Disclaimer
This guide is valid only for the base game (which comes with the Community Patch as well) and the https://store.steampowered.com/app/1250690/Master_of_Magic_Caster_of_Magic/, since the workarounds here were made to work with the DosBox versions of the game. The new https://store.steampowered.com/app/1557960/Master_of_Magic_Caster_of_Magic_for_Windows/ isn’t DosBox based, and it uses a different engine, so infos on this guide won’t work with this new version.
Which file you’ll need to edit
First off, there are three versions in which you can apply the workarounds described here:
- The original Master of Magic
- Master of Magic Community Patch
- Caster of Magic (if you own the DLC)
You can’t apply the alterations in all DosBox config files at the same time. So, just choose the folder of the version you play or edit one config file and copy/paste/overwrite it in the remaining folders respective to each version.
To access the game’s files, right click on Master of Magic in your library > Choose properties > Local files tab > Browse local files.
Master of Magic folder
Steam\steamapps\common\Master of Magic\Master of Magic Official Release
Community Patch folder
Steam\steamapps\common\Master of Magic\Master of Magic Community Patch
Caster of Magic folder
Steam\steamapps\common\Master of Magic\Master of Magic Caster of Magic DLC
—
Go to the desired folder and open the dosboxMOM.conf file with the Notepad software.
Now let’s get started:
Enabling Steam Overlay
The original DosBox configuration uses Direct Draw to render the graphics. Mind you that Direct Draw were used before we have proper DirectX, and it isn’t compatible with Steam Overlay, so that’s why at first the Overlay won’t work.
To make Steam Overlay work with Master of Magic, you’ll need to configure DosBox to use OpenGL for rendering. To do this, open the dosboxMOM.conf file and search (using Ctrl + F) for the line:
output=ddraw
Now, erase the “ddraw” and write “opengl” (without quotation marks). That’s it.
Honestly, I wouldn’t use Steam Overlay, as it’s a bit glitchy with Master of Magic (by the way, if the Overlay pop-up glitch, press Shift + Tab two times). But feel free to use it – it’s better to have the option to use it or not anyway.
Changing the resolution
To change the game’s resolution, in the dosboxMOM.conf file search for the line “fullresolution=desktop” (for the fullscreen resolution) and “windowresolution=original” (for the windowed resolution). Now change those to your desired resolution. For instance:
fullresolution=1920×1080
windowresolution=1280×720
Keep in mind that the resolution will increase, but you won’t have widescreen. The game will keep the 4:3 aspect ratio, not streched.
To alternate between fullscreen and windowed, just press Alt + Enter ingame.
Applying image filters
To apply an image filter, in the dosboxMOM.conf file, search for the line:
scaler=normal2x
Erase the “normal2x” and choose your favorite filter (check below for examples)
Source: https://www.dosbox.com/wiki/Scaler
For instance, I use this one for a light image filtering:
scaler=advinterp2x
After changing the dosboxMOM.conf file…
…Save the changes made on the Notepad sotware and play the desired Master of Magic Version.
Bonus: a better grid image for the Steam library
If you want a not so bland (sorry, Slitherine) grid image for Master of Magic on your Steam library, feel free to use the one I made:
You can get this grid in high definition on https://www.steamgriddb.com – just search for Master of Magic and you’ll find my grid there, along with other grids made by other players, plus header images, logo, etc.
Closing notes
You can apply these changes to any DosBox game you have. Just search for the dosbox.conf file on the game you want and edit it.
That’s all. If you have any questions or have something to add, let me now.
Have fun! 🧙
Hope you enjoy the Guide about Master of Magic – A better Enabling Steam Overlay / Changing resolution / Applying image filters, if you think we should add extra information or forget something, please let us know via comment below, and we will do our best to fix or update as soon as possible!
- All Master of Magic Posts List
Leave a Reply