Yet another fix for flickering

[MadLynx]

1. Go to WineD3D For Windows[downloads.fdossena.com] and grab the WineD3DForWindows_3.0-staging.zip
IMPORTANT: use 3.0 version, NOT the latest one;

2. Unpack the archive;

3. Copy three unpacked files (d3d9.dll, libwine.dll, wined3d.dll) to the game installation folder. Default path for x64 OSes is:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Safecracker 2;

4. Play the game.

This method could possibly fix other glitchy Kheops titles.

[owowg]

Thanks, it works! How did you know you had to use version 3.0 and not one of the others? Is there a specific feature that was removed in later versions?

[MadLynx]

I don't look closely at the WineD3D project development so it's just a bit of luck: 3.0 was the the first version I've tried and it works. Then I've tried a couple of other versions and they don't. Maybe, it is a PC configuration dpendent thing. You may also try a non-staging version which has a better game loading time.

[UnableRogue]

Thank you mate. I would have been requesting a refund if it wasn't for you. I appreciate it!

[Mr Hanky]

Thanks mate

[Natbunnie]

Thanks very much. This fix finally worked for me.

[xhesakh]

Thanks for the info.
This thread should be stickied for all those who have issues

[Iggy]

It is important with this to turn off compatibility mode. I'm still experiencing extreme lag.

[jayel83]

This along with configuring the config.ini file made the game work to perfection for me! Thank you!

[Lapom]

This solves the flickering for me.

[Eclipse]

This is working for me as well in windowed or full screen (win10 v1803, R7 370 with Radeon drivers v17.11.1). I had to restore the config.ini to default and remove any compatibility settings for safecracker.exe, otherwise it never progressed past a black screen. To reliably play in full screen I also had to disconnect one of my monitors.

It also seems to work fine with v3.0.1 and v3.1. Anything I tried from v3.2 through to v4.0rc7 kinda worked, though visual elements such as menu text did not display. I am not sure why this is, reading the release notes (https://www.winehq.org/announce/3.2) did not shed any light. As such where possible I would suggest using v3.0.1 since this is the last "stable" release that seems to work. (Info on wine version numbering here https://wiki.winehq.org/Wine_User%27s_Guide#Wine_from_WineHQ)

Flickering was still present on all x86_64 versions tested.

[NightRider]

Worked for me, thanks!

[Oldmonkeysg]

Thank you very much, MadLynx. Your post solved my flickering problem. Now, if I could only get my other Kheops games -CD copies of Cleopatra: A Queen's Destiny and The Secrets of Da Vinci - to launch. Then I could test out the wine3d fix on them to see if I could finally play them again. These two games will not launch, with no error messages, and possibly this is due to some DRM conflict with windows 10. Do you have any suggestions?

[MadLynx]

If I'm right, the games you've mentioned uses TAGES protection and the newest OS it officially supports with latest drivers is Windows 7 (http://www.tagesprotection.com/main.htm?page=minimum.htm). Technically those drivers could be installed in Windows 10 but I don't recommend doing this. You should really find a patched nocd .exe on a place like GameCopyWorld.

As of flickering the wineD3D will work for The Secrets of Da Vinci. The Cleopatra I didn't test because I don't have it.

[Oldmonkeysg]

I have tried getting no cd patch. The last time I did my laptop got infected with ransomware and soon later it completely died so I do not dare to try again. Thank you for your suggestion. I shall have to think about this.

[Oldmonkeysg]

Downloaded the Tages 64 bit setup program to install the latest v5.5 Tages driver. The game Cleopatra still would not launch. Also, Avast caught a suspicious item on the install.exe of The Secrets of Da Vinci CD1, called win32:malware-gen. It looks like I have to give up on these two games.