Cutscenes only play sometimes (patch 2.4)

[662b299b17f6ashredhead]

Hi everyone,

Kind of a weird problem here. Not sure if there's much that can be done about it, but thought I might as well make a post.

So recently, the unofficial 2.4 patch came out and I had to give it a go. I decided to copy System Shock 2 into a single folder for easy access, so I copied the SHOCK folder from the CD, applied the 2.3 patch, then the 2.4 patch, and played the game. Everything was great, I'd never seen SS2 run so nicely on a modern system. The only problem I noticed, however, was that the game cutscenes don't always play.

They worked fine at first, and I got through all the cutscenes at the beginning of the game with no problems. But when I played the game later, no cutscenes. Clicking Intro on the menu plays nothing, and starting a new game skips all the cutscenes. Tried again and again, same thing. But even later, I launched the game again, and bam, cutscenes work. Tried again. They still work. Tried again. They don't work. So yeah, it's pretty random.

What might be causing this?

Thanks, all.

[662b299b18276voodoo47]

this suggests that you have installed the 2.4 patch manually. I would recommend starting all over, and using ss2tool this time.

[662b299b18445ZylonBane]

More specifically, this suggests to me that the video playback DLL hasn't been extracted.

[662b299b18552voodoo47]

not sure, as the cutscenes sometimes play. anyway, making a ss2tool install is a good start.

[662b299b18666shredhead]

ffmpeg.dll was definitely extracted.

I'm working on a SS2Tool installation now. The last version of SS2Tool I remember using is 3.0, so maybe this will help.

[662b299b18766shredhead]

Well, a fresh install with SS2Tool and I still get the same problem. Started up the game, no cutscenes.

[662b299b18860shredhead]

I should point out that the Irrational and Looking Glass vids upon starting the game DID work, but the intro did not.

[662b299b18973voodoo47]

you aren't using some weird re-encoded cutscenes, are you? some of those were floating around, and at this point, they might cause more harm than good..

[662b299b18b5bKolya]

Please post your OS and graphics card and the content of Shock2.log.
Make sure you have the latest graphics drivers installed by checking on the manufacturer's website.
Also make sure that no other processes are interfering, ie try turning off your antivirus temporarily.

[662b299b1994cshredhead]

I'm using Win7 x64 and Radeon HD 4800 series.

My cutscene files are the originals, I'm pretty sure. I copied them straight from a disc image of the game. If you want to compare with yours, my Intro.avi is 2,673,592 bytes.

Here are the contents of my Shock2.log:

Code: [Select]

