Populous supports Hercules, CGA, EGA, Tandy, and VGA graphics, but you can't switch between them by configuration, you have to install the game with the graphics you want to use (different data files are installed depending on your choice). You may be using something other than VGA, which would explain the limited colors. If that's the case, you should reinstall and select VGA. If you think you have the VGA data files installed already, please post a screenshot.

I wasn't given an option on the graphics mode when I installed the game, but I think it is VGA (maybe), as there are four files named popvga# (# = 1 to 4). However, there are obviously VGA as well as CGA and EGA datafiles, so I don't know.

Screenshot below.

OK, nevermind... I figured it out. Those popvga files are batch files, and it's one of those that I have to run in DOSBox to get vga graphics. Sorry to have bothered you. Just took some playing around.

Thanx for your attempt at helping me and my idiocy.

Heh, Populous in CGA. At least Bullfrog used a "good" palette.