Every article tag can be clicked to get a list of all articles in that category. Every article tag also has an RSS feed! You can customize an RSS feed too!
We do often include affiliate links to earn us some pennies. See more here.

Remember Cortex Command? Data Realms released a Linux build for the Humble Indie Bundle 2 in 2010, sadly the Linux version never really progressed much but since it was opened sourced last year it can live on and it is alive.

The Cortex Command Community Project (GitHub) is one such attempt to revive it, updating it to keep it working nicely on modern systems. I spoke with the maintainer who said they've worked to deal with any case sensitivity in the engine (because Windows is not case sensitive, but Linux is) and replacing the sound library FMOD, with Gorilla Audio. Their main goal of this, is to give it feature parity with the Windows version which they said it does.

It's compatible with the open source release of Cortex Command, which the data files for are available on Steam in the "CCOSS" Beta branch. Data Realms never pushed that to the main build, so you need to do this. You also need to force Steam Play Proton on it, so it downloads the files needed (otherwise on Linux it's an empty download).

Once downloaded you then grab a release archive from the CCCP GitHub (like this one), extract it and drop the executable into the folder you installed Cortex Command and play directly using that file. That's it and it runs—super easy.


Pictured: Cortex Command on Linux, using the Community Project.

Making it as easy as possible, they said they're "compiling dependencies statically with the executable", to give that drag and drop experience to get it running. They have the dependencies setup in a second GitHub repository found here. Hopefully some readers will find this interesting, having an up to date native Linux build of Cortex Command.

There's also the blackCortex project, which aims to create FOSS assets for Cortex Command to help modders build upon it.

While they're only providing a pre-made easy build for Linux, the project should also work with the Windows version of the game too.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
9 Likes
About the author -
author picture
I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly checked on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly.
See more from me
The comments on this article are closed.
6 comments

Botonoski Jan 15, 2020
Seems like a good excuse to play it, it's been in my backlog since I picked it up for free ages ago.
Tchey Jan 15, 2020
That's very nice !

However, i don't understand how to install that.

- i DL Cortex on Steam with Proton.
- DL both github zip
- open each zip and copy all files in the folder Steam is opening when i check local files
- undo Force Proton
- click Play on Steam

= Error, missing executable
or play via Proton as before.
Liam Dawe Jan 15, 2020
Quoting: TcheyThat's very nice !

However, i don't understand how to install that.

- i DL Cortex on Steam with Proton.
- DL both github zip
- open each zip and copy all files in the folder Steam is opening when i check local files
- undo Force Proton
- click Play on Steam

= Error, missing executable
or play via Proton as before.
Download with Proton for the data.

Unzip the release download, the single executable inside it is placed into the game folder -> run the executable. That's it.

I've updated to attempt to make it even clearer.


Last edited by Liam Dawe on 15 January 2020 at 4:33 pm UTC
Tchey Jan 15, 2020
Hm, i feel i'm missing probably very obvious, but still don't get it...

What is the name of that executable single file i should paste into the game folder ?
Liam Dawe Jan 15, 2020
Quoting: TcheyHm, i feel i'm missing probably very obvious, but still don't get it...

What is the name of that executable single file i should paste into the game folder ?

From the GitHub releases section, I linked the direct file in the article.
Tchey Jan 15, 2020
Thanks, now i can replay this game.

I loved it back years ago, it's still very unique nowadays.
While you're here, please consider supporting GamingOnLinux on:

Reward Tiers: Patreon. Plain Donations: PayPal.

This ensures all of our main content remains totally free for everyone! Patreon supporters can also remove all adverts and sponsors! Supporting us helps bring good, fresh content. Without your continued support, we simply could not continue!

You can find even more ways to support us on this dedicated page any time. If you already are, thank you!
The comments on this article are closed.
Buy Games
Buy games with our affiliate / partner links: