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Getting started
Red Ace Squadron is a flight combat game based around WW1 bi-planes. With simple controls
and few keys to learn, the emphasis is on intense action and exciting aerial manoeuvres.
There are two main modes to the game - singleplayer and multiplayer. Singleplayer allows
you to play a number of missions either for the Allied side or the Central Powers forces,
while multiplayer allows you to dogfight against other real human beings via the Internet or
a LAN connection.
Singleplayer
Two campaigns are available for play - the Allied Forces, and the Central Powers.
To play the singleplayer campaigns, select "Missions" from the main menu,
and choose the mission you wish to play. Missions which are not yet available to play
are marked "TOP SECRET", and must be unlocked by completing earlier missions first.
Each mission begins with a briefing, which will outline the goals which must be
completed for the mission to be a success. On some missions you will also be given a choice
of planes to fly.
Completing both campaigns allows access to "Master Mode". This is a special version
of the singleplayer mode with more enemies and an increased difficulty level to provide an
extra challenge for seasoned fliers. Further bonuses can be unlocked by completing all missions
in this mode.
Game play and Controls
Your plane is controlled via mouse, keyboard or joystick. The mouse controls are
Left Button for machine guns, and Right Button for Bombs/Rockets.
Keyboard controls are Right Shift / Right Ctrl for Accelerate/Decelerate,
Space for Turbo boost (when available) and cursor keys to look around your plane.
You will usually be given a limited amount of bombs or rockets depending on the
mission objectives. On Normal difficulty, you will often be able to replenish your
supply of ordnance at pick-up factories stationed around the landscape.
To receive the pick-up, fly beneath the gantry between the two buildings. Each
different type of factory has a unique symbol to identify it. Pick-ups may take a
little time to replenish once picked up.
Mission objectives will appear in red on the map in the top right hand corner. These
must be destroyed to complete the mission.
In addition, friendly units you must protect may also appear as green symbols - if you allow
them to be destroyed you will see a "Mission Critical Units Destroyed" message, and the mission
will be a failure.
Multiplayer
Multiplayer games can be played either via a LAN (Local Area Network) or via the
Internet. Please note that Internet games may suffer reduced performance if
connection speeds are poor.
Starting a LAN game
To begin a multiplayer session, one player must first set up a server. Under the
Windows Start Menu, locate the Red Ace Squadron folder and click on "Start Server".
Other players can then select "Connect via LAN" from within the Red Ace Squadron game.
Starting an Internet game
There are two methods to play games via the Internet - direct IP connection, or via Gamespy.
- Direct IP connection - the host sets up a server, noting the server's IP
address when the game is set up. This IP address can then be sent via email or
messaging to the other players. To change the IP address on the client, click
on "Change IP Address".
- Gamespy Arcade - download the latest version of Gamespy Arcade, and select
Red Ace Squadron. A list of available servers and currently running games will be shown.
Notes for multiplayer play
Multiplayer requires certain network ports are open (to access from the outside world).
In most cases, if you are playing at home, you will not need to worry about this information.
The ports that you need to open are the following:
- If you are running a server you need to ensure port 6112 is open both ways for TCP
and UDP.
- If you are just running the client you need to ensure port 6113 is open both ways
for TCP and UDP.
If you are unsure how to do this, please contact your network
administrator / internet service provider.
Join game via GameSpy Arcade
If you have not installed Gamespy Arcade, you can do so by using the 'Download Gamespy Arcade'
Shortcut in the Red Ace Squadron section of the Windows Start menu, or you can download
it from www.gamespyarcade.com.
This will take you to the Gamespy Arcade site - follow the links to download and
install the latest version.
Run Gamespy Arcade and select 'Red Ace Squadron' from the 'Games' link in the left hand side.
This will take you to the lobby, providing you with a list
of available servers and players. Simply select a server and click on 'Join Game' to begin.
NB: If 'Red Ace Squadron' does not appear in the list of games check that the game
is correctly installed, then go to the 'Gamespy' menu and select 'Scan for games...'.
If you wish to run your own server, you can choose 'Create Game' from the Gamespy Arcade lobby.
When the game is finished you will be returned to the Red Ace Squadron area.
The Red Ace Squadron Lobby
Once you have successfully connected to a game, you will find yourself in the Lobby.
Here you can see who is currently playing (and how they are doing) and change planes.
Select "Fly" to begin playing.
Game play - Deathmatch
The objective of the multiplayer game is to shoot down as many opponents as possible.
After players have connected to a multiplayer game, and selected "Fly", they
will be started at a random point on the map currently being played by the game they have joined.
Each time a player shoots down an enemy, a kill will be registered, but
accidentally crashing into the landscape will result in a point being subtracted from their total.
Players play on until one player reaches a total of 10 kills; then
scores are tallied and a new round begins, with players voting for the next
level to be played. This will continue as long as the host keeps the server running.
Pick-up factories are available to boost players' planes with add-ons such as
Rockets, Turbo and Health.
During the game you can communicate with other players by pressing T
and typing your text. Hit return to send it.
Also watch the displays which tell you how many kills people have, so you can
ensure you stop others who are about to win.
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