MechWarrior 3®: FAQ
FAQ
Last Revised: 8 June 1999
Installation
I am installing MechWarrior 3 on a computer that does not have DirectX installed or an older version of DirectX.
Just press the Reinstall button in the DirectX install dialog box.Game Controls
I am controlling my 'Mech with a mouse, and everytime I try to turn my BattleMech's torso, it returns to center.
We recommend that you turn off Torso Auto Return in the Gameplay options screen.
Are MechWarrior 3's game controls similar to that of a first-person shooter, simulation or both?
MechWarrior 3 has a mix of simulation and action similar to MechWarrior 2. In addition, you can customize your game controls.Key Commands
What keys do I press to select weapons in a group?
Press Ctrl-[ to select the previous weapon in a group. Press Ctrl-] to select the next weapon in a group.
What keys do I press for op point commands?
Press Shift-N for the previous op point or press Ctrl-N for the nearest op point.
What keys do I press for op point commands?
Press Shift-N for the previous op point or press Ctrl-N for the nearest op point.
When I press Ctrl-P to take a screen shot, nothing happens.
Unfortunately, the Take Screen Shot command (Ctrl-P) has been removed from the game.Troubleshooting
When I press Alt-Tab to switch to another Windows program, I still hear the music from MechWarrior 3.
This is normal behavior.
When I click the Exit button on the Briefing screen, the game seems to hang before returning to the Main Menu.
This is normal. The game will pause for several moements after you click the Exit button.
When I return to a saved game or restart a mission and then click the Launch button, a dialog box appears that says, "You have not allocated salvage from the last mission. Continue? Y/N."
Just press "Y" to continue. You will see this dialog box if you already took everything you wanted from the salvage the last time you were at the Briefing screen, but left some salvage behind that you don't want.Joystick and Mouse Control
If I have both a joystick and a mouse, which game controller will MechWarrior 3 use?
When you first start MechWarrior 3, the game will detect whether you have a joystick installed on your computer. If you do, the game will use the default joystick controls. If not, MechWarrior 3 will use the default mouse controls.
Can I use a mouse to control my BattleMech even if I have a joystick attached to my computer?
If you have a joystick but want to use the mouse, click on the Options button at the Main Menu or from the Pause menu in the simulation. Then click the Controls button and click the Mouse/Keyboard Default button.
Can I use both a mouse and a joystick to control my 'Mech?
MechWarrior 3 supports the use of both the mouse and joystick at the same time. To do this, set up the mouse and joystick the way you want them at the Controls screen. Then save your new configuration by clicking the Save button.
Which configuration file does MechWarrior 3 use?
MechWarrior 3 always loads the latest configuration that you used or the default if no configuration file has been created.
Does MechWarrior 3 support force feedback joysticks?
Yes, MechWarrior 3 supports force feedback joysticks, such as the Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Pro. Make sure you calibrate your joystick in Windows through the Game Controllers control panel before starting the game.Cockpit
What do the differently colored lines represent in my cockpit map?
If your HUD display is in Map mode (Shift-R), the circle represents the range of your radar, the two yellow lines your current field of view, and the red line your current direction of travel. Normally, the red line is in the middle of the two yellow lines. If your BattleMech's torso is twisted, the yellow lines indicate which way your 'Mech is looking while the red line shows which way your 'Mech is moving.
How do you read the damage displays?
The BattleMech diagram in the 2-D and HTAL damage displays in the lower left-hand corner faces the same way you are facing. The 3-D damage display, however, faces in whatever direction is shown. This means that if you damage the left leg of an enemy 'Mech, it will be shown on the left leg of the 2-D damage display. In the 3-D damage display, however, if the enemy 'Mech is facing you, the damage is shown on the right-hand side of the 'Mech diagram.Lancemates
How can I send lancemates to a specific area?
You can send lancemates to any area on the map via the Lancemate Command screen (F11).MultiplayerTo send your lancemates to an area that is within your field of view:
- Use the mouse to click on the terrain anywhere that you can see from the Lancemate Command screen.
- Select the lancemates that you want to send.
- Select either Attack My Target (F6) or Defend My Target (F7).
- The selected lancemates will move to the designated position. If you chose Attack My Target, the lancemate will attack the nearest enemy unit once the position is reached and continue to attack. If you choose Defend My Target, the lancemate will stay in the area, attacking enemy units that come within weapon proximity.
