UPatch HD v1.1 Betaby aoe_scout

Description: UPatch is unofficial update (user patch) for Age of Empires Expansion: The Rise of Rome. A solid improvement over the original game, UPatch includes custom game resolutions (up to 1920x1200), over 150 bug fixes, new gameplay options and other improvements. UPatch updates your game to version 1.1 (Beta).

The Beta version is released for testing and reporting problems, but it is fully functional and includes most features of 1.1. Few of the improvements are reserved for the final version (check below).

Requirements:- Minimum Windows XP SP3 (32 bit) or any 32bit/64bit version of Windows Vista/7/8.x - Any version (1.0 or 1.0a) of Age of Empires Expansion: The Rise of Rome (or Age of Empires Gold). This patch is for Rise of Rome only, the original Age of Empires is not affected in any way.You will find shortcuts for UPatch HD Settings (Custom Resolution), Readme and Uninstall in Start Menu (under Microsoft Games -> Age of Empires Expansion or Age of Empires Gold).

UPatch HD 1.1 Beta includes:- Custom game resolutions - up to 1920x1200! Check "Custom resolutions" section below for the list of supported resolutions and additional information.NOTE: Unlike the final version, the interface background screens in the Beta are simply resized graphics, not enhanced or corrected in position/aspect ratio.- Option to select random teams ("?" for team number).- Option to select "Random" in Map Type.- Multiplayer population limit option extended to 500.- Post-Iron Age option added as starting age in both Single and Multiplayer.- Save game crashes are fixed.- Color bug for Windows Vista/7 is fixed.- Some fixes to prevent crash to Desktop.- Over 150 various other bug fixes!- Some improvements on Random Maps.- Balance and consistency fixes for units and civilizations.The list of changes from the original game can be found here:http://aoe.heavengames.com/cgi-bin/aoecgi/display.cgi?action=ct&f=17,6327,,365

Not included in the Beta (will be included in the final 1.1):- HD interface graphics - interface background screens enhanced to HD quality! No more upscaled blurry low resolution/low quality screens.- The original CD audio soundtrack in mp3, replacing the primitive synthesizer (MIDI) version.- Updated technology trees for all civilizations.- Support for more game languages.- Other improvements.

Compatibility:- For Multiplayer all players must have the same game version (1.1 Beta).- The version shown in Multiplayer start screen is "1.x" for the Beta version ("1.1" is reserved for the Final).- Most gaming clients (like GameRanger) are compatible with UPatch, but those that use exe modifications (like Voobly) are NOT compatible.- Save games, Scenarios and Campaigns are fully compatible with the original game.- Mods are NOT supported in the Beta (and not compatible). The Beta version is intended only for testing (in the way it is) and bugfixes. Mod support will be added in the final version, along with detailed documentation about modding 1.1.- If you want to uninstall the game, uninstall UPatch first. This will restore your previous version of the game.

Custom resolutions:- Supported resolutions are: 1024x600 (netbooks only), 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x1024, 1360x768, 1366x768, 1440x900, 1600x900, 1680x1050, 1920x1080 and 1920x1200.- Resolutions other than the above are not available.- You must close the game before trying to apply custom resolution.- To enable a disabled (in grey) resolution, apply the same resolution to your Desktop before opening the program.- If instead of the selected resolution, the game starts in 800x600, then the resolution you applied is not supported by your computer. Try another custom resolution.- If everything in the game looks too small on your screen - select lower resolution with the same aspect ratio (shown in brackets). This is limitation of the game (2D, low DPI) and can't be avoided.

For more information about UPatch, check the forum thread:http://aoe.heavengames.com/cgi-bin/aoecgi/display.cgi?action=ct&f=17,6327,,365

Important Note: I do not allow any modified/unmodified versions of UPatch or parts of UPatch to be used or posted anywhere without my permission! Mod support will be added in the final version. This Beta version is intended only for testing and bug fixes. Please respect my work and efforts. Thank you!

UPatch is completely free and unofficial project - not associated with Microsoft or any other company. The author of UPatch takes no responsibility or liability for any damage or loss caused by the use of UPatch.

UPatch DOES NOT contain any illegal hacks or modifications! It is based on the latest (and most popular) version of the game AOE Collector's Edition DVD, which doesnt have a disc check by default (can be played without disc).

Age of Empires & The Rise of Rome: Microsoft Corporation. Other product and company names mentioned may be the trademarks of their respective owners.