Firmament

All I have is a black screen. That can't be right.

This game has some pretty hefty system requirements. Does your computer meet at least the minimum requirements for graphics, RAM and processor?

Doesn't sound right. I don't see anybody in the discussion boards having that problem but some of the first reviews are not too good. I'd say, go back to Obduction for now. I know - not helpful - sorry.

Did it start? Play a cutscene? Anything? I can't find anything in the discussion boards on it either.

Draclvr I think so - Windows 10; 64 bit, Nvidia GE force

It started with a voice and captions; all black background.

Oldbroad - good idea. Perhaps a little something on the side; shaken not stirred 😋

Nvidia GeForce what? Minimum requirement for RAM is 16 GB. This sounds like your computer is not up to snuff. You might want to move this down to the Glitches forum as that's what this sounds like... not a gameplay issue.

Oh. I have 8GB ram. And GT 710 video card

Which means your computer will not be able to play this game. You need a minimum of 16 GB of RAM and a GTX 1070 video card. If there are options to turn off some effects or get rid of a game cursor, you can try that. But your computer is so far under the minimum requirements, I doubt it will help. You should be able to get your money back on the game. In the future, it's really important to check to be sure your computer meets at least the minimum requirements - even for adventure games!

I've moved this thread over to Glitches.

Per the system requirements listed on Steam, it says that the required minimum video memory is 8 GB, unless I am reading it incorrectly; recommended video memory is higher than that. Bottom line, though, is that this game requires a pretty beefy amount of video memory.

Your right Marian I also read 8GB Minimum requirements for this game but like Drac said it also requires a lot of other heavy stuff like RAMs etc, Hmph Adv. games requiring that much Meat, you would think one is playing a Shoot em up kill kill game that Young people love, No Story, No puzzles just hang on to your controller for dear life and Shoot away. sorry, I am showing my OLD Fusspot self again, I will go to my room without supper

Thank you for moving this to Glitches, Marian!

From Steam... minimum requirement for RAM is 16 GB. I assume some of that is assuming using VR. The MacOS requirements are 8 GB and 16 GB. In any case, unfortunately Tally Ho's computer does not meet even the minimum requirements. He didn't say what processor he has, but this one needs at least an 8-core processor too.

MINIMUM:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 2700X Eight-Core Processor (16 CPUs), ~3.7GHz; Intel i5 7000 series
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 5700XT; NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 8GB
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 20 GB available space
Sound Card: N/A
VR Support: SteamVR - Rift, Rift S, Quest 2 via Link, HTC Vive, Vive Pro, Index

RECOMMENDED:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 11
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 3800X 8-Core Processor (16 CPUs), ~3.9GHz; Intel i5 11000 series
Memory: 32 GB RAM
Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 6800XT; NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 12GB
DirectX: Version 12
Storage: 20 GB available space
Sound Card: N/A
VR Support: SteamVR - Rift, Rift S, Quest 2 via Link, HTC Vive, Vive Pro, Index

Thanks for posting that, Drac!

Starcom, I am always happy to see you posting here. Additional (and also humorous!) comments are always welcome.

Starcom, if you are going to your room without supper, I will surely be joining you! You need a high end gaming computer to play some of the recent adventure games! It's nuts!

Thanks Draclvr and Marian I appreciate your comments and backing and Draclvr, make sure to sneak some food up before going to your room

Interesting... did GOG update their system requirements? This is what they have this morning. Their Mac requirements are also 8 and 16 MB RAM of memory. If you were looking at VRAM, it does require a video card with 8 or 12 MB of VRAM.

Minimum system requirements:
Windows 10
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 2700X Eight-Core Processor (16 CPUs), ~3.7GHz; Intel i5 7000 series
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 5700XT; NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 8GB

Recommended system requirements:
Windows 11
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 3800X 8-Core Processor (16 CPUs), ~3.9GHz; Intel i5 11000 series
Memory: 32 GB RAM
Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 6800XT; NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 12GB

I have mentioned that I was gonna try Firmament on my W7 because it had a better chance of running on it then my "All-In-One" computer with an integrated video card. Firmament would not even start up on the W7. I got this message that my system does not support DX12 and was given some options to add code to a "Command Line" to get the game running. That did not work. I was getting different "Error" messages. After about 30 min of trying I gave up and deleted it from the W7 and loaded the game up on the W10. That DX12 Error message did not make sense because minimums state DX11

When I started up the game on the W10 I got this black screen with these 3/4 balls trying to spin around one another in the lower right of screen. It took about 2 minutes for the Menu to show. Once there I went into settings and did an "Auto Detect" on the Graphics then started up the game. The very beginning starts out with a character video. It ran very smoothly. From there it was time to explore. To my surprise the game is running just fine. No sluggish movements, no stalling....I mean the game is running just fine. I am shocked. I played for about an hour, saved and exited out. When I started the game back up that 2 minutes of balls circling very slowly......well this time lasted about 5 seconds circling fast and the Menu appeared. Went back into the game and it played normally. That "Auto Detect" set the graphics on low. If you did not know there were 4 graphics settings on each line the highest "Epic" you would not have known or, at least in my case, cared there were higher settings. It looks and runs just fine, at least so far. I did try and tweak some lines but was not able to do so. So far I have played 2 hours having no complaints. Well there is one.....I purchased the "Digital Strategy Guide". It would have been nice to have been able to access it in game if / when needed. I have checked it out and it is not only a guide book but has detailed info on on all areas of the game the two seperated by orange and green bars so you don't accidently get a hint. Very nice

