Freedom Force and the Freedom Force logo and related characters, names, and distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks or registered trademarks of Irrational Games unless otherwise noted. All Rights Reserved.
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CONTENTS
Go to a particular topic by searching for the three letters next to it.
[HOW]
1. How to play the demo
[IDX]
2. Installing Microsoft(R) DirectX(R) 9.0c
[ISS]
3. Known Issues
[TSG]
4. Troubleshooting
[NET]
5. Networking Issues
[UCS]
6. User Content
[SYS]
7. System Requirements
[EUL]
8. End User Licence Agreement
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[HOW] 1. How to play the demo
Click on New Campaign. Select the difficulty level you want to play at, then click Start Campaign. After a brief introductory movie, the demo mission will load.
You can type O at any time to see your Objectives.
You can select a character on your squad by typing using the number key on their portrait (1-4). Typing 5 selects your whole team.
Left-click to execute a character's current default attack. Their default attack is shown at the lower right of the screen, and may be changed by left-clicking upon it. To access a hero's full command menu, right-click (which will also pause the game).
Many powers use energy, shown in the three purple bars beneath the character portraits. Energy gradually replenishes over time.
A character's health is represented by the red bar underneath their portrait. Health can only be replenished by finding a red Energy X canister, or by using a Heroic Recovery. The number of Heroic Recoveries a character has available are indicated by the number of medals on the upper right of their portrait. A Heroic Recovery can also revive a hero who has gone unconscious, but with only a fraction of their normal health.
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[IDX] 2. Installing Microsoft DirectX 9.0c
+++ Freedom Force vs the 3rd Reich Demo requires DirectX 9.0c to run properly.
The Freedom Force vs the 3rd Reich Demo installer will not install DirectX. If you do not have DirectX 9.0c installed on your computer, you can go to the Microsoft DirectX website (http://www.microsoft.com/directx) and get the latest version from there.
+++ What if you don't know or aren't sure what version of DirectX you have?
Don't worry, if you run the DirectX installer on a computer that already has the current DirectX on it, the installer will NOT damage the existing DirectX installation. It might give you newer versions of the DirectX files, but it will NOT replace the files on your computer with older files.
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[ISS] 3. Known Issues
+++ Slow install on low end machines
If you are using a minimum specification machine or similar, the installer may appear to hang while "configuring Windows installer". This is a temporary delay and the install should resume after a period of time.
+++ System instability on Windows 2000 using ATI cards
Some system instability has been observed when using the 6505 drivers for ATI (Radeon 9600, Radeon 9800 and x800) cards on Windows 2000. If you experience this problem we suggest obtaining the latest drivers from ATI. If this does not resolve the problem, disable "gloss maps" in the video options.
+++ Incompatible video resolutions
Attempting to run the demo in a non-supported video resolution may result in your video card resetting to a lower resolution.
+++ 1280x720 video resolution
1280x720 is a special resolution intended for plasma monitors and widescreen monitors (that have a 16:9 aspect ratio) ONLY. The GeForce3 TI supports output to these devices, but the resolution display will be incorrect if used on a normal monitor.
+++ Graphical corruption after switching away from demo
Owners of some video cards may see texture corruption in the demo after switching away using ALT-Tab, Ctrl-Alt-Delete or the Windows key. This corruption should disappear as soon as the demo is unpaused.
+++ Flickering text using Radeon(TM) 8500 AGP
Owners of these video cards may see flickering text in the character training and creation screens. Make sure you have the latest drivers for your card.
+++ Graphical corruption observed on some characters with GeForce 4MX and GeForce 2 video cards
Owners of these video cards may observe minor graphical corruptions when viewing some characters in demo. Make sure you have the latest drivers for these cards.
+++ Blank Power names
If you try to create a power without a name, that power will be ignored.
+++ Dropped connections
If a modem user experiences very high lag and dropouts, the game will detect this and disconnect that player with a message saying the connection is bad. This is required to maintain a minimum level of game synchronization and coherence.
+++ Graphical corruption or system instability when changing video resolution on Windows 98 or Me using NVIDIA drivers 66.94
Owners of an NVIDIA video card using 66.94 drivers on Windows 98 or Me may observe graphical corruption and/or system instability when changing video resolution.
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[TSG] 4. Troubleshooting
+++ The Demo Crashes before I can even play!
Game crashes like these are often due to hardware driver problems or problems with DirectX. Fortunately, the cause of these crashes can often be quickly fixed with new drivers.
+++ Problems with Internet play
Your computer must be able to access the Internet before you can play multiplayer. That means that the computer must be able to connect to
the internet using a dialup modem (users of dialup modems may experience high latency issues during multiplay) or a broadband connection like DSL or Cable Modem. See below for additional help on connecting to internet games.
