MechWarrior 2 text file One you have installed the game to your hard drive. Exit the CD Gamer interface and login to the directory where you installed the game. Type SETUP from the DOS prompt to configure and trun the demo. -- Minimum System Requirements -- In order to run the MechWarrior 2 demo successfully, your system must meet the following minimum requirements: * IBM PC or 100% compatible * 486DX2/66 MHz processor * 8 MB RAM (7 MB of free Extended memory) * Double-speed CD-ROM drive (300K/sec transfer rate) Note: Although not required for the demo, you will need this for the full product. * Hard disk drive with 22 MB of un-compressed space available * VESA Local Bus (VLB) or PCI video * 256 color SVGA (640 x 480) * MS-DOS 6.0 * 100% Microsoft compatible mouse and driver * 100% Sound Blaster compatible sound card (Digital and FM/MIDI audio) * Dedicated game card highly recommended for joystick -- Memory Requirements -- In order to run MechWarrior 2 you need over 6.8 MB of extended memory. If you have between 6.5 MB and 6.9 MB of extended memory, the demo will play, but the mission will run slower. For optimal performance it is best to configure your memory so you have over 6.9 MB of extended memory. This can be attained by removing (REMming out) unnecessary lines in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, like SMARTDRV and RAMdisks. -- Boot Disks -- If you experience problems playing MechWarrior 2 demo or receive messages that you do not have enough memory to play, you will probably need to create a boot disk. A boot disk lets your machine boot from a floppy disk and will not load memory-eating programs, freeing more memory up for MechWarrior 2 demo. The information listed below should help you to create a boot disk that will allow MechWarrior 2 demo to run on your system. NOTE: In the examples below, the text shown is exactly that, examples. Your system may vary as to the pathnames used in your PATH statement or to find files or the installed directory of a certain driver. Step 1: Place a disk in your A: drive. The next step will destroy any data on the disk, so a brand new blank floppy disk should be used. Make sure that the disk is the same density as the drive (Use a 1.44 MB disk in a High Density 3.5" drive, etc.). Step 2: At the C: prompt, type FORMAT A: /S and press ENTER. The DOS Format utility will format the disk and add the necessary DOS files required to boot from the floppy disk. Step 3: Change to drive A by typing A: and pressing ENTER. Then type EDIT CONFIG.SYS and press ENTER. The DOS Edit program will appear. Type in the lines following [CONFIG.SYS] in the example below. When you are finished typing the lines, press ALT-F to bring up the File menu, and then press X to Exit the DOS Edit program. When it asks you if you want to save your file, choose Yes. [CONFIG.SYS] DEVICE=C:\DOS\HIMEM.SYS DEVICE=C:\DOS\EMM386.EXE NOEMS DOS=UMB FILES=40 BUFFERS=15,0 STACKS=9,256 DOS=HIGH DEVICEHIGH=C:\CDROMDRV\D011V109.SYS /D:MSCD000 In the CONFIG.SYS file shown above, replace the last line in the example with the line from your current CONFIG.SYS file on drive C: that runs your CD-ROM drivers. It is important that you use your CD-ROM line and not our example, otherwise your CD-ROM drive will not function properly. You may also have special lines in your C:\CONFIG.SYS file that help your sound card to function properly. It is very important that you copy those lines into this new file on A: so your sound card will work. Place the appropriate lines from your CONFIG.SYS file at the end of the example shown above. Step 4: Type EDIT AUTOEXEC.BAT and press ENTER. The DOS Edit program will appear. Type in the lines following [AUTOEXEC.BAT] in the example below. When you are finished typing the lines, press ALT-F to bring up the File menu, and then press X to Exit the DOS Edit program. When it asks you if you want to save your file, choose Yes. [AUTOEXEC.BAT] @ECHO OFF PROMPT $P$G SET PATH=C:\DOS;C:\VIDCARD;C:\SNDCARD LH C:\DOS\MSCDEX.EXE /D:MSCD000 SET SOUND=C:\SBPRO SET BLASTER=A220 I7 D1 T4 C:\MOUSE\MOUSE.EXE C: CD\MW2DEMO MW2DEMO In the AUTOEXEC.BAT file shown above, you would replace line 4 with the line from your current AUTOEXEC.BAT file on drive C: that loads your CD-ROM drivers. It is important that you use your CD- ROM line and not our example, otherwise your CD-ROM drive will not function properly. You may also have special lines in your C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT file that help your sound card to function properly. It is very important that you copy those lines into this new file on A: so your sound card will work. Replace the examples on lines 5 and 6 with the appropriate lines from your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Additionally, if your graphics card requires a VESA driver it should go here as well. (See