You can also send lancemates anywhere within the mission area. The procedure is similar to the steps above, except that you can click on the map display instead of within the viewable terrain.
Note that only one order is active at any one time. You cannot split Attack My Target and Defend My Target commands between two or more different lancemates within the Lancemate Command screen.
What multiplayer options are available in the game?
MechWarrior 3 supports a maximum of 8 players either over a local area network, the MSN Gaming Zone or the Internet. You can play either a deathmatch or Team Play multiplayer game.
What do I need to play a multiplayer game of MechWarrior 3?
In order to play a multiplayer MechWarrior 3 game, you must have Winsock 2 installed first. You can get Winsock 2 for Windows 95 by downloading the W95WS2SETUP.EXE file from:
What limits do you recommend for multiplayer games in terms of players?
If you are playing a multiplayer MechWarrior 3 game over the Internet or MSN Gaming Zone, we recommend:
- 28.8 kps modems 2 to 4 players
- 33.6 kps modems 2 to 6 players
- 56 kps modems 2 to 8 players
If you are playing over TCP/IP, we recommend that you keep your session to 6 players or fewer.
What limits do you recommend for multiplayer games in terms of players?
If you are playing a multiplayer MechWarrior 3 game over the Internet or MSN Gaming Zone, we recommend:
- 28.8 kps modems 2 to 4 players
- 33.6 kps modems 2 to 6 players
- 56 kps modems 2 to 8 players
Can I play a Team Play game over the MSN Gaming Zone?
Unfortunately, you cannot play a Team Play game because you will bypass the Multiplayer Access screen when you play over the MSN Gaming Zone.
When I try to access the 'Mech Lab or click the I Am Ready button, nothing happens.
This probably means that the host of your multiplayer game selected "Team Play" at the Multiplayer Access screen. You must first join a team before you can access the 'Mech Lab or click the I Am Ready button.
I am at the 'Mech Lab but cannot customize my BattleMech.
This probably means that the host of your multiplayer game selected "Use Stock 'Mechs" at the Multiplayer Game Setup screen. Therefore no 'Mech Lab modifications are allowed.
Who can set up teams in a Team Play game? According to page 59 of the manual, anyone can set up teams in a Team Play game.
This is incorrect. Only the host of the multiplayer game can create teams.
Can I access the Options screen during a multiplayer game?
You cannot access the Options screens during a multiplayer game. This means that you cannot access options for gameplay, graphics, audio or game controls.
What happens if I go outside the mission boundaries during a multiplayer game?
Your 'Mech will blow up. The yellow line on your radar indicates when you are close to leaving the mission area. You will also hear a warning message of "Leaving mission area." If you cross the mission boundary (the red line on the radar), you will hear "Mission failed" and your 'Mech will blow up.
What does "Kills/Deaths" mean in the scores for a multiplayer game?
Kills is the number of times you destroy another 'Mech, and Deaths is the number of times you destroy your own 'Mech (not the number of times someone else kills you). You can destroy your own 'Mech by overheating it, colliding with another object, etc.
How do I start a multiplayer game over the MSN Gaming Zone?
Click the Start button on your Windows taskbar and select Programs > MicroProse > MechWarrior 3 > MechWarrior 3 on MSN Gaming Zone. This will launch your Web browser and take you to the MSN Gaming Zone.Graphics
Does MechWarrior 3 require a 3-D graphics accelerator?
No, although the game takes advantage of any Direct3D graphics card, the game runs in both software-only and hardware mode.
What 3-D support does MechWarrior 3 have (Glide, OpenGL or Direct3D)?
MechWarrior 3 supports Direct3D.
MechWarrior 3 will quit and you must restart the game for the change to take effect.
MechWarrior 3 supports Direct3D.
I have a Matrox Millennium 2 video card and am having problems starting the game.
Try the following procedure:
- Start MechWarrior 3.
- At the Main Menu, click the Options button.
- Click the Graphics button.
- Select "Software Render" for the Video Device option.
- Click the Accept button.
- Click the Accept button.
I have a Monster 3D graphics accelerator with 4MB RAM and switched the Video Device option to "Software Render" and then back to "3Dfx DirectX Driver." But the game still uses the software renderer for graphics.
We recommend that you reinstall MechWarrior 3 in order to restore your graphics capability.
