[Edited by Rushian of www.SpecForce.net] [Removed old website links and re-formatted some text..] -- Thank you for your inquiry regarding Spec Ops. This FAQ addresses the most common questions: 1. I am stuck on a mission/level. 2. Is there an OpenGL patch? 3. Where is the 3DFX Banshee patch? 4. Is there D3D (or other card) support? 5. Is there Voodoo 2 support? 6. What is in the Expansion Pack? 7. Other tech support questions? 8a. Where can I get 3DFX drivers for my card? 8b. Where can I get the latest version of Direct X? 9. Where can I learn more about Spec Ops, unauthorized hacks/patches, and talk with members of the Spec Ops communities and Spec Ops 2 and = play death match tournements? 10. Unsolicted Recommendation: Really Cool Program (adds voice to spec = ops) 11. Patches 12. More OpenGL 13. I live outside the U.S. and want to buy the add-on pack. 14. Misc. Multiplayer Gameplay questions. -------------------------------------------------------------------------= 1. I am stuck on a mission/level. -------------------------------------------------------------------------= CHEAT GUIDE ----------- A cheat guide, with complete walkthroughs all every mission (for both = Spec Ops and Spec Ops Ranger Team Bravo (multiplayer add-on) is available SRP $19.99. For more info check out http://www.sybex.com Walkthroughs of the original missions http://jeff.intraed.com/specops.asp Gossip and patches (including some written by non-Zombies, like the dead = body patch) http://www.SpecForce.net/ http://www.specwar.org/shooter/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------= 2. Is there an OpenGL patch? -------------------------------------------------------------------------= The best place for patches (for Spec Ops and all your games) http://www.avault.com/pcrl/patches_temp.asp?patch=specops&size=.973 Yes there is an OpenGL patch that works with most OpenGL cards (like the = TNT). It is available at our ftp site (see below). Be sure and get the most = up to date drivers for your OpenGL card from your OpenGL card manufacture's Web = Site (these are not the drivers that came with your card). It works with the orginal = Spec Ops. Spec Ops Ranger Team Bravo (the multiplayer add-on) and Spec Ops Pro-Pak = come with the OpenGL version in the box. But if you are an avid gamer... I recommend buying a 3DFX card. You can find them in the US for $35-99 = (the cost of a single game), and it will be the BEST upgrade you ever make. It will = improve not only Spec Ops, but hundreds of games (Quake, Outlaws, RainbowSix, = Unreal, etc.). If you have a Pentium buy the original 3DFX card (under $50), if you = have a Pentium II buy the 3DFX Voodoo 2 card (under $100) (the Voodoo chip set is CPU = dependent, so a Voodoo 2 in an older Pentium will not perform better than a Voodoo 1). = The only real difference in the cards is the amount and type of bundled software. Some games look better in 3DFX (Spec Ops), some games look better in = OpenGL (Thief) and some games look exactly the same (Half-Life). SPEC OPS UPDATES ----------------- Be sure to keep an eye on the Zombie and Ripcord websites for game = updates. We're dedicated to the constant improvement of SPEC OPS - even after you've bought the game! You can download the updates from: http://www.zombie.com or http://www.ripcordgames.com or from our FTP site: ftp://ftp.zombie.com/pub/specopsbravo/ If these sites are down, try some of the fan sites listed below (#9) -------------------------------------------------------------------------= 3. Where is the 3DFX Banshee patch? -------------------------------------------------------------------------= No patch was necessary. The 3DFX Banshee, does in fact work with Spec Ops, but you need the = latest Glide drivers from www.3dfx.com (not the ones that came with the card) I = also recommend installing DirectX 6.0 from Microsoft. -------------------------------------------------------------------------= 4. Is there D3D (or other card) support? -------------------------------------------------------------------------= There is no D3D support. Spec Ops was written when D3D was, to be = horribly honest, very slow and buggy. So we went with Glide and 3DFX, the best solution = at the time. Quite simply we (and game developers in general) cannot afford to = develop for each specific card. D3D has now improved both in hardware and software and Spec Ops II will = have full D3D support, which will support a wider array of 3D cards. -------------------------------------------------------------------------= 5. Is there Voodoo 2 support -------------------------------------------------------------------------= Yes, a Voodoo2 patch is available on our ftp site. ftp://ftp.zombie.com/pub/specopsbravo/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------= 6. What is in the Expansion Pack -------------------------------------------------------------------------= NEW MISSIONS AND MULTIPLAYER: ----------------------------- Spec Ops Ranger Team Bravo and Spec Ops Pro Packs are also available. Ranger Team Bravo adds 3 new missions (Iraq, Bosnia and Vietnam) as well = as multiplayer (death match, team death match and co-operative play) For more info check out http://www.zombie.com http://www.ripcordgames.com/ The Pro Pak contains the original Spec Ops and Spec Ops Ranger Team = Bravo Multiplayer all in one box for one low price. -------------------------------------------------------------------------= 7. Other tech support questions -------------------------------------------------------------------------= For more traditional tech support questions (the game won't run with my = mouse, My LAN can't connect, etc.) connect Ripcord Tech Support. CONTACTING RIPCORD ------------------ Technical Support: 425.889.7099 VOX 425.828.8715 