My problem:
I am very grateful for the Thexder 95 installer for Vista and Windows 7. After spending a good deal of time getting a Win98 Virtual Machine running, the keyboard was a bit too laggy for my tastes.
I used the Thexder 95 installer on my Windows 7-64x machine, and it copied all of the files to my HDD. It plays great, with only a few trades-offs (which are to be expected): the video cut-scenes don't work but there is audio (no big loss), and the FM Synthesis/Sound Blaster music dumped me to the desktop on one level when the music file ended -- again, no big deal; I would rather play it without music, anyway.
However, something came up at the end of the first world, Terra Nova. After I defeat the boss, the audio for the cut-scene plays, and after that, a message appears saying:
...which ends the game without advancing me to the next world.Official CD not found
Thank you for playing this demo of Thexder.
Now, I made an ISO from my original Thexder 95 version 1.0 disk in anticipation of using it in a Virtual Machine, and used it with the Vista/Win7 Installer using a Daemon Tools virtual CD/DVD drive. Whether I play it from the HDD (Vista/Win7 Installer), run it directly from the ISO drive, or run it directly from the original CD in my DVD Drive, I keep getting the same message.
I then dug up saved game files I had from 1997 where I had successfully beaten the game. Now I can start on any of the 10 different worlds (using the "revert" option), but when I defeat the boss at the end of each world's 5th level, I keep getting the same message described above...
Any ideas? I'm not sure why it's not recognizing that the CD is legitimate and not a demo. Some trigger or bug in the programming that just isn't working properly with a newer OS?
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Also, in the on-line help file for Thexder 95, they make mention of an add-on called "Thexder Extras":
Periodic searches using Google, the Internet Archive, Ebay and MobyGames over the years haven't revealed any information as to the existence of this mysterious add-on pack.Thexder Extras
Available January, 1996
A supplemental on-line Help file that contains all the information you need to get through each level of Thexder plus an editor to create your own new levels to challenge yourself and your friends plus lots of new map levels to play. A real value and a great addition that makes Thexder even more fun! Included are the following:
Secret Stuff
This part of Thexder Extras gives you the secret codes to increase your ammo, equipment, energy charges, and energy cells (extra lives). It's as easy as typing phrases from your keyboard. Now you can get past those levels that are just a bit too tough.
Play Hints
Having trouble getting past one of the techies? Can't seem to avoid that lava pit? Can't find the hidden path to a new location? Use this section of Thexder Extras to find the most efficient weapon to eliminate that techie, the best form for Thexder in some locations, and where to find hidden weapons and equipment. Find out each techie's pattern of movement and when he is vulnerable to your attack.
Maps and Solutions
The third part of Thexder Extras illustrates graphically a successful path through every level and shows hidden shootaways and foreground cells. Find the locations of hidden ammo and equipment, and read hints on how to get to them.
Level Editor
Create new levels for any world to surprise and challenge your friends. This is the development tool used to create and decorate all of the levels in Thexder. Have access to the special tiles for walls that you walk behind instead of bumping into, shoot-away tiles, platforms, switches, lava, acid, caves, conveyers, and invisible floors and walls.
More Levels
Brand new levels have been created for those who just can't get enough of this robot. New ideas, new challenges, and new puzzles are all available to challenge you at any difficulty. Explore the new ice caves, race along the girders of Geigerus, or find your way through the the caves of Chaox. An absolute necessity for all Thexderites.
How to Order
Cost of Thexder Extras is $14.95 plus shipping and handling.
For more information call 1-800-757-7707 or contact Sierra via World Wide WEB at http://www.sierra.com
Was it ever released? Or did the sales numbers for this edition of Thexder and not-so-glowing reviews at the time prevent that?
I'd certainly love to find a copy of it somewhere, if only to sneak a peek at cheat codes that would actually work for this game...
Sorry for being so long here. Thanks for listening and any help you can provide for either inquiry.
~Goatmeal