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Difference between revisions of "Evil Genius"

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−
{{infobox
+
{{Infobox game
−
| title       = Evil Genius
+
|cover       = Evil Genius Cover.png
−
| cover        = Evilgeniuscover.png
+
|developers  =  
−
| developer    = [[Elixir Studios]]
+
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Elixir Studios}}
−
| publisher   = [[Sierra Entertainment]] (2004-2006) <br /> [[Rebellion Developments]] (2006-present)
+
|publishers  =
−
| released    = {{vgrelease|NA=28 September 2004}}{{vgrelease|EU=1 October 2004}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sierra Entertainment|2004-2008}}
−
| genre        = [[God game]], [[Real-time strategy]]
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Rebellion Developments|2008-present}}
−
| modes       = [[Single-player]]
+
|engines      =
−
| ratings     = [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]]: Teen (T)<br>[[Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]: 12+
+
|release dates=  
−
| platforms    = [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Onlive]]
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|September 28, 2004}}
−
| media        = [[Compact Disc|CD]] (2), [[Steam (software)|Steam]]
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|May 9, 2013|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/news/mac_game_update_10_new_additions|title=Mac Game Update: 10 New Classic Additions - GOG.com|date=May 2023}}</ref>}}
−
| requirements =
+
|taxonomy    =  
−
| input       = [[Keyboard (computing)|Keyboard]] & [[Mouse (computing)|Mouse]]
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase }}
−
| version      = 1.01 <small>(as of November 11, 2004)</small>
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
−
| composer    = [[James Hannigan]]<references>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/08_19_04_09_24AM.htm |title="Evil Genius" and "Freelancer" Composer James Hannigan is Determined to Score Part 1 |last=Bedigian | first=Louis |publisher=GameZone |accessdate=2008-09-25}}</references><references>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/08_24_04_10_27AM.htm |title="Evil Genius" and "Freelancer" Composer James Hannigan is Determined to Score Part 2 |last=Bedigian |first=Louis |publisher=GameZone |accessdate=2008-09-25}}</references>
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes             | Singleplayer }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives     | Bird's-eye view }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Point and select }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Building, RTS }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles       | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Comedy, Contemporary }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Evil Genius }}
 +
|reception    =  
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|evil-genius|75}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|evil-genius|83}}
 +
|steam appid  = 3720
 +
|gogcom id    = 1207658775
 +
|strategywiki = Evil Genius
 +
|lutris      = evil-genius
 +
|hltb        = 3242
 +
|mobygames    = 16192
 +
|wikipedia    = Evil Genius (video game)
 +
|winehq      = 2131
 +
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
−
'''''Evil Genius''''' is a [[single player]] [[real-time strategy]] and [[Simulation game|simulation]] [[video game]] developed by [[Elixir Studios]] and published by [[Sierra Entertainment]], released on 28 September [[2004 in video gaming|2004]]. The game is inspired by the spy thriller genre (notably the [[James Bond (film series)|James Bond]] film series). Similarly to [[Dungeon Keeper]], the game turns the traditional plotline on its head, with the player acting as the villain, evading the comically stereotyped forces of justice. Gameplay revolves around the player building an island fortress and achieving clichéd world domination.
 
  
−
Since 2 March 2006, the intellectual property rights of the game are owned by [[Rebellion Developments]].<references>{{cite web|url=http://www.n1nj4.com/viewtopic.php?p=185733#185733|title=Rebellion - Bought EG Rights!|first=Alex|date=March 2, 2006|accessdate=2000-09-06}}</references><references>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=142966 |title=Demis Hassabis, part two |last=Sefton |first=Jamie |date=July 14, 2006 |publisher=Computer and Video Games |accessdate=2009-09-06}}</references>
+
{{Introduction
−
==Gameplay==
+
|introduction      =  
−
''Evil Genius'' focuses on building an island lair and the management of minions that are employed by the Evil Genius, allowing the player to progress through the main storyline with achieving world domination as the end goal of the game. Although not explicitly stated the use of historic regions (the [[Eastern Bloc]]) and events (such as the [[Cuban Missile Crisis]]) within the game suggest that it is set in the 1960s and 70s and that the game is progressing through an alternate timeline.
 
