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

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
 
(27 intermediate revisions by 10 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|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|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|wrapper=ScummVM|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|wrapper=ScummVM|ref=<ref name="GOG.com"/>}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|March 19, 2015|wrapper=ScummVM|ref=<ref name="GOG.com"/>}}
 +
|taxonomy    =
 +
{{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
 
|steam appid  = 559070
 
|gogcom id    = 1425040088
 
|gogcom id    = 1425040088
 
|strategywiki = Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders
 
|strategywiki = Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders
 +
|lutris      = zak-mckracken-and-the-alien-mindbenders
 
|mobygames    = 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
Line 35: Line 48:
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
−
{{Availability/row| Retail | | physical | | | DOS }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | physical | "Exit Visa Code Book" | | DOS }}
 
{{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| 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 }}
 
{{Availability/row| Steam | 559070 | DRM-free | Includes both EGA DOS version and 256-color FM Towns version.{{note|name="Kanji"}} | | Windows, OS X }}
Line 42: Line 55:
  
 
===Version differences===
 
===Version differences===
−
==Low-res version==
+
 
 +
====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.
 
The initial version uses the original chunky C64 graphics, ported to the PC.
−
{{Image|Zak McKracken low-res EGA.png|Zak McKracken low-res EGA}}
 
  
−
==High-res Enhanced version==
+
====High-res Enhanced version====
 
{{Image|Zak McKracken high-res EGA.png|Zak McKracken high-res EGA}}
 
{{Image|Zak McKracken high-res EGA.png|Zak McKracken high-res EGA}}
−
The later Enhanced version supports EGA 16-colour in 640x400 high resolution
+
The later Enhanced version supports EGA 16-colour in 320x200.
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
−
===Three-channel audio support===
+
{{ii}} Use [[DOSBox]] or [[ScummVM]] to run the game on modern systems.
−
{{ii}} The game has optional support for three-channel audio, which requires the audio hardware built into the PCjr or Tandy 1000 computer. Other systems are limited to one-channel audio played through the PC speaker.
+
===Higher quality music (DOSBox and ScummVM)===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Use [[ScummVM]]|ref=|fix=
+
{{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)===
−
'''Notes'''
+
{{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}} [http://www.scummvm.org/ ScummVM] will automatically use the Tandy sounds regardless of video render mode. As such it is possible to have Tandy sounds with EGA video, which was not possible with the original game.
+
{{ii}} This does not apply to the low-res EGA version or the 256-color FM Towns version.
−
}}
 
−
{{Fixbox|description=Use [[DOSBox]]|ref=|fix=
 
−
 
 
−
'''Notes'''
 
−
{{ii}} If DOSBox is configured to emulate a PCjr or Tandy computer, the game detects and uses the emulated PCjr/Tandy sound hardware for three-channel audio. This will simultaneously also force the game to run in 320x200 16 colour PCjr/Tandy graphics mode.
 
−
}}
 
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
−
{{Game data/config|DOS|}}
+
{{Game data/config|DOS|{{P|game}}\PREFS}}
 
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{P|game}}\zak.ini}}
 
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{P|game}}\zak.ini}}
 
{{Game data/config|OS X|}}
 
{{Game data/config|OS X|}}
Line 73: Line 81:
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{XDG|unknown}}
 
{{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===
Line 86: Line 133:
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
−
|discord               =  
+
|discord                   =  
−
|discord notes         =  
+
|discord notes             =  
−
|epic games store       =  
+
|epic games launcher       =  
−
|epic games store notes =  
+
|epic games launcher notes =  
−
|gog galaxy             = true
+
|gog galaxy               = true
−
|gog galaxy notes       =  
+
|gog galaxy notes         =  
−
|origin                 =  
+
|origin                   =  
−
|origin notes           =  
+
|origin notes             =  
−
|steam cloud           = true
+
|steam cloud               = true
−
|steam cloud notes     =  
+
|steam cloud notes         =  
−
|uplay                  =  
+
|ubisoft connect          =  
−
|uplay notes           =  
+
|ubisoft connect notes     =  
−
|xbox cloud             =  
+
|xbox cloud               =  
−
|xbox cloud notes       =  
+
|xbox cloud notes         =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Video==
 
==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 [http://www.scummvm.org ScummVM Team's official website].}}
+
{{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
 
{{Video
 
|wsgf link                  =  
 
|wsgf link                  =  
Line 120: Line 167:
 
|fov                        = n/a
 
|fov                        = n/a
 
|fov notes                  =  
 
|fov notes                  =  
−
|windowed                  = true
+
|windowed                  = false
−
|windowed notes            = {{key|Alt|Enter}} in [[Engine:ScummVM|ScummVM]] or [[DOSBox]]. Also in Options.
+
|windowed notes            =  
 
|borderless windowed        = false
 
|borderless windowed        = false
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
Line 236: Line 283:
 
  |audio    = n/a
 
  |audio    = n/a
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
−
  |notes    = For GOG.com version, see [http://mega.nz/#!Qlcz3KjZ!bjGHkkrY6FnrRgPSP0HzCSDEPXCxH6fP_HggvktGiEU]
+
  |notes    = For GOG.com version, see [https://e.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZwQx0ZoFPnd7VF2PLCsBQR9A99FJ37Hk1k]
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 244: Line 291:
 
  |audio    = n/a
 
  |audio    = n/a
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
−
  |notes    = Enhanced version. Not available on digital rereleases.  
+
  |notes    = Enhanced version. Retail only.
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |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
 
{{L10n/switch
Line 259: Line 323:
 
==Issues unresolved==
 
==Issues unresolved==
 
===Intro music cuts off abruptly (256-color FM Towns version)===
 
===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>[https://bugs.scummvm.org/ticket/9591 #9591 (Zak McKracken FM Towns Intro runs too fast) – ScummVM :: Bugs]</ref>
+
{{--}} 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==
 
==Other information==
Line 280: Line 344:
 
|vulkan versions        =  
 
|vulkan versions        =  
 
|vulkan notes          =  
 
|vulkan notes          =  
−
|dos modes              = Hercules, CGA, EGA, Tandy
+
|dos modes              = Hercules, CGA, CGA Composite, EGA, Tandy, MCGA, VGA
−
|dos modes notes        = The FM Towns version, included with digital versions, uses 256 colors similarly to 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 versions  =  
 
|shader model notes    =  
 
|shader model notes    =  
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = hackable
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = hackable
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = hackable
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = hackable
 +
|windows arm app        = false
 
|windows exe notes      = Use [[ScummVM]].
 
|windows exe notes      = Use [[ScummVM]].
 +
|mac os x powerpc app  = unknown
 
|macos intel 32-bit app = hackable
 
|macos intel 32-bit app = hackable
 
|macos intel 64-bit app = hackable
 
|macos intel 64-bit app = hackable
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 
|macos app notes        = Use [[ScummVM]].
 
|macos app notes        = Use [[ScummVM]].
 
|linux 32-bit executable= hackable
 
|linux 32-bit executable= hackable
 
|linux 64-bit executable= hackable
 
|linux 64-bit executable= hackable
 +
|linux arm app          = false
 
|linux executable notes = Use [[ScummVM]].
 
|linux executable notes = Use [[ScummVM]].
 
}}
 
}}

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) <SteamLibrary-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) <SteamLibrary-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 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

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