Multiplayer

[Miracles 0]

I have a heavily modified install of woI and would like to play online with a friend.

 

Do we have to have the same mods installed?

[+streakeagle 871]

Clients have to match the host.

So, if you host with all your mods, it will only work if he installs the same mods.

 

If he has an unmodded install and your files match his (other than things you have added) things will work fine.

However, some of your mods may make it so that you can't match his.

 

The safest way to play multiplayer is either have everyone use stock/patched installs or have everyone use the same mods.

If I were you, I would make a separate stock/patched install for online play.

Typically, when I install a Third Wire sim that supports multiplayer, I leave the default install unmodded, then copy the install and paste it to make a separate one for mods.

There are some mods that can be made to a stock install that won't be detected.

For instance, I can add cockpits to the MiGs without breaking anything as long as I don't change the data ini files.

I released a MiG-21 mod for WoI specifically for this purpose: allowing someone to have MiG-21 cockpits without breaking compatibility with stock/patched installs.

 

In my opinion, despite its limitations, there is no better way to play Third Wire sims than online.

As good as the AI has gotten in SF2, it is no match in skill or creativity compared to real people.

Certain online players are exceptionally gifted and can teach others much more about flying/dogfigting than can be learned playing against the AI.

Unfortunately, the older versions that support multiplayer have other limitations while the otherwise much improved SF2 series does not support multiplayer at all :(