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Difference between revisions of "Might and Magic IX"

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{{Infobox game
 
{{Infobox game
|cover        = Might and Magic IX cover.jpg
+
|cover        = Might and Magic IX (PC Cover).png
 
|developers  =  
 
|developers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|New World Computing}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|New World Computing}}
 
|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|3DO}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|3DO|2002-2003}}
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Ubisoft}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Ubisoft|2003-present}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sold Out Software|Re-release}}
 
|engines      =  
 
|engines      =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/engine|LithTech|name=LithTech Talon}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/engine|LithTech|name=LithTech Talon}}
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|March 29, 2002}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|March 29, 2002}}
 +
|reception    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|might-and-magic-ix|55}}
 +
|taxonomy    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase, Subscription gaming service }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time, Turn-based }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | First-person }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control, Point and select }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | RPG }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | Realistic }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Fantasy }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Might and Magic }}
 
|steam appid  =  
 
|steam appid  =  
|gogcom page  = might_and_magic_9
+
|gogcom id    = 1207658978
|strategywiki =  
+
|hltb        = 6028
 +
|igdb        = might-and-magic-ix
 +
|lutris      = might-and-magic-9
 +
|strategywiki = Might and Magic IX
 +
|mobygames    = 6136
 
|wikipedia    = Might and Magic IX
 
|wikipedia    = Might and Magic IX
 
|winehq      = 3582
 
|winehq      = 3582
 +
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
{{Series|Might and Magic}}
 
  
'''Key points'''
+
{{Introduction
{{++}} [[#TELP's 1.3a Patch (retail)|TELP's 1.3a Patch]] fixes game-breaking bugs (digital distribution versions already include this patch).
+
|introduction      =
{{ii}} For Windows 8 and later apply the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/6-might-and-magic-ix-fullscreen-fixes/ fullscreen fixes] and [[#Run in 32-bit color|run in 32-bit color]].
+
 
 +
|release history  =
 +
 
 +
|current state    = The game suffers from multiple game-breaking bugs as a result of its troubled development. Most of these issues are resolved by [[#TELP's 1.3a Patch (retail)|TELP's 1.3a Patch]], which is already included in digital releases. For compatibility on Windows 8 and newer, the [[#Fullscreen fixes|fullscreen fixes package]] and [[#Run in 32-bit color|32-bit color mode]] need to be applied.
 +
}}
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
Line 29: Line 53:
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc, key | CD key. {{DRM|SafeDisc}}. | | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc, key | {{DRM|SafeDisc|2}} internationally, {{DRM|StarForce}} in Russian release. | | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Amazon.com | B00KIY83E8 | Ubisoft Connect | | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | might_and_magic_9 | DRM-free | Pre-patched with [[#TELP's 1.3a Patch (retail)|TELP's 1.3a Patch]]. | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | might_and_magic_9 | DRM-free | Pre-patched with [[#TELP's 1.3a Patch (retail)|TELP's 1.3a Patch]]. | | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| GamersGate | DD-MM9 | GamersGate | Pre-patched with [[#TELP's 1.3a Patch (retail)|TELP's 1.3a Patch]]. | | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Ubisoft Store | 56c4948788a7e300458b47b6 | Ubisoft Connect | Included with {{Store feature|Uplay+}}. | | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| Uplay | 56c4948788a7e300458b47b6 | Uplay | | | Windows }}
+
}}
 +
 
 +
==Monetization==
 +
{{Monetization
 +
|ad-supported          =
 +
|dlc                    =
 +
|expansion pack        =
 +
|freeware              =
 +
|free-to-play          =
 +
|one-time game purchase = The game requires an upfront purchase to access.
 +
|sponsored              =
 +
|subscription          =
 +
|subscription gaming service = Available via [[List of Ubisoft+ games|Ubisoft+]].
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 38: Line 75:
 
===TELP's 1.3a Patch (retail)===
 
===TELP's 1.3a Patch (retail)===
 
[http://telp.org/mm9/patches/ptch13dnld.html TELP's 1.3a Patch] fixes many game-breaking bugs. Digital distribution versions already include this patch.
 