: CPU: arch=x86-64 , fam=586 , cpus=8
: SIMD: SSE=3 , 3DNow=0
: OS Version: 5.0.2195
: Desktop resolution: 1920 x 1080
: Virtual desktop resolution: 1920 x 1080
: -----------------------------------------------------------
: CWD: C:\Games\Sshock2
: -----------------------------------------------------------
: App Version: System Shock 2 Patch Final 2.4
: --------------------- misc config -------------------------
: resname_base .\+.\DataPermanentMods\res+.\Data+.\Data\res
: cd_path .
: load_path .+.\DataPermanentMods+.\Data
: script_module_path .+.\DataPermanentMods+.\Data
: movie_path .\cutscenes+.\DataPermanentMods\cutscenes+.\Data\cutscenes
: mod_path DataPermanentMods+patch_ext
: install_path .+.\DataPermanentMods+.\Data
: game_screen_depth 16
: screen_size 640,480
: screen_depth 16
: game_hardware 1
: single_display_mode 2
: ui_scale_mode 2
: framerate_cap 60.0
: force_32bit
: force_32bit_textures
: sfx_device 4
: sfx_channels 48
: sfx_vol_music -474
: sfx_vol_2d 0
: sfx_mixer_timeout 200
: game shock
: obj_min -6144
: obj_max 2560
: max_refs 10240
: gui_font fonts\mainfont
: new_mantle
: render_weapon_particles
: legacy_force_match_unrefs 0
: shock_single_bind_set
: shock_quicksave_slot 14
: edit_screen_depth 16
: -----------------------------------------------------------
: Enumerating DX6 adapters...
:    Adapter "display"
:       descr     : Primary Display Driver
:       Modes
:          640 x 480 x 8
:          640 x 480 x 16
:          640 x 480 x 32
:          unsupported mode 720 x 480 x 8 (not in mode table)
:          720 x 480 x 16
:          720 x 480 x 32
:          unsupported mode 720 x 576 x 8 (not in mode table)
:          720 x 576 x 16
:          720 x 576 x 32
:          800 x 600 x 8
:          800 x 600 x 16
:          800 x 600 x 32
:          unsupported mode 848 x 480 x 8 (not in mode table)
:          848 x 480 x 16
:          848 x 480 x 32
:          1024 x 768 x 8
:          1024 x 768 x 16
:          1024 x 768 x 32
:          unsupported mode 1152 x 648 x 8 (not in mode table)
:          unsupported mode 1152 x 648 x 16 (not in mode table)
:          unsupported mode 1152 x 648 x 32 (not in mode table)
:          unsupported mode 1152 x 864 x 8 (not in mode table)
:          1152 x 864 x 16
:          1152 x 864 x 32
:          unsupported mode 1280 x 720 x 8 (not in mode table)
:          1280 x 720 x 16
:          1280 x 720 x 32
:          unsupported mode 1280 x 768 x 8 (not in mode table)
:          1280 x 768 x 16
:          1280 x 768 x 32
:          unsupported mode 1280 x 800 x 8 (not in mode table)
:          1280 x 800 x 16
:          1280 x 800 x 32
:          unsupported mode 1280 x 960 x 8 (not in mode table)
:          1280 x 960 x 16
:          1280 x 960 x 32
:          1280 x 1024 x 8
:          1280 x 1024 x 16
:          1280 x 1024 x 32
:          unsupported mode 1360 x 768 x 8 (not in mode table)
:          1360 x 768 x 16
:          1360 x 768 x 32
:          unsupported mode 1360 x 1024 x 8 (not in mode table)
:          1360 x 1024 x 16
:          1360 x 1024 x 32
:          unsupported mode 1366 x 768 x 8 (not in mode table)
:          1366 x 768 x 16
:          1366 x 768 x 32
:          unsupported mode 1400 x 1050 x 8 (not in mode table)
:          1400 x 1050 x 16
:          1400 x 1050 x 32
:          unsupported mode 1440 x 480 x 8 (not in mode table)
:          unsupported mode 1440 x 480 x 16 (not in mode table)
:          unsupported mode 1440 x 480 x 32 (not in mode table)
:          unsupported mode 1440 x 900 x 8 (not in mode table)
:          1440 x 900 x 16
:          1440 x 900 x 32
:          unsupported mode 1600 x 900 x 8 (not in mode table)
:          1600 x 900 x 16
:          1600 x 900 x 32
:          unsupported mode 1680 x 1050 x 8 (not in mode table)
:          1680 x 1050 x 16
:          1680 x 1050 x 32
:          unsupported mode 1776 x 1000 x 8 (not in mode table)
:          unsupported mode 1776 x 1000 x 16 (not in mode table)
:          unsupported mode 1776 x 1000 x 32 (not in mode table)
:          unsupported mode 1920 x 1080 x 8 (not in mode table)
:          1920 x 1080 x 16
:          1920 x 1080 x 32
:       Enumerating 3D devices...
:          Device "RGB Emulation"
:             descr      : Microsoft Direct3D RGB Software Emulation
:             device guid: A4665C60-2673-11CF-A31A-00AA00B9
:             Device Validation
:                ** failed, no HW support
:          Device "Direct3D HAL"
:             descr      : Microsoft Direct3D Hardware acceleration through Direct3D HAL
:             device guid: 84E63DE0-46AA-11CF-816F-0000C020
:             Device Validation
:                validated ok, device added (0, E390000)
:       Enumeration done
: Enumeration done
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: DDProvider: Enumerating modes
:    640 x 480 x 8
:    640 x 480 x 16
:    640 x 480 x 32
:    unsupported mode 720 x 480 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    720 x 480 x 16
:    720 x 480 x 32
:    unsupported mode 720 x 576 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    720 x 576 x 16
:    720 x 576 x 32
:    800 x 600 x 8
:    800 x 600 x 16
:    800 x 600 x 32
:    unsupported mode 848 x 480 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    848 x 480 x 16
:    848 x 480 x 32
:    1024 x 768 x 8
:    1024 x 768 x 16
:    1024 x 768 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1152 x 648 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1152 x 648 x 16 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1152 x 648 x 32 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1152 x 864 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1152 x 864 x 16
:    1152 x 864 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1280 x 720 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1280 x 720 x 16
:    1280 x 720 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1280 x 768 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1280 x 768 x 16
:    1280 x 768 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1280 x 800 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1280 x 800 x 16
:    1280 x 800 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1280 x 960 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1280 x 960 x 16
:    1280 x 960 x 32
:    1280 x 1024 x 8
:    1280 x 1024 x 16
:    1280 x 1024 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1360 x 768 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1360 x 768 x 16
:    1360 x 768 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1360 x 1024 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1360 x 1024 x 16
:    1360 x 1024 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1366 x 768 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1366 x 768 x 16
:    1366 x 768 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1400 x 1050 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1400 x 1050 x 16
:    1400 x 1050 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1440 x 480 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1440 x 480 x 16 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1440 x 480 x 32 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1440 x 900 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1440 x 900 x 16
:    1440 x 900 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1600 x 900 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1600 x 900 x 16
