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Featured article.

Difference between revisions of "Aliens: Colonial Marines"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
imported>AemonyBot
(updated template usage)
(27 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown)
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|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sega}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sega}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|1C-SoftClub|Russia}}
 
|engines      =  
 
|engines      =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/engine|Unreal Engine 3}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/engine|Unreal Engine 3}}
Line 17: Line 18:
 
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|aliens-colonial-marines|45}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|aliens-colonial-marines|45}}
 
|taxonomy    =
 
|taxonomy    =
−
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | }}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
−
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | }}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Multiplayer }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | }}
Line 68: Line 69:
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
−
===[http://aliensoverhaul.mattfiler.co.uk/ ACM Overhaul]===
+
===[https://www.moddb.com/mods/templargfxs-acm-overhaul ACM Overhaul]===
 
{{ii}} Comprehensive overhaul mod that fixes AI, balancing, textures, and more.
 
{{ii}} Comprehensive overhaul mod that fixes AI, balancing, textures, and more.
−
{{--}} ACM Overhaul does not contain all possible graphic corrections and corrections in aliens AI. If you want such fixes, download [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1926-aliens-colonial-marines-ultra-config/ this] file.
+
{{--}} ACM Overhaul does not contain all possible graphic corrections and corrections in aliens AI. If you want such fixes, download [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1926-aliens-colonial-marines-ultra-config/ this] file, and combine with [https://www.nexusmods.com/alienscolonialmarines/mods/4?tab=description TemplarGFX's ACM Overhaul Mod Crash Fix and Patrxgt Ultra Config Fix]
−
{{mm}} [http://aliensoverhaul.mattfiler.co.uk/?changelog Changelog]
 
  
 
===Skip intro videos===
 
===Skip intro videos===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Edit PecanEngine.ini|ref=<ref>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=127541833 Steam Community :: Guide :: ACM custom settings.. (v1.11c)]</ref>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Edit PecanEngine.ini|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=127541833|title=Steam Community :: Guide :: ACM custom settings.. (v1.11c)|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
 
# Edit <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini</code>
 
# Edit <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini</code>
 
# Change each instance of <code>StartupMovies=</code> to <code>//StartupMovies=</code>
 
# Change each instance of <code>StartupMovies=</code> to <code>//StartupMovies=</code>
Line 82: Line 82:
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
===Xenomorphs AI fixes===
+
====Improved Xenomorph AI====
−
{{ii}} Both fixes are included in ACM Overhaul
+
{{ii}} This results in improved wall and ceiling climbing for the xenomorphs.
−
====Improved general enemy AI performance====
+
{{mm}} The fix is also included in [[#ACM_Overhaul|ACM Overhaul]].
−
{{Fixbox|description=Edit a spelling mistake in PecanEngine.ini|ref=<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bdyYQMCxIc Does A Typo Correction Fix The AI In Aliens: Colonial Marines? | Gameplay Comparison - YouTube]</ref>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Edit two spelling mistakes on a line in DefaultEngine.ini|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.moddb.com/mods/templargfxs-acm-overhaul/news/the-biggest-bug-in-the-game-is-just-one-letter-long#7025741|title=The biggest BUG in the game is just one letter long - TemplarGFX's ACM Overhaul mod for Aliens: Colonial Marines - Mod DB|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
−
# Edit <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini</code>
+
# Edit <code>{{P|game}}\PecanGame\Config\DefaultEngine.ini</code>
−
# Find <pre>ClassRemapping=PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachXenoToTether -> PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachPawnToTeather</pre> and change it to <pre>ClassRemapping=PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachXenoToTether -> PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachPawnToTether</pre>
+
# Find <pre>ClassRemapping=PecanGAme.PecanSeqAct_AttachXenoToTether -> PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachPawnToTeather</pre> and change it to <pre>ClassRemapping=PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachXenoToTether -> PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachPawnToTether</pre>
 
