F-16/iF-16 Fighting Falcon: Fighting with the Falcon
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A guide to running the DOS version of F-16/iF-16 Fighting Falcon/iF-16 under DOSBox Staging or the Windows 95 3Dfx version natively under Windows 10. Another sim from the Digital Integration stable, published by Digital Integration and Interactive Magic in July 1997. F-16 Fighting Falcon is also known as iF-16 Fighting Falcon or iF-16.
For the remainder of this article it will be referred to as F-16. Unlike the previous two titles, (Longbow) Apache and Hind, F-16 is particularly difficult to get running natively under Win10 with 3Dfx/Glide. This seems to be due to the graphics handling with both DirectDraw and Glide writing to the same graphics surface which creates problems for both DirectX and Glide wrappers
Strategy
This article will concentrate of running the DOS version in DOSBox Staging and the Windows 95 3Dfx version in Win10. Although there is also a Win95 version using software rendering, it offers no advantages over the DOS version which is easier to run in DOSBox Staging.
Version & patch history
The following is a brief history of releases and patches, followed by a patching strategy for each version of the game. All patches are available from the F-16 Fighting Falcon patch collection on the Internet Archive.
Initial retail release (Jul 1997)
The initial retail release was published by Digital Integration and Interactive Magic around July 1997. It was distributed on a single CD-ROM. It included both the DOS and Windows 95 (software rendered version). The Win95 installer uses a 16-bit installer making it incompatible with Win10/11 without compatibility tools. According to the release notes this is v1.0.
Version 1.2 patch (Oct 1997)
October 1997 saw the release of the v1.2 patch for both DOS and Win95 versions. This is an enhancement patch adding performance improvements to frame rate and a 'check six' view. It is a file replacement patch distributed as a zip file.
This is not a recommended patch having been superseded by the later v1.3 patch. It is also available from:
The release notes are included below:
Version 1.3 patch (Nov 1997)
The version 1.3 patch was released in both DOS and Win95 versions. This is a bug fix patch resolving issues introduced in the v1.2 patch and other longer term issues as well as a couple of enhancements. It is a file replacement patch distributed as a zip file.
This is a recommended patch for certain editions of the game. It is also available from:
The release notes are included below:
Win95 3Dfx version patch (Jan 1998)
The Win95 3Dfx patch, released in January 1998, is applicable to the Win95 version only. This is an enhancement patch adding 3Dfx support to the game. It is a file replacement patch distributed as a zip file.
This is a recommended patch for certain editions of the game with supported hardware. It is also available from:
The release notes are included below:
F-16 Fighting Falcon: The Afghanistan Campaign (Jan 1998)
The one and only expansion, F-16 Fighting Falcon: The Afghanistan Campaign was released in Jan 1998. It provides a new Afghanistan campaign and includes the version 1.3 and Win95 3Dfx version patches.
3Dfx Voodoo2 upgrade (Sep 1998)
The Win95 3Dfx Voodoo 2 patch, released in September 1998, is applicable to the Win95 3Dfx version only. This is an enhancement patch adding Voodoo 2 support to the game. It is an additional file patch distributed as a zip file, contents of which are added to an existing Win95 3Dfx installation.
This is a recommended patch for certain editions of the game with supported hardware. It is also available from:
The release notes are included below:
3Dfx Voodoo Banshee patch (Nov 1998)
The Win95 3Dfx Voodoo Banshee patch, released in November 1998, is applicable to the Win95 3Dfx Voodoo 2 version only. This is an enhancement patch adding Voodoo Banshee support to the game. It is an additional file patch distributed as a zip file, the contents of which are added to an existing Win95 3Dfx Voodoo 2 installation.
There are no release notes with this patch. It is also available from:
Sold Out Software re-release (Jan 2001)
The Sold Out Software budget re-release in January 2001 on a single CD-ROM. This release includes the expansion and manual in pdf format. It allows the installation of three editions of the game (with the expansion included):
DOS edition
Win95 (software rendered) edition
Win95 3Dfx edition
The Win95 installer allows the software rendered and 3Dfx versions to be installed, but it is a 16-bit app which is not supported by Win10/11 without compatibility tools. In addition this release includes the following patches:
Version 1.3 (DOS & Win95) although the zip archives on the cd appear to be broken.
Win95 3Dfx version patch, not strictly necessary if the 3Dfx version is installed.
3Dfx Voodoo2 upgrade.
This is the preferred release of the game to obtain.
IF-16 FIGHTING FALCON (Steam digital release, Sep 2025)
The Steam digital release is a DOS based release running under DOSBox emulation and includes the expansion. This 'should' be a pre-patched release to v1.3. As a DOS based release it is incompatible with the 3Dfx patches. It is assumed this release uses an earlier variant of DOSBox so it may benefit from replacing it with DOSBox Staging.
Patching strategies
The following general purpose guidelines should create the most compatible versions. Some patches are optional, dependant on the required 3Dfx hardware being present.
