GemRB Guide
Hello and welcome to the GemRB guide for playing Infinity engine games on Android. Your favorite RPGS Baldur’s gate1, Baldur’s gate2, Planescape: Torment, IceWind Dale, and IceWin Dale2, on your Android device.

[Video] Watch the Full Step by Step video guide here:
http://youtu.be/LH6K8VeeLNg

Download the full step by step guide here:
http://www.mediafire.com/download/i2sochdlsdpgofg/GemRB_Guide.doc

1) Install The GemRB app from the Google Play Store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.sourceforge.gemrb&hl=en

2) Install the ES file explorer from the Play Store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.estrongs.android.pop&feature=search_result

3) Once the GemRB app is installed open it and you will see the following screens.
http://www.gog.com/upload/forum/2013/05/903a6edc6c528e7379a8b6d6dae52a6f966fe3bc.jpg

4) You will be prompted to install 2 of these 3 files
Thebalder’s Gate 2 demo(800MB) (Optional)
GemRB data(override)
GemRB data(scripts)
-Select ok

5)a)Next choose the best Display size for your device and the install will complete and Exit.
-If you find the mouse emulation in the game is off then you might need to try a different size. Or
If you wish to change or view the install directory then do the following.
5)b)Select “Show more options” to check or change the install directory.
-Select “Data installation location”
-Now you can choose the install location and folder name.
-Select OK and install the GemRB data files.
-After GemRB installs the data files it will show a black screen and then exit the application.

6) Open the ES File Explorer and go to the location where GemRB was installed.
-The default data directory will be /app-data/net.sourceforge.gemrb/GemRB.cfg.sample
- Once here rename "GemRB.cfg.sample" to "GemRB.cfg"(See picture)
http://www.gog.com/upload/forum/2013/05/18b53a30cdef8f86f1c86c237d460c3e267536ae.jpg

7) Next tap the renamed GemRB.cfg file to open it. Select “text” and choose the “ES Note Editor”. Once open you will need to click the three dots in the upper left corner and select edit.
http://www.gog.com/upload/forum/2013/05/50706ed873861a94ba6a08e4038f0d3fec6ba4ee.jpg

8) You will need to make changes in two sections of the Config file.
-First you must select the GameType=(YourGame)
-You will see a list of supported games below.
-The app will attempt to auto select the right game by default.

#####################################################
# #
# Game Type [String] Use one of the following #
# values: #
# #
# auto Attempt to autodetect game type #
# bg1 Baldur's Gate #
# bg2 Baldur's Gate 2 : SoA or ToB #
# tob Baldur's Gate 2 : ToB (obsolete) #
# iwd IceWind Dale (no How or ToTL installed)#
# how IceWind Dale : HoW or ToTL #
# iwd2 IceWind Dale 2 #
# pst Planescape Torment #
# (More will come) #
# #
#####################################################
GameType=bg2 (Here Baldur's Gate 2 is selected)

9) Next scroll down the page and set the Game path
-Below you will see the default GamePath
-You will need to change this for your chosen game.
(Default)
#####################################################
# Game Paths [String] #
# #
# These are the paths where the Game you want to #
# play is installed. #
# Enter the full path to the directory. #
#####################################################
GamePath=./
CD1=./
CD2=./CD2/
CD3=./CD3/
CD4=./CD4/
CD5=./CD5/
#####################################################

-You must enter the correct Game Path for GemRB to locate your game data and run the game.
-Once you have entered the Game Path location, save the changes by touching the save arrow in the upper left corner and select Yes.
-The follow game paths are meant to be used with the GOG versions of Baldur’s Gate, Baldur’s Gate2, Planescape:Torment, IceWindale, or Icewindale 2.
- My game paths assume the data will kept in a folders titled with the games name (bg1, bg2..ect)
-You can create multiple folders and switch between games by modifying the game paths or folder names.

Working Game Paths:
Baldurs’s Gate 1

GamePath=./bg1/
CD1=./bg1/data/
CD2=./bg1/data/
CD3=./bg1/data/
CD4=./bg1/data/
CD5=./bg1/data/

Baldur’s Gate 2

GamePath=./bg2/
CD1=./bg2/data/
CD2=./bg2/data/
CD3=./bg2/data/
CD4=./bg2/data/
CD5=./bg2/data/

Planescape: Torment

GamePath=./pst/
CD1=./pst/data/
CD2=./pst/data/
CD3=./pst/data/
CD4=./pst/data/
CD5=./pst/data/

Ice Windale Complete

GamePath=./how/
CD1=./
CD2=./how/CD2/
CD3=./how/CD3/
CD4=./
CD5=./

Ice Windale 2

GamePath=./iwd2/
CD1=./
CD2=./iwd2/CD2/
CD3=./
CD4=./
CD5=./

10) Install your selected game onto your computer. All these game are available for digital download and purchase from the Good Old Game Store (GOG.com)
http://www.gog.com/catalogue

If you Install the GOG versions of Baldur’s Gate, Baldur’s Gate2, Planescape: Torment, IceWindale, Icewindale 2, then you can use the follow GamePath configurations.

C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Baldurs Gate II (GOG path default)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Black Isle\Baldurs Gate II (CD path default)

Saved Games:
-Windows 7/8 users who want to keep their saved games will need to create a new folder called “save”.
-You have to enable hidden files in folder options to see find the saves or just type the path directly in Explorer. Open the file and copy and paste your saved games into the new save folder.
C:\Users\<Your name Here!>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Baldurs Gate

11) You will need to download and install Tweak & Fix packs for your chosen game from gibberlings3.net Tweak & Fix Pack Downloads:
http://forums.gibberlings3.net/index.php?app=downloads&amp;showcat=5

-Fix packs will patch many issues that would otherwise make the game unplayable on Android.
-If you experience crashing when traps are sprung in Bg2, then you don’t have the fix pack installed.
-Tweak packs will modify and improve the game play for your Android device.
-One tweak will allow you to stack inventory items so you can carry more and micromanage less.
-The infinity engine modding community updates the Tweak & Fix packs regularly so check back here for updates.
-Download the Tweak & Fix packs for the game and OS (Windows, OS X, Linux) you have installed.
-Install the Tweak & Fix packs by running the .exe and directing it to the location where you installed the game.
-Be sure to check to double check that the correct location for the patches is used.
-By default the files will be installed in the CD version of the games directory and not the GOG directory.

C:\Program Files (x86)\Black Isle\Baldurs Gate II (CD path default)
C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Baldurs Gate II (GOG path default)

Optional Resolution Patch:
-You can increase the games resolution to better take advantage of your devices screen size.
-Before running this patch you will need to know what resolution your device supports. You can Google
-Search the name of your device and “resolution” to find out.
-The default game resolution will be 640x480.
-Download and install the Patch, be sure to check that the install directory is correct.
http://www.gibberlings3.net/widescreen/

C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Baldurs Gate II (GOG path default)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Black Isle\Baldurs Gate II (CD path default)

-You will see the follow questions:
Install Component [Widescreen Mod]?
[R]e-install, [N]o Change, ninstall, [Q]uit or choose one:
1] for the original Infinity Engine (CHOOSE THIS!) (Don’t Choose this)
2] for GemRB(Choose This)
-Choose number 2 and press enter.
-Number 1 is for modding the resolution to play the games on your PC.

-Next you will enter your resolution as X Y coordinates.
-My HP TouchPad has a resolution of 1024(X) x 768(Y)

-Enter your X coordinate. It should be a number, >= 640.
-This is your default X resolution 640, enter your device's screen width=X

-Enter your Y coordinate. It should be a number, >= 480.
-This is your default Y resolution 480, enter your device's screen height=Y
Are you sure? Y/N
-choose y and press enter
-The patch will now mod the game files and exit.

