Custom DOSBOX "mapper.txt" file for The Elder Scrolls: Arena.
Enables full WASD key controls as well as remapping most keys for easier access. Holding L ALT reverts all keys back to normal for typing text until released.
UPDATE 1.5: I've created a second version of the file and now can both be just dropped in the main ARENA folder and work regardless of version used. This fixes both the GOG and newer DOSBOX versions using different naming for the mapper file. Now no one needs to edit any files to make it work. Plus I fixed one key not reverting to normal behavior when pressing the toggle key.
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Being programming in 1994, the default controls for The Elder Scrolls: Arena do not match the key layouts of the later Bethesda games (basically, WASD). They are not as intuitive or comfortable as the more modern control schemes. With all the work I have been doing to test textures in Arena, I got tired of fighting the control scheme so I finally sat down and worked out the most optimal solution using DOSBOX's mapper function.
Using the included file, Arena now has full WASD style controls. A majority of the keys have been remapped for better convenience and ease of access. Now the game controls almost exactly like modern Bethesda's games. I have also included a handy reference keyboard map will all relevant keys labeled.
Major hurdle: (SOLVED)
The one hindrance with using DOSBOX's mapper program was that the keys get reassigned to a different key...meaning when you type text, they showed the new mapped key and not the one you are typing. While Arena doesn't require too much text input, there is some (save game and spell names, etc.).
My solution was to assign a "master key" that reverts all keys back to their original assignment while held. All one has to do is hold down the "L ALT" key while typing and all text will be normal. Release the "L ALT" key and all the keys return to the new control scheme. It's that easy.
Bonus (UNLOCKED): The World map and Quick Cast now have dedicated keys. Woot Woot!
- Martin
This mod is exactly what I'm looking for, but I cant seem to get it working. That is to say, the mod seems to work, but the L-Alt toggle doesn't seem to work for any key except spacebar. I'm running the official download of Arena on Dosbox 0.74 in Windows 10. Any ideas what I might be doing wrong?
how'd you install it im at a complete loss
Sorry, I forgot I uploaded here. The file gets dropped right in the same directory as the game. However, the GOG version requires an alternate named file which I will upload soon.
Martin
I uploaded an update that fixes the problem with GOG and newer Dosbox installs.
- Martin
Ok, where do I put the file in?
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