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Difference between revisions of "Emperor: Battle for Dune"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
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{{Infobox game
 
{{Infobox game
 
|cover        = Emperor Battle for Dune Cover.jpg
 
|cover        = Emperor Battle for Dune Cover.jpg
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{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Electronic Arts}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Electronic Arts}}
 
|engines      =  
 
|engines      =  
 +
{{Infobox game/row/engine|Xanadu}}
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|June 12, 2001}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|June 12, 2001}}
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|steam appid  =  
 
|steam appid  =  
 
|gogcom id    =  
 
|gogcom id    =  
 +
|hltb        = 3103
 
|strategywiki =  
 
|strategywiki =  
 
|mobygames    = emperor-battle-for-dune
 
|mobygames    = emperor-battle-for-dune
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|winehq      = 1330
 
|winehq      = 1330
 
|license      = commercial
 
|license      = commercial
 +
}}
 +
{{Introduction
 +
|introduction      = '''Emperor: Battle for Dune''' is an {{Glossary:RTS}} game made by [[Company:Westwood Studios|Westwood Studios]] and [[Company:Intelligent Games|Intelligent Games]]. It is the last game by Westwood Studios set in the [[Series:Dune|Dune]] universe. Unlike [[Dune 2000]] which was a remake of [[Dune II]], Emperor: Battle for Dune was a proper sequel that took place after the storyline of the original, featuring entirely different factions as opposed to ones sharing most of their arsenals. It was the first Westwood-branded RTS to use a 3D engine, but it used Intelligent Games' Xanadu engine rather than Westwood's then-in development W3D, contrary to subsequent beliefs. It was distributed on 4 CD-ROMs, one for installation and the other three for each faction's campaign.
 +
 +
|release history  =
 +
 +
|current state    = Due to security updates to Windows 10 and later and certain prior versions of Windows, the game will not run without using the [[#Bypassing_SafeDisc|official install fix]] due to an un-fixed version using [[Digital rights management (DRM)#SafeDisc|SafeDisc]]. This fix was originally intended for computer configurations at the time of release which were incompatible with SafeDisc despite the then-available versions of Windows still supporting it.
 
}}
 
}}
  
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==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
{{Availability/row| Retail | | key, disc check | {{Removed DRM|SafeDisc|v2}} - SafeDisk removed with the official install fix, generic Volume Label CD Checks Persist; see [[#Playing with out CDs & restoring cutscenes|Playing with out CDs & restoring cutscenes]] | | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | key, disc check | {{Removed DRM|SafeDisc|v2}} and CD-ROM volume label check. SafeDisc is removed with the official install fix; see [[#Bypassing SafeDisc|Bypassing SafeDisc]] | | Windows }}
 
}}
 
}}
  
=====Essential improvements=====
+
==Essential improvements==
===Install Fix + Patches===
 
{{ii}} [http://dune2k.com/Duniverse/Games/Emperor/Downloads/Patches Install Fix] Fixes Installation and Game Startup. Required on Windows 10+
 
{{ii}} [http://dune2k.com/Duniverse/Games/Emperor/Downloads/Patches Patch 1.09] updates the game to the latest version.
 
  
 
+
===Bypassing SafeDisc===
===Official Install Fix procedure for Windows 10===
+
{{ii}} The game will not run on Windows 10 and later and certain prior versions of Windows without using an official installation fix (see the [[Digital rights management (DRM)#SafeDisc|SafeDisc]] DRM article for more information).
# Copy ONLY the setup up folder of disc 1 to the hard drive.
+
{{Fixbox|description=Follow the procedure|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plokite Wolf|date=2021-10-14|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
# Replace the setup executable INSIDE the setup folder with the one from the official [http://dune2k.com/Duniverse/Games/Emperor/Downloads/Patches install fix].
+
# Copy the contents of disc 1 to the hard drive.
# Install the game.
+
# Replace the setup executable with the one from the official [http://dune2k.com/Duniverse/Games/Emperor/Downloads/Patches install fix].
 +
<!-- File originated on Westwood Studio's official public FTP server: https://ia802806.us.archive.org/view_archive.php?archive=/11/items/2012.11.ftp.westwood.com/2012.11.ftp.westwood.com.tar -->
 +
# Install the game using the new setup executable.
 +
# Install [http://dune2k.com/Duniverse/Games/Emperor/Downloads/Patches Patch 1.09].
 
