Topic: UPDATE #2  (Read 17812 times)

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Offline FA Frey XC

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UPDATE #2
« on: February 16, 2011, 05:45:20 am »
As you may have heard, we've begun development on the newest installment of the Award-Winning Starfleet Command series of games.

Now, our team struggled with just how to make this announcement, because we're aware that announcements have been made before, then production went straight to hell in a hand basket. This makes for people to be rather suspicious of these particulars, -unless- we've got specifics and can give you some good time-lines / etc.

In good faith, we want to make sure everyone understands where and most importantly what we're doing. So I'm going to put it down in paper  for you now.

NOTE !!!! THIS STUFF COULD CHANGE, IS SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE CHANGE, AND I MIGHT CHANGE IT JUST BECAUSE IT WASN'T CHANGING.

1.) First, we've been dealing with the issues with EAW / OP availability, and the EAW WalMart code issue. We've been supplying keys for those individuals who've been able to prove they purchased the game, but there's many more who we had to turn away because we couldn't verify their purchase. Now, and after much hard work by our staff, we have an alternative for those individuals!

PReSEnTiNG ....

*drum roll*



Here, you will be able to purchase and digitally download the original EAW / OP games! Each game purchased will get it's own unique CD key, and will support Dynaverse.net! Each purchase will include software support in it's perpetuity! This means if you purchase a copy of EAW / OP from us, we'll include the updates / codefixes and releases on the Community version.

NOTE: This does NOT include Starfleet Command 4.

We'll also be updating the Market to feature more cool stuff! How'd you like to be able to get a D.Net emblazened Hat? Or perhaps some "Romulan Star Empire" T shirts with custom made artwork on them? D.Net / XenoCorp coffee mugs! We'll also be linking the Official D.Net Revised Strategy Guide in the store as well!

So much to browse, so many ways to support D.Net!

2.) Let's go over the stuff I mentioned in Update 1.

Quote
#1 Update the EAW codebase to compile on new(er) code. The objective here is to allow the game to run on Vista / Windows 7.


In progress. Our team of devs are making AMAZING headway in sorting through the code base and they are already making improvements. What kind of improvements?

Take a gander:

 :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:

Code: [Select]

============================================

Bug fixes
---------

Fixed fighter bug where it would ignore other threats to
charge off and attack shuttles/fighters - now makes
decision based on relative ranges and threat

Dynaverse/vista compatibility improved somewhat
- currently improved stability, but not entirely reliable and not pvp tested

New features
------------

Added an sfc.ini setting to turn planet collisions OFF (collisions on by default)
- to set this, in sfc.ini file under the secion [UI] add this line:
PlanetCollision=0 to turn it **off**
(if set to 1 or the line is not present then planet collisions are on)
- means ships fly 'through' planets (rationalization is that you're
actually flying across the surface, though some of the camera
angles don't look that way)
- allows the planet to launch ftrs, pfs, drones, plasma
- also allows the planet to use transporters and short range weapons
against ships that are flying across it
****MULTIPLAYER WARNING****
***I still need to add the multiplayer/server versions of this setting***
(currently you need to trust that everyone you're playing with has it set the same)

Added an sfc.ini setting to enable "SFB mode" (off by default):
- to set this, in sfc.ini file under the secion [UI] add this line:
SFBMode=1 to turn it on (if set to 0 or the line not present then SFBMode is off)
- uses SFB style internals - e.g. 12 internals now can
destroy 12 systems, not the SFC-style 12 'half hits'
- uses SFB seeking weapon speeds: 32 for plasma, 8/20/32 for drones
- uses SFB photon ranges/to-hits (no more magic photons)
- cuts shield regeneration to about 2/3 of current pace
- mines last up to 100 turns instead of 10
- dropped mines are invisible except to the person who dropped them
(mines placed by transporter are still visible to everyone)
- set the hardcoded years so early era starts in 2256 instead of 2263
(the year Kirk meets the Gorn and the Organians)
  Note: if you use this you should add 7 to the yfa/yla entries in your shiplist!
****MULTIPLAYER WARNING****
***I still need to add the multiplayer/server versions of this setting***
(currently you need to trust that everyone you're playing with has it set the same)

Numerous AI improvements
------------------------

When deciding to launch drones, the ai now considers
what direction the target is travelling - not just
what speed!

