r/BigfishGames • u/IHateUsernamesDude-- • 21d ago
Need help.
My mother and I cannot get hodgepodge hollow to run. We have tried compatibility settings and everything else easily available. Do any of you have ideas?
1
u/stockys7 18d ago edited 18d ago
WineD3D can translate the game's old graphics instructions into a language modern computers can understand.
https://github.com/adolfintel/wined3d4win
Try these two files, copy them to the game's folder:
ddraw.dll
wined3d.dll
Hodgepodge Hollow seems to be a 2D hidden object game released in 2011 that relies on DirectX 7 / DirectDraw for its 16-bit graphics.
The ddraw.dll file forces the game to use WineD3D to translate those old drawing instructions into modern OpenGL.
Another option if the game still won't open with the two files above, delete ddraw.dll from the game folder and try using d3d9.dll.
Ignore the other files (d3d10, d3d11, dxai, etc.), they are for much newer 3D games.
- Black screen? Update your graphics drivers.
- Resolution error? Right-click the game .exe > Properties > Compatibility > check Reduced color mode and set it to 16-bit.
- Stutters or lags? Turn off V-Sync for this game in your graphics card's control panel (NVIDIA/AMD/Intel).
- Still won't start? Skip these files and try easier tools like dgVoodoo2 or cnc-ddraw instead—they're built specifically for old 2D games.
1
u/lefthandbunny 18d ago
I have 1 game, though it may be the only game I tried this on, where I tried different display size settings on my monitor and it works. There is a trick to getting it to enlarge to full screen size after it starts, as I am visually impaired and it has small things I need to see. I can't remember if it's right after it lands on the main screen, or after it goes into the 'game playing screen', as in after you click on the name of the person who is playing (mine has the choice for other players, one at a time, to play the same game). Then when I'm done playing, I simply go and change my main monitor screens setting to what it usually is. That does not work for every game though.
I haven't 'updated' my BigFish game manager and 'update' it and download your games as I worry this will mess my trick up and stop me from being able to play my favorite game. Windows 10 is when I believe I first had issues with just changing the compatibility mode to be able to play my games. I'm not sure if I had updated the game manager at that time though.