# Extract the file <code>EMPEROR.EXE</code> from the install fix archive and copy it to <code>{{p|game}}</code>, overwriting the old file.
 
# Extract the file <code>EMPEROR.EXE</code> from the install fix archive and copy it to <code>{{p|game}}</code>, overwriting the old file.
# The Official Win 10 Install Fix is now Complete
+
'''Notes:'''
# Install [http://dune2k.com/Duniverse/Games/Emperor/Downloads/Patches Patch 1.09].
+
{{ii}} This fix also applies to certain computer configurations which existed during the game's original release, which were incompatible with SafeDisc.
 +
}}
  
 +
===Patches===
 +
{{ii}} [http://dune2k.com/Duniverse/Games/Emperor/Downloads/Patches Patch 1.09] updates the game to the latest version.
  
 
===Skip intro videos===
 
===Skip intro videos===
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Delete or rename the file <code>{{p|game}}\DATA\MOVIES\LEGALS.BIK</code>
 
Delete or rename the file <code>{{p|game}}\DATA\MOVIES\LEGALS.BIK</code>
 
}}
 
}}
 
 
===Lag fix in Windows 8/10===
 
===Lag fix in Windows 8/10===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Follow the procedure|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Follow the procedure|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
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# [http://dege.freeweb.hu/dgVoodoo2/dgVoodoo2/ Download dgVoodoo2] and unpack it.
 
# [http://dege.freeweb.hu/dgVoodoo2/dgVoodoo2/ Download dgVoodoo2] and unpack it.
 
# Locate the file "dgVoodooSetup.exe" inside the MS folder.
 
# Locate the file "dgVoodooSetup.exe" inside the MS folder.
# Copy and paste the files in the base game directory. By default, it's "C:/Westwood/Emperor".
+
# Copy and paste the files in the base game directory.
 
# Run "dgVoodooSetup.exe" in the game base folder.
 
# Run "dgVoodooSetup.exe" in the game base folder.
# An application will open: select your appropriate graphics card from the drop-down menu in "Adapters to use/enable"; in "Appearance," choose "Centered". Now click on the "DirectX" tab above. New options will appear, input "512 MB" in the "VRAM" menu. Deselect "dgVoodoo watermark". Click on the "apply" button, then press "OK."  
+
# An application will open: select your appropriate graphics card from the drop down menu in "Adapters to use/enable"; in "Apperance," choose "Centered". Now click on the "DirectX" tab above. New options will appear: input "512 MB" in the "VRAM" menu. Deselect "dgVoodoo watermark". Click on the "apply" button, then press "OK."  
 
# Run the game. Notice the main menu will still lag, but the game itself will run fine.
 
# Run the game. Notice the main menu will still lag, but the game itself will run fine.
}}
 
 
 
===Playing with out CDs & restoring cutscenes===
 
 
(There has been serious misinformation surrounding this subject that needs addressing)
 
*The official SafeDisk patches (SETUP.exe/EMEPROR.exe) only remove the advanced SafeDisk checks that broke under Windows 10.
 
*Several generic volume label CD checks persist during campaign selection even after the official install fixes are applied.
 
*The patch was never meant to remove the CD requirement, only restore playability.
 
*THERE IS NO '''OFFICIAL''' WAY TO PLAY WITHOUT A CD. You will have to source the '''UNOFFICIAL''' GAME.EXE patch (Google it)
 
*The following steps only work to restore cutscenes when using the '''UNOFFICIAL''' GAME.exe patch
 
*These facts were carelessly omitted in the original version of this article.
 