Initial retail (DOS)
Install initial retail DOS version.
Apply Version 1.3 DOS patch.
Initial retail (Win95)
Install initial retail Win95 version.
Apply Version 1.3 Win95 patch.
Apply Win95 3Dfx version patch (optonal, if required).
Apply 3Dfx Voodoo2 upgrade (optional, if required).
Apply 3Dfx Voodoo Banshee patch (optional, if required).
Initial retail and expansion (DOS)
Install initial retail DOS version.
Install expansion DOS version.
Initial retail and expansion (Win95)
Install initial retail Win95 version.
Install expansion Win95 version.
Apply Win95 3Dfx version patch (optional, if required).
Apply 3Dfx Voodoo2 upgrade (optional, if required).
Apply 3Dfx Voodoo Banshee patch (optional, if required).
Sold Out Software (DOS)
Install Soft Out Software DOS version.
Sold Out Software (Win95 software rendered)
Install Soft Out Software Win95 software version.
Sold Out Software (Win95 3Dfx)
Install Soft Out Software Win95 3Dfx version.
Apply 3Dfx Voodoo2 upgrade (optional, if required).
Apply 3Dfx Voodoo Banshee patch (optional, if required).
Steam digital release (DOS only)
Install Steam digital release.
Switch to DOSBox Staging (optional, if required).
Retail 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.
A digital edition of the game is available on Steam.
Game management
It is recommended to use my DOSBox game management strategy or similar strategy you may have developed. The recommended game management folders for the DOS version 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 Win95 version will use an installer app, however some limited game management is still useful, the following folders are recommended as the installation and game management folders:
X:\Games\Win\F16 or
X:\Games\Win\iF16 or
X:\Games\Win\DI\F16 etc.
X:\Games\Win\F-16 Fighting Falcon SetupWith the following game management 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:
For those using controllers from multiple vendors, the vJoy/Joystick Gremlin combination may be required instead of vendor specific HOTAS profile software. You may also have to use HidHide as a device firewall, to hide your real controllers, so only the vJoy virtual controllers are detected by Hind. [6][7][8].
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 |
Note: These settings are identical to the predecessor, Apache (Longbow) and Hind.
DOS version
This section assumes the use of the Sold Out Software edition although it should be equally appropriate to other editions.
DOSBox config
The DOS version is configured to run under the latest released DOSBox Staging version, v0.82.2 (at time of writing). The next version v0.83 remains in alpha release at present and despite including important and significant changes for running DOS games with more compatible frame rates as default, the released version is used with settings applied to achieve an equivalent result.
[sdl]
fullscreen = true
host_rate = sdi
vsync = off
presentation_mode = cfr
[dosbox]
memsize = 32
[cpu]
cpu_cycles_protected = 200000
cycleup = 1000
cycledown = 1000
[voodoo]
voodoo = false
[mixer]
reverb = medium
chorus = normal
[joystick]
joysticktype = ch
timed = false
swap34 = true
deadzone = 0
[autoexec]
@echo off
mount c "D:\Games\Dos\F-16 Fighting Falcon\hdd"
imgmount d "D:\Games\Dos\F-16 Fighting Falcon\cd\F16.ISO" -t cdrom
c:
# cd di\f16
# f16.exe
# exitThe [sdl] settings are suitable for matching frame rates and refresh rates to the legacy VGA standard at 70Hz, identical to legacy hardware. This may eliminate timing issues affecting the subjective 'feel' of the game.
The [dosbox] memsize and [cpu] cpu_cycles_protected settings are identical to the preceding Apache (Longbow) and Hind games which use the same game engine.
The cyclesup/cyclesdown settings are changed to an appropriate increment. The cpu_cycles_protected is set to a suitably high 200000.
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 cd image must be present to play the single player game. 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.
Installation
When installing from the cd image the installer would fail as it was unable to read files present within the cd image. It is recommended to mount the cd image in Win10 and copy the contents of the image into an install folder on the DOSBox emulated hard disk folder, e.g. In Win10:
D:\Games\DOS\F-16 Fighting Falcon\hdd\INSTALLWhich appears in DOSBox as:
C:\INSTALLAll DOS versions should be installed from within DOSBox using the DOS installer app (install.exe) from the INSTALL folder.
The only installation option is the install size which should be set to large/maximum and the installation folder (the default folder is fine). There are no graphics or sound options to set. The installer should complete without issue.
The following shows the installation steps:
F-16 Fighting Falcon: The Afghanistan Campaign expansion
An installation cd of the expansion was not available but it is expected the expansion will come with it's own DOS installer app, which should be installed from the cd image using the expansion DOS installer app.
If this fails for similar reasons as the base game it's recommended to follow similar steps and copy the contents of the expansion cd to a DOSBox folder and run the installer from this folder.
Patching
Depending on your version there may one or more patches to run (see Patching strategies). The DOS patches are file replacement patches which can be extracted and files replaced in Win10 (which may be easier) than using DOSBox.
