FAQ 1.6 2000-02-08
- Updated the FAQ with all relevant patch information and patch
problems (far too many items updated to list)
- Added new links to reviews and other pages
- Removed all "upcoming patches infos"
- Added utility section
- OSI removed their active UIX message boards while preparing for
the international release of the game :-(. Some boards are still
up but read-only.
Some New Issues:
0. Patch related issues
0.1 Patch information upated about #1.18f
0.2. Patch download location
0.3 "Patch #1.07f bugs"
2.5.Specific D3d solutions
- Added infos about best settings for several graphic adaptors
- Added infos about "invalid caps error"
4. Sound issues
4.7. Whistling gone
6. Interface/Controlling/UI issues (Mouse/Keyboard function)
6.10. mouse inversion
5.2 default.kmp file
Updated with #1.18f keyboard commands
7.1.Plot related issues
7.1.13 "Mantra of compassion"
7.1.14 "Vassagralem EggQuest plotstopper"
7.1.15 "Shamino plotstopper"
7.1.16 "Demon Bug"
7.1.17 "Valoria Bug"
FAQ 1.5 1999-12-10
- Done a full german translation (finally!). fetch it at:
http://www.gulbsoft.de/faq.latest.german.html
- Added several information about upcoming patches
- New Issues
0.2 Problems with patch 1.05f
0.2.2 Patching fails for patch #1 (1.05f)
- Updated Issues
0.2 Problems with patch 1.05f
0.2.1 (Version number does not change after patch 1.05f)
1. Installation Issues
1.1 (Compressed Textures)
FAQ 1.4 1999-12-06
- Added all Information about the first patch (v1.05) in Section 0
- Added TOP Tips Section
- Added section 8.4: Other ultima Related links
- Added Section 8.5: Reviews
- Upgraded all information to fit to the patch.
- Jeff Allens Walkthrough URL has changed to http://rpgplanet.com/ultima9
- Added some stuff in Section 10 (Easter eggs, etc)
- Added Commented Sample Keymap (from RG) (5.2)
- New Issues:
0.2 Problems with patch 1.05f
0.2.1 Invalid Pixel format error does still appear
0.2.2 (Patch failed)
2.4. Specific 3dfx solutions
Added list of compatible hardware(from ultima9.com)
2.5. Specific D3d solutions
Added list of compatible hardware(from ultima9.com)
3. Movies Issues
3.5 (Movies on hdd)
7.2. Gameplay crashes and quirks
7.2.9. (water jump crash)
7.3. Gameplay issues
7.3.15. (passing time)
7.3.16. (backpack kills monster AI)
- Updates
2.2. Hardware and System tuning
2.2.5. (defrag)
2.5. Specific D3d solutions
2.5.4. (invalid pixel format)
2.5.7. (AGP Aperture size)
6. Interface/Controller issues
6.1 (Alt-TAB)
7.1. Plot related issues
7.1.1. Changed Jeff Allens Walkthrough URL
7.3. Gameplay issues
7.3.5 (AI not working)
7.3.14.(Unable to bind telekinesis spell)
7.1. Plot related issues
7.1.12 "Compassion shrine 2"
7.4. Savegame issues
7.4.2. Savegame usage after the patch
FAQ 1.3 1999-12-02
- Added the information from CapnBills daily report (1999-12-01)
- Added Easter Eggs, cheats and ultima historical section (changes will not be
listed in the revision history for they may contains spoilers).
- Put some order in section 5 (options.ini).
- Added 2.6. Visual Quirks, Graphical glitches section
- There are now ~50 configurations described at the tech survey board at
http://server5.ezboard.com/fgulbsoftforumu9techforum.html
- Added Section 8.3 Hardware and Driver Support Sources
- Added Section 2.7 CD-ROM Problems
- New Issues:
1. Installation Issues:
1.5 (Install does'nt run)
2.2 General Performance Issuse
2.2.16 (enabling Savage3d compression)
2.4. Specific 3dfx solutions
2.4.6. (gray boxes at cursor)
2.5. Specific D3d solutions
2.5.8. (8bit not working on d3dcard), 2.5.9. (Setup detecting wrong videocard)
2.5.10.(Viper550 speedup), 2.5.11. (TNT Speedup)
2.6. Visual Quirks, Graphical glitches
2.6.1. (Unfiltered Textures), 2.6.2 (pixelated toolbelt), 2.6.3 (gray boxes)
4. Spound issues.
4.6. (Sb-Life unload fonts)
5. Options.ini file
Added some comments
6. Interface/Controlling/UI issues (Mouse/Keyboard function)
6.8. (unable to move), 6.9. (Bagpack crash bug)
7.1. Plot related issues
7.1.7. (Alphawolf Bug),7.1.8 (Elevator Bug, Hyloth)
7.2. Gameplay crashes and quirks:
7.2.6.(Game crashes on first start), 7.2.7.(frequent game crashes)
7.2.8. (Crash to desktop on start)
7.3. Gameplay issues:
7.3.7. (vanishing items) 7.3.9 (swimming), 7.3.10 (falling damage),
7.3.11 (hovering Npcs), 7.3.12 (hovering objects), 7.3.13.(Unlimmited Ammo bug)
7.1.9. (Hyloth Gate Crashbug), 7.1.10 (Hyloth Dialog Bug) 7.3.14.(Unable to bind spell)
7.1.11.(compassion shrine done not recognized)
- Updated Issues:
0.1. Patch Information
Added some more information on the upcoming patches
2.2. Hardware and Windows Tuning
2.2.2 (Swapfile)
2.2.4.(MipMapping off)
2.2.12(DMA)
2.2.14.(killing task)
2.5. Specific D3d solutions:
2.5 (Updated Notes)
2.5.4. (Invalid Pixel Format on TNT cards)
2.5.7. (AGP Aperture Size)
8. Additional Help/Links
8.2 Added some newsgroups and links
8.3 Section added
FAQ 1.2 * Reorganized the FAQ * 1999-12-01
- Added Hardware Comparison Board at
http://server5.ezboard.com/fgulbsoftforumu9techforum.html
- Added Option.ini Section
- Added Credits Section
- Created Interface/UI/Controlling Section
- Added link for removing DirectX
FAQ 1.1 German translation released at http://www.gulbsoft.de/u9techfaq/Contentsger.html
Return to the Contents
List of Quicktips to get Ascension up running
To validate which tips work best, please, if you can improve your performance
/reduce crashes by tips from this faq, drop me(windforce@gulbsoft.de) a line or
write it directly with your system specs here:
http://server5.ezboard.com/fgulbsoftforumu9techforum.showMessage?topicID=2.topic
Thanks alot!
NOTE: The numbers next to the tip are the reference numbers for this issue in the
Unofficial UA TechSuppFAQ at http://www.gulbsoft.de/faq.latest.txt
TOP System realated tips.
1. Install the patch!
2. Use a glide compatible graphics board, best v3.
3. If you have a d3d board, use directx 6.1 instead of 7. Don't use the
latest detonator drivers! (2.5) (only applies to UNPATCHED VERSION)
4. Set up a fixed Swapfile with a size of 2x your ram on a seperate disk (2.2.2)
5. To reduce the effect of memory leaks, reboot after playing about an hour
if playing with an older patch .(7.2.3)
6. Adjust your vcache setting for less swapping (2.2.10)
7. Upgrade to more RAM (128 is recommended, 256 are great, 512 are in RGs system)
2.2.6
Game Tweaking issues
1) Install the patch!
2) Do NOT USE the surround sound setting in options ini. Use stereo or head
phones instead! (4.1.3)
3) Disable EAX (4.1.4)
4) Use 8 bit textures if possible (2.2.9.)
5) Do a full install and put movies on your hdd (fix path in options.ini)
6) Turn off mipmaps in the game (install/options in) and in your Display Properties.
(2.2.4)
7) Zoom the camera in (crtl-p)
8) Reduce clippling plane (journal or options.ini)
9) Kill the U9 Task (2.2.14)
A) If you used the hardware setup program. Redo all tweaks since it overwrites the
options.ini (2.3.1), (2.5.10)
B) Set your resolution and colordepth on the desktop to the same of the game. (2.2.1)
If nothing of works be sure to check the full FAQ at http://www.gulbsoft.de/faq.latest.html
Windforce Dragon
*Unofficial UA Technical Support FAQ*
0. PATCH INFORMATION (as 00-02-10)
0.1 Patch Availability (as 00-02-10)
0.1.1 Current Patch
The most current (and most likely the last) patch for UIX is
patch #1.18f
0.2 Patch Downloadlocations
* NOTE THAT THE LATEST PATCH INCLUDES ALL PRIOR PATCHES*
1.18f ftp://ftp.owo.com/pub/ua/patch/u9patch118.exe
1.07f ftp://ftp.owo.com/pub/ua/patch/u9patch107.exe
1.05f ftp://ftp.owo.com/pub/ua/patch/u9patch105.exe
0.3. Latest Patch Description
the following text is copied from the patch.txt #1.18f
note that it contains HEAVY SPOILERS, so click here to
skip that part
---
Ultima IX: Ascension
Copyright (c) 1999 ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
Patch version 1.18F (01/10/99)
!!!WARNING!!! Spoilers in the information below.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Notes:
-------------------------------------------------------------
- For additional support information and tips on improving game
performance please visit our website at http://www.ultima9.com.
- For tips on improving game performance please refer to the
PERFORM.TXT included with this patch.
- If you find you get stuck after casting a spell, hit the ESC
key. The spell has probably not found a target and is waiting
in spell targeting mode.
- If you pressed Alt-Tab while in the game it could crash on
some systems. Alt-Tab has been locked out. However, on
occasion it will still cause a crash. We recommend that you do
not run any other programs while running Ultima IX.
- If you have Norton Utilities and uninstall Ultima IX: Ascension,
make sure you right click on your Recycle Bin and select
Empty Norton Protected Files to free up the space on your hard
drive as Norton makes a backup of any deleted files.
- If you find that your video card is not selectable during
installation, try changing your desktop color depth to 16-bit.
To do this, right click on an empty space on your desktop and
select Properties. This will bring up the Display Properties
dialog box. Click on the Settings tab. In the section that says
Colors select High Color (16 bit). Click on OK. Try running
Setup again.
- If you find some music is not stopping (i.e. Hail Britannia)
we have added a new key command to the game to flush the music
system. This key is located in KEYMAP.NEW (search for
flush_music) and should be copied into your DEFAULT.KMP file.
(You can also simply copy the new file on top of DEFAULT.KMP to
completely replace/update keymaps.) In a place where Hail
Britannia is playing and you are not near Lord British's castle
press CTRL+ALT+M and the music will stop. Music will then cue
up normally.
- We added a key command to cancel all Avatar spells. This
will allow you to cancel all spells at once or "stuck" spells
that are not cancelling when recast. This key is located in
KEYMAP.NEW (search for flush_spells) and should be copied into
your DEFAULT.KMP file. (You can also simply copy the new file
on top of DEFAULT.KMP to completely replace/update keymaps.)
Press CTRL+ALT+S and the spells will be canceled.
- We added the ability to use the keyboard to control mimic
mouse control. These keys need to be added to your DEFAULT.KMP
file. The patch installs a new keymap file for you, called
KEYMAP.NEW. If you have not modified key mappings yourself,
simply delete DEFAULT.KMP and rename KEYMAP.NEW to DEFAULT.KMP.
If you have altered your DEFAULT.KMP for your own preference,
follow these steps to add the keys. Edit your DEFAULT.KMP file
located in the directory you installed Ultima IX (default is
c:\Program Files\Origin Systems\Ultima IX). Find the section
labeled [General] and add the appropriate lines (for example):
ctrl+alt+m = flush_music
ctrl+alt+s = flush_spells
; Keyboard shortcuts to movement
Up = forward
Down = backward
Left = sidestep_left
Right = sidestep_right
Delete = mouse_left
End = mouse_right
PageUp = mouse_up
PageDown = mouse_down
; Numeric Keypad movement keys (Audball's preferences)
; Double-defines for NumLock being on or off.
KeyPad+ = mouse_button2
KeyPad0 = mouse_button1
KeyPadInsert = mouse_button1
KeyPad4 = mouse_left
KeyPadLeft = mouse_left
KeyPad6 = mouse_right
KeyPadRight = mouse_right
KeyPad8 = mouse_up
KeyPadUp = mouse_up
KeyPad2 = mouse_down
KeyPadDown = mouse_down
KeyPad7 = sidestep_left
KeyPadHome = sidestep_left
KeyPad9 = sidestep_right
KeyPadPageUp = sidestep_right
Save the file and exit. The next time you run Ascension the keys
will be enabled.
NOTE: PageUp and PageDown are already mapped to functions that
turn journal/book pages left and right in the original keymap file.
Mapping them to mouse_up and mouse_down will cause the journal
functions to no longer work. Either remap the page flipping
commands, or do not copy the new mappings into your original keymap.
-------------------------------------------------------------
What is Fixed in the Patch (1.18f):
-------------------------------------------------------------
- Fixed a crash in Valoria, involving a creeper plant.
- Fixed a plot-stopper involving the demons in Valoria.
- Fixed a plot-stopper involving Shamino's conversation.
- Fixed a crash in Wrong, involving an NPC who was attempting to
go to an invalid location.
- Fixed a lockup in Wrong involving getting your backpack returned.
- Fixed a crash involving invalid music playing after a game is
loaded.
- Fixed a crash involving the Jade Bracelet for sale in Paws.
- Fixed an audio problem involving the Avatar's sounds not playing
in Windows 95. NOTE: If you modified your 'Options.ini' file to
attempt to get these sounds playing, please revert/undo your
changes. After this patch is installed, please set UseNotify=0
and Rolloff=1.0.
- Fixed a crash in the near-endgame scene involving Lord British
and Blackthorn.
- Fixed a bug involving creature generators that was creating problems
with collision.
- Fixed a problem on startup where the EAX environmental settings
were either being set incorrectly, or preventing startup
altogether.
- Made additional D3D improvements. D3D is now native to
DirectX 7. Supports bilinear filtering of alpha textures
in 16-bit via multipass rendering of the same texture, if
that feature is supported on the given D3D hardware.
