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Difference between revisions of "Anachronox"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
m (updated template usage)
m (Added author(s) in spanish localization notes for the fan translation)
 
(54 intermediate revisions by 21 users not shown)
Line 4: Line 4:
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Ion Storm}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Ion Storm}}
 
|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Eidos Interactive|North America}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Eidos Interactive|2001-2009}}
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Infogrames|Australia}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Square Enix|2009-present}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Infogrames|Retail (Australia)}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sold Out Software|Retail re-release}}
 
|engines      =  
 
|engines      =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/engine|id Tech 2}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/engine|id Tech 2}}
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|June 27, 2001}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|June 27, 2001}}
 +
|reception    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|anachronox|77}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|anachronox|rating}}
 +
|taxonomy    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time, Turn-based }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | Third-person }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | RPG, JRPG }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Cyberpunk, Sci-fi }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | }}
 
|steam appid  = 242940
 
|steam appid  = 242940
|gogcom page  = anachronox
+
|gogcom id    = 1207659012
 +
|lutris      = anachronox
 
|strategywiki = Anachronox
 
|strategywiki = Anachronox
 +
|mobygames    = 4499
 +
|igdb        = anachronox
 +
|hltb        = 450
 
|wikipedia    = Anachronox
 
|wikipedia    = Anachronox
 
|winehq      = 578
 
|winehq      = 578
 
|license      = commercial
 
|license      = commercial
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Introduction
 +
|introduction      =
 +
 +
|release history  =
 +
 +
|current state    =
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 24: Line 54:
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | {{DRM|SafeDisc}}.<ref>[http://redump.org/disc/27908/ redump.org • Anachronox • Disc 2]</ref> | | Windows}}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | {{DRM|SafeDisc}}.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://redump.org/disc/27908/|title=redump.org • Anachronox • Disc 2|date=9 June 2023}}</ref> | | Windows}}
 
{{Availability/row| Amazon | B00QXQFVN6 | Steam | | | Windows}}
 
{{Availability/row| Amazon | B00QXQFVN6 | Steam | | | Windows}}
 
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | anachronox | DRM-free | | | Windows}}
 
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | anachronox | DRM-free | | | Windows}}
 
{{Availability/row| GMG | anachronox | Steam | | | Windows}}
 
{{Availability/row| GMG | anachronox | Steam | | | Windows}}
 
{{Availability/row| Humble | anachronox | Steam | | | Windows}}
 
{{Availability/row| Humble | anachronox | Steam | | | Windows}}
{{Availability/row| Steam | 242940 | Steam | Can be played without Steam running.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Vetle|date=2016-03-20}}</ref> | | Windows}}
+
{{Availability/row| Steam | 242940 | DRM-free | Can be played without Steam running.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Vetle|date=2016-03-20}}</ref> | | Windows}}
 
}}
 
}}
 +
===Demo===
 +
A demo can be downloaded [https://www.moddb.com/games/anachronox/downloads/anachronox-demo on Mod DB].
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
 
===Patches===
 
===Patches===
====[http://www.patches-scrolls.de/patch/330/7/ Unofficial patches]====
+
====[https://www.patches-scrolls.de/patch/330/7/ Unofficial patches]====
 
{{ii}} These patches are only needed for retail versions; the GOG.com and Steam versions are already patched.
 
{{ii}} These patches are only needed for retail versions; the GOG.com and Steam versions are already patched.
 
{{++}} Fixes several issues and improves some areas of the game. Digital versions of the game already include this patch.
 
{{++}} Fixes several issues and improves some areas of the game. Digital versions of the game already include this patch.
  
=====[http://www.patches-scrolls.de/patch/330/7/19394 Build 44 to Build 45]=====
+
=====[https://www.patches-scrolls.de/patch/330/7/19394 Build 44 to Build 45]=====
{{ii}} The first patch has to be installed beforehand, following the second patch.
+
{{ii}} The first patch has to be installed beforehand, following the second patch. Digital versions of the game already include this patch.
 
{{++}} Fixes multiple issues with the game.
 
