3D Realms Online Store overhaul

[Bryan3DR]

...bet you thought that Goodbye meant there will be no more updates ever? That was a Goodbye from the development team.

Anyway, I'm here to report on an update I have posted to the 3D Realms online store. As some of you may have noticed, 3D Realms ceased shipping physical product right around the time we posted the Goodbye story. We went to downloads only, and we're here to report that this will remain the same. 3D Realms will no longer ship physical product of any kind. We are however, continuing to make available our older titles via registered download.

Available now in the online store is our new product line of registered downloads. This is a complete overhaul, too. It's not just the same files we had in our old store in a new store. All of them have been redone with a new installer, and most importantly a new DOSBox wrapper. Our previous downloads were the original DOS games, which for a lot of people who weren't familiar with the original DOS commands was a difficult thing. DOSBox gets around that, and all of the old games have this included, so you will be able to run them from Windows quite easily. The new installers will install the game through Windows (even works in Vista), and you can click on them with icons, and all that good stuff. This was no easy task to rebuild the entire product line like that. A major thanks goes out to former 3DR staffer Joe Siegler for doing all of this on his final two days at 3DR. Also, a big thanks goes to Peter Veenstra from the DOSBox crew for helping out in testing the builds. There's no way this could have come together so quickly without these two guys.

But that's not all! In addition to all the games we previously had in our online store, we've also made some available that we never sold as registered downloads before - or just haven't sold in awhile. New additions to the 3D Realms online store include Duke Nukem 3D, Shadow Warrior, Terminal Velocity, Death Rally, & Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project! Also available again after a rather long wait is Balls of Steel! You can buy all of these, plus all the previously available titles by visiting our online store by visiting http://www.buy3drealms.com.

And if that wasn't enough, don't forget that we have released several of our legacy titles in the past via freeware. Check out our list of freeware releases here.

[AllAmericanJBert]

WAHOO!!!! I now have to wait till I get money...

[JAB]

Already got Balls of Steel and tried it. Love it.

[Jeffpiatt]

actually i might rebuy some of the games just to have an easier dos box wrapper. also now math and word rescue can babysit an new generation.

[MusicallyInspired]

It's for people who've never bought it before.

[JAB]

Originally Posted by MusicallyInspired

It's for people who've never bought it before.

Or for those who are interested in rebuying these easely launchable games.

I for one never bought a whole lot of these games. And playing the shareware versions gets dull after a short time.

The DosBox wrapper is just a plus for me, since I never got into using DosBox. And I do not think I'm the only one happy about the fine work Joe did with this.

[fast-1]

That's great Bryan, lot's of games. Now we can buy them without any trouble playing in Windows.

Can you pay with paypal ?

[Kennerado]

Looks pretty good, oh and by the looks of it you CAN use paypal but its charged in US dollars.

[nebiatsu]

Woot.

Been waiting for Shadow Warrior to be available on GOG, but it never was.

Just got my Lo Wang on.

[kibmcz]

Not bad not bad... Blake Stone catches my eye . Tho why would I buy a single Commander Keen game for $5.99 when i can get Keen 1-5 on Steam for $4.99 (Other than supporting 3DR)

Just my point of view... nice to be able to buy some of the games from my past easily

[Jeffpiatt]

I am a little miffed abou that fact ID sell from there site Keen 1-5 for 10.00 i have to pay double for both from apogee.

[Joe Siegler]

Originally Posted by Jeffpiatt

I am a little miffed abou that fact ID sell from there site Keen 1-5 for 10.00 i have to pay double for both from apogee.

Huh?

First off, if you already have them, you don't need to rebuy anything - it's not like the underlying games are new. And the DOSBox stuff I put in the installer is something you can create on your own with DOSBox.

Second, it's $11.98 for all of them from 3DR, and $10 from id. That's not exactly a huge difference here.

[Stele007]

I purchased the Manhatten Project off this new site yesterday (since I enjoyed Duke Nukem 2 so much but never knew of this game before), ran the installer I downloaded. But when I tried to run the game, it told me to insert the CD-ROM. I definitely didn't get a CD since this is a digital purchase, and I don't see any CD images in the installed folder either. Am I missing something...?

[kibmcz]

Originally Posted by Joe Siegler

Huh?

First off, if you already have them, you don't need to rebuy anything - it's not like the underlying games are new. And the DOSBox stuff I put in the installer is something you can create on your own with DOSBox.

Second, it's $11.98 for all of them from 3DR, and $10 from id. That's not exactly a huge difference here.

The one on steam has episodes 1-5 for slightly less than single episode on 3dr. That's the point.

Now a bundle here with Keen 1-6 and a bonus of Keen Dreams would definitely beat the ID offer on Steam.

[Joe Siegler]

Originally Posted by kibmcz

The one on steam has episodes 1-5 for slightly less than single episode on 3dr. That's the point.

