Apache (Longbow): Sounds about right
- DarkenedRoom
- Jul 27
- 16 min read
Updated: Jul 29
This is a guide to running the 1995 Digital Integration sim Apache (also called Apache Longbow) with the DOS version running in DOSBox Staging and Windows 95 3Dfx version in native Windows 10.
The Windows 95 non-3Dfx/software rendered version will be omitted as it provides no additional enhancements over the DOS version but exhibits some speed sensitivity with the flight model running far too quickly on modern hardware.
During the testing of various DOSBox options and wrappers for the Windows version, what became apparent were issues with the sound components of Apache. These issues affect both the DOSBox and Windows versions and would also affect joystick handling and often cause the game to crash or hang.
A brief release & patch history
It's useful to take a look at the version and patch history to help identify the release of the game you may have and the patches appropriate to each release.
All patches are available from the Apache (Longbow) patch collection hosted on the Internet Archive for preservation purposes. Alternatively the 3dfx Voodoo related game patches page has the 3Dfx patches at soggi.org. Credit and thanks to soggi for hosting these patches.
Original release (August 1995)
The original release occurred around August 1995 and came on a single cd (as would later releases). It is a DOS only game with Win95 support. When starting the game the version (based on the time and date) is 09:52:23 Aug 11 1995. There is a single game executable, confusing called apache95.exe which runs this DOS version. The original title screen is shown with this version.
October 1995 patch
A patch was released in October 1995. It is a file replacement patch, replacing the apache95.exe file. The version changes to 10:50:46 Oct 03 1995. This patch is only applicable to the Original 1995 release. The patch was not distributed with a readme file so it isn't clear what this patch fixes, but it assumed to be a bug fix patch. It is not recommended due to the later Release 2 patch.
Release 2 patch (December 1995)
The Release 2 patch was available in December 1995. It is a file replacement patch, run with an update app, replacing the apache95.exe file and a mission data file. The version changes to 21:00:37 Nov 28 1995. This patch is only applicable to earlier versions (above). This patch introduces command line options to fix joystick/sound issues and to change the orientation of the throttle/collective (see Command line options).
Apache Longbow release (v2.0, September 1996)
The Apache Longbow release occurred in September 1996. This release includes both DOS and Win95 installer apps. The DOS version changes to 09:19:24 Sep 06 1996. This is the first version of Apache to support Win95 and to use the new title screen using the changed name Apache Longbow. Some retail media would also be labelled as Apache Longbow v2.0.
The Win95 installer app is a 32-bit app that can be used in later versions of Windows including Win10. This release may have introduced a bug which causes the mouse pointer to disappear after using the in-game manual, but this doesn't seem to occur under DOSBox Staging.
Interactive Magic US re-release (September 1996)
This release occurred around September 1996. It includes both DOS and Win95 installers, the Win95 installer being another 32-bit app. The DOS version changes to 03:06:59 Sep 18 1996. Despite it being a later release it uses the original Apache title screen. The in-game manual/mouse pointer bug seems to be fixed in this release.
Twin Pack: Hind / Apache Longbow (1997)
A Digital Integration compilation release featuring Apache Longbow and Hind. The Apache Longbow version is identical to the Apache Longbow release (September 1996). The Win95 installer is a 32-bit app.
3Dfx Voodoo 1 patch (March 1998)
The 3Dfx Voodoo 1 patch adds 3Dfx Voodoo 1 support and is only applicable to the Win95 version of Apache, there are no DOS versions that support a 3Dfx Voodoo card. The patch was released in March 1998 and should only be used with the Apache Longbow release from September '96. It should not be used with the Sold Out Software re-release.
The patch is in two parts the Apache Voodoo 1 patch and a set of common files that should be extracted to the same patch folder before the installer app is run.
