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Difference between revisions of "Mass Effect"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(→‎People and Objects Become Black Pixles: Adding that after exiting broken areas you can restart the lighting so it looks better again)
(general cleanup and improvement)
Line 5: Line 5:
 
|publisher      = [[Wikipedia:Electronic Arts|Electronic Arts]]
 
|publisher      = [[Wikipedia:Electronic Arts|Electronic Arts]]
 
|engine        = Unreal Engine 3
 
|engine        = Unreal Engine 3
−
|release dates  = <sup>NA</sup> May 28, 2008<br /><sup>AU</sup> June 5, 2008<br /><sup>EU</sup> June 6, 2008
+
|release dates  = May 28, 2008
−
|steam          = 17460
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{:Mass Effect (series)}}
 
{{:Mass Effect (series)}}
 +
==Availability==
 +
{{Availability Table|
 +
{{Availability Table/row| [http://store.steampowered.com/app/17460/ Steam] | {{ID|Steam}} |}}
 +
{{Availability Table/row| [http://store.origin.com/store/eaapac/DisplayProductDetailsPage/productID.102427200 Origin] | {{ID|Origin}} |}}
 +
{{Availability Table/row| [http://www.amazon.com/Mass-Effect-Pc/dp/B00140P9BA Amazon] | {{ID|Retail}}/{{ID|Amazon}} |Retail or digital download}}
 +
}}
 +
{{++}} Retail version product keys can be registered on [[Origin]] for easier downloading and patching.
  
−
== Version Differences ==
+
===DLC===
−
Digital and retail versions differ only in the fact that there is a problem with installing a retail version on Windows 7. Retail versions can be registered with [[Origin]].
+
* Pinnacle Station: available as a digital download [http://store.origin.com/store/eaapac/DisplayProductDetailsPage/productID.152041300 from Origin] or as part of the Mass Effect Trilogy compilation.
 +
* Bring Down the Sky: free from [https://help.ea.com/article/mass-effect-bring-down-the-sky-dlc-redemption Bring Down the Sky DLC Redemption]. This is compatible with all versions, including Steam.
  
−
== Save game location ==
+
==Improvements==
−
<pre>C:\Users\%USERNAME%\Documents\My Games\Bioware\Mass Effect\profile\save games\</pre>
+
===Update 1.02 patch===
 +
The latest patch is [http://masseffect.bioware.com/me1/pc/updates/index.html Update 1.02] which fixes various issues. The Steam version is already patched.
  
−
== Issues and Fixes ==
+
==Game data==
 +
===Save game location===
 +
{{Game Location Table|
 +
{{Game Location Table/row|All versions|%USERPROFILE%\My Documents\My Games\Bioware\Mass Effect}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Video settings==
 +
{{Video Settings
 +
|widescreen_resolution      =hackable
 +
|widescreen_resolution_notes=Limited native support; use [https://www.widescreenfixer.org Widescreen Fixer] to correct FOV and HUD issues.
 +
|multimonitor              =hackable
 +
|multimonitor_notes        =Use [https://www.widescreenfixer.org Widescreen Fixer].
 +
|fov                        =hackable
 +
|fov_notes                  =Use [https://www.widescreenfixer.org Widescreen Fixer].
 +
|windowed                  =unknown
 +
|windowed_notes            =
 +
|fullscreen                =unknown
 +
|fullscreen_notes          =
 +
|anisotropic                =unknown
 +
|anisotropic_notes          =
 +
|antialiasing              =unknown
 +
|antialiasing_notes        =
 +
|vsync                      =unknown
 +
|vsync_notes                =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Input settings==
 +
{{Input Settings
 +
|key_remap                  =true
 +
|key_remap_notes            =
 +
|acceleration_option        =unknown
 +
|acceleration_option_notes  =
 +
|controller_support        =false
 +
|controller_support_notes  =No native support; see [[Controller with keyboard-only game]].
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
== Issues fixed ==
 
=== Steam ===
 
=== Steam ===
 
Steam must be running in administrator mode or Mass Effect will not load.
 