He mentions "paying double". That's what I"m getting at. That doesn't make any sense.

[kibmcz]

Originally Posted by Joe Siegler

He mentions "paying double". That's what I"m getting at. That doesn't make any sense.

ah ok... somehow missed that

[Joe Siegler]

Originally Posted by Stele007

I purchased the Manhatten Project off this new site yesterday (since I enjoyed Duke Nukem 2 so much but never knew of this game before), ran the installer I downloaded. But when I tried to run the game, it told me to insert the CD-ROM. I definitely didn't get a CD since this is a digital purchase, and I don't see any CD images in the installed folder either. Am I missing something...?

So it does. That's a mistake - I'll look at my source files. I probably got the DRM copy in there by mistake. If it is a problem, I'll get Bryan to update the store, probably will need to redownload I would imagine.

[Stele007]

Ah, thanks. I'll make sure to check back occasionally and see when it's fixed.

[Joe Siegler]

It's already been corrected. I fixed it here, then walked down to Bryan's house (he lives on the next street over from me) with the game on a flash drive. He's going to upload it from home so it should be there later tonight, I would imagine.

[Phayzon]

Did anything ever happen with Shadow Warrior's music, or is it still unavailible?

[Joe Siegler]

Bryan told me the fixed Manhattan Project is in the store. If you go there and re-download your order, you'll get the new one.

[shiranui]

I'm not buying Shadow Warrior until audio files are released. FLAC would be nice, but I'll settle for mp3s and a cue sheet.

Make it happen!

[BadScout]

Woot. That's good news, I'll be getting some stuff for sure. Just not right now, spent too much on music lately...

[PimPamPet]

Originally Posted by shiranui

I'm not buying Shadow Warrior until audio files are released. FLAC would be nice, but I'll settle for mp3s and a cue sheet.

Make it happen!

I agree. Selling the game without the audio tracks is retarded. That can be easily fixed by adding a cd-image with the audio tracks in the game folder and mounting it in DOSBox by means of a .conf file used at startup. GOG.com did this exact thing with their release of Redneck Rampage. Works like a charm and what's a few extra 100 megs anyway nowadays?

Joe, this problem really needs to be corrected. Please look into it.

[Phayzon]

GOG.com also did it with Descent. The CD image would be the best, but if Joe/3DR feel it really is too big then even some MP3s so you could burn them or make am image yourself would be good.

[sb742]

Originally Posted by Joe Siegler

Huh?

First off, if you already have them, you don't need to rebuy anything - it's not like the underlying games are new. And the DOSBox stuff I put in the installer is something you can create on your own with DOSBox.

Second, it's $11.98 for all of them from 3DR, and $10 from id. That's not exactly a huge difference here.

Still much cheaper on Steam, however.

[DOSGuy]

Originally Posted by PimPamPet

I agree. Selling the game without the audio tracks is retarded. That can be easily fixed by adding a cd-image with the audio tracks in the game folder and mounting it in DOSBox by means of a .conf file used at startup. GOG.com did this exact thing with their release of Redneck Rampage. Works like a charm and what's a few extra 100 megs anyway nowadays?

Joe, this problem really needs to be corrected. Please look into it.

Originally Posted by Phayzon

GOG.com also did it with Descent. The CD image would be the best, but if Joe/3DR feel it really is too big then even some MP3s so you could burn them or make am image yourself would be good.

Guys, could you please stop making demands on Joe? He doesn't work for 3DR any more.

[ShadeEX]

The build setup file (bsetup.exe) that comes with the shadow warrior purchase dosn't run..

It's missing dos4gw.exe to run. I fixed it by temporarily copying over a dos4gw.exe from my redneck rampage install.

But is it something that you people at 3DR could fix please.

[mental stampede]

Alright! Downloading ROTT and Balls right now. I might have to get DNMP later just to avoid the CD check.

[Joe Siegler]

Originally Posted by ShadeEX

The build setup file (bsetup.exe) that comes with the shadow warrior purchase dosn't run..

It's missing dos4gw.exe to run. I fixed it by temporarily copying over a dos4gw.exe from my redneck rampage install.

But is it something that you people at 3DR could fix please.

That came straight off the Shadow Warrior CD. If this doesn't run, then the CD's we've been selling since 1997 don't work, either.

Also, regarding "you people at 3DR".. Please read my sig.

[PimPamPet]

^ Joe (and DOSGuy), I understand that. I was just thinking you might be able to get somebody to look into the cd-audio thing. My intention wasn't to pressure you or anything. I understand you're no longer an employee of this company nor are you obligated to do anything.

I just think it should be fixed so people can play the game with the soundtrack.

[Joe Siegler]

If it wasn't for me busting my ass the last two days I worked there, you wouldn't have it at all. Some people....

