Anonymous edits have been disabled on the wiki. If you want to contribute please login or create an account.

Warning for game developers: PCGamingWiki staff members will only ever reach out to you using the official press@pcgamingwiki.com mail address.
Be aware of scammers claiming to be representatives or affiliates of PCGamingWiki who promise a PCGW page for a game key.

Difference between revisions of "Area 51 (2005)"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
m (Update WSGF link.)
m (General maintenance with AutoWikiBrowser in Bot mode)
 
(52 intermediate revisions by 25 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
{{distinguish|Area 51|BlackSite: Area 51}}
 
{{Infobox game
 
{{Infobox game
 
|title        = Area 51
 
|title        = Area 51
Line 9: Line 10:
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|June 8, 2005}}
 
{{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  =  
 +
|steam appid side =
 
|gogcom id    =  
 
|gogcom id    =  
 +
|gogcom id side =
 +
|official site=
 
|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
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Series|Area 51}}
 
  
 
'''Key points'''
 
'''Key points'''
Line 27: Line 39:
  
 
===Free version===
 
===Free version===
−
{{++}} This game was released as a free download sponsored by the ''US Air Force''.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120409193223/http://extcamp.doublefusion.com/US_Air_Force/Game_Download_Sponsored_by_Air_Force.htm Game Bundle Download Sponsored by Air Force]</ref>
+
{{++}} 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.fileplanet.com/216672/210000/fileinfo/Area-51-(Free-Game) here]. Install the latest [[#Patches|patch]] to remove the online DRM.
+
{{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==
Line 38: Line 50:
  
 
===Patches===
 
===Patches===
−
{{ii}} Install the [http://www.patches-scrolls.de/patch/392/7/ latest patch(1.2)] to remove copy protection and fix various issues.
+
{{ii}} Install the [https://www.patches-scrolls.de/patch/392/7/ latest patch(1.2)] to remove copy protection and fix various issues.
−
{{ii}} Latest patch for German and European is version 1.1, it can be found in the above link or [https://www.fileplanet.com/archive/p-27985/Area-51-Patch-v1-1-Germann here] and [https://www.fileplanet.com/archive/p-79938/Area-51-Patch-v1-1-European here].
+
{{ii}} Latest patch for German and European is version 1.1, it can be found in the above link.
  
−
===Project Dreamland===
+
===[https://github.com/ProjectDreamland/game/releases Project Dreamland]===
−
{{ii}} [https://github.com/ProjectDreamland/game/releases Project Dreamland] is a source port of Area 51, that comes bundled together with all of its content. It enables multiplayer and fixes many bugs of the original. However it requires online connection even to play single player campaign and the low FOV issue after some cut-scenes wasn't fixed.
+
{{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==
Line 58: Line 83:
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Video settings==
+
==Video==
 
{{Image|Area 51 (2005) video settings.png|Video settings.}}
 
{{Image|Area 51 (2005) video settings.png|Video settings.}}
−
{{Video settings
+
{{Video
 
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/area-51
 
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/area-51
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
Line 67: Line 92:
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
 
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
−
|widescreen resolution notes= Image is {{term|Vert-}}. Very narrow FOV. See [[#Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]].
+
|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        = Image is {{term|Vert-}}. Extremely narrow FOV. See [[#Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]].
+
|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      = Image is {{term|Vert-}}. Extremely narrow FOV. See [[#Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]].
+
|ultrawidescreen notes      = Use [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1483-area-51-hor-fov-fix/ Area 51 HOR+ FOV fix].
 
|4k ultra hd                = hackable
 
|4k ultra hd                = hackable
−
|4k ultra hd notes          = Image is {{term|Vert-}}. Very narrow FOV. See [[#Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]]. HUD elements and menu text are not scaled and are very small.
+
|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                  = Default FOV is 60°. See [[#Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]].
+
|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]].
 
|borderless windowed        = hackable
 
|borderless windowed        = hackable
 
|borderless windowed notes  = See [[#Windowed|Windowed]].
 
