Zip-archive with the necessary files and a readme with installation instructions and additional info.
This simple hex-hack/script edit expands the resolution options for the GOG version of Alien Shooter (the first one, bundled with its two expansions) and attempts to correctly align the in-game HUD for any option with some minor changes.
Including the options available by default, the supported resolutions now list: 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1440x900, 1600x900, 1680x1050, 1920x1080.
Also, this hack ditches couple of static HUD elements (top background bar for the score counter and inventory slots, and "Score:" label atop said counter) due to complications with alignment and scaling. Fading transitions between menus are slightly sped up, and on higher resolutions camera scrolling doesn't offset in crosshair's direction, remaining centered on the player except at level maps' borders.
To Non-GOG Users
Sorry, but this hack won't be any good to you. The GOG version of Alien Shooter differs from other releases, including the Steam one(s).
If you bought yours on Steam, check this guide for possible solution Steamcommunity.com
Known Issues
- On higher resolutions, camera remains centered on the player due to direction scrolling going a tad haywire. Not too much of a problem, since at 1366x768 and up you typically see enemies way before they can react. Also...
- There might be a noticeable object popup at screen edges on a couple of levels. It's more jarring with directional scrolling, but you might still see some of it.
- 16:9/16:10 ratios sound effects' volume can noticably drop off in some areas of several levels.
- HUD and menus don't scale, thus menus remain at 4:3 ratio, and some text might be hard to read on higher resolutions.
- Survival map doesn't scroll horizontally and view stays slightly shifted to the side of the screen. It's just too small for larger resolutions.
- Possible severe graphical glitches in 16bpp mode, with a messed up list for available resolutions in launcher. AFAIK this is an issue of the game executable itself, and I was able to consistently replicate it only on one system with Windows 10 and some pretty old hardware. If you do encounter this one, the only solution is to launch in 32bpp mode.
Other Somewhat Important Stuff
- This hack was initially quickly cobbled together for personal use, and is pretty rudimentary in its nature (hence the hack part, not a patch, fix or something equally respectful). Thus, it's easy to apply and unlikely to create any serious problems, but it's also by no means the most elegant and failsafe solution. With that in mind...
- Have your original AlienShooter.exe and Maps folder BACKED UP before installation, especially if you don't use GOG Galaxy with its Verify/Repair feature.
- In case you do encounter some major problems, keep in mind the fix is unlikely to come quickly, or maybe at all. This umm, project is far from a priority to me, and I've never intended it to be a definitive fix. You're welcome to tinker with it yourself, though, or ask away for help on GOG forums, which I check semi-regularly. A good place to start Gog.com
Install
- Back up the original AlienShooter.exe and Maps folder in your game's install directory.
- Copy the archive's contents to your game's install folder, replacing all the prompted files.
- Launch the new AlienShooter.exe, select one of the available resolutions, kick some alien butt.
Uninstall
Restore the original AlienShooter.exe and Maps folder, either from backups or using Galaxy's Verify/Repair function.
Tools Used
HxD - Mh-nexus.de
Alien Shooter Map Editor - Steamcommunity.com
Notepad++ - Notepad-plus-plus.org
