MiSTer FPGA Forum

Another DOS game collection? Why not! This one has a slightly different focus than Exo/Flynn, and DOSContainer projects.

We originally published the “Special Sauce v0.0.1” collection a little while ago, and Limi (of AmigaVision fame) reached out to say that he thought it was a good approach, and offering to help with planning, structure, and general infrastructure/marketing tasks, web site, etc.

The collection was renamed to the “0MHz DOS Collection”, and we put up a GitHub repository, as well as a web site at 0mhz.net. We then went on to add a ton more game configurations, and made it into a project with a simple build script for anyone wanting to help out.

This is the first proper release of the new and improved project, and we’re excited to share it with you!

Similar to how AmigaVision “consolizes” the Amiga experience, the goal of the 0MHz Collection is to “consolize” the ao486/DOS experience on MiSTer.

Some of the advantages of 0MHz are:

Simple Launcher — The 0MHz DOS Collection uses MiSTer’s MGL support to let you launch straight into any of the games directly from the top-level DOS Games menu.

One Game, One Setup — Each game is configured as a separate container, running the game off a dedicated (virtual) hard drive file. All relevant settings are in place — appropriate CPU speed, necessary drivers, memory managers, and anything else needed to play the game.

Only the Classics — Only the best of DOS gaming is included. Especially if you are new to the platform, we try to make it easier to find something you like. Most of the major hits from back in the day (based on various online top lists) are included, and complete game series too.

Pick & Choose — Instead of downloading every DOS games in existence, just pick the ones you want to play, since they are all standalone setups. Whether that means only your own personal top 5 DOS games, or the top 100.

NFC compatible — Since it relies entirely on MiSTer’s MGL support, these games can be launched using the NFC reader, should you want to.

Help us make it better:

Check out the 0mhz.net web site for more information.

In the future, we have plans to add new features like QR code support so you can pull up the game manual directly on your phone when launching the game, and we may also look into making a PC XT DOS collection that works in the same way as this setup does. We have lots of ideas for the future. If you want to help out, just let us know!

If you find any issues, or want to suggest games that we may have forgotten, file a ticket in the GitHub issue tracker.

Oh, and if someone wants to take a crack at designing a logo/wordmark for “0MHz DOS Collection” (maybe something based on the MHz LCD segment displays on old PCs?), we'd love to see it! Monochrome vector (SVG), please, so it can be used in e.g. the navigation header on 0mhz.net.

Currently supported games:

• 4D Sports Driving
• 7th Guest
• Abuse
• Aladdin
• Albion
• Alone in the Dark 2
• Alone in the Dark 3
• Alone in the Dark
• Another World
• Archon Ultra
• Battle Chess (Enhanced)
• Battle Chess
• Bio Menace - Episode 1
• Bio Menace - Episode 2
• Bio Menace - Episode 3
• Blood
• Caesar II
• Cannon Fodder 2
• Cannon Fodder
• Civilization
• Colonization
• Command & Conquer Red Alert
• Command & Conquer
• Commander Keen 2
• Commander Keen 3
• Commander Keen 4
• Commander Keen 5
• Commander Keen
• Crime Wave
• Day of the Tentacle
• Descent II
• Descent
• Discworld
• Doom (Ultimate)
• Duke Nukem 3D
• Dune II
• Dune
• Dungeon Master
• Earthworm Jim 2
• Earthworm Jim
• Elder Scrolls - Arena
• Elder Scrolls II
• Elite - Plus
• Elite II - Frontier
• Eye Of The Beholder II
• Eye Of The Beholder III
• Eye Of The Beholder
• FIFA 96
• Flashback
• Full Throttle
• Gabriel Knight
• Gods
• Grand Prix 2
• Grand Theft Auto
• Heretic
• Heroes of Might & Magic II
• Heroes of Might & Magic
• Hexen
• Indiana Jones - Atlantis
• Indiana Jones - Last Crusade
• Jazz Jackrabbit - Holiday
• Jazz Jackrabbit
• Karateka
• Kings Quest II
• Kings Quest III
• Kings Quest IV
• Kings Quest V
• Kings Quest VI
• Kings Quest
• Leisure Suit Larry 2
• Leisure Suit Larry 3
• Leisure Suit Larry 5
• Leisure Suit Larry 6
• Leisure Suit Larry 7
• Leisure Suit Larry
• Lemmings - Oh No More!
• Lemmings
• Links 386 Pro
• Loom
• Magic Carpet 2
• Magic Carpet
• Maniac Mansion (Enhanced)
• Mario Teaches Typing
• Master of Orion II
• Master of Orion
• Monkey Island 2
• Monkey Island
• Oregon Trail - Deluxe
• Oregon Trail
• Out of This World
• Panzer General
• Police Quest II
• Police Quest III
• Police Quest IV
• Police Quest
• Populous II
• Populous
• Prince of Persia 2
• Prince of Persia
• Quest for Glory (Enhanced)
• Quest for Glory II
• Quest for Glory III
• Quest for Glory IV
• Railroad Tycoon
• Raptor - Call of the Shadows
• Risk
• Rogue
• Sam & Max Hit the Road
• Scorched Earth
• Settlers II
• Settlers
• SimAnt
• SimCity 2000
• SimCity
• SimEarth
• SimFarm
• Space Quest II
• Space Quest III
• Space Quest IV
• Space Quest V
• Space Quest VI
• Space Quest
• Star Control 2
• Star Control
• Star Trek - 25th Anniversary
• Star Trek - Judgment Rites
• Star Wars - Dark Forces
• Star Wars - TIE Fighter SE
• Star Wars - X-Wing
• Stratego
• Strike Commander
• Stunts
• Super Cars International
• Syndicate (Plus)
• Syndicate Wars
• The Dig
• Theme Hospital
• Thexder
• Ultima - Underworld II
• Ultima - Underworld
• Ultima I
• Ultima II
• Ultima III
• Ultima IV
• Ultima V
• Ultima VI
• Ultima VII
• Warcraft - Orcs and Humans
• Warcraft II - Dark Portal
• Warcraft II
• Wing Commander - Academy
• Wing Commander - Privateer
• Wing Commander II SpecOps 1
• Wing Commander II SpecOps 2
• Wing Commander II
• Wing Commander
• Wizardry I
• Wizardry II
• Wizardry III
• Wizardry IV
• Wizardry V
• Wizardry VI
• Wizardry VII
• Wolfenstein 3D - Spear
• Wolfenstein 3D
• X-COM - UFO Defense
• X-COM 2
• Zak McKracken
• Zork I
• Zork II
• Zork III

Emubastard wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 4:18 am

Oh, and if someone wants to take a crack at designing a logo/wordmark for “0MHz DOS Collection” (maybe something based on the MHz LCD segment displays on old PCs?), we'd love to see it! Monochrome vector (SVG), please, so it can be used in e.g. the navigation header on 0mhz.net.

Damn good work!
My first thought reading the design a logo was.
"0MHZ inside"
You know instead of
Granted The intel inside era does not have that much with Dos to do.

And no i´m not doing the logo i couldn't draw or make a stick figure to save my life

HECK YEAH!!
I was just getting ready to start playing with the AO486 core!! I was dreading how to configure this core. I know it's a computer core, but the MiSTer (at least how I use it), really is more of a console, using a controller, not a keyboard and mouse. Sounds like this project is attempting to make the computer core feel like a console. I am sure many people will be excited for this aspect.

2 Game Requests - X-Wing and Tie Fighter. Please?

I assume MechWarrior 2 is outside of the capailities? I know I played it on my 486DX2-50, tho it plated a LOT better on my 486DX4-75 Laptop. I have a feeling this game needs that 80487 MathCo Processor.

Emubastard wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 4:18 am

Currently supported games:

• Star Wars - TIE Fighter SE
• Star Wars - X-Wing

Why is an ao486 config file required? It seems shared by all games. Can we set it manually?

I tried Alone in the Dark and it failed to run, and that's the only file I did not copy.

limi wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 5:41 am

Emubastard wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 4:18 am

Currently supported games:

• Star Wars - TIE Fighter SE
• Star Wars - X-Wing

Im stupid. I didnt look under Star Wars. AWESOME!! YAY!!

Newsdee wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 5:42 am

Why is an ao486 config file required? It seems shared by all games. Can we set it manually?

