Difference between revisions of "Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri"
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{{Infobox game | {{Infobox game | ||
|cover = Alpha Centauri cover.jpg | |cover = Alpha Centauri cover.jpg | ||
Line 8: | Line 7: | ||
|publishers = | |publishers = | ||
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Electronic Arts}} | {{Infobox game/row/publisher|Electronic Arts}} | ||
+ | {{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sold Out Software|Re-release}} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Aspyr Media|Mac OS}} | {{Infobox game/row/publisher|Aspyr Media|Mac OS}} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Loki Software|Linux}} | {{Infobox game/row/publisher|Loki Software|Linux}} | ||
|engines = | |engines = | ||
|release dates= | |release dates= | ||
− | {{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|February | + | {{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|February 9, 1999}} |
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|February 2000}} | {{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|February 2000}} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|August 2000}} | {{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|August 2000}} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|September 25, 2003|ref={{note|note=Original Carbonized release.}}}} | {{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|September 25, 2003|ref={{note|note=Original Carbonized release.}}}} | ||
− | {{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|January 24, 2013|ref={{note|note=Second digital release for Intel processors.<ref> | + | {{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|January 24, 2013|ref={{note|note=Second digital release for Intel processors.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/news/january_mac_game_update_10_new_additions|title=January Mac Game Update: 10 New Additions - GOG.com|date=May 2023}}</ref>}}}} |
|reception = | |reception = | ||
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|sid-meiers-alpha-centauri|92}} | {{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|sid-meiers-alpha-centauri|92}} | ||
− | {{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|sid-meier-s-alpha-centauri| | + | {{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|sid-meier-s-alpha-centauri|}} |
|taxonomy = | |taxonomy = | ||
− | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization | Expansion pack }} | + | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack }} |
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }} | ||
Line 27: | Line 27: | ||
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives | Bird's-eye view, Isometric }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives | Bird's-eye view, Isometric }} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls | Point and select }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls | Point and select }} | ||
− | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres | 4X, | + | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres | 4X, TBS }} |
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports | }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports | }} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles | }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles | }} | ||
Line 33: | Line 33: | ||
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes | Sci-fi }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes | Sci-fi }} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series | }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series | }} | ||
− | |steam appid = | + | |official site= https://web.archive.org/web/20030208013451/http://www.firaxis.com/smac/ |
+ | |steam appid = 2204130 | ||
|gogcom id = 1207658936 | |gogcom id = 1207658936 | ||
|hltb = 8497 | |hltb = 8497 | ||
+ | |lutris = sid-meyers-alpha-centauri | ||
|strategywiki = Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri | |strategywiki = Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri | ||
− | |mobygames = | + | |mobygames = 4 |
|wikipedia = Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri | |wikipedia = Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri | ||
|winehq = 332 | |winehq = 332 | ||
|license = commercial | |license = commercial | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Introduction | ||
+ | |introduction = | ||
+ | |||
+ | |release history = The game received the '''''Alien Crossfire''''' expansion in October 1999, and the two were bundled in the '''''Planetary Pack''''' compilation in April 2000. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |current state = On modern systems, the game suffers from compatibility issues, which can be alleviated by using [[#PRACX|PRACX]] for stable rendering and widescreen/windowed mode support. The [[#Unofficial patches|unofficial patches]] also bring numerous fixes for gameplay itself. | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''General information''' | '''General information''' | ||
− | {{mm}} [ | + | {{ii}} Throughout the article, the common abbreviations are used to differentiate the base game from the expansion: '''''SMAC''''' denotes ''Alpha Centauri'', '''''SMAX''''' denotes ''Alien Crossfire''. |
− | {{mm}} [ | + | {{mm}} [https://alphacentauri2.info alphacentauri2.info] - Active Alpha Centauri modding, patching and multiplayer community. |
− | {{mm}} [ | + | {{mm}} [https://civilization.fandom.com/wiki/Civilization_Games_Wiki Civilization Wiki] - A detailed wiki for all Civilization games and their spin offs |
+ | {{mm}} [https://apolyton.net/forum/other-games/alpha-centauri Apolyton Civilization Site's Alpha Centauri section] - A huge forum dedicated to all Civilization games and their spin offs. | ||
{{GOG.com links|1207658936|sid_meier_s_alpha_centauri_}} | {{GOG.com links|1207658936|sid_meier_s_alpha_centauri_}} | ||
+ | {{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/2204130/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions] | ||
==Availability== | ==Availability== | ||
{{Availability| | {{Availability| | ||
{{Availability/row| Retail | | DRM-free | The game will run without the CD if you have performed a full install. {{DRM|SecuROM}} otherwise. | | Windows, Mac OS, Linux }} | {{Availability/row| Retail | | DRM-free | The game will run without the CD if you have performed a full install. {{DRM|SecuROM}} otherwise. | | Windows, Mac OS, Linux }} | ||
− | {{Availability/row| GOG.com | sid_meiers_alpha_centauri | DRM-free | | + | {{Availability/row| GOG.com | sid_meiers_alpha_centauri | DRM-free | Planetary Pack. | | Windows, OS X }} |
− | {{Availability/row| Origin | sid-meiers/sid-meiers-alpha-centauri | Origin | | | Windows }} | + | {{Availability/row| Microsoft Store | 9NDLJ3HM721L | Microsoft Store, Origin |Included exclusively with {{Store feature|Xbox Game Pass}} as part of its version of EA Play. | | Windows }} |
+ | {{Availability/row| Origin | sid-meiers/sid-meiers-alpha-centauri | Origin | Planetary Pack. Included in {{Store feature|EA Play}}.<br>[https://www.ea.com/games/sid-meiers/sid-meiers-alpha-centauri Manual link for EA App purchase]. | | Windows }} | ||
+ | {{Availability/row| Steam | 2204130 | Steam | Planetary Pack. Included in {{Store feature|EA Play}}. | | Windows }} | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{ii}} A free demo version is available from GameFront: [https://www.gamefront.com/games/alpha-centauri/file/alpha-centauri-demo-v1-1-windows Windows], [https://www.gamefront.com/games/alpha-centauri/file/alpha-centauri-demo-mac Mac OS]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Version differences=== | ||
+ | {{ii}} '''Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri Planetary Pack''' includes the base game and the Alien Crossfire expansion. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Monetization== | ||
+ | {{Monetization | ||
+ | |ad-supported = | ||
+ | |dlc = | ||
+ | |expansion pack = The expansion pack includes 7 new factions, 2 of which are alien which bring their own gameplay differences, as well as new units, structures, technologies and a faction editor. | ||
+ | |freeware = | ||
+ | |free-to-play = | ||
+ | |one-time game purchase = The game requires an upfront purchase to access. | ||
+ | |sponsored = | ||
+ | |subscription = | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | |||
{{DLC| | {{DLC| | ||
− | {{DLC/row| Sid Meier's Alien Crossfire | | + | {{DLC/row| Sid Meier's Alien Crossfire | | Windows, Mac OS, Linux }} |
}} | }} | ||
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===Patches=== | ===Patches=== | ||
− | {{ii}} | + | {{ii}} For the original Alpha Centauri release, install the [https://www.patches-scrolls.de/patch/3703/7/30778 Alpha Centauri v4.0 update] and then the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/477-sid-meiers-alpha-centauri-xp-compatibility-patch/ XP Compatibility patch]. |
− | + | {{ii}} For the original Alien Crossfire release, install the Alien Crossfire v2.0 update ([https://www.gamefront.com/games/alpha-centauri/file/alien-crossfire-v2-0-patch-english English], [https://www.gamefront.com/games/alpha-centauri/file/alien-crossfire-v2-0-patch-french French], [https://www.gamefront.com/games/alpha-centauri/file/alien-crossfire-v2-0-patch-german German]) and then the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/477-sid-meiers-alpha-centauri-xp-compatibility-patch/ XP Compatibility patch]. | |
− | + | {{ii}} For the Planetary Pack or EA's Laptop Pack, just install the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/477-sid-meiers-alpha-centauri-xp-compatibility-patch/ XP Compatibility patch]. | |
− | + | {{ii}} For the Japanese version, install the [https://www.patches-scrolls.de/patch/3703/7/30776 Japanese 1.01 patch]. | |
