Text File
A L | E N S
===========
The Total Conversion.
by Justin Fisher
With Secret Level by Richard Love
Installation by Olivier Montanuy
DOOM 1.9 compatibility by Cale McCallum
My Internet address is: MISC335@cantva.canterbury.ac.nz, so send
heaps of feedback everyone.
In this file:
First, a brief guide to getting ALIENS-TC to work,
Second, a guide on how to play it. (ALIENS-TC doesn't play like
DOOM, and there are a few fundamental differences, I
strongly recommend you read this before playing Aliens
the first time.)
Third, everything else.
PART ONE - Setting up Aliens TC.
================================
You need Doom version 1.666, or 1.9, it must be a registered.
This part was written by Cale McCallum (he fixed ALIENS-TC so it would
work properly with DOOM v1.9). It's pretty much the same as what was in
the ALIENS-TC for DOOM v1.666 text file. The installation program is just
a modified version of the one Olivier Montanuy wrote. If you have any
problems with the installation, annoy Cale McCallum at:
bi174@freenet.carleton.ca or maybe Olivier Montanuy at: montanuy@dmi.ens.fr
Do not bother Justin Fisher.
NOTE: This install does not change the DeHackED/string patches. To make the
installation of Alien-TC completely safe, the modified DOOM.EXE appears as
ALIENTC.EXE. It can only run (properly) ALIENS-TC files. Your DOOM.WAD will
be only read, and not modified at all.
All the files that make up ALIENS-TC should be put in the same
directory that DOOM 1.666 or 1.9 is in.
All of the following files must be present:
ALIEN.BAT -Batch to play ALIENS-TC
ALITCP16.DEH -DOOM 1.666 .EXE patch
ALITCP19.DEH -DOOM 1.9 .EXE patch
ALITCSF.WAD -PWAD for sprites and flats.
ALITCSND.WAD -PWAD for sounds.
ALIENTC.TXT -You're reading it.
ALITCWAD.WAD -PWAD for levels, demos and wall textures.
DEHACKED.EXE -.Exe editor for DOOM.
DEUSF.EXE -A sprite & flat appending utility.
DEUSF.TXT -Manual for DeuSF
INSTALL.BAT -The ALIENS-TC Installation program.
TC-LEVEL.TXT -Teachs you how to make ALIENS-TC levels
NOTE: When distributing ALIENS-TC, you need only include the
above files, the files listed below will be created during
the installation, but you must give ALL of the above files to
get the desired result. However, If Alien-TC has been installed,
you will need to restore ALITCSF.WAD by typing: DeuSF -restore ALITCSF.WAD
before you distribute it again, else it will contains copyrighted data.
To install on DOOM 1.9, type: INSTALL 1
To install on DOOM 1.666, type: INSTALL 2
To play, simply type ALIEN, and hit enter.
You should not have any problems. I successfully tested this
install more than once, and heaven knows my PC is bug prone.
Even if installation fails, bear in mind that your precious
DOOM files are *not* affected :-)
WARNING: If you lack space on your disk, the modification of ALITCSF.WAD
will fail. ALITCSF.WAD will still be usable, but some junk data might
have been appended at the end, making it unsuitable for distribution.
Replace by the original one.
************************Shameless*Plug******************************
* *
* This install makes use of a new tool called DeuSF *
* If this tool suits your need, check also Olivier's PWAD composer *
* named DeuTex, which he used to rip off and rebuild ALIENS-TC. *
* (ftp.cdrom.com:/pub/doom/deu/deutex##.zip) *
* *
*************************So*Flame*Me********************************
NOTE FOR DOOM ][ USERS: ALIENS-TC cannot work under DOOM2. Get ALIENS-TC for
DOOM2 off: ftp.cdrom.com:/themes/aliens/atc2.zip
Supporting Justin Fisher:
For those interested, here is his snail mail address.
