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F-22 Lightning II: Striking twice

Sep 27
11 min read

An updated guide to running the NovalLogic light flight sim, F-22 Lightning II in DOSBox Staging. The original guide had incorrect or missing details and didn't provide an accurate or complete version and patch history.


Contents


Strategy


This guide is laid out a little differently to improve consistency. There is a preparation section covering retail media image creation and game management. Installation shows the installation process with points to note, recommended patching and setup configuration options. Sound covers the various sound options both within and external to DOSBox.


The control section covers joystick/HOTAS config and other controls if available. Documentation covers where to find documentation including supplemental documents often not included in re-releases. Mods & tools covers any available mods or optionally useful tools for the game. An example video section to show the results and finally credit and thanks.


Hopefully this results in a far more complete guide for F-22 Lightning II (F-22 in the rest of the guide).


Version and patch history


The following is a corrected and more complete patch history. Due to the age of the game, overly complicated versioning and the difficulty in finding patches creating a accurate history was difficult but this history seems to be as complete as possible.


All patches are available for the F-22 Lightning II (NovaLogic) patch collection at the Internet Archive. Included are the original NovaLogic self-extracting executable patches and release notes taken from the NovaLogic website.


Additional patch locations are listed below. All version and patches should be installed under DOSBox.


Initial retail release box.

Initial retail release (September 1996)


The initial retail release was published by NovaLogic in September 1996. Distributed on a single CD. This was version V 1.00.00.02.



V 1.00.01.00 patch (October 1996)


The first patch was a file replacement patch, replacing the games executable (f22.exe). There were no release notes distributed with the patch. The patch originally was distributed as a self-extracting executable (fs2210001.exe) with other sources using zip or legacy arj formats. Release notes are included below:



This patch is not recommended having been superseded by later patches. It is available from:



V 1.00.04.00 patch (October 1996)


The V 1.00.04.00 patch was an installer replacement patch, for those unable to install the game, and a cumulative patch including the V 1.00.01.00 patch. It requires files from an existing installation to be removed before the patch is extracted to the installation folder and the replacement patch installer run.


This patch was originally considered a beta patch, to be replaced by the F-22 Maintenance Upgrade patch but was retained to deal with installation issues. Both sets of release notes are included below:



The patch originally was distributed as a self-extracting executable (fs2210004.exe) with other sources using zip or legacy arj formats.


This patch is unnecessary for DOSBox but those using legacy hardware experiencing the issue may require this patch. It is available from:



V 1.00.05.02 patch (October 1996)


The V 1.00.05.02 patch was a beta upgrade patch, for those that wished to try features prior to the full F-22 Maintenance Upgrade patch release. It is a file replacement patch replacing the game (f22.exe) and setup (setup.exe) executables. The setup must be re-run to prevent the game running in a multiplayer only client mode. The release notes are included below:



The patch originally was distributed as a self-extracting executable (fs2210005.exe) with other sources using zip or legacy arj formats.


This patch is not recommended having been superseded by the later F-22 Maintenance Upgrade patch. It is available from:



Thrustmaster patch (October 1996)


This patch was a Thrustmaster profile for the Thrustmaster F-16 FLCS (Flight Control System) and TQS (Throttle Quadrant System).


The patch originally was distributed as a self-extracting executable (f22_b50.exe) with other sources using zip or legacy arj formats.


This patch is unnecessary for DOSBox and modern controllers, but may be useful for those with the appropriate legacy hardware on legacy systems. It is available from:



Retail re-release box.

Retail re-release (November 1996)


The retail re-release was published by NovaLogic in November 1996. Distributed on a single CD, this included the F-22 Maintenance Upgrade and was version V 1.01.00.18.


F-22 Maintenance Upgrade patch (December 1996)


The final and largest patch was a cumulative patch including the V 1.00.01.00 and V 1.00.05.02 patches but excluding installation fixes provided by the V 1.00.04.00 patch. It is an installation patch which must be installed in an existing fully working installation folder. Once complete the setup configuration options must be reapplied. This patch upgrades the version to V 1.01.00.18. The release notes are included below:



The patch originally was distributed as a self-extracting executable (fs2210018.exe) with other sources using zip or legacy arj formats.