# Save your changes and close the file.
 
# Save your changes and close the file.
−
}}
 
  
−
====Improved wall and ceiling climbing====
+
'''Notes'''
−
{{Fixbox|description=Edit a spelling mistake in DefaultEngine.ini|ref=<ref>[https://www.moddb.com/mods/templargfxs-acm-overhaul/news/the-biggest-bug-in-the-game-is-just-one-letter-long#7025741 The biggest BUG in the game is just one letter long - TemplarGFX's ACM Overhaul mod for Aliens: Colonial Marines - Mod DB]</ref>|fix=
+
{{mm}} The config line includes two spelling mistakes that the above fixes:
−
# Edit <code>{{P|game}}\PecanGame\Config\DefaultEngine.ini</code>
+
:* {{Code|PecanGAme}} instead of {{Code|PecanGame}}
−
# Find <pre>ClassRemapping=PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachXenoToTether -> PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachPawnToTeather</pre> and change it to <pre>ClassRemapping=PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachXenoToTether -> PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachPawnToTether</pre>
+
:* {{Code|AttachPawnToTeather}} instead of {{Code|AttachPawnToTether}}
−
# Save your changes and close the file.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
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|anisotropic notes          = Referred to as "Texture Detail" in Video settings.
 
|anisotropic notes          = Referred to as "Texture Detail" in Video settings.
 
|antialiasing              = true
 
|antialiasing              = true
−
|antialiasing notes        = Only features [[Wikipedia:Fast approximate anti-aliasing|FXAA]]. Forcing real AA can lead to [[#No textures|problems]].
+
|antialiasing notes        = Only features [[FXAA]]. Forcing other AA can lead to [[#No textures|problems]].
 
|upscaling                  = unknown
 
|upscaling                  = unknown
 
|upscaling tech            =  
 
|upscaling tech            =  
Line 185: Line 183:
 
{{Fixbox|description=Disable frame rate smoothing|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Disable frame rate smoothing|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 
# Open <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini</code>
 
# Open <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini</code>
−
# Locate line <code>bSmoothFrameRate</code> in <code>[Engine.Engine]</code> section and change TRUE to FALSE.
+
# Locate line <code>bSmoothFrameRate</code> in <code>[Engine.Engine]</code> section and change <code>TRUE</code> to <code>FALSE</code>
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 297: Line 295:
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Hungarian
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = hackable
 +
|notes    = [https://magyaritasok.hu/magyaritasok/aliens-colonial-marines/aliens-colonial-marines/1421 Fan translation.]
 +
|fan      = true
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
Line 307: Line 313:
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
−
  |language  = Russian
+
  |language  = Polish
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
−
  |audio    = true
+
  |audio    = false
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
−
  |notes    = Only available in Russia.
+
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
−
  |language  = Spanish
+
  |language  = Russian
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
−
  |notes    =  
+
  |notes    = Only available in Russia.
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
−
  |language  = Polish
+
  |language  = Spanish
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
−
  |audio    = false
+
  |audio    = true
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
−
}}
 
−
{{L10n/switch
 
−
|language  = Hungarian
 
−
|interface = hackable
 
−
|audio    = false
 
−
|subtitles = hackable
 
−
|notes    = [https://magyaritasok.hu/magyaritasok/aliens-colonial-marines/aliens-colonial-marines/1421 Fan translation.]
 
−
|fan      = true
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
Line 390: Line 388:
 
|iz3d                        = unknown
 
|iz3d                        = unknown
 
|iz3d notes                  =  
 
|iz3d notes                  =  
−
|vorpx                      = true  
+
|vorpx                      = true
 
|vorpx modes                = G3D, DirectVR
 
|vorpx modes                = G3D, DirectVR
−
|vorpx notes                = Officialy supported game, see [https://www.vorpx.com/supported-games/ official vorpx game list]
+
|vorpx notes                = Officially supported game, see [https://www.vorpx.com/supported-games/ official vorpx game list]
 
|htc vive                    =  
 
|htc vive                    =  
 
|htc vive notes              =  
 
|htc vive notes              =  
Line 421: Line 419:
 
{{ii}} There is no universal fix, however these are confirmed to work for some users.
 
{{ii}} There is no universal fix, however these are confirmed to work for some users.
  