the following section on VESA video drivers.) Step 5: Reboot your system with the boot disk still in drive A. The game should start and everything should be working properly. NOTE: Once this boot disk is finished and functioning properly, and if you still do not have enough memory free, use it to boot up your system and then run the DOS MEMMAKER utility with the boot disk in the drive. MEMMAKER will ensure that you have squeezed every little bit of RAM out of the boot disk. Run the DOS command MEM before and after running MEMMAKER to see what kind of memory increase you get from this step. Q: How do I create a boot disk with Stacker or DoubleSpace? A: Before we explain the solution to this issue, we would like to point out that MechWarrior 2 demo DOES NOT support the use of disk compression software. If you must run MechWarrior 2 on a compressed drive, you will most likely experience performance problems, and there are no solutions other than using a non-compressed drive. Stacker version 3.0 and earlier require certain drivers to be loaded in the CONFIG.SYS file in order to mount the compressed hard drive. When creating a boot disk with Stacker 3.0 and earlier, you must include two lines in the CONFIG.SYS file. The exact path is dependent upon where you installed Stacker on your hard disk, but here we will provide the path for the default installation of Stacker. The two lines needed in your CONFIG.SYS file are: DEVICE=C:\STACKER\STACKER.COM C:\STACVOL.DSK DEVICE=C:\STACKER\SSWAP.COM C:\STACVOL.DSK These lines will load Stacker and mount your compressed drive when booting from the boot disk. DoubleSpace/DriveSpace and Stacker 3.1 or later do not require that lines be added in the CONFIG.SYS file as they copy hidden files to the boot disk when using the SYS A: or FORMAT A: /S command. Make a boot disk according to the normal instructions for creating a boot disk as discussed above. If you do not feel comfortable creating a boot disk under Stacker or DoubleSpace, contact STAC Electronics or Microsoft for technical support. -- Memory Managers -- When using MS-DOS 6.x and loading EMM386.EXE, you will need to have the EMS size set to NOEMS. See your DOS manual for information on how to do this. If you are running QEMM in Stealth mode, MechWarrior 2 demo may fail to recognize your VESA driver built into the video card BIOS. In order to correct this problem you will need to run in Frame Mode as opposed to Page Mode. To do this, change the "ST:M" parameter in your QEMM statement to "ST:F". See your QEMM manual for more information on how to do this. We actually recommend that you do not run QEMM in Stealth mode while playing MechWarrior 2. -- Installation Procedure -- To install the demo, simply change to the CD-ROM drive and change to the directory containing the MechWarrior 2 demo files. Type: INSTALL [drive to install from] [drive to install to] Example: if your CD-ROM is located in drive D:, and you wish to install MechWarrior 2 demo to drive C:, you would type the following: INSTALL D: C: and press ENTER. This demo will be installed to C:\MW2DEMO. NOTE: The demo requires that it be installed in C:\MW2DEMO. If you move the demo to another directory, some options in the SETUP program (a DOS batch file) may not work properly. If you want to move the demo to another directory or drive, you can edit the batch file (at your own risk) and change only the references to C:\MW2DEMO to the new drive and directory where you moved the demo. -- Setup -- After you have installed the MechWarrior 2 demo, you must run the SETUP program located in the C:\MW2DEMO directory. It will be started for you automatically after the MechWarrior 2 demo files have been installed on C:. The SETUP program will display the following main menu: 1 = Change Input Device (Joystick/Mouse/Keyboard) 2 = Select Sound Card 3 = View MechWarrior 2 Demo Technical Information 4 = Print MechWarrior 2 Demo Technical Information 5 = Start Game or Exit When you select option 1, you are given the choice of the following items: 1 = CH Flightstick 2 = Thrustmaster Flight Control System 3 = Microsoft SideWinder 4 = Standard joystick 5 = Microsoft compatible mouse 6 = Keyboard 7 = No Change Select the input device that is appropriate for your system. Select option 2 from the Main menu to configure the sound options for your system. Options 3 and 4 allow you to view or print this information file. Option 5 will take you to an additional menu where you can choose to launch the game in either VGA or SVGA mode or exit the SETUP program. USING THE DEMO You may begin the demo in two ways. One way, select either "Standard VGA" or "SVGA Mode" from the SETUP menu. The other way is from the DOS prompt of the demo directory. Here, enter MW2DEMO. This will launch the demo in standard VGA mode (320x200x256). Or, If you have a faster machine, you