  
−
The player is represented in game as one of three selectable evil geniuses: Maximilian, Alexis or Shen Yu.
+
|release history  =
  
−
=== The Lair ===
+
|current state    =  
−
Similarly to [[Dungeon Keeper]], Evil Genius has the player construct a lair and employ minions to defend against protagonists (the forces of justice). The lair is built on a remote island of indeterminate location (although it is visited by a surprisingly large amount of tourists,) and is composed of a number of different rooms and objects which perform various functions. As the player progresses through the game, new rooms and objects become available.
+
}}
 +
 
 +
'''General information'''
 +
{{GOG.com links|1207658775|evil_genius}}
 +
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/3720/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 +
 
 +
==Availability==
 +
{{Availability|
 +
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc check | {{DRM|SecuROM|5}}. | | Windows, OS X}}
 +
{{Availability/row| GamersGate | evil-genius | Steam | | | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | evil_genius | DRM-free | Mac version is available once added to your library despite the store page showing Windows only and not Mac (except for a small Mac notice under the system requirements section). | | Windows, OS X}}
 +
{{Availability/row| GMG | evil-genius | Steam | | | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Steam | 3720 | Steam | | | Windows}}
 +
{{Availability/row| ZOOM | evil-genius | DRM-free | | | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Developer | https://games.rebellionstore.com/it/product/view/evil-genius | Steam | | | Windows | unavailable }}
 +
}}
 +
{{ii}} A free demo version is available from [http://sierrahelp.com/Misc/Demos.html#E SierraHelp].
 +
 
 +
==Essential improvements==
 +
===Skip intro videos===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Skip Intro|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/forum/evil_genius/quick_guide_on_how_to_skip_the_intro|title=Intro Skip Instructions|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
 +
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration files location]].
 +
# Open {{File|concept.cfg}} with a text editor.
 +
# Find the following lines and set them to these values.
 +
 
 +
<pre>
 +
StartupState=1
 +
CopyrightScreenDuration=0
 +
</pre>
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Patches===
 +
====[https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/404-evil-genius-pcgamingwiki-patch/ PCGamingWiki Patch]====
 +
{{++}} Contains all the official fixes and most tweaks, new fixes, along with the extra bonus content.
 +
 
 +
====[http://wiki.n1nj4.com/index.php?title=Official_Patch Official 1.01]====
 +
{{ii}} The official patch for the game released by Elixir Studios.
 +
::*[https://patches-scrolls.de/patch/1501/7/42916/download European Version]
 +
::*[https://patches-scrolls.de/patch/1501/7/42915/download American Version]
 +
 
 +
==Game data==
 +
{{Image|Evil Genius General.png|In-game general settings.}}
 +
 