The patch uses a 32-bit installer app but fails to run under Win10, even with compatibility options set. To install the patch the Apache installation folder and patch folder can be copied to a PCem Pentium 2 virtual machine with a Voodoo 1 and running Win98SE. The patch can be applied successfully and then copied back to the host Win10 machine.
Sold Out Software re-release (April 1998)
The Sold Out Software 1998 re-release has all three versions of Apache available at the time:
DOS version.
Win95 version.
Win95 version with 3Dfx Voodoo 1 support.
The DOS version is increased to 14:45:09 Jan 12 1998 and is, as far as is known, the final DOS version.
The Sold Out Software Win95 installer is a 16-bit installer so requires the use of the otvdm utility to support 16-bit apps and install correctly. The Win95 installer gives the choice of software rendered or 3Dfx install options.
Due to the comprehensive install options this is the recommended release to obtain.
3Dfx Voodoo 2 upgrade patch (June 1998)
Released in June 1998, this is the final official patch from Digital Integration. The patch adds support for the 3Dfx Voodoo 2 card. The patch can be used with Win95 versions patched with Voodoo 1 support or the Sold Out Software re-release Win95 3Dfx version.
This patch is a file replacement patch replacing the apache95.exe file with a new version. In addition it also seems to introduce better speed determination as this version does not exhibit the speed sensitivity of the earlier Win95 version.
This patch is recommended for both Win95 versions patched with Voodoo 1 support and the Sold Out Software Win95 3Dfx version.
Digital Integration European re-release (October 2000)
Released in October 2000, this is, as far as I'm aware, the final physical retail release of Apache Longbow. The release is similar to the Soft Out Software re-release but without the manual in pdf format or the Sold Out Software installer app.
The DOS version is 14:45:09 Jan 12 1998, the final DOS version. It includes the Win95 version with both software renderer and 3Dfx acceleration. The Win95 installer is a 16-bit app and will require the use of otvdm.
The 3Dfx Voodoo 2 upgrade patch is a recommended patch for this re-release.
Digital releases
I don't own a digital release of Apache so much of this is educated guesswork. From what I understand the gog.com and ZOOM Platform digital releases are DOS versions only.
The gog.com digital release is version 09:19:24 Sep 06 1996 which makes it identical to Apache Longbow release (September 1996). This means there are no DOS patches to apply. Thanks go to damson for providing the version. The in-game manual key has been disabled in the DOSBox config in this digital release to prevent the mouse pointer bug from occurring.
Media
Due to the age or the media and the drives required to read the media, it is recommended to rip cd-rom media to image files, to save wear and tear on media and the mechanical drives.
The cd-rom can be ripped to a data only .iso image format as there is no cd audio on the cd.
Game management
It is recommended to use my DOSBox game management strategy or similar strategy you may have developed. The recommended game management folders are:
cd - to store the cd image.
conf - to store any DOSBox or HOTAS configuration files.
hdd - the folder use as the emulated DOSBox hard disk.
patches - to store any patches.
The Windows version uses the following installation folder:
<Drive>:\Games\Win\ApacheAnd the following game management folder:
<Drive>:\Games\Win\Apache Longbow SetupAnd the following sub-folders:
cd - to store the cd image
conf - to store any HOTAS configuration files.
patches - to store any patches.
HOTAS config
Joystick, throttle and rudder pedals are supported. Configuring axes may not be required if your HOTAS has 4 axes or less. When using a combination of devices totaling more than 4 axes, a virtual controller can be configured (with vendor software or Joystick Gremlin), limited to 4 axes. The physical axes to Windows axes were configured as follows:
Physical axis | Windows axis (DOS) | Windows axis (Win95) |
Joystick x-axis | DX_X_AXIS | DX_X_AXIS |
Joystick y-axis | DX_Y_AXIS | DX_Y_AXIS |
Throttle | DX_Z_AXIS | DX_Z_AXIS |
Rudder | DX_XROT_AXIS | DX_ZROT_AXIS |
DOS version
This guide assumes the Sold Out Software, April 1998 re-release will be used. The following DOS versions should be patched as follows:
Original release and Release 2 patch.
