Just wanted to give some positive feedback...
I've been playing the new version (Build 14 Beta 1 Patch 1) for about a week now. I had a HDD crash about 2 years ago, and didn't re-install PotC. At that time, I was playing 14 Alpha 6, and had it pretty stable on my system. Anyhow, the new mod has some really nice new features - new islands, new storylines, new towns (re-textures, etc) and new quests (which I haven't played yet). And, I really like the new "get a sword on promotions" with a LoM. Excellent job to everyone.
Now, there are some stability issues on my PC - specifically as they relate to LOOTING CORPSES (several CTDs while looting on a boarding) and the TRANSFER INTERFACES (very slow) - that's where my rig seems to really lag (sound stutters and/or the transfer process is really slowed down). And, I'm not sure why. Maybe it's the new music and/or sounds that seem to be played simultaneously. Or maybe there was some new / updated code changed that I didn't see in the base transfer interface. In general, the game is fairly stable on both land and sailing - the problems (at least for me) seem to be on boardings (looting and chests) and any place where the transfer interface is needed. I also get some lag when it rains (probably my Gfx card).
HERE ARE MY SETTINGS:
PotC with New Horizons (Build Mod) version 14 - Beta 1 - Patch 1
- it's the latest version as of approximately 24-Apr-2010
- fresh install of base PotC, then installed as per instructions on 24-Apr-2010
My changes to the default configuration, both hard coded and through the interface follow below. I've tried to minimize the "overhead" of graphics intensity and to make my play more stable - since my system is 5+ years old.
Hard Coded Changes:
FILENAME: /POTC/engine.ini
enabled logging - generates *.log files
1024x768 FullScreen - for gameplay - lower res = higher performance (usually)
1280x720 and 1600x900 FullScreen - for screenshots only
FILENAME: /POTC/PROGRAM/InternalSettings.h
Code:
#define FREE_FOG 0 // BOOL - Allow fog during daylight hours 0 - false 1 - true
#define REALISTIC_WAVES 0 // BOOL - desc="Set to 0 to disable the realistic waves mod by KiwisDoFly." DEFAULT is 1
#define SAIL_LUFFING_SOUNDS 1 // INT - Set from 1 to 3 to play sail luffing sounds when sailing too close to wind. 0=off, higher numbers add more luffing sound. DEFAULT is 2
Menu Changes:
RANDOM START SKILLS = Pick extra skills
AUTO SKILLS SYSTEM = Off
SKIP VIDEOS = Skip All
WEAPONSMOD = Off
REDUCE COASTAL SHIPS = Reduce by 2 (2 total ships)
MIN SAIL CREW = All available reload cannon
SHIPS WILL SURRENDER = 0.10
EXTRA HIT CHECK = No
CANNON RANGE SCALAR = 1.25
CHANGING NATIONS RELATION = On
CANNON POWDER = No
SPYGLASS = Fun
FOOD = Off
SHIPYARD REALISM = Off
ITEM TRADER REALISM = Off
SALARY = 2
AMMO & POWDER = Off
BLADE DAMAGE = Off
BROTHEL = On
NO THEFT = 30
LOCK OPEN = 66
SAILS = Emblem White / Pirates Emblem Black (not sure if this option still works)
SHIPHIT PARTICLES = MINIMAL
EFFECTS (PARTICLES) = Off
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PC Specs: (mostly 5+ year old technology)
OS - WinXP Pro with auto updates (fresh install Dec-2009)
MB - Abit NF7s v1.2 w/ onboard nVidia sound
CPU - AMD XP2500 stable overclock (166mhz FSB to 200mhz FSB) @ 2.2gHz (equal to AMD XP3200)
RAM - 2x1gb Corsair Twinx PC3200 (2gb)
GFX - nVidia GeForce 6200 512mb DualRamDAC AGP (3d software configured for "Balanced")
HDD - Hitachi 460gb SATA
Monitor - Acer 1600x900 LCD
This system is probably on the borderline of being compatible. I last played v14 Alpha 6/7 in late 2007 and had the game working stable - at least on the system I had at the time (VERY similar to the above, but with a slightly better gfx card, but with only 512mb RAM).
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KevAtl