Justin Fisher
7 Nepal pl
Christchurch 5
New Zealand
(hey, id, it might be still time to ask him for a C.V...)
PART TWO - Playing the game!
============================
The Story so far... (skip this if you want to)
LB4-26. The terra forming colony has stopped transmitting
or responding. There is a possibility that this is the result
of an unknown parasitic alien species. Against this possibility,
a military force has been mobilised to investigate.
This information comes from Flight Officer Ripley, she claims
the Nostramos set down on LB4-26 in order to investigate a
transmission, an unidentified alien ship was discovered. While
exploring the ship, a crew member was disabled by an alien
parasite, which deposited an egg inside him before dying.
He became host to an embryo and was killed as it exited his
body. The alien quickly grew and began to attack crew, usually
capturing them, we assume for food. Flight Officer Ripley was
the only survivor, she destroyed the xenomorph by opening an
airlock when the alien was inside.
According to Officer Ripley, the original parasite came
from a large "egg", and that there were thousands of such eggs
in the hold of the alien vessel. If this is correct, and
members of the colony found the alien ship, there may be
hostile alien activity in or around the colony. Your job is to
find out why the colony has stopped responding, and if a
xenomorph is involved, destroy it.
[CLASSIFIED] Ensure that live samples are secured for laboratory study.
Firstly, this game is built around suspense and atmosphere,
you can completely destroy this by using cheats to find out in
advance what everything is (ooh, I wanna see an alien, Light
Amp cheat, degreelessness, happy ammo, etc). RESIST THE
TEMPTATION! The first time you play this will be the best. Not
knowing what is around the next corner is what DOOM is all
about, in other words, when you use cheats, there is only one
possible outcome - you complete the level, there is absolutely
no challenge, which means there is no FUN.
As I said, the first time you play a level is the best, I've
put a lot of work into this conversion and I require that you
enjoy it :-), these are a few basic requirements
1) Pull the curtains and turn out the lights
2) Turn down the monitor brightness so that what is meant to
be dark is actually dark.
3) Set aside at least an hour when there will be little
distracting background noise.
4) Set the music to about half the volume of the sound FX (so
it's there, but not consciously there).
5) Read the rest of this file :-)
6) Play until your nervous system is overriding your motor
control and you can't stop shaking long enough to calm your
heart...
Now, back to the subject.
ALIENS-TC differs from DOOM in a few ways;
For starters, some standard DOOM tactics either don't work, or
result in quick and messy death, don't approach this as
another DOOM conversion, treat it like something new, pay
attention, don't slip into Auto-kill-&-Collect mode and finish
the game while thinking of other things, get immersed, look at
the architecture, predict the layout and how it affects your
plans etc.
Switches - they don't automatically do something good,
think before switching them, you should be able to work out
what they do. A switch next to a door operates that door,
there are three obvious types:
-Green switch; opens the door for either 6 seconds or
until it is closed with another switch.
-Green and Red switch; same as above, but usually only
opens for 6 seconds.
-Red switch; these operate security doors, once hit, the
door closes permanently. These can be used to seal
off areas of the colony, forcing the aliens to find
an alternative route, and allowing much better
defense planning, even adding and element of
strategy to the game (also, in some cases these
will show up on your automap at the start of the
game, make use of the automap).
Switches usually operate something in the immediate
vicinity (ie; a lift, door, landing platform), if you can't see
anything for it to operate, take a risk. :-)
Weapons - you can have up to six weapons at any one time, they
are: -Fists: Not a good idea.
-Pistol: Still not a good idea.
-Shotgun: For close encounters... Good all purpose weapon.
-Pulse Rifle: Combination weapon - 10mm Assault rifle with
underslung grenade launcher. Press 4 to use the
rifle, or 5 to use its grenade launcher (generally
not a good idea... (BTW I used some artistic
license on this one, you can tell which setting
you're using by the colour of the LCD display,
green = rifle, red = grenades)).
