The Cursed "spiked" Ship Graphics (Dark Avatar)

(Among Other Things)

from Stardock Forums
I've seen a few posts regarding the weird "spiked" ship and space station graphics in game. I have yet to see a solution (and am waiting for a respond via tech support on memorial weekend, not good).

I currently run 2 gigs of ram on a Sempron 3100+ processor with a MSI 6600 graphics card, though I do only have 3.66 gigs left on the hard drive. Gal Civ II ran flawlessly, in case you were curious.

My version of Dark Avatar is the 1.6 beta 4 version because Stardock Central updated my used copy to that (and without a serial code that works I can't get a good version).

I wonder if anyone has any insight/assistance/info that may help me with any or all of these issues. I bought Gal Civ II new when it first came out, but when I heard the expansion was download only I wasn't too happy (I like having the materials and the manual, in case the company that made the game goes out of business (like with NetStorm: Islands at War).). On top of that I did not want to pay $30 for the expansion + the game I already have in stores.

I located a used copy for $17.99, and to be able to upgrade it to the proper version and obtain a usable serial number it'll run me another $20. I do not like this idea at all, so I haven't done it nor do I have plans to.

Other than that, I am willing to do almost any suggestion to make this expansion work.
4,980 views 8 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Last time I had 'spiked' graphics it was because my video card had faulty RAM resulting in various corruptions. A replacement fixed it.

Generally graphical artifacts aren't able to pinpointed to one specific cause without extensive troubleshooting on your part. Sufficed to say, your card *IS* having errors, be it heat-related, hardware-related, or driver-related.

Before you say it, no, it doesn't matter that GC2:DL ran without problems. They've done some graphics work, including some higher-res textures and not to mention optimization overall which is significant enough to change how your card operates.
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
My version of Dark Avatar is the 1.6 beta 4 version because Stardock Central updated my used copy to that (and without a serial code that works I can't get a good version).


Your beta version is the problem. It was what 'introduced' the corrupted, spiked graphics so your system should be okay. The newest beta build at SDC corrects these issues as well as a few others. Go to SDC and update the game... once you have the proper codes I guess, of course.  
Once done you should be quite pleased.  
As a side note to this: I haven't sat down and played an 'all out' game with the newest beta yet so I am not sure about any memory or CTD issues at this time, but the graphic spikes are definitely gone and frame rates seem excellent vs. what they once were.
Galactic Civilizations IV
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
Ah yes, I have updated to beta 6 before reading this and the problem is solved, but I notice one thing that isn't solved.

The third design for cargo, small, and tiny hulls are corrupted and nonfunctional for me still even in beta 6.

Glad to know my card isn't funked, I figured it wasn't though

Also, if I DID swing for the crazy $20 license would I be able to download more than the beta or no?

Basically, is it some kind of glitch that I am able to download what I have now or is it reserved for people like me who buy and stubbornly use used copies?
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Galciv 2 uses Activation. The problem with Used copies, is that they are registered to the ones who first Registered/activated them.

I bought GC2:DL download only, then DA download only, then the Gold Edition boxed from Newegg. The download is on XP Pro 32 bit, and the Gold Boxed is on XP Pro 64 bit. I did not have to buy Gold Edition, but I chose to support Stardock this way.
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Also, if I DID swing for the crazy $20 license would I be able to download more than the beta or no?

Well, I am a bit suprized by your statement since if you have been able to download DA 1.6 beta 6, that should mean you have a valid DA serial ID.

Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
What is that about I send him a pm around the same time he answered this post and he did not answer it and left.
Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top
Actually, I just work mandatory 12 hour days and my week has been sleep and work with maybe one meal a day.

I was going to ask why I am able to download the beta 6 version if I don't have a valid code. It confused me, I just figured the beta 6 was for those who don't have a valid code, because it still seems a bit broken to me.
Reply #8 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I was going to ask why I am able to download the beta 6 version if I don't have a valid code.


According to support, you do have a valid DA registration (explaining why you're able to update). Did you have a specific error when you tried to register/activate it?