−
{{Fixbox|description=Delete appcache folder|ref=<ref>[https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846944689777796793/#c846944689777878332 Got Eror after Logos (app already running) :: Steam community discussions]</ref>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Delete appcache folder|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846944689777796793/#c846944689777878332|title=Got Eror after Logos (app already running) :: Steam community discussions|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
 
# Go to the Steam installation folder.
 
# Go to the Steam installation folder.
 
# Delete the <code>appcache</code> folder.
 
# Delete the <code>appcache</code> folder.
Line 427: Line 425:
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
{{Fixbox|description=Set Steam language to the same language as the game|ref=<ref>[https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846944689777796793/#c846944689779843905 Got Eror after Logos (app already running) :: Steam community discussions]</ref>}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Set Steam language to the same language as the game|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846944689777796793/#c846944689779843905|title=Got Eror after Logos (app already running) :: Steam community discussions|date=May 2023}}</ref>}}
  
−
{{Fixbox|description=If that does not work, try changing also operating system language|ref=<ref>[https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846944689783271889/#c846944689783730011 "Failed to start game (app already running)" error after exiting the game :: Steam community discussions]</ref>}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=If that does not work, try changing also operating system language|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846944689783271889/#c846944689783730011|title="Failed to start game (app already running)" error after exiting the game :: Steam community discussions|date=May 2023}}</ref>}}
  
 
===Failed to start game (RU release doesn't work when English language is selected)===
 
===Failed to start game (RU release doesn't work when English language is selected)===
Line 435: Line 433:
 
{{ii}} The game crashes to desktop after trademark screen, shows one of the error messages from previous issues.
 
{{ii}} The game crashes to desktop after trademark screen, shows one of the error messages from previous issues.
  
−
{{Fixbox|description=Copy INT folders from Russian version|ref=<ref>[http://forums.gearboxsoftware.com/showthread.php?t=244044&page=3 Crash at starting Game - The Gearbox Software Forums]</ref>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Copy INT folders from Russian version|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://forums.gearboxsoftware.com/showthread.php?t=244044&page=3|title=Crash at starting Game - The Gearbox Software Forums|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
 
# Set game language to Russian (within Steam select game Properties -> Language -> Русский(Russian))
 
# Set game language to Russian (within Steam select game Properties -> Language -> Русский(Russian))
 
# Wait until the game download localization files.
 
# Wait until the game download localization files.
Line 447: Line 445:
 
{{--}} There seems to be problem with game running on AMD FX processors where game crashes to BSOD or freezes system. Issue is similar to Borderlands 2 BSOD and fix also works with Aliens: Colonial Marines.
 
{{--}} There seems to be problem with game running on AMD FX processors where game crashes to BSOD or freezes system. Issue is similar to Borderlands 2 BSOD and fix also works with Aliens: Colonial Marines.
  
−
{{Fixbox|description=Update BIOS|ref=<ref>[https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846944689780685209/#c846944689790011771 Crash or Bluescreen on launch :: Steam community discussions]</ref>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Update BIOS|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846944689780685209/#c846944689790011771|title=Crash or Bluescreen on launch :: Steam community discussions|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
 
{{ii}} Addition information and links to motherboards websites can be found at [http://support.amd.com/us/kbarticles/Pages/STEAMGamesonAMDFXplatforms.aspx AMD knowledge base library].
 
{{ii}} Addition information and links to motherboards websites can be found at [http://support.amd.com/us/kbarticles/Pages/STEAMGamesonAMDFXplatforms.aspx AMD knowledge base library].
 
{{ii}} Update procedure varies and can cause motherboard to malfunction when update is interrupted or applied incorrectly. Read carefully manual to your motherboard and instructions on screen when updating.
 
{{ii}} Update procedure varies and can cause motherboard to malfunction when update is interrupted or applied incorrectly. Read carefully manual to your motherboard and instructions on screen when updating.
Line 456: Line 454:
 
{{--}} Forcing anti-aliasing via drivers on Nvidia GeForce cards will result in missing textures and black game scene.
 
{{--}} Forcing anti-aliasing via drivers on Nvidia GeForce cards will result in missing textures and black game scene.
  