This patch is recommended for the initial retail release only. It is available from:



F22MOUSE (December 1996)


This is an additional executable (f22mouse.exe) to be used in place of the game executable (f22.exe). It provides cursor control using a joystick for systems where mouse control is unavailable. The release notes are included below:



This patch is unnecessary for DOSBox but may be required for those using legacy systems without mouse control.


EA CD Classics edition box.

EA CD Classics edition release (July 1998)


F-22 was re-released as part of the EA CD Classics range in July 1998. This uses version V 1.01.00.18 with the F-22 Maintenance Upgrade included, making it equivalent to the Retail re-release (November 1996).


Distributed by Electronic Arts on a single CD-ROM, which also includes F22MOUSE, additional joystick profiles, manual and reference card pdf documents and a variety of demos for other NovaLogic products.


Patching Strategies


The following are the recommended patching strategies:


Initial retail release (DOSBox)


  • Install initial retail release.

  • Apply F-22 Maintenance Upgrade patch.


Initial retail release (legacy systems)


  • Install initial retail release.

  • Install using V 1.00.04.00 patch (if initial retail release installation fails).

  • Apply F-22 Maintenance Upgrade patch.


Retail re-release and EA CD Classics edition release


  • Install retail re-release or EA CD Classics edition release with F-22 Maintenance Upgrade already included.


Preparation


This section covers tasks prior to configuring DOSBox or installing the game.


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 disc.


Game management


It is recommended to use a game management strategy or similar strategy you may have adopted. The recommended game management folders are:


  • cd - for any cd images.

  • hdd - the folder used as the emulated DOSBox hard disk.


  • conf - to store DOSBox and HOTAS configuration files.

  • docs - for documents.

  • patch - to store any patches.


These management folders are placed in the following game folder (as an example), and used in the rest of the guide:

D:\Games\DOS\F-22 Lightning II

DOSBox


This guide assumes the latest version of DOSBox Staging v0.83.0 has been installed, is fully working and has been run at least once to create a default configuration file. It is also assumed only a single copy of DOSBox Staging is installed with each game, using DOSBox, having its own configuration file (with settings differing from the default configuration file).


Config


This is a revised config, changes to the default config can be found below.

# This is the configuration file for F22 Lightning II.

[cpu]
cpu_cycles_protected = 200000
cpu_throttle = on
cycleup = 1000
cycledown = 1000

[voodoo]
voodoo = off

[mixer]
reverb = medium
chorus = normal

[soundcanvas]
soundcanvas_model = auto
soundcanvas_rom_dir = "D:\Midi\soundcanvas\ROMs"

[midi]
mididevice = soundcanvas

[joystick]
joysticktype = ch
timed = off
swap34 = on
deadzone = 0

[autoexec]
@echo off
mount c "D:\Games\Dos\F-22 Lightning II\hdd"
mount d "D:\Games\Dos\F-22 Lightning II\cd\F-22 Lightning II.iso" -t cdrom
mixer master 100 /noshow
c:

# Running F-22
# cd f22
# f22.exe
# exit

# Using the F22 menu
# call f22menu.bat

This config can be found below:



In the [cpu] section cpu_cycles_protected has been changed from max to a high figure with cpu_throttle enabled as this is considered better practice than using max cycles.


The [mixer] settings are an example and can be changed to a personal preference.


MIDI is configured using a Sound Canvas in the [soundcanvas] and [midi] sections as an example. The soundcanvas_rom_dir folder setting is an example. Other music options are covered in Sound.


The [joystick] section has the joysticktype set to ch as the game supports the CH Flightstick Pro, however other options are covered in HOTAS config.


The [autoexec] section has example mount commands for an emulated hard disk and CD image. These should be changed to appropriate settings.


The mixer command silently restores mixer volume to 100%.