12) Open to the folder where you installed the game data plus Tweak& fix packs.
-It is recommended* to Delete the files that end in .exe, these are not needed.
-I would recommend backing them up in another folder.
-Note* even if you fail to remove these the games still seems to run fine.
-Rename the folder that contains your game data.
-This Must be the same as your GamePath name. GamePath=./bg2/
-For this Example I used Baludr’s Gate 2 as the folder name (bg2)
-You can create several different game folders and switch between games by changing the folder path or names.
-You could use any of these Examples:
-bg1 Baldur's Gate
-bg2 Baldur's Gate 2
-iwd IceWind Dale
-how IceWind Dale
-iwd2 IceWind Dale 2
-pst Planescape Torment

13) Transfer the Game Data folder to your Android device with the USB cable.
-Copy the folder to the location you installed GemRB, /app-data/net.sourceforge.gemrb/
-Note the Game files are very large and can take up to 2.5 GB of storage space per game.
-Once the Game Data is on your Android device run The GemRB app to play the Game.

I should note that you will want to download and install the GemRB Beta apk. from below. There are several game engine updates included and multi-touch support. If you experience crashing still when open traps, then you must get this update. Sorry no more room to post in the OP.

1)Download the APK
http://sourceforge.net/projects/gemrb/files/Other%20Binaries/android/gemrb-0.7.2-576-g398d3a1-build-2.apk/download

2)Download the Game Data
http://sourceforge.net/projects/gemrb/files/GemRB%20Win32%20Binaries/GemRB%20v0.7.2/GemRB-nmake-vs10-v0.7.2.zip/download

3)Extract the Game Data
- Replace the "GUIScripts" folder with the new one.
- Replace the the"override" folder with the new one.

4)Install the latest gemrb apk.
-Watch this video to learn about installing apk files on your Android device. The methods shown for installing flash are the same for the GemRB apk.

Watch this video to learn about installing an apk files on your Android device. The methods shown for installing flash are the same for the GemRB apk.

How to Install the Adobe Flash Player on Any Android Device 2013 Guide
http://youtu.be/Eg0vOISEDzY

Beta Engine Downloads
http://sourceforge.net/projects/gemrb/files/Other%20Binaries/android/0.8.0/

Developers website:
http://www.gemrb.org/wiki/doku.php?id=download

Extras:
How to Play Fallout 1 and 2 on Android [GOG]
http://www.gog.com/forum/fallout_series/how_to_run_fallout_1_2_on_android/page1

How to Play Fallout 1 and 2 on Android [No Mutants Thread]
http://www.nma-fallout.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=62312

How to Play Fallout 1 and 2 on Android [Video]
http://youtu.be/hYTTrHbQcBo

Another Project by: RolandDeschain79.
Checkout my YouTube Channel Here:
http://youtu.be/hYTTrHbQcBo

Thanks for this - very helpful.

Just to add my experiences with BG1:

- I tried to use an easytutu install as well as that bg-1-and-2-joined-up-into-one-game thing with gemrb but only got consistent startup crashes, regardless of whether I set the gemrb.cfg game type to 'bg1', 'bg2' or 'auto'. I wasn't being particularly methodical though, so I'm not saying it can't be done just that I didn't have any luck with it. If anybody has made this work, please share.

- My tablet has a native resolution of 2,560 by 1,600 pixels which - I suspect - would be much too large for BG if it would even work. So I tried with various smaller resolutions. Seeing as the native resolution was 16:10 I first tried a smaller version of that (1024x640). This resulted in the gameplay area taking up about half of the screen, slightly off center, with big black borders on every side. A 4:3 resolution (like that of the OP) worked better with the gameplay area taking up all of the screen (800x600; see attached image) Logically this should make the image look wider than it should be, but it's not very noticeable. Not sure if this is a general rbgem resolution problem or just bad configuration on my part.

I'm trying this out on my Kindle Fire HD 8.9" (once I finish clearing some space). The plan is to see if I can get BGT working with 1280 x 720 as that's what my desktop/laptop saves are set for. I'll let you know how it goes.