[http://telp.org/mm9/patches/ptch13dnld.html TELP's 1.3a Patch] fixes many game-breaking bugs. Digital distribution versions already include this patch.
 +
 +
===Fullscreen fixes===
 +
{{ii}} [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/6-might-and-magic-ix-fullscreen-fixes/ This package] contains fixes for window border being visible in fullscreen mode, as well as low frame rate problems in fullscreen mode.
  
 
===Run in 32-bit color===
 
===Run in 32-bit color===
 
{{++}} 32-bit color mode slightly enhances visual quality and also fixes a [[#Game freezes in menus|freezing issue]] on Windows 8.
 
{{++}} 32-bit color mode slightly enhances visual quality and also fixes a [[#Game freezes in menus|freezing issue]] on Windows 8.
 
{{ii}} The GOG.com version already includes this fix.
 
{{ii}} The GOG.com version already includes this fix.
 +
{{ii}} This change could potentially prevent some users from launching the game such as [http://telp.org/mm9/tavern/anyboard/posts/42806.html this Windows 7 user].
  
 
{{Fixbox|description=Set 32-bit color in autoexec.cfg|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Set 32-bit color in autoexec.cfg|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
# Go to the installation folder.
+
# Open {{file|{{p|game}}\autoexec.cfg}}.
# Edit <code>autoexec.cfg</code>.
+
# Change <code>"screendepth" "16"</code> to <code>"screendepth" "32"</code>.
# Change <code>"screendepth" "16"</code> to <code>"screendepth" "32"</code>
+
# Change <code>"BitDepth" "16"</code> to <code>"BitDepth" "32"</code>.
# Change <code>"BitDepth" "16"</code> to <code>"BitDepth" "32"</code>
+
# Save the changes.
# Save your changes.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Skip intro videos===
 
===Skip intro videos===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Rename/delete video files|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Rename/delete video files|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
# Go to <code>{{p|game}}\Movies\</code>
+
# Go to {{folder|{{p|game}}\Movies\}}.
# Delete or rename <code>3DOLogo.bik</code>, <code>Intro.bik</code> and <code>New World Logo.bik</code>.
+
# Delete or rename {{file|3DOLogo.bik}}, {{file|Intro.bik}} and {{file|New World Logo.bik}}.
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 60: Line 100:
 
{{Fixbox|description=Change shortcut target|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Change shortcut target|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 
# Go to the shortcut properties.
 
# Go to the shortcut properties.
# Replace <code>mm9.exe</code> with <code>lithtech.exe</code>
+
# Replace {{file|mm9.exe}} with {{file|lithtech.exe}}.
 
# The game will now launch immediately from that shortcut.
 
# The game will now launch immediately from that shortcut.
 
}}
 
}}
Line 69: Line 109:
 
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\autoexec.cfg}}
 
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\autoexec.cfg}}
 
}}
 
}}
{{ii}} <code>{{p|game}}\autoexec.lith</code> contains special settings that can't be changed in-game.
+
{{ii}} {{file|{{p|game}}\autoexec.lith}} contains special settings that can not be changed in-game.
  
 
===Save game data location===
 
===Save game data location===
Line 78: Line 118:
 
===[[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
|gog galaxy           = false
+
|discord                  =
|gog galaxy notes     =  
+
|discord notes            =
|origin               =  
+
|epic games launcher      =
|origin notes         =  
+
|epic games launcher notes =
|steam cloud           =  
+
|gog galaxy               = false
|steam cloud notes     =  
+
|gog galaxy notes         =  
|uplay                =  
+
|origin                   =  
|uplay notes           =  
+
|origin notes             =  
|xbox cloud           =  
+
|steam cloud               =  
|xbox cloud notes     =  
+
|steam cloud notes         =  
 +
|ubisoft connect          = false
 +
|ubisoft connect notes     = <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/help/article/cloud-save-support-for-games-available-on-ubisoft/000064409|title=Cloud save support for games available on Ubisoft+|date=2021-09-04}}</ref>
 +
|xbox cloud               =  
 +
|xbox cloud notes         =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Video settings==
+
==Video==
 
{{Image|Might and Magic IX video settings.png|Video settings.}}
 
{{Image|Might and Magic IX video settings.png|Video settings.}}
{{Video settings
+
{{Video
|wsgf link                  = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/might-and-magic-ix/en
+
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/might-and-magic-ix/en
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = unsupported
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = unsupported
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = unsupported
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = unsupported
Line 99: Line 143:
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = unsupported
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = unsupported
 
|widescreen resolution      = false
 
|widescreen resolution      = false
|widescreen resolution notes= 800x600 only; changing in <code>autoexec.cfg</code> breaks menus.
+
|widescreen resolution notes= 800x600 only; changing in {{file|autoexec.cfg}} breaks menus.
 
|multimonitor              = false
 
|multimonitor              = false
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
Line 106: Line 150:
 
|4k ultra hd                = false
 
|4k ultra hd                = false
 
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
 
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
|fov                        = false
+
|fov                        = hackable
|fov notes                  = Fixed FOV ({{term|Vert-}}).
+
|fov notes                  = See the '''Instructions for other aspect ratios''' of the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/2939-might-and-magic-ix-fov-fix/ FOV fix] to change the horizontal FOV.
 
|windowed                  = hackable
 
|windowed                  = hackable
 
|windowed notes            = See [[#Windowed|Windowed]].
 
|windowed notes            = See [[#Windowed|Windowed]].
 
|borderless windowed        = false
 
|borderless windowed        = false
|borderless windowed notes  = 800x600 only; changing resolution in <code>autoexec.cfg</code> breaks menus.
+
|borderless windowed notes  = 800x600 only; changing resolution in {{file|autoexec.cfg}} breaks menus.
 
|anisotropic                = false
 
|anisotropic                = false
 
|anisotropic notes          =  
 
|anisotropic notes          =  
|antialiasing              = hackable
+
|antialiasing              = false
|antialiasing notes        = Force in the [[Glossary:Graphics card|graphics card]] control panel (may cause lines on the interface).
+
|antialiasing notes        =  
 +
|upscaling                  = false
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 
|vsync                      = unknown
 
|vsync                      = unknown
 
|vsync notes                =  
 
|vsync notes                =  
 
|60 fps                    = true
 
|60 fps                    = true
|60 fps notes              = For Windows 8 and later apply the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/6-might-and-magic-ix-fullscreen-fixes/ fullscreen fixes].
+
|60 fps notes              = For Windows 8 and later, apply the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/6-might-and-magic-ix-fullscreen-fixes/ fullscreen fixes].
 
|120 fps                    = true
 
|120 fps                    = true
 
|120 fps notes              =  
 
|120 fps notes              =  
|hdr                        = unknown
+
|hdr                        = false
 
|hdr notes                  =  
 
|hdr notes                  =  
|color blind                = unknown
+
|color blind                = false
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]===
{{Fixbox|description=Add +windowed 1 to shortcut|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Run the game with the <code>+windowed 1</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]]|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
# Go to the shortcut's properties.
 
# Add <code>+windowed 1</code> to the target.
 
 
 
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
{{--}} The window cannot be moved and may cause NPCs or even the whole game to run at inhuman speeds (try to change in autoexec.cfg "MaxFPS" "0" to "MaxFPS" "75" and it might fix this and mouse problem).
+
{{--}} The window cannot be moved and may cause NPCs or even the whole game to run at inhuman speeds (try to change in {{file|autoexec.cfg}}: <code>"MaxFPS "0"</code> to <code>"MaxFPS" "75"</code> and it might fix this and mouse problem).
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
 