 
 
 
 
{{Fixbox|description=Follow the procedure carefully |
 
 
comment= The previous version of this section was factually incorrect and responsible for hundreds of misguided forum queries I've had to correct in community circles for over the past 5 years. The SafeDisk patch only removes SafeDisk, it does not remove all CD checks outright, leaving several volume label checks behind. You cannot get NOCD to work using official sources, editing "resource.cfg" and moving the files over alone. A third cracked "Game.EXE" is required. If it is against the rules to discuss this it is best to delete this entire sub-section as everything mentioned is invalidated and made pointless because none of it is possible without. Resource.cfg was intended to let the player move the cutscenes to their hard drive to improve load times, they were still expected to keep the CD in the tray to prove ownership of the game. This was normal in 2001 even though it seems absurd now. It just turned out to be a matter of convenience that we can use the resource.cfg to direct the game to it's cutscenes after a NOCD patch is applied. This was never the intent. Had I know this was where the source of bad information was coming from I would have acted sooner. The original guide fails to mention it depends on unofficial modified executables and has been out for so long it has resulted in a persistent belief the game can be made to run without CD's using only official resources. I can't. I can only assume the author pirated a copy of the game that came with the crack already and was unaware of the fact when they wrote this guide. I've already had to correct this article once and someone came back around and reversed the corrections. Please if you value correct information leave my changes applied. If you take issue with my references to unofficial sources remove this section entirely as the NOCD section was giving the wrong impression that NOCD works with official sources. }}
 
 
# Source the unofficial 1.09 NOCD GAME.EXE and copy over the original GAME.EXE.
 
# Applying this patch breaks cutscenes(because they are on the CDs) You will have to follow the remaining steps below to restore cutscenes in-game.
 
# Copy the contents of the game disks 2, 3, and 4 into separate folders in the games directory, e.g. CD2, CD3, and CD4.
 
# Edit the file <code>{{p|game}}\resource.cfg</code>. Look for the following section, where the letter <code>X:\</code> represents the drive you installed the game from:
 
<pre>
 
CD1
 
.\data\
 
 
CD2
 
X:\
 
 
CD3
 
X:\
 
 
CD4
 
X:\
 
</pre>
 
8. Replace the letter <code>X:\</code> with the respective folders for each disk, e.g.
 
Make sue you do the same for the Movies files as well.
 
<pre>
 
CD1
 
.\data\
 
 
CD2
 
.\CD2\
 
 
CD3
 
.\CD3\
 
 
CD4
 
.\CD4\
 
</pre>
 
9. Save the file and run the game.
 
 
 
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
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|fov                        = n/a
 
|fov                        = n/a
 
|fov notes                  =  
 
|fov notes                  =  
|windowed                  = hackable
+
|windowed                  = false
|windowed notes            = Use [http://dege.freeweb.hu/dgVoodoo2/dgVoodoo2.html dgVoodoo 2]
+
|windowed notes            =  
 
|borderless windowed        = unknown
 
|borderless windowed        = unknown
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
 
|borderless windowed notes  =  
Line 359: Line 314:
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 
|windows exe notes      =  
 
|windows exe notes      =  
|macos 32-bit app       =  
+
|macos intel 32-bit app =  
|macos 64-bit app       =  
+
|macos intel 64-bit app =  
 
|macos app notes        =  
 
|macos app notes        =  
 
|linux 32-bit executable=  
 
|linux 32-bit executable=  
Line 403: Line 358:
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}
[[Category:Pages with corrupt images]]
 

Revision as of 17:54, 19 January 2022

Emperor: Battle for Dune
Emperor: Battle for Dune cover
Developers
Westwood Studios
Intelligent Games
Publishers
Electronic Arts
Engines
Xanadu
Release dates
Windows June 12, 2001
Taxonomy
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives Bird's-eye view
Controls Multiple select, Point and select
Genres RTS
Themes Sci-fi
Series Dune
Emperor: Battle for Dune on HowLongToBeat
Emperor: Battle for Dune on MobyGames
Emperor: Battle for Dune on Wikipedia
Dune
Dune 1992
Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty 1992
Dune 2000 1998
Emperor: Battle for Dune 2001
Frank Herbert's Dune 2001
OpenRA (unofficial) 2010
Dune: Spice Wars 2023
Dune: Imperium 2024
Dune: Awakening TBA

Emperor: Battle for Dune is an RTS game made by Westwood Studios and Intelligent Games. It is the last game by Westwood Studios set in the Dune universe. Unlike Dune 2000 which was a remake of Dune II, Emperor: Battle for Dune was a proper sequel that took place after the storyline of the original, featuring entirely different factions as opposed to ones sharing most of their arsenals. It was the first Westwood-branded RTS to use a 3D engine, but it used Intelligent Games' Xanadu engine rather than Westwood's then-in development W3D, contrary to subsequent beliefs. It was distributed on 4 CD-ROMs, one for installation and the other three for each faction's campaign.