{{++}} Fixes multiple issues with the game.
{{ii}} [http://www.moddb.com/games/anachronox/downloads/anachronox-patch-102-build-44-to-45 Alternate download link]
+
{{ii}} [https://www.moddb.com/games/anachronox/downloads/anachronox-patch-102-build-44-to-45 Alternate download link]
 +
 
 +
=====[https://www.patches-scrolls.de/patch/330/7/19396 Build 45 to Build 46]=====
 +
{{++}} Fixes even more issues with the game. Digital versions of the game already include this patch.
 +
{{ii}} [https://www.moddb.com/games/anachronox/downloads/anachronox-patch-102-build-45-to-46 Alternate download link]
 +
 
 +
===Mods===
 +
====[https://www.moddb.com/games/anachronox/downloads/anachronox-widescreen-fix Widescreen fix]====
 +
{{++}} Includes premade files for common widescreen resolutions, as well as a patcher for custom resolutions.
 +
{{--}} Breaks the Hive Ship section of the game. Make backups of the original <code>anox.exe</code> and <code>ref_gl.dll</code> before replacing them, so the original files can be used during that section.
  
=====[http://www.patches-scrolls.de/patch/330/7/19396 Build 45 to Build 46]=====
+
====[https://www.moddb.com/mods/anachronox-graphical-enhancements/downloads/anachronox-no-upscale Graphical Enhancements (Restores broken effects)]====
{{++}} Fixes even more issues with the game.
+
{{++}} Fixes broken partial transparency effects, restores 3D signs at Bricks and fixes music overlapping in some cutscenes (See [[#Sounds_and_fixes|Sounds and Fixes]])
{{ii}} [http://www.moddb.com/games/anachronox/downloads/anachronox-patch-102-build-45-to-46 Alternate download link]
+
{{ii}} A version including AI (ESRGAN) upscaled textures is also available.
 +
{{ii}} For compatibility with [[#Sounds_and_fixes|Sounds and Fixes]] mod, don't copy over the contents of the <code>scripts</code> folder.
 +
 
 +
====[https://www.moddb.com/games/anachronox/downloads/anachronox-sounds-and-fixes-v01 Sounds and fixes]====
 +
{{++}} Restores sounds for objects missing them due to bugs.
 +
{{++}} Also adds sounds to cutscenes where relevant to help them not feel as empty when things happen in them (using sounds found in the game files).
 +
{{ii}} Install after [[#Graphical_Enhancements_.28Restores_broken_effects.29|Graphical Enhancements]] as this mod already fixes the said music overlap issues.
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
Line 61: Line 108:
 
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\anoxdata\SAVE\}}
 
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\anoxdata\SAVE\}}
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{ii}} 9 save slots available.
  
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
|gog galaxy           = false
+
|discord                  =
|gog galaxy notes     =  
+
|discord notes            =
|origin               =  
+
|epic games launcher      =
|origin notes         =  
+
|epic games launcher notes =
|steam cloud           = false
+
|gog galaxy               = false
|steam cloud notes     =  
+
|gog galaxy notes         =  
|uplay                =  
+
|origin                   =  
|uplay notes           =  
+
|origin notes             =  
|xbox cloud           =  
+
|steam cloud               = false
|xbox cloud notes     =  
+
|steam cloud notes         =  
 +
|ubisoft connect          =  
 +
|ubisoft connect notes     =  
 +
|xbox cloud               =  
 +
|xbox cloud notes         =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Video settings==
+
==Video==
 
{{Image|Anachronox - video settings.png|Video settings.}}
 
{{Image|Anachronox - video settings.png|Video settings.}}
{{Video settings
+
{{Video
|wsgf link                  = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/anachronox/en
+
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/anachronox/en
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = limited
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = limited
Line 85: Line 137:
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = limited
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = limited
 
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
 
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
|widescreen resolution notes= See the [http://www.wsgf.org/dr/anachronox/en WSGF entry].
+
|widescreen resolution notes= See the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1549-anachronox/ WSGF Anachronox files].
 
|multimonitor              = hackable
 
|multimonitor              = hackable
|multimonitor notes        = See the [http://www.wsgf.org/dr/anachronox/en WSGF entry].
+
|multimonitor notes        = See the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1549-anachronox/ WSGF Anachronox files].
 
|ultrawidescreen            = hackable
 
|ultrawidescreen            = hackable
|ultrawidescreen notes      = See the [http://www.wsgf.org/dr/anachronox/en WSGF entry].
+
|ultrawidescreen notes      = See the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1549-anachronox/ WSGF Anachronox files].
 