When deciding to launch plasma, the ai now estimates chance
of a hit on the actual plasma speed (used to assume plasma
travelled at speed 40, and figured launch was ok as long as
plasma at that speed would do at least 20% of its potential
damage - led to many wasted plasma shots)

When deciding to launch wild weasels ai now considers its speed,
facing, and the relative position of the seeking weapons it is
fleeing - less likely to weasel when it would probably outrun
the weapons anyway

Altered ai weapons fire so it is less likely to waste a weapon
beyond its effective range

Significantly increased chances ai would use its pseudo-plasma
if one were available

Added officer quality for ai officers
rookie 5%, junior 20%, senior 50%, veteran 24%, legendary 1%

Ai now less likely to overkill a target if weapons en route
already have high chance to kill it

Tweaked tbomb and hit-and-run officers to cut down on out-of-range strikes

Added some variability to when ai launches fighters

AI weapons officer should now place greater emphasis on hitting
weak or down shields rather than strong ones

Filled in the captain personalities - Taldren supplied a framework
but never implemented the personalities, now captains have a
bell-curved random personality defining anger, nervousness, resolve,
willingness to sacrifice ship, and aggression

When picking tactics and objectives the ai no longer single-mindedly
picks capture/destroy, now it looks at the mission objective,
the relative strengths of the ship/target, and the health of the
ship and target to pick between capture/destroy/defend/disengage,
and to pick between overrun/snipe/standard combat

When re-assessing offense/defense/navigation priorities and a desired
closing range, the ai now doesn't just randomly pick a close range,
it looks at racial armaments of itself and the opponent, the mission
objective, the relative strength and health of the ship and target,
and the personality of the captain

Greatly tightened up formation keeping - how close they'll
stay now depends on tightness of setting, but is always
much tighter than old defaults (where they figured they
were in formation if they were 30 hexes away!)

Ensured hit and run officer doesn't use marines if ship is getting
vulnerable to capture

Scripting improvements
----------------------

NW/ED scripts stripped down (many issues are now fixed more cleanly in the client,
so ugly/less stable hacks in the scripts are no longer needed)
Each is recompiled against the latest Sfc2 library builds, hopefully more stable

===============================================

The SFB mode is a BLAST to play - I've forgotten how utterly lethal weapons really were in SFB compared to SFC.

The AI is still dumb as a brick, but a less-dumb-brick than it was.

I've got a solution worked out for one more biggie, just haven't coded it yet:
  -  letting all races have both PFs and fighters


Next big fix on the to do list
==============================

This is a biggie that I've figured out how to fix, but haven't written the code yet...

Enable all races to use both fighters and pfs (without mucking with donor races etc)
- only catch is shiplist updates:
- ships that carry PFs MUST have their special role set to W,
ships that carry fighters MUST have their special role set to V
(otherwise they will be unable to resupply ftrs/pfs in supply dock)
- obviously someone needs to update the actual shiplist/fighter lists
with new pfs, fighters, carriers, and pfts
How it will work:
implement a new special role category for ships that carry pfs,
check it in supply dock to see if you need to populate fighter list with pfs
also in supply dock check for the 'v' to see if you need to populate fighter
list with fighters
add settings in Ship.h to specify if ship carries fighters/pfs
defaults to false for both
in reading spec list set to true based on special role flags
in saving to db file add setting to list of things to write
in loading from db file add setting to list of things to read
in shipsys\shuttlebay.cpp change the mGenerateFighter routine
to use that flag instead of the hardcoded gorn/rom/lyr

 :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:

Quote
#2 Update the EAW codebase to match the fixes / enhancements available in SFC: OP.  (This will allow us to optimize the serverkit, as the serverkit for EAW never had any issues with MySQL.)


In progress, currently being developed in tandem with the new OCI (Online Campaign interface), new artwork being done.

Quote
#3 Unlock the stuff buried inside EAW for use in SFC4.


In progress!

Quote
#4 Upgrade the engine itself if possible to something more current.


In progress, hopefully Quicksilver will be onboard soon.

Quote
#5 Roll out the Strategic Combat Simulator interface (SCS)


In progress! The OCI is the framework for the SCS (Strategic Campaign Simulator).

Quote
#6 Introduce Crew Pools, online enhancements and perpetual career tracking online with the ability for Campaign Masters to issue medals, commendations, etc.


In progress! This project begins with the OCI / SCS development.

 :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:

Now, you may be a bit confused, and that's understandable. "What's the difference between the "Community Edition" (or "Collectors Edition" as we're starting to call it ;) ) and Starfleet Command 4 ?