Apache Longbow release only, no further patches required.
Sold Out Software re-release only, no further patches required.
DOSBox config
This guide assumes the latest version of DOSBox Staging v0.82.1. This config only details the changes from the default configuration. The changes are as follows:
[sdl]
host_rate = vrr
vsync = off
presentation_mode = vfr
[dosbox]
memsize = 32
dos_rate = 1000
[cpu]
cpu_cycles_protected = 200000
cycleup = 1000
cycledown = 1000
[voodoo]
voodoo = false
[mouse]
dos_mouse_immediate = true
[mixer]
reverb = medium
chorus = normal
[joystick]
joysticktype = 4axis
timed = false
swap34 = true
deadzone = 0
[autoexec]
mount c "D:\Games\Dos\Apache Longbow\hdd"
imgmount d "D:\Games\Dos\Apache Longbow\cd\apache.iso" -t cdrom
c:
# cd di\apache
# apache
# exitThe [sdl], [dosbox] and [mouse] settings are suitable for high frame rate gaming as described in this article by Omniclyde. These settings aren't strictly required and can be omitted to use the default settings.
The [dosbox] memsize and [cpu] cpu_cycles_protected settings are discussed in this SimHQ forum post. Credit and thanks to damson for discovering these settings.
The cyclesup/cyclesdown settings are changed to an appropriate increment. The cpu_cycles_protected is set to a suitably high 200000. Thanks go to damson for providing a suitable cycles setting.
Voodoo emulation isn't required and can be disabled.
The [mixer] settings enhance the music and audio. They are a personal preference and can be adjusted as desired.
In the [joystick] section, the [joysticktype], [timed] and [swap34] are suitable settings for my HOTAS (TM Warthog), however you may need to adjust these for your own joystick or HOTAS. [deadzone] is a personal preference and should be adjusted as desired.
The [autoexec] section mounts the hdd folder as the c: drive. The imgmount command mounts a cd-rom image as the d: drive. The disabled commands will change to the appropriate folder and run the game. The exit command will close DOSBox when the game is quit. Once installation and patching is complete these commands can be enabled.
Gravis UltraSound
If you wish to try an alternative sound card, Apache supports the Gravis UltraSound, to configure a GUS card the settings are changed as follows:
[sblaster]
sbtype = none
[gus]
gus = trueThe sbtype is set to none to disable SoundBlaster emulation.
The gus setting is set to true to enable GUS emulation. The remaining [gus] settings are appropriate to leave as defaults.
Installation
The GUS sound card requires the GUS drivers to be added to a c:\ultrasnd folder. The easiest way of obtaining these drivers is to use a pre-installed folder.
Fortunately VOGONS member K.A.R.R. has created suitable folders that can be found in the 'Gravis Ultrasound Driver Package' post. Alternatively VOGONS member Rincewind42 has also hosted the Gravis UltraSound DOS Driver Package at the Internet Archive. Credit and thanks to K.A.R.R. and Rincewind42 for creating this package and providing an alternate hosting location.
There are two archives suitable for DOSBox Staging use:
ULTRASND411.zip contains preinstalled gravis ultrasound driver 4.11 (latest version).
ULTRASNDPPL161FIX.zip contains preinstalled gravis ultrasound driver 4.11 with pro patches lite 1.61 and anti loop fix.
Either are suitable and I haven't been able to detect any difference in audio quality.
The installation process is the same for both zip files, extract the contents into the hdd folder to create a c:\ultrasnd folder and complete GUS installation.
Installation
All DOS versions should be installed from within DOSBox using the DOS installer app (install.exe) from the cd.
The only installation option is the install size which should be set to maximum. There are no graphics or sound options to set. The installer should complete without issue.
Patching
The only recommended patch is the Release 2 patch which should only be applied to the original 1995 release.
