thanks for the response Voodoo47. I'll be sure to max audio channels at 40 then. Does that imply that the expansion and/or fan made missions utilize fog? I assume there's no detrimental effect to have it set to on then?

I don't think any T1/TG FM has fog right now, but there should be no harm in enabling the option.

Thanks for that.

As all of the above have said, many thanks for all your work I can see you have done voodoo47.
If I have it right so far, as far as I can tell, its been said that some of the original textures were redone by TTLG, and that even by disabling the optional components in the tfix installer, then the installer will include these in the game anyway? Not a problem with me.

In the interest of using the Tfix, whilst experiencing as much as the vanilla game as possible, I've worked out that possibly I shouldn't install any of the components, EXCEPT for the oRGy's Meshes, as they apparently include improved AI? But it also includes new weapon models? What would be reccomended in gaining a balance between the vanilla feel of the game, whilst gaining the benefits that are provided by the Tfix (including AI improvements)? I think a lot of players here would be aiming for this kind of balance.

if you deselect all the mods, you will get very close to vanilla. you will still get improved models for the AIs and some items - as the original ones were unfinished/partially broken, I have decided to replace them with ones LGS has released later. also, the Cragscleft sky will still be replaced, as the original texture is just too ugly and broken to be fixed in any sane way.

if you want a "balanced" set of mods, I'd say go for everything with the exceptions of the texture pack (Thief2 textures, they bring the game look closer to T2, and while I personally like this, some people don't).

So what your saying is that if you disable the mods in Tfix, the only fan change is the Cragscleft sky? Also were the updated character models released through the DromEd editior?

yes. the finished models were released by LGS at some point.

updated. 16a only includes the dml fix for the Cathedral mission, so if you have already downloaded that, you don't need to update. 17beta brings T1 a bit closer to TG in preparation of the big map overhaul. T1 players should consider this version "beta", watch out for anomalies, and report them. there should be no changes for TG players, but as I've did quite a bit of file swapping, some errors might have slipped in - stay vigilant as well.

Anyone have screenshot comparison of Cragsclefts sky mod vs. vanilla? It's been a while since I played through that level last, and I'm having a hard time remembering how it used to look.

white grayish 8-bit clouds with serious tiling issues. probably the fugliest thing in the entire game (check some older youtube Cragscleft video if you really want).

http://i.imgur.com/K7lsVWS.jpg

Thanks for this patch guys the widescreen is awesome!!! :D

Ahh I can't say that the sky box is that big of a deal to lose. Considering most of that level is underground and/or inside of a claustrophobic prison.

However, I'm surprised that whoever looked for an alternative didn't look for an overcast/storm cloud skybox. Looks like the designers had originally going for a stormy skies appearance in the original game.

that was the best (free) skybox I could find. do note that there is nothing "stormy" about the original sky - looks more like a normal overcast weather to me (the fact that the birds outside are chirping supports this), so I think there is nothing wrong with the new texture showing a bit more blue sky than the original one.

I could look for a better replacement, or ask some artist to create one, but considering that most users will be using the dynamic sky anyway, it's sort of a wasted effort. the sky does what needs to be done - gets rid of the original shoddy texture for all those who do not wish to use the dynamic sky for whatever reason.

Well, there is no reason to go out of your way to find a new replacement, anyways. The one you picked does a reasonable job.

Like I said you barely see the sky in that level anyways, since It's mostly underground or indoors.

Edit: I went and checked the new GOG install, and skipped to the level, and I guess the original skybox isn't completely overcast with grey puffy clouds. Its mostly overcast with sections of blue sky poking through along one side.

Is GOG going to continue using vanilla skybox? But only upgrading engine to the latest version of newdark?