- Compressed textures are now properly supported on all platforms
except nVidia's; this is a driver issue. The Savage4 card
is one of the top performers as a result.
- GeForce is now supported properly.
- Screen shots in Voodoo2 SLI mode now work properly.
- Fixed numerous moderate memory leaks.
- Fixed a severe memory leak that would manifest if you open a book,
then Alt-Tab away from the game.
- Lifts received a code overhaul, and now function more reliably.
If the Avatar moves while on a lift, the lift halts its movement
until the Avatar stands still.
- Fixed a problem with the Moonglow boat lift where you would
sometimes fall through it.
- Fixed a vertical lift in Hythloth that was unreliable.
- Fixed a vertical lift in Yew; added a button at ground-level to
summon it.
- Fixed several inventory gold overflow crashes.
- Sometimes, starting a new game in version 1.06 (Patch #2) would
not work properly; this is now fixed.
- Fixed several problems in the Spirit summoning rituals.
- Numerous bugs in the installer have been fixed. If you re-install
the game with the fixed installer (available on the remastered
CD), the game installs more reliably and runs more smoothly.
- The new install handles installation of DXMedia, which is required
for movies to work properly.
- Suppressed humming and whistling of the Avatar, and any NPC who
is in the process of dying.
- Added an LODScale value to OPTIONS.INI; scales the distance at which
LODs change.
- Avatar coughing & whistling is eliminated.
- You can no longer charm the Guardian.
- If you put more than 2047 objects into a single room-sized area,
the game now issues a fatal error and exits (before it would just
crash).
-------------------------------------------------------------
What is Fixed in the Patch (1.06f):
-------------------------------------------------------------
- Made additional D3D improvements.
- Fixed an issue in D3D in resolutions higher than 640x480 where
the camera could only turn in one direction.
- Fixed an issue on the TNT cards where the Avatar's responses
were not displaying.
- Fixed a crash that could occur if you saved your game while
underwater.
- Fixed a crash that could happen when the earthquakes occurred
in Covetous.
- Fixed a crash that could occur in the prison Wrong when
walking down the hallway near the false Raven's cell.
- Fixed a crash that could occur if you tried to bind reagents
using the binding circles in Moonglow or Wrong.
- Fixed a number of miscellaneous crashes.
- Fixed a few issues with the Hardware Setup program that would
reset the options settings to the defaults.
- There were some situations where an item could disappear if
your inventory was full and you swapped your sword and shield
for a two handed weapon. We addressed this.
- Improved creature reaction to ranged attacks.
- Made it so your spells are canceled if your spellbook is taken
away like when your are sent to Despise or captured in Wrong.
Thus your mana will not continue to drain.
- Fixed a problem where some spells could get "stuck" on and not
be canceled.
- Fixed a problem where the Stone spell would fizzle if you were
using auto-targeting.
- Fixed a problem where the Kiran Shield would give you an extra
5 mana if you were out of mana when you took it off.
- Fixed a problem where if you cast Light from a scroll it would
use some of your mana.
- Fixed an issue where pigs would end up propogating like rabbits
in certain areas of the world.
- The flag to allow you to speak with Eustus is now set when you
read the Book of Justice as well as when you speak with
Vasaglarem. Thus you can now get the Quill from him when either
action is taken.
- Fixed an issue where some of the trainers would give you the
option to train again (they wouldn't train you again, just
offer) after you had trained once.
- Fixed an issue with Desbet where he would not talk to you again
if you did not have the gargoyle queen egg. You will now be
able to come back and speak with him again.
- Fixed an issue where Amoranth acted like you had the candle of
love when you did not.
- Fixed an issue where Marek the fisherman would give you a Karma
boost multiple times.
- Fixed Phineus so you could talk to him in mid-fight in the
arena and get your belongings back. You will have to start
the fight over and still have to win three fights in a row
to get a skill increase and you will have to pay again if
you do this.
- Fixed a problem with Felix and Castro where you could not get
the information about the Kiran Stones if you said goodbye
immediately.
- Fixed an issue with Sarah where you could exit the
conversation and then not have the option to get the mantra
from her later.
- Fixed a problem where the Avatar could sometimes become stuck
inside a rock, or a wall/
- Fixed a bug in swimming that made swimming very difficult.
- Fixed an issue in Moonglow where the magical airship would not
return if you fell off of it. It now appears back at its
original starting point (Tydus' house) when you take the lift
up. Also increased the speed the ship travels.
- Fixed an issue in Valoria where the Demons could be killed
early which prevented you from finding the Dagger of Valor.
- Fixed a section of Covetous where the lava would sometimes
rise too high.
- There was one point in the game where the Guardian could be
killed (though it was extremely difficult), making the game
unfinishable. This has been fixed.
- You now receive a karma boost for finishing the water valve
quest in Paws.
- Vasaglarem now leaves Lord British's castle after the shrine
of compassion is cleansed (as was originally intended).
- Fixed the point where you could get the Hail Britannia music
stuck and cause it to repeat for the rest of the game. Those
of you who already have this problem with your savegame use
the flush_music command described in "Additional Notes" above.
- Fixed an issue where the lift to Vasaglarem's House in Yew
would not return if you have already used it. When speaking to
Desbet the lever to call the lift back will reveal. If you
install the patch before entering Britannia this lever will
be visible at the outset.
- Fixed an issue with Raleigh where he would sell you a
Longbow if you selected Composite Bow or War Bow. He now
offers the correct weapons and prices.
- Fixed an issue where the game would lock if you purchased a
jade bracelet from Irene in Cove.
- Fixed an issue with Leeland in Moonglow so he doesn't say his
daddy's gonna die over and over again.
-------------------------------------------------------------
There are a few items that will only be reflected if you
install the patch before you reach a certain point in the game.
Note that these fixes are less critical to your gaming
enjoyment (the game still works, we just improved upon a few
things) and you are not required to start over. The patch
will still fix the issues listed above regardless of how much
you've played.
-------------------------------------------------------------
- Fixed an issue in New Magincia where the quest was not
completable if you went to Ambrosia/Hythloth first. Note:
You may be able to continue with an existing savegame
depending upon how the quest was triggered. This will fix
the problem 100% of the time if you have a savegame anytime
before you received the quest from Katrina.
- The lighthouses without gems were emitting light before
the gems were placed. This will be fixed if you install
the patch before you arrive in Britannia.
- Aidon now consistently returns to his house in Britain after
you free his daughter in Paws. This will be fixed if you
install the patch before you arrive in Britannia.
- Fixed an issue where you could fall through the lift in
Covetous. If you install the patch before enter Covetous
you will see this change.
- Fixed an issue where the Silver Serpent prison would be
unlocked but he would not be free. This would only occur
if you got the key, left the cave and then returned later
to free him. If you install the patch before you arrive
in Britannia you will see this change.
- Fixed an issue where the flag wasn't properly being set
when you picked up the glyph of compassion. This would
cause Raven to not show up outside of Despise and the
Mayor to not move to Paws. You will see this fix if you
install the patch before entering Despise.
- Fixed an issue with a cave along the coast of Minoc where
some invisible lava existed. If you install the patch
before you arrive in Britannia you will see this change.
- Fixed an issue in Terfin where a large stone block could
randomly block the path to continue. You will see this fix
if you install the patch before entering the Terfin dungeon
for the first time.
- Fixed the shrinking room in Hythloth so the water does not
rise until you have exited the pipe, thus preventing the
random occurrence of getting stuck as the water rose. You
will see this fix if you install the patch before arriving
in Hythloth.
- Fixed an issue where the water levels were not rising and
falling consistently in the same area of Hythloth. Again,
you will see this fix if you install the patch before
entering Hythloth.
- Fixed a situation that could cause Raxos to end up in the
ceiling. You can see this fix if you install the patch
before you arrive in Britannia.
- Fixed several instances where NPCs could end up standing
on top of furniture. You can see this fix if you install
the patch before you arrive in Britannia.
- Fixed a situation where you could crash when using the
teleport pads in Wrong. You will see this fix if you
install the patch before entering Wrong.
-------------------------------------------------------------
What is Fixed in the Patch (1.05f):
-------------------------------------------------------------
- Further optimization of the Direct3D support.
- Fixed an issue where the Detonator 3.53 drivers were not
working properly with the game with DirectX 7 installed.
- Addressed a problem with the Riva 128 and Intel I740 with
certain drivers and DirectX 7.
- At times, monsters would not be properly hostile to the Avatar.
Many of these situations have been addressed.
- There was an issue where the fire arrows would not fire when
using the most common oil flasks in the game.
- If you had your bow drawn and then opened your backpack, the
arrow count would read 1, regardless of the actual count.
- If you jumped in water twice in specific situations would cause
the Avatar to lock up. This is fixed.
- The zoom reset key (ctrl-insert) has been fixed.
- Addressed a crash that can occur if you save the game while
poisoned then load that game and try to continue.
- If you place an item between the compass and backpack the game
would sometimes crash.
- When manipulating bags there was a random lockup that could
occur. This has been fixed.
- If you dragged a bag while the bag gump was open you could have
interface troubles. This was addressed.
- Fixed an issue if the Spellbook was placed in a bag, it was not
being added to the interface.
- The duration of spells (which have a duration) cast from scrolls
has been increased.
- The Day spell has been adjusted so that it will not
temporarily blink out in certain situations.
- The Time Stop spell mana drain has been increased dramatically
to reduce the balance issues generated by the spell.
- Fixed a problem where you could manipulate some items while in
the Wizard Eye view.
- Fixed a problem where linear spells cost mana if you have the
Arms of the Magi on.
- Arms of the Magi will check to see you have enough mana based
upon the reduced spell cost rather than the standard spell cost.
- Addressed a balance issue where you could cast spells while the
backpack was open. By design, monsters are non-hostile when a
container gump (backpack, bag) is open meaning they had no
way to respond to your spell/attack. Now when you cast a
spell while the backpack or bag is open, they will be closed
so the monsters may respond. Additionally, quick targeting
is now disabled when the backpack or bag is open.
- Fixed an issue where Rupert the blacksmith (in Trinsic) would
not always recognize that you had blackrock and thus will not
make a Blackrock sword for you.
- We found and fixed several areas where Raven would provide
incorrect conversation options.
- Added an option to have Raxos give you the key to Nico's cell
after the Shrine of Sacrifice is cleansed. You no longer have
to kill the repentant man to free Nico.
- You no longer have the option to ask Lord British about the
shortcut to Yew once he has shown it to you.
- The speech for the two drinking skeletons near Britain is
now playing (the text was only displaying before).
- Eustus would not speak to you if you clicked on him. Thus you
had to walk away and approach again if you did not answer his
questions. Note: he still no longer has anything to say once
you have received the Quill of Justice. This is as we
designed it.
- Fixed a few areas that were not playing the correct city music.
- The text for the Blackthorn note was too long for the scroll
it was on and thus you could not read the entire thing. The
scroll has been extended.
- Groldek (the evil Archmage in Serpent's Hold) was not casting
his spells correctly and would try to walk forward off his
platform. He now cast the proper spells and stays put.
- Addressed an issue where two characters would rush each other in
an in-game cinematic (while using their magic). They now stand
still.
- Fixed a problem in Despise where you would get a Karma hit even
if you saved Thadious (should only do so if you let him die).
- Fixed a problem with the blacksmiths where they were not
offering any money for the blackrock sword.
- Fixed some incorrect labels in the Minoc vendors (e.g. said
"Dozen Oil Flasks" when it would only sell you one.)
- Fixed a problem in the Abyss where the fireballs would be left
behind in the hall, preventing progress later.
- There were times when the small rowboat that sailed you to the
secret entrance of Wrong would not show up. Made this more
reliable.
- Fixed an issue where the secret cave from Buccaneer's Den to
New Magincia would open the false path when you tried
to travel from Buccaneer's Den a second time.
- There was a point northwest of Yew that would sometimes get
stuck repeating the same sound over and over. This has been
addressed.
-------------------------------------------------------------
There are a few items that will only be reflected if you
install the patch before you reach a certain point in the game.
Note that these fixes are less critical to your gaming
enjoyment (the game still works, we just improved upon a few
things) and you are not required to start over. The patch
will still fix the issues listed above regardless of how much
you've played.
-------------------------------------------------------------
- Made the trigger bricks in Wrong easier to see. If you
install the patch before entering the prison of Wrong you
will see this change.
- In the Terfin dungeon the game would sometimes crash
if you placed all of the black gate pieces in the circle
too quickly. Cleaned this up so it works properly in
all situations. If you install the patch before you enter
the Terfin dungeon you will see this change.
- Created a way for you to keep the Mage Shield once you've
found it. If you install the patch before you arrive in
Britannia you will see this change.
---
Return to the Contents
More Information:
The following note was dropped by CapnBill (LeadProgrammer) on
the official boards (11-30-99):
Game design issues: The problems we'll be looking to fix in
future patches won't be related to game design, unless they're
plot-stoppers. In other words, there isn't much we can do about
requests for more NPC schedules, etc. But, there are things we
can do about blatant bugs (creatures standing still while you
hit them, plot-stoppers, etc).
Before we shipped, all our testers played through the game
in its entirety; we fixed every plot problem we identified.
We never had any intention of treating you like Beta testers!
So, the game is play-through-able as is..and, it's getting
better, largely as a result of all the feedback here. So,
thanks, and please be patient!
0.4 Problems with patch 1.05f
0.4.1 Invalid Pixel format error does still appear
A: In some cases, installing the 1.05f patch does not fix the
"Pixel format invalid as specified" error that occurs with
NVidia cards using the 3.53 drivers. My specific case was a
GeForce (Creative Labs Annhilator) with NVidia's 3.53 Detonator
drivers and Direct X 7. After installing the patch I was still
receiving the same error message. I had previously played the
game using a Voodoo 2.
In order to fix this: copy or move the "Savegame" directory
under U9 to another drive or directory and then uninstall Ultima 9.
The reinstall Ultima 9 as you did before, choosing your D3D board
during the hardware setup. Before starting the game, run the 1.05f patch.
Then move your "Savegame" directory back into the Ultima 9 directory
(choose "Yes to all" when it asks if you should overwrite the directory).
Apparently the patch does not work correctly if you've already run the game.