:    1600 x 900 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1680 x 1050 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1680 x 1050 x 16
:    1680 x 1050 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1776 x 1000 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1776 x 1000 x 16 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1776 x 1000 x 32 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1920 x 1080 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1920 x 1080 x 16
:    1920 x 1080 x 32
: DDProvider: Enumeration done
: sw framerate cap requested (16666 us)
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: sw framerate cap requested (16666 us)
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: lgvid.dll: Failed to find/load ffmpeg.dll, no movie playback possible
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: Loaded script module "allobjs"
: DDProvider: Enumerating modes
:    640 x 480 x 8
:    640 x 480 x 16
:    640 x 480 x 32
:    unsupported mode 720 x 480 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    720 x 480 x 16
:    720 x 480 x 32
:    unsupported mode 720 x 576 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    720 x 576 x 16
:    720 x 576 x 32
:    800 x 600 x 8
:    800 x 600 x 16
:    800 x 600 x 32
:    unsupported mode 848 x 480 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    848 x 480 x 16
:    848 x 480 x 32
:    1024 x 768 x 8
:    1024 x 768 x 16
:    1024 x 768 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1152 x 648 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1152 x 648 x 16 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1152 x 648 x 32 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1152 x 864 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1152 x 864 x 16
:    1152 x 864 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1280 x 720 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1280 x 720 x 16
:    1280 x 720 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1280 x 768 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1280 x 768 x 16
:    1280 x 768 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1280 x 800 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1280 x 800 x 16
:    1280 x 800 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1280 x 960 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1280 x 960 x 16
:    1280 x 960 x 32
:    1280 x 1024 x 8
:    1280 x 1024 x 16
:    1280 x 1024 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1360 x 768 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1360 x 768 x 16
:    1360 x 768 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1360 x 1024 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1360 x 1024 x 16
:    1360 x 1024 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1366 x 768 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1366 x 768 x 16
:    1366 x 768 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1400 x 1050 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1400 x 1050 x 16
:    1400 x 1050 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1440 x 480 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1440 x 480 x 16 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1440 x 480 x 32 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1440 x 900 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1440 x 900 x 16
:    1440 x 900 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1600 x 900 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1600 x 900 x 16
:    1600 x 900 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1680 x 1050 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1680 x 1050 x 16
:    1680 x 1050 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1776 x 1000 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1776 x 1000 x 16 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1776 x 1000 x 32 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1920 x 1080 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1920 x 1080 x 16
:    1920 x 1080 x 32
: DDProvider: Enumeration done
: sw framerate cap requested (16666 us)
: DDProvider: Enumerating modes
:    640 x 480 x 8
:    640 x 480 x 16
:    640 x 480 x 32
:    unsupported mode 720 x 480 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    720 x 480 x 16
:    720 x 480 x 32
:    unsupported mode 720 x 576 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    720 x 576 x 16
:    720 x 576 x 32
:    800 x 600 x 8
:    800 x 600 x 16
:    800 x 600 x 32
:    unsupported mode 848 x 480 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    848 x 480 x 16
:    848 x 480 x 32
:    1024 x 768 x 8
:    1024 x 768 x 16
:    1024 x 768 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1152 x 648 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1152 x 648 x 16 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1152 x 648 x 32 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1152 x 864 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1152 x 864 x 16
:    1152 x 864 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1280 x 720 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1280 x 720 x 16
:    1280 x 720 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1280 x 768 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1280 x 768 x 16
:    1280 x 768 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1280 x 800 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1280 x 800 x 16
:    1280 x 800 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1280 x 960 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1280 x 960 x 16
:    1280 x 960 x 32
:    1280 x 1024 x 8
:    1280 x 1024 x 16
:    1280 x 1024 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1360 x 768 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1360 x 768 x 16
:    1360 x 768 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1360 x 1024 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1360 x 1024 x 16
:    1360 x 1024 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1366 x 768 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1366 x 768 x 16
:    1366 x 768 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1400 x 1050 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1400 x 1050 x 16
:    1400 x 1050 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1440 x 480 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1440 x 480 x 16 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1440 x 480 x 32 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1440 x 900 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1440 x 900 x 16
:    1440 x 900 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1600 x 900 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1600 x 900 x 16
:    1600 x 900 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1680 x 1050 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1680 x 1050 x 16
:    1680 x 1050 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1776 x 1000 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1776 x 1000 x 16 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1776 x 1000 x 32 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1920 x 1080 x 8 (not in mode table)
:    1920 x 1080 x 16
:    1920 x 1080 x 32
: DDProvider: Enumeration done
: sw framerate cap requested (16666 us)
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled


[662b299b19b17Kolya]

It says lgvid.dll: Failed to find/load ffmpeg.dll, no movie playback possible altough I assume you have that file, since you used the SS2Tool.

It might be a problem with the ffmpeg library itself, see here: http://sourceforge.net/projects/ffdshow-tryout/forums/forum/597594/topic/5014187

I don't have a solution for this right now.

[662b299b19c6cshredhead]

Ah, I didn't see that line! Thanks, that narrows down the problem a bit.

ffmpeg.dll is definitely in the game folder. I'm not sure what to gather from the link you posted, however. I know a fair bit about codecs, but not when it comes to compiling them from source code and stuff like that.

I reformatted recently, so maybe I should reinstall the K-Lite codec pack and see if that helps?

It's the weirdest thing because when I re-extract the game, the cutscenes work fine the first 2-3 times I run it, and then they suddenly give up. Very confusing.

[662b299b19dc4Kolya]

I wouldn't recommend installing the K-Lite Codec pack in this case. SS2 uses it's own ffmpeg.dll and K-Lite will make no change.
What I meant with the link was that there may be a problem with the way this particular ffmpeg.dll has been compiled. Which is nothing we could do much about.
However the fact that it always works after extracting a new game seems to point at a different type of problem. Did you try turning off your antivirus temporarily? Some sort of security software that may lag/hang and deny access when SS2 tries to load the same ffmpeg.dll repeatedly. That would explain why the game cannot find it sometimes. It's still just a guess though.

[662b299b19f24shredhead]

I just re-extracted the game a few more times, both with and without SS2Tool, and the cutscenes never played. I also turned off my antivirus, and turned on/off just about all the commands in cam_ext.cfg - no change.

I'll bet than if I run the game again in an hour, it will work a couple times, then stop again. It really is completely random.

Perhaps there's some kind of problem with the lgvid.dll and/or ffmpeg.dll provided in 2.4. Replacing the method of cutscene playback in the game was a much-needed change, but I guess it's still not perfect. Hopefully a future patch might fix this, but who knows.

Thanks very much for the help anyway, I'll keep checking back here in case any other people have this problem.

[662b299b1a0f8Kolya]

The log suggests that you were using Windows 2000 instead of Win7 64bit. I guess that cannot be right?
The log also says that you are using DirectX 6 instead of the default DirectX 9 renderer. This would happen if you selected "safe mode" during the SS2Tool installation. If you did this in an attempt to fix the cutscenes, well don't. As the description in SS2Tool says, this safe mode is for low end graphics chipset like Intel onboard graphics. Your graphics card should be able to deal with DX9 just fine.
Speaking of the graphics card: Have you looked for updated drivers? It should be this driver, if your OS is Win7 64bit.
The other side to check is audio, so update your soundcard drivers, then check in the game. Also try turning off OpenAL in the game's audio options.

