X-COM: Terror from the Deep

X-COM: Terror from the Deep

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X-COM: Terror from the Deep [OpenXCom + Steam Timer + Steam Overlay]
By Arc
This short and simple guide presents the way to modify X-COM: UFO Defense with OpenXCom modification (incl. higher resolutions support, UI and/or gameplay improvements and/or changes, bugs removal) while still being able to start game directly from Steam (so your Steam timer works) with working Steam overlay (so you can take screenshots). This way you may play vanilla game with modern UI improvements or you may completly change gameplay to your liking. For those thirsty for new experiences OpenXCom allows downloading addititional mods from OpenXCom community.
   
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OpenXCom: About
According to OpenXCom website OpenXcom is an open-source clone of the original UFO: Enemy Unknown (X-Com: UFO Defense in USA), licensed under the GPL and written in C++ / SDL. It was originally founded by SupSuper in February 2010, and has since grown into a small development team surrounded by a very supporting community. OpenXCom works also with X-Com: Terror from the Deep.

The goal of the project is to bring back the tried and true feel of the original with none of the issues. All the same graphics, sound and gameplay with a brand new codebase written from scratch. This should give it:
  • Fixability: Play the game natively without any need for emulators or fancy hacks, with none of the limitations and bugs that plagued the original. No more 80-item-limit, personnel limits, funding overflows, disconnected facilities, broken proximity grenades, floating soldiers, etc.
  • Moddability: Tweak the game to your heart’s content. Sure the original was pretty good, but maybe you just think it could be that bit better. A nicer base layout, better laser weapons, maybe challenge yourself with a custom game mode, or just put in all the crazy stuff you’ve always wanted! None of it is hardcoded.
  • Flexibility: Port the game to any platform you like, customize it to your liking, or use it to make your own far-fetched remakes. The code is fully documented and open-source so anyone can take a crack at it.

Project website: https://openxcom.org/
Project information and FAQ: https://openxcom.org/about/
Project Wiki: https://www.ufopaedia.org/index.php?title=OpenXcom
OpenXCom: Installation
Download latest OpenXCom build from from https://openxcom.org/git-builds/ either as .zip or .exe file.



Unpack .zip file and copy everything to C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\X-COM Terror from the Deep\TFD
or
install .exe file to C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\X-COM Terror from the Deep\TFD.

We will focus on installer because just copying files is too easy for boomers and too hard for milennials; what is folder anyway? :)

Installer will create folder named OpenXCom filled with "stuff" inside your chosen TFD folder. Steam version has latest patch of tha vanilla game included but I always tend to select Data Patch while installation without any issues.

You should install OpenXCom on fresh Steam installation. If you played game before, You should uninstall it and remove any files from or just delete XCom Terror from the Deep folder in Steam directory and install fresh game. Fresh = No mods.

Screenshots from installation process:



After that you may start game from OpenXCom shortcut to see if everything works fine. If so and you want to just play game and not integrate it with Steam you stop here.

If you want Steam integration (launching directly from Steam, Steam time count, Steam Overlay, Steam screenshots) check next parts of this guide.
Steam Integration - Laucher and Timer
Go to your C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\X-COM Terror folder and:
  • rename openxcom.exe to dosbox.exe
  • copy content of C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\X-COM Terror from the Deep\TFD\OpenXcom folder to C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\X-COM Terror from the Deep folder; overwrite if prompted

Now game in modded OpenXCom version will run directly from Steam. Steam will also count time you spent in this modded game which is lovely. Isn't it?
Steam Integration - Overlay and Screenshots
To be able to use the Steam overlay, you need to use an OpenGL Display Filter in the Video Options. Here is screenshot with my settings:



Every Display Filter with asterisk (*) is sufficient and choosing one is a matter of personal preference.
Screenshots
OpenXcom Menus:





























Additional Links And Infos
1 Comments
rasvoja Apr 17, 2022 @ 12:00pm 
I ve did oposite - copied everything from Steams game folder to fresh OpenXcom /TFD folder and works like a charm. But I like your trick of counting the time in Steam by making OpenXCom replacement for DOSBox.
OpenXCom has so many great options and fixes! Thanks oberall!