itch.io

I see now.  'Just Explore a Scenario' does not allow you to fire.  It is meant to just fly around and find out where everything is to plan ahead of a mission/scenario or when you are not in the mood for a fight...  

I think it should recall your last pilot name unless it cannot access the files under that folder C:\Users\<your windows user name>\AppData\Local\SQ1\

Thanks for playing the game.  I hope you have fun!

I am not aware of any incompatibilities with Windows 7.

Make sure you start the game using the correct shortcut. After installation, there should be a shortcut that points to a file named 'run-sq1.bat' in the installation folder C:\Program Files (x86)\SQ1

The joystick button 1 or mouse 1 are also used in the menu so you can validate if it works or not by navigating or making selection it the menu.

One thing to check is if there are any tools running that could intercept or reassign joystick buttons or mouse clicks. You could also try DOSBox keymapper (Ctrl-F1) and see if you can assign another key to send 'spacebar' keys for firing.

As a last resort, you can try changing options in the file C:\Program Files (x86)\SQ1\dosbox\doxbox.conf

The manual for dosbox should be in the file C:\Program Files (x86)\SQ1\dosbox\DOSBox 0.74-3 Manual.txt

Let me know if I can help further or if you found a solution.

Thanks for the nice comment!

Thanks for the nice comments!

Thanks a lot for sharing this.  I know it was not perfect, but I really tried to give my best into it.

I have added a tentative portable version of the game if you want to try it.   It should be available for download now.   I have not yet tested it on Linux with Steam though. 

Wow!  Thanks a lot for your effort and detailed post helping others.

Thanks for your comment and detailed information.  I don't have a Steam Deck to try it but I will try to prepare a portable zip of the game and let you know when it is ready, in case you want to try it.

Cool!  Thanks for sharing this!