[662b299b1a2e2shredhead]

The reason it says Windows 2000 is because I set Shock2.exe to Win2000 compatibility mode, which of course, didn't help.

I just extracted SHOCK again and applied SS2Tool with default install options. No compatibility mode, and everything is at default settings. The game played the Irrational/Looking Glass opening, but when it came to the intro, I got nothing. Clicking Intro on the menu gave me a blank screen for half a second, then back to the menu again.

Launched the game a few more times. The cutscenes work...but for how long? I'll keep testing and post an update later.

I have the latest drivers for audio and video. The latest for my series of video cards is 12.6: http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/windows/legacy/Pages/legacy-radeonaiw-vista64.aspx

Also, if/when the cutscenes break again, I'll change the OpenAL setting like you say.

[662b299b1a8d7shredhead]

Oh, and here's my latest Shock2.log, if it helps.

Code: [Select]

: CPU: arch=x86-64 , fam=586 , cpus=8
: SIMD: SSE=3 , 3DNow=0
: OS Version: 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1
: Desktop resolution: 1920 x 1080
: Virtual desktop resolution: 1920 x 1080
: -----------------------------------------------------------
: CWD: C:\Games\Sshock2
: -----------------------------------------------------------
: App Version: System Shock 2 Patch Final 2.4
: --------------------- misc config -------------------------
: resname_base .\+.\DataPermanentMods\res+.\Data+.\Data\res
: cd_path .
: load_path .+.\DataPermanentMods+.\Data
: script_module_path .+.\DataPermanentMods+.\Data
: movie_path .\cutscenes+.\DataPermanentMods\cutscenes+.\Data\cutscenes
: mod_path DataPermanentMods+patch_ext
: install_path .+.\DataPermanentMods+.\Data
: game_screen_size 1024 768
: game_screen_depth 32
: game_screen_flags 45
: game_full_screen 1
: screen_size 640,480
: screen_depth 16
: game_hardware 1
: single_display_mode 2
: ui_scale_mode 2
: use_d3d_display
: framerate_cap 100.0
: SlowFrame 4
: SlowFrameUI 10
: force_32bit
: force_32bit_textures
: mipmap_mode 2
: lm_mipmap_mode 0
: lm_init_texmem 2
: lm_filter_margin 1
: disable_lightmap_aniso
: tex_edge_padding 2
: alpha_test_as_opaque
: sfx_device 4
: sfx_channels 48
: sfx_vol_music -10000
: sfx_vol_2d 0
: sfx_vol_3d 0
: sfx_mixer_timeout 200
: game shock
: obj_min -6144
: obj_max 2560
: max_refs 10240
: gui_font fonts\mainfont
: new_mantle
: z_far 512
: render_weapon_particles
: legacy_force_match_unrefs 0
: shock_single_bind_set
: shock_quicksave_slot 14
: edit_screen_depth 16
: -----------------------------------------------------------
: Enumerating D3D9 adapters (1)...
:    Adapter 0
:       device name: \\.\DISPLAY1
:       driver     : aticfx32.dll
:       descr      : ATI Radeon HD 4800 Series
:       driver ver : 0x00080011-000A0469
:       vendor id  : 0x00001002
:       device id  : 0x00009440
:       subsys id  : 0x0851174B
:       device guid: D7B71EE2-D700-11CF-9270-5B28BEC2
:       Modes
:          640 x 480 x 16
:          720 x 480 x 16
:          720 x 576 x 16
:          800 x 600 x 16
:          848 x 480 x 16
:          1024 x 768 x 16
:          unsupported mode 1152 x 648 x 16 (not in mode table)
:          1152 x 864 x 16
:          1280 x 720 x 16
:          1280 x 768 x 16
:          1280 x 800 x 16
:          1280 x 960 x 16
:          1280 x 1024 x 16
:          1360 x 768 x 16
:          1360 x 1024 x 16
:          1366 x 768 x 16
:          1400 x 1050 x 16
:          unsupported mode 1440 x 480 x 16 (not in mode table)
:          unsupported mode 1440 x 480 x 16 (not in mode table)
:          1440 x 900 x 16
:          1600 x 900 x 16
:          1680 x 1050 x 16
:          unsupported mode 1776 x 1000 x 16 (not in mode table)
:          unsupported mode 1776 x 1000 x 16 (not in mode table)
:          1920 x 1080 x 16
:          640 x 480 x 32
:          720 x 480 x 32
:          720 x 576 x 32
:          800 x 600 x 32
:          848 x 480 x 32
:          1024 x 768 x 32
:          unsupported mode 1152 x 648 x 32 (not in mode table)