|borderless windowed notes  = See [[#Windowed|Windowed]].
−
|anisotropic                = hackable
+
|anisotropic                = false
−
|anisotropic notes          = Can be forced in the GPU control panel.
+
|anisotropic notes          =  
 
|antialiasing              = false
 
|antialiasing              = false
 
|antialiasing notes        = Control panel hack causes glitches, see [[#Anti-aliasing (AA)|Anti-aliasing (AA)]].
 
|antialiasing notes        = Control panel hack causes glitches, see [[#Anti-aliasing (AA)|Anti-aliasing (AA)]].
 +
|upscaling                  = false
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 
|vsync                      = hackable
 
|vsync                      = hackable
 
|vsync notes                = Enabled by default.
 
|vsync notes                = Enabled by default.
 
|60 fps                    = true
 
|60 fps                    = true
 
|60 fps notes              =  
 
|60 fps notes              =  
−
|120 fps                    = false
+
|120 fps                    = limited
 
|120 fps notes              = At higher fps, jumping does not work correctly. See [[#High frame rate breaks jump physics|High frame rate breaks jump physics]].
 
|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                        = unknown
+
|hdr                        = false
 
|hdr notes                  =  
 
|hdr notes                  =  
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
−
}}
 
−
 
−
===[[Glossary:Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]]===
 
−
{{Fixbox|description=Use Area 51 FOV Patch|ref={{cn|date=April 2017}}|fix=
 
−
# Install [http://www.patches-scrolls.de/patch/392/7/ Patch 1.2].
 
−
# Use [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/900-area-51-fov-patch/ Area 51 FOV Patch] to set a custom FOV.
 
−
 
−
'''Notes'''
 
−
{{--}} After certain in-game cut-scenes, the FOV changes to a very low value.<ref name="FOV">[https://www.wsgf.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?p=166983#p166983 View topic - Area 51 | WSGF]</ref>
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 117: Line 136:
 
===[[Glossary:Anti-aliasing (AA)|Anti-aliasing (AA)]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Anti-aliasing (AA)|Anti-aliasing (AA)]]===
 
{{Image|Area 51 (2005) - AA white outlines.png|Forced AA causing white outlines.}}
 
{{Image|Area 51 (2005) - AA white outlines.png|Forced AA causing white outlines.}}
−
{{ii}} The game doesn't support AA natively and forcing it through GPU control panel causes white outlines around letters and objects in the game.
+
{{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|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|description=Use Virtual/Dynamic Super Resolution|ref=<ref name="refcheck Antrad">{{refcheck|user=Antrad|date=September 1, 2017}}</ref>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Use Virtual/Dynamic Super Resolution|ref=<ref name="refcheck Antrad">{{refcheck|user=Antrad|date=September 1, 2017}}</ref>|fix=
Line 123: Line 148:
 
# 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.
−
}}
 
−
{{Fixbox|description=Turn on morphological filtering in the graphics card control panel(AMD)|ref=<ref name="refcheck Antrad"/>|fix=
 
−
{{ii}} This can be used in combination with ''Virtual Super Resolution''.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
 
{{Image|Area 51 (2005) Controls.png|Controls.}}
 
{{Image|Area 51 (2005) Controls.png|Controls.}}
 
{{Image|Area 51 (2005) - Key mappings.png|Key mappings.}}
 
{{Image|Area 51 (2005) - Key mappings.png|Key mappings.}}
−
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
Line 194: Line 216:
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Audio settings==
+
==Audio==
 
{{Image|Area 51 (2005) audio settings.png|Audio settings.}}
 
{{Image|Area 51 (2005) audio settings.png|Audio settings.}}
−
{{Audio settings
+
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume notes    = Effects, music and speech.
 
|separate volume notes    = Effects, music and speech.
Line 208: 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  =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 216: Line 240:
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
−
  |subtitles = unknown
+
  |subtitles = false
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = French
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
−
 