Flynn

Some success. I was able to get Baldur's Gate 2 with the Fix Pack to launch. I didn't go through creating a character, but just verified the opening movies and titles and such work.

I'm in the process of copying a BGT install over including the widescreen mod set to 1280 x 720. My hope is if it works okay then I can copy my saved games from my main install of the game and continue the game on the Kindle.

The current 0.8.0 has changed some things in the configuration file, so it took some time to make sure that I was doing things correctly. The instructions listed above are out of date for this version. I'll admit I haven't checked the GemRB forums for updated instructions, but things are working okay so far.

Installed mods:
* BG2 Fix Pack
* BGT
* Bigger Fonts
* Widescreen mod set to 1280 x 720 and configured for GemRB

The exact same mods are on my desktop and laptop.

Flynn

I got it working. Took a bit as the instructions from before were out of date for the 0.8.0 version. But, the end result is a fully functional BGT install on my Kindle Fire HD. Paths listed below are for the Kindle Fire HD and may not be the same for other devices. =)

After installing the .apk file, GemRB installed to /sdcard/Android/data/net.sourceforge.gemrb/files. There were two configuration files -- packaged.GemRB.cfg adn GemRB.cfg. I edited GemRB.cfg and added in the bg2 designation and the paths to my bg2 data (by default it installs the data files to /sdcard/gemrb/). Only I didn't realize this at first as I assumed it would work copied to the GemRB installation folder above as in the previous version.

So, I got everything configured and copied to the device and ran GemRB. Blank screen and dumped back to the home screen with no error. Took a couple of tries, but then I looked in the /sdcard/gemrb folder and noticed there was a bg1 folder there with an error log. Looking at that file, it was saying how it couldn't find the folders as they didn't exist. Wait, I didn't configure for bg1. I went back and checked my GemRB.cfg and it looked right. So, then I checked packaged.GemRB.cfg. There it was. So, I'd configured the wrong file apparently.

I moved bg2 into the /sdcard/gemrb folder, then edited package.GemRB.cfg with the correct path. Success! Game looks good and runs pretty well. Now I just have to figure out how to control this crazy game. As a bonus, my saved games from my computer transferred over without a problem.

So, if you're still having problems getting it to work, I'll see if I can lend a hand getting it configured.

Flynn

Awesome and thanks for reporting back :-)

I used the Android market/play version so I didn't have any issues following the instructions but given your encouraging report, I'll give it another go with the new version. When you're constantly seeing references to the way things are in BG2, BG1 mechanics feel a bit limiting (what? no character kits?)

I'm at work, so I can't get to my install at the moment but there a few things I would like to get clarified. Hope you can help.

The game you're installing.... is BG1 and 2 combined? BGT = Baldur's Gate Trilogy and not Baldur's Gate Tutu, am I right? Where you start playing BG1 using the BG2 engine and your character carries over from the BG1 to the BG2 story line? And when you are talking about 'bg2' throughout your posts, you're referring to this double game? Perhaps because the final install ends up in a bg2 folder and the game identifies as bg2 to gemrb? If this is correct I also assume that you put 'bg2' in game type in (one of) the configuration file(s)? I'm speculating but it seems to make sense that way. You must tell me if I'm getting the wrong end of the stick here :-)

As for the folders I take it that the config files are where they used to be, in the sourceforge folder, only now there are two files... where the one with 'packaged' in the name seems to have priority. And the new gemrb folder is the default starting place for looking for game data files. E.g. if the data folder is configured as './bg2/' the app looks for the game in '/sdcard/gemrb/bg2/'. I also ssume that '/sdcard/' is your user 'home' folder, i.e. where you have your 'Video' and 'Music' folders etc.?

As for the resolution you didn't have any problems getting 1280*720 to work? No black borders, no glitches? Is that the device's native resolution? Do you remember if you chose Y/N to 'multiple resolutions' when applying the widescreen mod?