:          1152 x 864 x 32
:          1280 x 720 x 32
:          1280 x 768 x 32
:          1280 x 800 x 32
:          1280 x 960 x 32
:          1280 x 1024 x 32
:          1360 x 768 x 32
:          1360 x 1024 x 32
:          1366 x 768 x 32
:          1400 x 1050 x 32
:          unsupported mode 1440 x 480 x 32 (not in mode table)
:          unsupported mode 1440 x 480 x 32 (not in mode table)
:          1440 x 900 x 32
:          1600 x 900 x 32
:          1680 x 1050 x 32
:          unsupported mode 1776 x 1000 x 32 (not in mode table)
:          unsupported mode 1776 x 1000 x 32 (not in mode table)
:          1920 x 1080 x 32
:       Device Validation
:          validated ok, device added (0, E390000)
: Enumeration done
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: D3DProvider: Enumerating adapter 0 modes
:    640 x 480 x 16
:    720 x 480 x 16
:    720 x 576 x 16
:    800 x 600 x 16
:    848 x 480 x 16
:    1024 x 768 x 16
:    unsupported mode 1152 x 648 x 16 (not in mode table)
:    1152 x 864 x 16
:    1280 x 720 x 16
:    1280 x 768 x 16
:    1280 x 800 x 16
:    1280 x 960 x 16
:    1280 x 1024 x 16
:    1360 x 768 x 16
:    1360 x 1024 x 16
:    1366 x 768 x 16
:    1400 x 1050 x 16
:    unsupported mode 1440 x 480 x 16 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1440 x 480 x 16 (not in mode table)
:    1440 x 900 x 16
:    1600 x 900 x 16
:    1680 x 1050 x 16
:    unsupported mode 1776 x 1000 x 16 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1776 x 1000 x 16 (not in mode table)
:    1920 x 1080 x 16
:    640 x 480 x 32
:    720 x 480 x 32
:    720 x 576 x 32
:    800 x 600 x 32
:    848 x 480 x 32
:    1024 x 768 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1152 x 648 x 32 (not in mode table)
:    1152 x 864 x 32
:    1280 x 720 x 32
:    1280 x 768 x 32
:    1280 x 800 x 32
:    1280 x 960 x 32
:    1280 x 1024 x 32
:    1360 x 768 x 32
:    1360 x 1024 x 32
:    1366 x 768 x 32
:    1400 x 1050 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1440 x 480 x 32 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1440 x 480 x 32 (not in mode table)
:    1440 x 900 x 32
:    1600 x 900 x 32
:    1680 x 1050 x 32
:    unsupported mode 1776 x 1000 x 32 (not in mode table)
:    unsupported mode 1776 x 1000 x 32 (not in mode table)
:    1920 x 1080 x 32
: D3DProvider: Enumeration done
: sw framerate cap requested (10000 us)
: D3DProvider StartMode: smode 1024x768x32 ; mode 640x480x32 (5 9 0 2D)
:    CreateDevice: res = D3D_OK ; 1024x768 fmt=35 zfmt=75 cnt=1 ms=0 swap=1 fs=1 hz=0 pres=1 flags=2
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: Loaded script module "allobjs"
: sw framerate cap requested (10000 us)
: D3DProvider StartMode: smode 1024x768x32 ; mode 1024x768x32 (7 9 1 3D)
: sw framerate cap requested (10000 us)
: D3DProvider StartMode: smode 1024x768x32 ; mode 640x480x32 (5 9 1 2D)
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: OpenAL Init...
:    OpenAL32.dll: 6.14.357.24
:    wrap_oal.dll: 2.2.0.5
:    Default device: Generic Software
:    Enumerating devices without validation...
:       Device: Generic Software
:       found 1 unvalidated device(s)
:    Opening default OpenAL device "Generic Software"...
:       Device 0 (default)
:          name       : Generic Software
:          version    : 1.1
:          version str: 1.1
:          vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
:          renderer   : Software
:          3D sources : 248
:          2D sources : 8
:          EFX        : 1
:          EAX2       : 1
:          EAX3       : 0
:          EAX4       : 0
:          EAX5       : 0
:          occlusion  : 1
:          XRAM       : 0
:    Opened device 'Generic Software'
:       EAX reverb support enabled
:       occlusion support enabled
: Loaded script module "allobjs"
: sw framerate cap requested (10000 us)
: D3DProvider StartMode: smode 1024x768x32 ; mode 1024x768x32 (7 9 1 3D)
: sw framerate cap requested (10000 us)
: D3DProvider StartMode: smode 1024x768x32 ; mode 640x480x32 (5 9 1 2D)