Due to security updates to Windows 10 and later and certain prior versions of Windows, the game will not run without using the official install fix due to an un-fixed version using SafeDisc. This fix was originally intended for computer configurations at the time of release which were incompatible with SafeDisc despite the then-available versions of Windows still supporting it.

General information

Dune2K.com - A major Dune fansite with an active community

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
CD key
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
SafeDisc v2 DRM and CD-ROM volume label check. SafeDisc is removed with the official install fix; see Bypassing SafeDisc
Windows

Essential improvements

Bypassing SafeDisc

The game will not run on Windows 10 and later and certain prior versions of Windows without using an official installation fix (see the SafeDisc DRM article for more information).
Follow the procedure[1]
  1. Copy the contents of disc 1 to the hard drive.
  2. Replace the setup executable with the one from the official install fix.
  3. Install the game using the new setup executable.
  4. Install Patch 1.09.
  5. Extract the file EMPEROR.EXE from the install fix archive and copy it to <path-to-game>, overwriting the old file.

Notes:

This fix also applies to certain computer configurations which existed during the game's original release, which were incompatible with SafeDisc.

Patches

Patch 1.09 updates the game to the latest version.

Skip intro videos

Delete/rename video files[citation needed]

Delete or rename the file <path-to-game>\DATA\MOVIES\LEGALS.BIK

Lag fix in Windows 8/10

Follow the procedure[citation needed]

The game lags terribly in modern operating systems, such as Windows 8 and 10. In order to fix this, you have to use "dgVoodoo 2" by Dege. Follow the instructions in this video (Dark Ruler fix). The game will now run at 60 FPS in Windows 8 and 10. (Note: the program may be detected as malware; the developer of the program (Dege) asserts that it's merely a false positive).

  1. Download dgVoodoo2 and unpack it.
  2. Locate the file "dgVoodooSetup.exe" inside the MS folder.
  3. Copy and paste the files in the base game directory.
  4. Run "dgVoodooSetup.exe" in the game base folder.
  5. An application will open: select your appropriate graphics card from the drop down menu in "Adapters to use/enable"; in "Apperance," choose "Centered". Now click on the "DirectX" tab above. New options will appear: input "512 MB" in the "VRAM" menu. Deselect "dgVoodoo watermark". Click on the "apply" button, then press "OK."
  6. Run the game. Notice the main menu will still lag, but the game itself will run fine.

Game data

Game options
Game options

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Westwood\Emperor\Options\[Note 1]

Save game data location

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

Video

Advanced video settings
Advanced video settings

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
Forcing a resolution other than 4:3 results in a cropped screen. See the WSGF entry.
Multi-monitor
Ultra-widescreen
4K Ultra HD
Field of view (FOV)
Windowed
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Can be forced in video card's Control Panel or by using dgVoodoo 2.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
60 FPS and 120+ FPS
UI animations are framerate dependent and seem to be intended for 30 FPS, playing twice as fast as they should at 60 FPS and four times as fast at 120 FPS.

Input

Input settings
Input settings

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Mouse controls can't be changed. LMB is for selection/orders, RMB is deselection/viewport panning, LMB+RMB viewport rotation.
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Touchscreen optimised
Depends on system to co-operate. Only if touch input doubles as mouse input (tapping = LMB, holding = RMB, etc.). No special touch-screen controls or touch-screen control-overlay
Controller
Controller support
Controller types

Audio

Audio settings
Audio settings

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Music, Sound and Voice
Surround sound
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
French
German
Korean
Traditional Chinese

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
8 Versus
Online play
4 Versus

Other information

API

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

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Cutscenes Bink Video
Multiplayer Westwood Online

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 95
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium II 400 MHz
System memory (RAM) 64 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 600 MB
Video card (GPU) 16 MB of VRAM
DirectX 7 compatible


Notes

  1. Applications writing to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE will be redirected to other locations based on various criterias, see the glossary page for more details.
  2. When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below %PROGRAMFILES%, %PROGRAMDATA%, or %WINDIR% might be redirected to %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore on Windows Vista and later (more details).

References

  1. Verified by User:Plokite Wolf on 2021-10-14