Once installation/patching is complete, the disabled [autoexec] commands in the DOSBox config can be enabled.
If the game fails to run after patching, it is recommended to delete the prefs.cfg file and then run the game. Graphics, sound and control preferences will need to be configured again in the Preferences menu.
Configuration
Configuration settings are fairly straightforward for this title. The initial Preferences menu allows for the following options to be set:
As a CH joystick is selected in DOSBox, Joystick, Throttle and Rudder can be set as shown below. This will also depend on your joystick/HOTAS.
The joystick, throttle and rudder should be moved to their maximum deflections to ensure they are well calibrated.
These sound options require a sound card to be set through the Sound Preferences:
Animations and Mission Planner can be Enabled.
Menu Sound can have Music and Speech selected.
Visual Preferences
All settings can be turned On or set to the High, Long or Max setting, as shown below.
Sound Preferences
The recommended Card is Sound Blaster 16. Once selected you may go Back to the general config options.
The sound card auto detection should identify the settings. If this has problems you may need to reduce the DOSBox cycles to a lower value (50000 is known to work).
If there are still problems setting a sound card, values can be set manually (using DOSBox settings) by editing prefs.cfg (a text file) and changing the following:
From:
...
Sound DMA=-1
Sound Address=-1
Sound IRQ=-1
Sound Card=4
...To:
...
Sound DMA=1
Sound Address=220
Sound IRQ=7
Sound Card=4
...
Win95 version
This section assumes the use of the Sold Out Software edition although it should be equally appropriate to other editions.
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.
Installation
The Sold Out Software release 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. The process is to:
Download the latest version (otvdm-v0.9.0.zip) and extract to a folder, (maybe a sub-folder under the F-16 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.
Installation should run successfully, when asked which version to install, select the 3dfx Version. When asked for the installation type, select Full Installation.
Select no when asked to install DirectX components.
Patching
The Sold Out Software release requires the 3Dfx Voodoo2 upgrade patch to run under Win10. As this is an additional file patch, the patch zip file contents can be extracted into the installation folder from Win10.
As an example, if the DOSBox installation folder is:
C:\DI\F16 And the DOSBox hard disk folder is:
D:\Games\DOS\F-16 Fighting Falcon\hddThen the patch contents can be extracted to:
D:\Games\DOS\F-16 Fighting Falcon\hdd\DI\F16 Compatibility tools
The following tools are required to allow the game to run under Win10.
nGlide
Glide emulation is provided by the latest version of nGlide v2.10. Available from Zeus Software in nGlide download. nGlide is installed as a system level Glide wrapper as explained further in Glide Wrappers: Last Man Standing or Peace and Harmony?
Once installed the nGlide configurator is used to set the nGlide settings as shown in the screenshot.
cnc-ddraw
The limited DirectX compatibility required, is provided by cnc-ddraw. This is the only DirectX wrapper which seems to be tolerant of F-16 switching between DirectX and Glide. It is described by the developer, FunkyFr3sh:
cnc-ddraw can fix compatibility issues in older 2D games, such as black screen, bad performance, crashes or defective Alt+Tab. It does also add new features such as borderless mode, windowed mode and upscaling via shaders.
F-16 uses the latest version of cnc-draw, version 7.1, available from cnc-ddraw GitHub Releases.
The following shows the configuration options used and the corresponding configuration file:
Configuration
Configuration settings are fairly straightforward for this title. There are no sound options to set as the game uses the sound facilities of Windows. The initial Preferences menu allows for the following options to be set:
As a CH joystick is selected in DOSBox, Joystick, Throttle and Rudder can be set as shown below. This will also depend on your joystick/HOTAS.
The joystick, throttle and rudder should be moved to their maximum deflections to ensure they are well calibrated.
Animations and Mission Planner can be Enabled.
Menu Sound can have Music and Speech selected.
Visual Preferences
Visual Preferences can be viewed but cannot be changed as all options are set to their maximum with emulated 3Dfx hardware used.
Running
When run for the first time, the Preferences menu is displayed to allow config options to be set.
If the game fails to run then the game may be misconfigured. The prefs.cfg file can be deleted, resetting all options. When the game is run again, the prefs.cfg file should be recreated, allowing the game to start and options to be reselected.
The cd/image must remain mounted in DOSBox for the single player game to be available, without the cd/image only the multiplayer is available.
Documentation
The Sold Out Software release includes a copy of the manual in pdf digital format (manual.pdf). It can be found on the cd/image.
The manual is also available from the Steam store page for IF-16 FIGHTING FALCON.
Example videos
Finally...
Credit and thanks go to:
The Internet Archive, Old-Games.RU and soggi.org for hosting patches.
otya128 for winevdm/otvdm.
Zeus for nGlide.
FunkyFr3sh for the latest version of cnc-ddraw.
Good hunting!
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