−
{{Fixbox|description=Disable anti-aliasing in graphics adapter|ref=<ref>[https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846944689770942510/ No Textures? :: Steam community discussions]</ref>}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Disable anti-aliasing in graphics adapter|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846944689770942510/|title=No Textures? :: Steam community discussions|date=May 2023}}</ref>}}
  
 
===Game Freezes / Crashes during Session===
 
===Game Freezes / Crashes during Session===
Line 469: Line 467:
  
 
{{Fixbox|description=1. Checking GPU detection|ref=<ref name=GPUfix>[https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846945579760601767/ GPU Detection Fix /Graphics boost :: Steam community discussions]</ref>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=1. Checking GPU detection|ref=<ref name=GPUfix>[https://steamcommunity.com/app/49540/discussions/0/846945579760601767/ GPU Detection Fix /Graphics boost :: Steam community discussions]</ref>|fix=
−
# Edit <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Logs\Launch.log</code>
+
# Open <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Logs\Launch.log</code>.
−
 
+
# Locate line <code>[000X.XX] Log: Machine  detected compatibility level: Composite: X. CPU: Y. GPU: Z.</code> where X,Y and Z values are assigned grade of your system. Value of 5 is the highest grade for high end hardware.
−
# Locate line <code>[0000.53] Log: Machine  detected compatibility level: Composite: X. CPU: Y. GPU: Z.</code> where X,Y and Z values are assigned grade of your system. Value of 5 is the highest grade for high end hardware.
+
* If you've got powerful hardware and you're not getting high enough grades, follow the guide in the next fixbox. Otherwise you don't need to change anything.
−
* If you have got powerful hardware and you are not getting high enough grades, follow guide in next fixbox. Otherwise you don't need to change anything.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 478: Line 475:
 
{{List|content=
 
{{List|content=
 
{{List/row|row=In file <code>Launch.log</code> locate these lines:
 
{{List/row|row=In file <code>Launch.log</code> locate these lines:
−
<pre>[0000.53] Log: GPU stats:
+
<pre>[000X.XX] Log: GPU stats:
−
[0000.53] Log: VendorID: 0000YYYY
+
[000X.XX] Log: VendorID: 0000YYYY
−
[0000.53] Log: DeviceID: 0000XXXX
+
[000X.XX] Log: DeviceID: 0000XXXX
−
[0000.53] Log: DriverVersion: <numbers>
+
[000X.XX] Log: DriverVersion: <numbers>
−
[0000.53] Log: DeviceName: <GPU name>
+
[000X.XX] Log: DeviceName: <GPU name>
 
</pre>}}
 
</pre>}}
 
{{List/row|row=Edit <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanCompat.ini</code>}}
 
{{List/row|row=Edit <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanCompat.ini</code>}}
Line 493: Line 490:
  
 
* Example 1:
 
* Example 1:
−
<pre>[0000.52] Log: GPU stats:
+
<pre>[000X.XX] Log: GPU stats:
−
[0000.52] Log: DeviceID: 00001244  
+
[000X.XX] Log: DeviceID: 00001244  
−
[0000.52] Log: DeviceName: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti</pre>
+
[000X.XX] Log: DeviceName: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti</pre>
  
 
will result in <code>0x1244=5,NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti</code>
 
will result in <code>0x1244=5,NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti</code>
 
* Example 2:
 
* Example 2:
−
<pre>[0000.53] Log: GPU stats:
+
<pre>[000X.XX] Log: GPU stats:
−
[0000.53] Log: VendorID: 00001002
+
[000X.XX] Log: VendorID: 00001002
−
[0000.53] Log: DeviceID: 00006738
+
[000X.XX] Log: DeviceID: 00006738
−
[0000.53] Log: DriverVersion: 8.17.10.1169
+
[000X.XX] Log: DriverVersion: 8.17.10.1169
−
[0000.53] Log: DeviceName: AMD Radeon HD 6800 Series</pre>
+
[000X.XX] Log: DeviceName: AMD Radeon HD 6800 Series</pre>
  
 
will result in <code>0x6738=5,AMD Radeon HD 6800 Series</code>
 
will result in <code>0x6738=5,AMD Radeon HD 6800 Series</code>
Line 520: Line 517:
  