So many questions... Looking forward to actually getting to play the damn thing. So far I've busied myself reading up on ad&amp;d 2nd ed. rules.

I'll see if I can answer all of your questions, heh.

1) Yes, I used Baldur's Gate Trilogy (BGT) as that's the version I'm most familiar with. When going from BG1 to BG2, the way I understand it is that not only does your main transfer over, but so do the NPCs in your party (Imoen, Jaheira, etc.). Therefore, Imoen isn't automatically a dual-class Thief/Mage when BG2 starts, but whatever you had her at in BG1.

2) Yes, when stating 'bg2' throughout the rest of the post I am referring to the combined game. This is what the GemRB configuration file is looking for when determining what game to load. Setting it to 'auto' should also work, but I haven't tried it yet.

3) The configuration files are in the folder that GemRB installed to. For the Kindle Fire HD, that was in /sdcard/Android/data/net.sourceforge.gemrb/files/. There are two files by default: packaged.GemRB.cfg and GemRB.cfg. packaged.GemRB.cfg has the priority and will be recreated if you delete or move it out of the folder.

4) When putting the paths in the packaged.GemRB.sfg file, I would use the full path names. I tried using relative paths and it didn't seem to work (though that was before I discovered that packaged.GemRB.cfg was the preferred configuration file). On the Kindle Fire HD, that folder defaulted to /sdcard/gemrb/. If you do use relative paths in the configuration file, you will need to copy the game's folder to the same folder that GemRB is installed. In the case of my Kindle, that folder was hidden from Windows Explorer while /sdcard/gemrb/ is not hidden.

5) No problems getting the widescreen mod to work. Since the Kindle Fire HD is a 16:10 ratio device, there are black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. The widescreen mod I'm using doesn't support multiple resolutions, so I'm stuck at 1280x720. I don't view that as a negative though as it allows me to share saves between the Kindle and my desktop/laptop installs.

So, as a quick summary:
* Configuration files are in the GemRB install folder (e.g. /sdcard/Android/data/net.sourceforge.gemrb/files/).
* packaged.GemRB.cfg is the preferred configuration file to edit.
* Game files go in the 'gemrb' folder (e.g. /sdcard/gemrb/). Use the full path to the folder in your cfg file (e.g. /sdcard/gemrb/bg2 for the GamePath and /sdcard/gemrb/bg2/data for the CDPath).
* Make sure you set the resolution in the configuration file if you're using the widescreen mod, or if you're playing vanilla BG1. The resolution defaults to 800x600x16-bit.

I would assume these instructions should work with any of the supported games, substituting the proper game type and paths in the configuration file, of course.

Hope this helps. =)

Flynn

Thank you for the clarification - it helped a lot. I'm now up and running BGT with a custom resolution of 960x600 (any height greater than 600 on a 10" display just makes me squint)

I also have to say that I found that GemRB.cfg had priority over the packaged.GemRB.cfg file, contrary to your report. The first time I ran the app I had edited the packaged file and then copied it over the GemRB.cfg file so both were the same. After that I found that the app would reset the 'packaged' file after each run. Which made me yell and scream until I found that it didn't matter: The other file was untouched and seemingly the app respects the settings therein.

For the benefit of future readers, I'll just recap what I did.

I installed the two games and applied the BG2 Fixpack to my BG2 install (supposedly the BGT mod includes some fixes for BG1). Then following the instructions on the BGT site I ran the BGT setup. The idea is you mod your BG2 install and - when asked - point it in the direction of your BG1 install so it can import the content. The end result is a BG2 install that encapsulates both BG1 and BG2 storylines.

On my tablet I downloaded and installed the GemRB version linked to on the GemRB site (you need to allow installing from other sources than Google Play somewhere in the settings) as that one is newer (and better) than the Play version. Among the introductions in the non-Play version are (I believe) moving the viewable area with multitouch and press-and-hold simulates right-click. Or maybe I just missed it in the other version.

