SS2 Re-Encoded Cutscenes on Linux

[68571a64cdc45ModdedInstall2]

Hi, everyone!

So, a while back, I got fed up with the cutscenes in System Shock 2 just being all black on my Ubuntu machine. I did some digging and apparently it was an issue with the codecs, so I spent an afternoon re-encoding the original cutscenes in H.264. Just now getting around to posting it, after whipping it up November last year. Enjoy

NOTE: THIS DOES NOT MAKE THE CUTSCENES HIGHER RESOLUTION, OR SWITCH THEM TO 16:9. It simply re-encodes them to allow them to play on Linux machines, in all their crusty, hypercompressed glory. Maybe, if I ever learn how to use Blender, I might reanimate them in 1440p, but that'll be a while.

To install, just download this file and install it as a mod. (Thanks Marvin for teaching me that the mod manager will recognize it!)

(PS: Not sure on the legality of this mod, so I'm just gonna say right now: if this violates any copyright laws, I assume full responsibility.)

[68571a64cde39voodoo47]

in this case I would just say to install, overwrite your original avi files. and maybe name it SS2 cutscenes re-encoded for linux or similar.

moved to the mods subforum.

[68571a64ce4aeModdedInstall2]

in this case I would just say to install, overwrite your original avi files. and maybe name it SS2 cutscenes re-encoded for linux or similar.

You know more about this stuff than me, so thanks

[68571a64ce971sarge945]

Wait since when is this an issue?

I have played SS2 on multiple distros with no issues. Are you using some ancient version of Ubuntu?

[68571a64cecceModdedInstall2]

sarge945This was on 22.04 that I first tried. Later switched to Linux Mint 21.2 and had the same issue, until copying over these files from my old system.

[68571a64cee74ZylonBane]

If you used ffmpeg to do this conversion, be aware that its implementation of IV50 (Indeo 5) is not 100% accurate. Or at least, it wasn't the last time I compared.

[68571a64cf0e0ModdedInstall2]

ZylonBaneI think used the Brasero DVD burner... not sure what that implements. I haven't noticed any issues in the cutscenes, though.

[68571a64cf3caMarvin]

I don't know why these would not work with the mod manager, you just have to zip up the cutscenes folder (no nesting, no Data folder), and that installs just fine and is correctly recognized as a cutscenes mod.

[68571a64cf64cModdedInstall2]

you just have to zip up the cutscenes folder (no nesting, no Data folder)

Well, I did not know that. Will update it. Ty