Let me help you with this:

Starfleet Command : Community / Collectors Edition

Tentative Title : Starfleet Command EAW : Game of the Decade Edition.
Purpose: This will be the version of SFC that will run on Vista / Win 7.

  • Ideally it will incorporate all the functionality of OP but without the cartel / Orion Pirates Syndicates layers on the D2 campaign engines.
  • This version will NOT contain the Orion Pirates cartel layer or Cartels as implemented in SFC: Orion Pirates.
  • This verion will have an updated code base, and a exacting list of bugfixes and enhancements as well as additional functionality as developed.

 :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:

3.) The Dynaverse.NET fundraiser for 2011 is launched!

Please consider supporting the ONLY Official Starfleet Command site on the internet! Our goal this year is to raise over 1000 for licensing if necessary to update the core graphics engine! This will also cover the incidentials of operating and developing SFC: CE / SFC4.

4.) Renovations!

We'll be down for about a week the second or third week of March, as I'm having some massive renovations done at the house. This includes converting the garage and additional space into a mini-server room!

I'll post more about this in a separate thread the closer we get to the date.

So there you have it! Update 2... and it's a good one!!!!

Regards,

(edit by FoaS, Bonk for layout)
« Last Edit: February 23, 2011, 05:56:03 am by FA Frey XC »
Vice President of Technology,
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Owner, CEO XenoCorp Inc.


Offline Sirgod

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #1 on: February 16, 2011, 06:40:28 pm »
Trek Tease.  :D

Stephen making room on his HD's, and passing the word to his WoW guild who he has taken 5 years to train in ST history.
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Offline Klingon Fanatic

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2011, 04:36:15 pm »
 :)  Okay it's been a couple of days.


NOTHING has changed from the first post of this thread.

What's going on with the UPDATE?
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Offline FoaS_XC

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #3 on: February 18, 2011, 08:45:14 pm »
Come on KF, you know between my Romulan Ale smuggling and my tribble fighting ring that I certainly mis-budget time, or get caught up in other affairs. (I know you're ragging, but just to be sure, I am gently saying 'we do this outta love, and we have full-time jobs', you know what I'm sayin?)

Anyways, stay tuned, and fly safe (but not too safe)
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Offline Czar Mohab

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #4 on: February 19, 2011, 02:22:08 am »
Just happy that the Treknomages are doin' their magic and keeping this project moving forward.

As for the Trek Teasing, I have mixed emotions. I'm glad that there's an update informing us of an impending update... yet this tease is like hanging Twinkies from the ceiling of all the cabins at fat camp; so close, yet so far.
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Offline Julin Eurthyr

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #5 on: February 21, 2011, 06:23:50 am »
Checks date and is wondering if the good King Arthur is counting...

One, two, five... ;)

*ducks the holy hand grenade of antioch*

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Offline FA Frey XC

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #6 on: February 22, 2011, 11:45:58 pm »
Cmon, you people know I always multiply my time estimate by a factor of 3.

Wait.. was that divide?

Shssss. Updating COMING TONIGHT!!

Regards,
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Offline EschelonOfJudgemnt

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #7 on: February 23, 2011, 01:30:06 am »



1.) First, we've been dealing with the issues with EAW / OP availability, and the EAW WalMart code issue. We've been supplying keys for those individuals who've been able to prove they purchased the game, but there's many more who we had to turn away because we couldn't verify their purchase. Now, and after much hard work by our staff, we have an alternative for those individuals!

PReSEnTiNG ....

*drum roll*



The DYNAVERSE.NET MARKETPLACE!

Here, you will be able to purchase and digitally download the original EAW / OP games! Each game purchased will get it's own unique CD key, and will support Dynaverse.net! Each purchase will include software support in it's perpetuity! This means if you purchase a copy of EAW / OP from us, we'll include the updates / codefixes and releases on the Community version.

NOTE: This does NOT include Starfleet Command 4.

We'll also be updating the Market to feature more cool stuff! How'd you like to be able to get a D.Net emblazened Hat? Or perhaps some "Romulan Star Empire" T shirts with custom made artwork on them? D.Net / XenoCorp coffee mugs! We'll also be linking the Official D.Net Revised Strategy Guide in the store as well!

So much to browse, so many ways to support D.Net!


OK, I gotta ask!

