Look at you now Hacker.....

[sawyen]

Perhaps the kid in me has yet subsided.. perhaps I'm still that geek who can't stop playing games like Starcraft...

This thread is just to relive those nights when I played System Shock 2... *trickles of aura coming through*

I was cleaning the house on Friday and while not completely suprised I found my old copy of System Shock 2.. That appearence of Shodan just completely threw me off as the first thing that came to my mind was 'insect'...

So like is all gaming glorious fashion, why not stick it into my XP VMware and have a go at it again..

I have to say 2 days and going, its still bloody good.. playing this makes Bioshock such an overrated game..

I know the graphics and all isn't as acceptable by today's standards, but the Shodan revealing scene still creeped the big jezz out of me..

*I strongly recommend anyone still having an old copy of system shock 2 to have another go*

I don't know.. I suddenly feel very much like a kid again.. I should go finish my coco pops and full cream milk before my missus sees me drinking full fat blehh.

[directhex]

there's a model & texture pack to make it prettier

but it IS without a doubt one of the best horror games evar

for reference, i have a supercomputer here at work named SHODAN

[sawyen]

completely true.. system shock was so much better in so many levels..

Lets strip aside that nice graphics, the polish on the poly.. the shim on the character's face..

if you take both of them and compare them head to head, you can really see that so much more thought went into SS2..

[Ferral]

I have just re installed it again. Going to start playing through it tonight if I can get it stable. Seems to be locking up after the first starting vid. Try a few different compatability modes, should be able to sort it.

The Look at you hacker speech at the beginning is pretty intimidating and quite creepy must admit. Forget visuals etc. The gameplay and atmosphere is superb.

[directhex]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi.../a3/SHODAN.ogg

thank me later.

oh, and the problem with comparing system shock 2 and bioshock is SS2 is an RPG, and bioshock is an FPS.

[Lee H]

http://www.3dgamers.com/dl/games/sys...patch.exe.html

Multiplayer patch for over internet or LAN for up to 4 people

If you want to make it look better than it does, you could use the upgraded texture pack and also improved XP stability fixes from the following links ;

http://kotaku.com/gaming/system-shoc...ver-244342.php

http://www.sshock2.com/

[sawyen]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi.../a3/SHODAN.ogg

thank me later.

oh, and the problem with comparing system shock 2 and bioshock is SS2 is an RPG, and bioshock is an FPS.

hahaha.. that is superb.. edited it and made it shorter.. instantaneously became my windows welcome screen sound... 'lloo..loo..loook at you hacker...'

[Ferral]

Just changed the extension to wav and it plays under media player but won't play on logon for some reason. Have to look into this further

[directhex]

Just changed the extension to wav and it plays under media player but won't play on logon for some reason. Have to look into this further

use a tool like audacity to convert it to a format windows properly copes with

[Ferral]

Cheers hexeh, worked a treat. While Windows is setting itself up logging onto net and loading anti viruus etc that plays. Finishes as windows is ready to use.

[sawyen]

just come to realise how difficult SS2 was... I am so old now... not very competitive anymore..

[Ferral]

Typical, mine started crashing after I installed the texture mod!

Going to have to do the uninstall thing now and get it back to origional state. I know rebirth works fine though

EDIT

Just found out that dark engine games dont like dual core processors, found this however that covers a few different games :

http://www16.brinkster.com/salvage/thief/darkengine.htm

Has a fix that has to be done everytime and also a permanent one. I think the everytime you load up fix is probably the safest bet!

[M0nkeyb0Y]

Man I loved this game - got it in the first year of uni. I know it sounds gimpy but people in my halls used to come and watch me play it in the evenings sometimes, 'cos it was so darn scarey!

Loved the way you had to access the inventory in real time.

I tried installing this a year or two ago - couldn't get it working, I looked around at the time for help, but gave up in the end...

perhaps it's worth trying a little harder this time.

[Ferral]

There is a switch you need to put on the end of the setup file it is :

-lgntforce

so it will be : setup.exe -lgntforce

This stops the Windows NT file system check and it will install like it should. That same switch is used for Thief 1 & 2. Then if you have a dual core or more processor you have to disable cores so there is just one active for the game which it tells you how to do it in the link I gave above.

I have full instructions which I got off looking glass website I will dig it out and post it up.

[Ferral]

This is not my work and credit goes out to the people involved that created it.

