Woot! Persistence pays off!

That's very interesting. When I installed the DVD version of Lightbringer on Windows 98 and took an in-game screenshot, it was identified as a 16-bit screenshot by Irfanview. It made no difference whether the Windows Desktop was set to 256 color or 16-bit color before starting the game and taking a screenshot -- screenshots were always 16-bit. So it seems the game controls its color depth regardless of how the Desktop is set. And on my vintage computer (Windows 98, 233 MHz processor, Matrox Mystique graphics card) the game wanted to display at 16-bit.

Of course the DVD version of Lightbringer could be different, but there's no arguing with success.
If setting compatibility to 256 colors fixes the issue, that's the important thing.

But it makes me wonder if the game could be setting color number depending on your video card -- and if the game can't detect a video card that's on its list of video cards capable of using 16-bit color, maybe it defaults to using 256 color graphics.

Jenny, I even set my Display Properties settings to 32 Bit, and the graphics look just fine AS LONG AS I have the Compatibility set for 256 Colors. Every other box is "unchecked". WHEW!
Sandy

It wouldn't matter what you have your desktop set to if the game is deciding whether to use 256 colors or 16-bit. But if the game insists on using 256 colors on your computer because it doesn't see your video card on the "approved-for-16-bit" list, and your Windows XP says "Oh no you don't. I don't do the 256 color thing unless ordered to by Mr. Compatibility", then that might cause issues. Palettes don't work in 16-bit.

Some old Windows games from the 1990's will try to use whatever color number and resolution your desktop is set to, but Lightbringer does not appear to be one of them. Games that use DirectX will usually change resolution and color number when they are started, then change them back when they exit.

Thanks for that explanation, Jenny. I will keep that in mind when I play some more "old" games You are SO knowledgeable.
Sandy

OK, I finished playing the game and even managed to get the "good" ending. I really enjoyed this game, especially the times that I could see those great graphics the way they were meant to be seen. LOL

Good for you sanford!

Glad you were able to play it, Sanford.