Here is the last post from Steve Cole over at ADB, back in 2008, regarding SFC:

Quote
By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 - 10:46 am: Edit

I cannot do a manual for SFC because I have never seen SFB. (It won't play on a Mac.)

Seriously, guys, if you bought X1R you got your value for what you paid. If you want X1R in SFC, ADB deserves something more than "thanks".

At this point, Dynaverse doesn't have ADB permission to do SFC4 at all (let alone add more SFB material to it) but I hope we can work something out after Origins. The original contract that SFC1 and SFC2 were done under has lapsed (not least because ADB Inc. did not get paid a bunch of the money we were owed) and Dynaverse has no permission to use any ADB material in SFC4, not even whatever was originally in SFC1 and SFC2.


What has changed?  The copies of EAW/OP you will be selling, all appropriate licensing has been addressed, correct?

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for new players and new game stuff.  I just have this saying about 'not poking the bear'.  Everything IS copacetic with SVC/ADB?

I don't play SFB anymore (who has the time), love SFC, and can't wait for the new stuff from the team.  But it'd be a shame to get everyone's hopes up, only to have the Hand of God (aka SVC) smite our dreams and aspirations...

I miss Tholians...

Offline Czar Mohab

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #8 on: February 23, 2011, 01:38:36 am »
To quote the great Beavis:

BOIIIIINNNNG!!!!


Seriously: AWESOME UPDATE!

And worth the wait!
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Offline FA Frey XC

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #9 on: February 23, 2011, 05:44:26 am »

What has changed?  The copies of EAW/OP you will be selling, all appropriate licensing has been addressed, correct?

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for new players and new game stuff.  I just have this saying about 'not poking the bear'.  Everything IS copacetic with SVC/ADB?

I don't play SFB anymore (who has the time), love SFC, and can't wait for the new stuff from the team.  But it'd be a shame to get everyone's hopes up, only to have the Hand of God (aka SVC) smite our dreams and aspirations...

I miss Tholians...


That particular post made by Steve was about 3 years ago. I am not going to go into the discourse we had, nor will I comment on this particular post. What I =-will-= say is that I wouldn't make the announcement if I wasn't confident there are no licensing issues with selling EAW / OP.

Now about Tholians... that's a different story. There's a lot of stuff (Art and other stuff) in EAW that we're looking into using, but that likely -would- require some new licensing with ADB. I doubt we're going to go there, based upon their history.

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Offline bonusbartus

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #10 on: February 23, 2011, 09:17:58 am »
Damn been waiting for ages to buy the game somewhere, as soon as I saw the marketplace I bought both  :D
never played online, but been playing single player since sfc 1 came out !

I was wondering if you could were still looking for help with sfc4? I would love to help, am student of electrical engineering with some experience in programming C, C++ and Csharp...


Offline Bonk

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #11 on: February 23, 2011, 12:55:43 pm »
Damn been waiting for ages to buy the game somewhere, as soon as I saw the marketplace I bought both  :D

So glad we could help! Thank you for your support. :)  It is very important to us that people do not resort to pirated copies, as they likely contain malware and are possibly incomplete, both of which would give the game a bad reputation.

I was wondering if you could were still looking for help with sfc4? I would love to help, am student of electrical engineering with some experience in programming C, C++ and Csharp...

Not at the moment, we have a little more basic groundwork to get done and a couple of initial milestones to get past, but stay tuned, we will be looking for additional contributors in the not so distant future. (exception: if you have extensive experience with directx/directplay, windows sockets, and Vista/7 networking then send me a personal message)

***

Currently we are only patching Empires at War in much the same capacity that Khomormag had in the past.

There has never been an issue with modifications like FireSoul's OP+, my SFB-OP or Chris Jones' Universe at War mods; by extension I expect no issues with future modifcations to the product in the same style. Our intention is to make such mods easier to implement and integrate with the game.

Offline Kreeargh

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #12 on: February 24, 2011, 12:47:56 am »
OMG the cost  >:( I HAAAte ebay 35$  for op and 5$ here? This true?  Back in a day it showed up at my wall mart. 45$ i spent for it and was damn happy then but now with all this time spent a = experiance with a few moders ive had but still wish to own and play and mod OP agian.
I dont have the disk any more { ex freind asked to borrow the cd,i was dumb enough to lend it out and also dumb enough to forget to give the case for the install code so all i have is sfcop art now   ;D . But i still loose in the end, no cd to install , pay for it and not get to use is. Kinda like goverment  :P
5$ Hell of a deal  :thumbsup:

Edit : can the purchacer burn it on a cd or save some install code if ones pc is hacked and crashed, asking because of experiance with other games download install . Good to play it but if pc gets screwd you loose out. 
« Last Edit: February 24, 2011, 01:01:21 am by Kreeargh »
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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #13 on: February 24, 2011, 01:31:29 am »
It should be the ISO, so burn to disk, install, put disk in safe place if needed later.
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Offline Klingon Fanatic

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #14 on: February 25, 2011, 09:29:07 pm »

What has changed?  The copies of EAW/OP you will be selling, all appropriate licensing has been addressed, correct?

