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Continuing the improvements from the previous release that added Linux support, the Modern "Jedi Engine" replacement supporting Dark Forces, mods and in the future Outlaws - The Force Engine has a new release out with lots of upgrades.

Here's what's in the latest update:

  • Implemented midi device types to support system midi as well as midi synthesis.
  • Implemented support for midi synthesis using Sound Fonts (sf2).
  • Implemented support for midi synthesis using OPL3 emulation and the iMuse OPL driver.
  • Implemented the ability to change midi devices and outputs during gameplay, the game music is restarted as needed.
  • Added Roland SC-55 and AWE64 sound fonts.
  • Added support for 800p in the resolution list for the Steam Deck.
  • Update the Readme to reflect that external midi is no longer required on Linux.
  • The midi device now defaults to OPL3.
  • Reduced stack size requirements in the audio system to fix issues on Steam Deck.
  • Linux/CMake: also install the Mods and SoundFonts folders.
  • Linux/Paths: look for support data in the executable directory too.
  • CMake: gitVersion: do nothing if Git is not available.
  • Linux: name executable "theforceengine".
  • Add comments categorizing keywords and noting those which are not implemented.

Check it out on GitHub. You do need the data files which you can get from GOG.

If you've been playing it, be sure to leave a comment letting readers know what you think. I haven't had a chance yet, but I am itching to try it out. Just wonderful to see more open source releases like this, helping classic games pretty much live forever on modern platforms.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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30 comments
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Avehicle7887 Feb 16, 2023
I'm ashamed to say that as a 90's kid I only had ever played the first level back in the day, I guess I wasn't a big Star Wars fan. The game looks amazing at high resolution, I've been playing it for several hours and thoroughly enjoying it.

Supports ultrawide too

emphy Feb 16, 2023
Great!

This game happens to be March's game over at www.dosgameclub.com , so I may actually check it out ^_^
rcrit Feb 17, 2023
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I just finished the fourth level (Research Facility) and it plays fine. It's been decades since I last played it last so I can't say it's exactly the same. The AI doesn't seem particularly aware at all times.
PoliticsOfStarving Feb 17, 2023
I really want to play Outlaws lately but haven’t been able to get it working properly under wine.
Linuxer Feb 17, 2023
ok so the packages here https://github.com/luciusDXL/TheForceEngine/releases/tag/v1.09.100 are

TheForceEngine-v1.09.100.zip 7.8 MB 2023-02-16T19:55:02Z
Source code (zip) 2023-02-16T19:48:03Z
Source code (tar.gz)

but which one do i choose?? the top one is much smaller than the others? why is that? the size is also not indicated on the "source code" ones either? (but they are larger size) why is this? is the 7,8 mb version some sort of "light version"?

what exactly do i do?

Edit: i downloaded the TheForceEngine-v1.09.100.zip and there is an EXE file?? And no Linux .sh or anything? Now i'm even more confused. This is a Wine wrapper?


Last edited by Linuxer on 17 February 2023 at 1:39 pm UTC
whizse Feb 17, 2023
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Quoting: Linuxerok so the packages here https://github.com/luciusDXL/TheForceEngine/releases/tag/v1.09.100 are

TheForceEngine-v1.09.100.zip 7.8 MB 2023-02-16T19:55:02Z
Source code (zip) 2023-02-16T19:48:03Z
Source code (tar.gz)

but which one do i choose?? the top one is much smaller than the others? why is that? the size is also not indicated on the "source code" ones either? (but they are larger size) why is this? is it some sort of "light version" or what?

what exactly do i do with all this?
The first one is Windows binaries.

Sourced code almost always takes more space than a compiled binary.

(You are allowed to download the files and check yourself )
Linuxer Feb 17, 2023
Quoting: whizse
Quoting: Linuxerok so the packages here https://github.com/luciusDXL/TheForceEngine/releases/tag/v1.09.100 are

TheForceEngine-v1.09.100.zip 7.8 MB 2023-02-16T19:55:02Z
Source code (zip) 2023-02-16T19:48:03Z
Source code (tar.gz)

but which one do i choose?? the top one is much smaller than the others? why is that? the size is also not indicated on the "source code" ones either? (but they are larger size) why is this? is it some sort of "light version" or what?

what exactly do i do with all this?
The first one is Windows binaries.

Sourced code almost always takes more space than a compiled binary.

(You are allowed to download the files and check yourself )
Quoting: whizse
Quoting: Linuxerok so the packages here https://github.com/luciusDXL/TheForceEngine/releases/tag/v1.09.100 are

TheForceEngine-v1.09.100.zip 7.8 MB 2023-02-16T19:55:02Z
Source code (zip) 2023-02-16T19:48:03Z
Source code (tar.gz)

but which one do i choose?? the top one is much smaller than the others? why is that? the size is also not indicated on the "source code" ones either? (but they are larger size) why is this? is it some sort of "light version" or what?

what exactly do i do with all this?
The first one is Windows binaries.

Sourced code almost always takes more space than a compiled binary.

(You are allowed to download the files and check yourself )

yes i edited the post now and downloaded and extracted but got even more confused.

i downloaded the "source code" ones now but there is no Linux binary either.


Last edited by Linuxer on 17 February 2023 at 1:42 pm UTC
Klaas Feb 17, 2023
Quoting: Linuxerwhat exactly do i do with all this?
The first one is probably a precompiled version for Windows.

The other ones are automatically generated (by github) source code packages. They are always there for each tagged release of every project. The sizes has never been indicated since they were introduced – I assume it's because they don't really exist until the link is clicked.

You either have to compile the Linux version yourself following the instructions or wait until someone else does it for you.
whizse Feb 17, 2023
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Quoting: Linuxeryes i edited the post now and downloaded and extracted but got even more confused
Yeah, so a binary Linux release is still on the TODO:

"In addition, a Flatpak/snap (or similar) package is planned for version 1.10, alleviating the need to manually compile the project. If you don’t want to compile the code, it might be better to use Windows for now or wait for version 1.10."

From: https://theforceengine.github.io/downloads.html
Klaas Feb 17, 2023
Or take a look at the second comment https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/02/star-wars-dark-forces-source-port-the-force-engine-adds-linux-support/


Last edited by Klaas on 17 February 2023 at 1:46 pm UTC
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