Technical Questions - Thief I, Gold and II

How do I install Thief on Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Vista?
Go to Start, then Run, then type d:\setup.exe -lgntforce, where d:\ is your CDrom/DVDrom drive. (note: that's -lgntforce, lowercase "L". If you're unsure, copy and paste it from here.) This problem arises because Win2K, WinXP and Vista are based on the NT kernel, which had DirectX support which was flaky at best. Thief needs DirectX to run, so, when the installer sees the NT kernel, it assumes that the game isn't going to be able to run and quits the installation. The -lgntforce switch tells the installer to ignore the NT kernel and install anyway.

When I try to install Thief nothing happens!
Start the installer and leave it! On some configurations of Windows XP it can take up to an hour for the installer to start.

When I try to install Thief 1 or 2 I get the following error message: AUTOEXEC.NT. The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications.
Check out the following Microsoft article:
Error message when you install or start an MS-DOS or 16-bit Windows-based program

My ingame movies (briefings and cutscenes) aren't playing anymore, how do I fix it?
You have to reinstall the indeo video codecs. You will find them on Thief: TDP's disc, and on disc 1 of Thief Gold. If you have Thief 2, you can find them on CD2 (the file is iv5play.exe). In the past you could also download them from this site for free, but unfortunately the codecs have since turned pay-for. This problem often arises because of conflicts with some other programs such as Realplayer or Windows Media Player, the video codecs become corrupted and no longer work. There is an incompatibility between the Indeo codecs and Windows XP. If you wish to view the ingame movies and have Windows XP you must install the codecs every time you play Thief.

Alternatively:
Scrooge's Permanent Movie Fix
1) Locate (use "Search") the file named "regsvr32.exe". It is located in the Windows SYSTEM directory (if 9x/ME) or SYSTEM32 (if 2K/XP). Copy it in your thief installation.

2) Create a text document named "RegIndeo.bat" and copy/paste the following text:
"regsvr32.exe /s LGVID.AX" (without quotes)

3) Save it (The file extension must be .bat)

Simply double-click on the file when your movies don't play.

Note: it is not needed to repeat the operation in all your installed Thief/Gold/II, simply use one of them. The "registration" process will fix the problems in all installed Thief games present.

A third option if the above have failed:
1) Press Start


2) Press Run

3) Type regsvr32 "c:\your\path\to\thief\LGVID.AX" where c:\your\path\to\thief\ matches your own path.

4) You should get a message box pop up that says dllregisterserver in module c:\your\path\to\thief\LGVID.AX suceeded.

Having trouble with Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Thief Video Codecs?
Then you may need to download this version of the codecs. Thanks Schattentänzer.


Game Stops Responding (Hangs) or Quits Unexpectedly When Introductory Video Clip Is Played.
If you are running Windows XP with Service Pack 1 applied you may want to check out this page at Microsoft, which includes an update that has reportedly fixed video problems with the Thief games.

I've re-installed the codecs, but the first cutscene still freezes at a certain point and only the sound continues. This is a reported bug in some European versions of Thief 2. There's a fan-made patch available at the Circle, download it here and follow the instructions in the readme file. That should sort things out.

How do I repair a broken Thief installation?
Browse the Thief CD and doubleclick directly on the setup.exe file. Broken installation typically happens when the setup program crashes halfway, or when there was an attempt to uninstall the game by deleting the Thief folder manually. In both cases, some registry keys were left behind, so the interface (the one that pops up automatically when you insert the CD) will assume the game is installed and will not let you install it again. Running the setup program directly bypasses the interface and lets you install.

Thief is saying it cannot play, because I do not have enough space, even if I have a lot of free disk space: how do I fix this?
Open the file user.cfg found in the Thief directory and add the line skip_starting_checks to it and save it. Please note, it may be necessary to create this file.

I have patched Thief 2. Now, whenever I try to run Thief 2, I get a "Cannot find CD-Rom" error message, even if the CD is in the drive!
This is a known problem with some versions of Thief 2. The copy protection on the CD was changed and is faulty, so Thief 2 will no longer work when patched. To fix this, you have to remove the copy protection.

Download this patch instead, it's a different version of the patch (larger than the normal patch file) which solves the fault copyprotection problem.

