Playing SMAC again, any advice?

[Sinterklaas]

Here's the situation: on my parent's attic I've found my copy of SMAC, which I haven't played since 1999. I'd like to play it again, so what should I do?

- Any patches I should install?
- Any good mods I should try?
- I always found those dark, reddish AC maps a bit dull, are there any improved terrain graphics available for SMAC? Something like Snoopy's terrain graphics for Civ3?
- Anything else I should know/install before playing this game again?

Oh, I'm not buying the expansion so whatever you advise should work on the original version.

 

[Petek]

Hey Sinterklaas,

After installing the game, patch it with the SMAC Win 2000/XP update, which may be found here. (Despite the name, it should be installed on all systems.) There's also an "unofficial patch," but our forum's rules don't allow linking to it.

This thread lists some mods and scenarios. The ones mentioned in my post all require the expansion pack, but at least some of the mods in Buster's Uncle's post can be played with the original game.

I'm pretty sure that alternate graphics packs are available, but I've never used any of them. Perhaps someone else will come along with more information. (For a quick and dirty way to brighten the graphics, start a game. Go MENU --> GAME --> Audio/Visual Preferences -- > Gamma Correction and adjust the slider.)

Some have problems installing the game on newer systems. If you run into trouble, just post again here and someone will be glad to help. Be sure to record the exact text of any error messages.

If you want tips on playing the game, browse through the first few pages of this forum. You'll find several threads with advice for new and returning players.

Feel free to post any more questions. Hope you enjoy playing the game again.

Petek

 

[Sinterklaas]

Thanks! I'll give it a go!

 

[green1]

Over any Total Conversion Mods, I would also suggest looking into Kyrub's AI patch which improves the AI and includes work by modder Scient which fixes many bugs which were never fixed by the Firaxis team back in the day. Both SMAC (444 experiment) and SMAX (SMAX patch PLUS) versions are available. Google

Sadly, no one to this date has addressed what I (and many lurkers) feel is the biggest "bug" in AC, removing the 7 faction cap.