This version of the patch deals with some ATi gfx card issues, optimizes textures, and fixes various gameplay issues.
Please note that this patch is only compatible with Age of Pirates - Caribbean Tales Version 1.41 (official retail version).
Prior to Installing the Game
Before attempting to install Age of Pirates - Caribbean Tales, please verify that your computer meets system requirements.
1. Minimum Specifications and Controls
Windows XP, DirectX 9.0c
Pentium IV 1.8 GHz or equivalent
256 MB RAM
DirectX 9 GeForce 3 (not MX-series) class video card with 128 MB RAM DirectX-compatible soundcard
4 GB of hard drive space
DVD-ROM
Keyboard, mouse
Suggested Configuration:
Windows XP, DirectX 9.0c
Pentium IV 2.5 GHz or equivalent
1 GB RAM
DirectX 9 GeForce 6600 class video card
DirectX-compatible soundcard
4 GB of hard drive space
DVD-ROM
Keyboard, mouse
Update 1.42 Updates and Fixes
1. The FMOD sound system library has been updated to increase stability and improve general game performance.
2. Bug fixing has been performed across the more prominent gameplay issues.
3. Compatibility with ATI Radeon graphics driver versions has been expanded.
4. Texturing has been added to the island vegetation, with improved Level of Detail.
Installing the Patch
1. Ensure that version 1.41 (official retail version) of Age of Pirates - Caribbean Tales has been installed on your PC successfully.
2. Run the patch executable by double clicking on the file.
3. If requested, restart your PC.
4. Ensure your game disc is in your DVD-ROM drive.
5. Launch the title as normal (by double-clicking on the desktop icon, or select Age of Pirates - Caribbean tales from the Programs menu).
Uninstalling the Patch
Patch 1.42 is removed during a regular uninstallation of the title.
VIDEO
Regardless of your video card, make sure to download the latest drivers from your manufacturer. You should always be careful to follow the driver installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.
If you do update your video drivers, ensure the game is reinstalled, including DirectX 9 (included on the Age of Pirates - Caribbean Tales disc).
INPUT
ALT+TAB may cause some game instability with some hardware configurations and is not advised. Please see the section Known Issues and Troubleshooting below for more information.
Video, Audio and Game Configuration
"Age of Pirates: Caribbean Tales" includes a configuration utility that allows several options to be set prior to running the game by running the configuration utility located in StartProgram FilesPlaylogicAge of Pirates-Caribbean TalesOptions
The program can also be run from the root of the game folder - config.exe
Display options
For video options the following choices are available.
Device
The device selection can be used if there is one or more video cards present in your computer. Only use devices that meet the minimum specifications for the game.
Resolution
Lists the available resolutions for the game.
Post processing:
When the box is checked a glow effect will be used in the game.
Full screen mode
When the box is checked the game will run full screen. When the box is unchecked the game will run in windowed mode.
Texture Quality
Texture quality can be adjusted.
Sound Options
Sound Off
When checked, this turns the game sound off, including music, sound effects and dialog.
Safe Mode
When checked, the game set a lower priority for audio processing. This is useful for trouble shooting audio issues.
Music Volume
Slider for adjusting the in-game music volume.
Effects Volume
Slider for adjusting the in-game effects volume.
Dialogue Volume
Slider for adjusting the in-game volume for voice.
Gameplay changes
With "Alt" it is possible to add amount of 100 items instead of 1 in selling/buying menu.
Known Issues and Troubleshooting
Alt-Tab can cause the game to crash when in fullscreen mode.
If you have this problem, try the following:
Playing in windowed mode with a fullscreen resolution mode solves this issue.
1. Go to C:Program FilesPlaylogicAge of Pirates - Caribbean Tales (where C:Program Files is the drive and folder location of the installation).
2. Double click on the file config.exe.
3. Ensure the option 'Fullscreen' is unchecked.
4. Under the field 'Resolution', select the screen resolution of the monitor on which the game will be played.
5. Now hit Save, or Save & Play. The game will appear to be in full screen, and task switching will not have any adverse effects on performance.
Internet Multiplayer
Internet Play - Port and Network Settings:
By default, Age of Pirates connects to the Internet through the following UDP ports:
o UDP port 29020
o UDP port 29029
Each time you join or create an Internet multiplayer game, you must make sure these ports are open on your PC for both incoming and outgoing traffic.
In addition to this, you can turn off your Windows firewall for the duration of your time participating in Internet multiplayer.
If you want to create or join an Internet multiplayer game, and you are connecting through a router, you will require properly setup Network Address Translation (NAT) & Port Address Translation (PAT). Please contact your hardware manufacturer for more information.
When having a firewall and starting multiplayer for the first time it is needed to start game in windowed mode. Firewall requests can be accepted then and the game needs to be closed and restarted in full screen.
Game Instability
Problems playing audio files can cause instability, although this may not be obvious to the end-user. Therefore, if you experience any game instability at all, please review the information on the following link:
Support.microsoft.com
Menu operation not working correctly
On very rare occasions the users may experience some inoperability within in the menu system of Age of Pirates. This can occur after performing a specific set of complex tasks. Users should save the game and restart to resolve this issue.
Performance Tuning
There are several things you can do to increase game performance.
* Make sure you have no other programs running in the background.
* Try reducing the level of Sea Detail within your Options menu. To do this:
1. Launch the game.
2. Select Options from the main menu or pause menu.
3. Reduce the LOD by sliding the bar under Sea Details (second option in the left column) to the left.
* If you experience any instability within the game, attempt to restart the PC and launch the game again, and ensure to save frequently.
* Please also see the information on Support.microsoft.com for further tips and advice on running games software on Microsoft Windows.
