
HAKUBO★38
Published
Technically, the native Linux port works. However, if you want to play with the controller, you need to run it under Proton.
DXVK_FRAME_RATE=60 %command%
For some GameMaker Studio 1.4 titles like this, this game requires dxvk (latest) .dll file in order to run without crashing. Without this, you'll see the message saying "FATAL ERROR in Vertex Shader compilation ShaderName: glr_shader_fxaa". To fix this, open Protontricks, select "Aqua Populo" and click OK. Once the window popped up, select the default wineprefix and click OK. Next, tick "Install a Windows DLL or component" and click OK. Scroll down until you see "dxvk", then tick the checkbox and click OK to install.
On the native Linux port, the controller is not detected. On Windows via Proton, it had no issue on detecting the controller.
Game runs too fast if running higher than 60 FPS.
Both versions worked. However, as this game is designed to be played with the controller, I recommend playing the Windows version under Proton.
I've beaten the game before on my desktop PC prior to owning Steam Deck. On Handheld mode, I played it briefly to see if it works. Turns out, it is. Can run on either standard or GE versions of Proton. I personally used GE Proton for most of my games I've played. Had no issues on playing with default control layout. Performance wise it's all very stable (little to no slowdown).
PROTON_USE_WINED3D=1 %command% -vanillaGFX
Initially, the game doesn't work without the launch parameter. With this launch parameter added, the game can run properly without crashing and there is no hint of slowdown.
PROTON_USE_WINED3D=1 %command% -vanillaGFX
Occasional stutter though very rare. The game's performance stays at 60 FPS without any hint of slowdown.
Despite what the developer says about the Steam Deck compatibility, the game doesn't work with standard Proton. Using the launch parameter and Proton GE (latest version; may also work with other versions) actually makes the game fully working.
On Linux Mint Cinnamon, playing in virtual desktop is needed to play fullscreen properly.
Need to use winecfg (via Protontricks) to emulate the desktop matching the monitor's resolution size in order to play in fullscreen properly. Without this, the game will always show black screen unless you're playing in windowed.
If playing in fullscreen, the game is stuck in black screen with only audio playing; if that happens, then you need to force quit by alt+F4. To fix this, open Protontricks. Under default Wine prefixes, select 'winecfg'. Under Graphics tab, tick 'Emulate a virtual desktop' and set the 'Desktop size' to match your monitor's resolution. After that, click apply and OK.
Outside of native Windows, other distros may or may not need to emulate the virtual desktop. Otherwise, the game works out of box. No extensive tinkering whatsoever.
The only negative is, the game lacks cloud save support; if for some reason you're planning to play on Steam Deck after playing on desktop PC, you need to manually backup your save to your USB storage drive and transfer it.
● TDP Limit: 5
● Power Tools: (optional - Decky Loader required)
- Governor: Powersavings
While in gameplay if the Night Mode is turned on either on purpose or automatic for the first time, then the game drops to 10 FPS. To restore back to 60 FPS, just pause and resume the game.
On Linux Mint Cinnamon, I had to use virtual desktop to fix black screen while playing fullscreen mode. On Steam Deck, however, no tinkering needed.
The Linux native port is broken. Use Proton instead. V-sync is absent thus launch option required.
mangohud MANGOHUD_CONFIG=vsync=3 %command%
On the native Linux version, the screen flickers while in-gameplay every 30 seconds or so. The Windows version has no issues.
Since the game lacks in-game v-sync (which can cause screen tearing), you need to enable Mangohud v-sync by editing the MangoHud.conf file. Afterwards, the game is perfectably playable.
mangohud MANGOHUD_CONFIG=vsync=3 %command%
Without v-sync, this causes the game to run higher at unlimited FPS (which I don't recommend). To match the FPS to the monitor's Hz, you need to enable Mangohud v-sync by editing the MangoHud.conf file. The game supports Tate screen rotation.
DXVK_FRAME_RATE=60 %command%
This game requires dxvk (latest) .dll file in order to run without crashing. Without this, you'll see the message saying "FATAL ERROR in Vertex Shader compilation ShaderName: glr_shader_fxaa". To fix this, open Protontricks, select "Road Scars: Origins" and click OK. Once the window popped up, select the default wineprefix and click OK. Next, tick "Install a Windows DLL or component" and click OK. Scroll down until you see "dxvk" and then tick and click okay to install.
Game runs too fast if running higher than 60 FPS.
Both Windows and Linux versions worked. However, if wanted to play on gamepad, only running Windows version works.
PROTON_USE_WINED3D=1 %command% -vanillaGFX
Technically the game works both on Windows and Linux. However, the gamepad doesn't work on native Linux port. If wanted to play on gamepad, you need to force the use of Proton (Windows).
There is also a game breaking bug which chugs the framerate under 60 FPS. For instance, if running the game without the launch option, then the game downs to 45 FPS. If going to options menu, the game will drop to either 25 or 30 FPS rendering the game unplayable. To fix this issue, use this launch option above.
The native Linux port does not detect gamepad. The Windows version has no issue.
Without the launch option, the game stays below 60 FPS. Although the native Linux port has no performance issue.
The game can be played either keyboard or gamepad.
A Shmup (Shoot 'em Up, STG) related game maker application can actually work on Linux. Only few things need to tinker.
PROTON_USE_WINED3D=1 %command% -vanillaGFX
Need to install Irfanview and MS Paint to display image files used for in-game sprites. Without these, the sprites will not display in both software and game testing.
After spending some time testing and tinkering, I can confirm it actually works. You can actually make your own game after tinkering. Note that the game engine is locked to 60 FPS.