The zip file should be extracted to the hdd folder and the update utility (update.bat) should be run from within DOSBox. The update utility should complete without issue.
Once installation/patching is complete, the disabled [autoexec] commands in the DOSBox config can be enabled.
Running
Earlier versions of Apache can be run with the apache95.exe or the apache.bat file. The Sold Out Software release is run with the apache.exe file.
Command line options
The Release 2 patch introduced command line options, from the patch readme:
1. If you are experiencing problems calibrating your Joystick with a
Multi-Speed Games Card or Sound card difficulties try running Apache
thus :-
Apache /Jx
Where x is a machine dependent variable ranging from 1 to 10000. If
the problem persists try running with /J0
2. The Throttle stick control may be reversed by running thus :-
Apache /Qx
Where x is either 1 or 0 depending on required orientation./Q0 will swap the collective axis where pushing forward will increase collective and pulling back will reduce collective.
/Q1 will use a 'helicopter like' collective, where pushing forward reduces collective and pulling back increases collective. This is the default.
Win95 version
The Win95 version is only available with the Apache Longbow release (September 1996) or the Sold Out Software re-release (April 1998). At present there are no patches or mods to add Win95 support to earlier DOS only releases.
The recommended patching strategy, after installation, is as follows:
Apache Longbow release (September 1996):
Apply 3Dfx Voodoo 1 patch (March 1998)
Apply 3Dfx Voodoo 2 upgrade patch (June 1998)
Sold Out Software re-release (April 1998) 3Dfx install:
Apply 3Dfx Voodoo 2 upgrade patch (June 1998)
The Apache Longbow release has a simple installation process, with a more involved patching process while the Sold Out Software re-release has a more involved installation process but a far simpler patching process.
Installation
The cd or cd image needs to be mounted under Win10. The .iso image format is supported natively by Win10, but cue/bin image pairs may require 3rd party tools like DAEMON Tools or WinCDEmu to mount the image.
The Apache Longbow release uses a 32-bit installer app, (setup.exe) on the cd/cd image. The installer should run without issue under Win10.
However, when asked to install DirectX components reply no or cancel the install. This occurs after files have been copied, which is the important part of the install.
Sold Out Software installation
The Sold Out Software re-release rather strangely uses an earlier 16-bit installer app which is not supported by Win10. A recommended solution is to use winevdm/otvdm a tool to provide 16-bit app support on 64-bit Windows.
The winevdm/otvdm utilities are available at the winevdm GitHub repository, with the latest version (v.0.9.0 at time of writing) available on the releases page. Credit and thanks to otya for providing this amazingly useful and easy to use tool. The process is to:
Download the latest version (otvdm-v0.9.0.zip) and extract to a folder, (maybe a sub-folder under the Apache Longbow Setup folder if you have one, see Game management).
Mount the cd image under Win10.
Run the otvdmw.exe utility and navigate to your mounted cd image and open the setup.exe installer app. Note: there is a Setup95.exe app, but this is a Sold Out Software app which allows Acrobat reader to be installed before running setup.exe.
Installation should run successfully, select no or cancel the installation when asked to install DirectX components.This occurs after files have been copied, which is the important part of the install.
Patching
This section covers patching with the two 3Dfx Voodoo patches, which are the only patches that should be used with Win95 versions of Apache.
3Dfx Voodoo 1 patch (March 1998)
Applying this patch is a bit involved as it uses a 32-bit installer and can run in Win10 but not successfully. Tests with various compatibility options have also failed.
Therefore the rather involved approach is to create a PCem virtual machine, copy the Apache installation and patches folders to the virtual machine, apply the patch and then copy the Apache installation folder back into Win10.
I've often suggested in other articles to keep a copy of a newly created PCem or 86Box virtual machine, so it can be reused for other games or purposes and this is exactly the kind of scenario where having a copy can save huge amounts of time and effort.
