About the Game:
- What is Arvoch Alliance?
- What features set Arvoch Alliance apart from other space-sims?
- How is Arvoch Alliance 2.0 (SE) different from 1.X?
- How is Arvoch Alliance different from Evochron Legacy?
- How do I upgrade my copy of the game to a newer version?

Video, Sound, and Performance Questions:
- The framerate is really low and/or some of the sound or music in the game crackles, what's wrong?
- The game closes with a 'File Error' message or 'Could not load image' message?
- The game closes with a 'vkCreateBuffer', 'vkCreateImage', or other 'vk' error message?
- I have a problem running the game and the suggestions here haven't fixed it. What can I do?

Gameplay and Multiplayer Questions:
- I use a router/firewall/ICS/NAT and can't get internet-based multiplayer to work?
- Why are the atmosphere physics different from typical flight simulations?

Buying and Registering:
- What if I lose my registration information, can I still get the key to the game I paid for?
- I would like to buy several licenses for family/friends, can I get a discount for the game?
- I purchased the game and haven't received my registration key, what can I do?
- How does the order process and registration system work, can I install the game later on a new computer I buy?


What is Arvoch Alliance?
- Arvoch Alliance is a 3D space combat simulation for the PC. One of its primary design goals is to present a fairly realistic simulation of what space combat might be like in the future and it features several single player and multiplayer gameplay modes. From its extensive information display systems to its diverse control options, from the Newtonian style physics system to the advanced target tracking and selection options, Arvoch Alliance aims to provide a wide range of features and options in the realm of first person space combat simulation.

What features set Arvoch Alliance apart from other space-sims?
- Below is a list of features found in Arvoch Alliance that offer a unique combination not typically found in the genre as a whole:

- Diverse mission objectives including escort, spy, planet surface strikes, rescue, capture, mine, and build.
- Interactive environments that effect the player's ship including nebula clouds, seamless planet descents, asteroid fields, gas giant atmospheres, and more.
- Player designed custom mission options with a stand-alone mission editor.
- Fuel resource management (including a fuel recovery mission objective).
- Mouse, Keyboard, and Joystick/Gamepad control options (including support for up to 8 simultaneous control devices with 40 buttons each).
- Menu driven command/order system for directing ships under the player's command.
- Realistic Newtonian style physics.
- Easy-to-use modification options for various graphics and sound effects to customize the look and feel of the game.
- Realistic spacecraft instrumentation useful to pilots for situational awareness and tactical planning including centralized HUD rendered indicators and readouts, FPM (Flight Path Marker), pitch ladder, motion spears/ladders, compass, 'cone-of-vulnerability' gunsight, detailed ship status, and more.
- Full 2D and 3D radar modes (with 360-degree spherical direction indication).
- Advanced target tracking and selection (including damage, movement, weapon configuration, and identity details).
- Multi-surface animated explosion, flak, and impact effects.
- Player directed ship selection for flight group.
- Directional shielding with augment control.
- Multiplayer that includes Coop, Dogfight, and Team-vs-Team modes. AI/NPC ships can also be added to fill in player slots.
- Support for TrackIR.
- All degrees of freedom of motion (forward/reverse, left/right, up/down, pitch, roll, and yaw).


How is Arvoch Alliance 2.0 different from 1.X?
- The 2.0 update (free for owners of 1.X) updates and adds many new features and options to the original game. Here is an overview of many of the key improvements:

- New control system supporting multiple button input binding, custom HAT/POV input mapping, more axis channels, more buttons (up to 40 per device), and improved support for some devices on Windows 10.
- Updated graphics engine utilizing Vulkan to enhance graphics, detail, add shadows, and improve performance.
- Universe scaling increased by 10X for larger battle areas and more dramatic sense of scale/size for planets, nebula, and stars.
- Updated multiplayer system for improved performance, much faster movement/rotation updates, enhanced text chat options, and joint formation jump drive support.
- Revised multiplayer modes and parameters for better initial entity placement, varied respawn points, host controls, and battle spacing.
- Capital ships and small spacecraft from Evochron Legacy added for better alignment and consistency between the two games.
- Revised HUD, cockpit, consoles, menus, and other visuals to better align with Evochron Legacy and to update the game's look and feel.
- Updated physics system and increases in velocity (IDS 9X), radar range (IFF and tracking up to 25K), and jump drive speed (78K) to accommodate increased universe scaling.
- Updated weapon systems, sounds, and visual effects. Increased cannon ranges by 200%, added missile armor, and improved MDTS.
- Audio system updated to OGG and uncompressed formatting to remove ADPCM depedency and improve quality.
- Various missions updated to improve timing, spacing, and functionality.
- Revised/improved shield and explosion effects.