There are example commands (commented out) to run the game or invoke an F-22 menu, covered in Tools.


Tools


F-22 launcher menu
F-22 launcher menu.

An F-22 launcher menu (f22menu.bat) has been created to to simply the following tasks:


  • Running the game.

  • Running the configuration setup.

  • Viewing the release notes.

  • Pilot backup and restore.

  • Switching between DOSBox MIDI options (Sound Canvas, Fluidsynth or an external MIDI synth).

  • Returning to the DOSBox DOS prompt.

  • Quitting DOSBox.


MIDI options are required to be configured in the DOSBox config before use. The F22 launcher menu can be found below:



It should be extracted into the hdd folder. e.g.

D:\Games\DOS\F-22 Lightning II\hdd	(in Win10/11 becomes)
C:\								(in DOSBox)

Sound


F-22 supports Sound Blaster digital sound and Sound Blaster or General MIDI music. The game does not support Roland MT32 type devices.


Sound Blaster


The default Sound Blaster settings set in the default DOSBox config are appropriate for Sound Blaster digital sound and music, however the following settings may be useful to refer to when configuring the game:


  • DIgital Sound Device Setup: Sound Blaster 16

  • I/O: 220h

  • IRQ: 7

  • DMA8: 1

  • DMA16: 5

  • KHz: 22

  • Mix: 16bit


  • Music Device Setup: Sound Blaster 16-bit / OPL-3

  • I/O: 220h


MIDI


The following settings apply to all MIDI devices below when configuring the game:


  • Music Device Setup: General MIDI

  • I/O: 330h


Sound Canvas


The following settings enable the Sound Canvas synth and selects the Sound Canvas as the MIDI device:

[soundcanvas]
soundcanvas_model = auto
soundcanvas_rom_dir = "D:\Midi\soundcanvas\ROMs"

[midi]
mididevice = soundcanvas

The soundcanvas_rom_dir is an example only. It is recommended to the consult the Roland Sound Canvas page of the DOSBox Staging user manual.


Fluidsynth


The following settings enable Fluidsynth and selects Fluidsynth as the MIDI device:

[fluidsynth]
soundfont = "Shan SGM Pro 15.SF2"
soundfont_dir = "D:\Midi\Soundfonts"

[midi]
mididevice = fluidsynth

The soundfont and soundfont_dir are examples only. It is recommended to the consult the Fluidsynth page of the DOSBox Staging user manual.


External MIDI


The following settings enable an external (to DOSBox) MIDI synth and selects it as the MIDI device:

[midi]
mididevice = port
midiconfig = 0

The midiconfig is an example only. It is recommended to the consult the Using external MIDI devices section of the DOSBox Staging user manual.


The following earlier articles cover using virtual software synths:



Controls


The following section covers joystick/HOTAS setup.


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.


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 F-22. [6][7][8].


The physical axes to Windows axes were configured as follows:

Physical axis

Windows axis

Joystick x-axis

DX_X_AXIS

Joystick y-axis

DX_Y_AXIS

Throttle

DX_Z_AXIS

Rudder

DX_XROT_AXIS


Using a profile


Mamy may find the CH Flightstick Pro POV hat mapping in F-22 counter intuitive. The hat is configured to switch between the HUD and MFD's rather than the HUD and internal left/right/rear views.


Those wishing to create a profile (in vendor profiling software or Joystick Gremin) to assign additional buttons or remap the POV hat may wish to change the DOSBox config to:

[joystick]
joysticktype = 4axis

The appropriate in-game joystick is covered in the In-game configuration.


Installation


The installation app on the mount CD/image is run with:

D:\> install.exe

The following gallery show the installation steps:


  • Selecting an installation folder.
  • Selecting an installation size.

  • The default installation folder (C:\F22) is recommended.


  • A Large installation should be selected.


  • Once the installation is complete, configuration will start automatically.


Patching


Patching is only required for the initial retail release at version V 1.00.00.02. The retail re-release and EA CD Classics release are already pre-patched to V 1.01.00.18.


