Topic: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????  (Read 11406 times)

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Offline dbdbdb

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Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« on: February 12, 2005, 05:11:35 am »
I don't know about you guys, but I think with the communities continued involvement [Additional campaigns, ships, scripts..etc.] that this undying effort warrents the release of a newer version........i.e. SFC4. With the new technology available,[more processing power/cheap memory] they [Talgren] can finally take SFC4 to the next level.


So, is it a chance that it will happen?

Offline Sochin

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #1 on: February 12, 2005, 05:51:36 am »
We all live in hope.

Offline Pestalence_XC

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #2 on: February 12, 2005, 07:16:35 am »
I don't know about you guys, but I think with the communities continued involvement [Additional campaigns, ships, scripts..etc.] that this undying effort warrents the release of a newer version........i.e. SFC4. With the new technology available,[more processing power/cheap memory] they [Talgren] can finally take SFC4 to the next level.


So, is it a chance that it will happen?

Not even remotely possible of happening...

Taldren closed down in May 2004.. Officially locked their doors and shut completely down.

The best that we can hope for is the source code for OP / EAW and having the fan community tweak the game.. No one can ever release a Starfleet Command 4 or a game that can simulate Starfleet Command as all Intellectual Property belongs to specific people and Taldren, as such it woule be illegal for anyone to attempt to release a game that will copy Starfleet Command...

Your best hope is if Kenneth Yeast will get the permissions from all parties involved to release the game engine source code and build enviroment (and possible tools if available) so that the community can attempt to adjust the SFC game engine to where they as individuals are happy or where the community will come together and create a MOD that the community can agree on as a new standard...

Until then, the best you can hope for is just Mods changing ship specifications and models.
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Offline Sochin

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #3 on: February 12, 2005, 08:00:51 am »
Just because Taldren isnt around doesnt make the possibility of SFC4 a lost cause.

Offline Pestalence_XC

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #4 on: February 12, 2005, 09:06:46 am »
Just because Taldren isnt around doesnt make the possibility of SFC4 a lost cause.

OK, so how would a company make SFC 4 when the Intellectual Property is copywritten and split between 35+ former Taldren employees who now work at other places...

There is no way a Starfleet Command 4 could ever posibly be developed unless the people from Taldren come back and create a new company..

the only way anything resembeling a SFC 4 would be fan created if and only if the source code is released, and even then, it would be a MOD of SFC OP and not a whole new game...

again there will be no SFC 4.
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Offline Commander Maxillius

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #5 on: February 12, 2005, 11:33:13 am »
pssh, what's in a name?  I'd play it if the game experience is like SFC with everything we'd like to add to it, even if it's called something else.


But the copyright issues are still there, so be patient, they're working on it.
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Offline EmeraldEdge

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #6 on: February 12, 2005, 11:55:51 am »
You know, last I heard was that ATVI had purchased the name rights from Interplay.  I never saw it posted anywhere that the rights to the name had gone to Taldren, unless you know something that wasn't publicly stated.   So, I would say that it is possible.  A company would just have to start from scratch with their own code, and get the rights to use the name.  I would think that things have advanced far enough (and truly SFC was never visually ground breaking in the slightest, imo) that you would want to use a new engine anyway, so that solves half the problem.   ATVI said that Iplay was very willing to sell them the rights to the name, which makes sense since they couldn't make Trek games anymore, now that ATVI is in the same place as Iplay was I would bet that they might be willing to make a quick buck off of something they can't really use, as well.

Offline Pestalence_XC

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #7 on: February 12, 2005, 01:07:05 pm »
It's not just the name.. besides Activision only owns the title Starfleet Command III.. Taldren owns the name sake of Starfleet Command.. Activision purchased the permission from Interplay to create a game based on the source code that Interplay owns.. Taldren was hired to build the game which is basically a revision of the OP source code which is a revision of the EAW code which is a revision of the SFC original source code...

The name Starfleet Command left interplay with Erik Bethke when he formed Taldren.

Now as for using the source code, SFC original belongs to interplay's 14 East department, EAW and OP belongs to Taldren with licensing by Interplay... the SFC 3 source code belongs to Activision..

However the Source Code is also Intellectual Property of the employees of Taldren.. as such, unless Taldren releases the source code, no one can work on it.. as such, no more SFC games..

Now for anyone to make a game based on SFC would have to secure permission from Taldren, Taldren's former employees, 14 East division of Interplay, Activision, Quick Silver, Paramount/Viacom Studios, Interplay, and anyone else involved in the production of SFC just to cover the Intellectual property involved as well as the source code..

Currently, someone would have to create a whole new game that is at least 20% different in design, programming code, graphics, and playability in order to override the copywrites.. but then you would have a totally new game and it would no longer be SFC... and since the name SFC belongs to Taldren and they are closed, and the name is copywritten, then SFC can not be used for the game title..

so this leaves us with a whole new game under a whole new title.. that means there could never be another SFC and as such, the SFC franchise died with SFC 3 and Taldren's closing..

I'm sure that someone could build a game similar to SFC, but there would be major differences in the game to make it a totally different game all together...

Sorry to burst all of your bubbles, but unless Erik sells the SFC name and everyone releases the copywrites to the titles and Intellectual properties and Source Codes, no one can develope squat in relation to SFC's source Code or title for sale or even redistributed since it is illegal to alter the exe files and the q3 files currently (although Quicksilver is attempting to give a hand on how to edit the q3 file structure for Mods)...

Now if the Source Code is released, then people will be free to make an almost new game using the original source code, however it would be considered a MOD of the original game AND they would not be able to sell it as it would be Copywrite infringement... so that deters a lot from even attempting to develope a new SFC game because there is no profit in it...

Anyhow, just thought you should know.
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Offline Pestalence_XC

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #8 on: February 12, 2005, 01:15:12 pm »
Another question.. why are people giving me negative karma for telling the truth ????
"You still don't get it, do you?......That's what he does. That's all he does! You can't stop him! It can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until you are dead!"

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Offline Sochin

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #9 on: February 12, 2005, 01:16:20 pm »
Know all your doing is splitting hairs, what did Harry say about another title for the 40th Anniversary next year (and it ain't STO either). What you  are failing to take in to account is what if the game done under licence with permision from Taldren, are you saying that ain't going to happen. It looks like most of the balls required are in Taldrens court and they don't have a great deal of exposure in the market if any I would of thought they would jump at the chance to earn some cash.

Offline Pestalence_XC

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #10 on: February 12, 2005, 01:24:43 pm »
Taldren is CLOSED.. Out of Business.. No Accounts, nothing , Nada, nip, Nil, Zilch..

How can Taldren jump at any chances when they are gone and all the employees work for other companies? The titles are copywritten in Taldren's name, as such the copywright will last for 50 years before the name is available.. same goes for the Source Code....

now there has not been any word on Taldren Korea, and Erik has fallen off the face of the planet in Korea, and the Taldren Korea site is closed down..

as such, there is no getting hold of the owner of Taldren, unless you can track him in the Korean Game Programmers Guild or what ever it is called...

Anyhow, what Harry is talking about is in no relation to SFC... there are hundreds of Trek games available, several have never been published.. As such, Harry is talking about different companies that are in current existance... Taldren has been gone for almost a year now.. at least 8 months...
"You still don't get it, do you?......That's what he does. That's all he does! You can't stop him! It can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until you are dead!"

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Offline OlBuzzard

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #11 on: February 12, 2005, 01:49:37 pm »
hmmm

Pestalance....  if I did not know better ..  I'd say you were afraid that another SFC game would be produced.

As for SFC-3 ...  there is no confirmed patch ..   and there is a roomer that the next attempt at a patch for SFC-3 will severely "gut" at least one race that we know of.  ( Making it less desireable to play )

I strongly support the release of a new game   ..... and would gladly support the development of one to that end. 

To date Nanners GAW has the best interpretation of the SFC-3 release ... but there are things that still need to be done ( as far as a new game is concerned  ...  ie: 3-D flare )

At any rate ...  not to get off on tangent ...  But I do agree that there is support in the right places that would be a positive move for the SFC community.

thanks
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Offline EmeraldEdge

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #12 on: February 12, 2005, 02:03:23 pm »
That just doesn't mesh with some of the stuff I read.   Taldren, as far as I ever heard, never owned the name "Starfleet Command", and why would they?  They were hired to make the games, by the owner of the name, Interplay, and after that ATVI (after they aquired the name from Iplay, and Taldren acquired the rights to some of the code with Iplay held during the making of the previous games.  This was all said by Erik Bethke after they announced SFCIII).

As far as Taldren Korea, there is a reason that it isn't there anymore.  Erik said that Taldren Korea was a seperate entity, and in fact would not be named Taldren Korea as he was trying to come up with a new name for the company.  The reason he went with Taldren Korea at the time because he was thinking that they could work as seperate cells, each working on different projects, but if the need arose, they could assist eachother, sort of like sister companies or something.  Since Taldren US dropped before the other one really got underway, and there was talk of what responsabilities a Taldren Korea might have to the other company of the same name, the discussion finally lead to Erik saying he was going to change the name.

I kind of agree with Buzzard here, everytime something like this comes up it's met with some pretty intense antagonism on the part of Pestalence and a few others (maybe he's just playing the part of his name or something, I don't know).  At the very least it doesn't hurt to dream, and according to the facts that I've been privy too, it's always a possability.

Offline dbdbdb

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #13 on: February 12, 2005, 02:35:12 pm »
Interesting comments thus far.

Talgren's role if any in future developments is purely dependant on the contract signed with the actual owner of the SFC series. Whomever that may be i.e. Interplay\Activision. And if that contract included future developments of the title, then the owner of Talgren would have the rights to execute that option, providing they feel its worth the investment. Its all legal mombojumbo, everybody wants a piece of the pie for the life of the product. If they [The owners of the SFC series title don't feel it is worth the investment ... then its a no go] and talgren can't operate outside of that and produce another title on its own.

