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Difference between revisions of "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
m
 
(40 intermediate revisions by 15 users not shown)
Line 7: Line 7:
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sega}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sega}}
 
|engines      =  
 
|engines      =  
 +
{{Infobox game/row/engine|Sega NN Graphics Library|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Icup321|date=2020-06-28|comment=Confirmed via checking file formats and embedded strings in executable: <code>nn Ver 1.01.05 Build:Apr 24 2009 08:18:37</code>, <code>SEGA NN Library for DirectX G2.0</code>}}</ref>}}
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|January 19, 2012}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|January 19, 2012}}
 +
|reception    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-i|75}}
 +
|taxonomy    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Sonic the Hedgehog }}
 
|steam appid  = 202530
 
|steam appid  = 202530
−
|gogcom page  =  
+
|gogcom id    =  
−
|strategywiki =  
+
|official site= https://www.sega.com/games/sonic-hedgehog-4-episode-i
 +
|hltb        = 8791
 +
|lutris      = sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-i
 +
|mobygames    = 48575
 +
|strategywiki = Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I
 
|wikipedia    = Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I
 
|wikipedia    = Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I
−
|winehq      = 25647
+
|winehq      = 14050
 +
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Series|Sonic the Hedgehog}}
+
 
 +
'''Key points'''
 +
{{--}} Configuration tool requires installed Java runtime libraries in order to run despite not being stated in the game's system requirements. You can use [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1872-sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1-rewritten-launcher/ Sonic 4 Rewritten Launcher] as a non-Java alternative to configure the game.
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
−
{{mm}} [http://www.sega.com/games/sonic-hedgehog%E2%84%A2-4-episode-i Official site]
+
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/202530/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
−
{{mm}} [http://steamcommunity.com/app/202530/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
 +
{{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 1882-1 | Steam |  |  | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| Humble | sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-i | Steam | | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| Humble | sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-i | Steam | | | Windows }}
−
{{Availability/row| Steam | 202530 | Steam | | | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Steam | 202530 | DRM-free | | | Windows }}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{ii}} All versions require {{DRM|Steam}}.
+
 
 +
==Essential improvements==
 +
====[https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1872-sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1-rewritten-launcher/ Sonic 4 Rewritten Launcher]====
 +
{{++}} A C++ rewrite of the configuration tool for Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 that removes the dependency to have Java runtime libraries installed despite the actual game not using Java.
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
Line 41: Line 67:
 
===[[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
−
|origin               =  
+
|discord                  =
−
|origin notes         =  
+
|discord notes            =
−
|steam cloud           = false
+
|epic games launcher      =
−
|steam cloud notes    =  
+
|epic games launcher notes =
−
|uplay                =  
+
|gog galaxy                =
−
|uplay notes           =  
+
|gog galaxy notes          =
 +
|origin                   =  
 +
|origin notes             =  
 +
|steam cloud               = false
 +
|steam cloud notes        =
 +
|ubisoft connect          =
 +
|ubisoft connect notes    =  
 +
|xbox cloud                =  
 +
|xbox cloud notes         =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Video settings==
+
==Video==
 
{{Image|Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I - General.png|Configuration utility general settings.}}
 
{{Image|Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I - General.png|Configuration utility general settings.}}
−
{{Video settings
+
{{Video
−
|wsgf link                  = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/sonic-hedgehog-4-episode-i/en
+
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/sonic-hedgehog-4-episode-i/en
−
|widescreen wsgf award      = silver
+
|widescreen wsgf award      = gold
−
|multimonitor wsgf award    = incomplete
+
|multimonitor wsgf award    = limited
 
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = limited
 
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = limited
−
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
+
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = limited
 
|widescreen resolution      = true
 
|widescreen resolution      = true
−
|widescreen resolution notes= Game renders at 1280x720. See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
+
|widescreen resolution notes= Game renders internally at 1280x720. See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]] for rendering internally at 1080p.
 
|multimonitor              = unknown
 
|multimonitor              = unknown
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
 
|ultrawidescreen            = hackable
 
|ultrawidescreen            = hackable
−
|ultrawidescreen notes      = See the [http://www.wsgf.org/dr/sonic-hedgehog-4-episode-i/en WSGF entry].
+
|ultrawidescreen notes      = See the [https://www.wsgf.org/dr/sonic-hedgehog-4-episode-i/en WSGF entry].
−
|4k ultra hd                = unknown
+
|4k ultra hd                = true
−
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
+
|4k ultra hd notes          = See [[#4K Ultra HD Launcher Fixes|4K Ultra HD Launcher Fixes]] for fixing issues opening the configuration tool on a 4K monitor.
 