The negative reviews seem to be, at this point, VR disappointed. It does not surprise me. VR is a tough one to get perfect or at least to every VR player's liking. I'm sure Cyan has started to address any and all issues but we know it can take time depending


Discussions Board

Manual

Screens



My W10 System Specs:

Operating System: Windows 10 Home 64-bit (10.0, Build 19045) (19041.vb_release.191206-1406)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
System Model: Inspiron 5490 AIO
BIOS: 1.5.2 (type: UEFI)
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-10510U CPU @ 1.80GHz (8 CPUs), ~2.3GHz
Memory: 16384MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 16212MB RAM
Page File: 10016MB used, 8627MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 12


Graphics:

Card name: Intel(R) UHD Graphics
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip type: Intel(R) UHD Graphics Family
Display Memory: 8233 MB
Dedicated Memory: 128 MB
Shared Memory: 8105 MB
Current Mode: 1920 x 1080 (32 bit) (59Hz)

Hello everyone! Sorry to hear about the game requirements causing concern. Much to my surprise and delight, I'm successfully running Firmament using an HP Omen Laptop with the following specs:

Operating System: Windows 10 Home 64-bit (10.0, Build 19045) (19041.vb_release.191206-1406)
BIOS: F.42 (type: UEFI)
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-6700HQ CPU @ 2.60GHz (8 CPUs), ~2.6GHz
Memory: 12288MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 12178MB RAM
DirectX Version: DirectX 12
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965M
Dedicated Memory: 4053 MB
Sound Devices: Description: Speaker/Headphone (Realtek High Definition Audio)

So far, no video or sound glitches. The game is running fairly hot but not causing a shutdown or error. It's actually running less hot than Quern and The House of Da Vinci 3, which I recently played. I was gifted a laptop riser than helps cool off the laptop, otherwise it would overheat so that's huge plus.

Orion, since the game requires a minimum of DX 11 with DX 12 being recommended, there is no way it will run on Windows 7. Interesting that you can run on that all-in-one! But you have that 16 GB RAM and DX 12. Good things can happen when you lower the graphics effect to their very lowest. I had suggested that Tally Ho should lower his graphics to see what would happen.

I'm not surprised to see Drummerboy run it on his computer. His specs are a little light, but that DX 12, 12 GB memory and a pretty decent video card with dedicated memory make it adequate. But DO be careful with those temps, Drummerboy. Even if they don't shut the computer down, they will take a toll on your components.

I wonder if I can get it to go by just adding ram?? (probably not)

I think if I must also get a more powerful video card; I might as well go for a computer instead.

- not likely, as I was a Backer early on. 🙄

Have you tried lowering the video? Orion got it running on a computer with lower specs than you have. If the game starts, can you get to the settings or options menu? I have no idea how to do this, but since Orion has the game and did it, maybe he can guide you.

I'll try it!

I am afk for the next few hours; will let you know what happens.

Whether it works or not, Thank You for the attention and the help.

Draclvr,

I checked the CPU and GPU temperatures using NZXT CAM. The GPU is okay but my Intel Skylake Core i7-6700K* CPU ran at 86 deg. C under Firmament load. Yikes!! (Range is 53 deg. C to 70 deg. C load conditions).

I'm uninstalling it from my laptop and moving it over to my gaming PC after I update from Win 7 Pro to Win 11 Pro. What we happily do for a game!

LOL! I totally get it, Drummerboy! I built a new desktop just so I could play a certain game a few years ago!

The best way to describe what I did is to just watch the first 30 seconds of this video. Right now it is the only video I found that shows the menu. Enlarge the video. You gotta be quick to pause right away to see what unfolds. You can pause and scroll back to the beginning if needed then start the video up pausing as you go. Pay no attention to what this player is doing with the settings

Once you start the game the menu will come up. You need to go to "Settings" then click on "Graphics" top right. You will see an "Auto Detect" bottom left of screen. Click it, make sure changes have been applied, and then click "Apply" bottom right. It will detect your machine specs and adjust the graphic settings according to your specs

Now you will see a black arrow top left of screen, clicking on it will take you back to main menu to start a "New Game"

Good Luck!

Thank you, thank you, Orion! Fingers crossed for you Tally Ho!

Ooh Oooh! I got it running!

Turned off the Super Sampling Method. Thanks Orion and Draclvr. Time for lemonade LOL

Gonna play for a while; then tomorrow will open up the box and see if there is a slot for additional RAM.
We have an actual computer store around the corner, and will go talk to them about 16 or 32 gigs. If this computer can handle it, that is.