{{Image|Might and Magic IX input settings.png|Input settings.}}
 
{{Image|Might and Magic IX input settings.png|Input settings.}}
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
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|invert mouse y-axis      = true
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = true
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes = Set in Game Options.
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes = Set in Game Options.
|touchscreen              = unknown
+
|touchscreen              = false
 
|touchscreen notes        =  
 
|touchscreen notes        =  
 
|controller support        = false
 
|controller support        = false
Line 192: Line 236:
 
|steam input api          = unknown
 
|steam input api          = unknown
 
|steam input api notes    =  
 
|steam input api notes    =  
 +
|steam hook input          = unknown
 +
|steam hook input notes    =
 
|steam input presets      = unknown
 
|steam input presets      = unknown
 
|steam input presets notes =  
 
|steam input presets notes =  
 
|steam controller prompts  = unknown
 
|steam controller prompts  = unknown
 
|steam controller prompts notes =  
 
|steam controller prompts notes =  
 +
|steam cursor detection    = unknown
 +
|steam cursor detection notes =
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Audio settings==
+
==Audio==
 
{{Image|Might and Magic IX audio settings.png|Audio settings.}}
 
{{Image|Might and Magic IX audio settings.png|Audio settings.}}
{{Audio settings
+
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume notes    = Master, Sound Effects and Music.
 
|separate volume notes    = Master, Sound Effects and Music.
Line 209: Line 257:
 
|closed captions          = false
 
|closed captions          = false
 
|closed captions notes    =  
 
|closed captions notes    =  
|mute on focus lost      = true
+
|mute on focus lost      = always on
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|eax support              = true
 
|eax support              = true
 
|eax support notes        = EAX 2. Disabled by default.
 
|eax support notes        = EAX 2. Disabled by default.
 +
|royalty free audio      = always on
 +
|royalty free audio notes =
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 218: Line 268:
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = English
 
  |language  = English
  |interface = yes
+
  |interface = true
  |audio    = yes
+
  |audio    = true
  |subtitles = yes
+
  |subtitles = true
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 +
}}{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = French
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = Retail only.
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Simplified Chinese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = Retail only.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = Polish
 
  |language  = Polish
  |interface = yes
+
  |interface = true
  |audio    = yes
+
  |audio    = true
  |subtitles = yes
+
  |subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = Retail only.
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Russian
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = unknown
 +
|subtitles = true
 
  |notes    = Retail only.
 
  |notes    = Retail only.
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Spanish
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = hackable
 +
|notes    = Fan translation by ''Clan Dlan'' (author: L@Zar0), [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PCLSvT9Ne8DIFAmU-S2V6c11lhN0NNNv/view?usp=drive_link download].
 +
|fan      = true
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
Line 236: Line 314:
 
{{ii}} A window border is visible in fullscreen mode on Windows 8 and later.
 
{{ii}} A window border is visible in fullscreen mode on Windows 8 and later.
  
{{Fixbox|description=Apply the fix|ref=<ref>This works by applying the ForceSimpleWindow compatibility fix to this game's version of <code>lithtech.exe</code> (other LithTech games are unaffected).</ref>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Apply the fix|ref=<ref>This works by applying the ForceSimpleWindow compatibility fix to this game's version of <code>lithtech.exe</code> (other LithTech games are unaffected)</ref>|fix=
 
# Download the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/6-might-and-magic-ix-fullscreen-fixes/ Might and Magic IX fullscreen fixes].
 
# Download the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/6-might-and-magic-ix-fullscreen-fixes/ Might and Magic IX fullscreen fixes].
# Extract it anywhere and run <code>install.bat</code>.
+
# Extract it anywhere and run {{file|install.bat}}.
# Might and Magic IX will now enter fullscreen mode correctly (you do not need to restart your computer).
+
# The game will now enter fullscreen mode correctly.
 +
 
 +
'''Notes'''
 
{{ii}} Applying this fix will cause the [[#Windowed|Windowed]] mode border to disappear (use <code>uninstall.bat</code> to remove the fix).
 
{{ii}} Applying this fix will cause the [[#Windowed|Windowed]] mode border to disappear (use <code>uninstall.bat</code> to remove the fix).
 