|fov                        = false
 
|fov                        = false
 
|fov notes                  =  
 
|fov notes                  =  
Line 74: Line 108:
 
|anisotropic notes          =  
 
|anisotropic notes          =  
 
|antialiasing              = hackable
 
|antialiasing              = hackable
−
|antialiasing notes        = Use {{code|0x000012C1}} compatibility flag with [https://ci.appveyor.com/project/Orbmu2k/nvidiaprofileinspector/build/artifacts Nvidia Profile Inspector].<ref>http://forums.guru3d.com/showpost.php?p=4641593&postcount=1248</ref>
+
|antialiasing notes        = Use {{code|0x000012C1}} compatibility flag with [[Nvidia Profile Inspector]].<ref>https://forums.guru3d.com/showpost.php?p=4641593&postcount=1248</ref>
−
|vsync                      = false
+
|upscaling                  = false
−
|vsync notes                = Always enabled.
+
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 +
|vsync                      = always on
 +
|vsync notes                =  
 
|60 fps                    = true
 
|60 fps                    = true
 
|60 fps notes              =  
 
|60 fps notes              =  
−
|120 fps                    = false
+
|120 fps                    = limited
−
|120 fps notes              = Uncapped frame rate, gameplay is capped at ~60 FPS.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Marioysikax|date=April 12, 2016}}</ref><br>Manually [[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)#Frame rate capping|cap the frame rate]] at 60 FPS if the game appears to stutter.
+
|120 fps notes              = Uncapped frame rate, gameplay is capped at ~60 FPS.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Marioysikax|date=April 12, 2016}}</ref><br>Manually [[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)#Frame rate capping|cap the frame rate]] at 60 FPS if the game appears to stutter. It is possible that on certain devices the gameplay can run at more than 120 in Windowed Mode.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Epicgames4|date=December 31, 2023|comment=Verified on a laptop with a 144.15 Hz monitor using Windows 11 Insider Preview 22635.2915 (ni_release).}}</ref><br>
−
|hdr                        = unknown
+
|hdr                        = false
 
|hdr notes                  =  
 
|hdr notes                  =  
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind                = unknown
Line 88: Line 125:
  
 
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
−
{{ii}} By default, game renders at 1280x720 and then upscales the content to match selected resolution. It's possible to raise the internal resolution to 1920x1080, however most 2D assets are done for 1280x720 and thus are upscaled regardless.
+
{{ii}} By default, game renders internally at 1280x720 and then upscales the content to match selected resolution. It's possible to raise the internal resolution to 1920x1080, however most 2D assets are done for 1280x720 and thus are upscaled regardless.
  
 
{{Fixbox|description=Replace files|ref=<ref>[https://www.forum-3dcenter.org/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=9937333&postcount=4998 3DCenter Forum - Einzelnen Beitrag anzeigen - Antialiasing - Kompatibilitätsbits - Sammelthread]</ref>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Replace files|ref=<ref>[https://www.forum-3dcenter.org/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=9937333&postcount=4998 3DCenter Forum - Einzelnen Beitrag anzeigen - Antialiasing - Kompatibilitätsbits - Sammelthread]</ref>|fix=
 
# Download this [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/584-sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-i-1080p-fix/ patched executable].
 
# Download this [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/584-sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-i-1080p-fix/ patched executable].
−
# Extract to {{code|{{p|game}}}}.
+
# Extract to {{Folder|{{p|game}}}}.
−
{{--}} Leaderboard can't be accessed and achievements can't be unlocked.<ref>http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=210551911</ref>
+
{{--}} Leaderboards can't be accessed and achievements can't be unlocked.<ref>https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=210551911</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
 
{{Image|Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I - Keyboard.png|Configuration utility keyboard remapping.}}
 
{{Image|Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I - Keyboard.png|Configuration utility keyboard remapping.}}
 
{{Image|Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I - Controller.png|Configuration utility controller settings.}}
 