As long as you have a PCem or 86Box virtual machine with a .vhd virtual hard disk image and running Win95, Win98 or Win98SE then you should be fine.
If you don't have a suitable PCem or 86Box virtual machine then I can highly recommend this YouTube video, 'PCem Windows 98 Setup (Pentium II +Voodoo 3, all files provided)' from PhilsComputerLab. Once again, huge thanks to Phil for creating this very useful video.
Once created, keep a copy you never know when it may be useful to have a Win988 virtual machine for retro games!
To apply the patch:
Download and extract the patch (Apache-Longbow_3dfx.zip) to a new folder (maybe a new sub-folder under the Apache Longbow Setup folder if you have one, see Game management).
Download and extract the common files (common_files.zip) to the same folder.
Shutdown the PCem/86Box virtual machine, if it is running. Mount the virtual hard disk (.vhd) file in Win10.
Copy the Apache installation folder and patch folder to the virtual hard disk.
Eject the virtual hard disk and run up the PCem/86Box virtual machine.
Run the patch installer (setup.exe) from the patch folder. The installer should search for and find the Apache installation folder and apply the patch. Once complete there should be a new apache_3dfx.exe file in the Apache installation folder.
Shutdown the virtual machine and mount the virtual hard disk (.vhd) file in Win10.
Replace the Apache installation folder in Win10 with the installation folder from the virtual hard disk, overwriting any files as required.
That concludes applying the 3Dfx Voodoo 1 patch.
3Dfx Voodoo 2 upgrade patch (June 1998)
As this patch is a file replacement patch the process is far simpler. To apply the patch:
Download and extract the patch (Apache-Longbow_3dfxV2.zip) to a new folder (maybe a new sub-folder under the Apache Longbow Setup folder if you have one, see Game management).
Replace the apache95.exe file in the Apache installation folder with this new patch version.
That concludes applying the 3Dfx Voodoo 2 upgrade patch.
Wrapper configuration
Getting the Win95 version of Apache is going to take the use of a few DirectX and Glide wrappers, so let's begin...
DxWrapper
DxWrapper is used to wrap the DirectSound components. This is particularly important given the issues the game has with sound.
The latest version (v1.3.7700.25) should be used and is available from the DxWrapper GitHub repository releases. Credit and huge thanks to Elisha for the continuing work on DxWrapper. To install:
Download and extract DxWrapper (dxwrapper.zip) to a new folder.
Copy the following DxWrapper files to the Apache installation folder. Note: the Stub path is not important you just need to add the dsound.dll file:
Stub\dsound.dll
dxwrapper.dllDownload and extract the dxwrapper.ini in the below zip file, to the Apache installation folder:
This concludes the DxWrapper config.
dgVoodoo2
The dgVoodoo2 wrapper is used to wrap both DirectX and Glide components. The version used is dgVoodoo v2.86.1. It is available from the dgVoodoo2 GitHub repository releases. Once again credit and huge thanks to dege for the continuing work on dgVoodoo2. To install:
Download dgVoodoo2 (dgVoodoo2_86_1.zip) and extract to a new folder.
Copy the following dgVoodoo2 files to the Apache installation folder. Note: the paths are not important you just need to add the files:
dgVoodooCpl.exe
3Dfx\x86\Glide.dll
3Dfx\x86\Glide2x.dll
3Dfx\x86\Glide3x.dll
MS\x86\D3D8.dll
MS\x86\D3D9.dll
MS\x86\D3DImm.dll
MS\x86\DDraw.dllDownload and extract the dgVoodoo.conf in the below zip file, to the Apache installation folder:
Note: you will probably need to open dgVoodooCpl.exe and:
In the General section change the adapters to use.
In the Glide section change the resolution to a suitable setting for your setup.
In the Glide section the watermark is turned on for testing purposes, once confirmed working it can be turned off.
The following screenshot shows the dgVoodoo2 settings:
This concludes the dgVoodoo2 config.