can launch the demo in SVGA (640x480x256) mode by entering MW2DEMO -SVGA. After the intro movie and a brief disclaimer and credits screen, you will come to the MechWarrior 2 demo "LAUNCH" screen. You will be asked to LOGIN: type in a name and press ENTER. Next you will be asked if you want to play a One Player or a Network/modem game. If you select one player, a 'Mech will appear at the bottom left of your screen. If you choose Network/modem play, you may need to refer to this information file for setup information. WARNING: If you select N for Network play, make sure to press ENTER to be able to select your 'Mech. In Network play, pressing other keys before pressing ENTER will end the demo. Now, select a 'Mech chassis by pressing on the large arrows right and left of "MECHS". If you like, you may choose one alternate weapons configuration for each basic 'Mech by pressing the small arrows. Once you are satisfied, click on . The following list of controls will tell you how to use the game in both the "LAUNCH" screen and the simulation. When you are in the "LAUNCH" screen, you can press F1 for a graphical set of help screens. -- Game Controls -- "LAUNCH" SCREEN CONTROLS Move to next option TAB Select 'Mech Left or Right Arrows Select 'Mech Variant [ or ] COCKPIT WEAPON CONTROLS Fire SPACEBAR Select Weapon/Group ENTER Chain-Fire/Group-Fire Toggle \ Add Weapon to Group 1, 2, 3 SHIFT + 1, 2, 3 Fire Group 1, 2, 3 Num Lock, /, * (Keypad) Jettison Ammunition K Cycle Through All Targets T Previous Target R Target Nearest Enemy E Target Friendly (Starmate) F Target Object Underneath Reticle Q Inspect Targeted Object I Targeting OFF CTRL + T HUD SYSTEM CONTROLS Cycle Through Multi-Function Display F1 Displays Radar Display (Normal/Full Screen) F2 Wire-Frame Damage Display F5 HTAL (Head/Torso/Arms/Legs) F6 Armor Damage Report F6 Enable/Disable HUD F11 Systems Status U Objectives/Briefing Summary F12 Cameras Target View F4 Rear View F7 Down View F8 Weapon View F9 Weapon View (Full Screen, After Launch) F10 MECH PILOTING Direct Throttle (Stop to 100%) 1 to 0 Increase/Decrease Throttle +/- Steer Left and Right Left & Right Arrows Reverse Direction BACKSPACE Torso Twist < and > Recenter Torso / Recenter Legs to Torso M Jump Jet (on applicable Mechs) J Jump Jet Steering and Turning 6-Key "Home" Keypad Select NAV Point N Autopilot ON/OFF A MASC ON/OFF V Manual Shutdown/Restart S Override Automatic Thermal Shutdown O Pilot Ejection CTRL + ALT + E Auto-Ejection ON/OFF CTRL + E Self-Destruct CTRL + ALT + X Commanding Starmates CTRL+ F1 or B Command Point 1, 2 CTRL + F2, F3 PILOT VIEW CONTROLS Zoom In Z Zoom Out SHIFT + Z Reset Zoom Magnification CTRL + Z Glance Left, Right Keypad 7, 9 Pilot Eye Control CTRL + ARROWS Low-Light Amplification ON/OFF L Enhanced Imaging ON/OFF W Satellite Uplink ON/OFF F3 Radar/Satellite Uplink Zoom In X Radar/Satellite Uplink Zoom Out SHIFT + X External Tracking Camera (XTC) ON/OFF C External Camera Controls CTRL + ARROWS NON-GAME CONTROLS Options/Battle Parameters ESC Pause ALT + P/PAUSE Snap a Screenshot CTRL + P Abort/Exit Mission to Clan Hall CTRL + Q PLAYING YOUR OWN COMPACT DISC DURING COMBAT With MechWarrior 2 demo, we have included a limited ability to play your favorite CD as your soundtrack. To play your CD, just place it in your computer's CD carriage and then enter MW2DEMO and begin playing. Once you enter combat, your CD will begin to play. In single player, you will hear the third track on your CD. In multi-player, you will hear the second track on your CD. Choose your music carefully. Your enemy will not be forgiving. Note: some systems require that you have a CD in your computer's drive. If your system will not run this demo and reports a "MW2.EXE - Fatal error #53" make sure to play the demo with a CD in your drive. If you don't want to play music, any computer CD will solve your problem. DEMO SPECIFIC QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Q: Where can I buy the game? A: At your local computer software retailer. Q: How much memory do I need? A: 6.9 MB free extended memory. Q: Do I need Expanded memory for MechWarrior 2? A: No. MechWarrior 2 uses Extended memory to cache its data. Q: My computer has 8 megs of RAM, but I cannot free enough memory to run the game. A: In order to run MechWarrior 2 demo, you need over 6.8 MB of free extended memory. 1: We first recommend making a boot disk as outlined under INSTALLATION section of this document. 2: Remove SMARTDRV and any other caching utilities. This will free a mininum of one megabyte. 