}}
 
}}
Line 252: Line 332:
  
 
==="The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000022)" error on launch===
 
==="The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000022)" error on launch===
{{Fixbox|description=Install [[Microsoft Windows#Older games refuse to start on Windows 8 and later|DirectPlay]]|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Garrett|date=2015-02-24|comment=}}</ref>}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Enable [[DirectPlay]]|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Garrett|date=2015-02-24|comment=}}</ref>}}
 +
 
 +
===Menu freezing===
 +
{{ii}} This issue occurs when menus like the inventory take a long time to load (upwards of 12 seconds).
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Replace cshell.dll|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://telp.org/mm9/tavern/anyboard/posts/39804.html|title=cshell patched by TELP user frognik|date=2021-12-14}}</ref>|fix=
 +
# Go to {{folder|{{p|game}}\data\}}.
 +
# Make a backup of {{file|cshell.dll}}.
 +
# Download the replacement [https://www.dropbox.com/s/ee28lncubevktqv/Cshell.dll%20file.rar?dl=0 cshell.dll] and place it where the original file was.
 +
# Opening menus should now be almost instant.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Loading screen freezing===
 +
{{ii}} This issue occurs when you can hear the sound of the game but the image freezes on the loading screen.
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Replace ART.REZ and LOCALART.REZ|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKvizNWI-PQ&t=26s|title=ART.REZ and LOCALART.REZ fix by youtuber Strategy House|date=2021-12-14}}</ref>|fix=
 +
# Go to {{folder|{{p|game}}\data\}}.
 +
# Make backups of {{file|ART.REZ}} and {{file|LOCALART.REZ}}.
 +
# Download these two [https://www.dropbox.com/s/wfnmuyjhad5wrv1/.REZ%20files.rar?dl=0 .rez] files and replace the original versions.
 +
# The game will now launch immediately from that shortcut.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Black night/water===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Install dgVoodoo 2|fix=
 +
# Download the latest stable version of [[dgVoodoo 2]].
 +
# Extract the following files to {{folder|{{p|game}}}}: {{file|dgVoodoo.conf}}, {{file|dgVoodooCpl.exe}}, and the contents of the {{file|MS\x86|folder}} subfolder.
 +
# Run {{file|dgVoodooCpl.exe}}, go to "DirectX", then uncheck "dgVoodoo Watermark". Further configuration settings can be found [https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/DgVoodoo_2#Configuring_DirectX here].
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Mouse jittering===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Use this [https://www.gamepressure.com/download.asp?ID=77577 custom dinput.dll]}}
  
 
==Other information==
 
==Other information==
 
===API===
 
===API===
 
{{API
 
{{API
|direct3d versions      =  
+
|direct3d versions      = 7
 
|direct3d notes        =  
 
|direct3d notes        =  
 
|directdraw versions    =  
 
|directdraw versions    =  
Line 277: Line 385:
 
|shader model versions  =  
 
|shader model versions  =  
 
|shader model notes    =  
 
|shader model notes    =  
|64-bit executable     = false
+
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
|64-bit executable notes=  
+
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        =
 +
|windows exe notes      =
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app =
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app =
 +
|macos arm app          =
 +
|macos app notes        =
 +
|linux 32-bit executable=  
 +
|linux 64-bit executable=
 +
|linux arm app          =
 +
|linux executable notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 284: Line 402:
 
{{System requirements
 
{{System requirements
 
|OSfamily = Windows
 
|OSfamily = Windows
|minOS    = XP
+
|minOS    = 95, 98, 2000, ME, XP
|minCPU  = 1.8 GHz
+
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium II 400 MHz
|minRAM  = 512 MB
+
|minRAM  = 64 MB
|minHD    = 2 GB
+
|minHD    = 1 GB
 
|minGPU  =  
 
|minGPU  =  
|minDX    = 7
+
|minVRAM  = 16 MB
 +
|minDX    = 8.0
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}