-Smart Gun: The 2 metre electric monsters on the
suspension-arms, carried by Drake and Vasquez. These
are pretty specialised and there isn't much ammo for
them, so save it for those special moments.
-Cargo bay loader: Not designed for combat but pretty
intimidating, a last ditch attack when you've run
out of ammo (replaces the Fists when you get it).
I have left a few of these weapon changes pretty superficial,
as they are nicely balanced, but there are still a few subtle
changes. Note: I have disabled weapon 7 in such a way as to be
a liability to those who cheat :) (ie, it will slow you down when
you can least afford it)
The Missions - Each level roughly corresponds to a part of the
film (ALIENS. If you haven't seen it, it doesn't matter but it
is a great film), and you will find each level a lot more
coherent if you know what you're meant to be doing.
Level 1 - Secure the area before moving on further into
the complex.
Level 2 - Atmospheric Processor; find the colonists,
their PDTs indicate they are all deep in the
lower levels of the plant.
Level 3 - Medlabs & Operations; seal off medlabs and
operations closing the security doors and
blowing away whatever gets through. Caution -
there are too many aliens to take out yourself
so _use_ the security doors and don't be afraid
to retreat (stealth is a good idea). When
Medlabs is secure, crawl down the main
pipeline to the landing pad. (to patch
in the colony transmitter.)
Level 4 - Escape from Medlabs; like a normal DOOM level,
retreat from medlabs and try to get to the
landing pads.
Level 5 - In the film, the marines made their escape from
the Atmospheric Processor on the APC. You
don't have one, slog it out on foot. (This
level is designed for Deathmatch, and is big,
to aid in "The Hunt", there are proximity
indicators scattered throughout. This was meant
to be E2M3, but I had to shift it to allow the
secret level to work properly.
Level 6 - Atmospheric Processor; the search for Newt,
find the sector indicated on your automap (red
square). This is another good deathmatch
scenario - very non-linear.
Level 7 - Atmospheric Processor; escape from the hive
and try to make it back to the Processor
landing pad.
Level 8 - The Sulacco; Destroy the Queen and complete the
episode!
Secret Level - The derelict alien host ship. This level was
made by Richard Love, hence is the only level
I have played in which I didn't know what is
coming next - ie playing my creation the way
others will. It was terrifying. It was great.
Extra Levels - (E3M1), originally part of E2M5 D-match wad,
the wad was so huge it didn't run at a playable
speed, let alone networked. I split it, and
made this half a level on it's own.
Play this on Ultra Violence to see what yer
made of! It's probably the hardest level, even
I find this one a challenge.
(E3M2), Level one with a slightly larger
populace...
Just a bit o' fun.
There is no unstable nukage in Aliens, the nearest thing is
filthy water. Hence barrels do NOT explode (I know you'll all
hate that one, but I had no choice - Doom just doesn't have
enough damage frames.), and lakes of water will not harm you
either. Sorry :)
That's all you _need_ to know.
The Aliens - There are five main types; Warriors, Drones,
Queens, Face Huggers, and Eggs. Be warned, the aliens have
extremely corrosive internal fluids, if you fill them with too
much lead or grenades, the result will be a shower of lethal
bio-acid. Eggs hatch, so shoot them quick. Drones can spit
bio-acid at you (I put that in for more variety, it can get
monotonous if all the foes are too similar), you've proved
yourselves to dangerous to the hive to be captured, the
warriors will just concentrate on ripping you to shreds, but
that doesn't mean a frontal assault...
Proximity indicators - These are blue panels inset in the
walls of some levels. When you walk past one, two red lights
flash back and forth for 30 seconds. These are for Deathmatch.
I like _big_ D-match levels, the concept of The Hunt, the
problem is, players leave so little evidence of passage - the
occasional sound, or corpse (which could have been there since
who knows when.) The proximity indicators just make the
hunting a little easier (and introduce new tactics with
players who use them).
