It seems that you're using an outdated browser. Some things may not work as they should (or don't work at all).
We suggest you upgrade newer and better browser like: Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer or Opera

×
avatar
mistermumbles: Suffice it to say all that sprite work doesn't look all that pretty when stretched.
avatar
Thiev: You can change scaling methods under your GPU settings (Nvidia / ATI / Intel ) check 'keep aspect ratio' and that should help.
unless... are you on Windows 8?
Yes, I'm using Win 8. Could those changes in DDraw I read about be affecting the game in such a manner? After a little more testing just now I actually did finally get a DDraw error to show up instead of a blackout.
avatar
mistermumbles: Yes, I'm using Win 8
Then, I'm sorry to say, this will not work for you.
There is no 'fullscreen' on Win8, what you see is just a maximized borderless window. That's because HoMM2 runs in 16bit color mode, and Win8 no longer supports it. That's the main reason this version is provided with only partial support.
avatar
mistermumbles: Yes, I'm using Win 8
avatar
Thiev: Then, I'm sorry to say, this will not work for you.
There is no 'fullscreen' on Win8, what you see is just a maximized borderless window. That's because HoMM2 runs in 16bit color mode, and Win8 no longer supports it. That's the main reason this version is provided with only partial support.
That's perfectly alright. I've been warned. As said, the game still runs great in 'windowed' mode, so you won't be getting any fuss from me. ;) Crackle-free sound is definitely a plus.

Thanks for the info though. I wasn't sure what exactly changed in Win8, so now I know. Though I wonder: how come a game like King of Dragon Pass runs without a hitch in fullscreen in comparison? It certainly doesn't look like 32bit.
Post edited April 16, 2013 by mistermumbles
avatar
mistermumbles: Thanks for the info though. I wasn't sure what exactly changed in Win8, so now I know. Though I wonder: how come a game like King of Dragon Pass runs without a hitch in fullscreen in comparison? It certainly doesn't look like 32bit.
Win8 can 'emulate' 16bit mode, and in some titles it works quite well. In others - not so much or not at all :)
It's not only palette, as you said there is also ddraw and..., well, let's say it's not my favorite OS to work with, especially when ensuring games' compatibility :)
This is excellent and works nicely. Thank you! (However, as an old HOMAM2 fan I would like to see the Succession Wars being added on soon if possible. That would make me happy)
Thank you gog so much! Maybe you could release the Windows version of HoMM1 also?(if it's good)
Post edited April 16, 2013 by Kil3r
avatar
HappySakuraDrago: This is excellent and works nicely. Thank you! (However, as an old HOMAM2 fan I would like to see the Succession Wars being added on soon if possible. That would make me happy)
It's already in there :D

http://www.mobygames.com/game/heroes-of-might-and-magic-ii-gold
avatar
mistermumbles: Yes, I'm using Win 8. Could those changes in DDraw I read about be affecting the game in such a manner? After a little more testing just now I actually did finally get a DDraw error to show up instead of a blackout.
Since we had a similar problem with JA2 and Win8, see if this file helps. Unzip the .dll files to the game's directory, and try to run it again. Unsure if the compatibility settings are needed.
avatar
HappySakuraDrago: This is excellent and works nicely. Thank you! (However, as an old HOMAM2 fan I would like to see the Succession Wars being added on soon if possible. That would make me happy)
The Gold version on sale here includes both the Succession Wars and Price of Loyalty. When starting a new Custom Scenario or Campaign pick the "Original scenario" or "Original Campaign" if you wish to play the Succession Wars content.

If you wish to play the Price of Loyalty content pick the Expansion options when starting a new game.

ninja'd for 30 pieces of silver :P
Post edited April 17, 2013 by DodoGeo
Yes. Finally, YES! I've been struggling with the DOS version for 2 or 3 years and almost lost all hope to get it to run in a remotely acceptable manner.

Thank you.

I second the notion that we need Heroes 1 for Windows now. Granted, the DOS version of H1 runs MUCH better than its H2 counterpart, but it would be nice to run it natively anyway.

P.S. Tried it... and I don't get it.

Windows version was supposed to run better (smoother) than the DOS version.
http://www.gog.com/forum/heroes_of_might_and_magic_series/how_is_cdaudio_handled_in_homm_2/post21

But I get the same jerky hero movements I used to see in the DOS version without replacing the executable file (as recommended in the thread above). So, the Windows version from GOG appears to be plagued with the same problem. I don't remember seeing this in other Windows versions to the game I have played, though it was a long while since I tried them. Can anyone that have access to different game copies confirm or deny this?
Post edited April 17, 2013 by nevill
avatar
JudasIscariot: Hi guys,

We have uploaded the Windows version of Heroes of Might and Magic 2: Gold and added it as an extra. Please enjoy this fine download from us here at GOG.com! :D

Please note that HoMM 2 Gold (Windows) is being offered the same way as the Carmageddon Windows 95 patch: it may or may not work just right with every configuration but we'd wanted to offer you, the community, the choice between the 2 versions (DOSBox or Windows) and play the one that works best for YOU :D.
Thank you GOG. Have a free video for your troubles. http://youtu.be/ul4d4vIy7z0
avatar
mistermumbles: Yes, I'm using Win 8
avatar
Thiev: Then, I'm sorry to say, this will not work for you.
It's working full screen and non-stretched on my end. I'm on Windows 8 64 bit laptop. See below.
avatar
Thiev: Then, I'm sorry to say, this will not work for you.
avatar
RafaelLopez: It's working full screen and non-stretched on my end. I'm on Windows 8 64 bit laptop. See below.
See what?
avatar
mistermumbles: ... has anyone been able to get this running in fullscreen in anything other than their native resolution? Suffice it to say all that sprite work doesn't look all that pretty when stretched. If I lower it to anything besides my screen's native 1920x1080 the game bugs out on me and I get greeted by a black screen, and I have to force a sign out on Windows and log back in as I'm unable to even properly access the task manager.

The 'windowed' mode like most old Win games has it stuck in the upper left corner. Thankfully though the Graphic Setup program that can be found in the game's main folder does offer enough resolution options - 1280x960 seems to be working best for me - that it's not a terribly big problem. Just a minor nuisance.
Sir, I might have a solution. I'm on Windows 8 too. After installing, I ran the game and it fired up windowed, hanging on the top-left corner of my desktop (see windowed image). I closed the game, right-clicked on the desktop shortcut to the game, and under the compatibility tab I enabled the option to run in 640x480 (see the properties image, it's in portuguese but it's easy to spot the correct option). Voilá! The game then proceeded to run full screen keeping the correct ratio (black borders on the sides, see lowres image). Here it looks pretty sharp, or at least as sharp as it gets for a low-res game. And it's not stretched, which would look yuck.

Of course, before all this, I might have configured my computer GPU to always keep aspect ratio (full screen without distortions).
avatar
RafaelLopez: It's working full screen and non-stretched on my end. I'm on Windows 8 64 bit laptop. See below.
avatar
JudasIscariot: See what?
I was still writing the other post, see above now :)
Attachments:
Post edited September 09, 2014 by RafaelLVX
Thank you so much GOG. This just floods me with memories. :)

I remember years ago when I was a kid seeing this version of HOMM2 gold at Wal-Mart for about $10.00 bucks, I was so excited. I bought it, even though the only computer we had at the time was messed up. I spent the next couple of weeks wearing out the box and fold-out that came with the game until we got it fixed. After that I was hooked. Still have the original CD. One of my favorite games ever! Thanks again GOG!