I have a Matrox Millennium 2 video card and am having problems starting the game.
Try the following procedure:
- Start MechWarrior 3.
- At the Main Menu, click the Options button.
- Click the Graphics button.
- Select "Software Render" for the Video Device option.
- Click the Accept button.
- Click the Accept button.
We recommend that you download the 3Dfx reference drivers.
We recommend that you download the 3Dfx reference drivers.
I changed the game's resolution to 1024 x 768, and now the game won't run when the simulation starts.
Some cards may allow you to change to 1024 X 768 resolution even though the card itself doesn't allow that resolution due to memory limitations. If you encounter this problem, limit your resolutions to 640 x 480 or 800 x 600.
I have an STB Velocity 128 3D AGP video card and having problems with corrupted game textures.
Unfortunately, these problems are not fixed by updating to the latest drivers. Please check with the card's manufacturer to see if they have updated the drivers.
When I try to launch MechWarrior 3, I get an error message about invalid page fault.
You need to update the video drivers for your Diamond Stealth 3D 2000 or Diamond Stealth 3D 3000 Turbo card.
The game textures are all white and bleached out.
You need to update the video drivers for your ATI Rage Pro.
Some of the in-game textures flash when I play the game.
You need to update the video drivers for your Graphics Blaster Exxtreme.
My BattleMech has multiple shadows.
You need to update the video drivers for your Hercules Power Drive. Unfortunately, if you have a Diamond Stealth II S220 or Hercules Thriller 3D series card, the latest drivers that we tested do not yet fix this problem. Please contact the card's manufacturer for updated drivers.
I see some slight flashing along polygonal seams.
Unfortunately, if you have a Matrox Millennium G200 AGP card, the latest drivers that we tested do not yet fix this problem. Please contact the card's manufacturer for updated drivers.
All the textures within the immediate vicinity of my BattleMech are white and corrupted.
You need to update the video drivers for your Grafixstar Apocalypse card.
Black boxes appear in the sky textures when I play a MechWarrior 3 mission.
Unfortunately, if you have a Matrox m3D or NEC PCX2 chipset card, the latest drivers that we tested do not yet fix this problem. Please contact the card's manufacturer for updated drivers.
White hash marks are drawn all over the ground textures.
If you have a 3-D graphics accelerator based on 3Dfx's Voodoo 1 chipset (such as the Righteous Orchid 3D or the Diamond Monster 3D), you need to update to the latest 3Dfx reference drivers for the Voodoo 1.
The game pauses every 20 seconds or so and all textures look streaky (especially the HUD graphics).
You need to update the video drivers for your Graphics Blaster RIVA TNT card.
When I restore the game from Alt-Tab, all the game textures are black and white.
You need to update the video drivers for your Diamond Monster 3D card.
When I restore the game from Alt-Tab, all the game textures are corrupted.
You need to update the video drivers for your Graphics Blaster 3D card. Unfortunately, if you have a Diamond Stealth II G460 card, the latest drivers that we tested do not yet fix this problem. Please contact the card's manufacturer for updated drivers.
The zoomed-in reticle is not drawn properly.
You need to update the video drivers for your ASUS 3DexPlorer 3000.
My computer locks up after a few seconds of playing.
You need to update the video drivers for your Graphics Blaster 3D card.
The game crashes to the Windows desktop when I finish a mission.
You need to update the video drivers for your Revolution IV (HawkEye) card.
I see a bluish tint along the edges.
Unfortunately, if you have a Matrox Mystique card, the latest drivers that we tested do not yet fix this problem. Please contact the card's manufacturer for updated drivers.Video Card Drivers
You can download the drivers listed below from the Internet. If you are experiencing problems with MechWarrior 3, look for your video card below to find the Web address where you can download the appropriate drivers.
Revolution IV(HawkEye, DirectX)
ATI Rage Pro Turbo AGP 2X
STB Nitro 3D (S3 Virge-DX/GX 375/385)
S3 Velocity 3D (S3 Virge-VX PCI)
Hercules Thriller 3D
Creative Graphics Blaster 3D
Creative Graphics Blaster Exxtreme
Creative Graphics Blaster RIVA TNT
9FX Motion 531
9FX Reality 334
ATI 3D Rage Pro
ATI Rage II
ATI Rage II+
Hercules Power Drive
System Information Utility
If you are experiencing any problems with MechWarrior 3, we
recommend running the System Information utility. To run this
utility, insert the MechWarrior 3 CD-ROM and open the Extras
folder. Then double-click the SYSINFO.EXE file to run the
System Information utility.