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = German
 
  |language  = German
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
−
  |subtitles = unknown
+
  |subtitles = false
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
−
 
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = Italian
 
  |language  = Italian
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
−
  |subtitles = unknown
+
  |subtitles = false
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
−
 
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
−
  |language  = Portuguese
+
  |language  = Russian
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
−
  |subtitles = unknown
+
  |subtitles = false
−
  |notes    =  
+
  |notes    = Official localization by "Новый Диск". Local retail release only.
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
−
 
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
−
  |language  = French
+
  |language  = Spanish
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
−
  |subtitles = unknown
+
  |subtitles = false
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
−
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 291: Line 318:
 
|upnp =  
 
|upnp =  
 
}}
 
}}
−
 
−
==Issues unresolved==
 
−
 
−
===FOV changes after some cutscenes===
 
−
{{ii}} After certain in-game cut-scenes FOV changes to a very low value. It changes back automatically when a new level is started or if the player loads the game from the next checkpoint.<ref name="FOV"/>
 
  
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
  
 
===Problem installing the CD/DVD version===
 
===Problem installing the CD/DVD version===
−
{{ii}} The installation process fails with the following message "The wizard was interrupted before Area 51(R) could be completely installed".
+
{{ii}} The installation process fails with the message "The wizard was interrupted before Area 51(R) could be completely installed".
  
−
{{Fixbox|description=Start the installation manually using the command console<ref>[https://www.vistax64.com/vista-games/28376-problems-installing-midway-games-area-51-a.html Problems Installing Midway Games Area 51]</ref>|fix=
+
{{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=
−
Variant 1:
 
 
# 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 new window while holding {{Key|Shift}} press the right mouse button and select "Open command window here".
+
# 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 window type <code>msiexec /i  "Area 51(R).msi" /qb</code> and press {{Key|Enter}}.
+
# 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.
 
−
Variant 2:
 
−
# Copy all disc files in same folder, e.g.: ''C:\Area51Files''.
 
−
# Open PowerShell by holding {{Key|Shift}} pressing the right mouse button and select "Open PowerShell Here".
 
−
# In the command window type <code>msiexec /i "Area 51(R).msi" /qb</code> and press {{Key|Enter}}.
 
 
# Apply the newest [[#Patches|patch]] to remove DRM.
 
# Apply the newest [[#Patches|patch]] to remove DRM.
 +
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''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}} 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>.
Line 324: Line 341:
  
 
===Choppy cutscene playback===
 
===Choppy cutscene playback===
−
{{ii}} FMV cutscenes play incorrectly in fullscreen mode on modern systems.
+
{{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=Run the game in a [[#Windowed|borderless fullscreen window]]|ref=<ref name="refcheck Antrad"/>}}
+
{{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===
 
===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}} 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.
+
{{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|description=Video capture software such as FRAPS can be used to lower frame rate to 60 fps if jumping is required but there is not pre-scripted "jump assist", such as the section in the 2nd level where you are required to jump over moving beams of electricity|ref={{cn|date=September 2017}}}}
+
{{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=
 +
}}
  
−
{{Fixbox|description=Alternatively, because the game has permanent v-sync, if your monitor has a manual refresh rate toggle button, switching the refresh rate to 60 hz will also cause the frame rate to be locked at 60|ref={{cn|date=September 2017}}}}
+
===Project Dreamland launcher get's stuck in verifying files===
 +
{{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==
 
