======================= First Eagles / Nov 2008 Readme File ======================= ----------------- Table of Contents ----------------- 1. Update Notes 2. Troubleshooting 3. Contacting Customer Support --------------- 1. Update Notes --------------- This Update brings the First Eagles to the latest code level, fixing many issues reported by users and adding new features to enhance the gameplay. This Update contains all the fixes from previous patches, and it can be applied to any version of the game. Earlier patches do not need to be applied. If you have purchased Expansion Pack 1, you should install the Expansion Pack first before applying this Update. We recommend you install this update over a clean install of the game - uninstall the game first, manually delete the folder to remove any mods not uninstalled, reinstall the game, reinstall the Expansion Pack, then apply the Update. If you have installed any mods to the game, you should back up any changes you've made before applying this Update. Update will delete any files that may conflict with newer files. You should reapply the change to new, updated files installed by this Update. List of changes in this Update include: Nov 2008 -------- * Fixes random crash to desktop while playing Instant Action. Oct 2008 -------- * EASY HUD Option now display labels with name and distance for all active objects. * HARD Targeting Option is changed so objects are always identified. * In-flight map has been changed to show individual aircraft. * The mission date selection on Single Mission screen now shows month and year. * Using the zoom controls on in-flight map will no longer zoom the view after exiting the map. * Campaign engine not generating player mission correctly when low in supply is fixed. * Cockpit ON/OFF toggle not removing the external model when using Medium Shadow option is fixed. * S.E.5a in HARD Flight Model Option is now easier to take-off. Apr 2008 -------- * Shadow option is changed to adjust distance as well as the types of object casting shadow. Low: No shadows are cast. Medium: Aircraft cast shadow only in external view and only at close range. High: Aircraft and some ground objects cast shadow. Unlimited: All objects cast shadow at furthest distance. * Rear view (Shift+F5 by default) is added. * Delete Pilot and View Medal buttons have been added to the Pilot Record Screen. * Better support for dual-analog stick gamepads has been added. * Static aircraft kills are no longer counted as air kills. * AI pilots for player's squadron in campaign now start with higher initial skill level. * Compass for SE5A and Camel cockpits are now functional. * Selection of army Co-operation mission sometimes causing crash to desktop is fixed. * View limits are adjusted correctly for widescreen and Matrox surround gaming display. * Flight model, AI, and campaign engine have all been further tweaked. Oct 2007 (Expansion Pack 1) --------------------------- * Blip Switch control is added for Camel and Fokker Dr.1. When HARD flight model options is used, the throttle can only be set at 0 or 100%. Move the throttle past half-way position to get 100%, or move it below the half-way position to get 0%. Blip Switch key (by default Numpad Enter key or Joystick button 3), while pressed down, can also be used set the throttle to 0%. * During campaign play, unit name is now displayed on HUD instead of aircraft type. * Terrain engine can now use seasonal texture sets, which are automatically selected based on mission date. * Older style German insignia are added - they're used when the mission date is before March 1918. * New and more detailed pilot 3d models are included. * Shadows can now be cast using more detailed geometry model. * Airfields in Single Mission and Campaign play now include randomly placed parked aircraft. * Machinegun fire sometimes not stopping correctly in Multiplayer has been fixed. * Individual aircraft data.ini can now contain customized Dogfight and ground-attack AI Data. * Version numbering system has been changed to show month and year in less ambiguous format. * And many more minor fixes and improvements. ------------------ 2. Troubleshooting ------------------ Troubleshooting Tips Before installing the game, please try the following: - Close all other applications. - Verify that your system meets the minimum system requirements. If you are experiencing difficulties in getting the game to run, please try the following solutions: - Obtain the latest drivers for your video and sound card. - Obtain the latest version of Direct X from: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=2DA43D38-DB71-4C1B-BC6A-9B6652CD92A3 - Install the latest update for your game from: http://www.thirdwire.com/support.htm - Please refer to the readme.txt included on your game CD. - Run scandisk and defragment your drive. ------------------------------ 3. Contacting Customer Support ------------------------------ To obtain further technical assistance regarding this product, please send an e-mail to: support@thirdwire.com. Please be sure to include the following information in your e-mail: · Processor type and speed · Operating System version · Memory (RAM) · DirectX Version · Video Card type · Error messages encountered and where/when you saw them. Or visit our forums at http://www.thirdwire.com/downloads_fe.htm and leave us a message. For all other comments or suggestions, you can contact us by sending an e-mail to: info@thirdwire.com.com --