 +
===Configuration file(s) location===
 +
{{Game data|
 +
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\DynamicResources\Config}}
 +
{{Game data/config|OS X|}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Save game data location===
 +
{{Game data|
 +
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\DynamicResources\Layouts\}}
 +
{{Game data/saves|OS X|}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 +
{{Save game cloud syncing
 +
|discord                  =
 +
|discord notes            =
 +
|epic games launcher      =
 +
|epic games launcher notes =
 +
|gog galaxy                = false
 +
|gog galaxy notes          =
 +
|origin                    =
 +
|origin notes              =
 +
|steam cloud              = false
 +
|steam cloud notes        =
 +
|ubisoft connect          =
 +
|ubisoft connect notes    =
 +
|xbox cloud                =
 +
|xbox cloud notes          =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Video==
 +
{{Image|Evil Genius General Video.png|In-game general video settings.}}
 +
{{Image|Evil Genius Advanced Video.png|In-game advanced video settings.}}
 +
{{Video
 +
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/evil-genius
 +
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
 +
|multimonitor wsgf award    = limited
 +
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = incomplete
 +
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 +
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
 +
|widescreen resolution notes= See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 +
|multimonitor              = hackable
 +
|multimonitor notes        = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 +
|ultrawidescreen            = unknown
 +
|ultrawidescreen notes      =
 +
|4k ultra hd                = hackable
 +
|4k ultra hd notes          = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 +
|fov                        = hackable
 +
|fov notes                  = Change the '''Max Camera Height'''. See [[#Custom camera height|Custom camera height]].
 +
|windowed                  = hackable
 +
|windowed notes            = See [[#Windowed|Windowed]].
 +
|borderless windowed        = hackable
 +
|borderless windowed notes  = Fixes {{key|Alt|Tab}} crashes. When out of focus the game will appear as paused.<br>See [[Glossary:Borderless fullscreen windowed|Borderless fullscreen windowed]].
 +
|anisotropic                = false
 +
|anisotropic notes          =
 +
|antialiasing              = unknown
 +
|antialiasing notes        =
 +
|upscaling                  = unknown
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 +
|vsync                      = true
 +
|vsync notes                =
 +
|60 fps                    = true
 +
|60 fps notes              =
 +
|120 fps                    = true
 +
|120 fps notes              = No [[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)|FPS]] cap. Performance hits are to be expected with more entities.
 +
|hdr                        = unknown
 +
|hdr notes                  =
 +
|color blind                = unknown
 +
|color blind notes          =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Widescreen resolution|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Download the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/509-universal-resolution-changer/ Universal Resolution Changer] and extract it to {{file|{{p|game}}\ReleaseExe|folder}}
 +
# Open {{file|resolution.ini}} and set the desired values.
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
{{ii}} A "Elixir App D3D: Genreic App Error" message may be shown on initial start-up when editing resolutions higher than 1920*1080, preventing the game from starting. This is caused by Discord, close Discord and restart the game. Discord can be opened again after the game has reached the title screen and this error disappears after first start-up and Discord can be freely used without closing it first on subsequent start-ups.{{cn|date=2021-04-15|reason=}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Through the resolution changer|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Download the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/509-universal-resolution-changer/ Universal Resolution Changer] and extract it to {{file|{{p|game}}\ReleaseExe|folder}}
 +
# Open {{file|resolution.ini}} and look for the line <code>Windowed</code>, then change it to <code>Windowed=1</code>
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Input==
 +
{{Image|Evil Genius Controls.png|In-game general control settings.}}
 +
{{Image|Evil Genius Remapping.png|In-game key map settings.}}
 +
{{Input
 +
|key remap                = true
 +
|key remap notes          =
 +
|acceleration option      = false
 +
|acceleration option notes =
 +
|mouse sensitivity        = unknown
 +
|mouse sensitivity notes  =
 +
|mouse menu                = true
 +
|mouse menu notes          =
 +
|invert mouse y-axis      = false
 +
|invert mouse y-axis notes =
 +
|touchscreen              = unknown
 +
|touchscreen notes        =
 +
|controller support        = false
 +
|controller support notes  =
 +
|full controller          = unknown
 +
|full controller notes    =
 +
|controller remap          = unknown
 +
|controller remap notes    =
 +
|controller sensitivity    = unknown
 +
|controller sensitivity notes=
 +
|invert controller y-axis  = unknown
 +
|invert controller y-axis notes=
 +
|xinput controllers        = unknown
 +
|xinput controllers notes  =
 +
|xbox prompts              = unknown
 +
|xbox prompts notes        =
 +
|impulse triggers          = unknown
 +
|impulse triggers notes    =
 +
|dualshock 4              = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 notes        =
 +
|dualshock prompts        = unknown
 +
|dualshock prompts notes  =
 +
|light bar support        = unknown
 +
|light bar support notes  =
 +
|dualshock 4 modes        = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 modes notes  =
 +
|tracked motion controllers= unknown
 +
|tracked motion controllers notes =
 +
|tracked motion prompts    = unknown
 +
|tracked motion prompts notes =
 +
|other controllers        = unknown
 +
|other controllers notes  =
 +
|other button prompts      = unknown
 +
|other button prompts notes=
 +
|controller hotplug        = unknown
 +
|controller hotplug notes  =
 +
|haptic feedback          = unknown
 +
|haptic feedback notes    =
 +
|simultaneous input        = unknown
 +
|simultaneous input notes  =
 +
|steam input api          = unknown
 +
|steam input api notes    =
 +
|steam hook input          = unknown
 +
|steam hook input notes    =
 +
|steam input presets      = unknown
 +
|steam input presets notes =
 +
|steam controller prompts  = unknown
 +
|steam controller prompts notes =
 +
|steam cursor detection    = unknown
 +
|steam cursor detection notes =
 +
}}
  