Steam must be running in administrator mode or Mass Effect will not load.
Line 23: Line 67:
  
 
=== Intel Integrated Graphics ===
 
=== Intel Integrated Graphics ===
−
Mass Effect does not officially support Intel graphics chips. However, the game is still playable. The game will crash if the main menu is called up (through Esc). It is still possible to play through Mass Effect if one uses shortcuts to access desired menu item, for example, quick save or codex).
+
Mass Effect does not officially support Intel graphics chips; it will not run correctly on driver versions earlier than 15.22.54.64.2622 so you should download the latest drivers if possible. On earlier drivers the game is still playable but it will crash if the main menu is called up (through Esc). It is still possible to play through Mass Effect if one uses shortcuts to access desired menu item, for example, quick save or codex).
−
 
 
−
While the aforementioned method works, it is still bothersome and is a detriment to gameplay. An updated Intel driver fixes the problem entirely. The driver in question is the 2622 Intel driver.
 
  
−
=== Windows 7 Retail Install ===
+
=== Launcher crashes (retail versions) ===
−
Mass Effect retail copies do not run under a Windows 7 environment. This, however, was fixed with the [http://masseffect.bioware.com/me1/pc/updates/index.html 1.02 patch]. The real reason of this issue is originated by the MassEffectConfig.exe file, which crashes under Windows 7.
+
Install the [http://masseffect.bioware.com/me1/pc/updates/index.html Update 1.02 patch].
−
Digital copies, however, are not affected by this issue. If you are unwilling to download the patch, you can start the game from MassEffect.exe to bypass the MassEffectConfig.exe crash.
 
  
 
=== Black screen after loading a save ===
 
=== Black screen after loading a save ===
−
If the whole screen is black except for the UI, then Shepherd fell through Normandy and the save is bugged. Only happens on Normandy, in the Engineering part of the ship. Never save there.
+
If the whole screen is black except for the UI, then Shepherd fell through the Normandy and the save is bugged. Only happens on the Normandy, in the Engineering part of the ship. Never save there.
  
 
=== Therum missing textures ===
 
=== Therum missing textures ===
−
If when you get to Therum most of the ground is black, then you've got a common texture problem. Some of the black area is safe to drive on but some of it will kill you outright, making it quite hard to navigate. To restore the texture, go to My Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Published\CookedPC and remove the file LocalShaderCache-PC-D3D-SM3.upk. Restart and Therum should look fine.
+
If when you get to Therum most of the ground is black, then you've got a common texture problem. Some of the black area is safe to drive on but some of it will kill you outright, making it quite hard to navigate. To restore the texture, go to <code>%USERPROFILE%\My Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Published\CookedPC</code> and delete <code>LocalShaderCache-PC-D3D-SM3.upk</code>. Restart and Therum should look fine.
  
−
=== People and Objects Become Black Pixles ===
+
=== People and Objects Become Black ===
−
Your squad, enemies, and objects that can be interacted with become boxy black blobs. This is a problem on newer AMD processors. To fix change the viewmode to unlit. First you will need to enable the developer console. To enable the developer console you need to edit the configuration file BioInput.ini wich is stored in ...Documents\Mass Effect\Config\BioInput.ini. Add a line below Engine.Console so that this section of the file looks like:
+
Your squad, enemies, and objects that can be interacted with become boxy black blobs. This is a problem on newer AMD processors. To fix change the viewmode to unlit. First you will need to enable the developer console. To enable the developer console you need to edit <code>%USERPROFILE%\My Documents\Mass Effect\Config\BioInput.ini</code>. Add a line below <code>Engine.Console</code> so that this section of the file looks like:<br>
−
 
+
<code>[Engine.Console]<br>
−
[Engine.Console]
+
ConsoleKey=Tilde</code>
−
ConsoleKey=Tilde
+
Boot up Mass Effect, open the developer console by hitting "~" and type in <code>viewmode unlit</code>. Should be good to go. It's possible these issues will only affect you in very specific areas, namely an area on Noveria and another on Ilos. After exiting these areas you can use viewmode lit to revert Mass Effect to it's normal lighting. There's a possibility you will need to unequip then reequip armor to fix them after doing so.
−
 
 
−
Boot up Mass Effect, open the developer console by hitting "~" and type in viewmode unlit. Should be good to go. It's possible these issues will only affect you in very specific areas, namely an area on Noveria and another on Ilos. After exiting these areas you can use viewmode lit to revert Mass Effect to it's normal lighting. There's a possibility you will need to unequip then reequip armor to fix them after doing so.
 