Sadly, this may include any similar titles which could be based on the Startrek concept. :-[

Be that as it may, SFC desearves another release, the fan-base is there, the fan commitment is there and the opportunity for growth is there. And I would like to see it upgraded to the next level, utilizing today's technology.

Offline OlBuzzard

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #14 on: February 12, 2005, 02:54:51 pm »
Hi Ya "EE" ...

man ....  it's been a while.  Good to see ya bud.  Seems like the last time we met you were plucking Ol Buzzards tail feathers on an OP Server !!!


 :brickwall:

hehehe ...  that's cool

Let's look beyond Taldren ... and simply look at the possibilities"

1.  There are a LOT of unanswered questions :  a lot of legal stuff too that NONE of have ALL of the answerers to.

2.  Does this mean we should throw in the towel as a result of the "unknown".  IMHO ...  if anything until someone who is a genuine legal representative for ALL parties concerned tells us there is now way on the face of this planet it can happen ..  then I say let's do it !!

3.  The opposition :  Not always ..  but frequently from groups or facets within our own community that attempts to over see the development of any SFC game as to staying with in the "guidelines" of how they already interpret SFC as to wheather or not this ( or any other release of SFC) ...  meets their standards.

IMHO ...  this last group or part of the formula is the most dangerous of all.  We must be careful that we don't kill anything else that may be considered by other developers ..  other wise we will see a repeat of "Enterprise" ... and a quick death as a result.

We MUST look forward to new possibilities ...

just my 2 cents worth.

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Offline Dash Jones

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #15 on: February 12, 2005, 03:58:23 pm »
Well, I suppose next time they can forgo SFC, and instead just go right to the heart, make a deal with another company which was involved somewhat in SFC, and instead call it...

SFB.

Except this one would be for the computer.
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Offline KBF-Crim

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #16 on: February 12, 2005, 04:34:28 pm »
SFC4 as you  guys envision it is highly unlikely of ever being done...

There are too many licensing issues at this pointin time for any thing like that to get a green light from all parties involved...

It's not a matter of we couldnt figure out how to upgrade the game ...it's a matter of no one having clear licensing to produce and distribute such a game...

If Paramount isnt on board....forget about it being Trek....

If Steve Cole aint on board....forget it being SFB based....and if it isnt SFB based ...it isnt SFC in my book....SFC light maybe...

You then either need an entirely NEW game engine...or you need to get past parties on board also...like Quicksilver...

So yeah...honestly....if we had a few million and change....we could probably buy licenses and have the community self produce SFC4 legally....

Is SFC4 impossible?....no...

Is SFC4 possible ?...not bloodly likely...


Offline EmeraldEdge

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #17 on: February 12, 2005, 05:24:17 pm »
Here's what I see.  Produce a SFC like game without Trek ships but make it moddable.  90 percent of the problems are solved. ;)

Seriously though, there is a lot of talk about other games with mods for Trek ships.  There is some talk about Nexus, but it just doesn't fulfill the "I'm in control of my ship" thing that SFC does.   I could see, though, that if a game came along that didn't feature Trek ships, but had a complex game system, with diverse weapons and ship systems, that was moddable and had a Dynaverse like setting, it could replace SFC in my heart.  I don't need it to be SFB based, but it's got to have that kind of depth.  If someone was to just make the core game, with whatever ships they wanted, we'll do the Trek mod for it I'm sure.  Let's face it, a lot of the mods replace most of the stock models anyway.

So, as far as I'm concerned, which developer is up for making an in depth tactical starship simulator with online universe?

Offline OlBuzzard

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #18 on: February 12, 2005, 05:28:38 pm »
SFC4 as you  guys envision it is highly unlikely of ever being done...

There are too many licensing issues at this pointin time for any thing like that to get a green light from all parties involved...

It's not a matter of we couldnt figure out how to upgrade the game ...it's a matter of no one having clear licensing to produce and distribute such a game...

If Paramount isnt on board....forget about it being Trek....

If Steve Cole aint on board....forget it being SFB based....and if it isnt SFB based ...it isnt SFC in my book....SFC light maybe...

You then either need an entirely NEW game engine...or you need to get past parties on board also...like Quicksilver...

So yeah...honestly....if we had a few million and change....we could probably buy licenses and have the community self produce SFC4 legally....

Is SFC4 impossible?....no...

Is SFC4 possible ?...not bloodly likely...




This SFB stuff is EXACTLY what we must avoid.  Sorry guys .. you can flame my butt if you want to..   but every time we get into this it becomes an argument ..  and a game that is simply not worth it.

It is good to have some elements of the game there  ( as Taldren first envisioned it ...  )  but if you are going back to those old arguments .... and getting all of you buds on here to tell me just how wrong I am ..  do what ever you will ..

but SFB has killed one community ...  and the oppsite extreme another.  I had hope we had learned something by now ...

looks like I was wrong.

This sort of dogmatism is exactly what has killed Trek in general.  Believe me, I have been with Trek since the beginning ...  and SFB as well.  I think I know what I'm talking about.

The likely hood of those who are in controll of OP actually listening to me )or anyone else for that matter) is virtually non existant.  WE have seen all the flame wars over this matter that I care to.  If SFB is what you want ..  then continue to develop OP .. and work with what ever you need to in order to have SFB.  But STOP trying to cram it down the throats of the rest of us.  We dont want it any more.

Oh ..  I'm almost certain that in the eyes of many of you ( but thank God the majority who purchased the game disagree) ..  that if it is not SFB ..  then it is not a true Trek game.  NO ! You are wrong.

This superficial ideaism of asserting SFB over Trek is one of the things that has KILLED the entire series.

Well ..  I guess I'm done ..  probably in more ways than one.

How small this community has gotten.

this hurts me to even to have to type this out.

 :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
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Offline Age

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #19 on: February 12, 2005, 05:38:32 pm »
Another question.. why are people giving me negative karma for telling the truth ????
It happens welcome to my world when I talk the truth.I know one thing I ain't gonna get the game that I kept bugging Ann about by e-mail and pm.I do have few Ideas though for another game similar but not exactly in title but there won't be no SFBs as Viacom won't allow it.

Offline EmeraldEdge

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #20 on: February 12, 2005, 05:39:28 pm »
Um, so why type it?  It's actually more of a flame than anything Crim said.  He just commented that if the line was to continue as it had, and he feels it should (his stated opinion) then SFB would have to be on board.   I'm no SFB nut, and I certainly don't think that a great space game has to be based on it (even if it's a Trek game) but SFC3 bit the biggest rocks I could find.  IMO Disney's Treasure Planet game was better in many ways.   I don't think you can get a good tactical combat simulator with having something that is really diverse (and I'm not talking x number of phasers that are almost the same, but it's still x number. That's variety, right?  ugh!).

I wouldn't say that SFB killed a community, it was the conflict of the SFB and anti-SFB folks that keeps this thing going.  I personally feel that the SFB-only folks need to loosen up a bit, and the anti-SFB folks need to take a pill and realize that SFB is more Trek than they realize (for a lot of those folks, if the Enterprise didn't have it it shouldn't be in the game, but what about all the other weapons the other races have used.  Does it matter if it was only in one episode?  I don't think so.   Plus, tons of other games have invented new weapons to put on Trek ships, but nobody really complains, but the second something comes from SFB, it's sent from the devil for the sole purpose of destroying Trek or something).  Quite frankly, I think if the anti-SFB crowd had their way all the time we'd end up with a pretty dull, one sided game.  To me, both sides are at fault.

Back to the real discussion though, what are the odds that a new system could be invented, and a game produced (remember it doesn't have to come stock, with Trek ships as long as it's moddable, so there is no license issue)?  Could it be done by fans with an existing engine that's out there (even if it's a bit outdated)?  and if not, is there company that is likely to take on the risk of producing such a game?

Offline Pestalence_XC

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #21 on: February 12, 2005, 06:56:33 pm »
I'd be estatic is another SFC game was able to be created.. Heck, I'd settle for the source code and help work on a community based expansion of SFC whether it be SFC OP engine or SFC III engine makes no difference to me.. SFB or no SFB .. makes no difference..

but the fact of the matter is that the source code is not released, licenses are tied up, and the source code has so many hands in it for ownership that it everyone is having a hard time of getting it released.. as such, all I can say is that a new title of SFC being made doesn't stand a chance in hell.. a massive mod using the source code , that still holds a chance but extremely slim..

Now if someone wants to use a different game engine and create a SFC like game, then that is possible, but it would still be a mod of the game the engine was designed for and it could not be sold and since the SFC name is tied up legally, it would have to be called something a bit different.

If someone wants to create a new game engine, then by all means go ahead, but remenber it would have to play differently or it would violate copywrite laws... also hope that they have the money to work on it and the team to do so...

anyhow, I'm not trying to flame anything.. I am just sticking to facts..

Fact 1, Taldren is closed and is not coming back.. as such, everyone who has the right to work on the SFC game engine is gone and can not touch it.

Fact 2, Starfleet Command title is protected by Copywrite

Fact 3, The Source Code is not released

so based on these 3 simple facts, an SFC 4 is not possible.. that does not mean that mods can not be made nor does it mean a Mod for another game engine could be made.. but the point is that it would not be SFC 4.
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Offline OlBuzzard

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #22 on: February 12, 2005, 07:46:41 pm »
1.  EE ...  IF I seemed a bit out of sorts bubba ..  I apologise ..  sorry man .. I've seen too much of the extremists take over things ..  and it seems we some how always manage to forget what we are really trying to do sometimes.

At any rate ..  SFB ..  when it's fun ..  is cool  .. but it got out of control.  Extremists interpretations became the accepted norm.  At any rate I wont bring up old bad feelings if thats s cool with you ..  I should just let that go ..  it's in the past.

Sorry ..  I guess I just have too many bad vibes off of the past.