−
There are two islands that the player inhabits through the course of the game; the first is a desert like island that contains small shacks and steer skulls, and the second is a larger, more tropical island with palm trees and [[Tiki]] heads, with a volcano in the middle of the island.
+
==Audio==
 +
{{Image|Evil Genius Audio.png|In-game audio settings.}}
 +
{{Audio
 +
|separate volume          = true
 +
|separate volume notes    =
 +
|surround sound          = true
 +
|surround sound notes    = Up to 7.1 output.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050323131640/http://www.soundblaster.com/resources/read.asp?articleid=115&page=2&cat=3|title=World Dominating Audio in Evil Genius - SoundBlaster|date=May 2023}}</ref>
 +
|subtitles                = false
 +
|subtitles notes          =
 +
|closed captions          = false
 +
|closed captions notes    =
 +
|mute on focus lost      = always on
 +
|mute on focus lost notes =
 +
|eax support              = true
 +
|eax support notes        = EAX 4
 +
|royalty free audio      = always on
 +
|royalty free audio notes =
 +
}}
  
−
There are several different rooms that can be constructed over the course of the game, which serve a variety of functions. There are various rooms for minions which restore their stats and determine how many minions can be recruited. Training facilities allow the training of more advanced and specialized minions. Research is conducted in a laboratory and is needed for scientists to conduct experiments in, allowing for new items, and progress in the game's storyline.<references>http://eggaming.ucoz.com/index/evil_genius_rooms_information/0-4</references>
+
{{L10n|content=
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = English
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = French
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = German
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    = See [[#Enabling speech on the German_version|Enabling speech on the German version]].
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Italian
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Spanish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
−
Traps and other defenses can be used to prevent enemy agents from entering the base to gather evidence, steal money or sabotage equipment. Some traps can harm or kill the interlopers, while others can confuse them, eventually making them leave the island empty handed. Traps include flamethrowers, various gas and beehive traps, and an electroshock trap that uses a [[Tesla coil]]. The player is rewarded with money when an enemy agent triggers a trap and will receive extra money for combining traps to form a chain reaction.
+
==Issues fixed==
 +
===Corrupt main menu screen and missing audio===
 +
{{ii}} This is caused by the Windows region format setting being set to '''English (UK)'''.
  
−
A goal of some players is to create an infinite trap loop, causing monetary gains and tying up enemies for longer periods of time. The most effective traps are non-lethal, often referred to as "Über Traps".<references>http://wiki.n1nj4.com/index.php?title=%C3%9Cber-trap</references> These traps use detailed knowledge of the physics of each trap, usually combined with a lure and an air blast to force enemies into them. A popular strategy is the "Freak Trigger"<references>http://wiki.n1nj4.com/index.php?title=Freak_Trigger</references> which keeps traps running whether they are occupied or not.
+
===Crash when pushing the research button===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Go to {{file|{{p|game}}\DynamicResources\Layouts\|folder}}
 +
# Open the desired save game with a text editor.
 +
# Push {{key|Ctrl|H}} and in the '''Find''' field, type '''ResearchSubject=0''' and in the '''Replace with''' field, type '''ResearchSubject=12008'''.
 +
# Click on the '''Replace''' button.
 +
# Launch the game and load the desired save game, then open the research screen and click on the door icon, located at the top.
 +
# Cancel the door research by clicking on the red icon.
 +
}}
  
−
=== Minions and Henchmen ===
+
===Enabling speech on the German version===
−
Players have no direct control over minions but can interact with them using Henchmen and the Evil Genius. Construction workers are the basic minions and can be trained to specialize in one of three fields: military, scientific or social. Each field has three successive minion levels with the third level having two unique branches.<references>http://eggaming.ucoz.com/index/evil_genius_minions/0-6</references>
+
{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration files location]].
 +
# Open {{File|concept.cfg}}.
 +
# Find the following lines and set them to these values or add them if they are missing.
  