Here's my specs:

Operating System: Windows 10 Home 64-bit (10.0, Build 19044) (19041.vb_release.191206-1406)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Hewlett-Packard
System Model: 450-011
BIOS: 80.06 (type: UEFI)
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-4170 CPU @ 3.70GHz (4 CPUs), ~3.7GHz
Memory: 8192MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 8130MB RAM
Page File: 12420MB used, 3796MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 12
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: 144 DPI (150 percent)
System DPI Setting: 144 DPI (150 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: UnKnown
Miracast: Available, no HDCP
Microsoft Graphics Hybrid: Not Supported
DirectX Database Version: 1.0.8
DxDiag Version: 10.00.19041.2075 64bit Unicode

Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GT 710
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce GT 710
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Type: Full Device (POST)
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_128B&SUBSYS_36F71458&REV_A1
Device Status: 0180200A [DN_DRIVER_LOADED|DN_STARTED|DN_DISABLEABLE|DN_NT_ENUMERATOR|DN_NT_DRIVER]
Device Problem Code: No Problem
Driver Problem Code: Unknown
Display Memory: 6083 MB
Dedicated Memory: 2018 MB
Shared Memory: 4064 MB
Current Mode: 1920 x 1080 (32 bit) (59Hz)
HDR Support: Not Supported

Yippee! Sounds of Draclvr jumping up and down!

Orion TO THE RESCUE!

Tally Ho, as of October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop all extended support for Windows 10. I would just let your current hardware ride for now. One of your main issues is the video card. They are mega expensive right now and It wouldn't make sense to pour a lot of money into hardware upgrades if you will just need to get a new computer by then. If you upgraded to a new video card, you may have to also upgrade your power supply. It could get very expensive. RAM is the least of your worries!

Now, if your motherboard can support something that is needed for upgrading to Windows 11, then that might be a different story. It's called TPM 2.0 - Total Protection Module. I have it on my motherboard, but I need to enable it in the BIOS before I can upgrade to Windows 11.

I would just let things ride for now and get with your local shop to see what they can advise for you.

Oh, happy gaming for you! This makes my day! I may forgo the lemonade and have a glass of wine!

ALRIGHT!!....Glad you got it up and running Tally Ho

*******

Patch 1 for Firmament already out. Not messing around are they

I have upgraded my desktop twice in the past to play Cyan games - the first time was RealMyst and the second was Obduction.
I think on that basis it is their turn to upgrade my system. I will let you know what they say

I nearly spewed my lovely red wine all over my keyboard at that one, flotsam! DO let us know what they say! LOL!

Go for it flotsam....GET UM !! LOL

Flotsam - I think you're onto something. They certainly owe me one by now. (Standing by with breath abated 😶 )

Good one flotsam It would be nice though if that would work

Just a quick update -
I have been able to play the game after raising my ram to 16GB. The graphics quality is a bit rough, but I tolerate it.

I do not have a VR headset, but am going to borrow one from a friend, to see if my computer will handle it (which I doubt)

The main reason I was inspired to comment further, was something that happened yesterday. There is a part in the game where you get inside a big awkward insect-like machine and drive it around to accomplish a few things. You have to climb out and look around, then climb back in several times. While doing that, I got trapped in the machinery with no way out. The only way to proceed was to quit and load a saved game. That resulted in over an hour of replay. What's worse, there are ONLY TWO saved game slots, which discourages the player from saving more often. Whose idea was that?! I have read where there are other spots where you can get trapped in the graphics such as standing in a doorway as it closes, but haven't seen this one written up.

Anyway, I am a stubborn old coot, and will finish Firmament, along with a surplus of verboten vocabulary. 🤐

“Verboten Vocabulary” sounds exactly the right response, Tally Ho !!

And good luck for no further impediments 🤡🤡🤡

I agree with Mad... "verboten vocabulary" is exactly the correct response! I've had that happen to me too and there is nothing I hate more than not having enough save slots so I can save often! Good luck and certainly you won't have to deal with any more issues like that! Right?

Time for a final comment. I finished the game last night, after a mighty struggle through the final puzzle. I, who have written many walkthroughs, resorted to using not one, but THREE solutions to help with the challenge.

(Here's not really much of a spoiler) Total gameplay time: just short of 60 hours, and just over a month. Yes, I do have other stuff to do!

Anyway, back to the reason for this thread. Adding a minimal video card and adding 8Mb of RAM to the original eight, allowed Firmament to play; and although I know the video I was experiencing was low quality, I got through it with only a few technical issues. As mentioned above, there are some 'gaps' in the graphics that allow the player to become trapped. One time I was caught in a machine's gears, and another time was suspended over a huge tank of acid with my feet not touching a solid surface. Apparently when that happens, the progamming cannot relate to your location and the only way out is to quit and load a saved game. Maybe the 'gap' is a function of my smallish video card, but I doubt it. Maybe this happened to some of the Beta testers, maybe not. But if it did, the programmers didn't come up with a global solution.

Oh - if it makes any difference; I had been a backer in the kickstarter. The version I played came from GOG, not Steam. I have not used a patch to update it; perhaps the problem of getting trapped has been addressed.
To all of you who helped me out; Thank you so much!!

Congrats on finishing the game Tally Ho!

Thanks for coming back with a final comment to round out the whole experience!