I tried Alone in the Dark and it failed to run, and that's the only file I did not copy.

It needs the ao486.cfg to ensure it runs with the correct settings, yes — you can of course adjust it to your liking after it’s been copied. They are all the same config, just duplicated to ensure you can get a single, standalone game setup and have it work.

Brief instructions here: https://0mhz.net/docs

midline_slippy wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 5:38 am

I assume MechWarrior 2 is outside of the capailities? I know I played it on my 486DX2-50, tho it plated a LOT better on my 486DX4-75 Laptop. I have a feeling this game needs that 80487 MathCo Processor.

Yes, think of it as a 486SX. Probably won’t run that game, certainly not well if at all.

Brilliant project, once current priorities are done i'm all over this, will be testing and feeding back, will have suggestions of my own, and will help out where i can. (screens, ideas, moral support etc.)

Wow - I'm impressed, and agree this is absolutely the way forward for "config-free" period-correct PC gaming.

Salut!

@Emubastard,

That looks awesome!! Thanks for it.

I would have a kind request. Would it be possibile to add Alley Cat?

Thanks a lot!

Quick on the draw as always, here’s PCN with a brief overview:

Dumb question!
Can I run the games from an USB drive?
I am going to spend all night by checking each single game

Alkadian wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:39 pm

Dumb question!
Can I run the games from an USB drive?
I am going to spend all night by checking each single game

I don't see why not. If your other games are working from USB already.

Alkadian wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:39 pm

Dumb question!
Can I run the games from an USB drive?
I am going to spend all night by checking each single game

Yep, I’m running them from my SSD without issues.

Excellent work! Booting games is just seamless this way. Although as someone with no DOS experience (real or MiSTer), I do have trouble with multi-disc games. For Red Alert it wants me to insert a disc with a specific title, but then the ISO files are just called disc 1, 2 etc. I can't tell which disc to select.

Emubastard wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 11:56 pm

Alkadian wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:39 pm

Dumb question!
Can I run the games from an USB drive?
I am going to spend all night by checking each single game

I don't see why not. If your other games are working from USB already.

Super, thanks!

ItalianGrandma wrote: ↑Wed Mar 20, 2024 4:17 am

Alkadian wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:39 pm

Dumb question!
Can I run the games from an USB drive?
I am going to spend all night by checking each single game

Yep, I’m running them from my SSD without issues.

Thanks for confirming.
I am sure I have being doing something wrong then.
For a given game, I have placed these these 2 folders:

_DOS Games/
config/

in the root of my sdcard.

Then I have placed the folder:

games/

on my external usb drive.

But the game won't start. Am I supposed the change the path in the .mgl file?

Thanks!

The following PR I have just created may be of interest:

https://github.com/MiSTer-devel/Main_MiSTer/pull/887

With this, we can indicate in the MGL file, a CFG file associated with a core set. Not only that, but any change to it inside the core will affect only this CFG in core...leaving ao486.cfg, pcxt.cfg or any other of the default config path, untouched with its original configuration.

I will at least use it for my new-features fork, in which I foresee other changes to make more flexible the use of MGL on the x86 platform without the need of having a TapTo device, and always with the aim of also having the possibility of using a single VHD with all the games of interest, and with its own internal launcher from MSDOS.

Example:

<mistergamedescription>
    <rbf>_Computer/PCXT</rbf>
    <file delay="1" type="s" index="2" path="/media/fat/games/PCXT/HDD/PCXT_CGA_Tandy_2.3.1.vhd" cfg="/media/fat/games/PCXT/MGL/config/AlleyCat.cfg"/>
    <reset delay="1"/>
</mistergamedescription>

It would also make sense for it to be inside the reset tag, in any case, it would work in a similar way.

great collection.. is it missing wolfenstein 3d.vhd or am i missing that file?

Think you missing it. It is in the list of containing games.

spark2k06 wrote: ↑Wed Mar 20, 2024 10:16 am

The following PR I have just created may be of interest

Yes, it's a useful solution, which seems easier to use than the core configuration bits. This might replace having to use SYSCTL.EXE from the Ms-Dos, to do things like setting the clock speed, and will make it easier to tweak compared to having to mount the .VHD and edit the autoexec.bat.