− | ===Unofficial | + | ===Unofficial patches=== |
− | {{ii}} The | + | {{ii}} The unmodified game is filled with exploits and prone to crashing. The patches below will fix the vast majority of crashes and bugs. |
− | + | {{mm}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20220812201512/https://alphacentauri2.info/wiki/Yitzi's_patch Yitzi's patch] (SMAX only) - built on kyrub's SMAX patch and scient's patch (see below), and contains even more fixes as it was developed for a longer time. The correct download order is [https://web.archive.org/web/20200315130650/http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=downloads;sa=downfile&id=346 v3.5] and then [https://web.archive.org/web/20200315130644/http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=downloads;sa=downfile&id=352 v3.5d]. | |
− | + | {{mm}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20220814061449/https://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=260 kyrub's patch] (SMAC, SMAX version not recommended) - aimed primarily at improving AI performance but also fixing some bugs. The SMAX version has only minor AI improvements and is superseded by Yitzi's patch. | |
− | + | {{mm}} [https://github.com/DrazharLn/scient-unofficial-smacx-patch scient's patch] (SMAC and SMAX) - fixes bugs, crashes and exploits and includes text file improvements. | |
− | '''Recommendation | + | '''Recommendation'''<br> |
+ | Install Yitzi's patch for SMAX and either kyrub's or scient's for SMAC. | ||
− | Yitzi's patch breaks backwards compatibility for alphax.txt. | + | '''Notes''' |
+ | {{ii}} Yitzi's patch breaks backwards compatibility for {{file|alphax.txt}}. Old scenarios that require a custom version of that file require manual changes. This will not be a concern for most users. Some newer scenarios make use of Yitzi's patch, however. | ||
+ | {{++}} The patches' AI improvements do not make the AI too hard for new players, and instead aim for a reasonable level of challenge at "Librarian" difficulty. Tweaks mostly involve teaching the AI how to perform sufficiently well without cheating. | ||
− | + | ===PRACX=== | |
− | + | [https://github.com/DrazharLn/pracx PRACX] is an open-source modified graphics renderer for Alpha Centauri with a number of stability improvements and features. For Alien Crossfire, it is intended to be used with Yitzi's patch. | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
==Game data== | ==Game data== | ||
===Configuration file(s) location=== | ===Configuration file(s) location=== | ||
{{Game data| | {{Game data| | ||
− | {{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}} | + | {{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\Alpha Centauri.ini}} |
{{Game data/config|OS X|}} | {{Game data/config|OS X|}} | ||
{{Game data/config|Mac OS|}} | {{Game data/config|Mac OS|}} | ||
Line 101: | Line 130: | ||
{{Game data| | {{Game data| | ||
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\saves}} | {{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\saves}} | ||
− | {{Game data/saves|OS X| | + | {{Game data/saves|OS X|{{p|osxhome}}/Library/Application Support/GOG.com/Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri/saves}} |
{{Game data/saves|Mac OS|}} | {{Game data/saves|Mac OS|}} | ||
{{Game data/saves|Linux|}} | {{Game data/saves|Linux|}} | ||
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===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]=== | ||
{{Save game cloud syncing | {{Save game cloud syncing | ||
− | |discord | + | |discord = |
− | |discord notes | + | |discord notes = |
− | |epic games | + | |epic games launcher = |
− | |epic games | + | |epic games launcher notes = |
− | |gog galaxy | + | |gog galaxy = false |
− | |gog galaxy notes | + | |gog galaxy notes = |
− | |origin | + | |origin = unknown |
− | |origin notes | + | |origin notes = |
− | |steam cloud | + | |steam cloud = true |
− | |steam cloud notes | + | |steam cloud notes = |
− | | | + | |ubisoft connect = |
− | | | + | |ubisoft connect notes = |
− | |xbox cloud | + | |xbox cloud = false |
− | |xbox cloud notes | + | |xbox cloud notes = |
}} | }} | ||
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|fov notes = | |fov notes = | ||
|windowed = hackable | |windowed = hackable | ||
− | |windowed notes = See [[# | + | |windowed notes = See [[#PRACX|PRACX]]. |
|borderless windowed = false | |borderless windowed = false | ||
|borderless windowed notes = | |borderless windowed notes = | ||
Line 150: | Line 179: | ||
|antialiasing = false | |antialiasing = false | ||
|antialiasing notes = | |antialiasing notes = | ||
+ | |upscaling = unknown | ||
+ | |upscaling tech = | ||
+ | |upscaling notes = | ||
|vsync = false | |vsync = false | ||
|vsync notes = | |vsync notes = | ||
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|120 fps = unknown | |120 fps = unknown | ||
|120 fps notes = | |120 fps notes = | ||
− | |hdr = | + | |hdr = false |
|hdr notes = | |hdr notes = | ||
− | |color blind = | + | |color blind = true |
− | |color blind notes = | + | |color blind notes = An official separate color palette adapted for color-blind players was released. Mirror available [https://www.gamefront.com/games/alpha-centauri/file/alpha-centauri-color-blind-palettes here]. Included in the GOG.com release. |
}} | }} | ||
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]=== | ||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Use [[#PRACX|PRACX]]|ref=|fix= | ||
+ | }} | ||
− | + | {{Fixbox|description=Edit configuration file|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Edit | ||
# Go to the installation folder. | # Go to the installation folder. | ||
− | # Open | + | # Open {{file|Alpha Centauri.ini}}. |
# Add <code>DirectDraw=0</code> under <code>[Alpha Centauri]</code> | # Add <code>DirectDraw=0</code> under <code>[Alpha Centauri]</code> | ||
− | # The game will now run at | + | # The game will now run at the desktop's resolution |
}} | }} | ||
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|acceleration option = false | |acceleration option = false | ||
|acceleration option notes = | |acceleration option notes = | ||
− | |mouse sensitivity = | + | |mouse sensitivity = false |
|mouse sensitivity notes = | |mouse sensitivity notes = | ||
|mouse menu = true | |mouse menu = true | ||
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|surround sound notes = | |surround sound notes = | ||
|subtitles = true | |subtitles = true | ||
− | |subtitles notes = | + | |subtitles notes = All voiced dialogue except advisor clips is subtitled in the interface. |
|closed captions = false | |closed captions = false | ||
|closed captions notes = | |closed captions notes = | ||
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|eax support = true | |eax support = true | ||
|eax support notes = EAX support was added with 2.0 update<ref>[ftp://ftp.ea.com/pub/origin/patches/alpha_centauri/smacp4e.txt SID MEIER'S ALPHA CENTAURI README]</ref> | |eax support notes = EAX support was added with 2.0 update<ref>[ftp://ftp.ea.com/pub/origin/patches/alpha_centauri/smacp4e.txt SID MEIER'S ALPHA CENTAURI README]</ref> | ||
+ | |royalty free audio = always on | ||
+ | |royalty free audio notes = | ||
}} | }} | ||
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|interface = true | |interface = true | ||
|audio = true | |audio = true | ||
− | |subtitles = | + | |subtitles = true |
|notes = | |notes = | ||
+ | |fan = | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{L10n/switch | ||
+ | |language = French | ||
+ | |interface = true | ||
+ | |audio = true | ||
+ | |subtitles = true | ||
+ | |notes = Retail only. | ||
|fan = | |fan = | ||
}} | }} | ||
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|interface = true | |interface = true | ||
|audio = true | |audio = true | ||
− | |subtitles = | + | |subtitles = true |
− | |notes = | + | |notes = Retail only. German text/audio/video files have to be copied over from the retail version. '''Due to game values and display texts being in the same file, many unofficial patches will overwrite German retail files.''' |
+ | |fan = | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{L10n/switch | ||
+ | |language = Italian | ||
+ | |interface = true | ||
+ | |audio = true | ||
+ | |subtitles = true | ||
+ | |notes = Retail only. | ||
+ | |fan = | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{L10n/switch | ||
+ | |language = Japanese | ||
+ | |interface = true | ||
+ | |audio = unknown | ||
+ | |subtitles = true | ||
+ | |notes = Retail only. | ||
|fan = | |fan = | ||
}} | }} | ||
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|interface = true | |interface = true | ||
|audio = true | |audio = true | ||
− | |subtitles = | + | |subtitles = true |
|notes = Retail only, [http://www.clandlan.net/foros/topic/65134-traducciones-alpha-centauri-y-alien-crossfire/ download] | |notes = Retail only, [http://www.clandlan.net/foros/topic/65134-traducciones-alpha-centauri-y-alien-crossfire/ download] | ||
|fan = | |fan = | ||
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|local play players = | |local play players = | ||
|local play modes = Hot seat | |local play modes = Hot seat | ||
− | |local play notes = Requires the [[#Patches|v2.0 | + | |local play notes = Requires the [[#Patches|v2.0 update]] or later.<ref>ftp://ftp.ea.com/pub/origin/patches/alpha_centauri/smacp4e.txt</ref> |
|lan play = true | |lan play = true | ||
|lan play players = 7 | |lan play players = 7 | ||
|lan play modes = | |lan play modes = | ||
|lan play notes = | |lan play notes = | ||
− | |online play = | + | |online play = false |
− | |online play players = | + | |online play players = |
|online play modes = | |online play modes = | ||
|online play notes = | |online play notes = | ||