Latest revision as of 21:31, 27 March 2024

Might and Magic IX
Might and Magic IX cover
Developers
New World Computing
Publishers
2002-2003 3DO
2003-present Ubisoft
Re-release Sold Out Software
Engines
LithTech Talon
Release dates
Windows March 29, 2002
Reception
Metacritic 55
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase, Subscription gaming service
Modes Singleplayer
Pacing Real-time, Turn-based
Perspectives First-person
Controls Direct control, Point and select
Genres RPG
Art styles Realistic
Themes Fantasy
Series Might and Magic
Might and Magic IX on HowLongToBeat
Might and Magic IX on IGDB
Might and Magic IX guide on StrategyWiki
Might and Magic IX on MobyGames
Might and Magic IX on Wikipedia
Might and Magic Book One: The Secret of the Inner Sanctum 1986
Might and Magic II: Gates to Another World 1988
Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra 1991
Might and Magic: Clouds of Xeen 1992
Might and Magic: Darkside of Xeen 1993
Might and Magic: World of Xeen 1994
Swords of Xeen 1995
Heroes of Might and Magic (series)
Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven 1998
Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor 1999
Crusaders of Might and Magic 1999
Arcomage 1999
Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer 2000
Legends of Might and Magic 2001
Might and Magic IX 2002
Dark Messiah of Might and Magic 2006
Might & Magic: Duel of Champions 2013
Might & Magic X - Legacy 2014
Might & Magic Showdown Cancelled
Might & Magic: Chess Royale 2020

Might and Magic IX is a singleplayer first-person RPG game in the Might and Magic series.

The game suffers from multiple game-breaking bugs as a result of its troubled development. Most of these issues are resolved by TELP's 1.3a Patch, which is already included in digital releases. For compatibility on Windows 8 and newer, the fullscreen fixes package and 32-bit color mode need to be applied.

General information

GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
GOG.com Support Page
TELP subforum
Celestial Heavens' subforum

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
CD key
SafeDisc 2 DRM[Note 1] internationally, StarForce DRM in Russian release.
Windows
Amazon.com
Icon overlay.png
Windows
GOG.com
DRM-free
Pre-patched with TELP's 1.3a Patch.
Windows
Ubisoft Store
Icon overlay.png
Included with Ubisoft+.
Windows
SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see above for affected versions).

Monetization

Type Notes
One-time game purchase The game requires an upfront purchase to access.
Subscription gaming service Available via Ubisoft+.

Essential improvements

TELP's 1.3a Patch (retail)

TELP's 1.3a Patch fixes many game-breaking bugs. Digital distribution versions already include this patch.

Fullscreen fixes

This package contains fixes for window border being visible in fullscreen mode, as well as low frame rate problems in fullscreen mode.

Run in 32-bit color

32-bit color mode slightly enhances visual quality and also fixes a freezing issue on Windows 8.
The GOG.com version already includes this fix.
This change could potentially prevent some users from launching the game such as this Windows 7 user.
Set 32-bit color in autoexec.cfg[citation needed]
  1. Open <path-to-game>\autoexec.cfg.
  2. Change "screendepth" "16" to "screendepth" "32".
  3. Change "BitDepth" "16" to "BitDepth" "32".
  4. Save the changes.

Skip intro videos

Rename/delete video files[citation needed]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\Movies\.
  2. Delete or rename 3DOLogo.bik, Intro.bik and New World Logo.bik.

Skip launcher

Change shortcut target[citation needed]
  1. Go to the shortcut properties.
  2. Replace mm9.exe with lithtech.exe.
  3. The game will now launch immediately from that shortcut.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\autoexec.cfg[Note 2]
<path-to-game>\autoexec.lith contains special settings that can not be changed in-game.