|4k ultra hd                = hackable
 
|4k ultra hd                = hackable
|4k ultra hd notes          = See the [http://www.wsgf.org/dr/anachronox/en WSGF entry].
+
|4k ultra hd notes          = See the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1549-anachronox/ WSGF Anachronox files].
 
|fov                        = true
 
|fov                        = true
 
|fov notes                  = Option called "camera distance" available in the in-game options.
 
|fov notes                  = Option called "camera distance" available in the in-game options.
Line 114: Line 166:
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap                = true
|key remap notes          =  
+
|key remap notes          = Arrow keys can be used for movement without needing to be bound. Many commands cannot be rebound.
 
|acceleration option      = true
 
|acceleration option      = true
 
|acceleration option notes =  
 
|acceleration option notes =  
Line 178: Line 230:
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Audio settings==
+
==Audio==
 
{{Image|Anachronox - audio settings.png|Audio settings.}}
 
{{Image|Anachronox - audio settings.png|Audio settings.}}
{{Audio settings
+
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume notes    = Ambient, interface, cinematic and music.
 
|separate volume notes    = Ambient, interface, cinematic and music.
Line 192: Line 244:
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|eax support              = true
 
|eax support              = true
|eax support notes        = EAX 1.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/19990224223908/http://www.ctlsg.creaf.com/press/1998/p981021b.html Ion Storm Blasts Into The Realm Of Environmental Audio - Creative Asia (retrieved)]</ref> See [[#EAX sound on modern systems|EAX sound on modern systems]].
+
|eax support notes        = EAX 1.0<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990224223908/http://www.ctlsg.creaf.com/press/1998/p981021b.html|title=Ion Storm Blasts Into The Realm Of Environmental Audio - Creative Asia (retrieved)|date=May 2023}}</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
  
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{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = English
 
  |language  = English
  |interface = yes
+
  |interface = true
  |audio    = yes
+
  |audio    = true
  |subtitles = yes
+
  |subtitles = true
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = Czech
 
  |language  = Czech
  |interface = yes
+
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = unknown
 
  |audio    = unknown
 
  |subtitles = unknown
 
  |subtitles = unknown
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = French
 
  |language  = French
  |interface = yes
+
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = unknown
 
  |audio    = unknown
 
  |subtitles = unknown
 
  |subtitles = unknown
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = German
 
  |language  = German
  |interface = yes
+
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = unknown
 
  |audio    = unknown
 
  |subtitles = unknown
 
  |subtitles = unknown
  |notes    =  
+
  |notes    = Fan translation, [https://www.patches-scrolls.com/anachronox.php].
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = Italian
 
  |language  = Italian
  |interface = yes
+
  |interface = hackable
  |audio    = no
+
  |audio    = false
  |subtitles = yes
+
  |subtitles = hackable
  |notes    =  
+
  |notes    = Fan translation, [http://www.oldgamesitalia.net/traduzioni/anachronox download].
  |fan      = yes
+
  |fan      = true
  |fan notes = Fan translation, [http://www.oldgamesitalia.net/traduzioni/anachronox download].
+
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Russian
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = hackable
 +
|subtitles = hackable
 +
  |notes     = Fan translation, [https://www.zoneofgames.ru/games/anachronoxdownload].
 +
|fan      = true
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = Spanish
 
  |language  = Spanish
  |interface = yes
+
  |interface = hackable
  |audio    = no
+
  |audio    = false
  |subtitles = yes
+
  |subtitles = hackable
  |notes    =
+
  |notes    = Fan translation by ''Clan Dlan'' (authors: Memnoch, darkpadawan, L@Zar0), [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kXUH6G1HtNiQlDeAKareGnaB0XzoqVtX/view?usp=drive_link download].
|fan      = yes
+
|fan      = true
|fan notes = Fan translation, [http://academia.clandlan.net/?page=academia/view&id=395 download].
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Issues unresolved==
 
==Issues unresolved==
===EAX sound on modern systems===
+
===3D sound on modern systems===
EAX sound is unsupported on modern systems. As the in-game implementation was quite buggy and caused crashes even on systems with EAX support, this is removed in the GOG.com version.
+
3D sound is unsupported on modern systems. As the in-game implementation is quite buggy and causes crashes even on systems with 3D sound support, the feature has been removed from the GOG and Steam versions.
  
