Check out our Monthly Survey Page to see what our users are running.
We do often include affiliate links to earn us some pennies. See more here.

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.
15 Likes
About the author -
author picture
I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
See more from me
The comments on this article are closed.
30 comments
Page: «3/3
  Go to:

Linuxer Feb 17, 2023
maybe you could send it to the developer? and he could add it to the github and we would all just easily download it and get to play dark forces already

@Avehicle7887


Last edited by Linuxer on 17 February 2023 at 9:45 pm UTC
Avehicle7887 Feb 17, 2023
Quoting: Linuxer
Quoting: Avehicle7887
Quoting: Linuxeroh nice! now we're making progress but are you the developer??

No, but I love compiling stuff whenever I can
Quoting: Avehicle7887
Quoting: Linuxeroh nice! now we're making progress but are you the developer??

No, but I love compiling stuff whenever I can

i thought to try it out and i can see the file and the main page but when i try to download it doesn't:

The page isn’t redirecting properly

An error occurred during a connection to drive.google.com.

This problem can sometimes be caused by disabling or refusing to accept cookies.

now what

I've uploaded the file elsewhere, could you try it? https://ufile.io/3f9vnbyl

Quoting: Linuxermaybe you could send it to the developer? and he could add it to the github and we would all just easily download it and get to play dark forces already

@Avehicle7887

Besides not being very familiar with github (I only know a few basic stuff), I don't wish get involved.

If you manage to download the package and run into further issues let me know though


Last edited by Avehicle7887 on 17 February 2023 at 9:53 pm UTC
Linuxer Feb 17, 2023
Quoting: Avehicle7887
Quoting: Linuxer
Quoting: Avehicle7887
Quoting: Linuxeroh nice! now we're making progress but are you the developer??

No, but I love compiling stuff whenever I can
Quoting: Avehicle7887
Quoting: Linuxeroh nice! now we're making progress but are you the developer??

No, but I love compiling stuff whenever I can

i thought to try it out and i can see the file and the main page but when i try to download it doesn't:

The page isn’t redirecting properly

An error occurred during a connection to drive.google.com.

This problem can sometimes be caused by disabling or refusing to accept cookies.

now what

I've uploaded the file elsewhere, could you try it? https://ufile.io/3f9vnbyl

Quoting: Linuxermaybe you could send it to the developer? and he could add it to the github and we would all just easily download it and get to play dark forces already

@Avehicle7887

Besides not being very familiar with github (I only know a few basic stuff), I don't wish get involved.

If you manage to download the package and run into further issues let me know though

ok nice for being so kind. i got it to download and i extracted and clicked the file theforceengine

but nothing happens. i mean maybe i should just wait for the next version ... im not getting anywhere :/
Avehicle7887 Feb 17, 2023
Quoting: Linuxerok nice for being so kind. i got it to download and i extracted and clicked the file theforceengine

but nothing happens. i mean maybe i should just wait for the next version ... im not getting anywhere :/

You need to launch it from the 'play.sh' file. If that doesn't run it still, chances are you're missing some libraries. Open up a terminal and run the 'depcheck.sh' file, it will tell you what's missing.
Linuxer Feb 17, 2023
Quoting: Avehicle7887
Quoting: Linuxerok nice for being so kind. i got it to download and i extracted and clicked the file theforceengine

but nothing happens. i mean maybe i should just wait for the next version ... im not getting anywhere :/

You need to launch it from the 'play.sh' file. If that doesn't run it still, chances are you're missing some libraries. Open up a terminal and run the 'depcheck.sh' file, it will tell you what's missing.

ok i tried clicking the play file too and it also does nothingh. nevermind i can just wait. i was wondering why those missing things cant be on that zip file ppl download from github? all there and click that play file?
Avehicle7887 Feb 17, 2023
Quoting: Linuxer
Quoting: Avehicle7887
Quoting: Linuxerok nice for being so kind. i got it to download and i extracted and clicked the file theforceengine

but nothing happens. i mean maybe i should just wait for the next version ... im not getting anywhere :/

You need to launch it from the 'play.sh' file. If that doesn't run it still, chances are you're missing some libraries. Open up a terminal and run the 'depcheck.sh' file, it will tell you what's missing.

ok i tried clicking the play file too and it also does nothingh. nevermind i can just wait. i was wondering why those missing things cant be on that zip file ppl download from github? all there and click that play file?