{{Image|Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I - Controller.png|Configuration utility controller settings.}}
−
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
Line 130: Line 167:
 
|dualshock 4              = false
 
|dualshock 4              = false
 
|dualshock 4 notes        =  
 
|dualshock 4 notes        =  
−
|dualshock prompts        = unknown
+
|dualshock prompts        = false
 
|dualshock prompts notes  =  
 
|dualshock prompts notes  =  
 
|light bar support        = unknown
 
|light bar support        = unknown
Line 142: Line 179:
 
|other controllers        = false
 
|other controllers        = false
 
|other controllers notes  =  
 
|other controllers notes  =  
−
|other button prompts      = unknown
+
|other button prompts      = false
 
|other button prompts notes=  
 
|other button prompts notes=  
−
|button prompts            = Xbox
 
−
|button prompts notes      =
 
 
|controller hotplug        = true
 
|controller hotplug        = true
 
|controller hotplug notes  =  
 
|controller hotplug notes  =  
Line 154: Line 189:
 
|steam input api          = unknown
 
|steam input api          = unknown
 
|steam input api notes    =  
 
|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 =
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Audio settings==
+
==Audio==
 
{{Image|Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I - Audio.png|In-game audio settings.}}
 
{{Image|Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I - Audio.png|In-game audio settings.}}
−
{{Audio settings
+
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume notes    = Music, SFX
 
|separate volume notes    = Music, SFX
Line 170: Line 213:
 
|mute on focus lost notes = See [[#Mute on focus lost|Mute on focus lost]].
 
|mute on focus lost notes = See [[#Mute on focus lost|Mute on focus lost]].
 
|eax support              =  
 
|eax support              =  
−
|eax support notes        =  
+
|eax support notes         =
 +
|royalty free audio       = true
 +
|royalty free audio notes  =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 177: Line 222:
 
  |language  = English
 
  |language  = English
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
−
  |audio    = no
+
  |audio    = false
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
−
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
−
  |language  = Spanish
+
  |language  = French
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
−
  |audio    = no
+
  |audio    = false
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
−
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
−
  |language  = French
+
  |language  = German
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
−
  |audio    = no
+
  |audio    = false
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
−
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
−
  |language  = German
+
  |language  = Italian
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
−
  |audio    = no
+
  |audio    = false
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
−
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
−
  |language  = Italian
+
  |language  = Japanese
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
−
  |audio    = no
+
  |audio    = false
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
−
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
−
  |language  = Japanese
+
  |language  = Spanish
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
−
  |audio    = no
+
  |audio    = false
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
−
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
Line 232: Line 271:
 
===Mute on focus lost===
 
===Mute on focus lost===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Set mute in background|ref=<ref name="2017-09-18">{{Refcheck|user=Keith|date=2017-09-18}}</ref>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Set mute in background|ref=<ref name="2017-09-18">{{Refcheck|user=Keith|date=2017-09-18}}</ref>|fix=
−
# Install Special K by following the [http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=933337066 Special K Unofficial Guide]. Manual local installation may work better.
+
# Install Special K by following the [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=933337066 Special K Unofficial Guide]. Manual local installation may work better.
 
# Start the game and press {{key|Ctrl|Shift|Backspace}} to toggle Special K's Control Panel.
 
# Start the game and press {{key|Ctrl|Shift|Backspace}} to toggle Special K's Control Panel.
 
# Expand '''Window Management''' and '''Input/Output Behavior'''.
 
# Expand '''Window Management''' and '''Input/Output Behavior'''.
Line 239: Line 278:
  
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
 +
===4K Ultra HD Launcher Fixes===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Use Sonic 4 Rewritten Launcher|fix=
 +
{{ii}} See [[#Essential improvements|Sonic 4 Rewritten Launcher]] for running the launcher without compatibility fixes and without Java runtime dependencies.
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Change "SonicLauncher" Properties|fix=
 +
# Right click on {{File|{{p|game}}\SonicLauncher.exe}} and go to properties.
 +
# Go to compatibility and click on '''Change High DPI Settings'''.
 +
# Check '''Program DPI''' box.
 +
# Check '''High DPI Scaling Override''' box.
 +
# Choose '''Scaling Performed by: Application'''.
 +
# Apply and its done.
 +
{{ii}} Now the launcher should open normally and you will be able to change the resolution (up to 3840x2160 confirmed).
 +
}}
 
===Run the game at screen refresh rate===
 
===Run the game at screen refresh rate===
 
{{--}} Fullscreen mode defaults to 60&nbsp;Hz, even if the screen refresh rate is set higher than that.
 
{{--}} Fullscreen mode defaults to 60&nbsp;Hz, even if the screen refresh rate is set higher than that.
  