This shouldn't be a problem for those people who were never able to get it running
in the first place, but if you were playing previously with a Voodoo card or
some other D3D card other than an NVidia, you may need to try this.
0.4.1 Version Number after Patching same as before?
The Patching failed. Make sure you did not use a cracked U9.exe as the patch upates
the encrypted exe.
0.4.2 Patching fails for patch #1 (1.05f)
Q: The patch does not apply.
A: (CapnBill) The mantra for Patch#1 is -ignoremissing. Use from the command line. go into your
U9 directory; copy the U9PATCH.EXE file into that directory. Type U9PATCH -ignoremissing.
Verify that your Journal now says v1.05f.
Return to the Contents
0.5 Problems with patch 1.07f
0.5.1 Valoria BUG: Several Users, including me, have experienced trouble in the city
the gargolyes, Valoria.
A: Patch #1.18f seems to fix this
0.5.2 Unable to start after applying 1.07f: Invalid Caps, invalid pixelformat or
similar error.
A: this is connected with installed compressed textures in the most cases
reinstalling the game without compressed textures works fine.
also, please check d3d.txt for more information on your best graphic
card settings
Return to the Contents
1. INSTALLATION ISSUES
NOTE from CapnBill: Performance perception issue: The Install scales the game
engine's settings up, based on the type of CPU you have. So, if you have a
fast CPU, you'll have more bells & whistles than others, but at the cost of speed.
You probably don't notice the fact that your game looks better
than someone else's (because you can't see their screen), but you do
notice that it doesn't seem to run faster. So, you can just scale
down your Journal Options settings for
more speed.
1.1. Q: I chose to install compressed textures but when I check this in the
Hardware Options the compressed textures setting is not selected.
A: When installing Ultima IX Ascension be sure to choose a custom install
and select compressed textures
Note that compressed textures only make sense for SAVAGE4 based graphics boards
1.2. Q: During installation, I reached the point where the program asks for an
installation directory. Pressed the "Browse..." button and got an
invalid page fault.
A: This is a problem with some video drivers, and not specific to UIX: A
(It's actually the installshield application that's crashing here, and
other apps will crash if you hit the 'browse' button). You should be
okay if you manually type in the path rather than using the browse
functions.
1.3. Q: I have chosen a custom install of Ultima IX Ascension and the installer
reported that zero kilobytes were installed. The installed used 480 MB
of hard drive space? What is taking up so much space?
A: The hard drive space is not missing. Even though there was nothing
selected in the custom install it still copies over the core of the
program resulting in used hard drive space.
Q: What version of DirectX comes with Ultima IX Ascension?
A: Ultima IX Ascension includes DirectX 7. An option to install DirectX 7
appears upon installation of the game. Many TNT2 and GeForce users are
expericiencing problems with DirectX 7. Consider using DirectX 6.1.
A tool for removing your current DirextX version can be found here:
http://www.ebrink.com/dxun/downloads.html
1.4. Q: The install program does not run for my system (Voodoo)
A: If you have a DirectX5 driver for your Voodoo card, Install
won't run (since Installing DirectX6 or 7 doesn't remove
that driver). Remove the hardware device from your system and
re-add it, then re-install DirectX7. Install should run then.
(from CapnBill)
Return to the Contents
2. IMPROVING SPEED/PERFORMANCE
QUESTION: Can anyone comment on the heat-level which is produced by UA on the GPU.
I remember Unreal being a real killer causing overheating on many d3d chips.
Any comment? (windforce@gulbsoft.de)
2.1 Journal and Ingame Options
2.1.1. A: Tips from the official webpage for performance tuning:
Journal Options are the best way to affect performance.
To maximize your frame rate, set both clipping plane sliders
("Viewable Item Distance" and "Additional Terrain Viewing" all
the way to the left. Then, select the left-most checkbox in the
"Performance vs Quality" section. Close the Journal to save your
settings.
Note: if you run the Hardware Setup program after you set your journal
options, you must repeat this step.
2.1.2. A: Try turning down the details and the viewable distance located in the
options menu in your Journal. There is also the option to turn off Mip
mapping. This can be found by clicking on the Start menu > Programs >
Ultima 9 > Hardware options.
TNT1 (maybe also 2, but untested) Owners:
Install the 3.34 Detonator Drivers. Go to Display Properties|Settings|Advanced|
RIVA TNT|Additional Properties|Direct3d Settings. Make sure "Automatically
generate [text box] mipmap levels." has a value of zero. If it doesn't,
your hardware is automatically using up valuable texture memory on mipmaps...
Infos from the Capn: mip-mapping: Mipmap level of 0 turns mip-mapping
off; only the highest detail level is used for textures. Level 1 is
on, with the nearest textures being the highest detail level. Level 2
is on, with nearest being the next-lowest detail level, etc.
2.1.3. A: Try bringing the camera closer into the Avatar using Crtl + Page up.
This author has experienced very good results with this technique.
Return to the Contents
2.2 Hardware and Windows Tuning Options
GENERAL Official Tips from the Development team:
- Run Scandisk/Defrag
- Tip 2.2.4
- Setup a 500 MB Swapfile -> 2.2.2
- Tip 2.2.14
NOTE on MINIMUM SPECS:
The minimum specs on the U9 box are a joke. After watching the boards
for some time now it seems clear that how U9 runs is very system dependant
there have been reports from people running the game fair well on an
P 200 (overclocked). Anyway in most cases you definitly want a much
more powerful system than the minimum. Remember, it is an ultima.
*** EVEN IF YOU HAVE THE FASTEST SYSTEM AVAILABLE (Kyrotech 1GHz :) with
a HELL OF RAM, you'll īmost likely get slower results than other
systems if you are not running GLIDE ***
NOTE: To allow you to compare your systems performance with the performance
other users get with their system, I've set up a messageboard at
http://server5.ezboard.com/fgulbsoftforumu9techforum.html
It can also be used to find out what hardware will give you the best
performance when upgrading. (currently 99-12-01 there are approx. 50
posts in the forum. If you want to help, please add you own system
and your performance to the board. Thank you.
GENERAL NOTE for performance tuning.
If you can afford it, REFORMAT your harddisk and do a
clean OS installation from the scratch (watch the infos below, especially
those dealing with swapfiles and installation locations).
Don't install DX7! Install DX6.1 first. Use old drivers for your graphics
board. Then, if the game does not run after tuning, first upgrade your
graphics board and again try all tricks. If it still does not run,
try DX7 as latest option. The game has been in dev. for a long time and
it is quite possible that it runs much better with older drivers. Since
you'll have a hard time trying to uninstall DX7 use DX6 first.
You can find dx6 on most older magazine cds.
2.2. Q: I am getting terrible framerates in UIX, is there any way to improve
my framerate
2.2.1. A: Try setting your desktop resolution to the same size as the game
resolution (i.e.800x 600). This may also be the reason some people
can not get their mouse to work in some areas of the screen.
2.2.2. A: Try changing your computer to a file server. Go to Settings/Control
Panel/System/ Performance tab, at the bottom, click on "file system".
Change your HD to be treated like a "network server".
2.2.2. A: Virtual memory
Rules of thumb regarding virtual memory:
1. In almost every case, you will want to multiply the amount of
ram on your system by 2 to get your virtual memory size. (ex. 64
megs of ram = 128 meg swap file for virtual mem, 128 megs of ram
= 256 meg swap file for virtual memory)
2. A system with over 64 meg of ram should be set to "network
server" under control panel/system/performance/file system. This
is the "typical role" setting.
3. You should create your own swap file by going to control
panel/system/performance/ virtual memory and specifying your
minimum and maximum the same size. This creates a permanent swap
and keeps windows from expanding and contracting the amount of
space allowed for swap. Letting windows specify on a
fragmented hard drive will really put a hit on performance.
4. When creating a swap file (changing virtual memory) if possible,
Specify a drive other then your C: drive, BEST ANOTHER PHYSICAL
drive (meaning a partition on another hdd). Also, you should
defrag before and after you set your permanent swap file.
5. There is a such thing as too much virtual memory when running
certain processes including games. For gaming purposes, you
shouldn't need more then twice the amount of system ram as stated
before.
Also, a good way to set up a permanent swapfile in windows is the
following:
turn off virtual memory;
reboot in safe mode;
defrag (this will be horrendously slow)
set virtual memory to a constant size on that drive;
reboot;
This ensures a single block of disk space for the swapfile. Defragging
a drive with a swapfile on it does not defrag the swapfile itself,
because win386.swp is a system file--defrag will not touch those
2.2.3. A: Close all non essential programs including ICQ. If you have things
like "crash guard" running in the background this will hurt your
performance and probably also cause other problems with the game, the
best bet is to close all non critical programs before running U9
check task manager by hitting ctrl-alt-delete there should really
only be two things listed here. explorer and systray ...and I've heard
you can do without systray as well.
2.2.4. A: Try turning off mipmapping with the Hardware Setup of UIX. (Official)
Selecting a lower detail level for mip-mapping can improve D3D
performance. Lower detail levels require less video memory, and take
less time to load from disk. But, they look a bit blurrier.
You can also turn mip-mapping off. This also reduces your video memory
requirements, and can improve performance.
2.2.5. A: Defragment your hard drives. There is a built-in utility in Windows
9X. Go the Help file and lookup Defragment under the Contentstab. A
thing to consider is the Windows 98 utility does not defrag your VM
swap file, consider using Norton Disk Doctors Speed Disk.
2.2.6. A: Purchase more RAM if you have less than 128megs. Many people report
good results with 128 and even better results with 256 megs. You can
never have TOO much RAM.
2.2.7. A: If you own a Glide card yet have D3D card installed..try reinstalling
your Glide Card.
2.2.8. A: Play around with your resolution settings. Many people experience
better framerates at higher levels.
2.2.9.A: If the game runs slow with 16-bit textures, consider reinstalling
using 8-bit textures.
2.2.10.A: Since ram is the big factor in this game, you need to make sure you
have as MUCH free as possible when loading into the game. There is a
great program found at:http://tweakbase.gxnetwork.com called Cacheman.
It allows you to change some internal settings in windows (min/max
file cache sizes, etc) that free up ram considerably, AS WELL AS HELP
DISK PERFORMANCE. Try using these settings with it:
Min / Max cache 1mb / 6mb
ChunkSize 256 (helped disk performance alot)
FileCache 2048
DirCache 64
For those that are scared to mess with these things, these settings
are extremely conservative, only a shade lower than the original
settings. However, after doing this,normally my system on bootup
would have approx 30mb of the 64mb free (cacheman can tell you this).
After doing the changes, it went up to 43mb free.
2.2.11.A: If you have Office 97 installed it can take up huge amounts of system
resources... To increase your speed follow this procedure:
1. Open control panel2. Run Find Fast3. Press the menu called 'Contents'
2. Press 'Delete Contents...'
3. Delete all of the Contentses, you should only have one on your 'C:'
4. Press 'Ok'
5. Press the menu called 'Contents' again8. Press 'Close and Stop'
Reboot your system and then try Ultima IX again
You can also remove findfast.exe from the autostart by using
msconfig.exe
2.2.12.A: Change your hard Drives to DMA. Some people have experienced less HD
swapping by doing this. Go to windows control panel/system/device
manager then click on the disk drives folder..find the folder that
most resembles your hard drive (ex. GENERIC IDE DISK TYPE47) then
click on that and hit the properties button at the bottom. Under
settings you will see a list of settings, some will have check marks
others will not. Some boxes may be greyed out (unavailable). You
"should" see a box that says dma. If its not greyed-out check it and
restart your computer. If it's greyed out or there is no box..
chances are your hard drive does not support it.
WARNING. Some overclocked systems may not be handle DMA correctly.
If you have overclocked you CPU activating DMA may lead to
Data corruption on the HDD
2.2.13 A: Try shutting down USB to improve performance.
2.2.14.A: This tip was grapped from the official boards and confirmed later by
Origin as performance tip:
- Start the game:
- Once you're in the game, press Alt+Esc to go to the desktop.
- Press CTRL+ALT+DEL once to pull up the list of running programs.
- There is two entries, Ultima 9 and U9.
- End Task on U9. It'll come back saying not responding, so End Task
again.
- Then just go back to the game.
If you are not able to do alt-esc check section 6 on how to activate.
Looks like this u9 process is the copy protection and consuming some
amount of performance. Is I understand this kind of cp it is used once
to decrypt u9.exe which is encrypted on the cd. Maybe it respawns when
you are reloading while in the game.
Especially users with a geforce256 and 2.08 drivers seem to be have
a performance gain on that
2.2.15.A: Try setting the Maxlight setting in options.ini (section 5) to 2. Users
report that this does not affect the visual qualtiy very much.
2.2.16.A: I own a Savage3d Graphics board. How do I enable texture compression?
To enable it in the options.ini: Use16BitTextures=1
2.2.17.A: Regarding IDE drives, if you want to go into detail on this matter in
the FAQ, here is some info that may be helpful:
IDE devices connect to IDE channels, up to 2 devices per channel
2 IDE devices on the same channel can _NOT_ operate simultaneously.
A swapfile on a different drive, but on the same channel as an a drive
hosting an application (i.e. U9) is slower than a swapfile on the same
drive as the application. In the IDE world, moving the swapfile to a
different drive _ONLY_ helps if that drive is on a different IDE channel
If the CD drive running the game shares a channel with your application
drive or swapfile drive, there is a major performance hit.
Most people only have 2 IDE channels in their machine. If their CD
drives are connected to one, and their hard drives share the other, then
the swapfile should reside _ON_ the drive they run U9 from. They should
only move the swapfile if they have extra IDE channels (i.e. with the
Abit BE6, BP6 or ZX6 mobos or an addon card with more IDE channels) and
can give all their drives a separate channel.
Return to the Contents
2.3. HARDWARE SETUP PROGRAM
2.3.1. NOTE from the DevTeam:
We've identified another bug in the Hardware Setup program;
it over-writes any settings you made in your Journal Options.
So, if you set your Journal to make the game run faster,
then run the Hardware Setup program, you game will probably
run slower. To fix this, just change the Options in your
Journal again. We're fixing the Hardware Setup program;
it'll appear in a future patch.