FAX Operators available: Mon-Fri 9-5 P.S.T. Technical support via e-mail: tech@ripcordgames.com Snail mail address: Ripcord Games Technical Support 10809 120th Ave. NE Kirkland, WA 98033 Online: http://www.ripcordgames.com/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------= 8a. Where can I get 3DFX drivers for my card. -------------------------------------------------------------------------= 3DFX CONTACT INFORMATION ------------------------ If you are having problems with your 3Dfx card, please check out the = 3Dfx Interactive website at: www.3Dfx.com. Or you can also go directly to = the website of the manufacturer of your card. Here's a list of the 3Dfx = cards currently available: MANUFACTURER URL A Open http://www.aopen.com.tw A-Trend Technology http://www.atrend.com.tw Best Data http://www.bestdata.com Biostar http://www.biostar.com.tw Canopus http://www.canopuscorp.com Creative Technology, Ltd. http://www.soundblaster.com Deltron Technology http://www.deltrontech.com Diamond Multimedia http://www.diamondmm.com Guillemot http://www.guillemot.com Hercules http://www.hercules.com Hewlett-Packard Co. http://www.hp.com Hightech http://www.hightech.com.hk Intergraph * http://www.ingr.com IoMagic http://www.iomagic.com Micron http://www.micronpc.com MiroMedia http://www.miro.de Quantum3D http://www.quantum3d.com Skywell http://www.skywell.com.tw STB http://www.stb.com TechWorks http://www.techworks.com 3DFX http"//www.3dfx.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------= 8b. Where can I get the latest version of Direct X -------------------------------------------------------------------------= DIRECT X -------- If you are having problems with Direct X or your Microsoft operating = system, please contact Microsoft at: http://www.microsoft.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------= 9. Where can I learn more about Spec Ops, unauthorized hacks/patches, and talk with members of the Spec Ops communities? and Spec Ops 2 Previews -------------------------------------------------------------------------= Some extra graphics http://home.bip.net/lowspirit/specops/ Walkthroughs of the original missions http://jeff.intraed.com/specops.asp Gossip and patches (including some written by non-Zombies, like the dead = body patch) http://www.SpecForce.net/ http://www.creativeinspire.com/games/index.html http://www.1918.com/specops/home.shtml http://www.specwar.org/shooter/ http://www.alaska.net/~lawyerdp/Game%204%20together.htm http://tactical.f3d.net/ Spec Ops "Clan" sites http://members.tripod.com/Crux_RTB/ http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Bunker/6116/ http://hometown.aol.com/md129/page/Spec-ops.htm http://members.home.net/bryanc/index.html http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Zone/9624/Crosshair_Company.index.ht= ml http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Zone/9624/index.html Spec Ops 2 Previews http://www.ga-source.com/interviews/specops.shtml http://www.simhq.com/simhq/interviews/land/specops2/specops2.html http://reviews.gibbed.com/site/columns/johnwilliamson/specops2.html http://www.gamecenter.com/Peeks/Squad/ss3.html http://www.gamersdepot.com/prev_specops2.htm http://www.specops.org http://www.cdmag.com/Home/home.html?article=/articles/019/028/realops_f= eature.html http://www.zombie.com http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Quadrant/6425/ http://www.gameprix.com/scouting/preview_spec_ops_2_page1.html http://www.tacticalplanet.com/so2/ http://www.u-games.com/interviews/specops2_1.shtml http://www.psx2.com/previews/so2rev.html http://psx2.com/features/zombie.html http://www.u-games.com/interviews/specops2_1.shtml http://allgames.com/admin/combat/main.asp http://www.specforce.net/ http://www.combatsim.com/htm/july99/spec2.htm http://www.AVAULT.COM/previews/preview_temp.asp?game=specops2&page=2 http://www.specforce.net/ARTICLES/SO2_beta.htm http://www.gamerzvault.com/screens/sougb.html Spec Ops Death Match Tournements: Think you are good? Want to find out? http://members.home.net/bryanc/usr/Tourney.html http://members.tripod.com/ratings_team1/ratings.html http://web2.airmail.net/der271/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------= 10. Unsolicted Recomendation: Really Cool Program -------------------------------------------------------------------------= This is a wonderful program that will let you talk to your team mates or taunt your enemies in multiplayer games for Spec Ops or other programs. And, unlike other similar programs, this one actually works! = Seriously, check this out. http://www.shadowfactor.com/ Battlefield Communicator brings real-time voice communication to your favorite multiplayer games over the Internet or a LAN. Have you ever had to stop the action in order to type a message to a teammate only to be blown away by an opponent? Ever wished that your opponents could hear your taunts and curses? Then BattleField Communicator is for you! With Battlefield Communicator you can communicate in real-time with teammate(s), and they will hear your voice message mixed in with the = sounds from the game. -------------------------------------------------------------------------= 11. Patches -------------------------------------------------------------------------= Some uses have found that if they install the patches in a specific = order, they get better results. According to the user forums, this order seems to be the most = prefered. NOTE: This is only if you have a 3DFX card (Voodoo1 Voodoo2 or Banshee) Patch 3 Aweless_3DFX Last 3DFX Specops.Final Patch -------------------------------------------------------------------------= 12. More OpenGL -------------------------------------------------------------------------= OpenGL Q&A Which Patch should