 
===No weapon===
 
===No weapon===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Switch between weapons|ref=<ref>[http://forums.gearboxsoftware.com/showthread.php?p=3678900#post3678900 No gun Glitch. - The Gearbox Software Forums]</ref>}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Switch between weapons|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://forums.gearboxsoftware.com/showthread.php?p=3678900#post3678900|title=No gun Glitch. - The Gearbox Software Forums|date=May 2023}}</ref>}}
  
 
===Unresponsive controls===
 
===Unresponsive controls===
Line 530: Line 527:
 
# Open <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini</code>
 
# Open <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini</code>
 
# Locate line <code>AllowJoystickInput=1</code> in <code>[WinDrv.WindowsClient]</code> section and change 1 to 0.
 
# Locate line <code>AllowJoystickInput=1</code> in <code>[WinDrv.WindowsClient]</code> section and change 1 to 0.
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Crash upon starting the "Stasis Interrupted" DLC===
 +
{{--}} The game can freeze during the first cutscene on some systems.
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Disable SSAO and lower the graphics settings|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Radishface|date=2024-01-12|comment=Comment (optional)}}</ref>|fix=
 +
{{ii}} After the cutscene has finished playing, you can return the graphics settings to their original values.
 
}}
 
}}
  

Revision as of 11:53, 14 March 2024

Aliens: Colonial Marines
Aliens: Colonial Marines cover
Developers
Gearbox Software
Demiurge Studios
Nerve Software
TimeGate Studios
Publishers
Sega
Russia 1C-SoftClub
Engines
Unreal Engine 3
Release dates
Windows February 12, 2013
Reception
Metacritic 45
IGDB 45
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase
Modes Multiplayer
Series Alien
Aliens: Colonial Marines on HowLongToBeat
Aliens: Colonial Marines on IGDB
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Aliens: Colonial Marines guide on StrategyWiki
Aliens: Colonial Marines on MobyGames
Aliens: Colonial Marines on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Alien
Aliens: A Comic Book Adventure 1995
Alien Trilogy 1996
Aliens Online 1998
Aliens versus Predator (series)
Aliens: Colonial Marines 2013
Alien: Isolation 2014
Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2021
Aliens: Dark Descent 2023

Key points

Use ACM Overhaul to fix various issues with the game, AI, and balancing.

General information

Steam Community Discussions
Gearbox Software Forums - A:CM Technical Support
Forums at AvPGalaxy.net non PC-specific.

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
Windows
All versions require Steam DRM.[1]

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Bug Hunt DLC
Windows
Reconnaissanse DLC
Windows
Movie Map Pack
Windows
Stasis Interrupted
Windows
Limited Edition Pack
Windows
Collector's Edition Pack
Windows
SHARP Sticks
Windows
Sawed-off Double Barrel Shotgun
Windows

Essential improvements

ACM Overhaul

Comprehensive overhaul mod that fixes AI, balancing, textures, and more.
ACM Overhaul does not contain all possible graphic corrections and corrections in aliens AI. If you want such fixes, download this file, and combine with TemplarGFX's ACM Overhaul Mod Crash Fix and Patrxgt Ultra Config Fix

Skip intro videos

Edit PecanEngine.ini[2]
  1. Edit %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini
  2. Change each instance of StartupMovies= to //StartupMovies=
  3. Save your changes and close the file.

Another method is to simply edit your shortcut target and add a space at the end of the path, followed by -nomovie. This has the advantage of also bypassing the legal screen as well. Note, however that this method will also skip the in-game intro movies.

Improved Xenomorph AI

This results in improved wall and ceiling climbing for the xenomorphs.
The fix is also included in ACM Overhaul.
Edit two spelling mistakes on a line in DefaultEngine.ini[3]
  1. Edit <path-to-game>\PecanGame\Config\DefaultEngine.ini
  2. Find 
    ClassRemapping=PecanGAme.PecanSeqAct_AttachXenoToTether -> PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachPawnToTeather
    and change it to 
    ClassRemapping=PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachXenoToTether -> PecanGame.PecanSeqAct_AttachPawnToTether
  3. Save your changes and close the file.

Notes

The config line includes two spelling mistakes that the above fixes:
  • PecanGAme instead of PecanGame
  • AttachPawnToTeather instead of AttachPawnToTether

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/49540/pfx/[Note 1]

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <Steam-folder>\userdata\<user-id>\49540\
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/49540/pfx/[Note 1]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
Steam Cloud
Save file and key bindings.