2.  Pestanence ...  IF ..  and ONLY if those conditions remained as they are and never changed then you would be correct.  However ..  PLEASE ..  if you get nothing else that I EVER write in this or any other forum any where else in the whole wide world ...

man ..  LOOK we GOT to believe in the endless possibilities.  Heck ..  to me that is the one thing we can appreciate about the Star Trek adventure.  While there may never in RL be:  Klingons, Vulcans, Andorians, or any of the other stuff out there ... I do believe in the possibilities.  When Trek was taken off the air the first time ...  an handfull of us believed in the possibilities of a movie ..  maybe more than one.  ANYTHING was possible as far as we were concerned.

Please dont go looking for old files, reports, quotations etc to prove that this is off the beaten path.

I would rather be your friend  ..  as well as the ones of us who are left in the community.  It just seems that a wall was built some time back and depending upon where we stood on certain issues anyone was either listened to .. or ignored.

If it's ok with you gents ..  I will continue to hold out looking for the possibilities and the belief that all of this is ANYTHING but over.

"There are always possibilities!"

If you aim at nothing:  you WILL hit it every time !

Offline Pestalence_XC

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #23 on: February 12, 2005, 08:39:29 pm »
The only possibility that exists is if Kenneth yeast comes back and releases the source code forthe game engine.. now the only source codes he can release is for EAW and OP... BUT he has to get permission from all involved... he was hoping to release it in Dec 2004, however no one has seen hide nor hair of him since Nov 2004..

now the only one who had gained any information on SFC OP source code is Bonk and his contact with Quick Silver, but that is a LONG way from the game engine source code..

now all I can state is this.. if someone can find kenneth's personal Email addy and we bombard him with a petition for the source code release, then MAYBE it will happen.. but until he releases the Source Code, SFC is stuck as is.

That is all the hope that I have.. I have a hope for the source code.. but I do not think it will happen soon, or if it does, the Taldren Build Enviroment may be a problem as well.. the enviroment in which OP was created in..

"You still don't get it, do you?......That's what he does. That's all he does! You can't stop him! It can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until you are dead!"

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Offline OlBuzzard

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #24 on: February 12, 2005, 10:50:49 pm »
sorry to hear that Pestalance ..

 particularly since there may be more at stake than just OP .  ( No I don't have all  the techno-babble at my finger tips.  But, I have had this discussion with someone else before.)  I can't recall with whom, or the circumstances behind the discussion ( ....  having a senior moment here ... sorry !!!) ..  But I DO remember that there is a lot more to the idea you are discussing than just simply handing over those codes.


Back to the opening question ..  yes it can happen.  However for a new game to be released it more probable that it would be closer to an entirely different format .. or perhaps a combination of SFC-3 and BC ...  and maybe some of the ideas of OP with it.  The engine of OP has a big part in SFC-3 as it is  (so I'm told) ...  That seems to indicate that it would even LESS likely that the data you are after, sir, would be released any time soon.

So ..  yes a new game is possible.  It should be interesting to see what format it would follow.


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Offline Pestalence_XC

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #25 on: February 12, 2005, 11:13:18 pm »
I wasn't meaning just OP.. OP and EAW is the only source codes that can be released by Kenneth Yeast.. the original SFC Source Code belongs to Interplay and SFC 3 Source Code belongs to Activision.. those companies would have to release those components...

as for a New Star Trek Game.. by all means yes.. harry Lang even stated Trek games are in the works... another SFC on the other hand would have to have a different name and a different method of playability.. in that case, it is not SFC any longer.. which means a different developer... as such, a totally different game.. meaning a move away from SFC and it's roots and design....

I never said no other games could be made.. I stated that there won't be an SFC 4.. the best anyone can hope for is the OP Source code and make a massive mod on the game engine... and again that is a hope that may not happen any time soon.. unless we can get hold of Kenneth Yeast and see if he is willing to release the code... if he can't be reached or if he can't release the code, then SFC is stuck as is.

and Yes, SFC 3 used OP's core for the game engine, however, the Source Code to both games are independant and rights by companies do not overlap.. IE: Activision has no say in OP Source Code Release.. only SFC 3 Source Code release.
"You still don't get it, do you?......That's what he does. That's all he does! You can't stop him! It can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until you are dead!"

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Offline Age

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #26 on: February 12, 2005, 11:33:54 pm »
   The question is what can you do with the source code Pestalence?
« Last Edit: February 12, 2005, 11:45:42 pm by Age »

Offline Pestalence_XC

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #27 on: February 13, 2005, 12:00:06 am »
It isn't what I can do with it, it is what the community can do...

With the source code, the entire game engine could be re-written, races added, a z axis added for 3D flight, new weapons, etc.. the possibilities are endless... Everyone, who has the tools, could make their own version of  the game.. or the community could unite and make 1 massive all accepting Mod for the game or hundreds of different mods could be created.....

For myself, it would be a great tool to learn from.
"You still don't get it, do you?......That's what he does. That's all he does! You can't stop him! It can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until you are dead!"

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Offline Rod ONeal

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #28 on: February 13, 2005, 01:49:43 am »
I haven't read every post. So, forgive me if this has already been stated.

So, I guess that someone couldn't take ADB's intellectual property (with permission, of course) and Paramount's intellectual property (again with permission) and do another SFB based Trek game? Why not?

Taldren's intellectual property (the X-weapons, etc...) wouldn't be missed IMO.

I'd rather see the source code, personally. It would save us from having to go through all of the teething pains from SFC all over again. Bugs, deciding to do the systems differently rather than by the book, etc...

If Romulans aren't cowards, then why do they taste like chicken?

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #29 on: February 13, 2005, 12:41:24 pm »
another sfc4? Nope. Not possible.

It would be nice to have the source code for all the games though - at least some forum of permission to mess with the .exe and sprites.q3 file. That would make things fun again to a degree.

As to the rest - its just best left that sfb is not trek - but can be a fun game at times. Different people, different tastes. :)
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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #30 on: February 13, 2005, 01:13:22 pm »
OK sfb isnt trek it's a board game based on trek, sfc is the 1st online experiance of trek that alot of players including myself had.   SFB didnt kill trek ! players who were unwilling to adjust for a balanced game killed trek. Now on the subject of sfc3 some say they want a game based on the show well ok then that would be 55 min of chatter 3 photons and a cloud of dust federation wins game over now I dont know bout you all but thats not going to hold interest for very long sorry. The only thing thats holding this small group together now is mods, op+ has the lock on op,and looks to me the best mod for sfc3 is gen imo not to hurt any one feelings of course for there work's . Seems whats left of the community needs to band behind these 2 mods and work out  game's of balance as well as ship selection,and model's for the 2  game's hell even texures and sound , simply the best needs to be imported into the games period. If no code is coming which looks to be the case then a stance of for the community's sake needs to be takin or all is lost enjoy........................

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #31 on: February 13, 2005, 01:32:14 pm »
Now as far as op+ goes i feel that work is moving along fine, I have downloaded i think every mod for sfc3 a game i dont even play just to see what folks have come up with and have found interesting stuff and features from all that would make one great mod of mods for that game ,tos sheild graphics were cool an some models, era selector in gen .........sweet lots of good models there and over all look, that new gfl mod they say they have balance hell i dunno u all would have to look at it the intro was a nice touch thou. I'm just grabbing at a few things off the top of my head Theres alot of talent in this community it needs to get on the same page folks again my opinion not ment to hurt feelings enjoy............

Offline OlBuzzard

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #32 on: February 13, 2005, 01:53:54 pm »
another sfc4? Nope. Not possible.

It would be nice to have the source code for all the games though - at least some forum of permission to mess with the .exe and sprites.q3 file. That would make things fun again to a degree.

As to the rest - its just best left that sfb is not trek - but can be a fun game at times. Different people, different tastes. :)


Dude ....  let me drag down my calendar .. that's twice in a week we agree on something.

As for the suggestion that others can't or wont play the game because it was finally balanced ..  ( as the patch for SFC-3 and the way OP is as well  seems to implicate...)  that is a sad joke.  It seems that some are only satisfied with a twisted definition of balance.  And even more sad anyone who dares to disagree is somewhat ostracised until they see the error of their way, repent, and subscribe to the "SFB" ways of the force.

Sorry ..  Been there: done that:  WONT do it again.

If you aim at nothing:  you WILL hit it every time !

Offline KBF-Crim

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #33 on: February 13, 2005, 01:56:00 pm »
This SFB stuff is EXACTLY what we must avoid.  Sorry guys .. you can flame my butt if you want to..   but every time we get into this it becomes an argument ..  and a game that is simply not worth it.

It is good to have some elements of the game there  ( as Taldren first envisioned it ...  )  but if you are going back to those old arguments .... and getting all of you buds on here to tell me just how wrong I am ..  do what ever you will ..

but SFB has killed one community ...  and the oppsite extreme another.  I had hope we had learned something by now ...

looks like I was wrong.

This sort of dogmatism is exactly what has killed Trek in general.  Believe me, I have been with Trek since the beginning ...  and SFB as well.  I think I know what I'm talking about.

The likely hood of those who are in controll of OP actually listening to me )or anyone else for that matter) is virtually non existant.  WE have seen all the flame wars over this matter that I care to.  If SFB is what you want ..  then continue to develop OP .. and work with what ever you need to in order to have SFB.  But STOP trying to cram it down the throats of the rest of us.  We dont want it any more.

Oh ..  I'm almost certain that in the eyes of many of you ( but thank God the majority who purchased the game disagree) ..  that if it is not SFB ..  then it is not a true Trek game.  NO ! You are wrong.

This superficial ideaism of asserting SFB over Trek is one of the things that has KILLED the entire series.

Well ..  I guess I'm done ..  probably in more ways than one.

How small this community has gotten.

this hurts me to even to have to type this out.

 :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

You want Trek dogmatism and flame bait?

Here you go...

Posted by Nanner:
Quote
As to the rest - its just best left that sfb is not trek -

And the sky is green...

