The project has been published f15se2-ex 0.1.0 — flight simulator port MicroProse F-15 Strike Eagle II on modern systems. The project is based on reconstructed source codes of version F-15 Strike Eagle II v451.03 with addition Desert Storm Expansion Disk 1991.
The project's goal is to transfer the game to modern architectures while preserving the spirit of the original and improving the technical aspects. The game uses a graphical and windowing layer. SDL3, for outputting 3D graphics - OpenGL, the sound works through AdLib emulation based on Nuked-OPL3.
The game is currently fully playable. Rendering and input have been migrated to SDL3, audio is working, joystick support is enabled, and graphics output is via OpenGL.
Main improvements:
- The 15 frames per second limitation has been removed;
- game logic is separated from rendering;
- Controls have become more responsive thanks to event handling via SDL3;
- Added support for modern resolutions and widescreen;
- the picture became sharper thanks to OpenGL and anti-aliasing;
- increased drawing distance;
- The map, radar and target screen are now displayed in high resolution;
- Air targets can be selected in the same way as ground targets;
- Some issues with rendering 3D objects have been fixed;
- The old software rendering can be enabled via F15_RENDER=software.
Assembly under Linux is performed via CMake and Ninja. Ubuntu It is enough to install SDL3 and build the project:
sudo apt install libsdl3-dev cmake --preset base-ninja cmake --build build
After assembly, the executable file must be placed in the directory with game resources or the path to them must be specified using the --game parameter or the F15SE2_DIR environment variable.
The project is still in development, so there are still some issues, but it's already possible to build, run, and play the game. For those interested in improving older C games, this could also be an interesting example of porting a DOS game to a modern stack.
Planned improvements:
- more realistic missile behavior;
- improvement of anti-missile defense systems;
- stronger artificial intelligence of opponents;
- improved gun shooting;
- missile traces;
- a more detailed model of the aircraft damage;
- in-game settings menu;
- improvement of clouds, smoke, land and water;
- full 3D cabin;
- scenario and model editor;
- multiplayer mode;
- reverse port to 32-bit DOS;
- virtual reality support.
Source: linux.org.ru
