Hi Everyone.
Just to add to Ralf's post, here is a list of the changes which have been made to the 1.28B, to improve the game even further.
Many thanks to the EAW Code Group, but especially to Kengel, Mr Jelly, Brit44, Crashing Jack, and Sydbod, who programmed most of the changes.
EAW1.28CReadme
(Note: this is a reformat of the original document that was Produced by the Code Committee of the Society of European Air War Contributors (SEAWC), October 2009. ) SEAWC information at Sandbagger's Tally-Ho website on SimHQ Forums. Welcome!
Installation
A one-step installer will upgrade EAW to Version 1.28c. It is a 7-zip self installing file named "128CInstall.exe". It needs to be run in an existing EAW directory as it does not install a number of the standard EAW "CDF" files which we have never modified.
1 Old EAW versions:
Version 1.28c will successfully install over and update all EAW versions.
2 "Eaw.ini file":
If you already have older EAW versions, we recommend making a copy of your EAW.ini control file before running the install. A new "EAW.ini will be created by the install, and some favorite settings may be lost. You can copy and paste them back in later.
3 A new EAW install:
Make a new EAW folder and copy the "DLL" files (except "_SETUP.DLL), the "CDF" files, and the "CHATLINE.TXT" file from the MicroProse or Infogames CD into it. Also copy the "MUSIC" folder.
4 Use the installer:
Copy the installer ("128CInstall.exe") to your newly copied EAW directory, and run it from there. It will automatically adjust files and create needed directories.
Some EAW 1.28C Features
Flying Online:
New hosting options and additional aircraft for up to 16 players. A 'quick flight' routine speeds game play.
New throttle controls:
Engine starts now require throttle management for more realistic flying. No gas, no start. Too much throttle and an explosive "wet start" of flame appears. Engine may be damaged by repeated wet starts or jamming the throttle forward too fast on a cold engine.
Built-in graphics speed checker:
Use CTRL-G. An information screen appears upper right with Frames-Per-Second displayed, along with other aircraft info.
Special names for exes:
You may copy the EAW.exe and rename the file to your unique preference or use one with a different name, such as EAW 1_28c.exe., Eaw-SPAW.exe, Iraq.exe, etc. It works in most Windows operating systems, but for online flying it must be named "EAW.exe".
Aircraft Carriers:
Flying, landing, and fighting at sea is much more extensive now. Options for sea attacks and operations are available in the Mission Screens in hangars. Practice is recommended for carrier landings—don't get too low on final approach. Torpedo runs and dive bombing of warship convoys included. South Pacific Air War (SPAW) is designed for 1.28c.
Flying by the Years and Seasons:
EAW will soon offer a World War I flying scenario for the 1914 to 1918 years. Other scenarios have dates before and after EAW's 'stock' World War II years. 1.28c allows proper dating and seasonal changes of terrains.
Extra Aircraft in Your Flight:
Individual aircraft "skins" (paint and markings) can be shown and fly together in the 1.28 series. In 1.28c up to 64 aircraft from your squadron can be part of a flight. This "multi-skins" number depends on aircraft modders to supply them. It could be more or less than 64 in the game.
Auto Combat:
Default is ON. Change to "0" ( zero) to turn OFF. This allows you to fly on Autopilot and target enemy aircraft or other objects. The AI (Artificial Intelligence) will then fly your aircraft and pursue and shoot. Useful for both new and experienced pilots to watch an "expert" fight and observe and learn dogfight tactics. Autopilot and AutoClimb are already part of the 1.28 series.
Parachutes forbidden (WW1):
Before 1918 dates, 'chutes will not be available to pilots and crew. It was considered cowardly to use them.
War ships, and sea convoy interdiction targets:
A new type of convoy has been added for interdiction missions. Convoys composed mainly of warships can be selected for attack. If you choose either of the two "ship convoys" as target for an interdict mission, only targets that have a "ship convoy" are displayed on the preflight map.
2nd supercharger stage:
A 2nd supercharger stage added for piston engines with high altitude capabilities.
More action codes:
A number of new ones have been added. Most are codes for additional damage types.
Aircraft Formations:
Every nation can have its own formation type. These are inside a "formations.dat" file in the main EAW directory.
Bomber Missions:
The campaign routines have been adjusted to make "bomber campaigns" better, with more dependable escorts.
The V1 slot:
This can now be used as an extra plane slot of another type.
Burn Damage:
Multi- engined planes may lose a wing when a damaged engine burns too long. Tail gunners and AAA (ground fire) will not stop shooting when a plane engine just smokes.
Front Lines:
Front Lines will be displayed on the single mission map by a red line.
Artificial Intelligence:
AI´s will avoid hills rather well now. They cannot be led to crash into a mountainside so easily anymore.
New "EAW.ini" settings (and some reminders)
Eaw.ini file:
This extended control file opens like a text file and may be edited and saved to your personal preferences. Many new features will be added to the ini file during install for 1.28c, so checking this file pays off. Much more extensive than Configure Game, the player's ini file may adjust such things as:
End of Part 1