−
Henchmen are the only units (other than the Evil Genius) that the player has direct control over. Henchmen are stronger than conventional minions and can be upgraded with two special moves after gaining enough experience. If a Henchman's health is reduced to zero, he or she will simply collapse for a short time before becoming active again. However, if a super agent kills a henchman three times, the henchman dies permanently.<references>http://eggaming.ucoz.com/index/evil_genius_henchmen/0-8</references>
+
<pre>
 +
[Sound]
 +
PlayFeedback=true
 +
PlayNewsflashes=true
 +
</pre>
 +
}}
  
−
=== Super Agents ===
+
===The Direct3D device has a non-zero reference===
−
These agents of justice are the only units that can take Henchmen units permanently out of the game. If played strategically it is possible to take out each Super Agent using their unique weaknesses before the next agent starts investigating as each is triggered based on the player's level of notoriety. <references>http://wiki.n1nj4.com/index.php?title=Super_Agents</references>
+
{{Fixbox|description=Deleteting configuration file|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration files location]].
 +
# Delete {{File|Current.opt}}.
 +
# Follow the [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]] instructions in order to set up a custom resolution.
 +
}}
  
−
=== World Domination and Acts of Infamy ===
+
===Generic Application Error===
−
The ultimate goal of the game is to construct a "super weapon", a device insidious enough to make the world capitulate to the evil genius's will. To achieve this, blueprints and parts must be stolen from particular regions and brought to the island, by committing "Acts of Infamy". These missions are carried out off the island. The player has no direct control over the mission, but can increase the chance of success by allocating more minions to the mission.
+
{{Fixbox|description=Install the [[DirectX#Legacy versions|DirectX 9.0c end-user runtime]]|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
}}
  
−
Aside from the main storyline, other missions are available with the objective to steal loot, kidnap civilians, or simply to cause general havoc in the world at large. All of these Acts increase the notoriety of the player, by varying amounts. Some Acts of Infamy are references to historical events, such as the [[Cuban Missile Crisis]], while others are comical, such as a mission in which the player must destroy [[Nashville, Tennessee]] in an effort to rid the world of country music, which is described as an act of [[humanitarianism]].
+
===Missing grass (Windows 8)===
−
Funds can also be earned by deploying minions in regions of the world to steal from them or discover new missions by plotting in the region
+
{{Fixbox|description=Run the game in [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]] for Windows Vista.|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Playtime not being tracked (Steam)===
 +
{{ii}} By default, Steam only counts time while the game's launcher is active. To fix this, configure Steam to launch the actual game executable instead. Note time will nonetheless only be counted in fullscreen mode.
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Name|ref={{cn|date=2021-07-30|reason=}}|fix=
 +
#Open the Steam Properties of the game Evil Genius (right-clicking the icon is a common method to access the Properties).
 +
#Under ''Launch Options'', enter the following line, but adapt if the game's actual file location is different:
 +
<pre>/c "C:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Evil Genius\ReleaseExe\EvilGeniusExeStub-Release.exe"</pre>
 +
}}
  
−
The world is divided into five regions controlled by different [[government]] [[counter-terrorist]] agencies. Stealing from a region, along with committing acts of infamy, will accumulate "Heat", based on the severity of operations. The alliances controlling the region will respond by dispatching agents to the player's island, with more skilled and more dangerous invaders being sent from regions of high heat. These range from investigators, who will try to uncover illegal operations, to saboteurs who will destroy parts of the base, to thieves who will attempt to steal back stolen items, to soldiers who will assault criminal minions.
+
==Other information==
 +
===Enabling the developer console===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration files location]].
 +
# Open {{File|Default.ksb}} and {{File|Current.ksb}} with a text editor.
 +
# Add the following line near the end of the file, before the three hypens.
  