Video

Video settings.
Video settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
Multi-monitor
 
 See the WSGF entry.
Ultra-widescreen
 
 Image is Vert-. FOV can be increased to compensate. For a conversion from 16:9 to 21:9, increasing the FOV slider by 3 notches gives the closest approximation of a 1:1 Hor+ increase. See the WSGF entry.
4K Ultra HD
 
Field of view (FOV)
Slider in menu. For additional values, see Field of view (FOV).
Windowed
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Is called 'Full Window' in window mode settings.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Referred to as "Texture Detail" in Video settings.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Only features FXAA. Forcing other AA can lead to problems.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
60 FPS
120+ FPS
Capped at 62 FPS. See High frame rate.
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Field of view (FOV)

A slider is included, but no specific values are viewable.
Further manual FOV adjustment by editing FOVOffset[citation needed]
Note: FOVOffset is not the FOV, but the offset from default value. See screenshots for details.
  1. Open %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini
  2. Locate line FOVOffset=XX in [SystemSettings] section and change XX to your desired value.

  • Default FOV

  • FOV slider to the max: offset 30

  • Custom offset: 40

High frame rate

Disable frame rate smoothing[citation needed]
  1. Open %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini
  2. Locate line bSmoothFrameRate in [Engine.Engine] section and change TRUE to FALSE

Input

Controls settings.
Controls settings.

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Full controller support
Controller remapping
Controller sensitivity
Controller Y-axis inversion
Controller types
XInput-compatible controllers
PlayStation controllers
Generic/other controllers
Additional information
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M
Support for Logitech G15 keyboard display. Shows current objective or challenge.

Audio

Audio settings.
Audio settings.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
RU version may need a workaround to play in English.
French
German
Hungarian
Fan translation.
Italian
Polish
Russian
Only available in Russia.
Spanish

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
Local play
4 Use Nucleus Co-op.
LAN play
Multiplayer requires creating an online lobby. If a connection to Steam is lost, players will be disconnected from host.
Online play
10 Versus, Co-op
Co-op supports 4 players.

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
Self-hosting
Direct IP

VR support

3D modes State Notes
Nvidia 3D Vision
Use Helix Mod: Aliens Colonial Marines - 3D Vision fix.
vorpX
G3D, DirectVR
Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list

Issues fixed

Failed to start game (app already running) error

There is no universal fix, however these are confirmed to work for some users.
Delete appcache folder[4]
  1. Go to the Steam installation folder.
  2. Delete the appcache folder.
  3. Restart Steam, game should update itself.
Set Steam language to the same language as the game[5]
If that does not work, try changing also operating system language[6]

Failed to start game (RU release doesn't work when English language is selected)

This solution is probably applicable to other non-English releases.
The game crashes to desktop after trademark screen, shows one of the error messages from previous issues.
Copy INT folders from Russian version[7]
  1. Set game language to Russian (within Steam select game Properties -> Language -> Русский(Russian))
  2. Wait until the game download localization files.
  3. Locate <path-to-game>\PecanGame\Localization and <path-to-game>\Engine\Localization folders and copy their contents somewhere safe (You need only INT subfolders, they contain different files, don't mix them up!).
  4. Set game language to English.
  5. Wait until the game chop it's legs off (it removes said INT folders needed for game to function).
  6. Copy both INT subfolders you saved earlier back to <path-to-game>\PecanGame\Localization and <path-to-game>\Engine\Localization accordingly.

Blue screen on AMD CPU

There seems to be problem with game running on AMD FX processors where game crashes to BSOD or freezes system. Issue is similar to Borderlands 2 BSOD and fix also works with Aliens: Colonial Marines.
Update BIOS[8]
Addition information and links to motherboards websites can be found at AMD knowledge base library.
Update procedure varies and can cause motherboard to malfunction when update is interrupted or applied incorrectly. Read carefully manual to your motherboard and instructions on screen when updating.
Information about Borderlands 2 BSOD issue can be found at Gearbox Software Support page.