Game freezes within a minute / Running Thief on a Dual-Processor/Dual Core System or Got a Pentium 4 with Hyperthreading?
When activated, Intel's Hyperthreading makes it appear that you have two CPUs. Pentium 4 D and Athlon 64 X2 processors have 2 cores on one chip - they are dual processors.
Make sure that Thief is set to only use 1 processor with High, or Realtime priority. Dark Engine games don't like dual processor systems unless they are configured in this way. Salvage has written a great FAQ on how to do it easily. You can find his FAQ here.

I'm using an NVIDIA (TNT, GeForce, etc.) card. Why can't I see fog?
Make sure fog is turned on in the Options screen. If it is and no fog appears in Life of the Party and Precious Cargo, go to the Windows Display Properties dialogue (by right-clicking on the desktop and choosing "Properties"), choose "Settings" | "More" | "GeForce" | "More" | "Direct3D" (or a similar sequence of tabs) and turn on "fog-table emulation".

ATI Radeon cards and fog in Thief II
Steps to fix the fog:
1) Download the program available here.
2) Install it
3) After the required restart, run the program and go to the Rage3D tweak tab. Double click "Direct 3D", then scroll down till you see the box "W Fog". Uncheck this box. Also make sure "Table fog", and "Z Fog" are both checked, and if they aren't, check them. Press OK. You should now be able to see fog in the game. (Reference Thread, with additional steps in case this does not work.)

Help! I only get a black screen or Direct 3D Device does not accurately report texture memory usage.
Please Note:
If you are using an nVidia card with drivers in the 9x.xx range then the fixes listed below will not work. At present the only solution is to downgrade your drivers to versions in the 8x.xx range or below.

An error message that pops up when starting a level in Thief and Thief 2. You may not get an error message, you may see only a black screen. It primarily occurs on Nvidia Graphics cards running driver versions 5x.xx and above although there are several reports of it occuring on ATI 9xxx cards using new drivers.
If you are running Thief 2 you should remove the semicolon ( from the line ;safe_texture_manager in the file user.cfg which you should open with Notepad.
If you are running Thief 1 you should download one of the patches linked below that corresponds to your version and overwrite the installed Thief EXE with the one from the ZIP file.

* Thief: The Dark Project v1.14 Direct3D Texture Error Fix.
* Thief: The Dark Project v1.33 Direct3D Texture Error Fix.
* Thief: Gold Direct3D Texture Error Fix.


I installed oRGy's texture patch for Thief1/Gold, but I'm having problems (textures are a solid blue, guards look funny, etc.). How do I fix this?
You have to install Darkloader, run it and let it optimize your Thief installation after you have installed the texture patch. Should be fine after that. (Get the texture patch here)

Can I run Thief on Linux?
Apparently, using the latest version of winex, you can. This thread reports that it works.

Help! Thief runs too fast!
Turn on v-sync. Make sure the refresh rate is 60Hz. Try also turning on full antialiasing. (Reference thread)

How do I take screenshots in Thief?
In Thief 1 and Gold the key is F10, in Thief 2 it is ALT+F10. This will create a file in your Thief directory called dumpxxx.pcx, where xxx is a three digit number. The screenshot keys can be altered in the control section of the options menu.


_________________
Technical Questions - Thief III: Deadly Shadows

When I try to play Thief 3 it says I have corrupt files!
Are you running Windows 95, 98, 98se, NT4, or ME? These Operating Systems are not supported for Thief III, however there is a workaround, although the game may be unstable.
Reference thread

* Download PE Explorer
* Backup "T3Main.exe" and "Default.ini" for patching puposes
* Apply any patches
* Open PE Explorer
* Go to File > Open File > "T3Main.exe"
* Go to View > Resources
* Select Icon Entry and delete it
* Save and exit
* Open "Default.ini"
* Find the line "LoadFromResourceBlockFiles=False" and change it to "True"*
* Save and exit
* Enjoy game



I get the error message "Flesh Failed to Initialize" when I try to play the game.
It is almost certain your graphics card is not compatible with Thief III.
The following graphics cards are compatible with Thief III

* ATI Radeon 8500
* ATI Radeon 9xxx Range
* ATI Radeon X600, X700, X800, X1300, X1600, X1800, X1900
* nVidia Geforce 3
* nVidia Geforce 4TI
* nVidia Geforce FX
* nVidia Geforce 6xxx
* nVidia Geforce 7xxx
* nVidia Geforce 8xxx

Unsupported cards include

* nVidia Geforce 2
* nVidia Geforce 4MX
* nVidia Geforce 4 GO
* nVidia Geforce FX Go


I am unable to remap my keyboard controls!
Try unplugging your gamepad and reconfiguring your keys then. There seems to be some sort of incompatibility in between the two. MS Natural Keyboards also occasionally have problems.

