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Master of Orion 2

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Master of Orion 2 > Guides > Spacer's Guides
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How to: Enable Steam Overlay / Change the resolution / Apply image filters
By Spacer
Learn how to edit the DosBox config file to make Steam Overlay work, change the game's resolution and apply image filters.
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Created by
Spacer
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Category: Modding or Configuration, Walkthroughs
Posted
Updated
16 Mar, 2020 @ 12:02pm
16 Mar, 2020 @ 5:16pm
1,703 Unique Visitors
29 Current Favorites
Guide Index
Overview
Which file you'll need to edit 
Enabling Steam Overlay 
Changing the resolution 
Applying image filters 
Closing notes 
Comments
Which file you'll need to edit
To access the game's files, right click on Master of Orion 2 in your library > Choose properties > Local files tab > Browse local files.

Now open the dosboxMOO2.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 Orion 2, you'll need to configure DosBox to use OpenGL for rendering. To do this, open the dosboxMOO2.conf file and search (using Ctrl + F) for the line:

output=overlay

Now, erase the "overlay" 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 Orion 2 (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 dosboxMOO2.conf file search for the line "fullresolution=" (for the fullscreen resolution) and "windowresolution=original" (for the windowed resolution). Now change those to your desired resolution. For instance:

fullresolution=1920x1080
windowresolution=1280x720

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 dosboxMOO2.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
Closing notes
You can apply these changes to any DosBox game you have. Just search for the dosbox.conf file (or something similar) 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! 🌌
8 Comments
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Spacer  [author] 9 Sep, 2023 @ 3:16am 
Happy to help! :cta_emo7:
Lubos 9 Sep, 2023 @ 1:23am 
awesome , thank you so much :)
CCKinnison 28 Jun, 2022 @ 8:58pm 
miss_bekah, you need to find where the game is stored on your computer.
likely: X:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Master of Orion 2
where X is wherever you keep storage or game files (C, D, E, whatever)
Then find the file mentioned, open, and edit.
miss_bekah 3 Jun, 2022 @ 5:17am 
I can't make this game work. has a tiny box. I can't make the changes above because it is just a steam link saved on my desktop as a shortcut
Spacer  [author] 16 Aug, 2021 @ 3:12pm 
You're welcome! Have fun, mate! :BorealisIcePlanet:
spawn601 16 Aug, 2021 @ 2:38pm 
Thanks so much for the clear instructions, they're greatly appreciated. Especially, during these times. Also, love the fact of being able to play an all time great 4x game in 2021.:steamhappy:
Spacer  [author] 10 Jul, 2020 @ 11:47am 
That's great to hear! I'm happy my guide could help you solve this issue. Happy gaming, buddy.
Ashirza 10 Jul, 2020 @ 11:30am 
My resolution somehow got messed up a long time ago, and I didn't know how to fix it. I was stuck playing the game with an ugly, stretched screen. Thanks for the help. Now I can play this great game the way it's meant to be seen.