  
 
=== Garrus's face fix ===
 
=== Garrus's face fix ===
 
It has been noted that the textures on Garrus Vakarian's face are extremely low resolution. While this issue can be fixed by using Texemod to import Mass Effect 2 textures and use those instead, there is an easier method that doesn't require Texmod to be running.  
 
It has been noted that the textures on Garrus Vakarian's face are extremely low resolution. While this issue can be fixed by using Texemod to import Mass Effect 2 textures and use those instead, there is an easier method that doesn't require Texmod to be running.  
−
* Navigate to the BioEngine.ini file, which can be found in Documents\Bioware\Mass Effect\Config
+
# Open <code>%USERPROFILE%\My Documents\Mass Effect\Config\BioEngine.ini</code>
−
* Back up the file.
+
# Replace the following three lines:<br>
−
* Open the file using Notepad and find the section under [TextureLODSettings]
+
<code>TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Diff=(MinLODSize=32,MaxLODSize=512,LODBias=0)<br>
−
* Find these 3 lines within this section (use CTRL + F if unable):
+
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Norm=(MinLODSize=32,MaxLODSize=512,LODBias=0)<br>
−
 
+
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Spec=(MinLODSize=32,MaxLODSize=256,LODBias=0)</code><br>
−
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Diff=(MinLODSize=32,MaxLODSize=512,LODBias=0)
+
...with these lines:<br>
−
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Norm=(MinLODSize=32,MaxLODSize=512,LODBias=0)
+
<code>TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Diff=(MinLODSize=512,MaxLODSize=512,LODBias=0)<br>
−
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Spec=(MinLODSize=32,MaxLODSize=256,LODBias=0)
+
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Norm=(MinLODSize=512,MaxLODSize=512,LODBias=0)<br>
−
 
+
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Spec=(MinLODSize=256,MaxLODSize=256,LODBias=0)</code>
−
* Change the MinLODSize so it equals the MaxLODSize (but not any higher - this will render the game unplayable). The edited text should therefore be
 
−
 
 
−
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Diff=(MinLODSize=512,MaxLODSize=512,LODBias=0)
 
−
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Norm=(MinLODSize=512,MaxLODSize=512,LODBias=0)
 
−
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Spec=(MinLODSize=256,MaxLODSize=256,LODBias=0)
 
−
 
 
−
* If this edit has caused your Mass Effect to cease functioning, delete the file and replace it with your backup.
 
−
 
 
  
 
=== IGameExplorer --> Verify Access. Unable to verify access to the game. ===
 
=== IGameExplorer --> Verify Access. Unable to verify access to the game. ===
 
If you receive this message, it may be fixed by running the .exe in compatibility mode for Windows XP Service Pack 2. Be sure to do this for the actual MassEffect.exe and not the launcher. The final folder tree will be \Mass Effect\Binaries\MassEffect.exe. The preceding folders will of course depend on how you installed the game (via Steam, via Origin etc). To set the compatibility mode, right click the .exe, select properties, go to the compatibility tab, select an option from the drop down list.
 
If you receive this message, it may be fixed by running the .exe in compatibility mode for Windows XP Service Pack 2. Be sure to do this for the actual MassEffect.exe and not the launcher. The final folder tree will be \Mass Effect\Binaries\MassEffect.exe. The preceding folders will of course depend on how you installed the game (via Steam, via Origin etc). To set the compatibility mode, right click the .exe, select properties, go to the compatibility tab, select an option from the drop down list.
−
 
−
== DLC ==
 
−
=== Unavailable DLC ===
 
−
The Pinnacle Station DLC is no longer available for purchase via the official website. In order to obtain this DLC, users must contact EA support.
 
−
 
−
=== Free DLC ===
 
−
The Bring Down the Sky DLC is still available for free. Simply go to this [https://help.ea.com/article/mass-effect-bring-down-the-sky-dlc-redemption EA page]and follow the instructions for the Bring Down The Sky DLC. This DLC also works with Steam.
 