No textures

Forcing anti-aliasing via drivers on Nvidia GeForce cards will result in missing textures and black game scene.
Disable anti-aliasing in graphics adapter[9]

Game Freezes / Crashes during Session

Due a memory restriction (x86 build), the game is limited to work with a maximum of 2GB of VRAM. Try either:
Lower V-ram intensive graphics settings such as Resolution[10]
Play in Full Window mode instead of Fullscreen[10]

GPU detection fix

Game has problems with detecting some graphic adapters - mainly mobile GPUs and new graphics. Because of this, game can select wrong settings profile for your system.
1. Checking GPU detection[11]
  1. Open %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Logs\Launch.log.
  2. Locate line [000X.XX] Log: Machine detected compatibility level: Composite: X. CPU: Y. GPU: Z. where X,Y and Z values are assigned grade of your system. Value of 5 is the highest grade for high end hardware.
  • If you've got powerful hardware and you're not getting high enough grades, follow the guide in the next fixbox. Otherwise you don't need to change anything.
2. Adding your GPU to the hardware list[11]
  1. In file Launch.log locate these lines: 
    [000X.XX] Log: GPU stats:
[000X.XX] Log: 	VendorID: 0000YYYY
[000X.XX] Log: 	DeviceID: 0000XXXX
[000X.XX] Log: 	DriverVersion: <numbers>
[000X.XX] Log: 	DeviceName: <GPU name>
  2. Edit %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanCompat.ini
  3. Locate section for your vendor - search for VendorName= value.
  4. Add line into your vendor section for your graphics adapter. Use information from Launch.log file like so: 0xYYYY=G,<GPU name> 
    where:
YYYY        -  last four digits from VendorID
G           -  your desired hardware grade - 1 lowest, 5 highest
<GPU name>  -  string from DeviceName
    • Example 1:
    [000X.XX] Log: GPU stats:
[000X.XX] Log: DeviceID: 00001244 
[000X.XX] Log: DeviceName: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti

    will result in 0x1244=5,NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti

    • Example 2:
    [000X.XX] Log: GPU stats:
[000X.XX] Log: 	VendorID: 00001002
[000X.XX] Log: 	DeviceID: 00006738
[000X.XX] Log: 	DriverVersion: 8.17.10.1169
[000X.XX] Log: 	DeviceName: AMD Radeon HD 6800 Series
    will result in 0x6738=5,AMD Radeon HD 6800 Series
3. Additional graphic enhancement for high-end hardware[11]
This step is optional. It will force maximum quality level of detail for grade 5 hardware.
  1. Edit %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanCompat.ini
  2. In section [AppCompatBucket5] search for these lines: 
    TEXTUREGROUP_World=(LODBias=1)
TEXTUREGROUP_WorldNormalMap=(LODBias=1)
TEXTUREGROUP_WorldSpecular=(LODBias=1)
  3. Change ones to zeros and save the file. Additionally you can tweak some other options in this section.

No weapon

Switch between weapons[12]

Unresponsive controls

Problem with controls where in-game camera is always rotating and in menu cursor is always moving down. Demonstrated here.
Unplug all USB game controllers, alternatively disable them in Device manager[13]
.ini edit[13]
  1. Open %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Aliens Colonial Marines\PecanGame\Config\PecanEngine.ini
  2. Locate line AllowJoystickInput=1 in [WinDrv.WindowsClient] section and change 1 to 0.

Crash upon starting the "Stasis Interrupted" DLC

The game can freeze during the first cutscene on some systems.
Disable SSAO and lower the graphics settings[14]
After the cutscene has finished playing, you can return the graphics settings to their original values.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Physics PhysX 2.8.4.6
Audio OpenAL, XAudio2
Cutscenes Bink Video 1.99p

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) XP SP3 Vista, 7
Processor (CPU) Intel Dual Core 2 GHz Intel Quad Core 2.3 GHz
System memory (RAM) 2 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 20 GB
Video card (GPU) ATI Radeon HD 2600
Nvidia GeForce 8500
256 MB of VRAM 		ATI Radeon HD 5850
Nvidia GeForce GTX 560
512 MB of VRAM
Although developer recommends 20 GB of free space, download size is around 6 GB. With all DLC available the download size is 14 GB.


Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

References