−
Each alliance has a ''Super Agent'', parodies of the [[protagonist]]s found in many [[action movie]]s, [[spy film]]s, and [[Hong Kong action cinema|martial arts movies]]. Some notable examples are Jet Chan, a parody of Bruce Lee, [[Jackie Chan]] and [[Jet Li]], and John Steele, parody of [[James Bond]] and [[Remington Steele]]. These Agents are more dangerous than normal, as they cannot be killed by normal means and can kill henchmen over time. The player must complete a special mission related to each Super Agent to be able to remove them from play, usually in an equally satiric fashion, like turning a thin woman into a fat one.
+
<pre>
 +
ToggleDebugCommands:Ctrl+D
 +
</pre>
  
−
==Reception==
+
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} While playing push {{key|Ctrl|D}} once, then press {{key|~}} or {{key|\}} to open the console.
 +
}}
  
−
Evil Genius has an aggregate total of 77% and 75% out of a possible 100 on both GameRankings and Metacrtitic respectively, which indicates "generally favourable reviews." Most critics praised the game for its humour and unique take on the god-game genre, but also criticised it for its frustrating micromanagement and annoying bugs.
+
===Increased Camera Zoom===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration files location]].
 +
# Open {{File|concept.cfg}} with a text editor.
 +
# Find the following line and set it to this value.
  
−
GameSpot gave the game a 7.3 out of 10, stating that "while Evil Genius' dry, campy humor is often amusing from the start, it takes quite a bit of time and effort to pull off acts of infamy and establish your notoriety among global powers" and states "Evil Genius is hampered by some frustratingly haphazard pacing as well as issues with the artificial intelligence of your minions."
+
<pre>
 +
[GameCamera]
 +
MaxHeight=65.0
 +
</pre>
 +
}}
  
−
IGN gave Evil Genius a 7.8 out of 10. The reveiwer stating that "Evil Genius hearkens back to the glorious Bullfrog creation Dungeon Keeper. Not only did it have us building a base underground (far, far underground), but also put us in the shoes of a sadistic dungeon master with imps, demons, and horned reapers to "control." There are quite a few differences in the two titles, but the influence is certainly there" but stated that "Had there been more interactivity with during acts of infamy on the World Domination Map, less micromanagement for taking care of enemies, more information passing between the map and the base screens, and more useful information about why things happened the way they did, Evil Genius really could have been genius... but in a good way."
+
===Changing the default Debug.log location===
 +
{{--}} By default on Windows this file is created into the main drive.
  
−
EuroGamer have Evil Genius a 7 out of 10, commenting that "even as we sit here picking over the carcass, we're not actually all that angry about the things that are wrong with the game. They're bad on paper, but they didn't interfere hugely with our having fun - a sure sign that that Evil Genius overcomes its flaws and ultimately satisfies."
+
{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration files location]].
 +
# Open {{File|concept.cfg}}.
 +
# Find the following line, then set it to the desired path.
 +
<pre>
 +
Debug output log file=YourPath
 +
</pre>
 +
}}
  
−
Evil Genius' music score, composed by [[James Hannigan]], received a [[British Academy of Film and Television Arts|BAFTA]] nomination for Best Original Music in 2004.
+
==Other information==
 +
===API===
 +
{{API
 +
|direct3d versions      = 9.0b
 +
|direct3d notes        =
 +
|directdraw versions    =
 +
|directdraw notes      =
 +
|opengl versions        =
 +
|opengl notes          =
 +
|glide versions        =
 +
|glide notes            =
 +
|software mode          =
 +
|software mode notes    =
 +
|mantle support        =
 +
|mantle support notes  =
 +
|metal support          =
 +
|metal support notes    =
 +
|vulkan versions        =
 +
|vulkan notes          =
 +
|dos modes              =
 +
|dos modes notes        =
 +
|shader model versions  =
 +
|shader model notes    =
 +
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 +
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = unknown
 +
|windows exe notes      =
 +
|mac os x powerpc app  = unknown
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app = unknown
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app = unknown
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 +
|macos app notes        =
 +
|linux 32-bit executable=
 +
|linux 64-bit executable=
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 +
|linux executable notes =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==System requirements==
 +
{{System requirements
 +
|OSfamily = Windows
 +
 
