Darkwatch: Darker Edition

Windows 0.7.1 · Experimental Linux/Proton 0.7.1

Release downloads · 0.7.1 changes and installation

An unofficial PC port of original Xbox Darkwatch, powered by XboxXBERecomp, with Direct3D 12 rendering and statically recompiled gameplay. Supply your own supported original Xbox ISO/XISO. Original disc files and the Microsoft XDK are not included.

Install and update

Extract the complete Windows package to a writable folder. For automatic first-time setup, put one supported Xbox ISO/XISO in the included assets/ folder and open Darkwatch Darker Edition.exe. Keep this ISO in place for play and updates. An existing installation takes priority; multiple images require explicit selection. Select Game also offers:

• Use ISO directly: verify your disc, prepare the resources that need local changes, and read other game files from the ISO. Keep the ISO in place.
• Import once: install the game locally. The ISO can be removed after setup.
• Use Existing Install: reuse a previous launcher folder or its GameData folder without duplicating its game files or saves.

Preparation can take several minutes. Choose Play when it finishes, or use Play Darkwatch.exe to start directly. Normal play has no test timer.

Manage → Check for Updates → Install Update downloads and verifies a newer compatible package, replaces its managed files in place, and preserves game data, saves, settings and add-ons. For manual updates, close the game and launcher and extract the complete new package over the old one, replacing matching files. Keep GameData and any selected external installation or direct-mode ISO.

An upgrade from published 0.6.1 may need one final Xbox import because that version did not retain the recovery records used for future content updates. The launcher preserves saves, settings and compatible add-ons. See the release instructions for the exact options and limits.

Version 0.7.1 prepares the new character-body resources once. Modern import-once installations reuse their recovery data; directly mounted installations retain their ISO. Saves, settings, installed Spanish and compatible HD textures remain.

Windows requires Windows 10 version 1903 or newer / Windows 11 x64, .NET Framework 4.8, an x86-64-v2 CPU and a Direct3D 12 GPU supporting feature level 11_0. No administrator access is required.

Linux uses the separate experimental Proton package. Read its Linux instructions. The Windows runtime payload is shared, but Linux graphics, sound, controllers and gameplay require separate live testing. Native Linux Steam, a compatible Proton version and working Vulkan drivers are required. Steam uses the compatibility tool you select; Proton Experimental is one option. Steam/Proton are not bundled.

Optional textures and Spanish

The existing separate 0.7 HD pack remains compatible; no new pack is required for 0.7.1. For a fresh installation, keep .zip.001 through .005 together and select the first in Manage → Install HD Textures. Do not extract individual parts; no parts.json is required. Enable Graphics → HD Textures → Apply. The compact format preserves exact texture pixels, transparency and mipmaps. Previous published packs remain compatible, with their prior coverage. HD menus, fonts and HUD do not require this optional gameplay pack.

After Xbox setup, choose Manage → Install Spanish and provide your supported European PAL PS2 Darkwatch ISO, SLES-53564. Select Español for the next launch. The importer prepares text, subtitles, dialogue and matched movie soundtracks locally. Missing or unmatched audio retains the original Xbox resources. English remains available. Community language ZIPs are not used.

Features and verification

• Editable keyboard, mouse and per-player controller bindings; separate zoom sensitivity.
• Separate Graphics, Controls and Audio menus with mouse and controller support, including a dedicated Audio entry in either player's pause menu.
• World/weapon FOV, reticle, widescreen, MSAA and cinematic presentation controls.
• Selectable characters and rotating previews for solo play and local co-op.
• Beta split-screen co-op with separate saves, protected chapter replay and full original single-player textures when the optional HD pack is absent.
• Starter revolver retention and optional Carry All Weapons with next/previous bindings and mouse-wheel cycling. Those binding rows are unavailable while the option is off, without erasing saved assignments.
• Optional Forever Ragdolls with player contact and separate co-op player bodies; retained bodies do not keep a deleted player object's controls or inventory.
• Carry All inventory and ammunition restoration during individual co-op respawn.
• Steadier Blood Vision, magnification-aware mouse zoom sensitivity, and per-player reticle size from 0% (hidden) to 200%, with 100% retaining the normal size.

Co-op remains beta and Linux/Proton remains experimental. Targeted tests do not establish every campaign transition, character/weapon pairing, physical 5.1 output or complete Spanish synchronization. Empty-folder direct-ISO preparation and file verification passed on Windows. Selected Windows menus and gameplay received live checks; Linux gameplay still needs live testing. Small capped failure reports remain enabled; routine development captures are disabled in player builds.

Source

See building, code map, credits and release notes. This snapshot contains maintained host integration, the exact SDK patch, own-disc import tools and synthetic tests. Generated gameplay C++, original assets, saves, caches and private original-instruction fixtures are excluded. The player executable contains compiled recompiled gameplay logic.