[Jeffpiatt]

wow i do feel that it is sad that duke can handle hordes of mutant alien scum but the 4chan.org crowd can take him down. can we stop pestering them they did what they could on a budget of zero and a pink slip deadline. it's not like they plan on paying him to make us the hoard happy.

[ShadeEX]

Originally Posted by Joe Siegler

That came straight off the Shadow Warrior CD. If this doesn't run, then the CD's we've been selling since 1997 don't work, either.

Also, regarding "you people at 3DR".. Please read my sig.

Yeah I know about you not working there Joe.. Again sorry about the whole situation, it's tough

I didn't say that too offend or anything honest

I just thought that if any fixes needed too be made it would be the responsibility of current employees... Again sorry if I offended that wasn't my intention at all

I'm happy that all the work was put in this so people can still buy old Apogee / 3DR / Pinball Wizards games

In any case it's easy to fix for other people wanting to setup build just copy over a dos4gw.exe to the sw directory and the issue is fixed.

[EternalSonata]

I'm glad to see the revised prices that are on par with a service like GoG. However, can anyone confirm if Terminal Velocity has the FMV cutscenes that are on the CD version and if Death Rally has everything from it's CD-ROM as well?

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by Joe Siegler

If it wasn't for me busting my ass the last two days I worked there, you wouldn't have it at all. Some people....

Joe,

You were in work so busting your ass is expected, that's what a job is. I don't understand your argument here. Nobody is going to thank you for doing what you are meant to do.

I would recommend if you can't help fix this (and if you're not being paid any more there's no reason why you should) you at least refrain from comments like this as it comes across as very disrespectful to the people who worked to afford these products.

No offence. Thanks

[AllAmericanJBert]

Originally Posted by ShadeEX

... In any case it's easy to fix for other people wanting to setup build just copy over a dos4gw.exe to the sw directory and the issue is fixed.

Just go to Ken Silverman's site to download it... but wait a moment! I thought that most "high budget" DOS games bundled the dos4gw executable file with the main game executable, that's what DOOM and Duke3D did. I honestly never played Shadow Warrior, so I don't know...

[Joe Siegler]

Originally Posted by Lucky

You were in work so busting your ass is expected, that's what a job is. I don't understand your argument here. Nobody is going to thank you for doing what you are meant to do.

The only reason it was done because I didn't want to do anything else. Had someone not had the drive to finish it, it wouldn't have happened. My point here is what people do you know do projects on their last day that dwarf the amount of work they did in the several weeks leading up to the last day?

Your point is valid that I'm working, yes on that last day - but how many people kick it into overdrive, do way more work than usual on their last day - and stay about 3-4 hours after they're done just to make sure it's finished? Most people would say "screw it", slack off on their last day and go "What are they gonna do - fire me?"

I'll probably look at the SW music thing at some point, but the expecations here.. no almost outright demands for me to work on something for my former company just rubs me the wrong way. And to be honest, makes me disinclined to want to work on it. The actual people left working at 3DR have other things to do than work on THIS. Scott & George are dealing with the lawsuit thing, and Bryan still works there for now, but he's got other things on his plate than Shadow Warrior music. The lack of perspective here is what rubs me the wrong way the most.

---------- Post added at 05:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:00 PM ----------

Originally Posted by EternalSonata

I'm glad to see the revised prices that are on par with a service like GoG. However, can anyone confirm if Terminal Velocity has the FMV cutscenes that are on the CD version and if Death Rally has everything from it's CD-ROM as well?

I put the the cutscene videos from the TV CD on there. They're in the downloadable file.

What do you mean by "everything" from the Death Rally CD? Be more specific please.

[EternalSonata]

Originally Posted by Joe Siegler

I put the the cutscene videos from the TV CD on there. They're in the downloadable file.

What do you mean by "everything" from the Death Rally CD? Be more specific please.

The Death Rally CD IS 575MB, most of it being taken up by the 488MB "CINEM" folder. I'm guessing those are cinematics? And what is the purpose of the huge "DR.IDF" file? Some sort of copy protection? I think Duke Nukem 3D: Atomic Edition had something like that too.

Just making sure everything was there before I bought them.

[DOSGuy]

Originally Posted by Joe Siegler

Your point is valid that I'm working, yes on that last day - but how many people kick it into overdrive, do way more work than usual on their last day - and stay about 3-4 hours after they're done just to make sure it's finished? Most people would say "screw it", slack off on their last day and go "What are they gonna do - fire me?"

I worked a couple of contracts before I became permanent, and I can tell you that I pretty much showed up for my last day just to say goodbye to my friends. I think that's what last days are for.

It's been said before, but I'll say it again: thank you for doing this, Joe. If you hadn't, no one would have, so we're doubly grateful that you took on this project.