I suffer from very long load times and am using NOD32
If you are experiencing long load times (2min+) and using NOD32 try this:

* Open the nod32 control center (nod32kui.exe)
* Disable AMON and Imon.


Which drivers work with Thief III?
ATI Catalyst 4.8 and above
nVidia Foreware 56.72 and above

Thief III runs poorly, what can I do to speed it up?
Check out the Thief 3 Tweak Guide and the program TDS Tweaker by gazchap

Help! Thief III runs too quickly!
Do you have an AMD 64 CPU? If so you need to disable "Cool 'n Quiet" while playing Thief 3. This can be done like so
Go into Control Panel and set your power management options from "minimal power management" to "always on" whenever you play Thief 3.

Where does Thief III put save games?
In a folder called Thief - Deadly Shadows which is in your My Documents folder.

The Intro movie keeps repeating and I can't start a game!
It is very likely that you have a Dual Core processor, such as an AMD Athlon 64 X2 or an Intel Pentium "D" which is the cause of the problem.
The solution is to set Thief III to use only one core. This can be accomplished by entering the Processes tab of the Task Manager when the game is running, right clicking each of the Thief III-releated processes (T3Main.exe, T3.exe), selecting "Affinity" and unchecking one of the CPUs.

You can make this change permanent by following Salvage's guide he wrote for The Dark Engine (Thief 1, Gold, 2 and System Shock 2) and making the changes to T3.exe and T3Main.exe

_________________

General Questions

What's the difference between Thief: The Dark Project, Thief Gold, and Thief Platinum editions?
Thief: the Dark Project is the original game. Thief Gold features three additional missions and a number of improvements to the original ones. Thief Platinum is Thief: the Dark Project, only repackaged and patched.

Recently, a package containing both Thief: the Dark Project and Thief: the Metal Age has come out, also under the name of Thief Platinum.

Is there any way to play the three extra Gold missions if I have the original Thief? Maybe download them from somewhere?
Sorry, but no. The only way to play the Gold missions is to buy Thief Gold.

I found a website with Thief 2 Gold for preorder, is it coming out?
Thief 2 Gold was being worked on when LGS went under, and was subsequently dropped. It's not going to get picked back up. The website is incorrect.

Where can I get Thief 1/Gold/2?
Thief: TDP and Thief 2 are fairly easy to come by. Amazon has them. CompuUSA has them, and sometimes has them in their retail stores as well. Thief Gold is tougher to find. BUT! Both Thief Gold and Thief 2 are available at EBGames. If EBGames is out of stock, try the various worldwide Ebay sites:


CoSaS
CoSaS is a fanmission campaign, still in development. An unofficial expansions for Thief 2, if you will. The first mission for CoSaS, "Gathering at the Inn", is now available. Visit the CoSaS website.

T2X
T2X is another fanmission campaign, released May 2005!. You can check out its website for info.

Thievery
Thievery is a mod for Unreal Tournament, aimed to provide a multiplayer experience in a Thief setting. You can download it from its website.

Thief 3
Discuss the game in our Thief 3 forum.

Hammerite Imperium
The Hammerite Imperium is the prelude campaign to the whole Thief storyline, before Garrett, before the Metal Age, before Constantine, in the Age of Imperial Hammerite rule. Ex-T2X-ers are welcome to contribute as this is a highly ambitious campaign and requires expertise. Check on our progress at the web log here (http://himperium.blogspot.com) or on the official website here (http://www.imperium.webz.cz).
_________________

Still need help?

There are several things you can do if this FAQ does not answer a question
you may have.

Thanks for this FAQ go out to Alchemist, Azal, BobPage, David, Daxim, deadman, gazchap, Grundbegriff, Myoldnamebroke, Myrmex, sailoreagle, Salvage, Scrooge, Schattentänzer, TBIRDMAN from the Eidos forums, twisty, undetected, vurt, Zaphod, anyone we've forgotten(!), and of course Looking Glass Studios. Thanks guys and gals!
_________________

This FAQ is always a work in progress!

[Ferral]

The above is also the same for System Shock 2. I had to use the third fix for the videos an now they work everytime.