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for new players and new game stuff.  I just have this saying about 'not poking the bear'.  Everything IS copacetic with SVC/ADB?

I don't play SFB anymore (who has the time), love SFC, and can't wait for the new stuff from the team.  But it'd be a shame to get everyone's hopes up, only to have the Hand of God (aka SVC) smite our dreams and aspirations...

I miss Tholians...


That particular post made by Steve was about 3 years ago. I am not going to go into the discourse we had, nor will I comment on this particular post. What I =-will-= say is that I wouldn't make the announcement if I wasn't confident there are no licensing issues with selling EAW / OP.

Now about Tholians... that's a different story. There's a lot of stuff (Art and other stuff) in EAW that we're looking into using, but that likely -would- require some new licensing with ADB. I doubt we're going to go there, based upon their history.

Regards,

SVC does not hold the copyright for the canon Tholian race.

Tholians have been in other Trek games (Klingon Academy and Taldren's aborted SFC: Galaxy at War, anyone?) and I vote to have them in even if they use pirate slots. I absolutely love the Klingon Academy Tholians and Taldren's SFC: GAW would have had The Klingon Academy Tholians in that game (please note this Firesoul). Check out Battleclinic (Darkdrone/GAW conversion) to see exactly what I mean.

Now I will grant you the SFB Andromedans are a different matter,  (winces in pain) we may be better off settling for a TOS/TMP era Borg.

Finally, I will pay $50.00 to $60.00 for a version of SFC: EAW/OP if it had a decent non-programmer friendly mission editor.

I do not feel the FSME is friendlly to new players. We need to attract new players. SFC is complicated enough. With all due respect to the hard working and revered code jokeys, what passes for scenario generating add ons to SFC: OP is sorely lacking. I apologize for being inarticulate. Using an apples to oranges comparison; look at the Mechwarrior IV games compared to SFC: EAW and OP. The instant action mission editor is pretty intuitive compared to SFC: OP.  We need something as simple. It increases replay value and it's fun if you don't have the time to play online.

I have always felt the SFC1 missions and the SFC1 custom missions (The Quantum Factor mission rules!) needed to be brought into the latest version of SFC.  Sadly for SFC: OP players we have never had a Kobyashi Maru or Balance of Terror scenario and no way we could play, say the Federation SFC1/EAW/OP campaign using the non-Federation races. Yes, the other races had their own campaigns but I like what-if scenarios. SFC1 had the freaking Mirror Universe in it! Canon aside, It would have been a blast to play the SFC1 Federation campaign as the Klingons or any other race for that matter. Imagine what increased replay value we could get then for us non-SFB fanatics out there.

This is my opinion and your mileage may vary...

All the best and my continued support,

Qapla'

KF
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Offline EschelonOfJudgemnt

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #15 on: February 25, 2011, 10:48:11 pm »
A little off topic, but I still fondly remember playing a Tholian DD in a captains game in SFB.

Each player had up to 105 points to spend (up to 100 for the ship, balance in refits/extras).  My trusty DD was equipped with snares of course.

In one engagement, I was faced with a Kzinti CL.  It took almost every trick/maneuver in the book for me to win that one, and 5 of my 6 (27 strength) shields were very hammered when we finished, but I managed a win with no internals.  The Kzinti finally withdrew due to my expert sniping tearing apart his facing shields, and the slow but steady progression of internals ripping him apart.

Without Snares to deal with the medium speed drones, I'd never have stood a chance, and as it was, had the CL been refitted I'd never have been able to keep the distance open.

That's why I have a warm fuzzy place for SFB Tholians...


Offline Bonk

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #16 on: February 26, 2011, 12:22:54 am »
Finally, I will pay $50.00 to $60.00 for a version of SFC: EAW/OP if it had a decent non-programmer friendly mission editor.

Noted.

