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Difference between revisions of "Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(Added new information, instructions for ScummVM, save path edit, OSX/Linux requirements, and ScummVM screenshots.)
 
(83 intermediate revisions by 18 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{Stub}}
 
 
{{Infobox game
 
{{Infobox game
−
|cover        = Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders - Cover.jpg
+
|cover        = Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders - Cover (thumb).png
 
|developers  =  
 
|developers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|LucasArts}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|LucasArts}}
Line 10: Line 9:
 
{{Infobox game/row/engine|ScummVM|Re-release}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/engine|ScummVM|Re-release}}
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|DOS|January 1, 1988}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|DOS|1988}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|March 19, 2015|ref=<ref name="GOG.com">[https://www.gog.com/news/release_zak_mckracken_and_the_alien_mindbenders Release: Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders ● GOG.com]</ref>}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|March 19, 2015|wrapper=ScummVM|ref=<ref name="GOG.com">[https://www.gog.com/news/release_zak_mckracken_and_the_alien_mindbenders Release: Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders ● GOG.com]</ref>}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|March 19, 2015|ref=<ref name="GOG.com"/>}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|March 19, 2015|wrapper=ScummVM|ref=<ref name="GOG.com"/>}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|March 19, 2015|ref=<ref name="GOG.com"/>}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|March 19, 2015|wrapper=ScummVM|ref=<ref name="GOG.com"/>}}
−
|steam appid  =  
+
|taxonomy    =
−
|gogcom page  = zak_mckracken_and_the_alien_mindbenders
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            |  }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | Side view, Scrolling }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Point and select }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Adventure }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            |  }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          |  }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        |  }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Sci-fi, Comedy }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | }}
 +
|steam appid  = 559070
 +
|gogcom id    = 1425040088
 +
|strategywiki = Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders
 +
|lutris      = zak-mckracken-and-the-alien-mindbenders
 +
|mobygames    = zak-mckracken-and-the-alien-mindbenders
 
|wikipedia    = Zak_McKracken_and_the_Alien_Mindbenders
 
|wikipedia    = Zak_McKracken_and_the_Alien_Mindbenders
 
|winehq      =  
 
|winehq      =  
 +
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
'''Key points'''
 +
{{++}} Can be run under [[ScummVM]].
 +
{{ii}} At any time, press {{key|F5}} to Save, Load, or return to the launcher menu of ScummVM. This will let you access advanced options and quit the game as well.
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
−
{{GOG.com links|zak_mckracken_and_the_alien_mindbenders|zak_mckracken_and_the_alien_mindbenders}}
+
{{GOG.com links|1425040088|zak_mckracken_and_the_alien_mindbenders}}
−
'''Key Points'''
+
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/559070/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
−
{{ii}}At any time, press <code>F5</code> to Save, Load, or return to the launcher menu of ScummVM. This will let you access advanced options and quit the game as well.
+
{{mm}} [http://www.zak-site.com/ The Zak McKracken Archive] - compressive resource on everything Zak McKracken
 +
{{mm}} [http://makane.net/zak/ Composer's website]
 +
 
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
−
{{Availability/row| Retail | | unknown | | | DOS }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | physical | "Exit Visa Code Book" | | DOS }}
−
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | zak_mckracken_and_the_alien_mindbenders | DRM-free | Pre-packaged with ScummVM.<ref>{{store link|GOG|zak_mckracken_and_the_alien_mindbenders|Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders ● GOG.com}}</ref> | | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
+
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | zak_mckracken_and_the_alien_mindbenders | DRM-free | Includes both EGA DOS version and 256-color FM Towns version.{{note|note=Only the English version of the FM Towns version is available; the Kanji version is not included.|name="Kanji"}} | | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Steam | 559070 | DRM-free | Includes both EGA DOS version and 256-color FM Towns version.{{note|name="Kanji"}} | | Windows, OS X }}
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{ii}} Digital versions are pre-packaged with [[ScummVM]].<ref>{{store link|GOG.com|zak_mckracken_and_the_alien_mindbenders|Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders ● GOG.com}}</ref>
 +
 +
===Version differences===
 +
 +
====Low-res version====
 +
{{Image|Zak McKracken low-res EGA.png|Zak McKracken low-res EGA}}
 +
The initial version uses the original chunky C64 graphics, ported to the PC.
 +
 +
====High-res Enhanced version====
 +
{{Image|Zak McKracken high-res EGA.png|Zak McKracken high-res EGA}}
 +
The later Enhanced version supports EGA 16-colour in 320x200.
 +
 +
==Essential improvements==
 +
{{ii}} Use [[DOSBox]] or [[ScummVM]] to run the game on modern systems.
 +
===Higher quality music (DOSBox and ScummVM)===
 +
{{ii}} The music in this game was composed for the Tandy 3-voice, which produced more advanced sound than the default PC speaker (beeper) found in most computers running DOS. To emulate this in [[DOSBox]], set {{code|1=tandy=true}} under {{code|[speaker]}} in the [[DOSBox#DOSBox configuration|configuration file]]. To emulate this in [[ScummVM]], overwrite the global audio settings and set {{code|Music Device}} to {{code|IBM PCjr}} under the audio tab in the [[Engine:ScummVM#Access individual game options|individual game options]] for Maniac Mansion.
 +
===Higher quality graphics in "enhanced" EGA version (ScummVM)===
 +
{{ii}} By default, ScummVM defaults to EGA visuals, which max out at 16 onscreen colors (out of a 64-color palette). While this is accurate to how it would be displayed on authentic IBM-compatible hardware, it results in a noticeable "sunburnt" effect on characters' skin-tones. This can be alleviated by changing the {{code|Render Mode}} in the [[Engine:ScummVM#Access individual game options|individual game options]] to [[Wikipedia:Amiga|{{code|Amiga}}]], which supports up to 32 onscreen colors (out of a 4096-color palette), allowing for more natural skin-tones, amongst other enhancements.<ref>{{Refsnip|url=https://forums.scummvm.org/viewtopic.php?p=18617#p18617|title=What are the best versions of each game? - ScummVM :: Forums|date=2019-10-10|snippet=I thought (and still think) that the Amiga version of MM was best.<br/>It had better music and the skin color was more natural, not that "sunburn" look as in the PC enhanced version.}}</ref>{{note|As this game is running on the same version of SCUMM with a very similar artstyle, this still applies.}}<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_16-bit_computer_color_palettes|title=List of 16-bit computer color palettes - Wikipedia|date=May 2023}}</ref>
 +
{{ii}} This does not apply to the low-res EGA version or the 256-color FM Towns version.
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
−
{{Game data/row|DOS|}}
+
{{Game data/config|DOS|{{P|game}}\PREFS}}
−
{{Game data/row|Windows|{{P|game}}\zak.ini}}
+
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{P|game}}\zak.ini}}
−
{{Game data/row|OS X|}}
+
{{Game data/config|OS X|}}
−
{{Game data/row|Linux|}}
+
{{Game data/config|Linux|}}
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{XDG|unknown}}
 +
 +
====PREFS file====
 +
When starting the game in DOS or DOSBox, it will normally try to autodetect the video capabilities. However, it is possible to create a {{file|PREFS}} configuration file with your preferred settings.
 +
 +
Creating a {{file|PREFS}} file can be done by running the game, and pressing {{key|shift}} {{key|W}}.
 +
 +
Loading a {{file|PREFS}} file can be done in one of 2 ways:
 +
* While running the game, press {{key|shift}} {{key|R}}
 +
* Launch the game with the {{code|P}} [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line parameter]] (without a {{code|/}} or {{code|-}}).
 +
 +
While the game is running, you can use the following keys to change your settings, after which you can save them with {{key|shift}} {{key|W}}.
 +
* {{key|shift}} {{key|J}} Toggle joystick on/off
 +
* {{key|shift}} {{key|M}} Toggle mouse on/off
 +
* {{key|shift}} {{key|V}} MCGA mode
 +
* {{key|shift}} {{key|E}} EGA mode
 +
* {{key|shift}} {{key|C}} CGA mode
 +
* {{key|shift}} {{key|H}} Hercules mode
 +
* {{key|shift}} {{key|T}} Tandy 16-color mode
 +
* {{key|shift}} {{key|B}} CGA black-and-white mode
 +
 +
The {{file|PREFS}} file can also be edited with a text editor. Example of a {{file|PREFS}} file:
 +
********************
 +
* Preferences File *
 +
********************
 +
 +
HERC            OFF
 +
TANDY          OFF
 +
CGA            OFF
 +
B&W_CGA        OFF
 +
EGA            ON
 +
MCGA            OFF
 +
VGA            OFF
 +
 +
COMPOSITE      OFF
 +
 +
JOYSTICK        OFF
 +
MOUSE          ON
 +
 +
TEXT_RATE      3
  
 
===Save game data location===
 
===Save game data location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
−
{{Game data/row|DOS|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|DOS|{{P|game}}\SAVEGAME.*}}
−
{{Game data/row|Windows|{{P|game}}\zak.s**}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{P|game}}\zak.s**}}
−
{{Game data/row|OS X|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|OS X|}}
−
{{Game data/row|Linux|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Linux|}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{ii}}The file extension of saves will be an <code>s</code> followed by two numbers, starting from 00. Example: <code>Zak.s06</code>
+
{{ii}} The file extension of saves will be an <code>s</code> followed by two numbers, starting from 00. Example: <code>Zak.s06</code>
−
{{ii}}The Saves folder can be changed to any folder by going to ScummVM's options (F5 in-game).
+
{{ii}} The Saves folder can be changed to any folder by going to ScummVM's options (F5 in-game).
  
−
==Video settings==
+
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
−
{{Image|ScummVM General Settings.png|General settings for ScummVM, the emulator included in the GOG edition. It is also available for free download from the [http://www.scummvm.org/ ScummVM Team's official website.]}}
+
{{Save game cloud syncing
−
{{Video settings
+
|discord                  =
 +
|discord notes            =
 +
|epic games launcher      =
 +
|epic games launcher notes =
 +
|gog galaxy                = true
 +
|gog galaxy notes          =
 +
|origin                    =
 +
|origin notes              =
 +
|steam cloud              = true
 +
|steam cloud notes        =
 +
|ubisoft connect          =
 +
|ubisoft connect notes    =
 +
|xbox cloud                =
 +
|xbox cloud notes          =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Video==
 +
{{Image|ScummVM General Settings.png|General settings for ScummVM, the emulator included in the GOG edition. It is also available for free download from the [https://www.scummvm.org ScummVM Team's official website].}}
 +
{{Video
 
|wsgf link                  =  
 
|wsgf link                  =  
 
|widescreen wsgf award      =  
 
|widescreen wsgf award      =  
Line 67: Line 167:
 
|fov                        = n/a
 
|fov                        = n/a
 
|fov notes                  =  
 
|fov notes                  =  
−
|windowed                  = true
+
|windowed                  = false
−
|windowed notes            = <code>Alt</code>+<code>Enter</code> in [[Engine:ScummVM|ScummVM]] or [[DOSBox]].  Also in Options.
+
|windowed notes            =  
 
|borderless windowed        = false
 
|borderless windowed        = false
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
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|anisotropic notes          = Post-process based filters are optional.
 
|anisotropic notes          = Post-process based filters are optional.
 
|antialiasing              = true
 
|antialiasing              = true
−
|antialiasing notes        = "Antialiased renderer" on by default. Be warned; this gives the game a slight blur effect.
+
|antialiasing notes        = "Antialiased renderer" on by default. Be warned; this gives the game a slight blur effect.
 
|vsync                      = false
 
|vsync                      = false
 
|vsync notes                =  
 
|vsync notes                =  
Line 81: Line 181:
 
|120 fps                    = unknown
 
|120 fps                    = unknown
 
|120 fps notes              =  
 
|120 fps notes              =  
 +
|hdr                        = unknown
 +
|hdr notes                  =
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
−
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = false
 
|key remap                = false
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
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|invert mouse y-axis      = false
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = false
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
 +
|touchscreen              = unknown
 +
|touchscreen notes        =
 
|controller support        = false
 
|controller support        = false
 
|controller support notes  =  
 
|controller support notes  =  
−
|full controller          = false
+
|full controller          = unknown
 
|full controller notes    =  
 
|full controller notes    =  
−
|controller remap          = false
+
|controller remap          = unknown
 
|controller remap notes    =  
 
|controller remap notes    =  
−
|controller sensitivity    = false
+
|controller sensitivity    = unknown
 
|controller sensitivity notes=  
 
|controller sensitivity notes=  
−
|invert controller y-axis  = false
+
|invert controller y-axis  = unknown
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
−
|touchscreen               = unknown
+
|xinput controllers        = unknown
−
|touchscreen notes        =  
+
|xinput controllers notes  =
−
|button prompts           = unknown
+
|xbox prompts              = unknown
−
|button prompts notes     =  
+
|xbox prompts notes        =
 +
|impulse triggers          = unknown
 +
|impulse triggers notes    =
 +
|dualshock 4               = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 notes        =
 +
|dualshock prompts        = unknown
 +
|dualshock prompts notes  =
 +
|light bar support        = unknown
 +
|light bar support notes  =
 +
|dualshock 4 modes        = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 modes notes  =
 +
|tracked motion controllers= unknown
 +
|tracked motion controllers notes =
 +
|tracked motion prompts    = unknown
 +
|tracked motion prompts notes =
 +
|other controllers         = unknown
 +
|other controllers notes  =  
 +
|other button prompts     = unknown
 +
|other button prompts notes=  
 
|controller hotplug        = unknown
 
|controller hotplug        = unknown
 
|controller hotplug notes  =  
 
|controller hotplug notes  =  
 
|haptic feedback          = unknown
 
|haptic feedback          = unknown
 
|haptic feedback notes    =  
 
|haptic feedback notes    =  
−
|light bar support        = unknown
+
|simultaneous input        = unknown
−
|light bar support notes   =  
+
|simultaneous input notes  =
 +
|steam input api          = unknown
 +
|steam input api notes    =
 +
|steam hook input          = unknown
 +
|steam hook input notes    =
 +
|steam input presets      = unknown
 +
|steam input presets notes =
 +
|steam controller prompts  = unknown
 +
|steam controller prompts notes =
 +
|steam cursor detection    = unknown
 +
|steam cursor detection notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Audio settings==
+
==Audio==
−
{{Image|ScummVM Audio Settings.png|Audio Settings for the ScummVM emulator, which is included in the GOG version and compatible with retail versions.}}
+
{{Image|ScummVM Audio Settings.png|Audio Settings for the ScummVM emulator, which is included in the GOG.com version and compatible with retail versions.}}
−
{{Audio settings
+
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume notes    =  
 
|separate volume notes    =  
−
|surround sound          = unknown
+
|surround sound          = false
 
|surround sound notes    =  
 
|surround sound notes    =  
−
|subtitles                = true
+
|subtitles                = n/a
−
|subtitles notes          = Enable in ScummVM's settings. Highly customizable.  Choose between "Subtitles," "Speech," or "Both."
+
|subtitles notes          = All dialogue is text-based.
 
|closed captions          = false
 
|closed captions          = false
 
|closed captions notes    =  
 
|closed captions notes    =  
Line 134: Line 266:
 
|eax support              = false
 
|eax support              = false
 
|eax support notes        =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 +
|red book cd audio        = false
 +
|red book cd audio notes  = Redbook tracks from the FM Towns version have been replaced with MP3 files in digital rereleases.
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 140: Line 274:
 
  |language  = English
 
  |language  = English
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
−
  |audio    =  
+
  |audio    = n/a
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
−
  |fan notes =  
+
}}{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = French
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = For GOG.com version, see [https://e.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZwQx0ZoFPnd7VF2PLCsBQR9A99FJ37Hk1k]
 +
  |fan       =  
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = German
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = Enhanced version. Retail only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Polish
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = hackable
 +
|notes    = Fan translation, [https://grajpopolsku.pl/download/zak-mckracken-and-the-alien-mindbenders/ download].
 +
|fan      = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Brazilian Portuguese
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = hackable
 +
|notes    = [https://forum.scummbr.com/index.php?topic=7.0 Translation.]
 +
|fan      = true
 +
|ref      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Russian
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = hackable
 +
|notes    = Fan translation by «PRCA/Бюро переводов Old-Games.Ru». [http://www.questomania.ru/prca/files.php Download link #1] and [https://www.old-games.ru/game/download/get.php?fileid=12108&modal=1 #2 for EGA-enhanced version]
 +
|fan      = true
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 +
==Issues unresolved==
 +
===Intro music cuts off abruptly (256-color FM Towns version)===
 +
{{--}} ScummVM's video emulation is faster than an authentic FM Towns, resulting in the intro video ending before the music can finish.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://bugs.scummvm.org/ticket/9591|title=#9591 (Zak McKracken FM Towns Intro runs too fast) – ScummVM :: Bugs|date=9 June 2023}}</ref>
 +
 +
==Other information==
 +
===API===
 +
{{API
 +
|direct3d versions      =
 +
|direct3d notes        =
 +
|directdraw versions    =
 +
|directdraw notes      =
 +
|opengl versions        =
 +
|opengl notes          =
 +
|glide versions        =
 +
|glide notes            =
 +
|software mode          =
 +
|software mode notes    =
 +
|mantle support        =
 +
|mantle support notes  =
 +
|metal support          =
 +
|metal support notes    =
 +
|vulkan versions        =
 +
|vulkan notes          =
 +
|dos modes              = Hercules, CGA, CGA Composite, EGA, Tandy, MCGA, VGA
 +
|dos modes notes        = The VGA and MCGA modes use the same 16 color artwork as the EGA version.<br/>The FM Towns version, included with digital versions, uses 256 colors similarly to VGA.
 +
|shader model versions  =
 +
|shader model notes    =
 +
|windows 32-bit exe    = hackable
 +
|windows 64-bit exe    = hackable
 +
|windows arm app        = false
 +
|windows exe notes      = Use [[ScummVM]].
 +
|mac os x powerpc app  = unknown
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app = hackable
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app = hackable
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 +
|macos app notes        = Use [[ScummVM]].
 +
|linux 32-bit executable= hackable
 +
|linux 64-bit executable= hackable
 +
|linux arm app          = false
 +
|linux executable notes = Use [[ScummVM]].
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==System requirements<ref name="GOG Store Page">[https://www.gog.com/game/zak_mckracken_and_the_alien_mindbenders GOG Store Page]</ref>==
+
==System requirements==
 +
{{System requirements
 +
|OSfamily = DOS
 +
|ref     =  
 +
|minOS    =
 +
|minCPU  = 8086
 +
|minRAM  = 256 KB
 +
|minHD    =
 +
|minGPU  = Hercules or CGA
 +
|minDX    =
 +
 
 +
|recCPU  =
 +
|recRAM  =
 +
|recHD    =
 +
|recGPU  = EGA or Tandy
 +
|recDX    =  
 +
}}
 
{{System requirements
 
{{System requirements
 
|OSfamily = Windows
 
|OSfamily = Windows
 +
|ref      = <ref name="GOG Store Page">[https://www.gog.com/game/zak_mckracken_and_the_alien_mindbenders GOG Store Page]</ref>
  
−
|minOS    = XP/Vista/7/8/10
+
|minOS    = XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10
 
|minCPU  = 1 GHz
 
|minCPU  = 1 GHz
 
|minRAM  = 256 MB
 
|minRAM  = 256 MB
 
|minHD    = 130 MB
 
|minHD    = 130 MB
−
|minGPU  = DirectX 7 Compatible
+
|minGPU  =  
 +
|minDX    = 7
  
 
|recCPU  = 1.4 GHz
 
|recCPU  = 1.4 GHz
 
|recRAM  = 512 MB
 
|recRAM  = 512 MB
 
|recHD    = 170 MB
 
|recHD    = 170 MB
−
|recGPU  = DirectX 9 Compatible
+
|recGPU  =  
 +
|recDX    = 9
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{System requirements
 
{{System requirements
Line 167: Line 401:
  
 
|minOS    = 10.7 or later
 
|minOS    = 10.7 or later
−
|minCPU  = Intel Core 2 Duo 2GHz or better
+
|minCPU  = Intel Core 2 Duo 2 GHz or better
 
|minRAM  = 1 GB
 
|minRAM  = 1 GB
 
|minHD    = 130 MB
 
|minHD    = 130 MB
−
|minGPU  = 64 MB, OpenGL Compatible
+
|minGPU  = OpenGL compatible
 +
|minVRAM  = 64 MB
 
|minother = Apple Mouse with Secondary button/click enabled
 
|minother = Apple Mouse with Secondary button/click enabled
  
Line 183: Line 418:
 
|minRAM  = 1 GB
 
|minRAM  = 1 GB
 
|minHD    = 130 MB
 
|minHD    = 130 MB
−
|minGPU  = 256 MB, OpenGL Compatible
+
|minGPU  = OpenGL compatible
−
|minOther = GOG Version includes .deb installer ONLY.
+
|minVRAM  = 256 MB
 +
|minOther = GOG.com version includes .deb installer ONLY.
  
 
|recHD    = 170 MB
 
|recHD    = 170 MB
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}

Latest revision as of 08:48, 26 July 2023

Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders
Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders cover
Developers
LucasArts
Publishers
Disney Interactive Studios
Engines
Original SCUMM
Re-release ScummVM
Release dates
DOS 1988
Windows (ScummVM) March 19, 2015[1]
macOS (OS X) (ScummVM) March 19, 2015[1]
Linux (ScummVM) March 19, 2015[1]
Taxonomy
Modes Singleplayer
Perspectives Side view, Scrolling
Controls Point and select
Genres Adventure
Themes Sci-fi, Comedy
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders guide on StrategyWiki
Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders on MobyGames
Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders on Wikipedia

Key points

Can be run under ScummVM.
At any time, press F5 to Save, Load, or return to the launcher menu of ScummVM. This will let you access advanced options and quit the game as well.

General information

GOG.com Community Discussions
GOG.com Support Page
Steam Community Discussions
The Zak McKracken Archive - compressive resource on everything Zak McKracken
Composer's website

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Prompts for answers from manual, code wheel, etc.
 "Exit Visa Code Book"
DOS
GOG.com
DRM-free
 Includes both EGA DOS version and 256-color FM Towns version.[Note 1]
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Steam
DRM-free after installation through Steam client (notes may include more details)
 Includes both EGA DOS version and 256-color FM Towns version.[Note 1]
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Digital versions are pre-packaged with ScummVM.[2]

Version differences

Low-res version

Zak McKracken low-res EGA
Zak McKracken low-res EGA

The initial version uses the original chunky C64 graphics, ported to the PC.

High-res Enhanced version

Zak McKracken high-res EGA
Zak McKracken high-res EGA

The later Enhanced version supports EGA 16-colour in 320x200.

Essential improvements

Use DOSBox or ScummVM to run the game on modern systems.

Higher quality music (DOSBox and ScummVM)

The music in this game was composed for the Tandy 3-voice, which produced more advanced sound than the default PC speaker (beeper) found in most computers running DOS. To emulate this in DOSBox, set tandy=true under [speaker] in the configuration file. To emulate this in ScummVM, overwrite the global audio settings and set Music Device to IBM PCjr under the audio tab in the individual game options for Maniac Mansion.

Higher quality graphics in "enhanced" EGA version (ScummVM)

By default, ScummVM defaults to EGA visuals, which max out at 16 onscreen colors (out of a 64-color palette). While this is accurate to how it would be displayed on authentic IBM-compatible hardware, it results in a noticeable "sunburnt" effect on characters' skin-tones. This can be alleviated by changing the Render Mode in the individual game options to Amiga, which supports up to 32 onscreen colors (out of a 4096-color palette), allowing for more natural skin-tones, amongst other enhancements.[3][Note 2][4]
This does not apply to the low-res EGA version or the 256-color FM Towns version.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
DOS <path-to-game>\PREFS
Windows <path-to-game>\zak.ini[Note 3]
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/559070/pfx/[Note 4]
It's unknown whether this game follows the XDG Base Directory Specification on Linux. Please fill in this information.

PREFS file

When starting the game in DOS or DOSBox, it will normally try to autodetect the video capabilities. However, it is possible to create a PREFS configuration file with your preferred settings.

Creating a PREFS file can be done by running the game, and pressing ⇧ Shift W.

Loading a PREFS file can be done in one of 2 ways:

  • While running the game, press ⇧ Shift R
  • Launch the game with the P command line parameter (without a / or -).

While the game is running, you can use the following keys to change your settings, after which you can save them with ⇧ Shift W.

  • ⇧ Shift J Toggle joystick on/off
  • ⇧ Shift M Toggle mouse on/off
  • ⇧ Shift V MCGA mode
  • ⇧ Shift E EGA mode
  • ⇧ Shift C CGA mode
  • ⇧ Shift H Hercules mode
  • ⇧ Shift T Tandy 16-color mode
  • ⇧ Shift B CGA black-and-white mode

The PREFS file can also be edited with a text editor. Example of a PREFS file: 

********************
* Preferences File *
********************

HERC            OFF
TANDY           OFF
CGA             OFF
B&W_CGA         OFF
EGA             ON
MCGA            OFF
VGA             OFF

COMPOSITE       OFF

JOYSTICK        OFF
MOUSE           ON

TEXT_RATE       3

Save game data location

System Location
DOS <path-to-game>\SAVEGAME.*
Windows <path-to-game>\zak.s**[Note 3]
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/559070/pfx/[Note 4]
The file extension of saves will be an s followed by two numbers, starting from 00. Example: Zak.s06
The Saves folder can be changed to any folder by going to ScummVM's options (F5 in-game).

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
Steam Cloud
ScummVM 2.1+ supports cloud saves on third-party cloud storage services. See the ScummVM documentation for details.

Video

General settings for ScummVM, the emulator included in the GOG edition. It is also available for free download from the ScummVM Team's official website.
General settings for ScummVM, the emulator included in the GOG edition. It is also available for free download from the ScummVM Team's official website.

Graphics feature State Notes
Widescreen resolution
Multi-monitor
Ultra-widescreen
4K Ultra HD
Field of view (FOV)
Windowed
For DOSBox toggle with Alt+↵ Enter (see the glossary page for other workarounds).
Borderless fullscreen windowed
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Post-process based filters are optional.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
"Antialiased renderer" on by default. Be warned; this gives the game a slight blur effect.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
For DOSBox use an unofficial build (see the glossary page for other workarounds).
60 FPS and 120+ FPS

Input

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
For DOSBox use the DOSBox Mapper (see the glossary page for other workarounds).
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
For DOSBox set in the DOSBox configuration file.
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
For DOSBox use the DOSBox Mapper (see the glossary page for other workarounds).
Controller types

Audio

Audio Settings for the ScummVM emulator, which is included in the GOG.com version and compatible with retail versions.
Audio Settings for the ScummVM emulator, which is included in the GOG.com version and compatible with retail versions.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
Subtitles
All dialogue is text-based.
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
For DOSBox change the priority background value in the DOSBox configuration file.
Red Book CD audio
Redbook tracks from the FM Towns version have been replaced with MP3 files in digital rereleases.

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
French
For GOG.com version, see [1]
German
Enhanced version. Retail only.
Polish
Fan translation, download.
Brazilian Portuguese
Translation.
Russian
Fan translation by «PRCA/Бюро переводов Old-Games.Ru». Download link #1 and #2 for EGA-enhanced version

Issues unresolved

Intro music cuts off abruptly (256-color FM Towns version)

ScummVM's video emulation is faster than an authentic FM Towns, resulting in the intro video ending before the music can finish.[5]

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
DOS video modes Hercules, CGA, CGA Composite, EGA, Tandy, MCGA, VGA The VGA and MCGA modes use the same 16 color artwork as the EGA version.
The FM Towns version, included with digital versions, uses 256 colors similarly to VGA.
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
Use ScummVM.
macOS (OS X)
Use ScummVM.
Linux
Use ScummVM.

System requirements

DOS
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS)
Processor (CPU) 8086
System memory (RAM) 256 KB
Hard disk drive (HDD)
Video card (GPU) Hercules or CGA EGA or Tandy
Windows
Minimum[6] Recommended
Operating system (OS) XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10
Processor (CPU) 1 GHz 1.4 GHz
System memory (RAM) 256 MB 512 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 130 MB 170 MB
Video card (GPU) DirectX 7 compatible DirectX 9 compatible
macOS (OS X)
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 10.7 or later
Processor (CPU) Intel Core 2 Duo 2 GHz or better
System memory (RAM) 1 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 130 MB 170 MB
Video card (GPU) OpenGL compatible
64 MB of VRAM
Other Apple Mouse with Secondary button/click enabled Two-Button Mouse
Linux
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) Ubuntu 14.04 / Linux Mint 17
Processor (CPU) 2.0 GHz
System memory (RAM) 1 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 130 MB 170 MB
Video card (GPU) OpenGL compatible
256 MB of VRAM


Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Only the English version of the FM Towns version is available; the Kanji version is not included.
  2. ↑ As this game is running on the same version of SCUMM with a very similar artstyle, this still applies.
  3. ↑ 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).
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data (use Wine regedit to access Windows registry paths). Games with Steam Cloud support may store data in ~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/559070/ in addition to or instead of this directory. The app ID (559070) may differ in some cases. Treat backslashes as forward slashes. See the glossary page for details.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Release: Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders ● GOG.com
  2. ↑ Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders ● GOG.com
  3. ↑ What are the best versions of each game? - ScummVM :: Forums - last accessed on 2019-10-10
    "I thought (and still think) that the Amiga version of MM was best.
    It had better music and the skin color was more natural, not that "sunburn" look as in the PC enhanced version.    "
  4. ↑ List of 16-bit computer color palettes - Wikipedia - last accessed on May 2023
  5. ↑ #9591 (Zak McKracken FM Towns Intro runs too fast) – ScummVM :: Bugs - last accessed on 9 June 2023
  6. ↑ GOG Store Page