There's still something missing from a true "console-like" experience, I don't know if it's possible with the current framework or not:

Right now, this whole collection is made assuming the standard Soundblaster FM music. But what if we wanted to use MT-32 instead (either software or with an mt32-pi module)? In many cases, the difference it's just a tiny .CFG file in the game, so it would be a waste and a huge amount of time to create separate .VHDs just to replace a single file.

The Top300 collection managed this by using a Choice menu before the game starts but, we don't want to spoil the console-like experience, and have the game starting seamlessly, don't we?

If the .MGL file could send custom information to the core, perhaps the autoexec.bat or whatever .bat file is used to start the game, could use it to SWITCH dynamically the .cfg file that controls the sound, but not only, even alternate configs like CGA, EGA, VGA, etc.

Or, what if the .MGL could just pass a custom CONFIG.SYS/AUTOEXEC.BAT files? These might stay in the Mister filesystem in the game folder, same as your solution for a custom AO486.CFG.

Injecting a file into a VHD would be something of a holy grail. Personally I don't see how that would work as the outside of the system would need to be aware of the filesystem that lives on some partition inside the disk image. Breaking that wall in a way this is entirely compatible sounds like a challenge. Is there already work in progress to do this?

I don't know exactly how this might work, if we really need to inject a whole file, or if could at least send some kind of signal from the outside, which the Ms-Dos that runs in the core might use.

Is there anything in the AO486.CFG that might affect something in the core that might be read from Ms-Dos?

In AmigaVision, we use the /shared drive to communicate between the core/scaler and AmigaOS. ao486 supports the same kind of shared drive, I think. Anyway, seems like this should be its own new topic

Alkadian wrote: ↑Wed Mar 20, 2024 9:32 am

ItalianGrandma wrote: ↑Wed Mar 20, 2024 4:17 am

Alkadian wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:39 pm

Dumb question!
Can I run the games from an USB drive?
I am going to spend all night by checking each single game

Yep, I’m running them from my SSD without issues.

Thanks for confirming.
I am sure I have being doing something wrong then.
For a given game, I have placed these these 2 folders:

_DOS Games/
config/

in the root of my sdcard.

Then I have placed the folder:

games/

on my external usb drive.

But the game won't start. Am I supposed the change the path in the .mgl file?

Thanks!

Make sure that the "/media/fat/games/a0486" folder on your SD card is empty.

There may be a couple bios files there like 'boot0.rom' and 'boot1.rom' that need to be moved over to the 'games/ao486' folder on the USB drive.

virtuali wrote: ↑Wed Mar 20, 2024 1:03 pm

I don't know exactly how this might work, if we really need to inject a whole file, or if could at least send some kind of signal from the outside, which the Ms-Dos that runs in the core might use.

Is there anything in the AO486.CFG that might affect something in the core that might be read from Ms-Dos?

This is what I do with the x86 TapTo feature in my new-features fork, more info in the README.md of my repository:

https://github.com/spark2k06/Main_MiSTer

Although I am thinking that TapTo is not necessary, but that the ID can be passed from the MGL. In any case, it is stored in CMOS memory, available both in PCXT and ao486 (but it was not accepted by sorgelig, hence my fork)... it is a limited memory, but then we can use it as a game launcher, with whatever features. But as @limi says, in order not to make this thread more dirty, if you want we can discuss it in the thread about this fork:

viewtopic.php?p=84458#p84458

Psygho wrote: ↑Wed Mar 20, 2024 11:50 am

Think you missing it. It is in the list of containing games.

the folder on archive for wolf3d is 1.41k, there isn't a vhd in that folder.. am i missing something??

ItalianGrandma wrote: ↑Wed Mar 20, 2024 1:59 pm

There may be a couple bios files there like 'boot0.rom' and 'boot1.rom' that need to be moved over to the 'games/ao486' folder on the USB drive.

Ah! Thanks for clarifying. This is what I have forgotten to do. I will check it out as soon as I get home.

bazza_12 wrote: ↑Wed Mar 20, 2024 2:59 pm

Psygho wrote: ↑Wed Mar 20, 2024 11:50 am

Think you missing it. It is in the list of containing games.

the folder on archive for wolf3d is 1.41k, there isn't a vhd in that folder.. am i missing something??

I have noticed that too.