The idiot guide to play Civ2 on Windows 7 64bits

[grant_lee]

Hi there.

I have been a Civ2 enthousiast for several years now and was sorry to discover that this classic game wouldn't run on my recent computers. There are several posts around here explaining how to fix it. Still, many interesting informations are scattered in the forum.
It took me a few time to gather all these valuable data and would have been happy if a "no brainer guide" existed. So I decided to share this with others.

I'll provide all links to original files or posts and also to a full package which holds all the files for a more convenient use. Before applying any patches, remember it's always wise to backup first (to my knowledge only "civ2.exe" is altered in the process) .

As a starter, if you haven't already, I recommend you read this post on Civ2 and 64 bit OS.

1- Install Civilization 2 Multiplayer Gold Edition.
Test of Times should also work, but I'm not covering this specific version. If installation fails, then you most likely have the "Classic" version of the game (read the aforementionned link on your options. Still, I strongly suggest you get the Multiplayer Gold Edition).

2- Apply latest official patch : civiimge_uccupdate3.
Launch a game, go to game options : it should read "Civilization II Multiplayer Gold 5.4.0f Multiplayer 26 March 99 Patch 3".

3- Use the NoCD Patch (OPTIONNAL) : link
Unfortunately, this patch will not work on 64 bit system. Here is a workaround : copy your "civ2.exe" file onto a 32 bit system, use the NoCD patch on it and then replace your original file. You can also use the already patched one in my package.

4- Patch AI aggressiveness (OPTIONNAL) : link
If you want "Classic game" AI behaviour, copy this file in your Civ2 folder an apply it. Fast check method :

Btw, a fast way to test the hostile AI fix is to open the ALIEN scenario, skip the first turn using Crtl-n, then bring up the Foreign Minister (F3). If the alliances are still "Enthusiastic" or "Worshipful", the patch worked. Otherwise, they will have changed to "Uncooperative".

5- Apply MastermindX 64 bit patch : version 2.0 at the time of writing


You should now have a fully functionnal game. Classic edition savegames are compatible.

Full Package Link 1
Full Package Link 2

[Blasph23]

Hey, is the aggressiveness patch working with Mastermindx's 64bit patch already applied? I would love to have both at the same time.
I tried to use this AI patch first, then 64bit one but AI was still hostile. Then I tried the other way around - with the same result.
Would it be maybe possible to connect the two into one, so that there is only one patching process?
Maybe give an option in the patcher to either keep hostile AI or change it to 2.42 normal version?

[geofelt]

Great idea.
I am interested too.

[Catfish]

I combined MastermindX's 64-bit compatibility patch, Timbatron's CPU usage fix, Rebel's no-CD crack, Mousep's hostile AI fix and Julius Brenzaida's no limits patch into one executable for Test of Time 1.1. You can get it here.

[Blasph23]

Nice job Catfish but can you also compile it for MGE?
I prefer that to ToT and I believe many people share the notion.
Also, would it work for x64 with the no cd patch? Or do I have to manually apply no-cd in some 32 bit system?