Return to the Contents
2.4. 3DFX/GLIDE ISSUES/SUGGESTIONS
NOTE: Make sure you have the latest drivers from www.3dfx.xom
This list is from the official website:
Supported 3dfx Hardware:
Voodoo1 Voodoo2 Voodoo3
2.4.1. First you want to try the following tips from the official webpage
1. Make sure you install and run with 8-bit textures.
2. Run the game, and use your in-game Journal to change your game Options
for maximum speed
2.4.2. One user suggested the following settings for a Voodoo 3 under the
system.ini
[vcache]
Chunksize=12288
MinFileCache=8192
MaxFileCache=8192
2.4.3. Q: I have a Voodoo 3 and I am running in Direct 3D but It does not look
as good as Glide.
A: Select Glide as the API
2.4.4. Q: I see rainbow textures at lower resolutions.
A: Try a higher resolution
2.4.5 Another author has found that a single V2 (8 megs) works better than a v3
2000 on a comparable system. Go figure. Sigh. (:P
2.4.6. Q: I have grey boxes around my cursor and the interface
A: Running on glide 2.5? Get the latest drivers from 3dfx.com.
Return to the Contents
2.5. D3d ISSUE/SUGGESTIONS
*** NOTE: OSI has repeatedly emphasized that UIX is specifically optimized for
GLIDE. You may want to consider buying one or two Voodoo 2 Cards and run them in
SLI Mode (Richard Garriots prefered config) or a Voodoo3 2000 for $75.
Go to pricewatch.com for the best prices. ***
Apply the latest patch before using any of this tricks!!!
This list is from the official website:
Supported Direct3D Hardware:
ATI Rage 128, Rage Pro
Matrox G200, G400
nVidia Riva 128 ,TNT, TNT2* ,GeForce*
Rendition 2200
S3 Savage4
* The latest Detonator drivers (version 3.53 and 3.56) released for these cards
are not compatible with the initial version of Ultima IX.
You must use different drivers for these cards or install patch 1.05f+
NOTE on TNT and DX7 and *unpatched* retail version
(DevTeam) We found an issue with the 3.53 drivers and DirectX 7 when it was
too late to fix before shipping. As some of the players have discovered, the
older (2.08 or 2.40) drivers work well with DirectX 6.1
UPDATE: Should be solved with patch 1.05f.
Note on DirectX7:
DirectX 7 is still fairly new. Hardware manufacturers have not had time to
optimize their drivers fully yet. So, older DirectX 6.1 drivers may give you
better performance. Contact your video card manufacturer for these drivers.
Yet more on performance differences between DX6 and DX7 from CapnBill:
providing native DX7 support was something we never had time for.
When we implemented our D3D pipeline, we only had DX6 available.
DX7 became available in beta form before we shipped, and in final form
only a couple of weeks before we shipped (remember, we had to code
freeze in early October and only fix bugs from that point forward). We
tested the product with DX7, but were unaware of a performance difference
between DX6 & DX7; we tested mainly for functionality and crashes. I'll be
interested to learn, over the next few days, why there is a performance
difference. We're not "blaming" DX7 for performance, any more than we're
"blaming" our own code. The fact that there is a difference, however,
needs to be communicated to the customer base.
UPDATE: with patch #118f native DX 7 support is added to the game.
Note on Running Win2k from CapnBill:
Win2k (builds 2153? and greater) *require* DX7 drivers
for D3D. There is a list of currently supported cards and cards with
support forthcoming, but I'm not aware of what they are. Anybody who plays
Ascension here at the office under Win2K is most likely running Glide
on a Voodoo[1,2,3] card.
Note on Windows 98 and TNT cards :
If so, did you re-install DirectX as part of the game's install? We've had
similar problems with TNT cards and Win98. Sometimes, Win98 suddenly starts
crashing constantly, usually in an app called MPREXE or something like that;
that's part of explorer. Sometimes this would happen even without changing
the Windows configuration in any way; it suddenly just decided it hated the
video driver. If this is the problem you're having, it's related to the
TNT driver, not the game. I'll pass this on to customer service--they should
be able to recommend a fix. I think you may need to re-install your video
driver. (Capn Bill).
UPDATE: seems patched with new detonator drivers and #118f
The following text file is included with patch #118f:
Ultima IX: Ascension
Optimal Settings for D3D Hardware
Contents
1. How to Use This File
2. Matrox G200
3. Matrox G400
4. nVidia TNT
5. nVidia TNT2
6. nVidia GeForce
7. ATI Rage Pro
8. ATI Rage 128
9. S3 Savage 4
10. Riva 128
11. Rendition 2200
12. 3dfx
13. Other D3D Hardware
1. How to Use This File
=====================================
This file contains suggested settings for a variety of Direct3D cards, for
Ultima IX: Ascension to run properly. You should locate your card in this
list, and configure your options in Ascension according to the instructions
located in that section.
The settings listed include which texture format is optimal for that card,
and what mip-mapping settings to use.
2. Matrox G200
=====================================
Texture Set: 16-bit textures
Mip Map Level: Medium
Resolution: 640x480 or 800x600
Notes:
The G200 does not support certain multi-texturing rendering modes
used for certain textures ( i.e. trees and windows ). The game
should handle this correctly, but if you notice graphic glitches,
you can set the "MultiPassChromakey" entry in your options.ini
file to 0 to fix this. These textures will have a blocky look to
them on the G200. This is normal and is a limitation of the G200.
3. Matrox G400
=====================================
Texture Set: 16-bit textures
Mip Map Level: Medium
Resolution: 1024x768 or less
Notes:
Certain drivers for the G400 cause a crash in DDHELP.EXE while
playing Ascension. Version 5.50 of the drivers fixes this problem.
If you experience this problem, please download and install the
latest drivers from www.matrox.com.
4. nVidia TNT
=====================================
Texture Set: 16-bit textures
Mip Map Level: Medium
Resolution: 1024x768 or less
Notes:
For all nVidia cards, we recommend updating your drivers to the
latest Detonator drivers, currently version 3.53, available from
nVidia if you have any graphical problems in the game. In the control
panel for the display properties, we recommend turning off "enable fog
table emulation" and "adjust Z-buffer depth to rendering depth if
unequal". Also turn off any settings for automatically creating
mip map levels.
5. nVidia TNT2
=====================================
Texture Set: 16-bit textures
Mip Map Level: High
Resolution: Any
Notes:
For all nVidia cards, we recommend updating your drivers to the
latest Detonator drivers, currently version 3.53, available from
nVidia if you have any graphical problems in the game. In the control
panel for the display properties, we recommend turning off "enable fog
table emulation" and "adjust Z-buffer depth to rendering depth if
unequal". Also turn off any settings for automatically creating
mip map levels.
6. nVidia GeForce
=====================================
Texture Set: 16-bit textures or compressed textures
Mip Map Level: High
Resolution: Any
Notes:
For all nVidia cards, we recommend updating your drivers to the
latest Detonator drivers, currently version 3.53, available from
nVidia if you have any graphical problems in the game. In the control
panel for the display properties, we recommend turning off "enable fog
table emulation" and "adjust Z-buffer depth to rendering depth if
unequal". Also turn off any settings for automatically creating
mip map levels.
7. ATI Rage Pro
=====================================
Texture Set: 16-bit textures
Mip Map Level: Medium or Low
Resolution: 800x600 or less
Notes:
Some drivers for the ATI Rage Pro will cause a large number of rendering
errors while playing Ascension. We recommend updating to the latest
drivers available from www.atitech.com if you experience any graphical
errors during play.
8. ATI Rage 128
=====================================
Texture Set: 16-bit textures
Mip Map Level: High or Medium
Resolution: 1024x768 or less
9. S3 Savage 4
=====================================
Texture Set: Compressed textures
Mip Map Level: High
Resolution: 1024x768 or less
10. Riva 128
=====================================
Texture Set: 16-bit textures
Mip Map Level: Medium or Low
Resolution: 800x600 or less
Notes:
The Riva 128 does not support certain texture formats, mostly
used for spell and lighting effects, and shadows. As a result,
these textures may appear slightly more blocky than on other
cards.
Warning:
Some drivers appear to not support vertex-iterated alpha. This
feature is required by Ascension.
11. Rendition 2200
=====================================
Texture Set: 16-bit textures
Mip Map Level: Medium
Resolution: 800x600 or less
12. 3dfx
=====================================
Texture Set: 16-bit textures
Mip Map Level: Medium
Resolution: 800x600 or less ( 1024x768 on Voodoo 3 )
Notes:
The 3dFX cards do not support certain texture formats, mostly
used for spell and lighting effects, and shadows. As a result,
these textures may appear slightly more blocky than on other
cards. If you see large square blocks where you would expect to
see shadows or spell effects, you should set the "Force4444Alpha"
entry in your options.ini file to 1. If you experience graphical
problems with "chromakey" textures (i.e. the interface, trees,
windows, etc. ), you should set the "MultiPassChromakey" entry in
your options.ini file to 0. As a general rule, we recommend
running the game in Glide mode with 8-bit textures on 3dFX cards.
13. Other D3D Hardware
=====================================
Most Direct3D cards will support 16-bit textures. 8-bit textures are
not supported under Direct3D for Ultima IX:Ascension. If your D3D
card supports DirectX compressed textures, then you should choose
the compressed texture set, as this will give you a noticeable
increase in performance.
The mip map level that you should use is determined mostly by the
amount of memory your video card has for textures. A card with
8 MB of RAM should use the Medium mip map level. A card with 16 MB or
more of RAM can use the High mip map level, although using the Medium
setting will give better performance. Also, if you are running at a
very high resolution, you may want to turn mip mapping off, since you
won't be as affected by texture crawl, and that will help performance
on some cards as well.
The resolution you choose is also based on the amount of memory on
your video card, as well as the speed of the card. The higher the
resolution you choose, the less memory you have available on the
card for textures, and this can adversely affect performance.
With most modern 3D cards, you will not notice much difference in
frame rate between 640x480 and 1024x768 when playing Ultima IX,
so you should experiment with different resolution settings to find
the one that gives you the best appearance and game play.
In general, we recommend updating your drivers to the latest ones
available from your card manufacturer if you have any graphical
problems. In many cases, the latest drivers may also improve
performance. If you continue to have graphic glitches, we recommend
that you check the web site of the manufacturer of the chip on your
video card for the latest reference drivers. Many times these drivers
are more up to date than those available from the card manufacturer.
Return to the Contents
2.5.1 A: First you want to try this tips from the official website:
Quick Help: Running faster with D3D
1. Install the game with 16-bit textures. The "Compressed for D3D"
textures require less disk space, but run slower.
2. Use the Hardware Setup program to select Mip-Map Detail Level
"Medium"; or, select this option when you install the game.
3. Also using the Hardware Setup program, select a 32-bit screen
resolution for your D3D card, if any are available. You can tell a 32-
bit screen resolution because it'll say, for example, "800 x 600 x 32"
instead of "800 x 600 x 16".
4. Run the game, and use your in-game Journal to change your game Options
for maximum speed.
5. If your performance is still extremely slow, try installing different
drivers for your video card.
2.5.2. Q: I have CL TNT card and I see transparent textures that shouldn't be
transparent.
A: Go to the Creative Labs -Blaster TNT website. Get the new Bios
Software update, and the latest TNT Drivers.
2.5.3. Q: When will there be a D3d patch?
A: Check out the Patch Section at the beginning of this Document
2.5.4. Q: I get an invalid pixel format with my TNT card
A: Apply Patch 1.05f! Be sure to check out the Patch Problems
Section if you still get the error!
A: (only unpatched retail version!)
Use the 2.08 drivers. A user reported that this is not an option for
GeForce users. Also this does NOT solve the problem if you still have
DX7. Maybe the 2.08 drivers work with DX6.X. Check the Installation
Section for tips to remove DX7. Origin is working on this issue.
A:(only unpatched retail version!)
The following possible solution was posted by a user on the Q&A Board:
Problem: Unknown Pixel Format or Ultima 9 Wont run. Note: If your computer
illiterate, doing the following can "wreck" things. If you know what your
doing, its easy.
Step 1: Uninstall DirextX and all your video card drivers in the Control Panel
under Add/Remove Software.
Step 2: Go into your c:/windows/system/ directory and scroll down to the
files starting with NV. Delete all the NV... files that you find,
will be about 8 in all. This is the most important steps. These
files are why it wont run.
Step 3: Restart your system and then install DirextX7.0 from the U9 CD.
Just go into the DirectX7 folder of your U9 Install CD and click on
/directx7/DXsetup.exe file. Now reinstall DirextX7.0. and then reboot.
Step 4: Download the 2.08 Detonator drivers for your TNT1/2 card and reinstall
them on your system. Cant find 2.08 files? Type this into your Browser
URL area: These are the
Hercules Dynamite TNT drivers but will work with any TNT card.
I believe they will work with a TNT2 as well but I have not tried them
on my other system with a Xentor TNT2 so Im not sure.
Step 5: Go into Properties on your Desktop and reset all your previous settings for
your display adapter. If you do all these steps correctly, U9 should work.
2.5.5. Q: Hello, I have a problem with Ultima IX. I have a STB Velocity
4400 16 MB card. No matter what settings I use, there are no walls,
floors, ect. Everything just breaks up, I can't see where I'm going in
the game. The opening cinematic ran fine. What should I do? Any help
will be greatly appreciated.
A: Sounds like a driver, perhaps Direct X issue. Anyone experiencing the
same?
2.5.6. Q: Where to find current drivers for my D3dcard.
A: Check the hardware links in section 8
2.5.7. TNT: Try playing around with your AGP Apertures Size setting in BIOS. Some
users reported much less swapping for their TNT systems after setting
it to a very large (256) value setting.
Justin Swanhart send me this:
AGP works by copying memory between the CPU and system memory directly
and over the AGP bus. This is very similar to bus mastering, except AGP
can actually bypass the memory management and write directly to the CPU
(this is called a fast write, and isn't implemented on older AGP cards,
the new GeForce cards fully support it though, and with AGP 4X make it
one very fast video card).
The GART on the AGP card maps a "virtual memory area" (the aperture)
inside of physical memory and fills it up with AGP information.
