Request - Get Soul Reaver working

[doctorix]

I know this is not an issue, but I would love to get Soul Reaver working on my pc, can you start an enhanced project for that so it works on modern machines?

[elishacloud]

@doctorix, what problems are you having with the game?

I was able to get the game working on my Windows 10 64bit computer. I am using the GOG version of the game.

Here is what I have configured:

1. I'm using the attached dxwrapper files, you can just unzip them into your game folder: dxwrapper.zip
2. I have this setup for compatibility mode "Windows XP (Service Pack 2)"
3. I am running the game in "Software Mode" with "Filter Textures" disabled.

Note: as far as I can see this game does not use the mouse, so you need to hit the Return key to start the game.

BTW: I am going to move this issue over to my dxwrapper since I think it is more applicable for that one.

[doctorix]

1. I uninstalled the game, deleted all the files it left and installed to C:\Program Files (x86)\Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver
2. Changed compatibility xp service pack 2 and run as administrator
3. I downloaded and unzipped the dxwrapper files in the legacy of kain soul reaver folder
4. I changed to software mode 1920x1080 16 depth without textures
5. Launched game it shows logos then goes to a black screen with something greenish in upper left corner looks like its a tiny loading bar created by the developer of the game. (this is actually a step backwards as beforehand when I was using Hardware mode, I saw a black screen with something in bottom right hand that said press return which did nothing when you pressed return)

Keep in mind I am using latest version of 64-bit Windows 7 Pro edition

[elishacloud]

This game does some things I am not familiar with. I need to look into this more to figure out what the issues are. However, I don't have a Windows 7 computer at this point. But I will take a look at this when I get some time.

[doctorix]

I think the real issues with Soul Reaver is that it needs direct x 6 installed which isn't included in windows 7 or later. I'm afraid to install the old version of direct x on my computer, don't wanna mess up my computer settings. There might also be a problem transitioning from the cut-scenes to game. A group made a fix for the steam version supposedly (not sure if it works on GOG version). They updated Bink, messed around with the winplay settings. I'm not sure if the GOG version uses the unofficial patch for the game. See if you mess around with these files and install directx 6 in your wrapper if you can get it to work smoothly. I've provided links:

https://www.nexusmods.com/soulreaver/mods/

https://thelostworlds.net/Software/Soul_Reaver_PC_Patch_for_XP_and_Vista.html

PS I think the profile settings for the game need to be changed in the graphics card control panel to get hardware graphic settings to work right.

[elishacloud]

DirectX1-7 still exists on Windows 8 and 10. However, not all DirectX1-7 features are available on these newer OS's. But, there are many DirectX 6 games that work fine on Windows 10.

BTW; for these older games you want to make sure to add DirectPlay under "Legacy Components".

[doctorix]

Legacy Components is not even listed in my Windows Features options

[doctorix]

I downloaded and installed directx 9 june 2010. It updated the components necessary. This was suggested on a forum that someone said they couldn't enable legacy components on windows 7. Then as an administrator in a cmd prompt I ran C:\WINDOWS\system32> dism /Online /enable-feature /FeatureName:"DirectPlay" /All but it gave me an error message that it couldn't find it. I then ran the game and the same result. No changes

[elishacloud]

I downloaded and installed directx 9 june 2010.

That won't work on Windows 10. Windows 10 already has DirectX built-in.

Then as an administrator in a cmd prompt I ran C:\WINDOWS\system32> dism /Online /enable-feature /FeatureName:"DirectPlay" /All but it gave me an error message that it couldn't find it.

Looks like you need to repair Windows 10. Try running these two commands from an administrative command prompt:

sfc /scannow
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

[doctorix]

I don't have windows 10. I was reading online that Windows 7 does not have directplay on by default and the legacy components option wasn't in windows features until Windows 8. Windows 7 has direct x built in too. But I think when you install a certain version of direct x, it installs the updates from that particular date that you don't have on the machine. But you were right, it was kinda pointless to install that. I don't wanna run any repair of windows 7 now that you can't get updates. I really don't wanna risk it, I know Microsoft will do anything to try to force you to update to Windows 10, I hate the interface of Windows 10. Also, that would probably erase a lot of updates I have installed and probably won't do anything. I've ran a repair in the past, that is not really recommended unless you have a major problem not to play a game that is over 20 years old.

[mirh]

Directplay ships by default up to W8 (included too I believe, it should have been 8.1 to make it optional). And the dxsetup just install optional side-by-side components, not "the basics".

If you have a problem with the game, it's probably some wizardry with windows built-in appcompat, or your gpu drivers.

[doctorix]

So it's probably on by default. I think its just an old game and elisha just needs to figure out how to get it to run when the time comes.

[mirh]

But the game works for him. And as I was saying, windows already comes with some specific compat fix. Try win98 compatibility perhaps, but this seems on your end.

[doctorix]

How do I access that page you linked me to on my pc?

[elishacloud]

Closing old issue.