 +
|minOS    = 98SE
 +
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium III 800 MHz
 +
|minRAM  = 128 MB
 +
|minHD    = 1.4 GB
 +
|minGPU  = Nvidia GeForce 2
 +
|minVRAM  = 16 MB
 +
|minDX    = 9.0b
 +
 
 +
|recOS    = ME, 2000, XP
 +
|recCPU  = Intel Pentium 4 1.5 GHz
 +
|recRAM  = 256 MB
 +
|recGPU  = Nvidia GeForce 3
 +
|recVRAM  = 64 MB
 +
}}
  
−
== See also ==
+
{{References}}
−
* ''[[Dungeon Keeper]]''
 
−
* ''[[Startopia]]''
 
−
* ''[[Ghost Master]]''
 

Latest revision as of 11:27, 19 May 2023

Evil Genius
Evil Genius cover
Developers
Elixir Studios
Publishers
2004-2008 Sierra Entertainment
2008-present Rebellion Developments
Release dates
Windows September 28, 2004
macOS (OS X) May 9, 2013[1]
Reception
Metacritic 75
IGDB 83
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase
Modes Singleplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives Bird's-eye view
Controls Point and select
Genres Building, RTS
Themes Comedy, Contemporary
Series Evil Genius
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Evil Genius on HowLongToBeat
Evil Genius on IGDB
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Evil Genius guide on StrategyWiki
Evil Genius on MobyGames
Evil Genius on Wikipedia
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Evil Genius
Evil Genius 2004
Evil Genius 2: World Domination 2021

Evil Genius is a singleplayer bird's-eye view building and RTS game in the Evil Genius series.

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)
 SecuROM 5 DRM.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
GamersGate
Icon overlay.png
Windows
GOG.com
DRM-free
 Mac version is available once added to your library despite the store page showing Windows only and not Mac (except for a small Mac notice under the system requirements section).
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Green Man Gaming
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
Windows
ZOOM Platform
DRM-free
Windows
Developer website (unavailable)
Icon overlay.png
Windows
A free demo version is available from SierraHelp.

Essential improvements

Skip intro videos

Skip Intro[2]
  1. Go to the configuration files location.
  2. Open concept.cfg with a text editor.
  3. Find the following lines and set them to these values.
StartupState=1
CopyrightScreenDuration=0

Patches

PCGamingWiki Patch

Contains all the official fixes and most tweaks, new fixes, along with the extra bonus content.

Official 1.01

The official patch for the game released by Elixir Studios.

Game data

In-game general settings.
In-game general settings.

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\DynamicResources\Config[Note 1]
macOS (OS X)
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/3720/pfx/[Note 2]

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\DynamicResources\Layouts\[Note 1]
macOS (OS X)
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/3720/pfx/[Note 2]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
Steam Cloud

Video

In-game general video settings.
In-game general video settings.
In-game advanced video settings.
In-game advanced video settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
 See Widescreen resolution.
Multi-monitor
 
 See Widescreen resolution.
Ultra-widescreen
 
4K Ultra HD
 
 See Widescreen resolution.
Field of view (FOV)
Change the Max Camera Height. See Custom camera height.
Windowed
See Windowed.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Fixes Alt+Tab ↹ crashes. When out of focus the game will appear as paused.
See Borderless fullscreen windowed.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Vertical sync (Vsync)
60 FPS and 120+ FPS
No FPS cap. Performance hits are to be expected with more entities.
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Widescreen resolution

Widescreen resolution[citation needed]
  1. Download the Universal Resolution Changer and extract it to <path-to-game>\ReleaseExe
  2. Open resolution.ini and set the desired values.