That's why I have a warm fuzzy place for SFB Tholians...

 ;D  I was banned from playing them on the hexmap. Became undefeatable. Those Romulan Bastards! ( *shakes fist*)

The instant action mission editor is pretty intuitive compared to SFC: OP.  We need something as simple. It increases replay value and it's fun if you don't have the time to play online.

...

It would have been a blast to play the SFC1 Federation campaign as the Klingons or any other race for that matter. Imagine what increased replay value we could get then for us non-SFB fanatics out there.

Also noted. Admittedly because I am somewhat biased(?) and agree totally with you on both counts.


Offline Tulwar

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #17 on: February 26, 2011, 12:49:41 am »


SVC does not hold the copyright for the canon Tholian race.

KF

SVC doesn't hold the copyright for most of the names of the Empires or ST cannon ships.  He does; however, own the concepts used in this game.  The layout of the phasers are all Steve Cole's, as well as all the other information on the SSD's.
Cannon (can' nun) n.  An istrument used to rectify national boundries.  Ambrois Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary

Offline atraxerxes

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #18 on: February 26, 2011, 04:18:51 am »
     I was thinking about the main blocks that SVC has raised to this. Can one work around some of his objections? Like the weapon layouts, aren't the cannon ship's in some cases already fitted out by the original designers? I mean the Enterprise from the original show has phasers and photons firing from the front, it's almost in every show. Can he really make a case that he now owns that idea? And if the project were to work with it's own models and modelers could he then claim to have thought of, or rights those, in the placement of wepons?
     As far as wepons are concered dose he out right own the names and purposes to weapons seen on the orginal show? And with damage, couldn't it be altered to instead of his "boxes", to say something more general like left or right warp cell damage, or hull or life support, maybe a specific system damage, he can't really say I own that idea. I mean even today's shuttle has life support, engine and sensor systems.
    And lastly for races, you may not be able to use Andro, but what if you used say , and I am not 100% sure of the name, the Kelvin? I belive there was a extra-galatic race in the original series by that name?

Offline Bonk

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #19 on: February 26, 2011, 10:10:03 am »
The main point is that Dynaverse.net costs money. It does not make money, nor do I expect it ever will. If we're lucky, someday it might just pay for itself. Blood from a stone?

We can patch stock EAW installs and make mega mods to our heart's content. As we always have. There is no real change here. I just wish the term SFC4 was never used. Lets not rehash bad history and bad decisions. I had nothing to do with that, but I am the one coordinating a team to get EAW working on Vista/7 and add other features and fix bugs that we have been complaining about for years.

Let's not focus on this please? (Beetlejuice?) See my comments above. (re: OP+, SFB-OP, UAW, long time, yadayada)

Let's focus on EAW bug reports and feature requests and mega-mod integration planning and oci concepts etcetera. MMmkay? That would be great.

We're kinda holding back until we have a Vista/7 fix/solution/workaround in hand. Once we have that then lets go nuts with the possibilities, but until then such discussions are entirely moot. We must exercise restraint. But know, I understand how hard that is.
« Last Edit: February 26, 2011, 10:40:17 am by Bonk XC »

Offline Klingon Fanatic

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #20 on: February 26, 2011, 10:40:09 am »
Doh! How could I have forgotten the SFC1 mission: Repair Roundevous.

We need a more universal version so we can try it out from the perspective of other races or customize the ships/races involved.

Dynaverse $$$ generator ideas (not 100% thought out):

1. Simple, stand alone single player/ online mission editor that interfaces with SFC: OP and/ or EAW. Since this would require players to have EAW/OP that project folks that don't have either game would have to get the game(s).

2. SFC1 style, universal campaign pack that includes MUST HAVE custom single player missions including The Quantum Factor and Repair Roundevous. The scripting alone is different enough between SFC1 missions and SFC: OP to be a worthy project and if you make them universal missions it would be even better.

I'd pay up to $25.00 for each of those add ons.
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Offline Bonk

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #21 on: February 26, 2011, 10:52:31 am »
That's the spirit.  :goodpost:

But let me amend that to "you would donate to support a group producing great SFC mods" - not "I'd pay for add-ons". ;)

You do have that idea of a mission editor stuck in your head don't you? It's a good one. I sense it will be your "axe to grind".  ;D But once you just said online missions editor... the ideas and implications started running wild in my head. Having run dynaverse servers for years I know that the core SFC/Dyna crowd would absolutley love that... themed campaign possibilities, interactive campaigns... must... force... self... back... to.. vista... debugging... drudgery... ;)

Offline FoaS_XC

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #22 on: February 26, 2011, 12:35:19 pm »
But once you just said online missions editor... the ideas and implications started running wild in my head.