3: When using MS-DOS 6.x and loading EMM386.EXE, you will need to have EMS size set to NOEMS. See you DOS manual for information on how to do this. 4: Disable any cache on your CD-ROM driver by removing the switch. Refer to the CD-ROM documentation for more information. Q: What do I type to run the demo? A: Basically, run INSTALL from the MechWarrior 2 demo directory on the CD. This will install the demo on your hard disk. (You will need at least 22 MB of uncompressed disk space.) Run SETUP program to select your soundcard and your joystick or mouse. Lastly, enter the game through SETUP or type MW2DEMO from the DOS prompt of the demo directory on your hard disk. Q: I started the game and then changed my mind. I don't want to play right now. Can I leave? A: Cowardice is always an unfortunate option. Press ESC at any time to leave the demo. Q: What do I do after reading the ever-important disclaimer? A: Press the SPACEBAR to enter the "LAUNCH" screen. You're just about ready to play, but first, you'll need to register as a MechWarrior. Notice the flashing green cursor just below "MESSAGES" and directly right of the green "LOGIN:". Type your name and press ENTER. You may now choose between "Network/Modem game" and "One Player" by pressing N or O; however both Network and Modem play requires that you have first operated separate commands from outside the game (see the question on how to begin two-person play). Q: I have selected one-person play, and unless staring at a picture of a 'Mech and reading mission objectives is a game, I haven't started playing. What should I do? A: Once you have read your mission briefing (below "MESSAGES") and selected your 'Mech, just click on . Q: How do I change 'Mechs? A: From the "LAUNCH" screen, you can select one of four 'Mech chassis. Click on the large arrows farther right and left from the "MECHS" heading. The 'Mechs available in this demo are the Jenner, the Summoner, the Timberwolf and the Marauder. In the complete MechWarrior 2, you have access to over a dozen 'Mechs. Q: When I click on the small arrows beside the word "MECH", why does the 'Mech name change and what does "(Alt. config A)" mean anyway? A: I didn't tell you to click on that, but you'll need courage and guts for MechWarrior 2, so I forgive you. In the complete MechWarrior 2, you can customize your 'Mech to carry your favorite gear. To give you an feeling of this, we have provided two varieties of each 'Mech, with different weapons combinations. Of course, in the complete game, you may also vary your jump jets, armor, heatsinks, engine and even add specialized gear. Q: When I look at the 'Mechs in the "LAUNCH" screen, I don't understand the weapon information. Could you explain it? A: Mechs wield ten different types of weapons. You can test nine of them in this demo: LLASER, MLASER, SLASER -- Large, medium and small lasers. Accurate and fast, the laser produces a lot of heat, but in bursts can tear through the thickest 'Mech armor. LPLAS, MPLAS, SPLAS -- Large, medium and small pulse lasers. Firing in burst of two, these lasers produce less damage and less range than their cousins, but also produce less heat. MGun -- Machine gun. This is the only weapon that produces no heat. A short range wonder, the machine gun does little damage per shot, but delivers a repeated and sustained assault. SRM6 -- Short range missile with pods of six missiles. The old standby, the short-range missile packs twice the punch of a long-range missile, but without radar tracking or range. While not as accurate as lasers, the explosion from a near miss can do considerable damage to friend or foe. SSRM 4,6 -- Streak short range missile with pods of four or six. An advanced version of the SRM, the streak missile uses radar to lock on and home into any target, unfortunately, the added radar equipment adds weight and takes up valuable space on the mech. LRM5, 10, 15, 20 -- Long range missiles with pods of five, ten, fifteen and twenty missiles. These radar-guided missiles can turn open fields into 'Mech graveyards. While pods of twenty provide a deadly punch, they require considerable time to reload, potentially leaving a 'Mech vulnerable. For advanced pilots, try unloading a LRM20 into a wall from point-blank range to learn the meaning of "splash damage." PPC -- Extended range particle projection cannons. The PPC delivers a massive punch of both heat and energy. Unfortunately, it is a slow punch. Most 'Mechs will dodge the PPC at long range; at short range, the concussive force of its explosion is as dangerous to the shooter as to the target. GAUSS -- The Gauss rifle. A distant relative of cartridge weapon of the twentieth century, the formidable Gauss uses an electro-magnet railgun to accelerate a shell to deadly speeds. With unmatched range and damage, the Gauss is only limited by its massive weight and bulk. xAC10 -- For those who love the machine gun's speed, but find it reminiscent of a swarm of bees, annoying but not fatal, the Auto-Cannon will cure your blues. Delivering a killing punch at close range, only weight and bulk limit its field use. Of these weapons, only PPC and lasers require no ammunitions. You