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
===Couldn't load renderer (AMD)===
+
===Couldn't load renderer===
{{Fixbox|description=Install DirectX|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Install [[DirectX#Legacy versions|DirectX 9.0c end-user runtimes]]|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix=
Install the [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35 DirectX End-User Runtimes].
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
===Couldn't load renderer===
 
 
{{Fixbox|description=Install nGlide|ref={{cn|date=May 2017}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Install nGlide|ref={{cn|date=May 2017}}|fix=
Install the [http://www.zeus-software.com/downloads/nglide nGlide wrapper]. Many users report this as an inferior solution to updated native drivers or DirectX, but if for whatever reason OpenGL doesn't work, this is an option.
+
Install the [https://www.zeus-software.com/downloads/nglide nGlide wrapper].
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Low frame rate / stuttering===
 
===Low frame rate / stuttering===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Set Threaded Optimization to Off in NVIDIA Control Panel|ref=<ref>[https://steamcommunity.com/app/242940/discussions/0/2632849569462866513]</ref>|fix=
 +
# Go to the NVIDIA Control Panel.
 +
# Go to "Manage 3D settings" section.
 +
# Enter in "Program settings" section.
 +
# Add the game's exe (anox.exe).
 +
# Set the <code>Threaded Optimization</code> to Off.
 +
}}
 +
 
{{Fixbox|description=Create Config.ini|ref=<ref>[https://www.gog.com/forum/anachronox/stuttering_jerky_camera_movement_anyone/post4]</ref>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Create Config.ini|ref=<ref>[https://www.gog.com/forum/anachronox/stuttering_jerky_camera_movement_anyone/post4]</ref>|fix=
# Go to <code>{{p|appdata}}\GOG\</code>.
+
# Go to {{file|{{p|appdata}}\GOG\|folder}}.
# Enter the Anachronox folder. Create the folder if it doesn't exist.
+
# Enter the {{file|Anachronox|folder}} folder. Create the folder if it doesn't exist.
# Create the file {{file|config.ini}}
+
# Create the file {{file|config.ini}} and edit it with the following:
# Enter into config.ini
 
 
<pre>[Misc]
 
<pre>[Misc]
 
Fps=200</pre>
 
Fps=200</pre>
# If 200 doesn't work, try a higher value or lower down to 59.
+
# If 200 does not work, try a higher value or lower down to 59.
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 281: Line 340:
  
 
{{Fixbox|description=Install QindieGL|ref=<ref>[https://www.gog.com/forum/anachronox/low_fps/post2]</ref>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Install QindieGL|ref=<ref>[https://www.gog.com/forum/anachronox/low_fps/post2]</ref>|fix=
# Download and extract [https://code.google.com/archive/p/qindie-gl/downloads QindieGL], an OpenGL wrapper
+
# Download and extract [https://github.com/crystice-softworks/QindieGL/releases QindieGL], an OpenGL wrapper. Older releases [https://code.google.com/archive/p/qindie-gl/downloads here]
# Copy {{file|opengl32.dll}} and paste into the Anachronox installation folder.
+
# Copy {{file|opengl32.dll}} and paste it to {{file|{{p|game}}|folder}}.
 
# Click on {{file|QindieGL-setup.reg}} and add to the registry.
 
# Click on {{file|QindieGL-setup.reg}} and add to the registry.
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{Fixbox|description=[[Windows Compatibility Mode#Privilege Level|Run as Administrator]]|ref=<ref>[https://www.gog.com/forum/anachronox/poor_fps_on_anacrhonox/post2]</ref>}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=[[Windows Compatibility Mode#Privilege Level|Run as the game as administrator]]|ref=<ref>[https://www.gog.com/forum/anachronox/poor_fps_on_anacrhonox/post2]</ref>}}
 +
 
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Run the game in Windows 98 / ME [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]]|ref=<ref>[https://www.gog.com/forum/anachronox/main_character_choppy_animation_while_running/post6]</ref><ref>[https://www.gog.com/forum/anachronox/90_cpu_usage_3_fps]</ref>}}
  
