Difference between revisions of "Area 51 (2005)"
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+ | {{distinguish|Area 51|BlackSite: Area 51}} | ||
{{Infobox game | {{Infobox game | ||
|title = Area 51 | |title = Area 51 | ||
Line 10: | Line 11: | ||
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|June 8, 2005}} | {{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|June 8, 2005}} | ||
|reception = | |reception = | ||
− | {{Infobox game/row/reception| | + | {{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|area-51|67}} |
|taxonomy = | |taxonomy = | ||
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization|freeware}} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization|freeware}} | ||
Line 20: | Line 21: | ||
|official site= | |official site= | ||
|strategywiki = | |strategywiki = | ||
+ | |hltb = 567 | ||
|mobygames = area-51_ | |mobygames = area-51_ | ||
+ | |igdb = area-51 | ||
|wikipedia = Area 51 (2005 video game) | |wikipedia = Area 51 (2005 video game) | ||
|winehq = 2611 | |winehq = 2611 | ||
Line 36: | Line 39: | ||
===Free version=== | ===Free version=== | ||
− | {{++}} This game was released as a free download sponsored by the ''US 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. | + | {{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 47: | 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}} Latest patch for German and European is version 1.1, it can be found in the above link | + | {{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== | ||
Line 86: | Line 105: | ||
|borderless windowed = hackable | |borderless windowed = hackable | ||
|borderless windowed notes = See [[#Windowed|Windowed]]. | |borderless windowed notes = See [[#Windowed|Windowed]]. | ||
− | |anisotropic = | + | |anisotropic = false |
− | |anisotropic notes = | + | |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 = | + | |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 = | + | |hdr = false |
|hdr notes = | |hdr notes = | ||
|color blind = unknown | |color blind = unknown | ||
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===[[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}} | + | {{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= | + | {{Fixbox|description=Force post-process anti-aliasing methods via [[ReShade]].|fix= |
}} | }} | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description= | + | {{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= |
}} | }} | ||
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|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 = | ||
}} | }} | ||
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}} | }} | ||
{{L10n/switch | {{L10n/switch | ||
− | |language = | + | |language = Russian |
|interface = true | |interface = true | ||
|audio = true | |audio = true | ||
|subtitles = false | |subtitles = false | ||
− | |notes = | + | |notes = Official localization by "Новый Диск". Local retail release only. |
|fan = | |fan = | ||
}} | }} | ||
Line 300: | Line 324: | ||
{{ii}} The installation process fails with the 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> | + | {{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 window while holding {{Key|Shift}} press the right mouse button and select "Open command window here" or "Open PowerShell Here". | # Inside the window while holding {{Key|Shift}} press the right mouse button and select "Open command window here" or "Open PowerShell Here". | ||
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===Choppy cutscene playback=== | ===Choppy cutscene playback=== | ||
− | {{ii}} FMV cutscenes play incorrectly | + | {{ii}} Non-FMV cutscenes play incorrectly on multi-threaded systems. |
− | {{Fixbox|description=Run the game | + | {{Fixbox|description=Run the game with [[Windows#Force CPU affinity|forced single core CPU affinity]]}} |
===Broken textures and lighting=== | ===Broken textures and lighting=== | ||
− | {{ii}} On some systems lighting will be broken and all textures will be black. This is a DirectX | + | {{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= | {{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]. | # Download [https://fdossena.com/?p=wined3d/index.frag WineD3D for Windows]. | ||
Line 329: | Line 353: | ||
{{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= | {{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 [ | + | # Download [[DgVoodoo 2|DgVoodoo 2 for Windows]]. |
# Follow the included instructions for DirectX 9 games. | # Follow the included instructions for DirectX 9 games. | ||
}} | }} | ||
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===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= | + | {{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= | + | ===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 366: | 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 388: | Line 424: | ||
|cutscenes notes = | |cutscenes notes = | ||
|multiplayer = GameSpy | |multiplayer = GameSpy | ||
− | |multiplayer notes= Servers have been shut down. To play online | + | |multiplayer notes= Servers have been shut down. To play online use [[#Project Dreamland|Project Dreamland]]. |
}} | }} | ||
Line 408: | Line 444: | ||
|recHD = | |recHD = | ||
|recGPU = | |recGPU = | ||
+ | |notes = {{ii}} All GeForce MX series video cards are not supported by the game. | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{References}} | {{References}} |
Revision as of 07:41, 16 May 2023
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 | ||||
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