Translation: Hey FoaS, check this out! >.< lol (just playin bonk)
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Offline Bonk

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #23 on: February 26, 2011, 12:53:17 pm »
Well, to be honest it was more like: Um Dave, while you're at it...  :angel:  But we gotta break vista, once done (one way or another ;)) then I love this idea, particularly with the modularity planned for the oci and serverkit admin interfaces, I'm dying to play with that stuff, but we have to find/settle on our Vista/7 solution first.

Offline FoaS_XC

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #24 on: February 26, 2011, 12:54:25 pm »
Mm, thought it would lead you to think of a web interface >.< - my bad, Im without coffee.
Robinomicon
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Offline Bonk

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #25 on: February 26, 2011, 01:08:18 pm »
Both, both... that's why this team works see... ;)
« Last Edit: February 26, 2011, 01:10:56 pm by FoaS_XC »

Offline Czar Mohab

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #26 on: February 27, 2011, 01:27:00 am »
Doh! How could I have forgotten the SFC1 mission: Repair Roundevous.

How could a self proclaimed Klingon Fanatic forget the Klingon Tribble eradication mission?

When it came to story, imho, SFC1 was the poo. Especially with the ability to replay missions if you somehow failed one. For all of EAW and OP's improvements, I felt that this was one item that got left out that shouldn't have been. But that's just me.

Back on track, make a universal, and fully working, special campaign for each race, intended to start early and end in the late late (or early advanced?) era. Make this campaign available for download with an "if you like to donate please do" option; but offer something special for successfully completing the campaign, first as one race, then as all of them. Something like a coffee mug with race logo on one side and player's choice of stats from the game or a profile shot of their preferred ship that they used from the campaign or just a generic ship that best represents the race overall (F-CA, K-D7, R-WE, etc). Or shot glass, or --- a porthole mug (those are awesome! a see-though porthole on the mug/stein with a suitable picture on the other side, on the inside portion of the mug/stein. can be all clear glass, or only clear in the porthole). The prize would require some file (perhaps a screenshot of the "congrats you won, take screenshot of this screen and send to..." ?) to be sent to you guys, and for an appropriate donation, plus shipping, the player gets his mug. When that player has mastered that special campaign for all the races, the player gets to choose from a larger assortment of do-dads. Perhaps a poster or t-short with all the races represented?


Other items in exchange for donations (ideas only), note that SFC2:CE and Dynaverse logos should somehow be present:

ballcap (like the ones in use in the Navy) with ship's name, silhouette, and class (i.e. IKV Dreamslayer Klingon C-7) and somewhere on it "SFC2: Collector's Edition (racename) Captain"
Adult Beverage Flask, engraved with race's logo or ship
poster ala SFB, depicting an epic battle between some ships, maybe one or two from each race.
item with "The only valid test is combat; the only valid result is victory" on one side, and "Dynaverse: Testers Welcome!" or something else suitable on the other.
set of dinner plates with either each race's logo or ship on each or the entire set with race's logo. Perhaps also a sampling of whichever race's ships, or a race's ship, as appropriate

I can go all night with these, its just a start.
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Offline bonusbartus

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #27 on: February 27, 2011, 07:32:38 am »
One thing I miss in SFC2 vs SFC1 is the ability to refit ships, would it be possible to make ships refittable in the new SFC?
I mean, the shiplists are prepared for it, it would be great to have the ability to choose one of the possible refits for a ship?

and no I don't have a lot of experience with any of those thing (DX,Dplay,Windows socket) although I have some experience in Linux socket programming..
still, if I can do anything to help just pm or mail me :)
can't wait to see the stuff you guys are working on!

Oh and I just installed SFC3 again on my win7 pc... damn that game looks like crap.... I wonder why the graphics of SPC2 look better to me on my cheap 5 year ol laptop with Intel 915GM than SFC3 on my far better pc.... even with al graphics (AA and stuff) on override in the Nvidia panel and max settings!

Offline Klingon Fanatic

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #28 on: February 27, 2011, 07:35:55 am »
How could a self proclaimed Klingon Fanatic forget the Klingon Tribble eradication mission?

I was doing so well, the horror!