Speaking of Deathmatch....
All levels in TC are designed with deathmatch in mind, ie E2M2
is a fairly linear level, but in d-match, you start with all
keys which changes the level into the non-linear style so
vital to d-match. Most levels (with the possible exception of
E2M7) work well for D-match without needing the remove-
monsters option, as you do not _have_ to encounter them to
meet your opponent, but the option is there...
Now play the game!
Type INSTALL to install, and ALIENS to play ALIENS-TC!
PART THREE - Everything else.
=============================
More background information:
The Xenomorph - There appear to be several stages to the
xenomorph's life cycle, and two, possibly three distinct types.
Comparison to an ant colony is a suitable analogy, using that
analogy, the types are Warriors, Queens, and Drones. It is not
known whether drones exist differently to warriors, it is
possible that the warriors perform the tasks of drones, but in
most other similar observed social structures, both warriors
and drones exist and are of a different makeup. In xenomorph
hives, we suspect that when a warrior (or drone) is removed
from it's queen for a long period of time, it develops into a
queen, able to lay eggs and hence create a new hive. This
suggests that a queen somehow limits the growth of aliens
around it, probably a secreted chemical.
The life cycle is equally fascinating. The queen "lays"
large eggs, these eggs are capable of staying dormant for
extremely long periods of time (how long is unknown), and yet
still hatch quickly after being disturbed. a fully developed
"face-hugger" hatches from them. These are the parasitic
element of the life cycle, they are like large fleshy spiders.
When a host is found, the parasite attaches itself over the
face (hence the name) by means of its long legs and tail
(which is wrapped around the neck), where upon it inserts a
tube down the trachea, and deposits an egg or embryo under the
rib cage. The egg will grow for about a week before leaving
the host body by breaking through the ribcage (resulting in
the death of the host). The small "chest-burster" then rapidly
grows into either a queen or warrior.
The Warriors capture hosts and immobilize them in the hive for
the face-huggers (from eggs lain by the queen, and presumably
nurtured by the drones).
At all stages in the life cycle, the alien has extremely
corrosive body fluids, pressurised under the exoskeleton or
skin. The fluids are a sort of biological acid, and is much
stronger than concentrated HCl.
I'm tempted to give more detailed account of the hardware in
the film, but I won't.
Bugs in ALIENS-TC.
There are none. My work is flawless :-)
No, the effects of selecting weapon 7 under the ammo cheat is
not a bug, it's me being nasty to people who cheat.
Alright, there are a few inconsistencies, most notably Apone and others
giving advice when, in the movie analog, they wouldn't be present
(or alive).
In E2M4, at the start where the aliens fall through the roof,
some of them don't... When that happens, if you walk to close
to them, you will run against them like an obstacle, and start
taking damage as they merrily rake you. I can't figure out why
they don't fall like the rest, so you're stuck with it.
I suspect there are a few other minor bugs, but none spring to
mind right now.
It's not really a bug, but the queen alien graphics are a bit of
a mess. I have a good excuse. The queen graphics were made from
video shots of a model, the problem was, I don't own any of the
equipment necessary, which resulted in time and other constraints,
the most destructive being the lack of light control (it wasn't in
a studio), resulting in different light effects through different
frames. I was able to compensate to a degree on the resulting
images by converting them to 24 bit and using light filters, but
the resulting queen is still very patchy and irregular.
Things-I-didn't-have-time-to-put-in-but-will-in-the-supplement:
LOTS of things. The episode map at the end of each level, a
better smartgun explosion, lots more destroyable scenery, an
egg-laying queen hanging from the nest roof, a proper sky
texture, better sounds, lots of things...
Making your own ALIENS-TC levels:
If anyone wants to make an ALIENS-TC level, read the file TC-LEVEL.TXT.
It tells you which monsters are which aliens, which wall textures are
which in ALIENS-TC, etc.