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\SaveGames[Note 2]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
Ubisoft Connect
[3]

Video

Video settings.
Video settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
800x600 only; changing in autoexec.cfg breaks menus.
Multi-monitor
Ultra-widescreen
4K Ultra HD
Field of view (FOV)
See the Instructions for other aspect ratios of the FOV fix to change the horizontal FOV.
Windowed
See Windowed.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
800x600 only; changing resolution in autoexec.cfg breaks menus.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
High-fidelity upscaling
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
60 FPS and 120+ FPS
For Windows 8 and later, apply the fullscreen fixes.
High dynamic range display (HDR)

Windowed

Run the game with the +windowed 1 command line argument[citation needed]

Notes

The window cannot be moved and may cause NPCs or even the whole game to run at inhuman speeds (try to change in autoexec.cfg: "MaxFPS "0" to "MaxFPS" "75" and it might fix this and mouse problem).

Input

Input settings.
Input settings.

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Set in Game Options.
Controller
Controller support
Controller types

Audio

Audio settings.
Audio settings.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Master, Sound Effects and Music.
Surround sound
Subtitles
All conversation dialogue is subtitled; FMV cutscenes have no subtitles.
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
EAX support
EAX 2. Disabled by default.
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
French
Retail only.
Simplified Chinese
Retail only.
Polish
Retail only.
Russian
Retail only.
Spanish
Fan translation by Clan Dlan (author: L@Zar0), download.

Issues fixed

Window border visible in fullscreen mode

A window border is visible in fullscreen mode on Windows 8 and later.
Apply the fix[4]
  1. Download the Might and Magic IX fullscreen fixes.
  2. Extract it anywhere and run install.bat.
  3. The game will now enter fullscreen mode correctly.

Notes

Applying this fix will cause the Windowed mode border to disappear (use uninstall.bat to remove the fix).

Game freezes in menus

Menus freeze on Windows 8 and later if the game is running in 16-bit color (the default mode).
Run in 32-bit color[citation needed]
  1. Set the game to run in 32-bit color.
  2. Menus will now work correctly.

"The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000022)" error on launch

Enable DirectPlay[5]

Menu freezing

This issue occurs when menus like the inventory take a long time to load (upwards of 12 seconds).
Replace cshell.dll[6]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\data\.
  2. Make a backup of cshell.dll.
  3. Download the replacement cshell.dll and place it where the original file was.
  4. Opening menus should now be almost instant.

Loading screen freezing

This issue occurs when you can hear the sound of the game but the image freezes on the loading screen.
Replace ART.REZ and LOCALART.REZ[7]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\data\.
  2. Make backups of ART.REZ and LOCALART.REZ.
  3. Download these two .rez files and replace the original versions.
  4. The game will now launch immediately from that shortcut.

Black night/water

Install dgVoodoo 2
  1. Download the latest stable version of dgVoodoo 2.
  2. Extract the following files to <path-to-game>: dgVoodoo.conf, dgVoodooCpl.exe, and the contents of the MS\x86 subfolder.
  3. Run dgVoodooCpl.exe, go to "DirectX", then uncheck "dgVoodoo Watermark". Further configuration settings can be found here.

Mouse jittering

Use this custom dinput.dll

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 7
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

System requirements

Windows
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 95, 98, 2000, ME, XP
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium II 400 MHz
System memory (RAM) 64 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 1 GB
Video card (GPU) 16 MB of VRAM
DirectX 8.0 compatible


Notes

  1. SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10[1] or Windows 11 and is disabled by default on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 when the KB3086255 update is installed.[2]
  2. 2.0 2.1 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. Not Loading in Windows 10; this will break thousands of - Microsoft Community - last accessed on 2017-01-16
  2. Microsoft - MS15-097: Description of the security update for the graphics component in Windows: September 8, 2015 - last accessed on 2018-02-16
  3. Cloud save support for games available on Ubisoft+ - last accessed on 2021-09-04
  4. This works by applying the ForceSimpleWindow compatibility fix to this game's version of lithtech.exe (other LithTech games are unaffected)
  5. Verified by User:Garrett on 2015-02-24
  6. cshell patched by TELP user frognik - last accessed on 2021-12-14
  7. ART.REZ and LOCALART.REZ fix by youtuber Strategy House - last accessed on 2021-12-14