It is called an aperture because it is a virtual "view" into system
memory. While the AGP aperture is one virtual contiguous memory region,
real system memory may be allocated and de-allocated in chunks. The
fragments are transparent to the AGP video card. Typically an AGP
aperture size of 32MB or 64MB is satisfactory if the system has 64MB OR
MORE or ram. In my experience setting the aperture > 64MB under any
circumstance results in decreased overall system performance, sometimes
significant slowdown. If the system has lesss than 32MB, the setting
should be 32MB of memory or less, depending on the amount of video
memory the AGP card has onboard.
Because of the way most AGP cards handle textures, it is a good idea to
have twice as much AGP aperture as your video card has ram. If your
video card has 32MB of memory, your system should have at least 64 and
the aperture should be set to 64 (under most circumstances). Depending
on the type of card you have and what motherboard you are using, 32MB
aperture may perform better for you.
All in all it is a matter of experimentation to see what aperture
settings work best with your video card.
TNT2 : Usually 32 or 64
ATI Rage 128GL: Usually 32 or 64
GeForce: unknown, but probably the same as the TNT2
S3 chips: unknown
It makes *no* difference what youset the AGP apiture size to with these cards,
they do not support AGP textureing wich is what the aperture size controls
2.5.8. Q: My D3d Card does not run with 8 bit textures.
A: --> 2.6.1
2.5.9. Q: Setup detect a wrong video card.
A: Make sure that you have a video Card listed as compatible with the game.
Some users reported that setup detected a board, which they had previously in their
system but had removed thereafter, instead of their actual video board.
Somehow the deinstallation of the previous card was not clean. Ensure in the
system manager that there is no trace left of your old video card. Reinstalling
windows is also an option if you don't get rid of the thing.
2.5.10 SPEED:If you are using a Diamond Viper 550 with diamond drivers, try this for more performance
Go to Display Properties|Settings|Advanced|Diamond and disable "Software Anti-aliasing".
This results in a slight quality loss, due to aliasing, and a slight performance increase,
due to lower polygon render time. It will, obviously, not dramatically affect hard drive
banging.
2.5.11. SPEED: If using TNT2 (1?) and 2.08 drivers:
in the 2.08 detonator driver d3d properties, set the mip type to 8-tap anistrophic, and best quality.
Don't ask me why. I don't know. I also set the hardware anti-aliasing to the max. And for these,
u9 suddenly running the speed in should, for me, in my machine.
Click on Riva TNT 2 Click on Additional Properties Click on Direct 3D Settings Click on Auto-mipmap
method
Return to the Contents
2.6 Visual Quirks, Graphical glitches
2.6.1 Q: Some textures in the game seem unfiltered. Also: My D3d Card does not run
8 bit textures (fixed with 1.18f!)
A: (CapnBill) You're right! The "bilinear filtering" effect that smooths
textures out as you get closer to them had to be turned off for textures
that had "holes" in them, for non-8-bit draw modes. I'll attempt to explain:
Our art database was mainly developed and established in the days before D3D
was accepted; we primarily had Glide to work from, and our effects & art
were based on that (ie 3 years ago). All our art which had "holes"
(ie windows, and irregular shapes like tree leaves) used a technique called
"chromakey" to set certain pixels to transparent.
Over the next year and a half, a large staff of artists cranks out huge volumes
of art; and D3D advances to the point where we can start adding support for it.
Ah, now it's time to add D3D support. Lo & behold, D3D doesn't support chromakey.
Also, most D3D drivers don't support 8-bit. So, we ended up requiring D3D to
run in 16-bit, and for 16-bit textures to not use chromakey any more; we converted
them to use an alpha bit to set those pixels to transparent.
Enter bilinear filtering: Bilinear filtering, which smooths the colors in textures,
also would smooth the alpha for the shut-off pixels, causing horrible artifacts along
the edges of tree leaves & windows. To circumvent this, we enabled an "alpha threshold"
check, that would set a pixel to transparent only if its alpha were below a certain
value; this got rid of the edge artifacts, but the alpha threshold ruined our "fuzzy
clipping plane" effect for any textures that used the alpha threshold, where vertex
alpha was used to blur the edge of the ever-offensive clipping plane. The fuzzy clipping
plane required a full range of alpha to look right; the edge artifacts required that we
eliminate the full range of alpha. The result was that all trees ended up looking horrible
when they were at the edge of the clipping plane. So, we ended up shutting off bilinear
filtering for 16-bit modes for textures that require transparent pixels. Grrr.
This is just one aspect of our D3D development that ended up killing our schedule...there
were lots of others, believe me.
UPDATE: With the full move to DX7 this problem has been resolved
2.6.2 Q: When running on higher resolutions the interface (toolbelt, etc) seems very pixelated.
A: Thats by design, nothing you can do about.
2.6.3. Q: I have grey boxes around my cursor and the interface
*> 2.4.6
Return to the Contents
2.7 CD-ROM Problems
NOTE: As U9 makes use of the SafeDisk copyprotection scheme you may encounter some problems.
SystemShock and C&C:TS used this kind of protection too and users
complaint about several problems related to this. SafeDisk uses an encrypted EXE on the
CD and a seperate EXE is used each time you call the original exe to decrypt its contents
into RAM (or something the like). These problems are the price we all pay for piracy. On
the other hand I like to add that using SafeDisk is kind of pathetic since it has been broken
long ago (perhaps EA payed a lot of money for this).
2.7.1 Q: UA does not like to run from my 2nd CDROM/CD-Burner.
A: Most likely it is the SafeDisk Protection. Try running it from your FIRST CD-ROM.
Also you might like to try removing or disabling your second cdrom.
2.7.2. Q: After starting U9.exe nothing happens for 20 seconds. Then the game starts
A: Possibly SafeDisk related. Nothing you can do.
2.7.3. Q: Setup does not recognize my CD-ROM correctly. It tells me that I have a 5x CD-ROM
but I sure have NO 5x CD-ROM
A: Some people experienced this (and a crash to desktop on system-start thereafter).
Probably driver issue. Try removing WinDVD or PowerDVD from your system if installed.
After that the game should work fine.
you have no DVD-Software on the system or the above trick does not give you any
results, try this one.
Go to Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Entertainment -> Windows Media Player
Click View (at the top)/ Click Options /Click Format (Top Right) /Uncheck all the boxes
(This incapacitates Media Player, you can re-enable those later) /
Click Apply Click Ok Run U9 Enjoy
Return to the Contents
3. MOVIE ISSUES
3.1. SUGGESTION: If your movies are not playing (i.e. Intro, cut-scenes) try
removing your DVD software. Also try installing the movies on your hard
drive and changing the "MoviePath" setting in options.ini to point to the
directory on the hard drive instead of the cd/dvd drive?
3.2. SUGGESTION: if your movies aren't playing and you didn't put them on your
HD then try changing CDs. The movies are on the second CD and they wont
play (or give an error!) if you have disk 1 still in there.
3.3. Q: I get sound but a black screen when the movies play
A: Make sure you installed Quicktime during the install process
3.4. A: An other user reported this: Apparently, U9 doesn't like dual CD-ROMs.
I installed it off the E drive, and the game runs fine off it, but it still
put the D drive as my path for the movie files - hence, no movies.
Simply hacking the .ini to the right path fixed it no problem.
3.5. SUGGESTION: Put the movies to the harddisk (options.ini). This should lead
to a general performance plus.
Return to the Contents
4. SOUND ISSUES
Note: It has been confirmed by the DevTeam, that your sound performance may be
somewhat linked to the overall performance of the game. If you get sloppy framerates
you will most likely get choppy sound
4.1. Q: The sound stutters
4.1.1. A: Try turning down the acceleration on the sound and possibly lowering
the amount of Voices in the options.ini
4.1.2. A: If you are experiencing audio stuttering, try upping your Stream
Duration to 3000 under your options.ini
4.1.3. A: Triple check under your options.ini that your Speaker Configuration is
not 5= Surround. For some reason this slows down the game. Set it to
stereo. Or if using headphones to the appropriate config.
4.1.4. A: Try turning off EAX support (Suggested by CapnBill, Lead Developer)
4.1.5. A: Reduce the CD-Rom supplemental cache-size:
1)Alt+2click "my computer"
2)click "performance" tab (top right) then click "Filesystem"
3)Click the CD-ROM tab, then click in the "Optimize access
pattern for:" box, choose QUAD-SPEED OR HIGHER.
4)Move the "Supplemental cache size:" slider to "small" then click
apply.
4.2. Q: I am getting an annoying pause before the music starts up, anyway to
get rid of this?
4.2.1.A: This problem is caused by the Audio Cache, CD spinning-up and loading
the music off your HD. Try doing a full install or turn off music
altogether.
4.3. Soundblaster-Live: After trying EVERYTHING, and editing every possible
line in the options.ini file, I finally found the one. I did two things,
although it is the second that fixed the problem (the first doesn't hurt,
and is a good idea, anyway):
Both are under the {sound} section:
1) Change the UseNotify from UseNotify=0 to UseNotify=1
2) The second is the most ironic. It involves chnages the "rolloff"
value for the 2D and 3D sounds (yeah, the one that the comment line
says is NOT a good idea to touch to tweak the sound performance...).
Anyway, the default is Rolloff=1.0. Instead, change the value to read
"Rolloff=0.0". And then voila! Sounds and EAX galore!
4.4. With EAX, one user reported that with OSR2 he could not get the SFX to
unless he set the the USENOTIFY and ROLLOFF setting in options.ini.
Additionally the SFX worked fine every time when the game was loaded in
His regular 98 boot. So he installed a bare-bones 98 and installed the
Drivers and SFX worked fine again with both DX6 and DX7.
4.5. Q: Does this Rule Britannia Soundtrack play forever?
A: Its a bug, confirmed by OSI and possibly taken care of in the patch.
--> 7.3.8
4.6. SoundBlaster-Life owners:
You can free up system RAM by going to AudioHQ|SoundFont|Configure Bank,
selecting any SoundFonts in the Synth bank, and selecting clear. If you
are using one of the included SoundFonts, this will free up anywhere from
2 to 8 megs of system RAM. Of course, it will also make your MIDI sound
terrible... remember to set the SoundFonts back where they were before playing
MIDI games again.
4.7 Q: Whistling gone
After installing #1.18f the avatar does not whistle anymore when wandering
around
A: killed on popular demand in 1.18f
Return to the Contents
5. Options.ini / Keymap file
If you have any information on this file you think important or interesting,
please mail them
This is a example system posted by CapnBill on the official Boards:
specs: PII 400
128 MB RAM
Windows 2000 Professional, build 2114
Voodoo 2 with WinNT 4 Glide 2.x
Awe64 sound card
SCSI hard drives
OPTIONS settings that matter:
Clipping planes: 2000 middle, 4000 far
Lighting SkipFrames: 4
TreeShadows: 1
WaterShading: 1
ASoundCount: 5
NASoundCount: 3
8-Bit textures
800x600 resolution
Frame Rate in Britain: 12-15
On earth: 25
This options.ini was posted by Kelendral on the official boards. I've added
some comments from CapnBill.
Origin will soon post a guide on how to edit this file for performance tuning.
;************************************************************************
;
; Ultima IX - Option settings file
;
; This file should be modified only by experinced users
; Incorrect entries can cause game errors and failures
; Please be careful when adjusting these settings!
;
; Please use semi-colons to mark
; comment lines as is done with these lines
;
;*************************************************************************
[Interface]
; Current keymap
Current_Keymap=default.kmp
; Spells are cast as soon as key is hit
QuickSpellTargeting=1
[Performance]
; Camera focal length
CameraZoom=600
; Camera distance from Avatar
CameraDistance=400
;
; Recommended Performance Settings:
; CPU Speed MiddleClip FarClip WarnPolyLimit
; P200/233: 2500 2500 2000
; P266: 2500 3500 2500
; P330/333: 2750 4000 3000
; P400+: 3000 5000 3500
;
; Clipping planes
FarClippingPlaneDistance=5500
MiddleClippingPlaneDistance=3300
; Default clipping plane setting for underground maps
DungeonClippingPlaneDistance=2200
; Screen radius of objects culled, and distance culling
;starts
MaxObjCullSize=10
CullStartDist=1000
; Enables 16-bit texture maps
Use16BitTextures=1
; Use S3 Savage4 Texture Compression or not
UseCompressedTextures=0
; The range through which windows can be seen through
MaximumPortalRange=770
; Are particle-system flames allowed?
PoofFlames=1
; Poof optimization level:
; 0=no optimization
; 1=non-critical particles calculated but not transformed
; 2=non-critical particles are neither calculated nor
;transformed
; 3=non-critical particles cease incepting children
PoofOptimize=0
; High Resolution Sky Textures
HiResSky=1
; Default is 0
; Unknown - Assuming max processor percentage
; MaxProcessPercent=?; CapnBill;We have a debug screen (not in the final
; game) that shows %CPU usage of various Processes in the our
; engine--this value affects that debug screen
[Sound]
; Sound Device configured for Use
; Default is the Primary DirectSound Device Found
DeviceName=DirectSound (SB Live! Wave Out [B400])
; Turn Sound On/Off
SoundEnabled=1
; SpeakerConfig has the following values:
; 1 - Headphones
; 2 - Mono
; 3 - Quad
; 4 - Stereo
; 5 - Surround
;
; Note from windforce: Mode 5 is known to eat up performance.
SpeakerConfig=4
; SpeakerGeometry specifies the angle
; between speakers if you choose Stereo
SpeakerGeometry=20
; The number of simultaneous non-associated (2D, or "faked" 3D) sounds
; allowed at one time
NASoundCount=4
; The number of simultaneous associated (3D) sounds allowed at one time
ASoundCount=9
; Enables virtual 3D sound effexts
Enable3D=1
; The fall off rate with distance of non-associated sounds
; (this is the number of world units at which the sound will
; be muted - linearly falls off from 0 to this number)
Falloff2D=2200
; The amount to quiet the Avatar's own sounds so they aren't too loud
; (in %. 0=full volume, 100 = mute)
AvatarOffset=8
; The # of milliseconds to load from CD per frame
StreamDuration=5000
; Turn on and off EAX environmenta audio extensions (Echo's etc)
; Note from windforce: Try to disable if you experience random crashes
EnableAcoustics=1
; Master volume, 0=silent, 100 = max (in percent)
MasterVolume=100
; Volume of music, 0=silent, 100 = max (in percent)
MusicVolume=60
; Volume of speech, 0=silent, 100 = max (in percent)
SpeechVolume=85
; How many frames must pass before updating 3D values (position,
; orientation, velocity, etc.)
