Playable demo for X³ released

[CBJ]

However I couldn't find the X3 registry entries using regedit.exe. Could you tell me where they are, or even if they should be there?

The settings are in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\EGOSOFT\X3Demo.

[Jezinator2]

Ok, just thought I'd report back on what happened. I deleted the files you told me to, it still didn't work, so i ran a "find" on all egosoft folders (so as not to accidentaly delete my X2 files, which are enlight) and deleted them, and... success! ut works fine, albeit with the graphics all the way down. But it works. i'm not sure if you want to publish this problem somewhere to help others like me or what, but id just like to thank you for helping me get this thing running.

Oh, and incidentally, what types of options does the 1.4 version have? Does it support resolution below 1028?

And also, since i'm thinking of upgrading my graphics card after what you said, would a 9550 make a huge difference at all? value for money and all that lot, you know.

Cheers CBJ,

[Patton91]

My demo also crashes, but in a different way. Also, since I can't save, it's a real pain in the ass. When I minimize the window, and then I maximize it again, the computer completely freezes. You see the blue bar at the top, you know, with the minimize/close buttons, but just a black box in the screen. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[DK_FROGGY]

Hey.

I have a problem. When i download the demo and starts the install, the installer keeps saying that it is installing the file called "01.dat". While it says that, the progress bar still moves towards finish, and then suddenly it says that the 01.dat file is corrupt and cant be installed, and that i should re-download the demo.

I have tried that 3 times now. Anyone knows what to do?

Thank you.

[CBJ]

Try downloading using a download manager such as GetRight.

[DK_FROGGY]

After your advise i downloaded GetRight and tried to download, however, it would not let me download through that program. If i just left clicked the link, it downloaded normally, and if i right-clicked and pressed "Download with GetRight" it gave me the "Site Doesn't Exist" site.

Any advise?

[CBJ]

It sounds like you have connection problems, which would explain why your download was corrupt in the first place. You need to sort those out, and there's not much anyone here can do to help with that.

[DK_FROGGY]

It sounds like you have connection problems, which would explain why your download was corrupt in the first place. You need to sort those out, and there's not much anyone here can do to help with that.

Okay, seems you were correct. I had some internet problems, however, it seems that i solved them, as i was able to download through GetRight at 2mb/sec. However, the file is still corrupt.

[the_harper]

FWIW I've just tried the playable demo version 1.3 on my PC. It works quite well, which surprised me given the specs of the machine and the posts I'd read about what was required. If the demo works OK, the real thing should be better with the latest patch.

My computer's specs: P4 2.1GHz, 1GB RAM, nVidia FX 128MB, motherboard PCI audio. Quickshot joystick.

I was convinced I couldn't play X3 until I at least got a better video card (if anyone has a second hand 6600 series AGP card let me know )
so this is a pleasant surprise!

I might have tried the playable demo sooner except for the size of it! I got it from a cover disc of Australian PowerPlay instead.

Rob

PS It's even playable at 1280x1024 if I set the detail level to low. Actually, it's playable at medium detail but not for combat - too jerky.

[pjknibbs]

FWIW I've just tried the playable demo version 1.3 on my PC. It works quite well, which surprised me given the specs of the machine and the posts I'd read about what was required. If the demo works OK, the real thing should be better with the latest patch.

Well, yes and no. Yes, the 1.4 patch improves the performance of the game over the 1.3 demo, but no, because the full universe in the full game requires a lot more CPU horsepower than running the limited version you get in the demo.

[the_harper]

Well, yes and no. Yes, the 1.4 patch improves the performance of the game over the 1.3 demo, but no, because the full universe in the full game requires a lot more CPU horsepower than running the limited version you get in the demo.

Oh. So you don't think it be playable on a PC with the spec mine has? Or more to the point - it would be painfully slow? I don't mind if I have to run it in 1024x768 most of the time. I just can't afford to buy a whole new PC for a game. If it's CPU horsepower that is the issue, getting a faster video card wouldn't help much.

Rob

[pjknibbs]

Your CPU falls between the Minimum and Recommended specs for the game, so I'm sure the game will run...it just might stutter a bit in busy sectors like Argon Prime. Of course, it does depend what you define as "playable"--some people won't consider a game playable unless they get a steady 60 frame per second under all circumstances, and you're not likely to get that!

[the_harper]

Your CPU falls between the Minimum and Recommended specs for the game, so I'm sure the game will run...it just might stutter a bit in busy sectors like Argon Prime. Of course, it does depend what you define as "playable"--some people won't consider a game playable unless they get a steady 60 frame per second under all circumstances, and you're not likely to get that!

That's OK then. I never expected to get 60fps - I don't get that in X2, and I still consider it playable. I never spent much time in Argon Prime in X2 so if I can mostly stay out of there in X3 it should be OK. My guess is that it should be fine in the same circumstances where X2 is best on my PC, and worst where X2 is worst - systems with nebulae and in the more difficult plot missions.

So if I can ignore most of the plot, build stations/complexes and explore the x-universe along with some small scale combat, I'd be happy.

Rob

[Xenon_Slayer]

As it was said, the demo is a tiny universe with a fraction of the ships, stations and objects. I would expect some further performance drops to happen in the proper game. The best thing to do is turn everything off if you have not already. In the X3: tech forum there is a sticky which describes a few ways to increase performance. You may find it handy.

[the_harper]

As it was said, the demo is a tiny universe with a fraction of the ships, stations and objects. I would expect some further performance drops to happen in the proper game. The best thing to do is turn everything off if you have not already. In the X3: tech forum there is a sticky which describes a few ways to increase performance. You may find it handy.

Disappointing that I won't know for sure without installing the full game.

Does the demo have a way of displaying fps? That would give me a way to measure some of the tweaks.

Rob

[Scarecrow]

The demo doesn't have a way for displaying fps ..... but fraps will do the job nicely.

[the_harper]

The demo doesn't have a way for displaying fps ..... but fraps will do the job nicely.

X3 demo fps according to FRAPS very low, but very variable. During combat up to about 20fps - about the same in X2. So far the tweaks I've tried don't appear to have made a significant difference.

Rob