been updated a little. There are 10 good shareware levels. Most of the graphics and some sounds have been changed and feature Pacman and Doom etc. It all blends together quite well. Credits also go to Ripper for his development work on the Wolf SDL port, BrotherTank for his compiling work, and id software/Apogee for the original Wolf3D shareware version.

Xmas Wolf SDL Version SDL version of the shareware Xmas Wolf set. Good modified graphics. The Santas and snowmen look so cute, but if you don't take them out they'll soon take you out! Layout and difficulty level are similar to the original. By Bob and Adrienne. Credits also go to Ripper for his development work on the Wolf SDL port, BrotherTank for his compiling work, and id software/Apogee for the original Wolf3D shareware version.

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.

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