Really...how do expect these types of comment to be recieved?

I can read....my SFC box has SFB plastered all over it...has the cadets rules set right on the disk.....with paramount blessings....and this little comment "Finally a starship naval combat game WORTHY of the name Star Trek...

"Using data from the best selling strategy board game , StarFleet battles ,Stafleet Command puts you in the captains chair for the most amazing real time space cpmbat experience ever created."

And right on the front...."Inspired by Star Fleet Battles"

So if you bought this game ...thinking that SFB wasnt trek...or SFC wasnt trek......did you even read the box?

I did....and that was the whole reason I bought the game in the first place...because I knew SFB to be a tested and structured gaming system....even though I never played it...I had played other types of wargaming...

It was once asserted that "the people" didnt want SFB in any future games...so Erik put it to a poll....and the poll was overwelmingingly in favor of SFB based SFC4...ofcorse the naysayers then discounted said poll as "biased" because not all SFC players came to Taldrens website...

If you take the chicken out of the soup and replace it with tofu, you can call it chicken soup all day....but it wont have the same flavor...no matter how you doctor it up.

So lets drop the EXTREMISTS comments and the like shall we...and please stop trying to sell me on the idea that you guys were inside anyones head at Taldren so you can share "Taldrens vision" with me....

I play Taldrens vision every day thank you..and the "read me" for it is chocked full of not only bug fixes for the game ...but rule fixes for the game also...all with Taldrens blessing...I can read...

If you think that SFC isnt based on SFB...and that SFB isnt Trek....go argue with the marketing Dept at interplay...even if SFB wasnt trek before SFC...it certainly is NOW...since the ruleset was used with Paramounts blessing....and that's Trek enough for me...

There are exacty three games based on SFB...and hundreds NOT...

There is plenty of room in Trek for everyone's tastes...wanting the game to follow the clear path it came from isnt extremism...it's quite the opposite...


Offline OlBuzzard

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #34 on: February 13, 2005, 02:19:13 pm »
Crim..  the simple truth is ..  no one is allowed to think "out side the box" of SFB ..  without getting their butt ripped a new one.

But ..  as Nanner said ..  different strokes for different folks.  I will add to that having seen the results of the SFB community and now this one...

... those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

I am not angry with you personally.  But I do remember all the flame wars during the Taldren boards.  I remember the 8 page dissertation that was a charactor smear against my son.  At the core of that ... "SFB" ..  accept it or suffer the consequences.  There is a long list we could get into .. but I flatly refuse to..

If there is another game  ( and that is a BIG IF when it really gets down to it ) ...  I genuinely hope that we can move on and IF there were "ELEMENTS" of BOTH games ... and maybe the 3-D technology of BC ..  that might be worth looking into.  But, to once again start another flame war over this matter ..  NO .. NOT going to do it.

The reaction I see here suggests that there is a lack of desire for a "NEW" game.  Developers would be looking for something fresh ..  ideas with possibilities.  The idea that they would be wanting to simply "rehash" old ideas is unlikely.

If you find this truth offensive... I might suggest that the problem is not with me or anyone else.  The problem just might be something else ..  dunno why you and a few others cant see past SFB.  That is something I can not help.



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Offline gplana

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #35 on: February 13, 2005, 02:39:09 pm »
I heard from Steve Cole over at ADB and he passed this along for me to post. (Anybody who doubts that this post is actually from him can email him and he'll confirm it, and in fact he put it on his BBS (www.starfleetgames.com/discus)so you'd know it was really from him.

"To the guys on the dynaverse/SFC discussion board. Glad to see you all have the same enthusiasm. I'm all for anything that can be done for SFC, either another deal for another product -- or a fan-operated project. I'd like to see SFB remain part of it but I am not going to go jump off a bridge if some future deal/project doesn't include SFB. If a "deal" happens I'll be happy to sign on and cash the checks and politely ask if they'd do a Mac version. If a "fan project" happens (when this mythical source code is released), well, I've already posted that I won't stand in the way."

Gary

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #36 on: February 13, 2005, 03:46:36 pm »
What exactly do u mean by see past sfb? not being smart but do u mean like no drones ftrs ect? or somthing else i agree with the idea that a developer would want a fresh idea ect ect, i have heard like the show's but that would mean a fed dominated game and would lack variety and wouldn't be much of a combat simulation imo, i am new to the discussion so plz excuse.............

Offline KBF-Crim

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #37 on: February 13, 2005, 04:19:25 pm »
Thanks for the udate gary...and for stopping over...dont be a stranger...

Buzz...I'm not upset at all...only stating the obvious...SFB is TOO Trek... Trek ships...Trek races...Trek technolgy...Trek history...and my opinion is just as Valid as Nanners...

I'm sorry some idiot felt fit to harrass your son ...but it wasnt me...so dont hold it against me...

I would like to point out...that ANYONE can set up their own server...tweak it however they want...ships missions...the whole nine yards...

There is no "gun to the head" forcing anyone to use the ruleset...you want to loose the rule set or tweak it...do so...people are free to log in and play or not...

I would also like to point out...there have been a couple non tradiditonal servers...one with babylon 5 ships...there was no huge flame war over it...people logged in and played and had fun...

My main point being...SFC3 and SFB based SFC CAN co-exist...the freedom to use ....or not use the ruleset is up to the player...

I stopped bashing SFC3 LONG ago...and it was wrong to do so...it's a good game on it's own...but it lacked the detail that was provided in the abanoned rules set..

I heartily commend Nanner and other modders in their efforts to provide this detail in the form of mods...

But I'd like BOTH paths to be followed...I'm not selfish enough to demand that other fans give up their dreams....or make the erronious claim that their dreams are invalid...

If there is truely room for everyone in Trek...then there is room for the SFB fans too... ;)


Offline NannerSlug

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #38 on: February 13, 2005, 04:32:53 pm »
Want to know the truth Crim? My wife bought the game because it was Star Trek (as a Christmas gift). When I first played a skirmish, I couldnt figure out why the Klingons had seeking photons and mine missed all the time. I later found out those were missiles. The more I found out about the game, the more I found it to be as far from star trek as it could be.

I stuck with the game because it was a fun game during sfc 1 and of course the people. The people I hung out with in the 9th were generally Star Trek people. I didnt know until sfc 2 where the roots of the game came from. The more I learned about the roots of the game, the more I learned about items which were left out or changed.

In my mind, things started to go way down hill when the game becaming nothing more than a contest of whom ever can out mirak or hydran the other guy (fighters and missiles). I also saw a lot of rules that were left out on all sides. Some where because it didnt make sense in real time - others were because they were deamed "too imbalancing" (narrow salvos, etc). Then it took a turn for the worse when everything had to be based on Die rolls instead of using what you might term a D100.. and there couldnt be any changes to what sfb cannon was. No room for other ideas. That was pretty much it for me.

Again, though, it is important to note that different people have different ideas of what is fun. That goes for all people. Sorry, SFB is not Trek, SFC is not SFB. Inspired by SFB, yes, but it is not SFB. If you were to really set things right with sfb - missiles speeds would be dropped down significantly as would the speed of plasma (among other things).

I guess I just wish people would just recognize its okay to have different tastes. It really is.

At the same time, though, you cannot call SFB trek - because while sfb is "inspired" by trek - it is NOT trek. (btw, we have been working HARD to try and bridge sfc2 and 3 with the Generations at War mod - its not easy, but its doable. :))
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Offline NannerSlug

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #39 on: February 13, 2005, 04:34:56 pm »
Quote
I would like to point out...that ANYONE can set up their own server...tweak it however they want...ships missions...the whole nine yards...

There is no "gun to the head" forcing anyone to use the ruleset...you want to loose the rule set or tweak it...do so...people are free to log in and play or not...

I would also like to point out...there have been a couple non tradiditonal servers...one with babylon 5 ships...there was no huge flame war over it...people logged in and played and had fun...

My main point being...SFC3 and SFB based SFC CAN co-exist...the freedom to use ....or not use the ruleset is up to the player...

I completely agree with this. I think that there is definitely room for both. It is simply a matter of taste. :)

"A Republican thinks every day is July 4th. A Democrat thinks every day is April 15th." - Ronald Reagan

Offline OlBuzzard

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #40 on: February 13, 2005, 04:48:33 pm »
Crim ..   to the degree which you have just out lined ...  I can agree.  Please believe me when I tell you that there are several in key places that do not share that sort of open mindedness.  And frankly recently I have also been some what repremended ( at another place and discussion ) over the  war between the Federation and the Klingon Empire.  IMHO that is one area where Trek and SFB go separate ways.  It's true that it was a sort of a "cold war" much like the US and Russia went through ...  but not too much beyond that.  And I will go a step further if EITHER side of that discussion became too "Dogmatic"  ... that would be wrong.  I don't hold against anyone one who want to see that from a SFB gaming point ..  but there are some that would be quite dispondant if it were not included in "Trek" lore so to speak. ( just to use a point of discussion as an example).

I'm not sure if I'm saying this exactly right ...

But for what ever its worth ..  you and I can agree ( at least to a point )  ...  and that is a start.  Even Gene Roddenberry did not agree with you entirely.  But I dont want to start a flame war ...  so please understand ..  I will reach across half way ...  and agree that there is a place for it.  But as with all of the  facets of "Trek" SFB must be reviewed in light of what I personally call the "Spirit" of the source ...  "Star Trek" ..  ( I hope this makes sense as I'm really not trying to start something with you personally.)

Actually sir ..  if I had my way ...  SFC-4 ..  or the next game ..  what every anyone chooses to call it ..  would have some "Elements" of all 3 games .. SFC-2 (& OP) ..  SFC-3 and BC.  Blend into that additional " new items"  (Items not found in any of them) ..  and that would be a good foundation to being a dialog for a new game.

thanks ...



