ALT-TAB?

[Wabbit Gone Bad]

Ok im in 4k (its not that bad, expert for the odd "mouse goes wild" moments) but i cant alt tab, am i going to have to run in window mode to do this? I take lots of notes and sometimes map a littel myself on the PC (yes i know game maps) and yes from time to time look at a guide (dexters is nice, no huges spoilers just some simple help). but I cant alt tab whjil in game.

[Tanist]

Hmm... that one I am not sure I can help you with.

Wait... ok... now this is a bit of an extreme solution (depending on your tech knowledge and ability), but it shouldn't cost anything to do it, just a bit of time to setup.

1. Get a VMPlayer and install as lean as you can of an OS (since this game works with a huge range of software, you can use any old OS CDs you may have lying around or just use your current one).

2. Setup steam in the VM you made and install Grimoire. Since this game is small, runs 2D and has a small memory footprint, you should have no issues running this in a VM regardless of your machines power.

By doing this, you will then be able to run the game in a scalable window (which can be extended to full screen on the fly) that will easily allow poping back and forth between your main machine and the VM.

I sometimes run this type of setup with some old games that just hate current OSs. Makes it easier and you don't have any headaches.

I know it is a bit of a involved solution, but honestly, unless Cleve comes up with something, I don't see any real way other than that unless someone else has an idea.

[Tanist]

Originally posted by Tarrant:

I laughed out loud at this. Points for creativity, and if it assists the OP, awesome. But.. come *on*, man. Cleve just needs to fix the alt-tabbing.

Well, one can complain that they are owed food and sit and starve, or one can go feed themselves.

Though if one sits and complains when able to provide for themselves, let them starve.

[Fubeca150]

The app isn't true "Full screen" mode. It runs in windowed mode and takes up the full screen. Unfortunately, unlike a well behaved application, it is an unfriendly neighbor and is "system modal" for some bizarre reason. That's a fancy way of saying that no other window can be in front of it.

I haven't run it in unscaled "Windowed" mode, probably for the same reason you don't -- screen is too high resolution so the app is too small.

If you have multiple displays, then you don't even need to alt-tab - the mouse will leave the app just fine and allow you to interact with apps on your other displays without a problem.

[Tanist]

Originally posted by Fubeca150:

If you have multiple displays, then you don't even need to alt-tab - the mouse will leave the app just fine and allow you to interact with apps on your other displays without a problem.

This works well too if you have multiple displays.

[Wabbit Gone Bad]

Some good replies, Tanist, had not thought of VM and agree that would not be a Bad idea with several old games, sometimes you dont think of the simple things (but Tarrrent has a point too, not going to be that many with the "skills" to do that) you solved it for me, but not for most of the player base. I was wondering if it was just some odd scalling issue but i see its more.

again thanks for the idea, WIZ 7 will benafit from that solution quite well also, i have played it a few times but the "postage stamp" size as so many mention gets to me after so long and I quite, not from lack of enjoyment but screen size issues. Going to a 55" 4k curved Monitor ( tv) has spoiled me, stretching some old dos games full screen gets real ugly ( grimoire thankfully looks good enough but the alt tab was an issue) and some middle ground is a nice option. Right now i feel a bit sily as its such a simple answer that i never thought of.

multi monitor setup would work too, but I am runing 3 machines (im a multi boxer in some MMORPG's, no not the asshats who sit in battlegorunds or ruin it for others, just to fast level on PvE stuff and gear um up quicker) so my monior space is already used.. an yes i coulkd jsut fire up a second pc, but controling two is a pain in this case. And i know there are other options for that too, but questionable by the terms for many games so I dont do that.

[GOLDEN ERA GAMES]

You can simply run the game in a window and you are free to look at other windows on the desktop while you play. Occasional mouse glitch in this mode is common for most 2D windows apps.

[Dexter]

Originally posted by GOLDEN ERA GAMES:

You can simply run the game in a window and you are free to look at other windows on the desktop while you play. Occasional mouse glitch in this mode is common for most 2D windows apps.

Brah, Windowed Grimoire on a 4K Screen is this size: https://abload.de/img/grimoire4k8ljrr.png

And Scaling doesn't work in Windowed Mode (Getting Black Screen), also tried "Borderless Gaming", but it just increases the Black Border, but the Window stays the same size.

Personally I'm playing in Full Screen + Scaling now, taking Screenshots with Windows Key + Print and using a Laptop on the side to make Notes and stuff. Being able to actually Alt+Tab out of it at will without having to Exit would still be immensely helpful though.

[GOLDEN ERA GAMES]

Originally posted by Dexter:

Originally posted by GOLDEN ERA GAMES:

You can simply run the game in a window and you are free to look at other windows on the desktop while you play. Occasional mouse glitch in this mode is common for most 2D windows apps.

Brah, Windowed Grimoire on a 4K Screen is this size: https://abload.de/img/grimoire4k8ljrr.png

And Scaling doesn't work in Windowed Mode (Getting Black Screen), also tried "Borderless Gaming", but it just increases the Black Border, but the Window stays the same size.

Personally I'm playing in Full Screen + Scaling now, taking Screenshots with Windows Key + Print and using a Laptop on the side to make Notes and stuff. Being able to actually Alt+Tab out of it at will without having to Exit would still be immensely helpful though.

Is that what a 4K looks like? :) No wonder Ted Gruber's assembly scaling routine is crashing trying to blit that thing. It looks like the side of the Astrodome.

[Le Pompon]

Instead of alt+tab you can use win+tab (assuming you're on win10) to create another desktop and then switch to that new desktop with win+tab while ingame and do whatever you feel like. This should work. Probably.

[Nikanuur]

I downloaded Windows Virtual Desktop for Win7 and it works. Though it's got some limitation, like you have to use a different browser than the one that's being opened on virtual desktop where you run Grimoire, and for the obvious reasons, you can't run Steam twice nor switch to another game etc. But for the means of consulting a manual or looking something up on the internet, this suffice.

If there's any sugar I could add to say this game looks awsome (long lasting Wizardry 7 fan here!) I should very much like to address the author as well, if he'd be so kind as to implement full alt-tab possiblity.

[Conker]

necromancer detected !

[Nikanuur]

Originally posted by Conker:

necromancer detected !

Muhehehe.

But seriously, should my poor attempt at Necromancy 13 and a spell strenght 8 resolve in vain, I'd appreciate someone else trying, I don't know, for example better diplomacy :D

[GOLDEN ERA GAMES]

Just had a stab at that ALT-TAB the other day. It is one thing remaining the game could really use. The problem is that with the threading model used it almost certainly requires some locking and I have tried to avoid locking unless absolutely necessary. I will make a renewed effort to implement this in the next release. I am working hard on my Apocalypse Cycle right now and only have a couple hours a week to addressing features in Grimoire.

[Nikanuur]

Much appreciated! I wish you do well.