− | |asynchronous = | + | |asynchronous = true |
− | |asynchronous notes = | + | |asynchronous notes = Playing by email (PBEM) supported. |
}}{{Network/Connections | }}{{Network/Connections | ||
− | |matchmaking = | + | |matchmaking = false |
|matchmaking notes = | |matchmaking notes = | ||
− | |p2p = | + | |p2p = unknown |
|p2p notes = | |p2p notes = | ||
− | |dedicated = | + | |dedicated = false |
|dedicated notes = | |dedicated notes = | ||
− | |self-hosting = | + | |self-hosting = true |
|self-hosting notes = | |self-hosting notes = | ||
− | |direct ip = | + | |direct ip = true |
|direct ip notes = | |direct ip notes = | ||
}}{{Network/Ports | }}{{Network/Ports | ||
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==Issues fixed== | ==Issues fixed== | ||
===The game hangs=== | ===The game hangs=== | ||
− | + | {{Fixbox|description=Install the [[#Unofficial patches|latest versions of Yitzi or kyrub's patches]].|ref=|fix= | |
− | + | }} | |
− | |||
===AMD/ATI compatibility=== | ===AMD/ATI compatibility=== | ||
− | + | The GOG.com store page recommends using Catalyst 13.4 or earlier, but the game also works with 14.x.{{cn|July 2023}} | |
===Alt-Tab not functioning=== | ===Alt-Tab not functioning=== | ||
− | {{ii}} Applies to | + | {{ii}} Applies to the GOG.com distribution only. |
− | {{Fixbox|description=Disable compatibility shim|ref=<ref>https://www.gog.com/forum/sid_meier_s_alpha_centauri_/alttab_disabled</ref>|fix= | + | {{Fixbox|description=Disable compatibility shim|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/forum/sid_meier_s_alpha_centauri_/alttab_disabled|title=gog.com|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix= |
− | # Open a command prompt as administrator. | + | # Open a [[command prompt]] as administrator. |
# <code>cd {{p|game}}</code> | # <code>cd {{p|game}}</code> | ||
# <code>sdbinst -u goggame.sdb</code> | # <code>sdbinst -u goggame.sdb</code> | ||
− | '''Notes''' | + | '''Notes''' |
− | |||
* If problems occur by removing the shim, it can be restored with <code>sdbinst goggame.sdb</code> using the similar process. | * If problems occur by removing the shim, it can be restored with <code>sdbinst goggame.sdb</code> using the similar process. | ||
}} | }} | ||
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|direct3d versions = | |direct3d versions = | ||
|direct3d notes = | |direct3d notes = | ||
− | |directdraw versions = | + | |directdraw versions = 6 |
|directdraw notes = | |directdraw notes = | ||
|opengl versions = | |opengl versions = | ||
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|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 = | ||
|mac os x powerpc app = true | |mac os x powerpc app = true | ||
− | |macos 32-bit app | + | |macos intel 32-bit app = true |
− | |macos 64-bit app | + | |macos intel 64-bit app = false |
+ | |macos arm app = unknown | ||
|macos app notes = Intel support only available in the 2013 GOG release. | |macos app notes = Intel support only available in the 2013 GOG release. | ||
|linux powerpc app = true | |linux powerpc app = true | ||
|linux 32-bit executable= true | |linux 32-bit executable= true | ||
− | |linux 64-bit executable= unknown | + | |linux 64-bit executable= false |
+ | |linux arm app = unknown | ||
+ | |linux 68k app = unknown | ||
|linux executable notes = Alpha workstation support is also included. | |linux executable notes = Alpha workstation support is also included. | ||
+ | |mac os powerpc app = true | ||
+ | |mac os 68k app = unknown | ||
+ | |mac os executable notes= | ||
}} | }} | ||
==Modifications== | ==Modifications== | ||
− | {{Fixbox|description=Using SMAC/X Mod Manager |ref={{cn|date=March 2017}}|fix= | + | {{Fixbox|description=Using SMAC/X Mod Manager|ref={{cn|date=March 2017}}|fix= |
Allows the installations of mods for the game. | Allows the installations of mods for the game. | ||
{{ii}} Source code of the mod manager can be found [https://github.com/uaEquals42/SMAC-Mod-Manager here] | {{ii}} Source code of the mod manager can be found [https://github.com/uaEquals42/SMAC-Mod-Manager here] | ||
− | # Download the latest non- | + | # Download the latest non-Python version of the program [https://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?topic=8433.msg92806#msg92806 here]. |
− | # Extract the content of the archive to | + | # Extract the content of the archive to an easily accessible folder (not to the {{folder|{{p|game}}}}) |
− | # Run SMACXLauncher.exe. | + | # Run {{file|SMACXLauncher.exe}}. |
− | # Go to options tab and | + | # Go to options tab and {{folder|{{p|game}}}}. Allow the mod manager to make a backup. |
− | # Put mods into mods directory. Make sure to follow the instructions located in the text file in the mods directory | + | # Put mods into the mods directory. Make sure to follow the instructions located in the text file in the mods directory |