==Other information==
Line 361: Line 399:
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = unknown
 
|windows exe notes      =  
 
|windows exe notes      =  
−
|macos 32-bit app       =  
+
|macos intel 32-bit app =  
−
|macos 64-bit app       =  
+
|macos intel 64-bit app =  
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 
|macos app notes        =  
 
|macos app notes        =  
 
|linux 32-bit executable=  
 
|linux 32-bit executable=  
 
|linux 64-bit executable=  
 
|linux 64-bit executable=  
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 
|linux executable notes =  
 
|linux executable notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 383: Line 424:
 
|cutscenes notes  =  
 
|cutscenes notes  =  
 
|multiplayer      = GameSpy
 
|multiplayer      = GameSpy
−
|multiplayer notes= Servers have been shut down. To play online download [https://github.com/ProjectDreamland/game/releases Project Dreamland].
+
|multiplayer notes= Servers have been shut down. To play online use [[#Project Dreamland|Project Dreamland]].
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 403: Line 444:
 
|recHD    =  
 
|recHD    =  
 
|recGPU  =  
 
|recGPU  =  
 +
|notes    = {{ii}} All GeForce MX series video cards are not supported by the game.
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}

Latest revision as of 07:41, 16 May 2023

Not to be confused with Area 51 or BlackSite: Area 51.

Area 51
Area 51 cover
Developers
Midway Studios Austin
Publishers
Midway Games
Release dates
Windows June 8, 2005
Reception
Metacritic 67
Taxonomy
Monetization Freeware
Series Area 51
Area 51 (2005) on HowLongToBeat
Area 51 (2005) on IGDB
Area 51 (2005) on MobyGames
Area 51 (2005) on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Area 51
Area 51 1995
Area 51 (2005) 2005
BlackSite: Area 51 2007

Warnings

GameSpy online services have been shut down (see Network for solutions).

Key points

This game is available as a free download.

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
 StarForce 3 DRM (removed in the latest patch).
Windows
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]
  1. Go to MOVIES in the installation folder.
  2. Delete or rename Midway_640x480_30.bik.

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 and VConfig.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

Video settings.
Video settings.

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]
  1. Go to the installation folder.
  2. Edit UserVConfig.ini.
  3. Change Window = FALSE to Window = TRUE
  4. Set your resolution if needed.
  5. For borderless mode set your desktop resolution and use a borderless tool.
  6. Save your changes and close the file.

Anti-aliasing (AA)

Forced AA causing white outlines.
Forced AA causing white outlines.
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]
  1. Open your graphics card control panel.
  2. Turn on Virtual Super Resolution(AMD) or Dynamic Super Resolution(Nvidia)
  3. 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

Controls.
Controls.
Key mappings.
Key mappings.

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 settings.
Audio settings.

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
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]
  1. Open the first CD or DVD in a new window to view its contents.
  2. Inside the window while holding ⇧ Shift press the right mouse button and select "Open command window here" or "Open PowerShell Here".
  3. In the command console type msiexec /i "Area 51(R).msi" /qb and press ↵ Enter.
  4. Apply the newest patch to remove DRM.

Notes

Default installation folder is C:\Program Files\Midway Games\Area 51\ for 32 bit systems and C:\Program Files (x86)\Midway Games\Area 51\ 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 msiexec /i "Area 51(R).msi" INSTALLDIR="E:\Games\Midway Games\Area 51\" /qb.
For installing in other languages use the TRANSFORMS property (German and European version only). For German language e.g.: msiexec /i "Area 51(R).msi" TRANSFORMS=1031.mst /qb 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

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]
  1. Download WineD3D for Windows.
  2. Follow the included instructions for DirectX 9 games.
Use DgVoodoo 2 for Windows[6]
  1. Download DgVoodoo 2 for Windows.
  2. Follow the included instructions for DirectX 9 games.

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]
  1. Go to the game folder > resources > app > game, and create shortcut for A51.exe
  2. On the new shortcut add following launch parameter: --launcher

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. ↑ 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

  1. ↑ Game Bundle Download Sponsored by Air Force - last accessed on May 2023
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Verified by User:Garrett on 2014-07-25
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Verified by User:Antrad on September 1, 2017
  4. ↑ Problems Installing Midway Games Area 51 - last accessed on May 2023
  5. ↑ Broken textures and lighting - last accessed on 2020-04-27
  6. ↑ Broken textures and lighting - last accessed on 2020-08-8
  7. ↑ Project Dreamland stuck on verifying files fix [missing title] - last accessed on 2021-12-15