Weird and inconsistent things:
I ran out of graphics and Things when making this conversion,
the result is massive and chaotic frame table patches (so I
could steal every sprite not otherwise in use), if you want
to see how DOOM runs without the graphics patches, but _with_
the .EXE patches, just run DOOM instead of ALIEN. The
results are... strange
Thanks to: (in no particular order)
Me - For doing all the hard work! (Nobody reads this bit
anyway, so why not :-)
Richard Love - For creating level 9, (the secret level) and
the textures peculiar to it.
Olivier Montanuy - For writing the ALIENS-TC install program,
and writing DeuSF.
Cale McCallum - For fixing ALIENS-TC so it works with DOOM v1.9,
and a couple of other misc. things (demos, sound, etc.).
Glenn Fisher - For writing the custom editors, and the
ALIENTC.EXE file.
Darryn Pat - For the use of the Video Blaster (to scan the
queen model).
Darryn Yee - For supplying all sorts of things necessary for
scanning a model, including his home :-)
Jordan Yee - For supplying the model alien queen to be
scanned.
My 486 - For being so reliable, fast and having 24 bit graphics
Vesa is an absolute _must_.
Morpheus - For sending me node builders, and giving me extra D/L
time on his BBS.
IKON Attendants - For giving the beta a thorough play testing.
(It's much better now) :-)
Id Software - Take a guess... a wild stab in the dark, you
shouldn't miss at point blank.
Terry Pratchett - For giving DOOM exemption from the idea that
VR should complement rather than replace reality.
The authors of all the editors, viewers, node builders, hacks,
FAQ's, out there.
The many people who have aided by telling me where I could
find various utilities, giving me new editors etc.
To anyone even remotely connected with this, who would like a
mention. (That was it. Oh, you blinked?)
Me, Again...
That's it for now, and in case you missed my name and net
address (which I've blatantly plastered everywhere I could),
send feedback, comments, problems, criticism etc to:
MISC335@cantva.canterbury.ac.nz
And above all, DISTRIBUTE ALIENS-TC! (I want to see how far
it will get) :-)
BTW, if anyone is interested in what I'm doing next (The hope
is that everyone says "WOW, this guy is a GENIUS!, I can't
_wait_ to see what he does next... :-)" ), but if anyone _is_
interested, with the advent of Doom v1.666, which allows 64
instead of just 16 two-sided linedefs, it's time to make some
M C Escher style rooms, probably as a part of a larger
wad loosely based on the film "Labyrinth" (no, I have no idea how
you spell it) where they can form rooms of Jareths castle.
Another thing I would like to do is actually make a wad which
uses the _original_ DOOM textures, they are incredible graphics
and it seems such a shame to continually over-write them, and
I'm sure I can use them in ways people never thought of before.
(no offence all you level builders, but in my (not excessively vast)
experience of PWAD levels, the true DOOM levels, especially episode
one, still reign supreme in pure imagination). Especially when
you compare them to the ever growing number of PWADs that are
just based on a simplistic concept, ie when viewed in automap, the
rooms form words, or the whole wad is so repetitive that you only
need to see a tiny bit to be able to draw the whole thing - a circle
divided into pie slices, four rooms that connect through the middle
(popular idea in many D-match wads, the reason invariably being
"equal starting points" (I prefer more varied hunting grounds). etc
As you can see from reading this, I really like interesting locations
and architecture, (rather than levels made up of rooms connected by
doors and corridors, of which I am often guilty) Even with it's
limits, DOOM can make fantastic worlds, places that have never
existed, or ever will. The power to experience a world of your own
creation is what I like about making DOOM locations, (and I'm getting
better too :-), I know a few will disagree - there are many PWAD
levels in which the effort has been put into game play, rather than
environment, leaving default textures, not worrying about unpegging
doorways etc. I hope ALIENS-TC has a high level of both elements,
let me know what you thought.
'Till the next virtual creation then...
(If I can find some free time...) :-(