 
{{Fixbox|description=Set screen refresh rate|ref=<ref name="2017-09-18"/>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Set screen refresh rate|ref=<ref name="2017-09-18"/>|fix=
−
# Install Special K by following the [http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=933337066 Special K Unofficial Guide]. Manual local installation may work better.
+
# Install Special K by following the [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=933337066 Special K Unofficial Guide]. Manual local installation may work better.
 
# Start the game once and close it to allow the configuration file of Special K to be created.
 
# Start the game once and close it to allow the configuration file of Special K to be created.
−
# Open <code>{{p|game}}\d3d9.ini</code> or <code>{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\My Mods\SpecialK\Profiles\Sonic_vis.exe\SpecialK.ini</code> depending on the installation method you used.
+
# Open {{File|{{p|game}}\d3d9.ini}} or {{File|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Mods\SpecialK\Profiles\Sonic_vis.exe\SpecialK.ini}} depending on the installation method you used.
 
# Change <code>TargetFPS=0.0</code> to <code>TargetFPS=60.0</code>.
 
# Change <code>TargetFPS=0.0</code> to <code>TargetFPS=60.0</code>.
 
# Change <code>RefreshRate=-1</code> to <code>RefreshRate=0</code>.
 
# Change <code>RefreshRate=-1</code> to <code>RefreshRate=0</code>.
Line 252: Line 305:
 
===Mouse cursor visible during gameplay===
 
===Mouse cursor visible during gameplay===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Auto-hide mouse cursor|ref=<ref name="2017-09-18"/>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Auto-hide mouse cursor|ref=<ref name="2017-09-18"/>|fix=
−
# Install Special K by following the [http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=933337066 Special K Unofficial Guide]. Manual local installation may work better.
+
# Install Special K by following the [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=933337066 Special K Unofficial Guide]. Manual local installation may work better.
 
# Start the game and press {{key|Ctrl|Shift|Backspace}} to toggle Special K's Control Panel.
 
# Start the game and press {{key|Ctrl|Shift|Backspace}} to toggle Special K's Control Panel.
 
# Expand '''Input Management''' and '''Mouse Cursor'''.
 
# Expand '''Input Management''' and '''Mouse Cursor'''.
Line 261: Line 314:
 
===API===
 
===API===
 
{{API
 
{{API
−
|direct3d versions      = 9
+
|direct3d versions      = 9.0c
 
|direct3d notes        =  
 
|direct3d notes        =  
 
|directdraw versions    =  
 
|directdraw versions    =  
Line 279: Line 332:
 
|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=  
+
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = unknown
 +
|windows exe notes      =
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app =
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app =
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 +
|macos app notes        =
 +
|linux 32-bit executable=  
 +
|linux 64-bit executable=
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 +
|linux executable notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
===Mods===
 +
====[https://gamebanana.com/tools/6546 Sonic 4 Mod Loader]====
 +
{{ii}} Mod manager for Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I and [[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II]].
 +
 +
====[https://gamebanana.com/gamefiles/11395 iPad HD Textures]====
 +
{{++}} Contains higher quality textures from an official HD mobile port.
 +
{{ii}} Highly recommended to use alongside with Smoother Cel Shader mod shown below.
 +
 +
====[https://gamebanana.com/gamefiles/9589 Smoother Cel Shader]====
 +
{{ii}} Smooths out the cel-shaded textures to give them a nicer look based on the color edges of the original textures.
 +
 +
====[https://gamebanana.com/sounds/45759 Splash Hill Zone Re-Imagined]====
 +
{{ii}} Replaces the music of Splash Hill Zone with re-imagined versions by composers Tee Lopes & Jun Senoue.
 +
 +
====[https://gamebanana.com/guis/34164 No HUD]====
 +
{{ii}} Removes the HUD from all gameplay stages and special stages.
  
 
==System requirements==
 
==System requirements==
Line 287: Line 367:
 
|OSfamily = Windows
 
|OSfamily = Windows
  
−
|minOS    = XP, Vista, 7
+
|minOS    = XP, Vista
−
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium 4 @ 3.2 GHz/AMD Athlon 64 3000+ or Equivalent & above
+
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium 4 3.2 GHz
−
|minRAM  = 1 GB (2 GB on Vista)
+
|minCPU2  = AMD Athlon 64 3000+
−
|minHD    = 6 GB
+
|minRAM  = 1 GB<br />2 GB (Vista)
−
|minGPU  = Nvidia GeForce 8600
+
|minHD    = 500 MB
−
|minGPU2  = ATI Radeon HD3650
+
|minGPU  = Nvidia GeForce 7600
 +
|minGPU2  = ATI Radeon X1300
 