 
{{Fixbox|description=Turn off 3D sound|ref=<ref>[https://www.gog.com/forum/anachronox/poor_fps_on_anacrhonox/post2]</ref>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Turn off 3D sound|ref=<ref>[https://www.gog.com/forum/anachronox/poor_fps_on_anacrhonox/post2]</ref>|fix=
Line 292: Line 353:
 
# Under 3D Sound Options, choose "Off" from the pull down menu.
 
# Under 3D Sound Options, choose "Off" from the pull down menu.
 
# Click Save.
 
# Click Save.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{Fixbox|description=Use integrated graphics|ref=<ref>[https://www.gog.com/forum/anachronox/main_character_choppy_animation_while_running/post6]</ref>}}
 
{{Fixbox|description=Use integrated graphics|ref=<ref>[https://www.gog.com/forum/anachronox/main_character_choppy_animation_while_running/post6]</ref>}}
 
{{Fixbox|description=Windows 98 / ME [[Windows Compatibility Mode|Compatibility Mode]]|ref=<ref>[https://www.gog.com/forum/anachronox/main_character_choppy_animation_while_running/post6]</ref><ref>[https://www.gog.com/forum/anachronox/90_cpu_usage_3_fps]</ref>}}
 
  
 
==Other information==
 
==Other information==
Line 308: Line 366:
 
|opengl versions        = 1.1
 
|opengl versions        = 1.1
 
|opengl notes          =  
 
|opengl notes          =  
|glide versions        = WickedGL
+
|glide versions        = true
|glide notes            = Added in the [[#Patches|build 44]] patch.
+
|glide notes            = WickedGL was added in the [[#Patches|build 44]] patch.
 
|software mode          =  
 
|software mode          =  
 
|software mode notes    =  
 
|software mode notes    =  
Line 320: Line 378:
 
|shader model versions  =  
 
|shader model versions  =  
 
|shader model notes    =  
 
|shader model notes    =  
|64-bit executable     = false
+
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
|64-bit executable notes=  
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|windows 64-bit exe    = false
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|windows arm app        = false
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|windows exe notes      =
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|macos intel 32-bit app =
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|macos intel 64-bit app =
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|macos app notes        =
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|linux 32-bit executable=  
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|linux 64-bit executable=
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|linux executable notes =  
 
}}
 
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|physics          =  
 
|physics notes    =  
 
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|audio            = Miles Sound System
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|audio            = Miles Sound System, A3D, DirectSound 3D, RSX 3D
|audio notes      =  
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|audio notes      = A3D 2.0
 
|interface        =  
 
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|interface notes  =  

Latest revision as of 18:16, 15 November 2023

Anachronox
Anachronox cover
Developers
Ion Storm
Publishers
2001-2009 Eidos Interactive
2009-present Square Enix
Retail (Australia) Infogrames
Retail re-release Sold Out Software
Engines
id Tech 2
Release dates
Windows June 27, 2001
Reception
Metacritic 77
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase
Modes Singleplayer
Pacing Real-time, Turn-based
Perspectives Third-person
Genres RPG, JRPG
Themes Cyberpunk, Sci-fi
Anachronox on HowLongToBeat
Anachronox on IGDB
Anachronox guide on StrategyWiki
Anachronox on MobyGames
Anachronox on Wikipedia

Anachronox is a singleplayer third-person RPG and JRPG game.

General information

GOG.com Community Discussions
GOG.com Support Page
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
SafeDisc DRM[Note 1].[3]
Windows
Amazon.com
Icon overlay.png
Windows
GOG.com
DRM-free
Windows
Green Man Gaming
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Steam
DRM-free after installation through Steam client (notes may include more details)
Can be played without Steam running.[4]
Windows
SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see above for affected versions).

Demo

A demo can be downloaded on Mod DB.

Essential improvements

Patches

Unofficial patches

These patches are only needed for retail versions; the GOG.com and Steam versions are already patched.
Fixes several issues and improves some areas of the game. Digital versions of the game already include this patch.
Build 44 to Build 45
The first patch has to be installed beforehand, following the second patch. Digital versions of the game already include this patch.
Fixes multiple issues with the game.
Alternate download link
Build 45 to Build 46
Fixes even more issues with the game. Digital versions of the game already include this patch.
Alternate download link

Mods

Widescreen fix

Includes premade files for common widescreen resolutions, as well as a patcher for custom resolutions.
Breaks the Hive Ship section of the game. Make backups of the original anox.exe and ref_gl.dll before replacing them, so the original files can be used during that section.