I use? The best place for patches (for Spec Ops and all your games) http://www.avault.com/pcrl/patches_temp.asp?patch=specops&size=.973 If you do not have the multiplayer Add-On (Ranger Team Bravo) or the = Pro-Pak, you need to get patch #4. If you have one of these two = products, the patch is built into the game. My Card says it is OpenGL, but the game still won't work: We must warn you that RIVA OPENGL drivers from your card might not = support our game. RTB requires a full implementation of OPENGL. Most manufacturers begin by supporting only a subset called = "mini-GL". Other TNT owners have written to complain of problems. I strongly recommend you obtain the latest drivers from your = card's web site after you patch RTB. ERROR: Opengl driver specified invalid video mode Install SpecOps and then install RTB. Delete the OpenGL32.dll in the = SpecOps directory if one remains there. Then make sure you have the latest OpenGL drivers installed for your Riva TNT card. We are running OpenGL here on TNT's and it should work well for you. Set your system to 16-bit color and try again. That may be the problem. -------------------------------------------------------------------------= 13. I live outside the United States and want to buy Ranger Team Bravo = (the multiplayer add-on pack) -------------------------------------------------------------------------= As of July, 1999 Spec Ops 1 and Ranger Team Bravo are out of print, you = may find copies at the following, or might be able to find used copies. A Gold version = (combining Spec Ops 1 and the Ranger Team Bravo Exp Pack will likely be released late summer, = 1999. You can try these sites http://www.ebworld.com http://www.ripcordgames.com http://www.egghead.com NOTE: This is from CDMAG.com, this is NOT an endorsement, just one of = several possiblities http://www.cdmag.com/cgi-bin/order.cbi_home?source=80124 We would be glad to accept orders for it from overseas. Shipping by = airmail is $10, by DHL courier it would vary slightly by country, it would range from $24 to $37. International Orders For the most part our policies on international = orders are identical to our policies for domestic orders. Where the policies differ is = outlined in our policy statements. Please read the policies and customer service documents = carefully. Here are some reminders for our customers shipping = to international destinations. 1.Check with local authorities concerning taxes, = duties and customs delays. We are not responsible for these charges and delays. 2.Some countries place restrictions on imports. = Some items cannot be imported at all. Please check with your local authorities before = placing an order. We cannot refund shipping and handling charges on international = orders. If an item is returned to us due to import restrictions we can refund the = merchandise price but not the shipping and handling charges. In many cases customs = officials confiscate the embargoed items. When this happens we cannot make any refund to = you. 3.When ordering for shipment to an international = destination please be patient. On a packages long international journey many delays = can occur which are outside our control. Weather, language barriers, duties, = taxes, import restrictions, and varying levels of customs services all play a role in = the complex operation of delivering a package to your international destination. = Please be understanding. 4.International Standard mail to the following = countries may take longer than 14 days : Greece, Spain, Portugal, Russia, Italy, United = Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, New Zealand, Thailand, India, The Phillipines, = and all of Central and South America. Please read all of our policies carefully. All orders subject to our approval. This information is subject to change at any time without notice. -------------------------------------------------------------------------= 14. Misc. Multiplayer Game qustions. -------------------------------------------------------------------------= Q - Why can't I read the bottom of the multiplayer chat interface = screen? A - Increase your video resolution to 800x600 or higher (from your control panel) Q - Sometimes I can shoot another player with several clips of ammo = and they still don't die, why? A - This occurs as a result of the internet connection timing out or = excessively high ping times Q - Is there a kill credit from boobytrap fatalities? A - The host is always awarded the kill credit from boobytrap and mine = deaths. Sometimes this results in a negative kill credit if a defending = player steps on on a mine or boobytrap Q - What if my ping time is too high? A - Try switching to another game room then switching right back to = original room. This will usually lower the ping time in a room that had = a higher ping before the switch. You can also click on the "update = server" button to find a lower ping. Q - What can I do to get better perfomance? A - You might consider getting a V90 modem and your provider also has = to support it (connections between 46.000 and 50.000 BPS). You must decrease you packet-length! This is important and better = for multiplayer games! Just decrease your FIFO-buffers and you will have less crashes, with or = without a V90 modem! Try to connect at 28.8 instead of 56k. For a long list of reasons, = your performance for gaming may improve. The short version: at 56k your modem has to do more = modulation between analog and digital, at 28.8 this is reduced which will reduce your latency times, = possibly by as much as 200 ms. (Check out Computer Games, August 199, P 22) Next turn off compression on your modem. finally, make sure you have got the most recent drivers and flash = updates (if available) for your modem. --