Complete solution for those who want Civ 3 under 800x600

Solver · December 23, 2001, 07:07

Those of you who can't show 1024x768, and want to play Civ 3 under 800x600 mode, there is a solution. I know there still are some.
Some time ago I discovered how to run Civ 3 under 800x600, but parts of the screen were invisible. Now, see included the full solution, which gives you access to each and every option in the game, while running Civ 3 under 800x600. Works under 1.07 and 1.16 Civ 3 versions both.
Also, I've tried it on Windows 98, Windows 2000 and Windows XP, works everywhere.
To play under 800x600, follow instructions in the readme file.

Any feedback about program welcome at solver@apolyton.net , especially problem reports.

Solver · December 23, 2001, 07:17

This is unfair

. You're downloading this but not posting anything

(

).

GodSpawn · December 23, 2001, 07:27

Does it work in a similar way to those graphics drivers that give you a "virtual" desktop which you can scroll?

Ecthy · December 23, 2001, 08:05

I would think that a computer that is not able to show a resolution of 1024*768 can't get Civ3 running either, but there are many surprises out there in the civ world...

GodSpawn · December 23, 2001, 08:28

Ah, but what about laptops? They can have a big disk, a fast processor and lots of memory, but only have an 800x600 display.

Ecthy · December 23, 2001, 09:11

doh!

Solver · December 23, 2001, 10:33

Quote:

Originally posted by GodSpawn
Does it work in a similar way to those graphics drivers that give you a "virtual" desktop which you can scroll?

Exactly. Note that you can set it up to scroll only when you press SHIFT/Ctrl, but I don't use that, for, IMO, that's tougher.

And yes, there are laptops with 800x600 only, and there are people who don't want to run 1024x768, even if they can.

Alex · December 23, 2001, 11:02

Er... so, how does it work? I mean, can you still have full functionality on all menus and advisor screens? What about the foreign advisor?

I can play the game in 1024x768 without problems, though it is not ideal (I only have a 15" monitor). But the problem is that my computer is some sort of Frankenstein, and it is a bit unstable, so I'd rather not fix what is not broken.

Bkeela · December 23, 2001, 11:11

When I saw the game running in a computer store, I was suprised to find the resolution was quite okay, even on a 14 inch monitor. I didn't think this would still be an issue.

Bkeela.

ancient · December 23, 2001, 11:56

mayb this should be moved to the files forum, its a utility isnt it?

Solver · December 23, 2001, 12:08

You can use all the advisors. To see what's out of your screen, just drag the mouse to the edge, and here it is.

Hm, I didn't post this in the file forums because I considered this not an utility, but rather a fix for those who want 800x600. In files it wouldn't be seen by them, that's why I post here.

Evil Knevil · December 23, 2001, 13:46

I love you.

Seeker · December 24, 2001, 03:03

I'm another lover.

(Gateway Destination 31'' TV/Monitor, resolutions above 800x600 look like **** on my screen)

Solver · December 24, 2001, 07:48

Thanks for nice words guys!

Rhuarc · December 25, 2001, 02:54

Has anyone actually tried a game at 800x600 with this solution? Does it work pretty good, or is it just a pain in the but to have to scroll, do u have to scroll all the time or only when u need to use a diplomacy screen? Thanks a lot tough, I'm really thankful to you guys!!

Seeker · December 25, 2001, 03:20

Make sure u have it set so you have to hold down shift or u'll be constantly re-centering.

Jodo Kast · December 25, 2001, 03:27

can we see a screenshot?

Solver · December 25, 2001, 07:53

I have played using this for about 6 hours. It's amusing first, but aftr some little time I felt comfortable.

Re:screenshot. Don't know... might attach it, but it will hardly give the real impression. You probably need at least two of them. OK, I'll see.

Solver · December 25, 2001, 08:03

And yes, this is only meant to use if you can't show 1024x768 (laptop users, too).

You must use this for diplomacy and to see instant advice on F# screens. Otherwise, you can live without this. Under 800x600, some Civilopedia text is out of screen, so scoll under Pedia too.

When you feel strange at first, don't give up. It will be all right soon.

And, I am posting this here with the permission of Firaxis.

Solver · December 25, 2001, 10:30

OK, I've made the screenshots for this.

I'll make them in two posts.

The first one is a diplomatic dealing under 800x600, having called out a rival and not having scrolled the desktop, it looks about that. The demand has been made, but can't be actually demanded.

The second screenshot is after I scrolled it down and left a bit.

That's how it looks with this utility.

I've also resampled the screenshots so that they fit in the forums better. Taken they were under 800x600, of course.

Solver · December 25, 2001, 10:32

And this is the second one.

DaveV · December 26, 2001, 15:18

Thanks, Solver. I can run fine at home with a monitor hooked up, but this will let me play when traveling.

Zealot · December 26, 2001, 22:30

Quote:

Originally posted by Evil Knevil
I love you.

Ditto!

Solver · December 27, 2001, 08:46

Zealot, you were one of those who supported me before Civ 3 got released, I remember.

Oh, and why do you all travel so much? Playing in the train, seems fun to me. Heh

.

Solver · May 28, 2002, 09:28

Seeing that there has been over about 20 new downloads in the recent times (I did some links to here), maybe it IS time for Ming to move this to the Files forum.

bigo · June 20, 2002, 00:44

Solver,

I'm new at Apolyton, just for about two days, and YESS !! my monitor only support 800X600, but I have played the game for about 4 months with that condition, i'm always use shortcuts for units, and if using diplomatic, i push my monitor to 1024X768, it looks pretty weird (because u see 3 images, everything become 3), but it still visible.

But now, thanx to you, I think i'm gonna let that whole misery left behind, though i haven't use it, I just have download it, and i just can't help myself to say something to you.
I'll try it, let you know later.

I LOVE YOU

Solver · June 20, 2002, 05:55

Bigo,

I'm very pleased to see this will help you. Yes, when you push monitor to an unsupported resolution, it looks terrible. Generally, such diplomacy sessions are so boring, they make everything else seem good.

Please tell what's the model of your monitor, I'm curios.

DaveV · June 20, 2002, 08:12

Solver,

This is one flaky piece of software. I've used it 5 or 6 times, and it always locks up my computer if I leave it on long enough (Windows 98). I also have to keep increasing the virtual screen size because the game screen keeps sliding into the corner of the virtual display and some parts become impossible to view.

I know I have no right to complain about free software, and I do appreciate your efforts in finding this utility. Is there any documentation for the scroll utility (in English)? Or did you find any other programs that can do the same thing and might be more stable on my system? I get nervous about running a program of unknown origin that is doing strange stuff to my computer.

Solver · June 20, 2002, 08:24

Dave - the program is of known origin, it's mostly my work. It's based on an old 16-but utility, that refused to work, so I redid it... I've been using it for many dozen hours, on Windows 98, too, and it hasn't locked me up a single time.

Odd... works like a charm for me, whenever I drag, there it moves.

freestyler · June 20, 2002, 09:09

SOLVER
Any reason why it won't let me download ?

I know the file was posted on 23-12-2001..anywhere else i can get it ?

Also i have 800 x 600 and does it work on the latest patch (1.21f) ?