SkipFrames=0
; Use the DirectSound "notification interface" to let the sound
; system know when to update (rather than polling the play position).
; Default is '0' (This will theoretically be fixed/work better
; in DirectX 8)
UseNotify=1
; For debugging, use a streamer that reads the *entire*
; sample at once.
DebugStreamers=0
; To get around a bug in Win98 Gold (our famous "crackle" problem),
; offset the "bad" frequency by this amount. It also doubles as
; the "range around the bad frequency" that we wish to monitor.
; (Ie, using 50 here would make any frequency from 22000kHz to
; 22050kHz be 22000kHz, and any frequency from 22050kHz to
; 22100kHz be 22100kHz.)
CrackleOffset=1
; This value overrides the "minimum perceptible attenuation" distance
; for 3D sounds. At distances less than this number (meters), the
; sounds will get no louder. (Increasing this number in effect makes
; all 3D sounds appear louder at the same distance from you.) The
; dialog that adjusts this value for individual templates ranges from
; 1.0 to 25.0, so I'd recommended playing in the 1.0 to 5.0 area.
; Default 1.0MinDist=1.0
; This value specifies how "fast" 3D sounds "roll off" to silence.
; The default (recommended) is 1.0. Less than that means roll off
; "slower", greater means "faster". Don't go less than 0.0, and
; I'd advise not to go greater than 1.0, as our balance issue is
; already apparent enough (greater than 1.0 will amplify the issue).
; However, the *A/V guys* (read as "not designers, programmers, or
; anybody else") should tweak this value in attempt to better
; balance 2D and 3D audio.
; Default 1.0
Rolloff=0.9
[Conversation]
EnableAudio=1
; Start of game settings
EnableText=0
; 0=Audio off, 1 = On
EnableConvoReplies=1
; 0=Avatar doesn't echo chosen responses, 1 = does
[Lighting]
; Allows flickering lightsources
Flicker=1
; Max distance flickering lights effect
FlickerRange=500
; Max # of lights used at any time (sorted by distance from camera)
MaxCount=100
; How many frames between each lighting system update
SkipFrames=0
AvatarSkipFrames=0
; How far a light moves before it relights its area
MoveDelta=5
; 3=Highest, 2 = Regular, 1 = Low, 0 = Poor
LightQuality=3
; Allows water depth to affect lighting
WaterShading=1
; Allows trees to cast shadows
TreeShadows=1
[Demo]
; testingMoongates=1
; CapnBill: unknown, lost in the mist of time
[Game]
; 0=Run, 1 = Walk
DefaultToWalking=1
; 2400 clock
StartTimeOfDay=600
; Lag before tool tips shows up
TooltipDelayTime=0
; Durration of tool tip
TooltipDisplayTime=999999999
; 2=D3D, 3 = Glide
Game Rasterizer=2
PromptForDevice=0
GameScreenWidth=1280
GameScreenHeight=1024
GameScreenDepth=32
GameMipMapLevel=1
DDGUID=0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0
D3DGUID=2229681632,18090,4559,129,111,0,0,192,32,21,110
; Game starts with 2=None, 1 = Minimum, 0 = Full
Show GUI=0
; Where to find the Flics
MoviePath=c:\gamez\ultima ix\Movies
; Are LOD levels set by distance from the Avatar, or camera?
LODsFromAvatar=0
; Is Z ignored for LODs?
IgnoreZforLODs=1
;??
AttackHoldDuration=5000
Start=0
SaveStatePath=0
; Language
Language=En
; Speed Factor
SpeedFactor=5
; Set to disable Windows Key, Alt-Tab, Ctrl-Esc
DisableWinKey=0
; Set to 1 to force alpha textures to draw as 4444 (for 3dfx in D3D)
Force4444Alpha=0
[System]
; 1=allow exception handling (traps errors), 0 = just crash
TrapErrors=0
; 1=After trapping an exception, show the crash; 0 = just say "game over"
ShowErrors=0
; AutomaticMonoScreen=???
; CapnBill: useful only if you have an MDA (Mono Display Adapter).
; Shows a frame-rate counter if set to 1.
; MoveSysMonoType=???
; Capn Bill: Another debug screen option
; drawCollisionCylinders=???
; CapnBill: if enabled, will draw the "collision
; cylinder" for every creature in the world. We use it for
; debugging. Slows the game way, way down.
; WarnSpeedLimit=???
; Capn Bill: if on, stop signs appear on the screen in
; areas that are too slow. We used this for tuning the speed
; of various areas of the game.
; WarnPolyLimit=???
; CapnBill: WarnPolyLimit: stop sign for too many polys
; WarnMeshNumLimit=???
; CapnBill: WarnMeshNumLimit: stop sign for too many meshes
; WarnMeshRAMLimit=???
; CapnBill: stop sign for too much RAM used by meshes
; TerrainGridColor=???
; CapnBill: unknown, lost in the mist of time
; TerrainLODTextures=???
; CapnBill: enables custom textures for far-away
; terrain. Should be 1.
; TintProblemChunkCrossingItems=???
; Capn Bill: unknown, lost in the mist of time
[Video]
GammaRed=1.0
GammaGreen=1.0
GammaBlue=1.0
Return to the Contents
5.2 Sample keymap.kmp
---------------------
;***************************************************************************
; The Ultima IX keyboard commands
;
; This version is the Richard Garriott Preferances
; Other versions that mimmic popular game interfaces
; can be found in the keymaps folder
;
; Only experienced users should modify this keymap
; Errors may result from incorrect entries
; Each command can have only one key combination to activate it
; Some commands are hard coded and are not settable
; through this file. They are:
; RightClick = Move (with modifiers of shift, ctrl & alt)
; LeftClick = Use or Attack (with modifiers of ctrl and alt)
;
; The following key combinations identifiers are reserved
; for the game's internal/predefined uses:
; ESC, ESCAPE, esc, escape ; F1 - F12, f1 - f12
;
; be careful when commenting out lines. If the semicolon ';'
; is followed by an '=' Ultima 9 will take that as an assignment
; of the ';' key
;
; Do not use Shift and Alt to modify non-mouse momentary switched commands!
; For example - Shield Block, as when releasing keypresses they will
; not release simultaniously, and thus the up event can be missed!
;
;***************************************************************************
[MOVEMENT COMMANDS]
left = sidestep_left
keypadleft = sidestep_left
right = sidestep_right
keypadright = sidestep_right
up = forward
keypadup = forward
keypaddown = backward
space = jump
c = climb
capslock = toggle_movement_speed
; Keyboard shortcuts to movement
Up = forward
Down = backward
Left = sidestep_left
Right = sidestep_right
Delete = mouse_left
End = mouse_right
PageUp = mouse_up
PageDown = mouse_down
; Numeric Keypad movement keys (Audball's preferences)
; only in 1.18f
; Double-defines for NumLock being on or off.
KeyPad+ = mouse_button2
KeyPad0 = mouse_button1
KeyPadInsert = mouse_button1
KeyPad4 = mouse_left
KeyPadLeft = mouse_left
KeyPad6 = mouse_right
KeyPadRight = mouse_right
KeyPad8 = mouse_up
KeyPadUp = mouse_up
KeyPad2 = mouse_down
KeyPadDown = mouse_down
KeyPad7 = sidestep_left
KeyPadHome = sidestep_left
KeyPad9 = sidestep_right
KeyPadPageUp = sidestep_right
[INTERACTION COMMANDS]
` = activate_hand
; Goes in and out of Hand/Move-item mode (*)
q = activate_hand
; Goes in and out of Hand/Move-item mode (*)
b = activate_inventory
; Goes in and out of Hand/Move-item mode (*)
shift+` = toggle_mainUI
; Cycles through Max/Min/None interface display
shift+q = toggle_mainUI
; Cycles through Max/Min/None interface display
shift+e = toggle_equipmentUI
; Turns armor/weapon interface on/off
x = examine
pause = pause
j = open_journal
s = open_spellbook
ctrl+m = open_world_map
ctrl+l = journal_load
ctrl+s = journal_save
ctrl+o = journal_options
ctrl+j = journal_diary_last_page
ctrl+k = journal_diary_first_page
ctrl+b = journal_bestiary
ctrl+t = journal_history
ctrl+z = journal_stats
0 = spellbook_circle_0
1 = spellbook_circle_1
2 = spellbook_circle_2
3 = spellbook_circle_3
4 = spellbook_circle_4
5 = spellbook_circle_5
6 = spellbook_circle_6
7 = spellbook_circle_7
8 = spellbook_circle_8
9 = spellbook_rituals
ctrl+r = spellbook_reagents
ctrl+g = spellbook_glossary
pageup = book_next_page
pagedown = book_previous_page
ctrl+x = exit_game
; (*) Hand mode is temporarily activated when an item is dragged
;
[COMBAT COMMANDS]
tab = enter_combat
; Goes in/out of combat
z = defend
t = target_lock
; on/off
n = get_target_lock
; Acquire next target/cycle through targets
; Note: while the following command is bound to the "a" key by Default
; It is currently NOT implemented in the program.
; WORKAROUND: to abort targetting toggle combat mode out then back on
a = abort_targerting
;
[GENERAL OPTIONS COMMANDS]
; these commands are implemented to fix music loops and character
;stuck while casting spells bugs, only in 1.18f
ctrl+alt+m = flush_music
ctrl+alt+s = flush_spells
; Advanced user options and shortcuts
ctrl+i = invert_mouse
;
; = exit_to_new_camera
;
; = exit_to_old_camera
;
; = pitchlocked
ctrl+p = take_screenshot
;
; = toggle_screen_center
m = momentary_first_person
shift+ctrl+m = mouseSensitivity_decrease
; Note: while the following command is bound to the "shift+alt+m" keys
; by Default It is currently NOT implemented in the program.
; WORKAROUND: None at the moment
shift+alt+m = mouseSensitivity_increase
;
[CAMERA CONTROL COMMANDS]
;
; = spin_camera
ctrl+home = camera_in
ctrl+end = camera_out
;
; = camera_way_in
ctrl+delete = camera_way_out
ctrl+pageup = zoom_in
ctrl+pagedown = zoom_out
ctrl+insert = zoom_reset
k = camera_mode
; The following commands only work when in hand mode
ctrl+left = yaw_left
ctrl+right = yaw_right
ctrl+up = pitch_up
ctrl+down = pitch_down
;
[ENGINE TUNING COMMANDS]
CTRL+leftbracket = clipping_plane_in
CTRL+rightbracket = clipping_plane_out
CTRL+\ = clipping_plane_reset
CTRL+shift+leftbracket = middle_plane_in
CTRL+shift+rightbracket = middle_plane_out
CTRL+shift+\ = middle_plane_reset
;
[CHEAT COMMANDS]
; removed by windforce (check section 10 if you insist in cheating)
[CODE TEST COMMANDS]
; removed by windforce (check section 10 if you insist in cheating)
[DEVELOPMENT CONTROL COMMANDS]
;
Return to the Contents
6. Interface/Controlling/UI issues (Mouse/Keyboard function)
6.1. Q: My armor/weapon bar suddenly disappeared
A: Try picking something up
6.2. Q: I can not scroll left or right and up or down while in hand mode.
A: Depending on where the Avatar is standing the scroll feature will
not be made available at times. Approach the object from a different
angle then enter hand mode again.
6.3. Q: I am in the water next to a wall when I get stuck inside the wall
after casting a spell.
A: You will be able to free yourself from the wall by pressing the
Escape key.
6.4. Q: Where is the in game options menu?
A: At first, there are no options due to the fact that the options for
The game are located in the Journal that is located in the downstairs
Living room. Once this Journal is acquired the -in game options- will
Become available by clicking on the Journal now located in the bottom
right next to your tool belt.
6.5. Q: How can I skip past repeated audio of NPCs?
A: Hit ENTER or click on the subtitle text.
6.6. Q: How to enable/disable the windows keys (alt-tab, etc)
A: Hack Options.ini as follows (Section [Game])
DisableWinKey=0
This is not possible anymore with patch 1.05f
6.7. Q: Can I get item descriptions
A: There sure is. First, go into object/hand mode (press the '~' key).
Then, move the cursor over the item/icon you wish to examine, and hold
down the 'X' key. If the designers gave the item a description, it
should show up (from CapnBill)
6.8. Q: My character has lost the ability to move.
A: Possibly an issue with collission detection. Try Saving and reloading (
but I would use a new savegame-slot...). Also try pressing ESC
6.9. backpack bug:
Note: A lot of backpack related bugs (including this) are fixed in
the patches, so upgrade.
(upatched retail version)
Somehow multiple items are incorrectly.
sharing the same inventory slot, and this causes a crash when the
backpack is full. The patch rectifies this removing these "stacked" items
and attempting to place them elsewhere in your inventory (belt, bag,
etc.), or on the ground if no suitable place occurs.
Until the patch is available, you could try loading your most current
non-crashing savegame and double-checking all your inventory slots. If
you find items that are overlapping, remove both/all of them and put them
in the world. Then close all your invetory gumps (backpack, bags, etc.)
and save. Then attempt to re-place the items back into your inventory and
save again. This might/should solve the crash.
6.10. mouse inversion
Q: Can I invert the mouse
A: crtl+i will do
Return to the Contents
7. GENERAL GAMEPLAY ISSUES
*Warning this area contains VERY MINOR SPOILERS
7.1. Plot related issues
Note on patches (from patch.txt) There are a few items that
will only be reflected if you install the patch before
you reach a certain point in the game.