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[NET] 5. Networking Issues
This section covers networking issues related to firewalls and routers. Unfortunately, firewalls and routers are topics which quickly become incomprehensible to people who don't work with them. This ReadMe file does not contain specific instructions for configuring firewalls or routers to play Freedom Force vs the 3rd Reich. However, most firewall/routers can be configured so that Freedom Force vs the 3rd Reich can be played through them by at least one computer. The information below can be used by your network administrator to configure a firewall or router, or to tell you why such changes can't be done.
Note: The information below is intended for advanced users only.
Freedom Force vs the 3rd Reich uses Microsoft DirectPlay(TM) "client-server" networking to connect players over the Internet or a LAN. Any computer that as been configured to use the TCP/IP protocol and can access basic Internet services should be able to play Freedom Force vs the 3rd Reich online or over a LAN.
Resolve connectivity problems between client and server computers using standard TCP/IP diagnostic utilities such as Ping and TraceRoute.
Freedom Force vs the 3rd Reich requires a direct or routed network connection between clients and the server for multiplayer games. Client-server configurations which have a firewall, router or a network device that performs NAT (Network Address Translation) between a client and the server may prevent you from being able to join and/or host multiplayer games.
+++ Resolving problems between Freedom Force vs the 3rd Reich and a Firewall/Router
Hosting a game from behind a firewall or router
If you're intending to host an Internet or direct IP game of Freedom Force vs the 3rd Reich, it is likely that you'll need to configure your router or firewall to allow your computer to receive data from people connecting to your game. The following information is not necessary if you only intend to play LAN games.
Configuring your Firewall
If you're running a firewall, allowing data transfer is a relatively simple process. Simply run the game and host a multiplayer match. Your firewall client will then likely pop up and tell you ffvttr.exe is trying to access the Internet. Set this to "Always Allow". Then, have a friend connect to your game. Your firewall client will pop up again, and tell you that someone is attempting to connect to your computer. Once again, set this to "Always Allow". If your firewall does not pop up warnings as mentioned above, you may need to set this up manually. To do this, configure your firewall to allow connections from ffvttr.exe on the ports 5050 UDP and 11111 UDP. You will then be ready to host Freedom Force vs the 3rd Reich multiplayer games!
Configuring your Router:
Configuring your router is slightly more difficult than configuring a firewall, but still fairly easy. To get started, access your router via its web interface (if you do not know how to do this, consult your network administrator or router manual) and click to the port forwarding section. From here, set your router to forward all connections on ports 5050 UDP and 11111 UDP to the local IP address of your machine. If you still have difficulties, there are many useful tutorials and walkthroughs on the internet. Once your router is configured, restart it (if necessary) and you'll be ready to host multiplayer games!
+++ Resolving problems between GameSpy(TM) Arcade and a Firewall/Router
GameSpy provides information about how to configure a firewall or router for use with GameSpy Arcade. At the time this ReadMe was written, the URL for that information is http://www.gamespyarcade.com/support/firewalls.shtml.
+++ Proxy Servers
Freedom Force vs the 3rd Reich does not support the use of Winsock or SOCKS proxy servers.
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[UCS] 6. User Content
User created content is not supported in the demo. However, the full game will allow you to use characters and skins that you create for yourself or download from other creators.
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[SYS] 7. System Requirements
+++ Minimum
733MHz Intel(R) Pentium(R) 3 or AMD(R) Athlon(TM) processor or equivalent
128Mb RAM
ATI(R) Radeon(TM) 7000 or NVIDIA(R) GeForce GTS or equivalent DirectX(R) 9.0c compliant 32Mb video card with hardware T&L
Microsoft(R) Windows(R) 98, Me, 2000 or XP operating system.
DirectX(R) 9.0c
4X CD-ROM
160Mb of free hard drive space
DirectX compatible sound card
56K modem or broadband internet connection for online play
+++ Recommended
1.8GHz Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 or AMD(R) Athlon(TM) 1800+ or equivalent
256Mb RAM
ATI(R) Radeon(TM) 9600 or NVIDIA(R) GeForce FX 5700 video card or
equivalent
24X or faster CD-ROM
broadband internet connection
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[EUL] 8. End User Licence Agreement
YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT BEFORE INSTALLING THIS SOFTWARE PROGRAM. BY INSTALLING, COPYING, OR OTHERWISE USING THE SOFTWARE PROGRAM, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, DO NOT INSTALL OR OTHERWISE USE THE SOFTWARE PROGRAM
This software program and any files that are provided by Freedom Force Properties LLC d/b/a Irrational Games ("Irrational Games") or Sierra Entertainment, Inc. ("Sierra") to you by on-line transmission or otherwise to 'patch,' 'update,' or modify the software program, as well as any printed materials, on-line or electronic documentation, and any and all copies and derivative works of such software program and materials are the copyrighted work of Irrational Games, or its licensors, licensees and suppliers, specifically including Sierra, and/or its wholly owned subsidiaries ("Licensor"). All use of the Program is governed by the terms of the End User License Agreement which is provided below ("License Agreement"). The Program is solely for use by end users according to the terms of the License Agreement. Any use, reproduction or redistribution of the Program not in accordance with the terms of the License Agreement is expressly prohibited.