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Offline EmeraldEdge

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #41 on: February 13, 2005, 04:52:50 pm »
Crim.. the simple truth is .. no one is allowed to think "out side the box" of SFB .. without getting their butt ripped a new one.

I would dare say that the same holds for those who wish to think inside the box, if they think that the box holds something of more value than what is outside of it.   There are those (and you know who they are) who jump all over anyone who even mentions SFB.  Both sides are to blame.   Especially in the ground of SFC.  SFC isn't exactly SFB, and sometimes it requires elements not of, or slightly differing, from SFB in order to gel with the non-SFB elements that are in the game and cannot be changed.

As far as SFB/SFC not being Trek, why?  Because it adds things to the existing Trek universe?  Does SFC not have Klingons, Romulans, Gorn, and the like?  Does it not have Phasers, Photons, Disruptors, plasma?   Does it not feature the visual likenesses of all the major races and their ships?  So why isn't it trek?   New races and weapons?   Well, how many Trek games add their own weapons and races created for the game?   I would dare say most if not all.  Could it not be said then that there have never been any Trek games?  Could it not then be said that it is those who are unwilling to "think outside the box" that are having trouble accepting SFB as Trek, simply because it has something a little more than the stock elements that they happen to be familiar with in a Trek episode (and I still contest that many SFB elements can be shown in the trek universe, just because it wasn't fired by the Enterprise it's considered taboo by many).  Hmmm. ;)

and before we jump all over certain elements of this community I would add that there are destructive elements in every community, even the Trek one, as recent events have shown (but I wont' go into here).

Quote
I am not angry with you personally. But I do remember all the flame wars during the Taldren boards. I remember the 8 page dissertation that was a charactor smear against my son. At the core of that ... "SFB" .. accept it or suffer the consequences. There is a long list we could get into .. but I flatly refuse to..

I wouldn't say he was all that innocent himself.  He employed many the same tactics, throwing out blanket labels and the like.   "My version of Trek only, accept it or suffer the consequences".

Quote
If there is another game ( and that is a BIG IF when it really gets down to it ) ... I genuinely hope that we can move on and IF there were "ELEMENTS" of BOTH games ... and maybe the 3-D technology of BC .. that might be worth looking into. But, to once again start another flame war over this matter .. NO .. NOT going to do it.

I'm with you there, I would love a fully realized 3d universe you could travel around in, take planets and territory for your empire, explore, etc.  But it would have to have tactical depth too, not the bland stuff of SFC3 but I would dare say more than SFC2 and not just in weapons, all sorts of systems (maybe the Falcon 4 of starship simulators, lol)


Quote
The reaction I see here suggests that there is a lack of desire for a "NEW" game. Developers would be looking for something fresh .. ideas with possibilities. The idea that they would be wanting to simply "rehash" old ideas is unlikely.

If a new game was based on the SFB ruleset that instantly makes it "rehashing" old ideas?   There is so much more to SFB than ever made it into SFC, and alternate rules for some of the stuff that is in SFC, like invisible cloak and on down the line.  As I've said before I don't think any new Trek game has to be SFB based to be good, but SFB does offer a tremendous base and jumping off point.   Something shouldn't be scorned because it has an in depth preexisting ruleset at it's core.  Especially in a range of games that have little to no core and lack of flavor to each races play, to have something that offers it is something a little more unique.  Is it impossible to achieve it without SFB yes, but in my view most companies appear unwilling to dedicate the time and money (and lack the willingness and creativity) to do so.   Especially in a licensed property where they know that a large chunk of their audience is going to buy it just because of the name and picture on the cover.  Isn't making any Trek game really "rehashing old ideas"?  It's the same old Federation, same old Klingons, same old ship designs, weapons, etc.  Heck, in the case of a lot of the games, it even has the same characters.  Yet, they still make the games, because people want more, and they find new ways to package the what already existed.   What would SFC2 have been without the D2?  To me it was little more than an expansion until the D2 came online.  A couple new races and weapons, whoopty doo!  But the D2 was something new and fresh (and hasn't really been attempted by anyone else that I can see, and I wish they would).   Just because you use the same ruleset as a core doesn't mean there isn't anything new or fresh to do with it.  You want to talk about rehashing, oh look another game with a Borg invasion, or strange alien bug infestation, or Romulan pot... zzzzz (Ok, Romulan plots are always cool and interesting as long as they don't have ridges on their heads. lol ;)).  But it doesn't have to be, because it's what you do with it that makes it good and interesting.

Quote
If you find this truth offensive... I might suggest that the problem is not with me or anyone else. The problem just might be something else .. dunno why you and a few others cant see past SFB. That is something I can not help.

And other people don't seem to be able to see past the letters "SFB" for what potential is really inside the package.  I'm not saying that SFB is the only way, but it is a way.  Both sides of the hardline are at fault for many of the travesties that have occurred.

Oh, and btw, since I didn't say this after your first post, it's good to see you around again too. :D

Offline OlBuzzard

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #42 on: February 13, 2005, 05:12:27 pm »
EE  ....

my point is simple ..

I remember page..  after page ...  after page ...  after page ...of people posting that the OP game had all kinds of "bugs" simply because the game did not react according to "SFB" rules.  It got out of hand.  I remember this.

And while I might disagree with some of you from time to time ..  I have never went on a witch hunt and plastered the degree of "stuff" that was aimed at my son.  I know for a fact that a great deal of it was fabricated.  ( Let's let it go at that  ...  I get a bit testy over my son.  He's man enough to handle himself I know ..  but what sort of father would I be to not stand at his side over such matters. BTW ..   it should be noted that I had intended to go after those responsible with a vengeance that the likes of which no one has ever seen on this or any other forum any where in the world ..  but at the direction of Nanner ..  we let it drop.  This is infact more than was ever said over the entire incident.  I hope you understand  ..  Oh well ..   that was long ago.  Let's let it go again.  I think that is the best thing to do.  )

AS for the rest of the items you have suggested ...  I think perhaps you might be reading just a tad  ( not a lot ...  just a tad) more than what I'm saying here.  More than likely it is due to the way others have conducted themselves in the past.

I will say this.  If there is to be any fence mending between all of us ..  this is about a good a place to start as any.

what do ya say ...

(Ol Buzzard offers olive branch to "SFB" community)
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Offline OlBuzzard

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #43 on: February 13, 2005, 05:32:02 pm »
What exactly do u mean by see past sfb? not being smart but do u mean like no drones ftrs ect? or somthing else i agree with the idea that a developer would want a fresh idea ect ect, i have heard like the show's but that would mean a fed dominated game and would lack variety and wouldn't be much of a combat simulation imo, i am new to the discussion so plz excuse.............

Sorry Toast ..  did not mean to ignore you...

I think perhaps too many actually go the other way ...  making the game the opposite direction ..  and the reasoning behind it is just as you stated ..  It's their idea of "balance".  This debate has been around for several years now.  It' unlikely that I will be able to add anything to that discussion.

not trying to start anything .. but this is the "essence" of the balance discussions of the past.

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Offline EmeraldEdge

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #44 on: February 13, 2005, 05:47:23 pm »
Well, I don't really have any fence to mend, although I do have some residual distaste in my mouth with your son after some of your back and forth and some of the labels and dismissals and other stuff that was thrown around at various times, but I've never had a problem with you.  I think you mistake me for a hardliner myself (as I have been labeled by the afore mentioned), because I do defend SFB, but I wasn't ever part of the rules lawyering stuff.  I missed the whole "magic photon" debate and other debates, being exactly SFB doesn't interest me (especially when certain main game mechanics mandate changes from time to time), it's how things work in the game.   That said, I don't throw out the book as far as SFB goes either, because if I think it would work better that way I'll say so, and I'm never opposed to giving anything a try.

I totally agree with you on the "bug" thing too.  That was one of my big points of grief in the SFC experience.  Patch after patch of "fixes" that were nothing more than slight balance tweaks, but the real bugs just kept going unfixed.  It got to me too, but I don't feel the need to slap back just as hard in the opposite direction just because of it.  Heck, the first 6 months of SFC2 was so painful because there was no D2 and yet all the folks were talking about needing to fix this and that, this was getting fixed and yet D2 wasn't there.  Life is the Dynaverse! lol.  What I need is to find some developer making a game and find a way to convince them to give a Dynaverse like setting a whack.

As far as fence mending, I'm just not sure it will happen (and I'm not talking about myself, because I don't believe I fall into either camp really).  What I see is kind of like the world of politics.  All the time talk of "yeah, there are room for all views, and it's time to work together", but when it comes time to do anything it's all flames and obstruction if it's not their way, because clearly their way is right and all the talk is more to look like a reasonable person that any real spirit of compromise.  Until they make a game that has the option to use different rulesets, I just don't think anyone will be happy.   There was only one SFB based game out there, and the Trek folks weren't happy because it was SFB based.  They couldn't very well go play a non-SFB based tactical combat simulater based on Trek, because there wasn't one (unless you count Starfleet Academy, Klingon Academy, and Bridgecommander wouldn't Dominion Wars fall in there too?  I never played it).  Obviously there is no convincing the "make it Trek" side that SFB actually is Trek (I always find if funny when you have some of them say the game should have X because that's how it was in Trek, and then someone points out that SFB has rules for exactly that, but it's not in the game, and they always go "Oh...." and then a few months later just start up the same arguement, but I personally think that SFB could be improved for PC simply because of the technology, hard range breaks should be an extreme rarity not the the rule, for instance.), and there is no accepting of SFB as Trek by that side despite the fact that other "Trek" materials, be they books, games, whatever have invented new races, weapons, and whatnot from time to time, but SFB ones are just evil I guess.  Conversly the hardline SFB crowd isn't really interested in entertaining much in the way of non-SFB (although they might be if the game wasn't said to be based on SFB in the first place and that's the rub right there I think)

Just what does mending fences, or offering an olive branch mean anyway?   Does it mean "hey as long as nobody mentions anything about any subjects we'll all be fine"?  Does it mean "Hey, if they decide to make a new one, we'll honestly try to view subjects from all sides for the betterment of the game, even if they are SFB or non-SFB"?  Heck, there is no new game in site, so really what does it mean and how does the community procede with it, especially given the proclivity for falling back into the same old holes and arguements the second anyone broaches certain subject.  I would say the one thing that we all can agree on is that we'd like to see the code for the old games released, and I think it should be publicly so that anyone who can get a team together can create the ruleset that fits their vision of trek and the ones that gel more with what other folks like and enjoy survive and flourish.  So, what steps can we as a community take to further this goal, as it's likely the fastest way for any of us to see the advancements we would have hoped for in an SFC4.
« Last Edit: February 13, 2005, 06:45:08 pm by EmeraldEdge »

Offline OlBuzzard

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #45 on: February 13, 2005, 08:30:29 pm »
Hmmmm

let me see if we can sort this out ..

