First off, patch Descent to 1.4a or 1.5 and after that download D1x 1.43 (patches and d1x can be found here: http://www.planetdescent.com/site/files/d1/patches/)
I have no idea about setting up joysticks and input devices on D1x, so I can't help you there, but I do know how to get the UDP/IP to work.
I use d1x143oglmw.exe for this, but I see no reason why the non open gl .exe wouldnt work with this. Make sure the person hosting the UDP/IP game has all his stuff up and running fine, that his firewall isnt blocking the required ports, and that he has a PUBLIC IP address (one that doesnt begin with 192 or 10).
Now you must be thinking... but rsm, I have done all of that already and it still doesnt work, you good-for-nothing wannabe helper biotch. Well then, I think its time I mention the MAGIC TRICK to get it working: make the host check D1X ONLY GAME under D1X options in multiplayer when he is about to host the game. Touché! Now you'll be able to connect by just entering his IP address and pressing enter when you try to join a UDP/IP game.
If you cant, then you're really screwed.
Hope it helps those who have been trying to play, I can't figure out why this wasnt in a sticky before.
Cya'll and keep descentin! (OH AND INVITE ME TO YOUR D1 GAMES YOU INGRATES!)
-rsm
To play Descent 1 over IP:
Forgot to mention a couple of useful links:
http://bely19.home.comcast.net/files/Descent.rar
This is D1 with an ini/config file someone had done (sorry I can't remember his name right now) which should set you on your wheels to start flyin with a stick.
phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3266&postdays=0&p ... sc&start=0
This is miscellaneous help with the joystick mostly.
http://bely19.home.comcast.net/files/Descent.rar
This is D1 with an ini/config file someone had done (sorry I can't remember his name right now) which should set you on your wheels to start flyin with a stick.
phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3266&postdays=0&p ... sc&start=0
This is miscellaneous help with the joystick mostly.