When using DOSBox, only the F-22 Maintenance Upgrade patch is required. This patch requires an installed and working copy of F-22. To apply the patch:


  • From Win10/11, copy the self-extracting executable (fs2210018.exe) into the F-22 installation folder. Run the patch within DOSBox replacing existing files as required.


  • Alternatively from Win10/11 extract the contents of the patch zip file (fs2210018.zip) into the F-22 installation folder, replacing existing files as required.


  • From DOSBox, in the F-22 installation folder run the patch installer (install.exe).


Configuration


Configuration is run (in DOSBox) automatically after installation or run manually within the F-22 installation folder with the command:

C:\F22> setup.exe


The following gallery shows the configuration steps:


  • Video settings.
  • Sound Blaster digital sound settings
  • Sound Blaster music selection.
  • Performance settings.

  • In Video Setup, select VESA 2.0.


  • To configure sound/music see Sound.


  • In Performance settings the following checkboxes should be checked:

    • Use page flipping.

    • Use VESA for low-res.


  • Once configuration is complete the game will run automatically.


  • Configuration can be repeated as often as needed, by rerunning the setup.exe command.


Running


The game is run from the DOSBox installation folder with the command:

C:\F22> f22.exe

In-game configuration


The following gallery shows the in-game configuration options:


  • Options including graphics speed/memory and sound options.
  • More options including controls and effects.

  • All graphics speed and memory options can be set to maximum.


  • Sound options are left to personal preference.


  • Controls:

    • Joystick will depend on the DOSBox config.

    • A DOSBox ch joystick type should use the CH Flightstick Pro.

    • A DOSBox 4axis joystick type should use the 4 Button Joystick.

    • Throttle and Foot pedals settings will depend on the available hardware.


  • Effects settings are left to personal preference.


Documents


The manual and keyboard reference card is included on the CD with the EA CD Classics edition release.


The following documents are available digitally:





Game mods


This section covers game mods, tools or in this case workarounds that may prove useful when playing the game.


Editing the save game file


There is a legitimate use for such a task as midway through the later campaigns the Promotion Point Total can increase above 199,999, which results in a crash when accessing the Player Stats Screen. A workaround for this issues requires opening the player save file (f22plyr.sav) in a hex editor, like HxD.


  • It is recommended to take a backup copy of the player save file in case there are unexpected problems.


  • In this example, a save file is opened in HxD, all slots in the save file have been filled with the description, DARKENEDROOM123.


  • Each hexadecimal value, 00, 0C, A2, DF, etc. is a single character/byte.


  • The description is always 15 characters/bytes long (with blank characters/bytes shown as '.' in HxD). After the description there is a single empty byte ('.' in HxD) and then the 3 characters/bytes storing the score (?♪♥).


  • The highlighted parts (1st screenshot) show the maximum allowable score, 199,999 in hexadecimal (3F 0D 03) and DOS/ANSI encoded characters (?♪♥).


  • If a score entry is selected (2nd screenshot), the panel on the right shows it's value in various formats. As a 24-bit (3-byte) integer (Int24 or UInt24) the value is 199,999.


  • If a score entry is higher than 199,999 then the hexadecimal entry can be edited and changed to 3F 0D 03 to set it to a working maximum.


  • A save file open in HxD. Highlighted parts show the player score.
  • Highlighting a score shows it's value in the right hand panel.
  • The edited score shown on the Player Stats page.

Example video


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uzXBZf85Fk
F-22 Lightning II in DOSBox Staging v0.83.0.

Finally...


Credit and thanks goes to:


  • The Internet archive for hosting the F-22 Lightning II patch collection, images of the Score cover CDs, F-22 documents and the Wayback Machine, used to rediscover the original patches.

  • The Patches Scrolls for hosting patches.

  • Gamepressure for hosting a patch.

  • John Novak and the DOSBox Staging team for DOSBox 0.83.0, wiki and user manual.

  • Maël Hörz for HxD.


Good hunting!

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