WHAT IS DOOM/MASTER : Doom/Master (DM) is the most complete shell for
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA loading and configuring DOOM from id Software.
DM has been designed and coded by an avid DOOM player, with input
coming from many other DOOM players as to functionality and features.
DM 3.0 is the newest in the line, and I think you will agree, is by far
the best ever. When I started to upgrade DM 2.1, I decided to start
over from scratch. Many of the bugs inside 2.1 were the product of
trying to patch together code that was never designed to be used by
anyone other than the 3 people it was originally written for. The
result is a lean, mean, frag'n machine.
DM 3.0 is really made up of 3 separate programs that work together.
The first is DOOM/MASTER itself (DM.EXE). This is the main shell and
where you will be spending most of your time. Second is DMSERDRV.
Originally a quick fix that would allow DOOM to play via modem at
speeds of 14.4 and above, it has grown in to an integral part of
DOOM/MASTER. Finally, there is DMSERCFG, a program that helps take the
bite out of moDOOMing. An easy to use, modem quick configuration
program that will not only setup DMSERDRV, but SERSETUP from id
software. It takes what can be quite a trying process and makes it
easy as pie.
So, sit back and get ready for the ride of your life...
NEW FEATURES IN 3.0 : DOOM/MASTER 3.0 has been completely rewritten.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA So there are many, many new features. The most
important aspect of the new DM is it is no longer just a shell.
Instead, think of DM 3.0 as a player database. Where DM 2.1 revolved
around a bunch of options, and oh yea, it had a phonebook, DM 3.0 is
based completely around the player. In 2.1, he was a name, in 3.0 he
(or she) is a person. A person complete with a Name and/or a Handle,
even a rating. And with DM 3.0, each and every player has his/her own
set of options, completely separate from any other players.
The next big new feature is pwad support. PWADS, the external levels
created by you and me are quickly becoming the "hottest" thing. Many
of us have 100+ different PWADS that we play around with and we all
have the same problem... almost every PWAD out there replaces E1M1!
Some of the other shells have tried to solve this problem by allowing
you to edit the episode and mission information for that WAD. But what
if it has graphic and sound that go with it. Or what if you want to
play that level two times in a row. ONLY DOOM/MASTER gives you
complete PWAD control. DM uses an intelligent LEVEL EXTRACTOR to give
you the ability to play ANY level, in ANY pwad, in ANY order, as ANY
episode/mission. It will automatically convert sound and graphic patch
files (it's even smart enough to know to convert the F_SKY textures) to
fit the way you want it to play.
Not only can you rip the guts from any PWAD, you can play with them
too. DM 3.0 has a powerful ITEM/LIGHT/FLOOR randomizer built right it.
Now, you can have a different level each time you play. Most
randomizers allow you to change the items, but we took it 3 steps
further. First, DM 3.0 also allows you to randomize the lighting in
the level. Now, light areas can be dark, and dark areas can be light.
This feature alone puts such a new spin on DOOM, it has to be tried to
be believed. On top of that, DM can be made to randomize the way the
lights work (either blinking or pulsing) and if the floor is filled
with death-slime. Finally, with DM 3.0 you can randomize DEATHMATCH
starts. No more unfair advantage, just randomize it. Best of all, DM
can be synchronized on 2 machines, by entering the same seed, so it
will create 2 PWADS that are EXACTLY the same, allowing for completely
random deathmatch games (all in UNDER 15 seconds on a 486dx2-
66)...amazing..
A player database, god-like PWAD support, and randomization, what more
could you ask for.. How about CD-ROM audio support, a new skill level
(PRAY TO GOD) that makes NIGHTMARE look like a wet dream, full support
for DOOM 1.4, 1.5, and 1.6; including TURBO speed, response files,
alternate deathmatch... the WORKS. If it can be done in DOOM, it can
be done a lot easier in DM.
And we did not stop just with DM. DMSERDRV has been completely redone
also. Sure, its still the same old reliable driver it always was, but
now, it supports both DOOM 1.2, and DOOM 1.5 (and 1.6) connection
methods. This means it's fully compatible with almost EVERY serial
driver out there and is the only driver to be compatible with DOOM
1.6's SERSETUP. Also, with the addition of the "-nohangup" switch,
DMSERDRV can be used with DM, to allow you to exit a modem game, change
your settings, and go right in to the game without hanging up. It has
busy signal detection (yes, it will redial for you) and can tell if you
don't have the phoneline hooked up. My god does it ever end.
As you can see, DM 3.0 is the complete shell for DOOM. Don't even
bother unzipping any other.