− | # Enable them with the launcher by moving them to the right and clicking | + | # Enable them with the launcher by moving them to the right and clicking Apply. |
− | # If multiple mods are enabled, mods further down the list override any files that are also shared by mods earlier in the list | + | # If multiple mods are enabled, mods further down the list override any files that are also shared by mods earlier in the list. |
To remove mods: | To remove mods: | ||
− | # Launch SMACXLauncher.exe | + | # Launch {{file|SMACXLauncher.exe}}. |
# Move unwanted mods to the left. | # Move unwanted mods to the left. | ||
− | # Click | + | # Click Apply, then force. |
}} | }} | ||
− | ===[ | + | ===[https://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?topic=17869.0 smac-in-smax]=== |
{{ii}} Allows the content of the original game to be played in the SMAX engine. | {{ii}} Allows the content of the original game to be played in the SMAX engine. | ||
{{ii}} Source code for the latest version can be found [https://github.com/DrazharLn/smac-in-smax here] | {{ii}} Source code for the latest version can be found [https://github.com/DrazharLn/smac-in-smax here] | ||
Line 373: | Line 434: | ||
===[https://github.com/induktio/thinker SMACX Thinker Mod]=== | ===[https://github.com/induktio/thinker SMACX Thinker Mod]=== | ||
− | {{ii}} An AI improvement mod for | + | {{ii}} An actively developed AI improvement mod for Alien Crossfire. |
− | |||
{{ii}} The developer of the mod recommends the use of PRACX and smac-in-smax with this mod. | {{ii}} The developer of the mod recommends the use of PRACX and smac-in-smax with this mod. | ||
− | {{++}} | + | {{++}} Increases challenges in singleplayer due with AI improvements and many gameplay enhancements. |
− | + | {{++}} Includes the Scient patch v2.0, as well as other fixes exclusive to this mod. | |
− | {{++}} Includes the Scient patch v2.0. | + | {{--}} Network multiplayer is supported.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://github.com/induktio/thinker/blob/master/Details.md|title=Thinker Details.md|date=April 2024}}</ref> though less stable than singleplayer. |
− | |||
− | {{--}} Network multiplayer is | ||
{{--}} Some custom scenario rules in "Edit Scenario Rules" menus are not fully supported. | {{--}} Some custom scenario rules in "Edit Scenario Rules" menus are not fully supported. | ||
− | ===[ | + | ===[https://forums.civfanatics.com/resources/smacx-ai-growth-mod.31053/ SMACX AI Growth mod]=== |
{{ii}} Overhauls many game mechanics. | {{ii}} Overhauls many game mechanics. | ||
− | {{ | + | {{ii}} Last archived forum thread can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20230912062741/https://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?topic=20959.0 here.] |
− | + | {{++}} Includes AI improvements, rebalanced factions, additional map sizes (80x160 and 128x256), and other tweaks. | |
− | {{++}} Includes additional map sizes (80x160 and 128x256) | + | {{++}} Compatible with the Scient unofficial binary patch v2.0 and higher, and expected to work with the PRACX unofficial binary patch. |
− | {{++}} Compatible with the Scient patch v2.0 | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | ===[ | + | ===[https://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?topic=21226.0 OpenSMACX]=== |
− | {{ii}} Open | + | {{ii}} Open-source engine recreation for Alpha Centauri/Alien Crossfire. |
{{ii}} Source code can be found [https://github.com/b-casey/OpenSMACX here] | {{ii}} Source code can be found [https://github.com/b-casey/OpenSMACX here] | ||
{{ii}} Project still in alpha. | {{ii}} Project still in alpha. | ||
Line 411: | Line 465: | ||
|recCPU = Intel Pentium 200 MHz | |recCPU = Intel Pentium 200 MHz | ||
|recRAM = 32 MB | |recRAM = 32 MB | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{System requirements | ||
+ | |OSfamily = Mac OS | ||
+ | |||
+ | |minOS = 7.6 | ||
+ | |minCPU = PowerPC 603 180MHz | ||
+ | |minRAM = 32 MB | ||
}} | }} | ||
Line 425: | Line 487: | ||
{{References}} | {{References}} | ||
+ | {{GOG.com Enhancement Project}} |
Revision as of 19:39, 6 May 2024
Developers | |
---|---|
Firaxis Games | |
Mac OS (Classic) | Aspyr Media |
Linux | Loki Software |
Publishers | |
Electronic Arts | |
Re-release | Sold Out Software |
Mac OS | Aspyr Media |
Linux | Loki Software |
Release dates | |
Windows | February 9, 1999 |
Mac OS (Classic) | February 2000 |
Linux | August 2000 |
macOS (OS X) | September 25, 2003[Note 1] |
macOS (OS X) | January 24, 2013[Note 2] |
Reception | |
Metacritic | 92 |
Taxonomy | |
Monetization | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack |
Modes | Singleplayer, Multiplayer |
Pacing | Turn-based |
Perspectives | Bird's-eye view, Isometric |
Controls | Point and select |
Genres | 4X, TBS |
Themes | Sci-fi |
Warnings
- The macOS (OS X) version of this game does not work on macOS Catalina (version 10.15) or later due to the removal of support for 32-bit-only apps.
Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri is a singleplayer and multiplayer bird's-eye view and isometric 4X and TBS game.
The game received the Alien Crossfire expansion in October 1999, and the two were bundled in the Planetary Pack compilation in April 2000.
On modern systems, the game suffers from compatibility issues, which can be alleviated by using PRACX for stable rendering and widescreen/windowed mode support. The unofficial patches also bring numerous fixes for gameplay itself.
General information
- Throughout the article, the common abbreviations are used to differentiate the base game from the expansion: SMAC denotes Alpha Centauri, SMAX denotes Alien Crossfire.
- alphacentauri2.info - Active Alpha Centauri modding, patching and multiplayer community.
- Civilization Wiki - A detailed wiki for all Civilization games and their spin offs
- Apolyton Civilization Site's Alpha Centauri section - A huge forum dedicated to all Civilization games and their spin offs.
- GOG.com Community Discussions
- GOG.com Support Page
- Steam Community Discussions
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | The game will run without the CD if you have performed a full install. SecuROM DRM otherwise. | |||
GOG.com | Planetary Pack. | |||
Microsoft Store | Included exclusively with Xbox Game Pass for PC as part of its version of EA Play. | |||
Origin | Planetary Pack. Included in EA Play. Manual link for EA App purchase. |
|||
Steam | Planetary Pack. Included in EA Play (Steam). |
Version differences
- Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri Planetary Pack includes the base game and the Alien Crossfire expansion.
Monetization
Type | Notes |
---|---|
Expansion pack | The expansion pack includes 7 new factions, 2 of which are alien which bring their own gameplay differences, as well as new units, structures, technologies and a faction editor. |
One-time game purchase | The game requires an upfront purchase to access. |
DLC and expansion packs
Name | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Sid Meier's Alien Crossfire |
Essential improvements
Patches
- For the original Alpha Centauri release, install the Alpha Centauri v4.0 update and then the XP Compatibility patch.
- For the original Alien Crossfire release, install the Alien Crossfire v2.0 update (English, French, German) and then the XP Compatibility patch.
- For the Planetary Pack or EA's Laptop Pack, just install the XP Compatibility patch.
- For the Japanese version, install the Japanese 1.01 patch.
Unofficial patches
- The unmodified game is filled with exploits and prone to crashing. The patches below will fix the vast majority of crashes and bugs.
- Yitzi's patch (SMAX only) - built on kyrub's SMAX patch and scient's patch (see below), and contains even more fixes as it was developed for a longer time. The correct download order is v3.5 and then v3.5d.
- kyrub's patch (SMAC, SMAX version not recommended) - aimed primarily at improving AI performance but also fixing some bugs. The SMAX version has only minor AI improvements and is superseded by Yitzi's patch.
- scient's patch (SMAC and SMAX) - fixes bugs, crashes and exploits and includes text file improvements.
Recommendation
Install Yitzi's patch for SMAX and either kyrub's or scient's for SMAC.
Notes
- Yitzi's patch breaks backwards compatibility for
alphax.txt
. Old scenarios that require a custom version of that file require manual changes. This will not be a concern for most users. Some newer scenarios make use of Yitzi's patch, however. - The patches' AI improvements do not make the AI too hard for new players, and instead aim for a reasonable level of challenge at "Librarian" difficulty. Tweaks mostly involve teaching the AI how to perform sufficiently well without cheating.
PRACX
PRACX is an open-source modified graphics renderer for Alpha Centauri with a number of stability improvements and features. For Alien Crossfire, it is intended to be used with Yitzi's patch.
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | <path-to-game>\Alpha Centauri.ini[Note 3] |
macOS (OS X) | |
Mac OS (Classic) | |
Linux | |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/2204130/pfx/[Note 4] |
- It's unknown whether this game follows the XDG Base Directory Specification on Linux. Please fill in this information.
