My textures are not what they should be

Yeah my spaceships on this game look like little toys, thats how bad they are. There is no detail on them whatsoever. Just colors. Now i know my video card and directx is all good because i can play Age of Empires III, which requires 64mb cards (minimum) with the newest directx (9.0c or sumthin). So i know the graphics/textures should be way better than this for me. I have the newest version of Galciv II (1.31), and the highest resolution set (1200x1024 i think). Is there a way to bump up the textures? I checked options and I dont know how to mod (so if it involves modding, tell me what to do please).
9,780 views 12 replies
Reply #1 Top
You probably already did this, but make sure all your video options are on like bump mapping and all the textures. The game supports Resolutions at least up to 2560x1024. That's what I usually use,with horizontal span across two monitors. Most single monitors won't support that though.
Reply #2 Top
What video card are you running?

To get all the textures you need a card that is DX9 compliant, which is different than having DX9 installed in the OS.
Reply #3 Top
Please go to C:\Program Files\Stardock\Totalgaming\GalCiv2 (or wherever you installed the game at), open the debug.err file you find there in notepad, and copy/paste the contents into a post here. This will give us some technical information that can help troubleshoot your problem (so we can tell if it's your card, or some other cause).
Reply #4 Top
I think I have a GeForce4 MX 440 (pretty sure thats the video card).

And I cannot find a file called debug.err but i found "prefs" on notepad so here it is. I looked in here and saw this ForcetextureUpdate one and thought it might do something but i dont know.

[Initialization]
ForceTextureUpdate=0
HyperthreadEnhancement=0
ThreadedInitialLoading=0
SkipIntro=0
PreloadModels=1
[Video]
DisplayWidth=1280
DisplayHeight=1024
ColorDepth=32
Fullscreen=1
HardwareMouseCursor=0
Multisample=1
Brightness=50
Contrast=50
AmbientLight=50
Resolution=5
GfxForceNoTexShips=0
GfxForceNoTexPlanets=0
GfxForceNoCityLights=0
GfxForceNoTexAnomalies=0
GfxForceNoTexResources=0
GfxForceNoTexStars=0
GfxForceNoTexDamage=0
GfxForceNoTexWeaponsDefenses=0
[Sound]
MusicVolume=10000
EventMusicVolume=10000
SFXVolume=10000
UserDefinedPlayList=0
Sfx=1
Music=1
EventMusic=1
CurrPlayListDir=PlayList
CurrentPlayList=
CurrPlayListPos=0
[Prompts]
PromptToBuildStarbase=1
PromptToUpgradeStarbase=1
PromptToHarvestResource=0
ImpDonePopup=1
ShowAnomalyPopup=1
[Display]
DrawGrid=0
ShipBattleSpeed=1.200000
ShipTurnSpeed=7.853982
ShipMoveSpeed=800.000000
BackgroundStars=750
SnapBack=1.000000
BackgroundNebulas=25
EdgeScrollSpeed=100
[GameOptions]
TutorialMode=0
AutoTurn=0
ViewAttacks=1
WatchEnemyShips=0
WatchAutoPilot=0
ShowShipBattles=1
ShowShipDamage=1
ShowExplosions=1
LoseRemainingMoves=1
ShowAIShipBattles=1
AutoSave=0
TurnsBeforeAutoSaving=2
AutoBuild=1
GNN=1
ShowQuarterlyReport=1
BattleType=2
NoEngineTrails=1
ModsDir=C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Default
EnableMods=1
[TechCategoryColors]
Biology=-15699671
Computing=-11581722
Culture=-1582312
Defenses=-5942851
Industry=-1674496
Logistics=-1310593
Propulsion=-14579019
Weapons=-3272688
[CustomRace]
LastRace=Tyrannian Empire
InterfaceColor=-5308416
[GalaxySetup]
HabitablePlanets=4
GalaxySize=5
StarDensity=0
NumAnomalies=4
TechnologyRate=4
NumStars=4
NumPlanets=4
EnableMinorRaces=1
CustomMap=
Scenario=
CulturalVictory=0
TechVictory=0
AlliedVictory=0
AITechVictory=0
BlindExploration=0
DisableTechTrading=0
AllowCPUIntensiveAlgorithms=0
[OpponentSetup]
Race0Enabled=0
Race0Intelligence=0
Race0Alignment=5
Race0Relations=0
Race1Enabled=0
Race1Intelligence=7
Race1Alignment=5
Race1Relations=0
Race2Enabled=0
Race2Intelligence=2
Race2Alignment=5
Race2Relations=0
Race3Enabled=0
Race3Intelligence=2
Race3Alignment=5
Race3Relations=0
Race4Enabled=0
Race4Intelligence=2
Race4Alignment=5
Race4Relations=0
Race5Enabled=0
Race5Intelligence=2
Race5Alignment=5
Race5Relations=0
Race6Enabled=0
Race6Intelligence=3
Race6Alignment=5
Race6Relations=0
Race7Enabled=0
Race7Intelligence=2
Race7Alignment=5
Race7Relations=0
Race8Enabled=1
Race8Intelligence=0
Race8Alignment=5
Race8Relations=5
Race9Enabled=1
Race9Intelligence=0
Race9Alignment=5
Race9Relations=5
Race10Enabled=1
Race10Intelligence=3
Race10Alignment=5
Race10Relations=0
Difficulty=0
RandomizeIntel=0
RandomizeNumOfRaces=0
[RaceSetup]
PlayerEmpire=Tyrannian Empire
PlayerHomeworld=Tyrannus
PlayerRace=10
PoliticalParty=6
ECONOMICS=0
WEAPONS=0
DEFENSE=0
SPEED=0
MORALE=0
POPULATIONGROWTH=0
SOCIALPRODUCTION=0
MILITARYPRODUCTION=0
RESEARCH=0
INFLUENCE=0
TRADE=0
DIPLOMACY=0
HITPOINTS=0
REPAIR=0
SENSORS=0
ESPIONAGE=0
SOLDIERING=0
INTERESTRATES=0
PLANETQUALITY=0
TRADEROUTES=0
CRIME=0
CABINET=0
RANGE=0
LUCK=0
COURAGE=0
CREATIVITY=0
GOVERNMENT=0
LOYALTY=0
LOGISTICS=0
MINIATURIZATION=0
HOMEPLANETQUALITY=0
[TradeWnd]
NeutralFontColor=-1
AcceptFontColor=-16711936
RejectFontColor=-65536
[ForeignTreatiesWnd]
LineColorAlliance=-16711936
LineColorWar=-65536
LineColorTrade=-2778349
[MiniMapSettings]
PaintShips=1
PaintPlanets=1
PaintStars=0
PaintAnomalies=0
PaintRallyPoints=0
PaintOwnership=1
PaintPopulation=0
PaintManufacturing=0
PaintAutoPilot=0
PaintRanges=0
[Interface]
RotateParts=2
HideNebulasAndStars=1
[Tutorials]
FullScreen=1
Reply #5 Top
I think I have a GeForce4 MX 440 (pretty sure thats the video card).