The System Information utility looks at your computer system
and then displays information about your computer system such
as processor, memory, etc.
To save this information to a text file, click the Save button.
If you need to call Customer Support, please have a printout
of this text file handy when you call. If you need to e-mail
Customer Support, please include a copy of this text file. If
you write to Customer Support, please include a printout of
this text file with your letter.
Game Information
What is MechWarrior 3?
MechWarrior 3 is a PC based simulation/combat game based on FASA's BattleTech universe.
Who is making MechWarrior 3?
MechWarrior 3 is published by MicroProse and was developed by Zipper Interactive.
Isn't FASA Interactive (who developed MechCommander) doing MechWarrior 3?
Although FASA Interactive started MechWarrior 3, the project was turned over to MicroProse (the publisher) due to business reasons. MicroProse selected Zipper Interactive to develop the game. FASA Interactive is currently working on MechWarrior 4.
Is MechWarrior 3 more like MechWarrior 2 or Mercenaries?
MechWarrior 3 is completely new and does not use any of the code from MechWarrior 2, MechWarrior 2: Ghost Bear's Legacy or MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries. You will have to maintain your forces and supplies like Mercenaries, but you will not have to worry about money.
What different points of view can you play the game in?
You can play MechWarrior 3 in both first person view (inside the cockpit) and third person view (outside the cockpit) view. Third person view includes an aiming reticle, targeting window and radar, thus making the entire game playable from outside the cockpit.
Is MechWarrior 3 an add-on to MechWarrior 2? Do I need a previous game?
MechWarrior 3 is an entirely new game, uses a new game engine and was developed by a different company. No previous MechWarrior games are required to play MechWarrior 3.
Which BattleMechs are available in MechWarrior 3?
Inner Sphere: Annihilator, Avatar, Bushwhacker, Champion, Firefly, Orion, Strider, Sunder, Black Hawk and OwensClan: Cauldron-Born, Mad Cat, Thor, Vulture, Daishi, Shadow Cat, Puma and Supernova
Note that all BattleMechs are customizable.
Does MechWarrior 3 have Elementals?
Yes, Elementals are in the game and appear as enemy units.
Does MechWarrior 3 have more advanced weapons or other equipment than MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries (such as Beagle probes, C3 or triple strength Myomer fibers)?
MechWarrior 3 has Beagle probes, Narc, ECM, Artemis, AMS, TAG and C3 in addition to the standard systems.
What types of vehicles other than BattleMechs are in the game? Can we pilot those vehicles?
You can only pilot BattleMechs, but you will face enemy vehicles of various types, including Elementals. You can also give commands to lancemates (who you will acquire during the campaign) and your MFBs (Mobile Field Bases).
What types of imaging systems are available in the 'Mechs?
Unfortunately, we were unable to add any enhanced imaging systems (such as infrared, magnetic resonance or wireframe), but we feel that the graphic quality provided eliminates the need for such enhancements.Customer Support
If you have any questions about MechWarrior 3, please contact MicroProse Customer Support at:
2490 Mariner Square Loop
Alameda, CA 94501
ATTN: Customer Support
9:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time
Monday through Friday
(510)864-4602
support@microprose.com
Interactive Help Desk
For technical help with MicroProse games, check out our Interactive Help Desk at http://support.microprose.com. The Interactive Help Desk contains troubleshooting information for our games. You can search for help by category or by keyword.
Web Site
You can read the latest MicroProse news and information at our Web site at www.microprose.com. Visit our site for technical support, software updates, demos, hints, tips and more.
For more information on playing MechWarrior 3 online, visit our Online Games area at www.games.com.
FTP Site
Download files such as updates, utilities, etc. from our FTP site at ftp.microprose.com.
CompuServe
To reach our Customer Support board in the Game Publishers B Forum, type GO GAMBPUB at any "!" prompt. Then select "Section 2" for MicroProse. In addition to posting and reading messages, you can download files from the "Libraries (Files)" menu. Send electronic mail to Customer Support at 76004,2223.
How to Get Help
If you are having problems with MechWarrior 3, we can best help you if (1) you are at your computer when you call and (2) you have the following information handy: