Difference between revisions of "Area 51 (2005)"
From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
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− | {{ | + | {{distinguish|Area 51|BlackSite: Area 51}} |
{{Infobox game | {{Infobox game | ||
+ | |title = Area 51 | ||
|cover = Area 51 (2005) cover.jpg | |cover = Area 51 (2005) cover.jpg | ||
|developers = | |developers = | ||
Line 8: | Line 9: | ||
|engines = | |engines = | ||
|release dates= | |release dates= | ||
− | {{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|June | + | {{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|June 8, 2005}} |
+ | |reception = | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|area-51|67}} | ||
+ | |taxonomy = | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization|freeware}} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series|Area 51}} | ||
|steam appid = | |steam appid = | ||
− | |gogcom | + | |steam appid side = |
+ | |gogcom id = | ||
+ | |gogcom id side = | ||
+ | |official site= https://web.archive.org/web/20081210181112/http://www.midway.com/us/Game_Area51.html | ||
|strategywiki = | |strategywiki = | ||
+ | |hltb = 567 | ||
+ | |mobygames = area-51_ | ||
+ | |igdb = area-51 | ||
|wikipedia = Area 51 (2005 video game) | |wikipedia = Area 51 (2005 video game) | ||
|winehq = 2611 | |winehq = 2611 | ||
+ | |license = commercial | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | |||
'''Key points''' | '''Key points''' | ||
− | {{++}} | + | {{++}} This game is available as a [[#Free version|free download]]. |
− | |||
==Availability== | ==Availability== | ||
{{Availability| | {{Availability| | ||
− | {{Availability/row| Retail | | | + | {{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | {{removed DRM|StarForce|3}} (removed in the [[#Patches|latest patch]]). | | Windows }} |
− | |||
}} | }} | ||
− | {{ii}} This game | + | {{ii}} The installer on the retail version of the game does not function correctly on modern operating systems (Windows 7 and later). See [[#Problem installing the CD/DVD version|Installing the CD/DVD version]] for a solution or install the [[#Free version|free version]]. |
+ | |||
+ | ===Free version=== | ||
+ | {{++}} This game was released as a free download sponsored by the ''US Air Force''.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120409193223/http://extcamp.doublefusion.com/US_Air_Force/Game_Download_Sponsored_by_Air_Force.htm|title=Game Bundle Download Sponsored by Air Force|date=May 2023}}</ref> | ||
+ | {{ii}} It can be downloaded [https://www.moddb.com/games/area-511/downloads/area-51-pc-version here.] Install the latest [[#Patches|patch]] to remove the online DRM. | ||
==Essential improvements== | ==Essential improvements== | ||
===Skip intro videos=== | ===Skip intro videos=== | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Delete/rename Midway_640x480_30.bik|ref=<ref name="refcheck Garrett">{{Refcheck|user=Garrett|date=2014-07-25|comment=}}</ref>|fix= |
− | |||
# Go to <code>MOVIES</code> in the installation folder. | # Go to <code>MOVIES</code> in the installation folder. | ||
# Delete or rename <code>Midway_640x480_30.bik</code>. | # Delete or rename <code>Midway_640x480_30.bik</code>. | ||
Line 37: | Line 50: | ||
===Patches=== | ===Patches=== | ||
− | {{ii}} Install the [ | + | {{ii}} Install the [https://www.patches-scrolls.de/patch/392/7/ latest patch(1.2)] to remove copy protection and fix various issues. |
− | {{ii}} | + | {{ii}} Latest patch for German and European is version 1.1, it can be found in the above link. |
+ | |||
+ | ===[https://github.com/ProjectDreamland/game/releases Project Dreamland]=== | ||
+ | {{ii}} Updated version of the original [[#Free version|Free release]] with many improvements. | ||
+ | {{++}} Fixes many bugs of the original release. | ||
+ | {{++}} Adds support for modern aspect ratios and fixes FOV. | ||
+ | {{++}} Restores multiplayer mode. | ||
+ | {{++}} Improves performance on modern PCs. | ||
+ | {{ii}} If launcher gets stuck verifying game files [[Area 51 (2005)#Project Dreamland launcher get.27s stuck in verifying files|see]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===[https://lucasc.me/post/area-51-2005-windows-10-11-patches-guide Area 51 Preservation Project]=== | ||
+ | {{ii}} Updated version of the original [[#Free version|Free release]] with many improvements. | ||
+ | {{++}} Fixes many bugs of the original release. | ||
+ | {{++}} Adds support for fullscreen on modern PCs, improves FOV, solves cutscene stutter, and caps FPS to fix physics. | ||
+ | {{++}} Restores multiplayer mode. | ||
+ | {{++}} Improves performance on modern PCs. | ||
+ | {{++}} Compatible with Project Dreamland(install the mod above before this one). | ||
==Game data== | ==Game data== | ||
− | ===Configuration | + | ===Configuration file(s) location=== |
{{Game data| | {{Game data| | ||
− | {{Game data/ | + | {{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\}} |
}} | }} | ||
{{ii}} <code>UserVConfig.ini</code> contains player video settings. | {{ii}} <code>UserVConfig.ini</code> contains player video settings. | ||
Line 51: | Line 80: | ||
===Save game data location=== | ===Save game data location=== | ||
{{Game data| | {{Game data| | ||
− | {{Game data/ | + | {{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\SAVES\}} |
}} | }} | ||
− | ==Video | + | ==Video== |
{{Image|Area 51 (2005) video settings.png|Video settings.}} | {{Image|Area 51 (2005) video settings.png|Video settings.}} | ||
− | + | {{Video | |
− | {{Video | + | |wsgf link = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/area-51 |
− | |wsgf link = | ||
|widescreen wsgf award = limited | |widescreen wsgf award = limited | ||
|multimonitor wsgf award = limited | |multimonitor wsgf award = limited | ||
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = limited | |ultrawidescreen wsgf award = limited | ||
− | |4k ultra hd wsgf award = | + | |4k ultra hd wsgf award = incomplete |
|widescreen resolution = hackable | |widescreen resolution = hackable | ||
− | |widescreen resolution notes= | + | |widescreen resolution notes= The game is {{term|Vert-}} by default. Use [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1483-area-51-hor-fov-fix/ Area 51 HOR+ FOV fix]. |
|multimonitor = hackable | |multimonitor = hackable | ||
− | |multimonitor notes = | + | |multimonitor notes = Use [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1483-area-51-hor-fov-fix/ Area 51 HOR+ FOV fix]. |
|ultrawidescreen = hackable | |ultrawidescreen = hackable | ||
− | |ultrawidescreen notes = | + | |ultrawidescreen notes = Use [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1483-area-51-hor-fov-fix/ Area 51 HOR+ FOV fix]. |
− | |4k ultra hd = | + | |4k ultra hd = hackable |
− | |4k ultra hd notes = | + | |4k ultra hd notes = Use [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1483-area-51-hor-fov-fix/ Area 51 HOR+ FOV fix]. HUD elements and menu text are not scaled and are very small. |
|fov = hackable | |fov = hackable | ||
− | |fov notes = | + | |fov notes = Default FOV is 60°. Use [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1483-area-51-hor-fov-fix/ Area 51 HOR+ FOV fix]. |
|windowed = hackable | |windowed = hackable | ||
|windowed notes = See [[#Windowed|Windowed]]. | |windowed notes = See [[#Windowed|Windowed]]. | ||
Line 78: | Line 106: | ||
|borderless windowed notes = See [[#Windowed|Windowed]]. | |borderless windowed notes = See [[#Windowed|Windowed]]. | ||
|anisotropic = false | |anisotropic = false | ||
− | |anisotropic notes = | + | |anisotropic notes = |
− | |antialiasing = | + | |antialiasing = false |
− | |antialiasing notes = | + | |antialiasing notes = Control panel hack causes glitches, see [[#Anti-aliasing (AA)|Anti-aliasing (AA)]]. |
− | |vsync = | + | |upscaling = false |
− | |vsync notes = | + | |upscaling tech = |
+ | |upscaling notes = | ||
+ | |vsync = hackable | ||
+ | |vsync notes = Enabled by default. | ||
|60 fps = true | |60 fps = true | ||
|60 fps notes = | |60 fps notes = | ||
− | |120 fps = | + | |120 fps = limited |
− | |120 fps notes = | + | |120 fps notes = At higher fps, jumping does not work correctly. See [[#High frame rate breaks jump physics|High frame rate breaks jump physics]]. |
+ | |hdr = false | ||
+ | |hdr notes = | ||
|color blind = unknown | |color blind = unknown | ||
|color blind notes = | |color blind notes = | ||
Line 92: | Line 125: | ||
===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]=== | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Set windowed in UserVConfig.ini|ref=<ref name="refcheck Garrett"/>|fix= |
− | |||
# Go to the installation folder. | # Go to the installation folder. | ||
# Edit <code>UserVConfig.ini</code>. | # Edit <code>UserVConfig.ini</code>. | ||
Line 103: | Line 135: | ||
===[[Glossary:Anti-aliasing (AA)|Anti-aliasing (AA)]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Anti-aliasing (AA)|Anti-aliasing (AA)]]=== | ||
− | {{ii}} The game doesn't support AA natively and forcing | + | {{Image|Area 51 (2005) - AA white outlines.png|Forced AA causing white outlines.}} |
+ | {{ii}} The game doesn't support AA natively and forcing any traditional AA methods, such as MSAA will causes white outlines around letters and some objects. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Force post-process anti-aliasing methods via [[ReShade]].|fix= | ||
+ | }} | ||
− | {{Fixbox|1= | + | {{Fixbox|description=For AMD user: force morphological filtering (MLAA) through AMD Radeon Control Panel/Catalyst Control Centre.|ref=<ref name="refcheck Antrad">{{refcheck|user=Antrad|date=September 1, 2017}}</ref>|fix= |
− | {{Fixbox | + | }} |
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Use Virtual/Dynamic Super Resolution|ref=<ref name="refcheck Antrad">{{refcheck|user=Antrad|date=September 1, 2017}}</ref>|fix= | ||
# Open your graphics card control panel. | # Open your graphics card control panel. | ||
− | # Turn on Virtual Super Resolution(AMD) or Dynamic Super Resolution(Nvidia) | + | # Turn on ''Virtual Super Resolution''(AMD) or ''Dynamic Super Resolution''(Nvidia) |
# In the game video settings select resolution that is higher than the monitor's native resolution. If the game runs in a window change the desktop resolution first, so the game window fits on the screen. | # In the game video settings select resolution that is higher than the monitor's native resolution. If the game runs in a window change the desktop resolution first, so the game window fits on the screen. | ||
− | |||
}} | }} | ||
− | ==Input | + | ==Input== |
{{Image|Area 51 (2005) Controls.png|Controls.}} | {{Image|Area 51 (2005) Controls.png|Controls.}} | ||
− | {{Image|Area 51 (2005) Key | + | {{Image|Area 51 (2005) - Key mappings.png|Key mappings.}} |
− | {{Input | + | {{Input |
|key remap = true | |key remap = true | ||
|key remap notes = | |key remap notes = | ||
Line 127: | Line 164: | ||
|invert mouse y-axis = true | |invert mouse y-axis = true | ||
|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 = | ||
Line 137: | Line 176: | ||
|invert controller y-axis = unknown | |invert controller y-axis = unknown | ||
|invert controller y-axis notes= | |invert controller y-axis notes= | ||
− | | | + | |xinput controllers = unknown |
− | | | + | |xinput controllers notes = |
− | |button prompts | + | |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 = | ||
− | | | + | |simultaneous input = unknown |
− | | | + | |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 | + | ==Audio== |
{{Image|Area 51 (2005) audio settings.png|Audio settings.}} | {{Image|Area 51 (2005) audio settings.png|Audio settings.}} | ||
− | {{Audio | + | {{Audio |
|separate volume = true | |separate volume = true | ||
|separate volume notes = Effects, music and speech. | |separate volume notes = Effects, music and speech. | ||
Line 163: | Line 230: | ||
|mute on focus lost notes = | |mute on focus lost notes = | ||
|eax support = | |eax support = | ||
− | |eax support notes = | + | |eax support notes = |
+ | |royalty free audio = unknown | ||
+ | |royalty free audio notes = | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{L10n|content= | ||
+ | {{L10n/switch | ||
+ | |language = English | ||
+ | |interface = true | ||
+ | |audio = true | ||
+ | |subtitles = false | ||
+ | |notes = | ||
+ | |fan = | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{L10n/switch | ||
+ | |language = Czech | ||
+ | |interface = hackable | ||
+ | |audio = false | ||
+ | |subtitles = false | ||
+ | |notes = Fan - [https://www.abcgames.cz/?p=preklady_zobraz&id=9480 1] | ||
+ | |fan = true | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{L10n/switch | ||
+ | |language = French | ||
+ | |interface = true | ||
+ | |audio = true | ||
+ | |subtitles = false | ||
+ | |notes = | ||
+ | |fan = | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{L10n/switch | ||
+ | |language = German | ||
+ | |interface = true | ||
+ | |audio = true | ||
+ | |subtitles = false | ||
+ | |notes = | ||
+ | |fan = | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{L10n/switch | ||
+ | |language = Italian | ||
+ | |interface = true | ||
+ | |audio = true | ||
+ | |subtitles = false | ||
+ | |notes = | ||
+ | |fan = | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{L10n/switch | ||
+ | |language = Russian | ||
+ | |interface = true | ||
+ | |audio = true | ||
+ | |subtitles = false | ||
+ | |notes = Official localization by "Новый Диск". Local retail release only. | ||
+ | |fan = | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{L10n/switch | ||
+ | |language = Spanish | ||
+ | |interface = true | ||
+ | |audio = true | ||
+ | |subtitles = false | ||
+ | |notes = | ||
+ | |fan = | ||
+ | }} | ||
}} | }} | ||
Line 198: | Line 326: | ||
|upnp = | |upnp = | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
==Issues fixed== | ==Issues fixed== | ||
===Problem installing the CD/DVD version=== | ===Problem installing the CD/DVD version=== | ||
− | {{ii}} The installation process fails with the | + | {{ii}} The installation process fails with the message "The wizard was interrupted before Area 51(R) could be completely installed". |
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Start the installation manually using the command console<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.vistax64.com/vista-games/28376-problems-installing-midway-games-area-51-a.html|title=Problems Installing Midway Games Area 51|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix= |
− | |||
− | |||
# Open the first CD or DVD in a new window to view its contents. | # Open the first CD or DVD in a new window to view its contents. | ||
− | # Inside the | + | # Inside the window while holding {{Key|Shift}} press the right mouse button and select "Open command window here" or "Open PowerShell Here". |
− | # In the command | + | # In the command console type <code>msiexec /i "Area 51(R).msi" /qb</code> and press {{Key|Enter}}. |
+ | # Apply the newest [[#Patches|patch]] to remove DRM. | ||
+ | |||
+ | '''Notes''' | ||
+ | {{ii}} Default installation folder is <code>C:\Program Files\Midway Games\Area 51\</code> for 32 bit systems and <code>C:\Program Files (x86)\Midway Games\Area 51\</code> for 64 bit systems. You can change the installation folder by using the INSTALLDIR option. For example, to install the game on E: drive in Games folder type <code>msiexec /i "Area 51(R).msi" INSTALLDIR="E:\Games\Midway Games\Area 51\" /qb</code>. | ||
+ | {{ii}} For installing in other languages use the TRANSFORMS property (German and European version only). For German language e.g.: <code>msiexec /i "Area 51(R).msi" TRANSFORMS=1031.mst /qb</code> Other ''mst'' files for changing language are: 1033.mst, 1034.mst, 1036.mst, 1040.mst and 3084.mst. | ||
}} | }} | ||
==="An internet connection is required to enjoy free, ad-supported game play" error=== | ==="An internet connection is required to enjoy free, ad-supported game play" error=== | ||
− | {{ii}} The advertising servers for the US Air Force version are no longer running. | + | {{ii}} The advertising servers for the free US Air Force version are no longer running. |
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Install the [[#Patches|latest patch]]|ref=<ref name="refcheck Garrett"/>}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Choppy cutscene playback=== | ||
+ | {{ii}} Non-FMV cutscenes play incorrectly on multi-threaded systems. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Run the game with [[Windows#Force CPU affinity|forced single core CPU affinity]]}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Broken textures and lighting=== | ||
+ | {{ii}} On some systems lighting will be broken and all textures will be black. This is a DirectX 9 issue and can be solved with an API wrapper (DXVK also works for Vulkan capable GPUs). | ||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Use WineD3D for Windows|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/topic/4666-area-51-2005-broken-textures-and-lighting/|title=Broken textures and lighting|date=2020-04-27}}</ref>|fix= | ||
+ | # Download [https://fdossena.com/?p=wined3d/index.frag WineD3D for Windows]. | ||
+ | # Follow the included instructions for DirectX 9 games. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Use DgVoodoo 2 for Windows|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/topic/4666-area-51-2005-broken-textures-and-lighting/|title=Broken textures and lighting|date=2020-08-8}}</ref>|fix= | ||
+ | # Download [[DgVoodoo 2|DgVoodoo 2 for Windows]]. | ||
+ | # Follow the included instructions for DirectX 9 games. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===High frame rate breaks jump physics=== | ||
+ | {{ii}} FPS >50 causes inability to jump while moving up sloped surfaces. FPS >100 breaks jumping mechanic entirely.{{CN|Values are anecdotal|date=October 2016}}. | ||
+ | {{ii}} Jumping is not required for combat, and in most cases where jumping from one platform to another is required, there is an invisible scripted "jump assist" that allows the player to jump across gaps, even though normal jumping is prevented by high frame rate.Changing between the framerate being capped to 50 and unlimited (preferably with a hotkey, like what is avaliable in Rivertuner) is a suitable workaround. | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Limit the Framerate to 60FPS |ref={{cn|date=September 2021}}|fix= |
− | {{ | + | * See [[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)#Frame rate capping|Frame rate capping]]. |
− | + | }} | |
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Set refresh rate on 60hz|ref={{cn|date=September 2021}}|fix= | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | === | + | ===Project Dreamland launcher get's stuck in verifying files=== |
− | {{ii}} | + | {{ii}} When executing the launcher for Project Dreamland the launcher gets stuck in an endless loop verifying the game's files. |
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Create a shortcut to the game's exe with launch parameters|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/groups/ResurrectDeadMPGames/discussions/1/405692758719325231/#:~:text=2019%20%40%207%3A05pm%C2%A0-,%40trashboat%20%40cinder,-For%20those%20who Project Dreamland stuck on verifying files fix|date=2021-12-15}}</ref>|fix= | ||
+ | # Go to the game folder > resources > app > game, and create shortcut for A51.exe | ||
+ | # On the new shortcut add following launch parameter: <code>--launcher</code> | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Other information== | ||
+ | ===API=== | ||
+ | {{API | ||
+ | |direct3d versions = 9 | ||
+ | |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 = | ||
+ | |dos modes notes = | ||
+ | |shader model versions = | ||
+ | |shader model notes = | ||
+ | |windows 32-bit exe = true | ||
+ | |windows 64-bit exe = false | ||
+ | |windows arm app = unknown | ||
+ | |windows exe notes = | ||
+ | |macos intel 32-bit app = | ||
+ | |macos intel 64-bit app = | ||
+ | |macos arm app = unknown | ||
+ | |macos app notes = | ||
+ | |linux 32-bit executable= | ||
+ | |linux 64-bit executable= | ||
+ | |linux arm app = unknown | ||
+ | |linux executable notes = | ||
+ | }} | ||
− | {{ | + | ===Middleware=== |
− | + | {{Middleware | |
− | + | |physics = | |
+ | |physics notes = | ||
+ | |audio = Miles Sound System | ||
+ | |audio notes = | ||
+ | |interface = | ||
+ | |interface notes = | ||
+ | |input = | ||
+ | |input notes = | ||
+ | |cutscenes = Bink Video | ||
+ | |cutscenes notes = | ||
+ | |multiplayer = GameSpy | ||
+ | |multiplayer notes= Servers have been shut down. To play online use [[#Project Dreamland|Project Dreamland]]. | ||
}} | }} | ||
Line 252: | Line 452: | ||
|recHD = | |recHD = | ||
|recGPU = | |recGPU = | ||
+ | |notes = {{ii}} All GeForce MX series video cards are not supported by the game. | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{References}} | {{References}} |
Latest revision as of 17:22, 22 July 2024
Not to be confused with Area 51 or BlackSite: Area 51.
Developers | |
---|---|
Midway Studios Austin | |
Publishers | |
Midway Games | |
Release dates | |
Windows | June 8, 2005 |
Reception | |
Metacritic | 67 |
Taxonomy | |
Monetization | Freeware |
Series | Area 51 |
Area 51 | |
---|---|
Area 51 | 1995 |
Area 51 (2005) | 2005 |
BlackSite: Area 51 | 2007 |
Warnings
Key points
- This game is available as a free download.
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | StarForce 3 DRM (removed in the latest patch). |
- The installer on the retail version of the game does not function correctly on modern operating systems (Windows 7 and later). See Installing the CD/DVD version for a solution or install the free version.
Free version
- This game was released as a free download sponsored by the US Air Force.[1]
- It can be downloaded here. Install the latest patch to remove the online DRM.
Essential improvements
Skip intro videos
Delete/rename Midway_640x480_30.bik[2] |
---|
|
Patches
- Install the latest patch(1.2) to remove copy protection and fix various issues.
- Latest patch for German and European is version 1.1, it can be found in the above link.
Project Dreamland
- Updated version of the original Free release with many improvements.
- Fixes many bugs of the original release.
- Adds support for modern aspect ratios and fixes FOV.
- Restores multiplayer mode.
- Improves performance on modern PCs.
- If launcher gets stuck verifying game files see
Area 51 Preservation Project
- Updated version of the original Free release with many improvements.
- Fixes many bugs of the original release.
- Adds support for fullscreen on modern PCs, improves FOV, solves cutscene stutter, and caps FPS to fix physics.
- Restores multiplayer mode.
- Improves performance on modern PCs.
- Compatible with Project Dreamland(install the mod above before this one).
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | <path-to-game>\[Note 1] |
-
UserVConfig.ini
contains player video settings. -
UserInputConfig.ini
contains player input settings. -
LangConfig.ini
contains the game language settings. -
InputConfig.ini
andVConfig.ini
contain default settings; these files do not need to be edited directly.
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | <path-to-game>\SAVES\[Note 1] |
Video
Graphics feature | State | WSGF | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | The game is Vert- by default. Use Area 51 HOR+ FOV fix. | ||
Multi-monitor | Use Area 51 HOR+ FOV fix. | ||
Ultra-widescreen | Use Area 51 HOR+ FOV fix. | ||
4K Ultra HD | Use Area 51 HOR+ FOV fix. HUD elements and menu text are not scaled and are very small. | ||
Field of view (FOV) | Default FOV is 60°. Use Area 51 HOR+ FOV fix. | ||
Windowed | See Windowed. | ||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | See Windowed. | ||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | Control panel hack causes glitches, see Anti-aliasing (AA). | ||
High-fidelity upscaling | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | Enabled by default. | ||
60 FPS | |||
120+ FPS | At higher fps, jumping does not work correctly. See High frame rate breaks jump physics. | ||
High dynamic range display (HDR) | See the glossary page for potential alternatives. |
Windowed
Set windowed in UserVConfig.ini[2] |
---|
|
Anti-aliasing (AA)
- The game doesn't support AA natively and forcing any traditional AA methods, such as MSAA will causes white outlines around letters and some objects.
Force post-process anti-aliasing methods via ReShade. |
---|
For AMD user: force morphological filtering (MLAA) through AMD Radeon Control Panel/Catalyst Control Centre.[3] |
---|
Use Virtual/Dynamic Super Resolution[3] |
---|
|
Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | ||
Mouse acceleration | Disabled by default. | |
Mouse sensitivity | ||
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Controller | ||
Controller support |
Controller types |
---|
Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | Effects, music and speech. | |
Surround sound | ||
Subtitles | ||
Closed captions | ||
Mute on focus lost | ||
Royalty free audio |
Localizations
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | ||||
Czech | Fan - 1 | |||
French | ||||
German | ||||
Italian | ||||
Russian | Official localization by "Новый Диск". Local retail release only. | |||
Spanish |
Network
Multiplayer types
Type | Native | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|
LAN play | |||
Online play | GameSpy servers have been shut down. To play online download Project Dreamland. |
Issues fixed
Problem installing the CD/DVD version
- The installation process fails with the message "The wizard was interrupted before Area 51(R) could be completely installed".
Start the installation manually using the command console[4] |
---|
Notes
|
"An internet connection is required to enjoy free, ad-supported game play" error
- The advertising servers for the free US Air Force version are no longer running.
Install the latest patch[2] |
---|
Choppy cutscene playback
- Non-FMV cutscenes play incorrectly on multi-threaded systems.
Run the game with forced single core CPU affinity |
---|
Broken textures and lighting
- On some systems lighting will be broken and all textures will be black. This is a DirectX 9 issue and can be solved with an API wrapper (DXVK also works for Vulkan capable GPUs).
Use WineD3D for Windows[5] |
---|
|
Use DgVoodoo 2 for Windows[6] |
---|
|
High frame rate breaks jump physics
- FPS >50 causes inability to jump while moving up sloped surfaces. FPS >100 breaks jumping mechanic entirely.[citation needed].
- Jumping is not required for combat, and in most cases where jumping from one platform to another is required, there is an invisible scripted "jump assist" that allows the player to jump across gaps, even though normal jumping is prevented by high frame rate.Changing between the framerate being capped to 50 and unlimited (preferably with a hotkey, like what is avaliable in Rivertuner) is a suitable workaround.
Limit the Framerate to 60FPS[citation needed] |
---|
|
Set refresh rate on 60hz[citation needed] |
---|
Project Dreamland launcher get's stuck in verifying files
- When executing the launcher for Project Dreamland the launcher gets stuck in an endless loop verifying the game's files.
Create a shortcut to the game's exe with launch parameters[7] |
---|
|
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
Direct3D | 9 |
Executable | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Windows |
Middleware
Middleware | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Audio | Miles Sound System | |
Cutscenes | Bink Video | |
Multiplayer | GameSpy | Servers have been shut down. To play online use Project Dreamland. |
System requirements
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | ||
Operating system (OS) | 2000, XP | |
Processor (CPU) | Intel 1.4 GHz AMD 1.2 GHz |
|
System memory (RAM) | 256 MB | |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 3 GB | |
Video card (GPU) | ATI Radeon 9500 Nvidia GeForce FX 5200 |
- All GeForce MX series video cards are not supported by the game.
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 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
- ↑ Game Bundle Download Sponsored by Air Force - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Verified by User:Garrett on 2014-07-25
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Verified by User:Antrad on September 1, 2017
- ↑ Problems Installing Midway Games Area 51 - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Broken textures and lighting - last accessed on 2020-04-27
- ↑ Broken textures and lighting - last accessed on 2020-08-8
- ↑ Project Dreamland stuck on verifying files fix [missing title] - last accessed on 2021-12-15