Notes:

A "Elixir App D3D: Genreic App Error" message may be shown on initial start-up when editing resolutions higher than 1920*1080, preventing the game from starting. This is caused by Discord, close Discord and restart the game. Discord can be opened again after the game has reached the title screen and this error disappears after first start-up and Discord can be freely used without closing it first on subsequent start-ups.[citation needed]

Windowed

Through the resolution changer[citation needed]
  1. Download the Universal Resolution Changer and extract it to <path-to-game>\ReleaseExe
  2. Open resolution.ini and look for the line Windowed, then change it to Windowed=1

Input

In-game general control settings.
In-game general control settings.
In-game key map settings.
In-game key map settings.

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Controller types

Audio

In-game audio settings.
In-game audio settings.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
Up to 7.1 output.[3]
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
EAX support
EAX 4
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
French
German
See Enabling speech on the German version.
Italian
Spanish

Issues fixed

Corrupt main menu screen and missing audio

This is caused by the Windows region format setting being set to English (UK).

Crash when pushing the research button

Instructions[citation needed]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\DynamicResources\Layouts\
  2. Open the desired save game with a text editor.
  3. Push Ctrl+H and in the Find field, type ResearchSubject=0 and in the Replace with field, type ResearchSubject=12008.
  4. Click on the Replace button.
  5. Launch the game and load the desired save game, then open the research screen and click on the door icon, located at the top.
  6. Cancel the door research by clicking on the red icon.

Enabling speech on the German version

Instructions[citation needed]
  1. Go to the configuration files location.
  2. Open concept.cfg.
  3. Find the following lines and set them to these values or add them if they are missing.
[Sound]
PlayFeedback=true 
PlayNewsflashes=true

The Direct3D device has a non-zero reference

Deleteting configuration file[citation needed]
  1. Go to the configuration files location.
  2. Delete Current.opt.
  3. Follow the Widescreen resolution instructions in order to set up a custom resolution.

Generic Application Error

Install the DirectX 9.0c end-user runtime[citation needed]

Missing grass (Windows 8)

Run the game in compatibility mode for Windows Vista.[citation needed]

Playtime not being tracked (Steam)

By default, Steam only counts time while the game's launcher is active. To fix this, configure Steam to launch the actual game executable instead. Note time will nonetheless only be counted in fullscreen mode.
Name[citation needed]
  1. Open the Steam Properties of the game Evil Genius (right-clicking the icon is a common method to access the Properties).
  2. Under Launch Options, enter the following line, but adapt if the game's actual file location is different:
/c "C:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Evil Genius\ReleaseExe\EvilGeniusExeStub-Release.exe"

Other information

Enabling the developer console

Instructions[citation needed]
  1. Go to the configuration files location.
  2. Open Default.ksb and Current.ksb with a text editor.
  3. Add the following line near the end of the file, before the three hypens.
ToggleDebugCommands:Ctrl+D

Notes

While playing push Ctrl+D once, then press ~ or \ to open the console.

Increased Camera Zoom

Instructions[citation needed]
  1. Go to the configuration files location.
  2. Open concept.cfg with a text editor.
  3. Find the following line and set it to this value.
[GameCamera]
MaxHeight=65.0

Changing the default Debug.log location

By default on Windows this file is created into the main drive.
Instructions[citation needed]
  1. Go to the configuration files location.
  2. Open concept.cfg.
  3. Find the following line, then set it to the desired path.
Debug output log file=YourPath

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9.0b
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 98SE ME, 2000, XP
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium III 800 MHz Intel Pentium 4 1.5 GHz
System memory (RAM) 128 MB 256 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 1.4 GB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce 2
16 MB of VRAM
DirectX 9.0b compatible 		Nvidia GeForce 3
64 MB of VRAM


Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below %PROGRAMFILES%, %PROGRAMDATA%, or %WINDIR% might be redirected to %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore on Windows Vista and later (more details).
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

References

  1. ↑ Mac Game Update: 10 New Classic Additions - GOG.com - last accessed on May 2023
  2. ↑ Intro Skip Instructions - last accessed on May 2023
  3. ↑ World Dominating Audio in Evil Genius - SoundBlaster - last accessed on May 2023