Graphical Enhancements (Restores broken effects)

Fixes broken partial transparency effects, restores 3D signs at Bricks and fixes music overlapping in some cutscenes (See Sounds and Fixes)
A version including AI (ESRGAN) upscaled textures is also available.
For compatibility with Sounds and Fixes mod, don't copy over the contents of the scripts folder.

Sounds and fixes

Restores sounds for objects missing them due to bugs.
Also adds sounds to cutscenes where relevant to help them not feel as empty when things happen in them (using sounds found in the game files).
Install after Graphical Enhancements as this mod already fixes the said music overlap issues.

Game data

Official setup utility.
Official setup utility.
Launcher and setup utility for unofficial patches.
Launcher and setup utility for unofficial patches.
General in-game settings.
General in-game settings.

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\anoxdata\CONFIGS\[Note 2]
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/242940/pfx/[Note 3]

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\anoxdata\SAVE\[Note 2]
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/242940/pfx/[Note 3]
9 save slots available.

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
Steam Cloud

Video

Video settings.
Video settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
See the WSGF Anachronox files.
Multi-monitor
See the WSGF Anachronox files.
Ultra-widescreen
See the WSGF Anachronox files.
4K Ultra HD
See the WSGF Anachronox files.
Field of view (FOV)
Option called "camera distance" available in the in-game options.
Windowed
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
Frame rate is capped at 125 FPS.
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Input

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Arrow keys can be used for movement without needing to be bound. Many commands cannot be rebound.
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
From the settings menu in game only
Controller
Controller support
Controller types

Audio

Audio settings.
Audio settings.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Ambient, interface, cinematic and music.
Surround sound
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
EAX support
EAX 1.0[5]

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Czech
French
German
Fan translation, [11].
Italian
Fan translation, download.
Russian
Fan translation, download.
Spanish
Fan translation by Clan Dlan (authors: Memnoch, darkpadawan, L@Zar0), download.

Issues unresolved

3D sound on modern systems

3D sound is unsupported on modern systems. As the in-game implementation is quite buggy and causes crashes even on systems with 3D sound support, the feature has been removed from the GOG and Steam versions.

Issues fixed

Couldn't load renderer

Install DirectX 9.0c end-user runtimes[citation needed]
Install nGlide[citation needed]

Install the nGlide wrapper.

Low frame rate / stuttering

Set Threaded Optimization to Off in NVIDIA Control Panel[6]
  1. Go to the NVIDIA Control Panel.
  2. Go to "Manage 3D settings" section.
  3. Enter in "Program settings" section.
  4. Add the game's exe (anox.exe).
  5. Set the Threaded Optimization to Off.
Create Config.ini[7]
  1. Go to %APPDATA%\GOG\.
  2. Enter the Anachronox folder. Create the folder if it doesn't exist.
  3. Create the file config.ini and edit it with the following:
[Misc]
Fps=200
  1. If 200 does not work, try a higher value or lower down to 59.
Force Vsync[8][9]
Install QindieGL[10]
  1. Download and extract QindieGL, an OpenGL wrapper. Older releases here
  2. Copy opengl32.dll and paste it to <path-to-game>.
  3. Click on QindieGL-setup.reg and add to the registry.
Run as the game as administrator[11]
Run the game in Windows 98 / ME compatibility mode[12][13]
Turn off 3D sound[14]
  1. Open GCT Setup.exe.
  2. Under 3D Sound Options, choose "Off" from the pull down menu.
  3. Click Save.
Use integrated graphics[15]

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
OpenGL 1.1
Glide
WickedGL was added in the build 44 patch.
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Audio Miles Sound System, A3D, DirectSound 3D, RSX 3D A3D 2.0

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 95 OSR2
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium II 266 MHz
System memory (RAM) 64 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 1 GB
Video card (GPU) 12 MB of VRAM
OpenGL 1.1 compatible
DirectX 7 compatible


Notes

  1. SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10[1] or Windows 11 and is disabled by default on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 when the KB3086255 update is installed.[2]
  2. 2.0 2.1 When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below %PROGRAMFILES%, %PROGRAMDATA%, or %WINDIR% might be redirected to %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore on Windows Vista and later (more details).
  3. 3.0 3.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

References