Difference between revisions of "Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri"
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|winehq = 332 | |winehq = 332 | ||
|license = commercial | |license = commercial | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Introduction | ||
+ | |introduction = | ||
+ | |||
+ | |release history = The game received the '''''Alien Crossfire''''' expansion in October 1999, and the two were bundled in the '''''Planetary Pack''''' compilation in April 2000. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |current state = On modern systems, the game suffers from compatibility issues, which can be alleviated by using [[#PRACX|PRACX]] for stable rendering and widescreen/windowed mode support. The [[#Unofficial patches|unofficial patches]] also bring numerous fixes for gameplay itself. | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''General information''' | '''General information''' | ||
+ | {{ii}} Throughout the article, the common abbreviations are used to differentiate the base game from the expansion: '''''SMAC''''' denotes ''Alpha Centauri'', '''''SMAX''''' denotes ''Alien Crossfire''. | ||
{{mm}} [https://alphacentauri2.info alphacentauri2.info] - Active Alpha Centauri modding, patching and multiplayer community. | {{mm}} [https://alphacentauri2.info alphacentauri2.info] - Active Alpha Centauri modding, patching and multiplayer community. | ||
{{mm}} [https://civilization.fandom.com/wiki/Civilization_Games_Wiki Civilization Wiki] - A detailed wiki for all Civilization games and their spin offs | {{mm}} [https://civilization.fandom.com/wiki/Civilization_Games_Wiki Civilization Wiki] - A detailed wiki for all Civilization games and their spin offs | ||
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===Patches=== | ===Patches=== | ||
− | {{ii}} | + | {{ii}} For the original Alpha Centauri release, install the [https://apolyton.net/local_links/links/c-demopatch-179 Alpha Centauri v4.0 update] and then the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/477-sid-meiers-alpha-centauri-xp-compatibility-patch/ XP Compatibility patch]. |
− | + | {{ii}} For the original Alien Crossfire release, install the [https://apolyton.net/local_links/links/c-demopatch-179 Alien Crossfire v2.0 update] and then the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/477-sid-meiers-alpha-centauri-xp-compatibility-patch/ XP Compatibility patch]. | |
− | + | {{ii}} For the Planetary Pack or EA's Laptop Pack, just install the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/477-sid-meiers-alpha-centauri-xp-compatibility-patch/ Compatibility patch]. | |
− | + | {{ii}} For the Japanese version, install the [https://web.archive.org/web/20051125013659/http://ftp.japan.ea.com/smac/SMAC101.exe Japanese 1.01 patch]. | |
− | |||
===Unofficial patches=== | ===Unofficial patches=== | ||
− | {{ii}} The | + | {{ii}} The unmodified game is filled with exploits and prone to crashing. The patches below will fix the vast majority of crashes and bugs. |
− | + | {{mm}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20220812201512/https://alphacentauri2.info/wiki/Yitzi's_patch Yitzi's patch] (SMAX only) - built on kyrub's SMAX patch and scient's patch (see below), and contains even more fixes as it was developed for a longer time. The correct download order is [https://web.archive.org/web/20200315130650/http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=downloads;sa=downfile&id=346 v3.5] and then [https://web.archive.org/web/20200315130644/http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=downloads;sa=downfile&id=352 v3.5d]. | |
− | + | {{mm}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20220814061449/https://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=260 kyrub's patch] (SMAC, SMAX version not recommended) - aimed primarily at improving AI performance but also fixing some bugs. The SMAX version has only minor AI improvements and is superseded by Yitzi's patch. | |
− | + | {{mm}} [https://github.com/DrazharLn/scient-unofficial-smacx-patch scient's patch] (SMAC and SMAX) - fixes bugs, crashes and exploits and includes text file improvements. | |
− | '''Recommendation | + | '''Recommendation''' |
+ | Install Yitzi's patch for SMAX and either kyrub's or scient's for SMAC. | ||
− | {{ii}} Yitzi's patch breaks backwards compatibility for alphax.txt. | + | '''Notes''' |
− | + | {{ii}} Yitzi's patch breaks backwards compatibility for {{file|alphax.txt}}. Old scenarios that require a custom version of that file require manual changes. This will not be a concern for most users. Some newer scenarios make use of Yitzi's patch, however. | |
− | {{ | + | {{++}} The patches' AI improvements do not make the AI too hard for new players, and instead aim for a reasonable level of challenge at "Librarian" difficulty. Tweaks mostly involve teaching the AI how to perform sufficiently well without cheating. |
− | + | ===PRACX=== | |
+ | [https://github.com/DrazharLn/pracx PRACX] is an open-source modified graphics renderer for Alpha Centauri with a number of stability improvements and features. For Alien Crossfire, it is intended to be used with Yitzi's patch. | ||
− | |||
==Game data== | ==Game data== | ||
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|fov notes = | |fov notes = | ||
|windowed = hackable | |windowed = hackable | ||
− | |windowed notes = See [[# | + | |windowed notes = See [[#PRACX|PRACX]]. |
|borderless windowed = false | |borderless windowed = false | ||
|borderless windowed notes = | |borderless windowed notes = | ||
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===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]=== | ||