END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT
1. Limited Use License. Licensor hereby grants, and by installing the Program you thereby accept, a limited, non-exclusive license and right to install and use one (1) copy of the Program for your use on either a home or portable computer. The Program has a multi-player capability that allows users to utilize the Program over the Internet via gamespy.com or another gaming network designated by Licensor (an "On-line Provider"). Use of the Program over gamespy.com or other On-line Provider is subject to your acceptance of gamespy.com's or such other On-line Provider's Terms of Use Agreement as may be updated or modified at any time. The Program is licensed, not sold. Your license confers no title or ownership in the Program. Licensor reserves all rights not granted in this Agreement, including, without limitation, all rights to Licensor's trademarks. For purposes of the first sentence of this section, "use" means loading the Program into RAM and/or onto computer hard drive, as well as installation of the Program on a hard disk or other storage device, and means the uses permitted herein.
2. Ownership. All title, ownership rights and intellectual property rights in and to the Program related written materials and any and all copies thereof (including but not limited to any titles, computer code, themes, objects, characters, character names, stories, dialog, catch phrases, locations, concepts, artwork, animations, sounds, musical compositions, audio-visual effects, methods of operation, moral rights, any related documentation, and "applets" incorporated into the Program) are owned by Irrational Games or its licensors. The Program and any related written materials are protected by the copyright laws of the United States, international copyright treaties and conventions, and other laws. All rights are reserved. The Program contains certain licensed materials, and Licensor's licensors may protect their rights in the event of any violation of this Agreement. The Program may access websites owned, controlled by, or operated by licensed affiliates of Licensor, and receive patches and/or updates to the Program from these websites. All patches, updates or other downloadable material used by, or incorporated into, the Program are the copyrighted property of Irrational Games or its licensors, who reserve all rights therein, and shall be governed by the terms and conditions of this Agreement. This section 2 shall survive the cancellation or termination of this Agreement.
3. Responsibilities of End User.
A. Subject to the Grant of License hereinabove, you may not, in whole or in part, copy, photocopy, reproduce, translate, reverse engineer, derive source code from, modify, disassemble, decompile, create a source code equivalent of, create derivative works based on, or remove any proprietary notices or labels from the Program without the prior consent, in writing, of Licensor.
B. The Program is licensed to you as a single product. Its component parts may not be separated for use on more than one computer.
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(i) sell, grant a security interest in or transfer reproductions of the Program to other parties in any way, nor to rent, lease or license the Program to others without the prior written consent of Licensor;
(ii) exploit the Program or any of its parts for any commercial purpose, including, but not limited to, use at a cyber cafΘ, computer gaming center or any other location-based site; (Licensor may offer a separate Site License Agreement to permit you to make the Program available for commercial use; contact Licensor for details);
(iii) host or provide matchmaking services for the Program or emulate or redirect the communication protocols used by Licensor in the network feature of the Program, through protocol emulation, tunneling, modifying or adding components to the Program, use of a utility program or any other techniques now known or hereafter developed, for any purpose, including, but not limited to, network play over the Internet, network play utilizing commercial or non-commercial gaming networks, or as part of content aggregation networks, without the prior written consent of Licensor;
(iv) create or maintain, under any circumstance, more than one simultaneous connection to any hosting service utilized for on-line play. All such connections, whether created by the Program or by other tools and utilities, may only be made through methods and means expressly approved by Licensor. Under no circumstances may you connect, or create tools that allow you to connect, to the hosting service's private binary interface or interfaces other than those explicitly provided by Licensor for public use;
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14. Miscellaneous. This License Agreement shall be deemed to have been made and executed in the State of California, and any dispute arising hereunder shall be resolved in accordance with the law of California. Copyright and other proprietary matters will be governed by applicable United States laws and international treaties. Except as set forth below, exclusive venue for all litigation regarding this Agreement shall be in Suffolk County, Massachusetts and you agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts in Suffolk County, Massachusetts for any such litigation with the exception that exclusive venue for all litigation involving Sierra, but not involving Irrational Games, with regard to this Agreement, shall be in Los Angeles County, California and in such an event, you agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts in Los Angeles, California for any such litigation. This License Agreement may be amended, altered or modified only by an instrument in writing, specifying such amendment, alteration or modification, executed by both parties. In the event that any provision of this License Agreement shall be held by a court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable, such provision will be enforced to the maximum extent permissible, and the remaining portions of this License Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. This License Agreement constitutes and contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior oral or written agreements. Failure of Licensor to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not constitute or be construed as a waiver of such provision or of the right to enforce such provision. Immediately upon your failure to comply with or breach of any term or provision of this Agreement, YOUR LICENSE AND THIS AGREEMENT SHALL AUTOMATICALLY TERMINATE, WITHOUT NOTICE, AND IRRATIONAL GAMES AND SIERRA MAY PURSUE ALL RELIEF AND REMEDIES AGAINST YOU WHICH ARE AVAILABLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW AND/OR THIS AGREEMENT.
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