Quoting: Linuxer
Quoting: Avehicle7887
Quoting: Linuxerok nice for being so kind. i got it to download and i extracted and clicked the file theforceengine

but nothing happens. i mean maybe i should just wait for the next version ... im not getting anywhere :/

You need to launch it from the 'play.sh' file. If that doesn't run it still, chances are you're missing some libraries. Open up a terminal and run the 'depcheck.sh' file, it will tell you what's missing.

ok i tried clicking the play file too and it also does nothingh. nevermind i can just wait. i was wondering why those missing things cant be on that zip file ppl download from github? all there and click that play file?

I think you're nearly there, what you're missing are just some libraries. Running the 'depcheck.sh' file in terminal will list what's missing.


Last edited by Avehicle7887 on 17 February 2023 at 10:11 pm UTC
Linuxer Feb 17, 2023
Quoting: Avehicle7887
Quoting: Linuxer
Quoting: Avehicle7887
Quoting: Linuxerok nice for being so kind. i got it to download and i extracted and clicked the file theforceengine

but nothing happens. i mean maybe i should just wait for the next version ... im not getting anywhere :/

You need to launch it from the 'play.sh' file. If that doesn't run it still, chances are you're missing some libraries. Open up a terminal and run the 'depcheck.sh' file, it will tell you what's missing.

ok i tried clicking the play file too and it also does nothingh. nevermind i can just wait. i was wondering why those missing things cant be on that zip file ppl download from github? all there and click that play file?

Quoting: Linuxer
Quoting: Avehicle7887
Quoting: Linuxerok nice for being so kind. i got it to download and i extracted and clicked the file theforceengine

but nothing happens. i mean maybe i should just wait for the next version ... im not getting anywhere :/

You need to launch it from the 'play.sh' file. If that doesn't run it still, chances are you're missing some libraries. Open up a terminal and run the 'depcheck.sh' file, it will tell you what's missing.

ok i tried clicking the play file too and it also does nothingh. nevermind i can just wait. i was wondering why those missing things cant be on that zip file ppl download from github? all there and click that play file?

I think you're nearly there, what you're missing are just some libraries. Running the 'depcheck.sh' file in terminal will list what's missing.

i clicked it but it came with a nag dialog that i should not run the file for secutiry reasons. welll its ok! i will just wait thanks so much anyway.
Hamish Feb 18, 2023
Quoting: Linuxerwelll its ok! i will just wait thanks so much anyway.
You could try running the Windows binaries through WINE if you are that scared of compiling.
Linuxer Feb 19, 2023
Quoting: Hamish
Quoting: Linuxerwelll its ok! i will just wait thanks so much anyway.
You could try running the Windows binaries through WINE if you are that scared of compiling.

what you mean? im not scared. but im not techninal at all either and dont want to be ill just wait for the clickable whatever
Hamish Feb 19, 2023
Quoting: Linuxerwhat you mean? im not scared. but im not techninal at all either and dont want to be ill just wait for the clickable whatever
Nothing wrong with taking the easy way in of itself, but if you go out of your way to NOT acquire knowledge, technical or not, then you are going to be spinning your wheels a lot. Like in this thread.

Running the Windows binaries through WINE is a serious suggestion if you would like to play right now.
While you're here, please consider supporting GamingOnLinux on:

Reward Tiers: Patreon. Plain Donations: PayPal.

This ensures all of our main content remains totally free for everyone! Patreon supporters can also remove all adverts and sponsors! Supporting us helps bring good, fresh content. Without your continued support, we simply could not continue!

You can find even more ways to support us on this dedicated page any time. If you already are, thank you!
The comments on this article are closed.