− | + | {{Fixbox|description=Use [[#PRACX|PRACX]]|ref=|fix= | |
− | + | }} | |
− | |||
− | |||
{{Fixbox|description=Edit configuration file|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Edit configuration file|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | ||
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# Open {{file|Alpha Centauri.ini}}. | # Open {{file|Alpha Centauri.ini}}. | ||
# Add <code>DirectDraw=0</code> under <code>[Alpha Centauri]</code> | # Add <code>DirectDraw=0</code> under <code>[Alpha Centauri]</code> | ||
− | # The game will now run at | + | # The game will now run at the desktop's resolution |
}} | }} | ||
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|local play players = | |local play players = | ||
|local play modes = Hot seat | |local play modes = Hot seat | ||
− | |local play notes = Requires the [[#Patches|v2.0 | + | |local play notes = Requires the [[#Patches|v2.0 update]] or later.<ref>ftp://ftp.ea.com/pub/origin/patches/alpha_centauri/smacp4e.txt</ref> |
|lan play = true | |lan play = true | ||
|lan play players = 7 | |lan play players = 7 | ||
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==Issues fixed== | ==Issues fixed== | ||
===The game hangs=== | ===The game hangs=== | ||
− | + | {{Fixbox|description=Install the [[#Unofficial patches|latest versions of Yitzi or kyrub's patches]].|ref=|fix= | |
− | + | }} | |
− | |||
===AMD/ATI compatibility=== | ===AMD/ATI compatibility=== | ||
− | + | The GOG.com store page recommends using Catalyst 13.4 or earlier, but the game also works with 14.x.{{cn|July 2023}} | |
===Alt-Tab not functioning=== | ===Alt-Tab not functioning=== | ||
− | {{ii}} Applies to | + | {{ii}} Applies to the GOG.com distribution only. |
{{Fixbox|description=Disable compatibility shim|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/forum/sid_meier_s_alpha_centauri_/alttab_disabled|title=gog.com|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Disable compatibility shim|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/forum/sid_meier_s_alpha_centauri_/alttab_disabled|title=gog.com|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix= | ||
− | # Open a command prompt as administrator. | + | # Open a [[command prompt]] as administrator. |
# <code>cd {{p|game}}</code> | # <code>cd {{p|game}}</code> | ||
# <code>sdbinst -u goggame.sdb</code> | # <code>sdbinst -u goggame.sdb</code> | ||
− | '''Notes''' | + | '''Notes''' |
− | |||
* If problems occur by removing the shim, it can be restored with <code>sdbinst goggame.sdb</code> using the similar process. | * If problems occur by removing the shim, it can be restored with <code>sdbinst goggame.sdb</code> using the similar process. | ||
}} | }} | ||
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==Modifications== | ==Modifications== | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Using SMAC/X Mod Manager |ref={{cn|date=March 2017}}|fix= | + | {{Fixbox|description=Using SMAC/X Mod Manager|ref={{cn|date=March 2017}}|fix= |
Allows the installations of mods for the game. | Allows the installations of mods for the game. | ||
{{ii}} Source code of the mod manager can be found [https://github.com/uaEquals42/SMAC-Mod-Manager here] | {{ii}} Source code of the mod manager can be found [https://github.com/uaEquals42/SMAC-Mod-Manager here] | ||
− | # Download the latest non- | + | # Download the latest non-Python version of the program [https://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?topic=8433.msg92806#msg92806 here]. |
− | # Extract the content of the archive to | + | # Extract the content of the archive to an easily accessible folder (not to the {{folder|{{p|game}}}}) |
− | # Run SMACXLauncher.exe. | + | # Run {{file|SMACXLauncher.exe}}. |
− | # Go to options tab and | + | # Go to options tab and {{folder|{{p|game}}}}. Allow the mod manager to make a backup. |
− | # Put mods into mods directory. Make sure to follow the instructions located in the text file in the mods directory | + | # Put mods into the mods directory. Make sure to follow the instructions located in the text file in the mods directory |
− | # Enable them with the launcher by moving them to the right and clicking | + | # Enable them with the launcher by moving them to the right and clicking Apply. |
− | # If multiple mods are enabled, mods further down the list override any files that are also shared by mods earlier in the list | + | # If multiple mods are enabled, mods further down the list override any files that are also shared by mods earlier in the list. |
To remove mods: | To remove mods: | ||
− | # Launch SMACXLauncher.exe | + | # Launch {{file|SMACXLauncher.exe}}. |
# Move unwanted mods to the left. | # Move unwanted mods to the left. | ||
− | # Click | + | # Click Apply, then force. |
}} | }} | ||
Revision as of 21:44, 29 July 2023
Developers | |
---|---|
Firaxis Games | |
Mac OS (Classic) | Aspyr Media |
Linux | Loki Software |
Publishers | |
Electronic Arts | |
Re-release | Sold Out Software |
Mac OS | Aspyr Media |
Linux | Loki Software |
Release dates | |
Windows | February 9, 1999 |
Mac OS (Classic) | February 2000 |
Linux | August 2000 |
macOS (OS X) | September 25, 2003[Note 1] |
macOS (OS X) | January 24, 2013[Note 2] |
Reception | |
Metacritic | 92 |
Taxonomy | |
Monetization | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack |
Modes | Singleplayer, Multiplayer |
Pacing | Turn-based |
Perspectives | Bird's-eye view, Isometric |
Controls | Point and select |
Genres | 4X, TBS |
Themes | Sci-fi |
Warnings
- The macOS (OS X) version of this game does not work on macOS Catalina (version 10.15) or later due to the removal of support for 32-bit-only apps.
Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri is a singleplayer and multiplayer bird's-eye view and isometric 4X and TBS game.
The game received the Alien Crossfire expansion in October 1999, and the two were bundled in the Planetary Pack compilation in April 2000.
On modern systems, the game suffers from compatibility issues, which can be alleviated by using PRACX for stable rendering and widescreen/windowed mode support. The unofficial patches also bring numerous fixes for gameplay itself.
General information
- Throughout the article, the common abbreviations are used to differentiate the base game from the expansion: SMAC denotes Alpha Centauri, SMAX denotes Alien Crossfire.
- alphacentauri2.info - Active Alpha Centauri modding, patching and multiplayer community.
- Civilization Wiki - A detailed wiki for all Civilization games and their spin offs
- Apolyton Civilization Site's Alpha Centauri section - A huge forum dedicated to all Civilization games and their spin offs.
- GOG.com Community Discussions
- GOG.com Support Page
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | The game will run without the CD if you have performed a full install. SecuROM DRM otherwise. | |||
GOG.com | Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri Planetary Pack. | |||
Origin (unavailable) |
Version differences
- Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri Planetary Pack includes the base game and the Alien Crossfire expansion.
Monetization
Type | Notes |
---|---|
Expansion pack | The expansion pack includes 7 new factions, 2 of which are alien which bring their own gameplay differences, as well as new units, structures, technologies and a faction editor. |
One-time game purchase | The game requires an upfront purchase to access. |
DLC and expansion packs
Name | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Sid Meier's Alien Crossfire |
Essential improvements
Patches
- For the original Alpha Centauri release, install the Alpha Centauri v4.0 update and then the XP Compatibility patch.
- For the original Alien Crossfire release, install the Alien Crossfire v2.0 update and then the XP Compatibility patch.
- For the Planetary Pack or EA's Laptop Pack, just install the Compatibility patch.
- For the Japanese version, install the Japanese 1.01 patch.
Unofficial patches
- The unmodified game is filled with exploits and prone to crashing. The patches below will fix the vast majority of crashes and bugs.
- Yitzi's patch (SMAX only) - built on kyrub's SMAX patch and scient's patch (see below), and contains even more fixes as it was developed for a longer time. The correct download order is v3.5 and then v3.5d.
- kyrub's patch (SMAC, SMAX version not recommended) - aimed primarily at improving AI performance but also fixing some bugs. The SMAX version has only minor AI improvements and is superseded by Yitzi's patch.
- scient's patch (SMAC and SMAX) - fixes bugs, crashes and exploits and includes text file improvements.
Recommendation Install Yitzi's patch for SMAX and either kyrub's or scient's for SMAC.
Notes
- Yitzi's patch breaks backwards compatibility for
alphax.txt
. Old scenarios that require a custom version of that file require manual changes. This will not be a concern for most users. Some newer scenarios make use of Yitzi's patch, however. - The patches' AI improvements do not make the AI too hard for new players, and instead aim for a reasonable level of challenge at "Librarian" difficulty. Tweaks mostly involve teaching the AI how to perform sufficiently well without cheating.
PRACX
PRACX is an open-source modified graphics renderer for Alpha Centauri with a number of stability improvements and features. For Alien Crossfire, it is intended to be used with Yitzi's patch.
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | <path-to-game>\Alpha Centauri.ini[Note 3] |
macOS (OS X) | |
Mac OS (Classic) | |
Linux |
- It's unknown whether this game follows the XDG Base Directory Specification on Linux. Please fill in this information.
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | <path-to-game>\saves[Note 3] |
macOS (OS X) | $HOME/Library/Application Support/GOG.com/Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri/saves |
Mac OS (Classic) | |
Linux |
Save game cloud syncing
System | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
GOG Galaxy | ||
Origin |
Video
Graphics feature | State | WSGF | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Multi-monitor | |||
Ultra-widescreen | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
4K Ultra HD | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Field of view (FOV) | |||
Windowed | See PRACX. | ||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
60 FPS and 120+ FPS | |||
High dynamic range display (HDR) | |||
Color blind mode | An official separate color palette adapted for color-blind players was released. Mirror available here. Included in the GOG.com release. |
Widescreen resolution
Use PRACX |
---|
Edit configuration file[citation needed] |
---|
|
Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | |
Mouse acceleration | ||
Mouse sensitivity | ||
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Controller | ||
Controller support |
Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | ||
Surround sound | ||
Subtitles | All voiced dialogue except advisor clips is subtitled in the interface. | |
Closed captions | ||
Mute on focus lost | ||
EAX support | EAX support was added with 2.0 update[2] | |
Royalty free audio |
Localizations
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | ||||
French | Retail only. | |||
German | Retail only. German text/audio/video files have to be copied over from the retail version. Due to game values and display texts being in the same file, many unofficial patches will overwrite German retail files. | |||
Italian | Retail only. | |||
Japanese | Retail only. | |||
Spanish | Retail only, download |
Network
Multiplayer types
Type | Native | Players | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Local play | Hot seat Requires the v2.0 update or later.[3] |
|||
LAN play | 7 | |||
Online play | ||||
Asynchronous multiplayer | Playing by email (PBEM) supported. |
Connection types
Type | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Matchmaking | ||
Peer-to-peer | ||
Dedicated | ||
Self-hosting | ||
Direct IP |
Issues fixed
The game hangs
Install the latest versions of Yitzi or kyrub's patches. |
---|
AMD/ATI compatibility
The GOG.com store page recommends using Catalyst 13.4 or earlier, but the game also works with 14.x.[citation needed]
Alt-Tab not functioning
- Applies to the GOG.com distribution only.
Disable compatibility shim[4] |
---|
Notes
|
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
DirectDraw | 6 |
Executable | PPC | 16-bit | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Windows | |||||
macOS (OS X) | Intel support only available in the 2013 GOG release. | ||||
Linux | Alpha workstation support is also included. | ||||
Mac OS (Classic) |
Modifications
Using SMAC/X Mod Manager[citation needed] |
---|
Allows the installations of mods for the game.
To remove mods:
|
smac-in-smax
- Allows the content of the original game to be played in the SMAX engine.
- Source code for the latest version can be found here
- Allows SMAC to take advantage of the bugfixes and unofficial patches for the SMAX engines
- Allows the use of mods that are designed for the SMAX engine.
SMACX Thinker Mod
- An AI improvement mod for Alien Crossfire.
- The developer of the mod recommends the use of PRACX and smac-in-smax with this mod.
- Increases challenges in singleplayer due with AI improvements and many gameplay enhancements.
- Includes the Scient patch v2.0.
- May not be suitable for new players due to increased difficulty
- Network multiplayer is not supported[5]
- Some custom scenario rules in "Edit Scenario Rules" menus are not fully supported.
SMACX AI Growth mod
- Overhauls many game mechanics.
- Includes AI improvements, rebalanced factions, additional map sizes (80x160 and 128x256), and other tweaks.
- Compatible with the Scient unofficial binary patch v2.0 and higher, and expected to work with the PRACX unofficial binary patch.
OpenSMACX
- Open-source engine recreation for Alpha Centauri/Alien Crossfire.
- Source code can be found here
- Project still in alpha.
System requirements
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | 95, 98 | |
Processor (CPU) | Intel Pentium 133 MHz | Intel Pentium 200 MHz |
System memory (RAM) | 16 MB | 32 MB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 60 MB | |
Video card (GPU) | 2 MB of VRAM |
Mac OS | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | ||
Operating system (OS) | 7.6 | |
Processor (CPU) | PowerPC 603 180MHz | |
System memory (RAM) | 32 MB | |
Hard disk drive (HDD) |
macOS (OS X) | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | 10.6.8 | |
Processor (CPU) | 1.8 GHz | |
System memory (RAM) | 512 MB | 1 GB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 2 GB |
Notes
- ↑ Original Carbonized release.
- ↑ Second digital release for Intel processors.[1]
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below
%PROGRAMFILES%
,%PROGRAMDATA%
, or%WINDIR%
might be redirected to%LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore
on Windows Vista and later (more details).
References
- ↑ January Mac Game Update: 10 New Additions - GOG.com - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ SID MEIER'S ALPHA CENTAURI README
- ↑ ftp://ftp.ea.com/pub/origin/patches/alpha_centauri/smacp4e.txt
- ↑ gog.com - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Thinker Details.md - last accessed on May 2023