F.A.Q.
What do I need to install this shipset?
I hate installers / I'm running a customized XWA. Can't I just install it manually bit by bit?
Will there be custom sounds?
Will there be new custom OPTs?
Will there be custom music?
Will there be a custom FrontEnd?
How many missions does this shipset contain?
Will this shipset be UCP-compatible?
Whom will you be playing in the Battle?
Will we get to see all the ships from the movie?
Will we get to fight Buzz Droids?
How does this battle work? Do the ships have holding orders or do they actually move?
How close is the battle to the movie?
What is the goal of the mission?
What do you mean 'find'? I've seen the movie 16 times by now, I know where he is. So what's this all about?
Yay! A massive battle. With so many ships to shoot down I can triple my hit count!
I cannot enter the Invisible Hand's hangar space, I always crash into the shield! What the hell?!?
Obi-Wan sucks. Can I shoot him?
What do I need to install this shipset?
You need a valid copy of X-Wing Alliance(tm), patched to version 2.02. Since this shipset comes complete as installer there's basically nothing else you need. Once you run the installer all you need to do is click "Yes" or "Next" and after a few moments you'll have the hwole thing installed. And don't worry, all critical files will be backed up.
I also highly recommend that you run this shipset on a high-end system with enough memory and a fast graphics card. Otherwise you'll play this mission slideshow-style.
I hate installers / I'm running a customized XWA. Can't I just install it manually bit by bit?
Sure. There'll be two versions available. One as installer and one as a ZIP file containing all the files you need. Further, all OPTs can be downloaded separately as well.
Will there be custom sounds?
Yes, you'll hear certain bits from the movie.
Will there be new custom OPTs?
Yup, a whole bunc of all new custom OPTs.
Will there be custom music?
No, probably not, at least not in the first release.
Will there be a custom FrontEnd?
Partially. This is no TC, just a neat little add-on mission.
How many missions does this shipset contain?
One, for now, but I have ideas for sequel missions.
Will this shipset be UCP-compatible?
No. Since most of the ships included were made after the release of UCP1.1 the slots used will conflict with those used by the UCP. YOu should therefore install this patch onto a clean XWA install.
Whom will you be playing in the Battle?
You will fly as Anakin Skywalker in his yellow Eta-2 Actis-Interceptor. Obi-Wan will be there, too, and will follow you through the battle.
Will we get to see all the ships from the movie?
Yes. You'll encounter every ship from the opening space battle - plus some more, inspired by the novelization. All in all about a dozen different types of ships.
Will we get to fight against Buzz Droids?
No. Although this would be some interesting feature, XWA's limitations don't allow such features :(
How does this battle work? Do the ships have holding orders or do they actually move?
The entire battle is completely scripted. All ships have certain paths that might change depending on their current order. I made the experience that it can be quite an entertainment to leave the battlefield, take a static camera and just watch the ships blast at each other.
How close is the battle to the movie?
As close as I was able to make it. Of course, with the limited resources XWA has to offer I couldn't make it play in dimensions like in the movie, but I've tried to include all key elements necessary. Studying lots of references and watching the DVD over and over again I think I was able to implement some key scenes into the battle that without doubt will remind you of the movie battle. Check out the Battle page for some comparisons.
What is the goal of the mission?
Hey, slowly there! You don't want me to spoil the entire mission right now, do you?. I can say so much: Your objectives are the same as in the movie: find and rescue Chancellor Palpatine!
What do you mean 'find'? I've seen the movie 16 times by now, I know where he is. So what's this all about?
Sheesh...! Just imagine you DIDN'T know where he is. You might accidentally gain some bonus points *hint* *hint*.
Yay! A massive battle. With so many ships to shoot down I can triple my hit count!
Yeah, but be careful what you're shooting at. Remember the movie!
I cannot enter the Invisible Hand's hangar space, I always crash into the shield! What the hell?!?
"Well, have you noticed the shield is still up?" Remember the movie!!
Obi-Wan sucks. Can I shoot him?
No. His survival is crucial for the success of the mission. After trying around long and invain I've decided to set his craft to indestructible.
I love you!
I know.
I HATE YOU!
I have the high ground.