should take note of this for two reasons. First, while a pistol can be used to beat someone to death, pistols tend to be deadlier when filled with live rounds, so conserve your ammo. Second, when thrown into a fire, ammo will often explode. In an overheating 'Mech, ammo explosions can cause as much damage as enemy fire, so remember, ammunition is not popcorn. Q: What are the differences in the Mechs' armor? A: In the demo version, there are four types of armor light, medium, heavy and assault. The Jenner has light armor, the Summoner and Timberwolf both are protected by heavy armor, while the Marauder is the sturdiest of them all with assault armor. Q: What are JUMP JETS? A: Imagine strapping a jet engine to your back and turning up the throttle. If you are human, this will doubtless cause you to die. If you are a Battlemech, you will appear to fly. Using jump jets to maneuver and even to execute a death from above (DFA) can radically alter the shape of a battle. Press the J key to gain altitude, and the home keys to change direction and to propel the 'Mech forward. Remember to land softly by pressing the J key for a gradual touch down. Q: What are HEAT SINKS? A: Heat sinks are the 'Mech's form of a radiator. Without heat sinks, a 'Mech's engine would overheat and melt down, which is bad for a car with an internal combustion engine, and even worse for a 'Mech with a fusion reactor. Because of the danger presented by overheating, your 'Mech will try to shut down if heat levels become critical. You can override a shutdown by pressing O; true, shutting down makes you a sitting target, but blowing up makes you a dead one. Q: What causes heat? A: Heat is created by firing weapons, by using jumpjets, and by taking damage from lasers or explosions. Of your weapons, particle pulse cannons (PPC) create the most heat per salvo, followed closely by large lasers (LLASER). Gauss rifles create the least heat, but only machine guns (MGun) create no heat. Without memorizing the exact numbers, you can also figure that for all weapons except lasers, doubling the size of the weapon (LRM5 to LRM10) will also double the heat you generate. With lasers, each step up in size approximately doubles maximum damage and triples the heat per salvo. Also, rapid and continuous weapon fire tends to overheat 'Mechs and force shut down. Accuracy pays. Q: Is there any way to stop the shut down process if I do begin to overheat? A: Skilled pilots have been known to fearlessly override the shutdown process by pressing O during combat. While this will keep your 'Mech running, only time and heat sinks will return your 'Mech to safe heat levels. Q: How fast can my 'Mech go? A: You can get a general idea of this by reading TOP SPEED figure next to each 'Mech, but environmental factors (gravity, terrain, etc.) will affect this. Comparatively though, the Jenner will always be the fastest, the Marauder the slowest. But then a Marauder has never been known to flee from battle. Q: What if I want to login as a different warrior? A: To change your login, guide the mouse to the thin rectangle just under the WARRIORS designation, which shows in white capital letters either your name, or ANONYMOUS if you didn't select a name when entering the shell. Press BACKSPACE until you have erased this name; type your new moniker, and then press ENTER. Q: I selected a Firemoth (or any other mech), but when I appeared onscreen I was in a Summoner. What's wrong? A: Occasionally an opponent will appear onscreen in a 'Mech they did not select. If this occurs, press ESC and re-launch the mission. If you attempt to play in this mode your damage and weapons may not work properly. Q: My opponent and I both selected Jenners, and he clicked on . Then, I changed my mind and selected a Timber Wolf, but when I started the game, my 'Mech was badly damaged. After the battle, my opponent told me that on his screen, I looked like a Jenner. Is this supposed to happen? A: No. You've found a rare, intermittent bug in the demo. You'll be lucky to repeat it, but if you do, just make sure not to change your selection once one of you has pressed . Q: The enemy 'Mech disappears from my enhanced targeting screen sometimes, so I can't get a missile lock on him. When I press T or E, I still can't target him. What can I do, or is this some sort of stealth feature? A: Next time you get your enemy in your target reticule, press Q. This will allow your radar to acquire your target. Q: How many missions are there? A: That would depend on whether or not you survive. Actually, one in one player mode, one in the two player mode. A VERY small fraction of all the missions in the regular game. Q: Okay, I'm playing the first mission...I've started on top of some mountain. How do I go anywhere? A: Press 0 on your keyboard. Q: I followed your directions and ran off the mountain