Welcome to the Ultima Underworld 2: Labyrinth Of Worlds General MIDI Patch V1.0 by SkyGracer aka Panzer Dragon (UDIC). (i)-<(What does this GM Patch do?)>- This patch is designed to replace the existing music files for Ultima Underworld 2 with new optimised GM files. A while ago I just got my new PCI S3 SonicVibes wavetable card and was eager to play Underworld with General MIDI. Alas, the GM option was not available and it only offered Roland LAPC/MT32 emulation. UW worked but the music was terrible! The existing XMIs (eXtended MIdi files) were optimised for Roland LAPC/MT32 and not for GM, so obviously they sound a bit queer. This patch is for those who have GM cards such as AWE32/64. I replaced the original XMIs with optimised MIDI files. (ii)-<(What this patch DOESN'T do:)>- This patch is only for GM cards and therefore little or no difference will occur whilst using a FM synthesis card such as Adlib, SB16, SB Pro. I did NOT touch the digital sound samples, though I could, upon request however. I thought the sound FX were quite fine the way they presently are so I won't spoil them. NOTE: Using this patch, you will no longer allow you to use the original XMIs (is that really a bad thing? ). This patch also won't make you a sex magnet or bring world peace. (iii)-<(Installation)>- This patch is very simple to install. Merely unzip this archive into your Ultima Underworld 2 SOUND directory (eg C:\UW2\SOUND) and when the archive prompts you to replace the existing files answer YES for all of them. After that, run the Setup file (UINSTALL.EXE) and select Roland LAPC. Next time you run UW, the music will sound better. NOTE: If you wish to revert back to the original music files, merely copy the XMI files from your original UW2 CD and overwrite the new XMI files. Best to backup your files beforehand. (iv)-<(Compatibility)>- Theoretically, if you could run Underworld before this patch, it should work fine after as well. It doesn't exactly change that much . But FYI, I included the system which I ran this on: P100(Oh stop laughing!), 32MB EDO, 1.2GB HDD 4X CDROM, S3 SonicVibes PCI GM compatible Soundcard I've tested this patch under the following: DOS 6.22 Worked fine! Remember to use EMS. Otherwise, not a single problem. Windows95 Remember to run in Full Screen Mode and to have EMS configured. I couldn't get speech to run under Win95. Probably because of my soundcard's fussyness and lack of support. If there are any problems with this patch. Give me a yell and tell me your system configuration/specs. But seriously, I think this should have no effect on Underworld, compatibility/stability wise. (v)-<(Problems/Other Stuff)>- There should be no problems with installation/use of this patch. If the music doesn't sound right, then it's probably just your soundcard that is the actual problem . If you wish to change the sound FX, it is up to you, I will make no such effort unless popular demand makes me reconsider . (vi)-<(Dislaimer)>- This humble archive is FREEWARE and may be freely distributed as long as this README.TXT is included with it. No users may charge money for this archive. If anyone wishes to stick this on a CD collection, then be my guest but again keep the README.TXT. BTW, I am not responsible for any possible damages caused by this program. If it blows your house up or gives you a heart attack from being exposed to it's beauty, well..life goes on. Seriously, the user (YOU) are responsible for any damages caused by the use/misuse of this archive. Enough of trying to scare you..enjoy! (vii)-<(Get the Author's Attention)>- If you have any suggestions/comments/questions/insults/ flame/vulgarity/sexual desires/money to give/job offer/ position as head of the Earth/offer as a pimp then in that case please don't hesitate to contact the author, SkyGracer/Panzer Dragon/Philip Nguyen. My email address is philnguyen@hartingdale.com.au Please enjoy this very humble little patch. Enough yak from me! Cya later! Philip Nguyen http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Stadium/3859 http://www.udic.org mIRC, Undernet #UDIC, #wayfarers #r&b #rap philnguyen@hartingdale.com.au http://www.crazyhorse.com