  
 
== System requirements ==
 
== System requirements ==
Line 84: Line 108:
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
[[Category:Game]]
 
 
[[Category:Windows]]
 
[[Category:Windows]]

Revision as of 07:41, 18 January 2013

Template:Infobox Mass Effect (series)

Availability

Template:Availability Table

Retail version product keys can be registered on Origin for easier downloading and patching.

DLC

  • Pinnacle Station: available as a digital download from Origin or as part of the Mass Effect Trilogy compilation.
  • Bring Down the Sky: free from Bring Down the Sky DLC Redemption. This is compatible with all versions, including Steam.

Improvements

Update 1.02 patch

The latest patch is Update 1.02 which fixes various issues. The Steam version is already patched.

Game data

Save game location

Template:Game Location Table

Video settings

Template:Video Settings

Input settings

Template:Input Settings

Issues fixed

Steam

Steam must be running in administrator mode or Mass Effect will not load.

In some cases, character and weapon textures will display at low resolution even if the game settings are set to higher quality. To fix this, follow these instructions from the Steam Forums.

Intel Integrated Graphics

Mass Effect does not officially support Intel graphics chips; it will not run correctly on driver versions earlier than 15.22.54.64.2622 so you should download the latest drivers if possible. On earlier drivers the game is still playable but it will crash if the main menu is called up (through Esc). It is still possible to play through Mass Effect if one uses shortcuts to access desired menu item, for example, quick save or codex).

Launcher crashes (retail versions)

Install the Update 1.02 patch.

Black screen after loading a save

If the whole screen is black except for the UI, then Shepherd fell through the Normandy and the save is bugged. Only happens on the Normandy, in the Engineering part of the ship. Never save there.

Therum missing textures

If when you get to Therum most of the ground is black, then you've got a common texture problem. Some of the black area is safe to drive on but some of it will kill you outright, making it quite hard to navigate. To restore the texture, go to %USERPROFILE%\My Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Published\CookedPC and delete LocalShaderCache-PC-D3D-SM3.upk. Restart and Therum should look fine.

People and Objects Become Black

Your squad, enemies, and objects that can be interacted with become boxy black blobs. This is a problem on newer AMD processors. To fix change the viewmode to unlit. First you will need to enable the developer console. To enable the developer console you need to edit %USERPROFILE%\My Documents\Mass Effect\Config\BioInput.ini. Add a line below Engine.Console so that this section of the file looks like:
[Engine.Console]
ConsoleKey=Tilde Boot up Mass Effect, open the developer console by hitting "~" and type in viewmode unlit. Should be good to go. It's possible these issues will only affect you in very specific areas, namely an area on Noveria and another on Ilos. After exiting these areas you can use viewmode lit to revert Mass Effect to it's normal lighting. There's a possibility you will need to unequip then reequip armor to fix them after doing so.

Garrus's face fix

It has been noted that the textures on Garrus Vakarian's face are extremely low resolution. While this issue can be fixed by using Texemod to import Mass Effect 2 textures and use those instead, there is an easier method that doesn't require Texmod to be running.

  1. Open %USERPROFILE%\My Documents\Mass Effect\Config\BioEngine.ini
  2. Replace the following three lines:

TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Diff=(MinLODSize=32,MaxLODSize=512,LODBias=0)
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Norm=(MinLODSize=32,MaxLODSize=512,LODBias=0)
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Spec=(MinLODSize=32,MaxLODSize=256,LODBias=0)
...with these lines:
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Diff=(MinLODSize=512,MaxLODSize=512,LODBias=0)
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Norm=(MinLODSize=512,MaxLODSize=512,LODBias=0)
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Spec=(MinLODSize=256,MaxLODSize=256,LODBias=0)

IGameExplorer --> Verify Access. Unable to verify access to the game.

If you receive this message, it may be fixed by running the .exe in compatibility mode for Windows XP Service Pack 2. Be sure to do this for the actual MassEffect.exe and not the launcher. The final folder tree will be \Mass Effect\Binaries\MassEffect.exe. The preceding folders will of course depend on how you installed the game (via Steam, via Origin etc). To set the compatibility mode, right click the .exe, select properties, go to the compatibility tab, select an option from the drop down list.

System requirements

Template:System Requirements