at full speed damaging both of my legs. Is that what's supposed to happen? A: Only if you press 0. More cautious players press 2 or 3, walk to the edge of the mountain, then turn sideways so that they are walking almost parallel to the mountainside when they walk over the edge. This way, they come down the mountain in small drops. Q: Why is my 'Mech really difficult to turn at higher throttle settings? A: When moving at a faster speed, your 'Mech is less maneuverable. Real-world physics apply here. It isn't easy getting something that weighs in at 100 Tons and traveling at 40 KPH to make a 90-degree turn. You might want to pay better attention to speed to get the optimum turn performance out of your 'Mech. Q: Jump jets do not work in close proximity to other mechs. A: Your 'Mech is probably just stuck on the opposing 'Mech. Q: Objects are disappearing from my screen when I run the missions. What's the problem? A: MechWarrior 2 will run on computers with 8 MB's of RAM. However, you will need to have about 7 MB 's of free extended memory. If you have SMARTDRV loaded, or TSR's that take up significant amounts of memory, more than likely you will not have the required memory. When MechWarrior 2 begins running out of memory, it will stop loading objects. The result is that some objects or parts of objects may disappear from your screen. A system with more than 8 MB's of memory would be optimal. However, making more memory available via a boot disk should solve this problem. If you still have problems, turn off some of the detail levels in the escape menu. Q: When I try to run certain missions in Windows 95 I get a "Page Fault" error message. What's wrong? A: We do not have a solution for this at this time. As we said, Windows 95 is not supported in this version of MechWarrior 2. Q: Will the reported mathematical error in the Pentium chip affect the performance of MechWarrior 2? A: MechWarrior 2 does not use floating point arithmetic. The performance of the game will not be affected by any floating point arithmetic flaws that exist in the Pentium processor. Q: Why is my frame rate choppy? A: Frame rate is based on a number of factors. The easiest (and less expensive) way to increase the frame rate during missions is to turn off the detail levels in the escape menu of the game. The DOS performance of your video card and its bus type also affect your frame rate. For this reason, MechWarrior 2 requires a VESA Local Bus video card. Additionally, many of the video cards specifically designed as Windows accelerators neglect DOS performance and the performance of MechWarrior 2 will suffer accordingly. Lastly, your processor will greatly affect the frame rate. Upgrading a 486 to a Pentium will make a great difference in performance and will allow you to run in high resolution modes. Q: My screen is really dark. Is there something I can I do? A: Well, first try turning on the power to your monitor. This will solve most "blank screen" problems. (Just kidding) In the escape menu of the simulator, under the "Device Calibration" option, you can increase the brightness of the display using the monitor slider. This should solve any brightness problems. If not, adjust the settings on your monitor. Q: My monitor is turned to it's brightest setting, but my screen is still too dark. A: Try one of these options: 1: If you are in a night mission, you will have to enable Low-Light Amplification to see anything clearly. Refer to your Cockpit Control Reference card for how to. 2: Hit your right mouse button while in the game, pick Cockpit Controls, move to Monitor Brightness and adjust as needed. Q: The autopilot function runs my 'Mech into walls and buildings. Is this intended? A: MechWarriors are known for their piloting and gunnery skills. Use of autopilot as the exclusive means of travel between navigational points is considered dishonorable among the ranks of the MechWarrior, although you will not be penalized for its use. Consequently, development of sophisticated autopilot computers has not been a concern of the clans. The best use of autopilot is as a directional aid. Selecting a NAV point and hitting autopilot will turn your 'Mech in the direction of the NAV point. Q: When pressing A to activate the autopilot, it immediately disables. A: Your joystick is probably out of calibration. Even a slight turn input from the joystick will disable the autopilot. See the section on "Input Devices" for information on calibration. Q: Why does my light amplification not function sometimes? -OR- Why do my satellite map and other displays flicker during the missions? A: When your 'Mech takes damage from enemy fire, your systems began to shut down. Eventually you will lose certain systems in your HUD and other displays. Screens will begin to flicker and eventually go dead. The solution is simple: Kill or be killed.