======================== TA:ESC GOLD 9.4.0 Readme ======================== INSTALLATION ------------ In order to install and play TA:ESC (aka 'ESC') properly, you should already have an original copy of TA (aka 'OTA') already installed along with the Core Contingency expansion pack. TA is widely available for a very low cost (sometimes free) at GOG.com or on Steam. TA installed via the original CDs are also supported (3.1 Patch is not required) as is the TA 3.9.02 Community patch available at tauniverse.com (this is only optional and not required for ESC, however). If you already have ESC (and the TA:Demo Recorder installed), you can just skip over to STEP_3 and simply unzip/copy the contents into wherever ESC is currently installed (or into your default OTA folder if this is a fresh install). If you are installing ESC for the first time, simply follow the steps in the install file. Before unzipping/copying ESC you may also want to rename your current OTA totala.exe to totala_OTA.exe for backup purposes (in case you want to switch back to or play OTA later). If you don't currently have the Demo Recorder installed and want to watch ESC multi-player recordings, start with STEP_2 and run the installer. Follow the instructions after you begin the install. NOTE ***When installing TA Demo Recorder, make sure to change your install path such that ../tademo is under your current TA and ESC folder!*** IMPORTANT! If you installed the Demo Recorder (or already have it installed), be sure to remove or rename both dplayx.dll and ddraw.dll. ESC uses custom versions files called eplayx.dll and edraw.dll whic are installed in STEP_3 Now copy over all of the contents from STEP_3 into your main TA folder. STEP_4 is only needed if you are running Windows 10 without DXWND. These files will ensure that your ESC install is running at the fastest speed possible for Windows 10. Do not use STEP_4 with Windows 7 as they are not required and my slow your game's performance. If you are having issues with any options, especially with Windows 10, it is recommended that you try DXWND, or failing that, the optional HOTFIX in STEP_5. Note: ***Do NOT install HOTFIX/STEP_5 unless NO other options work! HOTFIX greatly reduces game performance and lacks many of the advanced features included with standard TA:ESC.*** If you have any questions or need help, you can find us at the following sites: TA Universe Forums - https://www.tauniverse.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=144 Discord - https://discord.gg/W2ErD5H SETUP SUPPORT ------------- A few items for Windows 10 troubleshooting... For non-DXWND installs (full screen, classic mode), be sure to set your totala.exe compatibility mode (via right click, properties) to Windows XP, SP2 or SP3. Also be sure to uncheck any DPI scaling options. You may also need to do the same with edraw.dll. It is also recommended that you set your desktop view settings to 100% and your desktop screen resolution to match your desired resolution in TA (even if for just playing the game). Error: Environment Initialization Failed! Check your DirectX setup - If you get this message when launching the game do the following: - Rename, move, or remove ddraw.dll and dplayx.dll frm your TA folder. These are legacy files that disrupt ESC's updated direct draw and direct play functions found in edraw and eplayx. - Set your compatibility mode for totala.exe (right click -> properties) to Windows XP SP2/3 - Make sure your TA is NOT installed under Program Files (x86) or Program Files AI & MISSION SUPPORT -------------------- As of v9.3 AI support is currently be handled outside the mod via TAfan97. TAfan's latest updates can be found at: https://www.tauniverse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45894 We will eventually merge full AI support back into ESC as development of final units complete. Mission support is also currently disabled, but will be added back in a later version also - again pending final unit completion and overall balance. CREDITS: -------- ESC was created, and is currently developed and maintained, by Wotan and The Registered One (aka TRO) along with (on again, off again) WaRLOrD with buildpic, menu, mission, and tileset work. If we neglected any crucial contributors (early or later years) below, we apologies in advance and please let us know! Over the years there have been many contibutors to the amazing success of this mod including: Engine/Back End: -Admiral_94 for multiple engine enhancements to totala.exe! -AJH/Thaldren for added work on edraw.dll enhancements making TA performance optimal for Windows 10! -R1ME for multiple eplayx.dll updates! -Sweedish Yankspankers for TA Demo Recorder - an awesome addition to TA! -Xon for crtical scripting extensions that greatly expand the capabilities of TA! -xpoy for awesome edraw based updates including megamap, pathfinding, and custom ini configurations! Modding Support: -Archdragon for several concepts that launched a dozen more! -Boogilizer for early mod and script support -Draken and KMKickle for Installers -IDEC for crazy weapon and script concepts and very useful unit and weapon tag guides! -Keeper/Snake for custom side colors along with native support via totala.exe and early AI addons! -MattyWS for in game GUI resource bars and side panels and a revised Arm Seaplane Plant build pic! -Nightmare for early AI support -Vohvelieläin for supporting scripts, object parts, and new game concepts! -TAfan97 (with help from Fortitude) for ongoing and dedicated advanced AI and bugfix support! -Zodius for the most awesome and advanced walking scripts ever created! -Zwzsg for advanced, and often, experimental scripting techniques (especially transports)! Player Support: -FN for TADA and Competitive Escalation! -Harald, Ramp for Discord setup Skirmish/Bug Testing/Feedback: -DannyU, Fauffi, Fortitude, REDshift Unit/Play/Guides: -Dioxide, Woody Maps (ESC Focused): -Dioxide, Dirty Harry, Norfolk, Race, Toaster Multiplayer (PRO) Balance Testing (9.x): -Dioxide, Dirty_Harry, Exe, Harald, Nemtudom, Lordvedor(FR), Race, Rampage, TAG_ROCK,