That's your problem then. The GeForce4 MX series only supports DX7 (they're basically souped up GeForce2's, and are in fact inferior to GeForce3's in about every way). Your only solution is to buy a new video card that does support DX8/9 in hardware.
Reply #6 Top
You could not find debug.err because you were looking in the wrong folder.
The Prefs.ini file is located in My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2.
The debug.err file is located in C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2.

Reply #7 Top
Oh well. I am gonna buy a new comp soon anyways.
And I cannot open the debug.err file because my computer doesnt recognize it so it doesnt matter. Thanks for the help.
Reply #8 Top
You can open the file with Notepad. It is a plain text file. Just right-click on the file and choose "Open With...", then choose Notepad.
Reply #9 Top
Oh thanks. Well heres the debug file, maybe it will show that its not the card, so I have a chance to play this game with good graphics.

Debug Message: Version v1.31 last updated on: Wed Sep 13 18:41:18 2006
Debug Message: GalCiv2 is activated.
Debug Message: Checking DX Version.
Debug Message: *********DXDiag info follows.*********
System Info
Time: 10/11/2006, 23:01:25
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
Machine Name: ATHLON
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)
Languages: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: MSI
System Model: MS-6380E
BIOS: Version 1.00
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) XP 1900+, MMX, 3DNow, ~1.6GHz
Physical Memory: 512MB RAM
Page File: 175MB used, 1071MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS


Display Info
Display device 1:
Device Name: \\.\DISPLAY1
Card Name: NVIDIA GeForce4 MX 440
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce4 MX 440
DAC Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Key Device: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0171&SUBSYS_86101462&REV_A3
Display Memory: 64.0 MB
Current Display Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.7189
Driver Date: 4/1/2005 17:16:00
DirectX Acceleration Enabled: Yes



Sound info
Sound device 1:
Description: Realtek AC97 Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_3059&SUBSYS_47201462&REV_40
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Driver Name: ALCXWDM.SYS
Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5820
Driver Date: 3/25/2005 16:04:40
Type: WDM
Other Drivers:
Acceleration Level: 3
Cap Flags: 0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0



Debug Message: *********END dxdiag info.*********
Debug Message: Entering WinMain
Debug Message: ******* Starting Game Shell *******
Debug Message: Going Fullscreen
Debug Message: Preparing to change display settings.
Debug Message: Using multilsample setting: D3DMULTISAMPLE_NONMASKABLE
Debug Message: Game Resolution: 1280 x 1024
Debug Message: Running fullscreen.
Debug Message: HAL (sw vp): NVIDIA GeForce4 MX 440
Debug Message: D3DPRESENT_INTERVAL_DEFAULT
Debug Message: Refresh rate: 60
Debug Message: Bit Depth: 32 bit.
Debug Message: *********Checking D3DDevice Caps***********************
Debug Message: A full-color cursor is supported in hardware at high resolution modes.
Debug Message: RGB in format 6:6:6, Masks reported as ff0000:ff00:ff
Debug Message: Now Fullscreen
Debug Message: Shell initialization complete
Debug Message: ***** Initializing Game *****
Debug Message: Timer Frequency is 0 369e99
Debug Message: Initializing sound card.
Debug Message: initailizing bink
Debug Message: Create setup screens.
Debug Message: Clear galaxy settings.
Debug Message: Clear influence.
Debug Message: Clear up laws.
Debug Message: Clear first time events.
Debug Message: Clear wonders and trade goods.
Debug Message: Clear sector mapper.
Debug Message: Set mouse.
Debug Message: Set update timer.
Debug Message: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Jackson\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.xml
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Documents and Settings\Jackson\My Documents\My Games\GalCiv2\ships\*.shipcfg
Debug Message: Reading Star Names
Debug Message: Reading Star Names... Done
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\CustomMaps\*.gc2map
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\Scenarios\*.gc2scenario
Debug Message: Creating Galaxy
Debug Message: Killing threads.
Debug Message: Kiling civs.
Debug Message: Killing ships.
Debug Message: Killing rallypoints.
Debug Message: Killing misc objects.
Debug Message: Killing stars.
Debug Message: Killing anomalies.
Debug Message: Killing space resources.
Debug Message: Killing colonies and planets.
Debug Message: killing scenario.
Debug Message: Clearing Turn Event Log
Debug Message: Clear galaxy settings.
Debug Message: Clear influence.
Debug Message: Clear up laws.
Debug Message: Clear first time events.
Debug Message: Clear wonders and trade goods.
Debug Message: Clear sector mapper.
Debug Message: Galaxy Size Set: 18 x 18
Debug Message: Creating Random Map
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Stars
Debug Message: Number of Unplaced Stars: 149.
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Planets
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: *************** Failed To Place Planet ***************
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Anomalies
Debug Message: Num Anomalies: 300
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Resources
Debug Message: Creating Random Map... Done
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\CustomMaps\*.gc2map
Debug Message: No files found matching mask C:\Program Files\Stardock\TotalGaming\GalCiv2\Mods\Default\Data\Scenarios\*.gc2scenario
*DEBUG ERROR: ***TutorialWnd: Unknown edit field Totorial_GridList_Entry type: CustomListEntry ***
Debug Message: TutorialWnd: Cannot find OBJID Totorial_All_Button
Debug Message: TitleWnd: Quit Button.
Debug Message: Posting WM_CLOSE message.
Debug Message: WM_CLOSE message received.
Debug Message: GameUninitialize start
Debug Message: Killing hidden planet surface init thread. Waiting for it to die.

Debug Message: Aborting hidden planet surface initialization.
Debug Message: Hidden planet surface init thread dead.
Debug Message: Killing Galaxy
Debug Message: Killing threads.
Debug Message: Kiling civs.
Debug Message: Killing ships.
Debug Message: Killing rallypoints.
Debug Message: Killing misc objects.
Debug Message: Killing stars.
Debug Message: Killing anomalies.
Debug Message: Killing space resources.
Debug Message: Killing colonies and planets.
Debug Message: killing scenario.
Debug Message: Clearing Turn Event Log
Debug Message: Clear galaxy settings.
Debug Message: Clear influence.
Debug Message: Clear up laws.
Debug Message: Clear first time events.
Debug Message: Clear wonders and trade goods.
Debug Message: Clear sector mapper.
Debug Message: Clear data definitions.
Debug Message: Killing Galaxy: Completed
Debug Message: Shutting down sound system.
Debug Message: Clearing sound and music handles.
Debug Message: GameUninitialize end
Debug Message: Device not cleared. 1 counts left.
Debug Message: D3D not cleared. 1 counts left.
Debug Message: Destroying Window.
Debug Message: Main Shell terminating normally
Reply #10 Top
It's the card. Granted your drivers are out of date and the rest of your system just barely meets the specs, but the card is just not capable of the needed features, and updating drivers/changing the rest of the system won't change that... only a new video card will.
Reply #12 Top
Post your own debug.err. A 7000 series should be perfectly capable of doing everything the game expects of it.