[662b299b1aa4dKolya]

The MD5 checksum for intro.avi is: caaf3498a177dbc235fb38e8851853c6
It's exactly 2.673.592 bytes.
Might be worth checking. The original cutscenes are attached to the videos/cutscenes guide by the way. Note that this guide was written before the NewDark 2.4 patch. It largely doesn't apply anymore.

[662b299b1abc3shredhead]

Well, I just tested the cutscenes a few more times, and sure enough, they don't work. Turning off OpenAL didn't seem to change anything, and I even restarted my PC and ran the game a couple more times, but still no cutscenes. Maybe they'll start working again later.

The line "lgvid.dll: Failed to find/load ffmpeg.dll, no movie playback possible" has since shown up again in my Shock2.log.

I'm pretty certain I have the original files. My Intro.avi is exactly 2,673,592 bytes, and the total size of all the cutscenes adds up to 105,882,656 bytes, just like the ones provided in your thread.

Maybe this is just a problem with the new patch that is beyond our ability to fix. If I could find someone else with this problem, that would be reassuring.

Also, many thanks to you Kolya. I wasn't expecting to receive this much help. Hats off to you, sir.

[662b299b1ad8ashredhead]

Hello again,

I thought I'd bump this thread with a quick update since we now have a GOG release.

A few things have changed since I last posted:

- I got a new video card, a Radeon HD 7850
- Drivers have been updated to the latest (13.1)
- I've made a fresh install of the game with the newly released version from GOG

The cutscenes are still problematic, even in the new GOG version. However, the behaviour seems to have changed a little bit. Before, cutscene playback seemed pretty random, and I couldn't notice any kind of pattern as to when they decided to play or not. But now, as far as I can tell, it seems to go like this:

1. I start the game.
2. The first cutscene to play, typically the intro, works just fine.
3. Cutscenes stop working. Attempting to play any of the cutscenes in the game results in nothing but a half-second blank screen instead.
4. Restart the game.
5. Rinse, repeat.

So what this means is that if I start a new game, I can view the intro with no problems, but any cutscenes after that - like the transitions between the training stages, and the transmission from Polito (which is vital to the story) - don't play.

I'll also point out that the line "lgvid.dll: Failed to find/load ffmpeg.dll, no movie playback possible" is still showing up in my Sshock2.log, despite ffmpeg.dll's existence in the game folder.

It's so confusing. I'll consider contacting GOG about this.

[662b299b1aebdepmode]

I have the exact same problem as you with the GOG release.

The frustrating thing is that my cutscenes worked perfectly on the same computer in the past, but it's been so long ago that I can't pin down what changed.

I noticed that the game will occasionally work perfectly immediately following a reboot.  But once I close and relaunch the game, it goes back to only allowing me to see a single cutscene in game before it stops. 

Thief 2 is experiencing the same problem.

[662b299b1b00fepmode]

You know, someone just pointed me to this thread: https://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4205.0

Download lgvid.dll and replace the one in your System Shock 2 root.  I've reloaded the game several times now and the cutscenes have been perfect.  It also fixed the same problem in Thief 2.

[662b299b1b11evoodoo47]

yes, there is a last resort modified video dll that usually helps, see here.

[662b299b1b21eshredhead]

Perfect! Cheers for that, the cutscenes work flawlessly now. Here's a mirror in case anyone else needs it:

http://www.mediafire.com/?sjc3y6t8tutr4h7