|minVRAM  = 256 MB
 
|minVRAM  = 256 MB
 +
|minDX    = 9
 +
|minaudio = DirectX compatible
  
 
|recOS    = 7
 
|recOS    = 7
−
|recCPU  = Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.4 GHz/AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ & above
+
|recCPU  = Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz
−
|recRAM  = 2 GB+
+
|recCPU2  = AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+
−
|recHD    = 6 GB
+
|recRAM  = 2 GB
 +
|recHD    =  
 
|recGPU  = Nvidia GeForce 8800
 
|recGPU  = Nvidia GeForce 8800
 
|recGPU2  = ATI Radeon HD 3800
 
|recGPU2  = ATI Radeon HD 3800

Latest revision as of 00:38, 1 January 2024

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I cover
Developers
Dimps
Sonic Team
Publishers
Sega
Engines
Sega NN Graphics Library[1]
Release dates
Windows January 19, 2012
Reception
IGDB 75
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase
Series Sonic the Hedgehog
Icon overlay.png
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I on HowLongToBeat
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I on IGDB
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
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Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I guide on StrategyWiki
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I on MobyGames
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I on Wikipedia
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⤏ Go to series page
Sonic the Hedgehog fangames (series)
Sonic CD 1995
Sonic's Schoolhouse 1996
Sonic 3D Blast (series)
Sonic & Knuckles Collection 1997
Sonic R (series)
Sonic Adventure (series)
Sonic Heroes 2004
Sonic Mega Collection Plus 2006
Sonic Riders 2006
Sonic Racing (series)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2010
Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine 2010
Sonic Spinball 2010
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 2011
Sonic 3 & Knuckles 2011
Sonic Generations 2011
Sonic CD (2012) 2012
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I 2012
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II 2012
Sonic Dash 2014
Sonic Lost World 2015
Sonic Mania 2017
Sonic Forces 2017
Sonic the Hedgehog (Mobile Decompilation) 2021
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Mobile Decompilation) 2021
Sonic Colors: Ultimate 2021
Sonic Origins 2022
Sonic Frontiers 2022
The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog 2023
Sonic Superstars 2023
Sonic Dream Team 2023
Sonic X Shadow Generations 2024

Key points

Configuration tool requires installed Java runtime libraries in order to run despite not being stated in the game's system requirements. You can use Sonic 4 Rewritten Launcher as a non-Java alternative to configure the game.

General information

Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Gamesplanet logo.svg
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Steam
DRM-free after installation through Steam client (notes may include more details)
Windows

Essential improvements

Sonic 4 Rewritten Launcher

A C++ rewrite of the configuration tool for Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 that removes the dependency to have Java runtime libraries installed despite the actual game not using Java.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\main.conf[Note 1]
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/202530/pfx/[Note 2]

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\Sonic_vis_save.dat[Note 1]
<path-to-game>\data.txt[Note 1]
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/202530/pfx/[Note 2]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
Steam Cloud

Video

Configuration utility general settings.
Configuration utility general settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
 Game renders internally at 1280x720. See Widescreen resolution for rendering internally at 1080p.
Multi-monitor
 
Ultra-widescreen
 
 See the WSGF entry.
4K Ultra HD
 
 See 4K Ultra HD Launcher Fixes for fixing issues opening the configuration tool on a 4K monitor.
Field of view (FOV)
Windowed
Borderless fullscreen windowed
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Use 0x000012C1 compatibility flag with Nvidia Profile Inspector.[2]
High-fidelity upscaling
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
60 FPS
120+ FPS
Uncapped frame rate, gameplay is capped at ~60 FPS.[3]
Manually cap the frame rate at 60 FPS if the game appears to stutter. It is possible that on certain devices the gameplay can run at more than 120 in Windowed Mode.[4]
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Widescreen resolution

By default, game renders internally at 1280x720 and then upscales the content to match selected resolution. It's possible to raise the internal resolution to 1920x1080, however most 2D assets are done for 1280x720 and thus are upscaled regardless.
Replace files[5]
  1. Download this patched executable.
  2. Extract to <path-to-game>.
Leaderboards can't be accessed and achievements can't be unlocked.[6]

Input

Configuration utility keyboard remapping.
Configuration utility keyboard remapping.
Configuration utility controller settings.
Configuration utility controller settings.