Now I first copied the install over to /sdcard/gemrb without applying the widescreen mod. This was partly to check whether it would work and partly to see how high a resolution I could live with. Without the WS mod, the game (BG2 and dreivatives such as BGT) still supports quite high resolutions but only in a 4:3 ratio which ithe more recent GemRB versions won't stretch to fill your screen. I kinda recommend doing this as you get to see if the thing works and how small a GUI you really want. As I said I found that a height of 768 (as in 1024x768) was too hard on my eyes whereas 600 was fine.

That established I applied the WS mod to my Windows BG2 install, setting the height to 600 and the width to something that made better use of my screen space (960) and copied it over to my tablet once more. And changed the GemRB.cfg file accordingly. And that was it.

The OP's instructions can still be used if you use the out-of-date Play version but should pretty much be disregarded if you get the sourceforge version.

Hmm I have come across a few problems though..

For one thing my character always start out at level 7. This is probably more a BGT issue than a GemRB one, though.

Secondly, I have difficulty getting gameplay option changes to work. E.g. changing when the game will auto-pause oesn't seem to work, nor do changes to feedback settings.

Finally the game crashes hard if it detects peripheral changes, i.e. I plug in or out the tablet's physical keyboard (ASUS Transformer Pad) Not much to do about that or than unplug it as it's prone to detach by itself.

Interesting. I wonder if it has something to do with the difference between the Kindle and the Transformer? On my Kindle it seems that packaged.GemRB.cfg was the preferred file. I'll have to do some testing... That's pretty much what I did, but I also had applied the Bigger Fonts since I used that on both my desktop and laptop to make the text easier to see while still having the higher resolution. Were I not using the saved files from my desktop/laptop I'd have put the resolution at either 800c600 or 1024x600 (the same resolution as my original Kindle Fire).

Flynn

Interesting. I just tried creating a character and ran into the same thing. When I create a character on my laptop, I get a level 1 character. When I created the same character on my Kindle (using the same steps), I get a level 7 character. Weird. Maybe something added by GemRB itself?

Ran into the same problem myself with the options. Tried to set auto-pause when the party encounters a monster. Ran into a Gibberling and nearly lost Jaheira because I expected it to pause and it didn't.

Obviously it still has some rough edges, heh. But starting characters at level 7 definitely breaks things. It will definitely make most of the game too easy. Have you played through the opening? Does Imoen also get pumped up, or is it just the main? It would suck if Imoen, et.al. stayed at level 1-ish while the main is overpowered. =P

Flynn

Hmm then maybe that's what I should do? Start a game on the computer, save it and then transfer it to the tablet. But it seems from your posts that there are some compatibility issues between laptop and tablet with save games? Yeah, I caught it in the Candlekeep training session so it wasn't that dangerous :-) I dunno. The settings apply in the sense that when you revisit the settings screen, it reflects your choices. They just don't take effect. Maybe GemRB just ignores whatever ini file they're written to entirely? Yup, I left Candlekeep just to see what would happen. Imoen receives the same 89000 (i think) xp boost as your own character. The only references to this issue I have found seem to deal with improper mod application where original and modded files get mixed up. Or something. It was kinda hard to relate to my situation when they were talking about CDs and exe files.

Only in the sense that the widescreen mod's information gets saved in the save game file, so if you try to play that save on another system with a differing resolution, it won't work. E.G. a widescreen mod gets set to 1024 x 768 and you want to change it to 1280 x 720, you have to start over. Previous saves won't work.
Well, I guess we can give it a few points for consistency, heh. Overpowers the characters for the first game though, unless the monsters get the same upscale? I doubt it though. I haven't checked the forums yet to see what they suggest, though when I last looked at the forums it had very little information specifically on the Android port.

Flynn

Guys, I wish I could help you with regard to Android/GemRB, but I have no knowledge of either. What I can do, however, is say that this surely must be a mod (BGT) issue. I will point you to this old post over at Gibberlings, where Avenger states that starting XP is moddable in GemRB. Also see the bottom link in that forum.