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[The Fifth Horseman]

which opens as gobbledygook in Wordpad

Most likely it's binary data. Use a hex editor to open it.

Originally Posted by The Fifth Horseman

Most likely it's binary data. Use a hex editor to open it.

Yep, opened it in a hex editor, no problem.

I just have no idea what to do now I've got it open! I haven't looked at a hex file since school, around 25 years ago! :-(

[The Fifth Horseman]

First you need to know the initial value of the data you're trying to hunt down.

Originally Posted by The Fifth Horseman

First you need to know the initial value of the data you're trying to hunt down.

Can't see much in the way of numerical data in the character area in the hex editor. In fact, there's only one "large" number (33333) in there, the rest seems to be either odd digits or null characters.

Any ideas on how I should track it down? Assuming the info is even in the .dat file, of course!

[The Fifth Horseman]

I forgot one small detail. Sometimes - particularly in case of these old games - some game data can be stored inside the game executable itself. It's rare but it happens.

Do you know the exact value at which the carrier health starts?

Originally Posted by The Fifth Horseman

I forgot one small detail. Sometimes - particularly in case of these old games - some game data can be stored inside the game executable itself. It's rare but it happens.

Do you know the exact value at which the carrier health starts?

I have absolutely no idea. Can't think of an easy way to find out either.

What I'll do is play through until I encounter the enemy carrier, then save the game. Then I can play around with the .dat file and see what changes it makes. Not hopeful, but can't see much of an alternative?

Originally Posted by VFRHawk

I have absolutely no idea. Can't think of an easy way to find out either.

What I'll do is play through until I encounter the enemy carrier, then save the game. Then I can play around with the .dat file and see what changes it makes. Not hopeful, but can't see much of an alternative?

Actually, just had an idea. Both carriers health must be stored in the save game files mustn't they? Otherwise every time you loaded a save game they'd both revert to full health? Might try comparing a save game from before I encounter the enemy carrier with one after I've attacked and damaged it. The differences might give a starting point to investigate.

That make sense?

[The Fifth Horseman]

Yep, good thinking.

[DooMJake]

I hope someone can help me.
When I start this game in DosBox, it doesn't detect the mouse. I tried Ctrl F10 like the manual said, but that didn't help.

[zirkoni]

Originally Posted by DooMJake

I hope someone can help me.
When I start this game in DosBox, it doesn't detect the mouse. I tried Ctrl F10 like the manual said, but that didn't help.

Press F1 in the main menu to access the game options, then F2 to change the input options and select mouse as an input device.