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration
Mouse not used outside the launcher.
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
XInput only.
Full controller support
Controller has to be selected from the launcher.
Controller remapping
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Controller sensitivity
Digital movement.
Controller Y-axis inversion
Controller types
XInput-compatible controllers
Xbox button prompts
Impulse Trigger vibration
PlayStation controllers
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Generic/other controllers
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Additional information
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M

Audio

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

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Music, SFX
Surround sound
Subtitles
No speech.
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
See Mute on focus lost.
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Spanish

Mute on focus lost

Set mute in background[7]
  1. Install Special K by following the Special K Unofficial Guide. Manual local installation may work better.
  2. Start the game and press Ctrl+⇧ Shift+← Backspace to toggle Special K's Control Panel.
  3. Expand Window Management and Input/Output Behavior.
  4. Enable Mute Game under Background Behavior.

Issues fixed

4K Ultra HD Launcher Fixes

Use Sonic 4 Rewritten Launcher
See Sonic 4 Rewritten Launcher for running the launcher without compatibility fixes and without Java runtime dependencies.
Change "SonicLauncher" Properties
  1. Right click on <path-to-game>\SonicLauncher.exe and go to properties.
  2. Go to compatibility and click on Change High DPI Settings.
  3. Check Program DPI box.
  4. Check High DPI Scaling Override box.
  5. Choose Scaling Performed by: Application.
  6. Apply and its done.
Now the launcher should open normally and you will be able to change the resolution (up to 3840x2160 confirmed).

Run the game at screen refresh rate

Fullscreen mode defaults to 60 Hz, even if the screen refresh rate is set higher than that.
Set screen refresh rate[7]
  1. Install Special K by following the Special K Unofficial Guide. Manual local installation may work better.
  2. Start the game once and close it to allow the configuration file of Special K to be created.
  3. Open <path-to-game>\d3d9.ini or %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Mods\SpecialK\Profiles\Sonic_vis.exe\SpecialK.ini depending on the installation method you used.
  4. Change TargetFPS=0.0 to TargetFPS=60.0.
  5. Change RefreshRate=-1 to RefreshRate=0.

Mouse cursor visible during gameplay

Auto-hide mouse cursor[7]
  1. Install Special K by following the Special K Unofficial Guide. Manual local installation may work better.
  2. Start the game and press Ctrl+⇧ Shift+← Backspace to toggle Special K's Control Panel.
  3. Expand Input Management and Mouse Cursor.
  4. Enable Hide When Not Moved and adjust Seconds Before Hiding to your liking.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9.0c
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

Mods

Sonic 4 Mod Loader

Mod manager for Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I and Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II.

iPad HD Textures

Contains higher quality textures from an official HD mobile port.
Highly recommended to use alongside with Smoother Cel Shader mod shown below.

Smoother Cel Shader

Smooths out the cel-shaded textures to give them a nicer look based on the color edges of the original textures.

Splash Hill Zone Re-Imagined

Replaces the music of Splash Hill Zone with re-imagined versions by composers Tee Lopes & Jun Senoue.

No HUD

Removes the HUD from all gameplay stages and special stages.

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) XP, Vista 7
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 4 3.2 GHz
AMD Athlon 64 3000+		 Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+
System memory (RAM) 1 GB
2 GB (Vista)		 2 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 500 MB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce 7600
ATI Radeon X1300
256 MB of VRAM
DirectX 9 compatible 		Nvidia GeForce 8800
ATI Radeon HD 3800
512 MB of VRAM
Sound (audio device) DirectX compatible


Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 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).
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

References

  1. ↑ Verified by User:Icup321 on 2020-06-28
    Confirmed via checking file formats and embedded strings in executable: nn Ver 1.01.05 Build:Apr 24 2009 08:18:37, SEGA NN Library for DirectX G2.0
  2. ↑ https://forums.guru3d.com/showpost.php?p=4641593&postcount=1248
  3. ↑ Verified by User:Marioysikax on April 12, 2016
  4. ↑ Verified by User:Epicgames4 on December 31, 2023
    Verified on a laptop with a 144.15 Hz monitor using Windows 11 Insider Preview 22635.2915 (ni_release).
  5. ↑ 3DCenter Forum - Einzelnen Beitrag anzeigen - Antialiasing - Kompatibilitätsbits - Sammelthread
  6. ↑ https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=210551911
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Verified by User:Keith on 2017-09-18