I didn't see this error until the second time I lauched the game (I am using Windows 10). It is due to the fact the this old game is running on a modern OS. The error looks like this:


To fix this, do the following:

1. Go to the Omikron Steam directory and right click "Runtime.exe", then left click on "Properties".

2. Go to the "Compatibilty" tab and enable "Windows XP SP3" compatibilty mode from the drop down menu. See screenshot:


The game should now launch with no error.

NOTE: It is commonly suggested to use "Windows 98" compatibilty mode, but XP SP3 is the better choice because in Windows 98 mode your game will not be able to display higher video resolutions like 1920 x 1080.

If you're using an Xbox 360 or other USB controller, the first thing you'll notice after the intro cut scene is that your character will be walking in circles. You'll notice it as soon as you move the left analog stick.

NOTE: I can take no credit for making this workaround. Credit goes to Steam user "♥♥♥♥" (or commonly referred to as "Richard" since his name gets censored).

You'll need to download an archive file entitled "dinput_omikron_v10.zip". You can download it here:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/jal1m1ppg8itz7p/dinput_omikron_v10.zip?dl=1

Virus Total:

https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/c1aadbdcfd9a8f61cba7518edf591a61b949894ae3753981f4aa73973cb1e1a2/analysis/1482979409/

Since I cannot put it better myself, I will now copy/paste the contents of the ReadMe which includes installation intructions.

========================================================
This is targeted at DInput version 0x500 and written specifically around the Omikron usage case, but may work for other titles.

For updates and other stuff, visit: http://www.richwhitehouse.com/

Instructions:

1) Place dinput.dll and dinput_config.cfg in the Omikron directory, where you should already have a file called Runtime.exe.

2) Run the game.

DO NOT overwrite any existing dinput.dll on your system with the one in this distribution. This is a wrapper module, and works by attempting to load the original dinput.dll from your Windows system directory. If you overwrite your system copy with this one, things will break terribly.

The cfg file may be modified to adjust deadzones and adapt scale/bias of the raw controller axis values. The defaults are set up to work for the Xbox 360 controller.

I highly recommend the use of either Pinnacle Game Profiler or Xpadder, not just for this game, but for most old games that don't support controller use. These are "must haves" IMHO for any gamer that likes gamepads.

These programs will allow you to use your controller with any old game that support only keyboard/mouse controls. You can map the keys to any buttons on the controller and both programs have free downloadable templates for a plethora of games both old and new.

These are not free programs, so I will not include any links, but either can be purchased for less than $10 (USD). I personally use Pinnacle simply because it's the first I tried and I know how to use it. Both are very good and highly regarded programs.

The biggest complaint of the game itself is the horrid save system where you have to collect rings to be able to save in specific locations. The rings are scarce, therefore, so is the ability to save your game. Never fear though because there is a free downloadable Save Editor you can use to give yourself up to 250 Rings per save file. You can also edit many other parameters.

Credit to this app goes to Alxyz of Illusion Works. You can download the Save Editor using the link below:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ry48a953vqsnzxe/NomadPatcher10.zip?dl=1

Virus Total:

https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/8b2666121d1725198a829cba90ce4005ade982aeeff48e3fa807fb8db3b2721c/analysis/1483058923/


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1. GENERAL INFORMATION

This application may be used to modify many parameters of interest in the save game file of PC version of Omikron: The Nomad Soul. In contrast with some previous attempts to provide such editor for Omikron, this version actually has an interface (something to point and click).

Specifically, all RPG-like parameters can be changed, including Energy, Attack, Combat Experience, etc. In my opinion, the most important parameters you might want to change are Rings, Money and Mana (in that order).

I wrote this little bit of software because I quite liked the feel of the game as well as some of the ideas. But unfortunately, some parts of the game seem to be executed better then others. In particular, all of the 'shooting' scenes do not work properly (fast enough) on my computer, although at outdoor scenes my accelerator easily handles top features of the game engine. Which means that on my computer shooting must be avoided at all costs, which is not always possible. Thus I wanted to save a lot, but rings limit prevents that. The save game editor seemed to be an obvious solution.

I do understand that this program is created a bit too late concerning that the game itself was released sometime in 2000 (or even 1999?). Nevertheless, I only got the game recently and hey, if you did not finish it then, now you have a chance.

I can not give you any warranty whatsoever, in particular I do not guarantee that this application will work; and I can not promise that your save games will not be corrupted. This application works for me and that is about it.

If you redistribute this archive, please always keep the original files intact!

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2. INSTALLATION

Just unpack file 'NomadPatcher.exe' into the folder where 'Omikron: The Nomad Soul' was installed. Please backup your original 'iam\games' file to make sure you will not lose your original saves. After that you can run 'NomadPatcher.exe' and tweak anything you like.

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3. VERSION HISTORY:

1.0 (7/12/2002):
- First version to be released to the public.
- Month and year decoding is incomplete. Could anyone who played beyond the month 'Nadim' contact me so that I will be able to figure out at least the internal month format.
- All of the game features documented in kalis (wiper@wanadoo.fr) and crisis (omikron_the_nomad_soul@hotmail.com) 'Omikron: The Nomad Soul Savegame FAQ' are implemented (plus some more). If you have any extra information about the save game file format please do not hesitate to contact me. I would be expecially interested in any information on decoding the sneak contents.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. CONTACT INFORMATION

Please send me an email:
- if you like this program and if you dislike it, too
- if you want to make suggestions
- if you find any bugs


Contact:

-> email: illusionworks@hotmail.com

I hope this guide has helped with getting this old game optimized for modern systems. With these changes I think the "fun factor" will increase dramatically. It really is a unique and one-of-a-kind gaming experience. If this guide has helped you, don't forget to "favorite" and rate it! :)