Game configuration
The final step is the in-game configuration accessed from the Preferences menu option on the initial menu screen. The configuration options and suggested settings are slightly different for DOS and Win95 versions.
DOS version
The DOS preferences have a full set of configuration options as shown in the screenshot. Here are some points to note:
The Visual Detail can be increased to maximum, with the Screen Mode set to 640x480.
Speech and Music can be enabled and Effects can be set to Full.
If you chose a Gravis UltraSound in the DOSBox config, you'll have to set the sound card settings to be identical to the DOSBox settings, as shown in the screenshot.
If you left the DOSBox settings as the default (SoundBlaster 16) then the sound/music should work and it should auto-detect the settings. It may not due to the speed sensitivity of the auto-detection component, however 200000 cycles in the DOSBox config may allow it to work for some/most machines. Thanks go to damson for providing sound card info.
If settings are not auto-detected, you should to able to set them manually using the same settings as the default DOSBox config:
Card: SoundBlaster 16
Address: 220
Interrupt: 7
DMA: 1
If this causes the game to hang or crash, they can be added manually to the prefs.cfg file, which is a text file. Add the following lines in bold:
...
Collective control=6
Sound DMA=1
Sound Address=544
Sound IRQ=7
Sound Card=4
Sound effects level=0
Sound Speech=0
Sound effects=1
Sound music=1
UI Continuous Move=1
...The control settings are appropriate for my 4-axis virtual controller, combining stick, throttle and pedals. This means the hat is not enabled (I set the hat with the HOTAS profiling software).
If you don't have pedals you may wish to experiment with a DOSBox joysticktype of fcs or ch, both of which are supported by Apache as the Thrustmaster FCS and Flightstick Pro options.
After making a control change, re-calibrate each axis by moving it to the extremes.
Win95 version
The Win85 preferences have a limited set of configuration options as shown in the screenshot. Here are some points to note:
With the 3D accelerated version visual detail is maximised and settings are not required.
Sound card settings are not required.
The control settings are appropriate for my 4-axis virtual controller, combining stick, throttle and pedals. The Flightstick Pro option allows the use of hat with my HOTAS, you may wish to test options to find the optimum setting.
After making a control change, re-calibrate each axis by moving it to the extremes.
Running
Before starting the Win95 version of Apache, make sure the cd/cd image is mounted otherwise you'll be taken to the head-to-head setup menu.
When run for the first time, the Preferences menu will be presented immediately. When leaving the Preferences menu you'll be taken straight to the Quickstart mission allowing the controller options to be tested.
Documentation
The Sold Out Software re-release has a copy of the manual in pdf format. It can be found on the cd (not in the manual folder, confusingly) but in the manparts folder.
In-game manual
A rather useful facility offered by Apache is the ability to bring up a copy of the manual at any time, on menu screens or during flight, with the <F1> key. At the rear of the manual is the key reference!
This in-game manual is disabled in the gog.com release, due to a bug in this version which causes the mouse pointer to disappear after accessing the manual.
Testing 'shot down'
The following testing was not successful, so to save others from repeating these attempts they are listed below.
ReShade
ReShade v6.5.1 was tested, however the UI was very limited/non-functional. The UI could eventually be accessed, however the mouse was non-functional as were the keyboard shortcuts. So ReShade is not recommended.
Anti-aliasing
Forcing anti-aliasing through vendor software (Nvidia in my case) resulted in ugly text on menu screens without major improvements in flight. It looks like the Digital Integration developers optimised the SVGA in this game, so anti-aliasing is not recommended.
Further Information
There aren't any dedicated resources for Apache, but the following may still be of interest:
Steam are planning an Apache Longbow release in Q3 2025. Will they do a better job than I have?
PixelWings is possibly working on a set of mods for Apache Longbow. Nothing has been announced so far, but check the website and the YouTube channel!
Good hunting!