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | <path-to-game>\saves[Note 3] |
macOS (OS X) | $HOME/Library/Application Support/GOG.com/Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri/saves |
Mac OS (Classic) | |
Linux | |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/2204130/pfx/[Note 4] |
Save game cloud syncing
System | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
GOG Galaxy | ||
Origin | ||
Steam Cloud | ||
Xbox Cloud |
Video
Graphics feature | State | WSGF | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Multi-monitor | |||
Ultra-widescreen | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
4K Ultra HD | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Field of view (FOV) | |||
Windowed | See PRACX. | ||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
60 FPS and 120+ FPS | |||
High dynamic range display (HDR) | |||
Color blind mode | An official separate color palette adapted for color-blind players was released. Mirror available here. Included in the GOG.com release. |
Widescreen resolution
Use PRACX |
---|
Edit configuration file[citation needed] |
---|
|
Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | |
Mouse acceleration | ||
Mouse sensitivity | ||
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Controller | ||
Controller support |
Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | ||
Surround sound | ||
Subtitles | All voiced dialogue except advisor clips is subtitled in the interface. | |
Closed captions | ||
Mute on focus lost | ||
EAX support | EAX support was added with 2.0 update[2] | |
Royalty free audio |
Localizations
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | ||||
French | Retail only. | |||
German | Retail only. German text/audio/video files have to be copied over from the retail version. Due to game values and display texts being in the same file, many unofficial patches will overwrite German retail files. | |||
Italian | Retail only. | |||
Japanese | Retail only. | |||
Spanish | Retail only, download |
Network
Multiplayer types
Type | Native | Players | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Local play | Hot seat Requires the v2.0 update or later.[3] |
|||
LAN play | 7 | |||
Online play | ||||
Asynchronous multiplayer | Playing by email (PBEM) supported. |
Connection types
Type | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Matchmaking | ||
Peer-to-peer | ||
Dedicated | ||
Self-hosting | ||
Direct IP |
Issues fixed
The game hangs
Install the latest versions of Yitzi or kyrub's patches. |
---|
AMD/ATI compatibility
The GOG.com store page recommends using Catalyst 13.4 or earlier, but the game also works with 14.x.[citation needed]
Alt-Tab not functioning
- Applies to the GOG.com distribution only.
Disable compatibility shim[4] |
---|
Notes
|
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
DirectDraw | 6 |
Executable | PPC | 16-bit | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Windows | |||||
macOS (OS X) | Intel support only available in the 2013 GOG release. | ||||
Linux | Alpha workstation support is also included. | ||||
Mac OS (Classic) |
Modifications
Using SMAC/X Mod Manager[citation needed] |
---|
Allows the installations of mods for the game.
To remove mods:
|
smac-in-smax
- Allows the content of the original game to be played in the SMAX engine.
- Source code for the latest version can be found here
- Allows SMAC to take advantage of the bugfixes and unofficial patches for the SMAX engines
- Allows the use of mods that are designed for the SMAX engine.
SMACX Thinker Mod
- An actively developed AI improvement mod for Alien Crossfire.
- The developer of the mod recommends the use of PRACX and smac-in-smax with this mod.
- Increases challenges in singleplayer due with AI improvements and many gameplay enhancements.
- Includes the Scient patch v2.0, as well as other fixes exclusive to this mod.
- Network multiplayer is supported.[5] though less stable than singleplayer.
- Some custom scenario rules in "Edit Scenario Rules" menus are not fully supported.
SMACX AI Growth mod
- Overhauls many game mechanics.
- Last archived forum thread can be found here.
- Includes AI improvements, rebalanced factions, additional map sizes (80x160 and 128x256), and other tweaks.
- Compatible with the Scient unofficial binary patch v2.0 and higher, and expected to work with the PRACX unofficial binary patch.
OpenSMACX
- Open-source engine recreation for Alpha Centauri/Alien Crossfire.
- Source code can be found here
- Project still in alpha.
System requirements
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | 95, 98 | |
Processor (CPU) | Intel Pentium 133 MHz | Intel Pentium 200 MHz |
System memory (RAM) | 16 MB | 32 MB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 60 MB | |
Video card (GPU) | 2 MB of VRAM |
Mac OS | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | ||
Operating system (OS) | 7.6 | |
Processor (CPU) | PowerPC 603 180MHz | |
System memory (RAM) | 32 MB | |
Hard disk drive (HDD) |
macOS (OS X) | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | 10.6.8 | |
Processor (CPU) | 1.8 GHz | |
System memory (RAM) | 512 MB | 1 GB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 2 GB |
Notes
- ↑ Original Carbonized release.
- ↑ Second digital release for Intel processors.[1]
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below
%PROGRAMFILES%
,%PROGRAMDATA%
, or%WINDIR%
might be redirected to%LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore
on Windows Vista and later (more details). - ↑ 4.0 4.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:
- File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data.
- Games with Steam Cloud support may also store data in
~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/2204130/
. - Use Wine's registry editor to access any Windows registry paths.
- The app ID (2204130) may differ in some cases.
- Treat backslashes as forward slashes.
- See the glossary page for details on Windows data paths.
References
- ↑ January Mac Game Update: 10 New Additions - GOG.com - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ SID MEIER'S ALPHA CENTAURI README
- ↑ ftp://ftp.ea.com/pub/origin/patches/alpha_centauri/smacp4e.txt
- ↑ gog.com - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Thinker Details.md - last accessed on April 2024