I believe that for the most part we agree on a few things at least.  IMHO ..  those are the first steps toward "mending fences" so to speak.  At least the two of us are trying to make an honest effort to sort this out without flaming each other.

1.  With regard to Nanner ...  I respectfully request that you keep in mind that he and I do see eye-to-eye on a number of issues as far as the over all scope of the game is concerned.  But I really do think that a bitter past some-what clouds each other view of the other person.  I hope that some day we can get past that ..  and at least TRY to get along.


2.  Yes .. you are dead right about the rules lawyers.  When SFC-2 came out the idea was to have "elements based on SFB".  I dont think it was ever to be intended to be the "pure stuff" so to speak.  IMHO  when playing the game on a computer there are a number of elements that are missing that it is impossible to reproduce.  "Fleet" battles is one of those ( just to use an example) ...  that affects the types of ships, escorts ...  and a number of key "balance" issues right off the bat.  Attempting to justify some of the arguments that came about back in those days left a very sour taste in the mouths of a number of us on BOTH sides of the fence.

3.  The bug thingy ..  OY ...  bud you said a mouthful !!  that was EXACTLY what I was talking about.

4.  Offering an olive branch is a gesture of peace bubba ...  and I really mean that.  I do not think it is possible for me to ever turn back the hands of time and undo the things that happen.  That is not possible.  I have made my share of mistakes but have been man enough to admit them and try to move on.

IMHO ...  if we have another Trek based game I would like to see many of my friends there as well.  ( And yes ..  even a couple of you guys who plucked my tail feathers more than once ...  Hey at my age you log on ..  have fun ...  and let out a loud war hoop when you win ANY PvP mission.  And yes this may come as a total shock to you ..  but I really have won a few !  LOL !)

And yes IMHO ..  these are the first steps to pulling as many of us togeather  as possible for a better community.

( OK .. so I'm an old softy ..  heck ..  some of us have got to believe it can be done !)

If you aim at nothing:  you WILL hit it every time !

Offline EmeraldEdge

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #46 on: February 13, 2005, 09:02:34 pm »
Well, as to #1, you may agree with him, but I have rarely seen you get involved with the type of flaming that he has towards anothers, especially against those who didn't say anything against you.  You always seemed a lot more level headed, and open minded.  I guess I could be wrong on that but that's the way it seems to me. ;)  'Nuff said about that though I suppose.

I'm not saying you aren't serious about offering an olive branch to the other side either (once again, I don't consider myself a hardcore SFB'er as I've always entertained lot's of alternate rule options) but just wondering what peace entails?  It's always talked about, but what does it really mean as it pertains to the boards and the community?  Does it mean we have a "don't talk, don't flame" policy, where if someone will just not talk about SFB then there won't be any flames, and we'll all live together in peace and would that hold for the other side?  Don't talk about Trek, and there won't be any flames about how one sided and bland it is compared to SFB (their view, as I believe Trek is actually a lot more diverse than a lot of folks, if you really get down into the nitty gritty, although the technobabble folks in charge of writing have done a lot to kind of mute that down a bit).  Does it mean that these things can openly be discussed without flaming?  And what happens if a flame does occur, does that mean it's immediately open season again?   Just not sure what the peace really means, what it's purpose is and where it's supposed to get us?  I would assume that this is mostly pertaining to the SFC community, and if so would the ultimate goal be to show a thriving community of SFC gamers to the folks with the power of Trek gaming, in the hopes that they might see the potential in trying to make a game that appeals to them.  The problem then arrises, that a lot of companies wouldn't really be interested in making what would essentially be two games for the price of one, which means that they would likely be appealing to just one of the "factions, and the other would be left out in the cold again.  It's just so tough to see where any of this can eventually lead, as I type this.  You know, I remember the good ol' days of computer gaming, they used to put out these "construction sets", like the Pinball construction set, and they even had an Adventure construction set, where you could design the story and layout of your own RPG.  I wonder what the viability of returning to such a format would be.  Making the overlaying structure for a game and then letting the fans fill in the gaps.  The Adventure construction set even had a contest attached to it, the best submission from the set would be released by the company or something like that, if I recall.  That could really put some incentive and good PR out there for the company, especially amongst the modders looking to break into the buisness.  Counterstrike was a mod, afterall, that eventually got released as a full version game, why not present that as a model for someone to look at.   It might even be something that might interest Paramount.  Have the stock stuff be Trek, but be moddable to anything, that way they've already recieved the license money for the game, and won't be losing out from someone just making a mod for another game, and have a contest for the best mod - non-Trek for release?   It might be a way to finally bridge that gap of Trek gamers and the rest of the bunch that just kind of shy away.  With the right set of tools available to anyone (and all mods should be playable with the base engine) I think it could be a hit (especially if it had a universe like the Dynaverse ;)).  Anyhow, I'm just dying for something new, I don't care if it's the code to add options and features, or a totally new Trek game with the depth (preferably more) of an SFC, or a non-Trek game with the same depth.  I really don't give a rip, I'm just lookin' for some super cool starship commander game with online universe (with capturable territory).  Anyhow, I'm just blowing stuff out there in a hurry now.  I guess I'd like to see the communities really come together and actively start to shape the world of Trek gaming in a positive way.  Whether it's taking something that isn't trek and making it into a great Trek game, or working together with the powers that be to ensure that the next batch of Trek games are just milk-toast games with Trek skins dumped out onto the market to leach off whatever cash is left out of the franshise.


edit - hmmm, lost all sense of punctuation there.  maybe have to fix that later. lol.

Offline Rod ONeal

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #47 on: February 13, 2005, 10:25:33 pm »
I heard from Steve Cole over at ADB and he passed this along for me to post. (Anybody who doubts that this post is actually from him can email him and he'll confirm it, and in fact he put it on his BBS (www.starfleetgames.com/discus)so you'd know it was really from him.

"To the guys on the dynaverse/SFC discussion board. Glad to see you all have the same enthusiasm. I'm all for anything that can be done for SFC, either another deal for another product -- or a fan-operated project. I'd like to see SFB remain part of it but I am not going to go jump off a bridge if some future deal/project doesn't include SFB. If a "deal" happens I'll be happy to sign on and cash the checks and politely ask if they'd do a Mac version. If a "fan project" happens (when this mythical source code is released), well, I've already posted that I won't stand in the way."

Gary


This should be stickied somewhere for the next time someone says that ADB will sue us if we use their intellectual material. :D

P.S. I'd like to echo welcoming Gary here.  :notworthy:
If Romulans aren't cowards, then why do they taste like chicken?

Offline OlBuzzard

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #48 on: February 13, 2005, 11:14:03 pm »
EE

1.  ..  Nanner ...  agreed .. 

2.  DUDE ...  !!  hehehe  okie ..   let's see

A.  Olive branch thingy ..  It's just what you and I are doing right now bubba !!   Hey it has to start some where.  The truth is neither of us have ever been at each others throat ..  but maybe we can help the others a little  ( hey there's got to be hope some where !  RIGHT ?)  Maybe they just need a little nudge ?

 :whip:

 :rofl:

hehehe .. I doubt it would help too much !!  But what the hey ..  it's worth a shot !

B.  other game formats .. hmm  remember Descent series ..  Descent -3 reeally rocked.  It was one of the first truly 3-D games...  and get this ...  the AI remembered some of your moves and would counter them !!  The little buggers were something else.  Personally I cant wait til we are able to use my twin Saitek X-45's again.

C.  I also agree that it would be cool to see something fresh ..  and soon !

As for the idea of what happens if a melt down occurred and some one got hot under the collar ...  hmmmm ..  lets see ....  what sort of penance should we invoke ?

 :flame: :flame: :flame:

hehehe .... never mind ! 

BTW ..  no it does not mean we with draw the Olive branch...  It means we keep trying.

I made this offer once before  ( it's been so long ago I don't remember when it was) ..  but we still have that thought in the back of our little knogins. 

As for laying additional ground rules:  Are they really necessary ?  I hate making up a bunch of stuff like that.  It some how take away from things just a bit.  And no it does not mean that in order for there to be an agreement that either one or both of us have to feel cheated.  Nor does it mean we have to "get some thing" for our efforts.  As for change in the future :  Well .. frankly change is inevitable.  How we handle it can either help all of us mature or divide us further.  I would prefer a maturing process my self.

All in all ..  just a willingness to keep the front door of dialog open  ...  as you and I have this evening.

