In an exciting development for retro gaming enthusiasts, developer hanatos has released Sioux, an open-source engine aimed at breathing new life into the 1997 helicopter combat simulator Comanche 3. Similar to how GZDoom modernized the classic Doom, Sioux attempts to create a modern platform for this beloved vintage title.
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| An intense combat scene from the helicopter simulator Comanche 3, highlighting the explosive action players can expect with the new Sioux engine |
Project Overview
Sioux functions as a drop-in replacement engine that requires the original game's resource files to operate. The project demonstrates the ongoing community effort to preserve and enhance classic games through open-source development.
Current Features and Limitations
The engine currently offers:
- Basic helicopter flight dynamics using aerofoil systems from FlightGear
- Support for both keyboard and DualShock 4 controller inputs
- Mission support (with c1m3 being the most playable)
- Basic texture and object rendering
- SDL2_mixer audio support with FluidSynth compatibility
However, the developer is transparent about the project's early state, noting several limitations:
- Incomplete trigger-based scripting system
- Basic enemy AI that prevents crashes but lacks sophistication
- Limited object animation support
- Simplified weapons system with placeholder rockets
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| A detailed control guide for Sioux, illustrating both keyboard and DualShock 4 configurations for an immersive gaming experience |
Ambitious Future Plans
The project's roadmap includes several sophisticated features:
- Implementation of advanced shading systems
- Global illumination or equivalent lighting solutions
- Weather and wind simulation using fluid dynamics
- Enhanced flight dynamics with improved rotor mechanics
- Vulkan rendering support with RTX capabilities
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| A helicopter in flight over a desert, representing the ambitious future plans for enhanced flight dynamics in the Sioux engine for Comanche 3 |
Getting Started
For those interested in trying Sioux, the setup process requires:
- The original Comanche 3 game CD (specifically the resource.res file)
- Basic compilation through make
- Optional configuration for fullscreen and LOD settings
Community Reception
The project has garnered attention from the developer community, with particular interest in its potential for modernizing classic game mechanics while preserving the original gameplay experience. The open-source nature of the project allows for community contributions and improvements, potentially leading to a more robust engine over time.
Note: This is an early-release project and is currently not fully playable, but represents an interesting technical achievement in game preservation and modernization efforts.