Project Published f15se2-ex 0.1.0 — flight simulator port MicroProse F-15 Strike Eagle II for modern systems. The project is based on reconstructed source codes of version F-15 Strike Eagle II v451.03 with the addition of Desert Storm Expansion Disk from 1991.
The aim of the project is to port the game to modern architectures while preserving the spirit of the original and improving the technical aspects. The graphical and windowing layer uses SDL3, for 3D graphics rendering — OpenGL, sound is managed through AdLib emulation based on Nuked-OPL3.
Currently, the game is fully playable. The rendering and input have been ported to SDL3, sound is operational, joystick support has been added, and graphics are rendered through OpenGL.
Key Improvements:
- The limit of 15 frames per second has been removed;
- game logic is separated from rendering;
- controls have become more responsive due to event processing through SDL3;
- support for modern resolutions and widescreen has been added;
- the visuals are sharper due to OpenGL and smoothing;
- the drawing range has been increased;
- maps, radar, and target screens are now displayed in high resolution;
- air targets can be selected just like ground targets;
- some issues with 3D object rendering have been fixed;
- the old software rendering can be enabled via F15_RENDER=software.
Building for Linux is done through CMake and Ninja. On Ubuntu, just install SDL3 and build the project:
sudo apt install libsdl3-dev cmake --preset base-ninja cmake --build build
After building, the executable file should be placed in the game resources directory or the path to them should be specified using the --game parameter or the F15SE2_DIR environment variable.
The project is still in development, so issues remain, but it's already possible to build, launch, and complete the game. For those interested in modifying old games in C, this can also serve as an interesting example of porting a DOS game to a modern stack.
Planned improvements:
- more realistic missile behavior;
- enhancement of countermeasure systems;
- stronger artificial intelligence of opponents;
- improved cannon firing;
- missile trails;
- a more detailed damage model for the aircraft;
- in-game settings menu;
- enhanced clouds, smoke, terrain, and water;
- a fully functional 3D cockpit;
- scenario and model editor;
- multiplayer mode;
- reverse port to 32-bit DOS;
- support for virtual reality.
Source: linux.org.ru