BTW ..  thanks



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Offline EmeraldEdge

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #49 on: February 13, 2005, 11:34:12 pm »
I guess what I'm saying is that peace for what purpose?  Peace for the sake of peace is always fleeting, in my opinion.  If, however, we have peace between the factions for a common goal, when the goal is achieved we may find that we are on the same side anyway. ;)  Perhaps we can come together as a group to be more hands on for a goal.  What goal?  Well, currently everyone here would like to see more SFC I think, the most likely candidate seems to be the release of the code.  Should we as a community get more organized to petition for the release of the code?  Should we come together in a group to organize in preparation of the code release?  We could be seperating into groups, groups designing new features, graphic art such as new and alternate UI's (especially if the Q3 thing comes through, which seems like it might happen before the game code doesn't it?)  Getting ourselves geared up.  All working towards an all encompassing game.  UI's could possibly even be created for Era's.  TNG consoles look different than TOS ones, and I know SFC3 could use some different UI's if that ever becomes possible (let's remember that SFC3 is heavily built upon OP, so if the OP code is released it might lead to some breakthroughs on SFC3?)  Should be we be coming together as a group to petition Paramount for another SFC?  Working together to show that we are a viable commuity that they can service with a new product?  Certainly if we are active as a group we are probably more attractive to them than one that just sits back and rides.  We should make them take notice.  Creating ever bigger and better things with the tools we have at hand, and making the tools if we don't have them (which has been done before and can be done again, I'm sure).  No game has ever captured my playing time and imagination like SFC and I believe the same can be said for a great many gamers (even ones that don't play anymore.  I know a lot of folks here locally who think in concept it was great, but the bugs were there so long they just moved on.  Who knows how many could be brought into the fold if a new product was released in fairly decent condition?)  I know that Harry has that advisory board thing (I dont' know if anyone from here is on it or not) but I really think if we can represent ourselves better, and our desire for something more out of Trek gaming, along the lines of an SFC or SFC/BC thing, or whatever we can really help shape Trek gaming and make it a better thing.  If we sit back and do nothing, let the flames continue, and laud the lackluster offerings of Trek then we may never end up with anything satisfactory, at least not for a very long time?  How long was it after SFB was made until someone brought partially to computer to create the greatest Trek game to date?  Do we want to wait that long again?  Can we make it happen sooner?  I certainly hope we can.

Offline Centurus

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #50 on: February 14, 2005, 12:27:02 am »
You know something?  I am really enjoying where this conversation is going. 

The walls dividing the community have stood for too long, and because of that, our efforts to improve the game have been hindered.  Participants from both sides are to blame.

Although I am still relatively new, and came into the community WAY after the initial tides of war wreaked havoc on the community, even I can see that many people, from both sides, are to blame, regardless if they're still around or not.

I for one would love to see an SFC4, but if a Trek game came out with SFC elements in it, I'd be happy.

I also agree that we should start coming together for a common goal, whether it be petitioning Paramount to listen to our requests for another SFC4 or game similiar, or coming together and petititon for the release of the source code and then come together as a community to add to the code.

Main thing is, we need to unite, SFB-ers and Non SFB-ers, D2 players and D3 players, scripters and modders/modellers.  I know progress has been made, but there's always room for improvement. 

The question remains, how many of us are passionate enough to make this happen, make it work?  Who of us are willing to do more than extend an olive branch?

Still being one of the new guys on the lines, I'm waiting, and ready to take on whatever comes along, and willing to add anything that I can. 

Anyone else? 
The pen is truly mightier than the sword.  And considerably easier to write with.

Offline OlBuzzard

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #51 on: February 14, 2005, 08:11:27 am »
EE  ...  Diahak ..   we are defiantly headed down a better path.

good points ...  BOTH of ya !

( please note ..  I have several things going this week here at work .. and as a department head I will be putting the hammer down big time the next few days.  So if I'm not as responsive ..  please don't misunderstand.  I have also been requested to help with a couple of ISC models .. and there are a couple of large paper mache models I'm working on ..  and another VERY special project of my own that I'm trying to launch in the next 6 to 8 weeks  ( and it's a biggie )

By all means ..   lets keep this dialog open.  If we have to do a separate thread from time to time ..  that would be cool !  What ever it takes !

"There are always possibilities"

thanks
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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #52 on: February 14, 2005, 03:35:31 pm »

So, I guess that someone couldn't take ADB's intellectual property (with permission, of course) and Paramount's intellectual property (again with permission) and do another SFB based Trek game? Why not?


Well, of course they could.  They could start from scracth, with a newer engine and better network coding, (the state of the art has improved since 1999)  and build their own game.  It wouldn't be Star Fleet Command 4,  it would be General War 1 or some other new title.  As long as it stuck to SFB, I'd buy it.

Now as to who would broker the deal and want to design the game, that's another question.  Maybe no one.  Maybe, someday, someone.

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Offline EmeraldEdge

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #53 on: February 14, 2005, 04:39:16 pm »
Yeah, for my money, it doesn't have to be titled "Starfleet Command" to be good, if it looks like it's in the spirit of this game, with the depth and features, then I'm there, no question.  Just need to find the people willing to do so and get them to do it. ;)

Offline Spartan

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #54 on: February 14, 2005, 06:51:44 pm »
Hi guys.  By the number of posts, you can see I don't visit this site much anymore.  I am suprised the SFC/SFB debate is still going on after all this time.

I hope they do make a SFC4 or something based off of the SFC series.  Like EE said, as long as its in the spirit of the game thats what's important.

I saw a few "SFB is not trek" things getting tossed around.  I guess if you look at it, anything based on trek is trek IMO.

I'm 38+ years old.  I grew up in the time after TOS went off the air and before TMP came out.  Any die-hard trek guys (like I was) who were gamers had SFB.  That was our trek for a period of 10 years or more.  There was no TNG to base expansion of the game from and they used minor races in TOS and some cartoon stuff to develope a Universe that for us at the time was our trek.  It had allot of playable races, racial flavor, expanding ships and missions that were added on a regular basis.  I bought and still have everything up through the "Doomsday" edition.  The game was a blast and had a ball playing it for years.  It was my trek for that time up to the release of TNG.  Even after the launch of TNG, some people debated that TNG was not trek, just a rip off of TOS until it established itself as a viable TV program with the trek fans.  So, I feel that if its foundation is trek, then it is trek.  It may not be a direction everyone can agree on, but its roots all lead to the same tree. 

SFC may be based off of SFB (that is based off of trek), but it is not a copy of SFB, it is its own game and stands on its own merits.  Even in some ways, SFC3 is based on this same game, though more different then the first 3 versions. Also remember, SFB isn't a 4 letter word ;)  Its the interpretation of SFB thats in question, just like people's interpretaion of trek.  To each person, the star trek universe could mean something a little different (as you can see in this thread).

I hope there is a place in this gaming universe where all parties can find some common ground and support our "trek", the universe we create by the forums we participate in, the servers we create, the ships we mod, the battles we fight, and the freinds we make along the way.  That is "our" trek.  Obviously we care passionately about this game, otherwise we wouldn't have this discussion, and supported it for as many years as it has been around.  Personally, I have never played a game longer,nor has a game kept my interest, like the SFC series has.  I hope someone can develope a game that follows the SFC spirit and pulls the best parts from all the games, that would be something to smile about.  Hopefully some company can see how loyal this community truely is and produce another game, and we can debate the phylisophical differences for another 5 years.

Thanks for listening <S>  :)
« Last Edit: February 14, 2005, 08:21:26 pm by Spartan »


Over?! its not over until we say it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?!...Hell no! and its not over now!..(Germans? Pearl Harbor?...shut up, he's on a roll)

Offline OlBuzzard

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #55 on: February 14, 2005, 07:09:46 pm »
As we look forward to the possibilities of a new tomorrow  I do hope that the "flavor" of the game will seek out the best of SFC-2 (and OP) .. SFC-3 and BC.


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Offline Crusader

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #56 on: February 14, 2005, 08:09:00 pm »
So yeah...honestly....if we had a few million and change....we could probably buy licenses and have the community self produce SFC4 legally....


I see this community as being a lot like the Starsiege community.  Starsiege is the mecha game series that started out as Earthsiege and eventually led to the Tribes games.  The publisher decided to develop the Tribes online squad based FPS game series (which spawned from Starsiege) and virtually abandoned the Mecha game side of Starsiege.  Sierra felt it could not compete with the Mechwarrior series and would do better with Tribes.

The company Dynamics who made the game went belly up in much the same way as Taldren.  Starsiege had a strong online forum community that would not die.  When Dynamics went under and their forums closed, the community moved over to this obscure forum on the Sierra website.  There the Starsiege community stayed tucked away for years.  The fans never gave up on the game.

Finally after many online petitions were sent to Sierra a group of hard core and talented fans convinced Sierra to back a fan-made version of a Starsiege game.  I think it's based on the Tribes 2 engine.  The game will be sold in stores retail under the Sierra name....and yet it was totally developed by volunteers who loved the original games and wouldn't let it die.  Sierra got a game developed for free and they are going to sell the game retail for a healthy profit I'm sure.

Here's their website:

http://2845.mechnex.net/

Everyone thought the Mecha side of Starsiege was gone for good......

They were wrong.

Maybe something like what is happening to Starsiege can eventually happen with the SFC series.

Don't count out the SFC series.  If Star Fleet Battles....(a board game!!) can survive this long because of rabid fans......SFC has a chance to live again I'm sure.

Mr. Hypergol........signing off. ;-)

Offline KBF-Crim

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #57 on: February 14, 2005, 08:14:06 pm »
I want to thank everyone for taking this thread on a 180 into positive territory.

My Idea was to blend the rulesets based on era in ONE game....want the SFB ruleset...play TOS or TMP...like the new ruleset...play TNG or DS9....

But then...no body listens to me either...hehe ;)

Offline Chris Jones

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All eras - all things
« Reply #58 on: February 14, 2005, 08:31:25 pm »
Question:

Has anyone here seen Universe At War?  Trek only races, SFB Races, in the same mod. All eras as well. Let me post here what I said in my interview to the Star Trek Gamers Directory before they went haywire...

I was asked a question about source code and provided a long answer..

