The link at the bottom of this page takes you to Software Refinery's main page. You'll have to sign up for a password to log in. Don't worry, they won't spam you to death. Just register and they'll email you a password immediately. Now log in and go to the Hardwar section to download the demo. The download is 12.5 MB and takes some time to download, but it's well worth it.

The demo is fully functional, but limits you to the Alpha Crater. You only get to fly for 20 minutes at a time. You can replay the demo as much as you want. It's a great way to develop flying and fighting skills. When you think you're ready, you can take on Coolon Dibsey. He's a pirate discussed in a message from the Police.

The demo starts you in the Alpha Trading Post. You're piloting a Silver-Y with laser, pod, and drone. You've got $10,000 and I suggest browsing the Alpha Trading Post's stock and fitting a plasma kannon.

The minimum hardware/software requirements for HardWar are:

Windows 95/98
Pentium 166 or equivalent
16MB RAM
35MB Hard Drive space
2x CD ROM
100% Microsoft compatible mouse
Direct X 5.0 or better. Direct X 5.0 is included with the full version of the game. You probably already have this installed.

The recommeded requirements for optimal play are:

Pentium 200 or equivalent
32MB RAM
3D accelerator card
4x CD ROM

My 19K Basic Training Manual makes a good accessory to the demo. It helps you install, configure, and play HardWar. It's a pretty quick download, too.

I STRONGLY recommend using a joystick with a throttle. You can play with a keyboard or gamepad. HardWar supports LAN and modem play, but I know of no known gaming sites palying it currently. If you know of one, please e-mail me.

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SOFTWARE
REFINERY

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NOTE

If you have problems downloading the demo or finding HardWar CDs, please e-mail me. I'll probably be able to help.

Please notice that HardWar's system requirements are quite low by contemporary standards. Don't be afraid to try this game if you have an older or slower machine.