7.1.1. Q: I'm stuck somewhere in the game and...
A: If really desperate, try Jeff Allens excellent Walkthrough at
http://rpgplanet.com/ultima9 (the old URL was taken offline due to high traffic)
or maybe you want to consider using one of the cheats (Argh)
-> Section 10
Read from end to beginning to translate (No, its not german :-))
Plot related bugs:
////////////////////// reversed to hide spoiler /////////////////////////////
7.1.2 Q: kcorkcalb fo seceip eerht ym ezingocer tnow cisnirT
ni htimskcalb ehT. (Trinsic)
A: Bug confirmed by Capn Bill and adressed in the next patch
7.1.3 Q: dellacer eb tonnac dna esuoh a otno tuo bmuj ro ffo llaf uoy fi kcuts
steg taob gniylf eht(Moonglow)
A: Reported, You can try the Fly cheat. -> Section 10
7.1.4 Q: deerf eb tonnac ociN dna dellik eb tonnac eh snaem sihT .sraeppasid
evoC fo nezitic tsrif ehT (Cove)
A: Reported, no answer yet
7.1.5.Q: nam netaeb eht ot klat ot gniyrt nehw potksed eht ot sehsarc emag eht
noitcua lrigevals eht ta nam eht gnitaeb etarip eht gnillik retfA
(Bucs Den), reproduced 5 times in a row by DarkSharp)
A: Nothing yet.
///////////////////////////END POSSIBLE SPOILER////////////////////////////////
7.1.6 A: telescope bug in Britannia: This bug is caused in LB's castle, up on
the. "patio"? where the telescope is. If you happen to use the
telescope at night to look at the moons, you will introduce the Hail
Britannia bug. The only current way to avoid this bug is to back up to
a previous savegame (before the telescope) and either NOT use the
telescope, or only use the telescope during the day. This will be fixed
in the (second?) patch. The bug itself is fixed, and there will be a
new keyboard command you can use to "fix" Hail Britannia if you saved
after the bug occurred, but before you installed the patch.
UPDATE: There are new keyboard commands to flush the music queue and
end the music loophole since patch #107f. It is crtl-shift-m
7.1.7. BUG: Known as "Alphawolf Bug"
Upon entering New Magincia, and meeting it's only inhabitant, the Avatar
will be given a quest with two tasks. Apparantly, if one completes only one
of the tasks, leaves for another quest, then comes back to complete the
other task, a major plot item will be unattainable due to a bug. The moral
of the story - finish both of the tasks of the only person on New Magincia
first thing unpon entering the island, then return to the quest-giver for
the quest item, no matter what, then continue on to other things.
UPDATE: This has been fixed in patch 1.07f. You may need to revert to a
savegame before talking to Kathrina to have the patch take effect.
7.1.8 BUG: "Elevator Bug" (Hyloth)
Some people seem to have problems with some elevator in Hyloth.
Righteous DragonThe posted on the official boards that saving and reloading
thereafter may fix this problem.
UPDATE: Many elevator related problems are fixed in patch 1.18f
7.1.9. BUG: "Gate Bug" in (Hyloth) (POSSIBLE PLOTSTOPPER)
I am unable to continue playing. I am currently in Hythloth, and
//// reversed to hide spoiler ///
sehsarc emag eht etag tsal eht guorht klaw ot yrt I sa ,revewoH .setag ruof
lla desiar evah.
////end reversed part///
A: This bug was experienced by several users. Try Latest patch
7.1.10. BUG: "Dialog Bug" (Hyloth)
//// reversed to hide spoiler ///
...yek eht gnitteg dna nevaR eucser retfA
////end reversed part///
... I loose my mouse functions in the dialog thus and cannot answer the questions
A: Try the keyboard (Key 1 for the first answer, 2 for the second,...) and save thereafter.
7.1.11. BUG: "compassion shrine" (POSSIBLE PLOTSTOPPER)
One user reported this:
After restoring the Shrine of Compassion Raven does not recognize that I've done it.
She's still standing by despise and asking me if I am ready to prove myself.
A: Thanks to all of you who commented on this:
The answer is as follows:
1. Take the latest patch and use a savegame before cleansing the shrine
2. Make sure you have cleansed the shrine (that nice animation was played)
3. you have taken the rune and the sigil
4. Make sure you have the mantra of compassion :-) Its told by sarah, but
due to a bug (7.1.13), she sometimes keeps silent about it
7.1.12 "Compassion shrine 2"
There are several people who reported to be unable to use the shrine of compassion
A: Make sure that it IS the shrine of compassion (there is a circle of stones at the
lighthouse which IS NOT the shrine of compassion ;-)
A: To use the shrine, right click and enter the appropriate mantra.
7.1.13 "BUG:Mantra of compassion"
Several people reported that the mantra of compassion has been not told to them
by Sarah in britain.
A: Don't know if patched, but, if this helps, try the mantra from U6 :-)
trying every mantra in the book of mantras will eventually help too :-))
7.1.14 "BUG: EggQuest with Vassagralem"
Talking to Vasagralem in Yew before you have the egg will break your quest.
You will have to reload before hand. Or talking to him in his treehouse, and
jumping off the tree without using the lift, before you go to the courthouse.
Will break the lift.
A: Dont talk to him :-). Anyone knowing if latest pach fixes this?
7.1.15 "BUG: Shamino plotstopper"
Shamino refuses to speak to me through the various statues and he refuses to speak
at all after Malchir's ghost disappears. This effectively prevents you from entering
the Isle of the Avatar, and you have to cheat or cast Teleport to get in.
A: anyone knowing how to prevent this? any fixes? Does #118f help?
7.1.16 "DEMON BUG"
A bug introduced by patch #107f. Any further infos?
7.1.17 "VALORIA BUGS"
I had several crashes and savegame corruptions when confronted withe
the gargoyle queen.
Introduced by patch #107f. Any further infos?
Return to the Contents
7.2. Gameplay crashes and quirks
7.2.1. Q: I crash every time I open a book or my Journal
A: Save game may be corrupted. Go back to an earlier saved game.
7.2.2. Q: When I try to use the "game" cd to play the game, the game would
crash at certain places in the game. (such as when I enter the
moongate, 1st meet Raven. . .etc) However, thegame plays fine
with the install disk.
A: No answer yet.
7.2.3. Q: If I play the game for (X) hours straight, the game gets slower and
slower.
A: Apparently this is a memory leak due to Win 95/98 and Win2k
Recommend rebooting your Ultima and if that does not work, reboot
your PC.
UPDATE: Several memory leaks have been fixed in 1.18f
7.2.4. Q: When I enter the Moongate with my sword drawn the game crashes
A: DO NOT enter the Moongate with your weapon drawn
7.2.5. Q: Sometimes when I try to drag an item the game will crash
A: CapnBill reported some bugs regarding this issue are fixed with the
patch
7.2.6. Q: When I start the game it immediately crashes to the desktop
A: If you're crashing when you're first trying to run the game, the culprit may
be the movie that's trying to play. Make sure Media Player runs on your system
and can play MPG movies. We haven't experienced that here, but enough of you
have having this problem for me to seriously suspect something about DirectX.
We use the DirectMedia component of DirectX to play our movies, which are just
MPGs. You can turn off movies if you want, by setting MoviePath in your
OPTIONS.INI file to NONE, or to a path that doesn't exist.
Also check Section 2.7 CDROM issues
7.2.7. Q: The game crashes quite often on my system.
A: Hints on crash-prone-ness: try updating sound drivers. Try updating video
drivers (except the TNT).
7.2.8. Q: After starting the game the last thing I see is the spinning 3dfx logo. It then
crashed to desktop. Non-3dfx Users may experience a immediate crash to desktop
A: Probably related to -->2.7.3, *> 2.5.9. Remember also that on the first start the
game tries to play a video. So be sure to check out the movie issues also
7.2.9. Q: Crash after jumping in water. If I press jump 2 times a row while standing in water
the game crashes (retail version)
A: Install the latest patch
7.2.10.Q: Lifts problem
In the retail version, many lifts in the game (hythloth, moonglow, yew) were
unreliable and sometimes failed to move.
A: Install the latest patch. The "fly cheat" may also help, but can introduce
new problems
Return to the Contents
7.3. Gameplay issues (Bugs)
7.3.1. Q: Do the NPC have schedules as promised?
A: Apparently most of the NPCs DO NOT have schedules or have very
limited schedules contrary to what was promised by Richard Garriot
and OSI.
7.3.2. Q: I didn't see the movie that came with the demo after I enter the
Moongate, instead it jumped straight to stonegate.
A: See the MOVIE ISSUES section
7.3.3. Q: I am inside Lord British's Castle and when I double click on the bag
located on the bed that Lord British has prepared for me I lose my
keyboard functions.
A: Pick the bag up first and place it in either your tool belt or your
backpack then double click on it to place or view contents of the bag.
7.3.4 Q: Why does it rain inside LB's Castle?
A: Unknown at this time. Sloppy collision detecting is this authors
guess.
7.3.5 Q: Why does the AI not work most of the time? (retail version)
A: Unknown at this time. Probably OSI ran out of time. should be taken
care of in patch 1.05f
UPDATE: Well, after 1.07f combat seems to be a bit more diffcult, but
AI still sucks -wfd
7.3.6. Q: Those spectres keep killing me, they're invulnerable
A: No, they're not. Try magic.
7.3.7. BUG: Items vanish when inventory full
Fill your inventory to the max, and make sure you have a single handed weapon
and a shield. Now pick up a double handed weapon and equip it as your weapon.
poof - your first sword and shield disappear.
UPDATE: Fixed in last patch
7.3.8. castle music bug: We have a bug in our save/load that causes this problem.
I can't recall currently if we've fixed it in the patch; if not, we'll
look into fixing it (if we can reproduce it). We had this problem before
we shipped, and thought we'd fixed it....grr.
You can go to an earlier savegame that doesn't play this music; or you can
travel the world until another piece of music replaces this one (this can
be hard to do). (Capn Bill)
UPDATE: Fixed in last patch
7.3.9. Q: When swimming the Avatar is fairly hard to navigate.
A: CapnBill: Why is swimming so hard? I guess we all just got used to
it, but many of you have having trouble with it. The Avatar's collision
cylinder stays set to his full body height (vertically) even while you
swim; so, his invisible cylinder is taller than his body looks like,
so he doesn't seem able to fit through things like he should.
I can work on a fix for this, but all the fixes I can think of involve
dynamically changing his collision cylinder size, which is very dangerous!
Hmm...
Update: Today, I found & fixed a bug related to swimming, that was making it
difficult to negotiate the Avatar around. With the fix, swimming is much better!
UPDATE: Swimming still diffcult but better with latests patch
using the fly (noclip) cheat may help in certain situations.
7.3.10. Q: The Avatar seems to be impervious to falling damage.
A: From CapnBill: Here's an interesting note (just to clear up any misunderstanding):
The fall rate of NPCs, creatures, and the Avatar in our world is exactly and
precisely 9.81 m/s^2, which is of course the gravitational constant for our
planet earth. As for the Avatar not being damaged enough, well, mostly that's by
design--Richard & Seth, in the spirit of not wanting this to be an action game,
didn't want falling to be a major risk component to the game dynamic. But,
we'll re-evaluate the amount of damage it does.... 'nuff said.
7.3.11. Q: Some NPCs seem to hover above the ground.
A: CapnBill: Why do NPCs or creatures hang in mid-air? I've seen this, and
it's an artifact of the way our creatures do collision. Creatures have an
invisible "cylinder" that follows them around; this is their "collision shape".
The cylinder for many creatures is larger than their body shape. If the creatures
walks to the edge of a ledge, his body will hang off the edge; sometimes, this is
so extreme that it looks like he's floating in mid-air. We always wanted to fix
this, but this is one we'll just have to live with....
7.3.12. Q: When killing a monster the contents don't drop on the ground?
A: Capn Bill: Why do some objects hang in mid-air? Because having every object in the
world fall continually is just way too expensive. Objects try to fall initially;
if something blocks them, they "give up". Result: some objects end up stuck in the
air. Bummer.
7.3.13.BUG:Unlimmited Ammo
Endless arrows: you need to know the triple-bow shot for this one. Fire all your
arrows except your last one using single shots. on your last arrrow, use the triple shot.
and yup, 3 arrows come out, your backpack says you have 1 arrow left, and from that point on,
you can keep firing arrows.
7.3.14.BUG:Binding Telekinesis spell into spellbook
Many people reported they are unable to bind the telekinesis spell to
the spellbook.
This is due to a typo in the reagents in the games manual.
Use the ingame manual instead.
7.3.15. Q: How do I pass time.
A1: Leave the computer for some time and the game running
A2: If 1 was unaccepteble: There are some cheats in section 10 to accellerate the flow of time
7.3.16. Q: When I open the backpack I can attack monsters with spells and the ignore me until death
A: by design bug. removed in 1.18f
Return to the Contents
7.4. Savegame issues
Note: U9 tends to corrupt its savegames sometimes. To protect your savegames
from being corrupted make sure you copy your savegames to a different folder
i.e. after you leave the game
7.4.1 Q: When I open U9 it starts to load the most recent save, like it should.
It loads the music successfully and then as soon as I get an image,
The program closes. I tried moving the most recent savegame file out
of the directory, but then it loads the beginning of the game instead
of the next most recent save! What can I do!?
A: When it starts a new game, run downstairs and pick up your journal and
then try to load a game. It will probably show you a list of games you
can load then choose one other than the one that keeps crashing on
you.
7.4.2. Q: Will my savegames stay usable after the patches
A: Capn Bill said yes. But it is possibly wise to save your games before
patching to another directory
UPDATE: Savegames are compatible between versions, but it is wise to
restart the game after installing the latest patch since some
fixes only take effect if a new game is started
Return to the Contents
7.5. Misc.
Q: Whats this file collis.log
A: Debug infos forgotten to take out. Taken care of in the patch.
Return to the Contents
8. ADDITONAL HELP
Return to the Contents
8.1 Official Support Sources
Electronic Arts Official Support:
http://www.ea.com/tech_support/Contents.html
By Fax 650-628-5999 Our fax machine receives faxes 24 hours a day. Faxes are
answered only during working hours (M-F, 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m., PST) and are
answered in the order they are received.
Ultima Ascension Official Boards
http://boards.owo.com/
The QA Board is most likely the best place to ask about technical related questions.