How is Arvoch Alliance different from Evochron Legacy?
- The Arvoch games have generally been developed alongside the Evochron series, featuring many of the same graphics, ships, weapons, flight dynamics, and technologies. Arvoch has simply focused on the military side of things for its mission driven gameplay. Arvoch Alliance was originally released in 2011 and shared similarities with the latest Evochron game at the time, Mercenary (the original 1.X version). With the introduction of Legacy in 2015, I wanted to go ahead and work on Arvoch to again bring it up to a similar graphics technology level and style of the current Evochron game. So you'll find the two games will again now look and feel pretty similar, with differences in a few key areas in addition to Arvoch's mission driven approach. The HUD, cockpit displays, and many indicators have been unified, with a few style and menu differences to accommodate the unique options in Arvoch.

Weapon designations, sounds, ranges, and visuals have also been brought closely in line with Evochron Legacy for consistency. There are some variations in energy reserves and capacities for the advanced military conditions and specifications of Arvoch. And some names are slightly different (for example, the 'E' type Evoch fighter is referred to as the 'Evoch-E' in Arvoch, rather than its descriptor name 'Nighthawk' as in Evochron). The physics and flight dynamics of the two games are also now generally pretty close, so maneuvers/tactics used in one will usually apply well to the other. However, since Arvoch focuses on Vonari and has some differences in settings/parameters, the AI will fly differently under some conditions than they will in Evochron. So visually and in terms of flight control, the games share many similarities.

The most significant differences between the two games involve the gameplay itself. Evochron can be described as a freeform sandbox space-sim with a wide range of activities including trading, combat, mining, building, delivering, and more. And the player is largely in control of when and where to complete the objectives they choose. Arvoch on the other hand is a much more mission driven game, with fixed objectives primarily focused on space combat. While there are some mining and resource recovery missions in Arvoch, they are simply additional objectives within the fixed mission based structure of the game. In Evochron, the player is primarily a lone pilot (although than can hire some AI piloted ships in single player) who decides where to go and what to do on their own. In Arvoch, the player is part of a military team and commands a group of ships to complete combat objectives in a series of fixed missions in a single player campaign. In Evochron, multiplayer continues the open sandbox style gameplay approach with other human players filling in the roles that AI ships would otherwise control. In Arvoch, multiplayer lets players team up to complete the campaign cooperatively or battle each other in dogfight or team-vs-team scenarios. So for players interested in fixed objectives, mission based space combat focused gameplay and/or multiplayer battles, Arvoch Alliance would likely be a nice addition to their space-sim library.

How do I upgrade my copy of the game to a newer version?
- The game can be updated, patched, and reinstalled using the same downloadable installation file available on the game's website. Simply download and run the installer to either install the game or update it. This helps make the process of installation and upgrading easy. You can upgrade/patch your copy of the game without interfering with the registration status for both the demo and full version. Your player profiles are also preserved when updating. If you are updating from a very old 1.X version of the game to a 2.X version, then the game may prompt you to enter the reference ID and key for your license to the game. Remapping axis inputs may also be needed since more recent versions of the game use a new control system.

The framerate is really low and/or some of the sound or music in the game crackles, what's wrong?
- Sound crackling/stuttering can occur if your system has trouble keeping up with the resource demands of the game due to low 3D performance and/or low system resources. The first step to try is update the drivers for your 3D video card and sound system. If the problem continues, stop all non-essential running programs to free up as much of your system's resources as possible. These two steps solve many performance problems. If performance problems continue, try reducing the detail settings in the Options menu (shadow, effects, and terrain detail). For additional information on improving system performance, click here.

The game closes with a 'File Error' message or 'Could not load image' message?
- This indicates the game could not load media it needs from disk into memory. It can happen if an outside program blocks file access the game needs or if the system lacks sufficient disk resources for the game. First, make sure your system meets the minimum disk and memory requirements. Next, check to make sure there isn't one or more other programs running in the background that could interfere with the game. Some anti-virus software may prevent the game from loading media it needs, so if your anti-virus software includes a 'gaming mode', that may also resolve the problem. For more information and options on this and related problems, visit this thread on the forum.

The game closes with a 'vkCreateBuffer', 'vkCreateImage', or other 'vk' error message?
- This indicates that your system was unable to load an object, image, or other rendering element into memory, generally because there wasn't enough memory available to perform the loading operation. This can happen on devices with multiple graphics systems, typically laptops where there is an integrated graphics component as well as a dedicated/discreet graphics component. The computer may not properly detect that the dedicated graphics system needs to be enabled for the game, leaving the integrated graphics system to try and run the game. Some integrated graphics systems won't be able to handle the game due to insufficient video memory that is below the minimum requirements, so a 'vk' error can occur when it runs out of memory. The solution is to enable the system's dedicated graphics system for the game, as long as it meets the game's minimum requirements. This usually involves setting a 'performance' mode in the display device's control panel, or optionally enabling the dedicated graphics component globally in BIOS. With Windows 10, you can also set the preferred graphics adaptor for a game by typing 'graphics settings' in the search box, launching the app by the same name, then browse for the game's executable and select it, then click on 'Options', then select the graphics device you want to use with the game.

I have a problem running the game and the suggestions here haven't fixed it. What can I do?
- If you haven't been able to find a solution to a particular problem, you can complete the following steps to forward your system specifications/details in an e-mail so further assistance may be possible.
- Click on Start, Run, then type in MSINFO32 and press enter.
- Then click on the File option at the top and click on Save.
- Save the NFO file, ZIP it to compress the size of the file, then attach it to an e-mail, send it to and include a detailed description of the problem.

I use a router/firewall/ICS/NAT and can't get internet-based multiplayer to work?
- On most systems, you can simply join a multiplayer game. However, certain routers and/or firewalls may block the needed ports for the game. You may need to open/forward ports manually to get multiplayer to work (for details on how to do this, refer to the documentation for your router/modem/firewall). Hosting a game will often require opening the needed ports. With many devices, you can often access the settings by entering the IP address 192.168.0.1 in your web browser. The following ports are needed for the game:

- 28888 TCP
- 28889 UDP

If you're using a router, another option is to bypass your router and connect directly to your modem via ethernet.

For additional resources on configuring ports/routers for multiplayer games, visit PortForward.com

Note: Disabling a firewall, placing a computer in the DMZ, or opening ports can result in lower security for your network/internet connection. By disabling such security measures, it's possible for someone to break into your network and cause harm to your computer and/or obtain personal information from your computer. If you choose to disable your network security measures, you do so at your own risk.

Why are the atmosphere physics different from typical flight simulations?
- Arvoch Alliance simulates spacecraft physics, even in atmospheres. It does not simulate many of the limitations of modern aircraft. Spacecraft in Arvoch Alliance are not limited to only forward powered thrust to generate lift and do not need the control systems of an aircraft due to their thruster capabilities. There are no flaps, ailerons, or elevators, there is no need for them because the craft are not limited to air flight, so they are not subject to the same limitations of aircraft. Their thruster systems and bi-directional wings are powerful enough to allow them to fly backwards and keep their nose up when flying slow, but not fully hover at high altitude and not generate enough lift to fly sideways like they can in space. The game does simulate changes in the flight model as a result of atmospheric flight, including drag, friction, gravity, and additional fuel consumption. The changes in the flight model also realistically scale with altitude.

What if I lose my registration information, can I still get the key to the game I paid for?
Yes. If you ordered the game directly, simply submit an e-mail requesting your registration details and include your name and e-mail address used on the order (any additional information just makes the process faster, but isn't required). If you ordered the game through a reseller, contact the reseller for your registration details.

I would like to buy several licenses for family/friends, can I get a discount for the game?
Yes. The discount varies based on the number of copies needed. Have a member of the group contact me with the details of your group (name of group, names of members including e-mail addresses, number of systems, etc.) and I will supply instructions on buying multiple licenses at a discount price. A separate registration will be given to each group member.

I purchased the game and haven't received my registration key, what can I do?
One of the most likely causes for a delay is the e-mail address you provided with your order is rejecting our e-mails to you (usually because the e-mail address you provided is spelled incorrectly or your e-mail service has blocked it or routed it to a spam folder). There may also be a technical problem. If your payment has been finalized and you still haven't received your key after around 12 hours, please contact us to follow up on the status of your order and resend your information as needed. To expedite your order, please verify your e-mail address is correct when placing your order and make sure your mailbox can receive the e-mail.

How does the order process and registration system work, can I install the game later on a new computer I buy?
Once an order is processed and passes the fraud check (which usually takes less than a few minutes or few hours at most), a random key is e-mailed to the registered user. The key does not expire and can be used to install the game on a different computer at a later date (keys are not computer locked or hardware dependent). There are only simple checks in place to prevent the same key from being used for more than one player in multiplayer and for key validity. Even if the game's website aren't around at some point in the future, you can still use your key to register the game you paid for offline. There are also no installation count limits that would risk preventing you from installing the game months or years later. Likewise, there are no uninstall 'deactivation' requirements to restore installation functionality.

Once the game is registered, it converts itself into the full version. The full version can be updated, patched, and reinstalled using the same installation file. One installation file is used for the demo, full version, and all upgrades/patches. This helps make the process of installation and upgrading easier. You can upgrade/patch your copy of the game without interfering with the registration status for both the demo and full version.

If you have questions about the registration system or anything else about the game, I can be reached via e-mail.