Learning Debian GNU/Linux

Closeups of Some Popular Games

In this section, you’ll get acquainted with three popular games you can run under Linux:

• DOOM, which runs on a console or under X

• Quake II, which runs on a console or under X

• StarCraft, which runs under X by using WINE

DOOM

Originally written for MS-DOS by id Software (http://www.idsoftware.com/), DOOM is the archetypal 3D action game. You play the role of a space marine, fighting your way through a series of bases on the moons of Mars that have been invaded by aliens. The game features real-time 3D graphics and stereo sound effects. Figure 9-1 shows a typical game screen.

Figure 9-1. A typical DOOM screen

If you prefer more cunning opponents, you can play the game in network mode, via modem, or an IPX or TCP/IP network. Network mode lets you match wits with two to four human opponents.

To run DOOM in a console, type the following command:

sdoom -warp 1 1

If you prefer to run DOOM under X, type the following command:

xdoom -warp 1 1

To call up DOOM’s main menu, simply press Esc.

You can learn more about DOOM by visiting the DOOM Archives at http://www.idsoftware.com/archives/doomarc.html and the Linux DOOM FAQ at http://jcomm.uoregon.edu/~stevev/Linux-DOOM-FAQ.html. You might also enjoy lxDoom, a Linux port of Boom, which is an enhanced version of DOOM.

Quake II

Like DOOM, Quake II was also written by id Software. However, Quake II is a much more modern ...