UPDATE: The boards have been closed by OSI. Some of the boards (techforum)
are still online, but read-only
Ultima Ascension Official Webpage
http://www.ultima9.com
http://www.ultima-ascension.com
Watch here for official informations and performance tips
Return to the Contents
8.2 Unofficial Support Sources
Ultima Horizons
http://www.allgaming.com/ultimaix
Ultima Horizons discussion board:
http://www.exprod.com/cgi-bin/index.pl
http://server5.ezboard.com/fultimahorizonsmain.html
if you want to see some pictures of the horizons community,
check CIMs Page:
http://uixscreens.virtualave.net/
Ultima Dragons Newsgroup
rec.games.computer.ultima.dragons
Ultima Series Newsgroup
rec.games.computer.ultima.series
This is not an official support source, but anyway. LBs (public)
available email-adress is: lordbritish@origin.ea.com
There are a lot of other Ultima related pages listed in the
"8.4 other links" section
Return to the Contents
8.3 Hardware and Driver Support
8.3.1 Popular Chipset manufacturers:
nvidia: http://www.nvidia.com
Reference Drivers for Riva128, TNT, TNT2, M64, GeForce
3dfx: http://www.3dfx.com
Reference Driver for Voodoo1,2,3+, Banshee
8.3.2 Vendors:
Diamond Multimedia: http://www.diamondmm.com
Graphic Boards (Viper, etc) and Sound Boards
Creative Labs: http://www.creative.com
Graphic Boards and Sound Blaster Cards
8.3.3 Tuning and Support Sources
RivaZone: http://www.rivazone.com
Rivastation (german): http://www.rivastation.de
Source for Riva Chipset related news, tools, etc
3dfx.org : http://www.3dfx.org
Glide engine newspage
8.3.4.Other Sources
Microsoft DirectX Page: http://www.microsoft.com/directx
Latest DirectX runtime and developer information and download
Return to the Contents
8.4 Other Ultima Related Links
If you run a ultima ascension related site and want to get listed
here, just mail me (windforce@gulbsoft.de).
Jeff Allens UA walkthrough site, the Wayward Avatar +++
http://rpgplanet.com/ultima9
jackchaos.com Spanky's Ascension Spoiler Ho-down
http://www.jackchaos.com/pfeatures/ascension/spoilers.html
Telerim Dragon's UA newspage and "official unofficial FAQ"
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~gjdanger/Terilem/
The Ultima Dungeon a very detailed news and resourcepage
http://www.ultimadungeon.com/
NeoCrytes UIX Page (closed)
http://ultima9.8m.com/
The Ultimate Ultima page
http://ultimateultima.cjb.net/
If you like to have a look in the past, check the closed down Blue
Boar Tavern
http://blueboar.virtualave.net/
Return to the Contents
8.5 Reviews Section
If you spot a review of UIX, please drop me a line (windforce@gulbsoft.de)
Ultima IX: Ascension Revisited by CGO (01/2000)
http://www.cdmag.com/Home/home.html?article=/articles/026/026/ascension_feature.html
RpgVaults special UIX feature (02/2000)
http://rpgvault.ign.com/features/reviews/ultimaix.shtml
Avault: UIX Review(12/99)
http://www.avault.com/reviews/review_temp.asp?game=uix
Desslock's review of UIX
http://desslock.gamespot.com/features/ultima/u9review.html
Return to the Contents
8.6 Useful Utilities
8.6.1: How to change the dialog text in UIX... (word doc)
by Grandor Dragon
http://www.ultimadungeon.com/docs/U9%20Dialogue%20Patch%20Demo.doc
Return to the Contents
9. CREDITS (in non specific order)
Justin "Swany" Swanhart (html wiz)
Jonathan E. Wright
Cold Fire (DirectX wiz)
AvatarQ3
Frank Thoennes
KnightBK
Binaryz
Brock
Jason "loonyboi" Bergman
Jeff Allen
RighteousDragon
Lucas, Perry P
Tom Grandgent
CoconutDaemon
Eric Nielsen
Kelendral
Ryan Fenton
Stupid1
Arcardio
sdiver
TonySawyer
GmacLeod
And:
The U9 Development Team, especially CapnBill and Amy "Cynthe" Sage
and all other people who submitted to this faq and were forgotten here.
Mail (windforce@gulbsoft.de) if you think you should be included here.
.
.Return to the Contents
.
. /\
. / \
. / !! \ S P O I L E R A R E A
. / \
.
.
.
.
.
. ****-- END OF TECHNICAL FAQ. SPOILERS DOWN HERE ****--
.
. WARNING: If you intend to play the game without hints then don't scroll any further
. The following section contains spoilers like easter eggs, links to historical
. Ultima information, cheats and places to visit. You have been warned
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
******************************************************************
10. EASTER EGGS, Cheats and historical Ultima Section SPOILERS !!!
NOTE: Sensitive spoiler information is ** written from right to left. **
Return to the Contents
10.1. Cheats
-------- WARNING ON USING THE CHEATS -------------------
Amy "Cynthe" Sage posted this on the official boards:
I'm seeing that several people have found the
ability to include an in-game fly cheat, and a fast-walking cheat.
I feel it necessary to give you the true scoop on these and what
it can do to your game. In development, our goal was to get where
we needed to be to test things as quickly as we could, so the fly
and fast walking cheat were wonderful tools. However, our game is
made to played in a certain way. For example, if you're supposed
to walk into a clearing and have something happen, there is most
likely a trigger box around the entrance to that clearing. The trigger
box is placed in such a way that you can't help but walk through it,
and so the trigger works. However, if you fly, you can miss these important
spots, and some triggers won't work at all. It can also cause flags not
to be set for the same reason, so someone that's supposed to be
in a certain spot at a certain time won't be there because you
somehow flew past the part that triggered it. The fast-walk cheat has
also been proven to do the same thing. I know from my own experience that
it's possible to not set off triggers and flags from trigger areas if you
use the fast-walk cheat. In the final QA passes, it was necessary to do
everything the long way, using no cheats, since that is the only way you
can be assured of setting everything off the way it is meant to be done.
By no means am I insinuating that all bugs are the result of people using
cheats, but if you're using one of these, and you're having problems with
triggers not working, or the story not seeming to progress correctly,
chances are you might want to try reloading a saved game and not using those
cheats. Hope that helps.
So please, do not report bugs when you were using the cheats!
10.1.1.Q: Are there any cheatcodes
A: I (windforce) still don't have the game but found some cheats in the demo exe
Invulnerability: elbarenluvni_ratava_elggot :elif pmk.luafed ruoy ni
yek a ot gnirtsdnammoc gniwollof eht dniB
Flying: ylf_ratava_elggot :elif pmk.luafed ruoy ni yek a ot
gnirtsdnammoc gniwollof eht dniB
FastWalk: tsaf_ratava_elggot :elif pmk.luafed ruoy ni yek a ot
gnirtsdnammoc gniwollof eht dniB
Pass Time: etunim_eno_ssap, ruoh_eno_ssap, etunim_eno_ssapnu,
ruoh_eno_ssapnu :emit fo wolf eht etarelecca ot
sgnidnibyek lareves era erehT
There are some more commands like this one but I don't know what they are doing:
smrots_elggot, dniw_elggot, nus_elggot, tesnus_esirnus,
10.1.2. These are EXPLOITS which will *ruin* your game experience and create a super-avatar.
(posted by Ryan Fenton) don't know if they work in v1.05f
1. Reducing the need for reagents
emag eht ni slleps lla dnib ot tnegaer hcae fo eno ylno deen lliw uoy suhT .
yrotnevni ruoy otni tsnegaer eht dna llorcs eht keat nac uoy lleps eht fo sdrow
eht retne ot pu semoc yrtne txet eht nehw ,slleps gnidnib nehW
2. Turning "invisible" for monsters.
...nur nac uoy os uoy erongi lliw esrutaerc yrotnevni eht nepo uoy nehW
(Not possible in 1.05f?)
3. Getting unlimited mana.
semit detimilnu enod eb nac sihT .cigam ni esiar ll'uoy esufer uoy fI
.thgif a uoy reffo ,dekovorp fi,lliw ohw namrehsif a si ereht enirhs eht
gnisnaelc erofeb ,cisnirT nI
Return to the Contents
10.2. Easter Eggs
10.2.1 Avatars House (On earth): hctaw dna semit lareves rotagirfer eht nepO
Maybe this will cool down some of the people ranting about low fps?
10.2.2 Q: Can I kill Lord British (IN THE GAME) (...for releasing the game too early;-/)
A: Yes, here's how:
yrgnuh teg ot mih rof tiaw tsuj nehT ...etalp eht no daerb rennid sBL
ecalper dna (rood terces) niatirB eltsac ni nehctik eht retne ,ereht ecnO.
(etagnoom eht evivrus lliw ti) ainnatirB ot ti ekaT .(rotagirfer eht ni)
noitop nosiop eht htiw ti nosiop dna erkamdaerb eht ni ruolf fo gab a
gnippord yb gnisu daerb a etaerc htraE nO
10.2.3 Q: Richard Garriot mentioned someday that he would be in the game in a way no one
would expect. Is he?
A: Sure he is: ...yromra eht ni retropelet eht ghuorht nosirp niatirB eltsac eht retnE
10.2.4. Britain:
llew eht ni eno worhT .snioc emos era llew eht raen hcneb a nO .erauqsnwot eht raen
llew gnihsiw a si erehTe
10.2.5 StarWars hint:
I was searching the northern part of Britannia and on a beach I saw a small girl
who says to me, "I'm going to marry you someday." On the sand the are the initials
A.S. + P.S. written with sea shells. Is this supposed to be Anakin Skywalker + Padme
Skywalker? The quote above was taken out of the movie so this makes sense.
UPDATE: This starwars idea was great but false. actually Amy Sage (AS) put
this in. Peter Sage is her husband :-) May the force....
10.2.6. Garriots holiday travel
was to the wreck of the titanic. there is a reference to this in the
museum in britain
10.2.7. The intro farmer
The corpse from the farmer from the intro lies beneath the column
near britain
Return to the Contents
10.3. Things from older Ultimas
10.3.1 Q: Anyone seen Smith the Horse ?
A: swap raen tsopngis a no gnignah si ssacrac sih dna daed si htimS
10.3.2 Q: Is Sherry the mouse in the game?
A: Don't know yet.
10.3.3 Remember the guy from U7 who disguised as the Avatar?
.muesum eht dniheb kcahs eht tisiV
Return to the Contents
10.4. Interesting Places
Return to the Contents
10.5. Interesting Things to do
10.5.1. Gypsy wagon (On earth): Read the book in the back of the wagon.
10.5.2. Moonglow, (Joshua's house): Read the book on the floor.
10.5.3. Visit Lord Brinnes grave (behind a burned out building just behind
the west gate cemetary) have a silent prayer at Lord Brinnes grave.
10.5.4. Read the inscriptions on the tombstones
Return to the Contents
10.6. General Knowledge
10.6.1. HOWTO create a potion:
A: To Create a Potion, place the reagent and an empty flask on a table
with an alchemy lab, then click the lab and POOF! Potion ready.
10.6.2. HOWTO Character Classes.
To achive a certain character class, just select the corresponding virtue
whenever possible in the gypsys questions.
Starting Equipment Note:
All character classes have a Fireball scroll, a Light scroll, 1 White potion and
a bag containing 1 orange and 2 yellow potions in the Stonegate chest)
Compassion-Bard-Weak,Proficient,Dim-30HP,15 mana target bow, arrows, map of Paws
Honesty-Mage-Weak,Clumsy,Brilliant-30HP,35 mana Arms of the Magi, map of Moonglow
Valor-Fighter-Powerful,Clumsy,Dim-90HP,15 mana Scimitar, map of Valoria
Sacrifice-Tinker-Strong,Nimble,Dim-60HP,15 mana Buckler, map of Minoc
Honor-Paladin-Strong,Clumsy,Smart-60HP,25 mana Chain Coif, map of Trinsic
Justice-Druid-Weak,Nimble,Smart-30HP, 25 mana Gnarled Staff, map of Yew
Spirituality-Ranger-Strong,Nimble,Smart-60HP, 20 mana Sextant, Gold Key
Humility-Shepherd-Weak,Clumsy,Dim-30HP,25 mana Crook of Charming
10.6.3. HOWTO bake bread.
Way 1: Drop a flourbag on the breadmaker
Return to the Contents
10.7. Who is Who
This section is possibly horribly out of date. please mail me (windforce@gulbsoft.de) if you
can provide me with an update. This part was written in a hurry and I know I forgot a lot of you,
or even mispelled your names, but horizons is currently offline so I could not check the Top25...
10.7.1. Officials (Origin Systems)
Listed by callsign on the official boards
Producers
Knight (Executive Producer)
Pandora (Associate Producer)
Programmers
Audball (Audio God)
Bill "CapnBill" Randolph (Lead)
ChuckyZ
GaryS
Jaccl
Trellek
Artists
Bevelator (Lead)
BobF
GalaxyGrrl
Gigboy
Hollywood
Jennifer
Laszlo
Nimrond
Vtron
Designers
Bassanio
Craig
Amy "Cynthe" Sage (www.elderberries.com)
Richard "LordBritish" Garriot (Executive Designer)
Rand
SirPerky
Yavn (Lead)
-Yos-
Misc.
Kezia - Writer
LadyMOI/Carly - Minister Of Information/PR
10.7.2. Nearly Officials
Official Board Operators
Darkheart (General Discussion Moderator)
IronFury (Q&A Moderator)
Durham Dragon (Q&A CoModerator)
Pariah (Rants and Raves Moderator)
MithDragon (Rants and Raves CoModerator)
10.7.3. Well known persons
Ultima Horizons (www.allgaming.com/ultimaix) Officials
Jazar (Host/Webmaster) and Keeper of Snookles
Transcending Dragon (Host/Webmaster)
Corinth (Forum Operator and big Top25 cheater :-)
Ultima Horizons (www.allgaming.com/ultimaix) frequent visitors
Snookles, a demonic sheep
ED, (evil minion of the guardian trying to turn UA into Tombraider)
Other well known Persons
Bob White. (Once Member of the U9 Developmentteam, sometimes to
find at the horizons)
Sith Dragon Keeper of the U9 FAQ and a famous UA Newspage until
he "retired" in '99. Also a frequent visitor of
the Horizons.
Stephan "Desslock." Janici. RPG news reporter (http://desslock.gamespot.com)
Mental4 aka Chris Baily. Keeper of the famous, now offline
Ultima@Scorched website for many years.