I found myself thinking how awesome it would be to have a native mobile client for Asheron’s Call 2. Unfortunately, no such thing exists, however I was curious to see if there was any way to do it. I’ve had some luck with LOTRO, using Splashtop Streamer in tandem with the tablet application, on my Transformer Prime. I decided to experiment with it and AC2 today, to see what I could accomplish. I was able to get AC2 running on my desktop, streaming to my tablet. Although the experience isn’t optimal, it’s definitely playable (albeit pretty frustrating). This post explains how to get setup with Splashtop Streamer, so you can try it out if you want. Note: I don’t work for Splashtop, I’m just someone trying to get access to the game from my tablet.
See the video: Asheron’s Call 2 on a Tablet
Desktop Requirements
- Desktop capable of playing Asheron’s Call2
- acconfig.exe (in the newest installer, or from the original disks)
- AC2 setup to run with the acconfiguration tool at startup
- Spalshtop Streamer (free):
http://www.splashtop.com/streamer/download
Tablet / Mobile Device Requirements
- nVidia Tegra based device
- Splashtop Gamepad THD
Get it from the Google Play Store. It should already be installed if you have a Tegra based device. I ended up purchasing it at some point for about $7.
Desktop Setup
- Install the streamer on your desktop
- Make sure to setup a pincode, as the mobile app will not connect unless the streamer has a pincode.
- Creating a Splashtop account is optional. I went ahead and created one, as well as added my gmail account (again optional).
- It should be setup and running in your taskbar, now.
Mobile Device Setup
- Install the application from the Google Play Store (Splashtop Gamepad THD)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.splashtop.remote.pad.thd&hl=en - Run the application
It should automatically find your Streamer. When it does, DO NOT CONNECT. - Open the settings for the connection by tapping the > to the right
- Change the resolution to 1280×800 (or something your tablet can display)
- Save the settings
Connecting to your Desktop, and Playing AC2
- Tap your desktop from the connection screen
- Start AC2 and login
Note: you will have to type in your password, then tap the ENTER key on the virtual keyboard. You won’t see the text in the LOGON form, however it will work. - When the acconfiguration tool comes up, select a resolution less than what you selected in step 5, above. For example, 1280×720.
- I had to run in windowed mode. Full screen kept causing explorer to crash.
- Click OK in the acconfig tool
- Watch as AC (with sound and everything) comes up.
Playing AC2 on the Tablet
Once you are in the game with your favorite character, you can tap the screen with three fingers to get into the virtual game-pad mode. There are a few profiles setup to choose from, like WoW, and you can also create new ones. You can select the WoW one just to get used to the interface. Use the virtual controller to move around, and play as you would normally. You can create your own custom profile, and add and remove virtual buttons as you wish. I’ve added a ‘T’ button, ‘Tab’, ‘1’, ‘2’, ‘3’ for hot-bars, etc. The controls are very frustrating. The virtual movement controller is really touchy, and I find myself not able to run in a straight line. Maybe it’s just me. Also, moving your thumb anywhere on the right side of the screen will activate mouse look, and it’s EXTREMELY sensitive.
I wouldn’t recommend playing this way, unless you are in a bind and really need to get your AC2 fix. I was able to run out of Cragstone, and kill a few mobs, though, so it’s definitely playable. Nothing would beat a native client.