Securing source code would be an absolute blessing for the regular SFB gamers in that a great many features from the SFB ruleset could be implemented. Source code would be also greatly benefit the modding community. Regarding SFC: OP: we would then be able to add in features and weapons that we felt would enhance the game even more – things like Warp, reverse, possibly having more than six players in multiplayer, and perhaps even more than 16 race slots. I’d like to talk for a bit on what I believe are the three distinct types of gamers playing the various versions of Starfleet Command. The first is the hardcore SFBer, the person who played the board game and wants to see SFC mirror that as much as possible. The second would be the Trekker, the person who wants to see in a PC game what he/she sees on TV and in the movies. The third is the casual gamer who just likes to shoot at things, which there’s a bit of that in all of us. Source code would benefit the first 2 gamer types I mentioned, especially in SFC: OP. I fall into the second category of wanting to see in a game what’s on TV and in the movies, which is why I started modding in the first place. Give me my Galaxy and Sovereign class ships, lol. For me personally, having my OP game with many of the SFC3 features like warp, reverse, and perhaps a true cloak, would be a dream come true. For EAW, being able to upgrade that game would make that particular fan base happy as well, although it may not be needed as much because you can essentially turn EAW into OP with source code.

Let me state for the record that I do not dislike SFC3. It is a fine game when modded. Heck I did a mod for it in 2003 which still hits the top 10 at SFC3 Files on occasion, It's just that I don't fire it up very often. I consider Nanner a friend and have helped him upload files from time to time. Pelican is another great SFC3 Modder.

... but I prefer OP. Why? I enjoy the micromanagement with my TNG era ships. also, I think models like the CG Sovereign and KNOX1711/Rick Knox Galaxy Class ships look better in OP than in SFC3. Once the latest CG Sov is released for Bridge Commander, I have permission to have it ported and included in Universe At War, and I plan to do so.

SFB-ers and Trekkers can co-exist. I want to specifically mention Bonk. I had thought of him as pure SFB at first, but he took an interest in Universe At War, and put up a Dynaverse server for us, without us asking. That speaks volumes.
  I myself find it difficult to get into the 'spirit' of SFB as I did not grow up on it or experience it at all before the SFC series. I understand the mindset and the military structure of SFB, but don't really enjoy playing it. My brother was in STOC at one time as a Lyran. I actually joined as a Hydran. The first thing I did was take a heavy cruiser and charge 3 Lyran lights. I died, and was court martialed for disobeying a direct order. I was ordered to retreat, but somehow the TNG mindset took over. I think I did a little damage to 1 ship, and that was all she wrote. I remember a guy named Henry who was all over me for that. A week later I resigned, and went back to modding and TNG - at the time for EAW.

The point is - we can - and have to - co-exist - if this community is to survive. In Universe At War - there are many people who fly the TNG era Hydrans, Gorn, Lyrans, and Mirak. Those Mirak Drones are not quite as deadly in TNG era because of the higher shielding we use.  I fly Fed. TNG Fed.

In closing - I respect the tradition of SFB but also have my own vision of what a good Trek game is, and Universe At War, for OP,  is approaching that vision.

Thanks for reading..
« Last Edit: February 14, 2005, 11:03:06 pm by Chris Jones »
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Offline EmeraldEdge

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #59 on: February 14, 2005, 08:32:38 pm »
See, Crim, I kind of have a problem with that though, lol.  I want to play through out a long lasting timeline, and not have to switch to a completely new ruleset halfway through (I want new weapons and tech to start showing up, but the same basic rules and mechanics should last throughout the game, imo).  Otherwise you are talking about 2 different games, and who's going to want to develop 2 different games and sell them for the price of one?  That's the problem now.  Also the problem with a "You choose the rules" would be the same.  They would still be developing 2 different rules and mechanics.  A new game would have to find a medium and stick with it, I would guess.

Now, as far as fan based stuff, I think anything is possible, because fans will spend the time to do it.  They will put the rules in and make sure all the options are there, and I hope that someone will eventually release the codes (I'm halfway to digging through a bunch of old stuff to look for e-mail addresses of some folks to even beg them) so we can get underway.   I'm gonna have to go read through all the stuff in the release forum again, and then write something up maybe, but first I have to go out to dinner with the family.  Until then...

Offline gplana

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #60 on: February 15, 2005, 02:25:23 pm »
As everyone else has been putting their two cents worth in, I guess it's my turn.

As you may well imagine from my background, I am a die-hard SFB'er in terms of the rules. By that, I mean that I prefer all of the rules-based things that go with SFC-OP, and that I do not like SFC3 rules because of all the changes that were made; four shields vs six, and so forth. I just consider things like the Phaser-A, -B, and -X in SFC-OP to be weapons that the Steves haven't  published yet. ;D

But ... once the game starts, I prefer more of a TNG/DS9 ship mix; I deal with this by (in my shiplst.txt, anyhow) making all of the purely SFB hulls as pre-X ships, and then treating all of the ships seen on TV recently as X1- and X2-ships. I can definitely say that while I love SFB, I've been playing the same hulls for so long that it is no longer that much fun. (And to give you an idea as to what I mean as a "long time", my first Staff credit on an ADB product was with Module R2.)

Not that I dslike the straight SFB races and ships, though. I got real excited when I heard about the GAW mod, and was very dissapointed when I heard it was for SFC3.

Anyhow, I'm around here a lot, just in lurk mode. I gotta get myself a neat .sig graphic!

Offline Pestalence_XC

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #61 on: February 15, 2005, 02:33:43 pm »
Gary, check out the UAW mod by Chris Jones for Orion Pirates.. if covers all eras from TOS to DS9 and even it mixes in some Star Wars and BSG and more.., but for the standard campaign, what he has done as a mod is fantastic.
"You still don't get it, do you?......That's what he does. That's all he does! You can't stop him! It can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until you are dead!"

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Offline EmeraldEdge

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #62 on: February 15, 2005, 04:27:52 pm »
Gary, you'll probably have people offering graphics to you by this evening. ;)  I know what you mean about the same old hulls.  It's nice to have them to go back to, but every so often you need something fresh and different.  I've had a few mods that take things and turn them on their ear as far as how certain elements are used in the game.  Never got around to completing them, but always intend to.  Maybe I'll get the runnin' in my "spare time"? heh.

Offline GDA-S'Cipio

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #63 on: February 15, 2005, 10:48:05 pm »
SFC may be based off of SFB (that is based off of trek), but it is not a copy of SFB, it is its own game and stands on its own merits.  Even in some ways, SFC3 is based on this same game, though more different then the first 3 versions. Also remember, SFB isn't a 4 letter word ;)  Its the interpretation of SFB thats in question, just like people's interpretaion of trek.  To each person, the star trek universe could mean something a little different (as you can see in this thread).


Actually, I think SFC is SFB.  It was intended to be, and is, as close to a real-time version of SFB as the designers could manage.  (With the inevitable gaffs included.)  Saying it isn't SFB because it doesn't include all the rules is a little like saying I'm not playing SFB when I go to the national championships, since tournament rules are very abbreviated.

Perhaps the real problem (or at least most of the arguments) stem from the fact that the D2 isn't Federation and Empire, and no serious attempt was ever really made by the designers to make it so.

Fans have gone a long way towards making the D2 a lot closer to F&E over the years with mods and player-side rules, but there have been a lot of arguments along they way, as well as a lot of D2 players who don't really agree the effort should be made.

I agree with earlier posts.  It was very frustrating seeing early patches address things like BPV balance or extra points of hull or power -- which any D2 admin could have done with a simple shiplist edit -- when there were serious D2 bugs that needed fixing.  I'm glad to see the bugs mostly got solved in the end, however.

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« Last Edit: February 15, 2005, 11:44:15 pm by Scipio_66 »
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Offline FPF-DieHard

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #64 on: February 15, 2005, 11:32:02 pm »
Is "Neverwinter Nights" D&D?

Can a good Trek game exist if it is not based on SFB?   Yes.

Have I seen one better than OP? 

Who'd thunk that Star-castling was the root of all evil . . .


Offline Rod ONeal

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #65 on: February 16, 2005, 12:54:58 am »
My argument for sticking with the SFB ruleset is that it's a very complete ruleset with years of playtesting and balancing. We've also had years of playtesting and balancing for SFC. If you scrap it, or indescriminently add to it, you have to start from scratch with something that is unproven and untested.

I think that if you want to make a TNG Trek game you'd be better off petitioning Activision for the SFC3 source code. At least what is there already was done by experienced professional game designers (even if they were rushed and couldn't make it as good as they wanted to).

With that said, I believe that people should be free to mod/change the game to be whatever they want it to be. If only the SFC2/OP code gets released then let the "2 camps" do as they'd like to. It's quite possible that they'd end up meeting somewhere in the middle down the road, anyway. Or we might end up with 2 really good games to play.

I'm sure that even the strongest SFB ruleset supporters would like to play a good starship combat simulator with Cardassians, Borg, Breen, Dominion, etc... It's just that many of us want to play SFB/F&E on our computers with people from all over the world, and have wanted to do so for many years and don't want to let that dream go.
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Offline Chris Jones

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« Reply #66 on: February 16, 2005, 01:25:31 am »
Pesty -  thanks for your support here. I think that since OP was geared to SFB out of the box, the majority of responders in this thread and threads like it will be SFBers. TNG for OP really is a great concept, and it does work.
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Offline Davey-E

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Re: Starfleetcommand 4: Posssible ?????
« Reply #67 on: February 16, 2005, 11:24:28 am »
Give us ST - EVE in 3d space with all the races, planets, systems etc,

Then lets have a real campaign with ALL the gameplay lasting years  ;D ;D ;D
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Re: UAW
« Reply #68 on: February 16, 2005, 11:45:24 am »
Pesty -  thanks for your support here. I think that since OP was geared to SFB out of the box, the majority of responders in this thread and threads like it will be SFBers. TNG for OP really is a great concept, and it does work.

 I can absolutely vouch for that! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:  After playing this Mod I really feel sad for SFC3 . This is what it was supposed to be.

 I keep hoping #3 will be fixed some day tho. :(

 As for the rules im not picky. I can live with either. Its the game, the Mods,and the people that matter to me.