I was in full recovery until you mentioned that.

Horrible vermin, supernatural fur multiplying at frightening speed. Everywhere...

Back to the bloodwine and painstick therapy....
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Offline Tumulorum Fossor

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #29 on: February 27, 2011, 01:54:28 pm »
Wow!  Many years ago, I was lucky enough to be a beta tester for the SFCs.  And have been playing it less and less over the years, but ALWAYS had a soft spot in my heart for it.  I'd regularly peruse the boards, and would post occassionally.  As I'd upgrade the PC/laptop, would have to reacquaint myself with the headaches of installing, patching, changing the desktop link, etc., though the compilations made that much less painful (thanks, Pestalence, for the enhancement packs).  And FireSoul's stuff has been out of this world.  And one can't forget to mention all the great stuff the scripters, like NW, have been doing.  Obviously, I'm not mentioning everyone: this is just the stuff off the top of my head as I would periodically orbit dynaverse.net .  I held my breath like so many of us over SFC 4, but knew it probably seemed too good to be true.

But this, Frey and Bonk, wow, this seems like something different in terms of intelligent organization and available assets towards meeting realistic, and worthwhile, goals.  I'll be upgrading the PC again soon, Win7, and will hopefully have a seamless transition with SFCDecade (is that a valid expression?  SFCD?).

As I loved all iterations of this game so much, I have ALL my stuff.  Even (I think) a beta test disk.  And bonus mission disk (already reproduced here countless times).  Even my autographed Taldren T-shirt!  (Thanks, Erik and company, if you're reading this!)

But in the spirit of painless fundraising with minimum legal hassle, one thing that always bugged me when I would periodically reinstall SFC would be my inability to sort the latest and greatest models.  Maybe I'm behind on this one, and it already exists, but I would gladly donate for a disk of updated, approved, hardpointed, best of models, broken down as appropriate by era and unique to refits.   I always pictured the warp engines on the models as being the best telltale way of distinguishing eras, with the orange tipped TOS warp engines corresponding with early, TMP slotted warp engines with mid, and TNG with late.  But you get the idea.

Anyhow, I think rethinking the model assortment, with appropriate quality control, variety, and just downright aesthetics, would give dynaverse an opportunity to make some donated cash with quality work already available on its website.  Just not organized in any standardized fashion.  Firesoul's extensive library of ship additions certainly has created a need for model variety.  And I always thought that SUBTLE refit variations during gameplay enhanced gameplay in letting the player guess who they're fighting against on visual alone, before anything shows up on readout, so some real thought has to go into choosing the models along a refit family tree.  And that is something for which I would think many would be willing to pay.  Especially if you throw in a good user-friendly model choosing utility, if that seems desirable or practical (to allow future wholesale model changes/standardized model folder organization).

Just a thought, as I think this might not be a bad time to put thought into model organization/integration/updating within SFC, as well as be a possible way to make resources largely already available to work towards the financial viability of dynaverse/SFCD.

Thanks for reading this.

-TF

Offline thai

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #30 on: February 27, 2011, 05:57:59 pm »
 Gee, I just reinstalled these games and was looking for for firesoul's and NW pages for some scripts and reminders on the .gf stuff a couple weeks ago and when i returned I saw the update. Good job.

I have Both games but ordered both anyway to support the cause (order #59).

 I am happy that things are pressing foreward, I've been silently waiting for awhile.
I hope to see some patches in the months to come and am excited about the future prospects of community SFC development.

Thanks


Offline FA Frey XC

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #31 on: February 27, 2011, 10:11:53 pm »
We've had several orders since the Marketplace was opened!

Support D.Net now :D Donate or purchase your copy today!

Regards,
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Dynaverse Gaming Association
Owner, CEO XenoCorp Inc.


Offline Strat

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #32 on: March 08, 2011, 03:27:25 pm »
Will the edition that works in Vista/7 be a separate product to buy, or will there be a patch to the products in the marketplace right now?

Offline FA Frey XC

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #33 on: March 12, 2011, 04:48:41 am »
Patch to the current products right now.

You get your copy from the only Official Starfleet Command source? You get ad-infinitum support, including updates.

:D

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Ravok

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #34 on: April 13, 2011, 09:21:13 am »
 Can somebody please direct me to the page that explains exactly what is going on ??
 I have been out of the US for the last 2 years and I'm really confused.

 Is this a newer version of the game? with enhancements,and new races? Or just a fixed patched version of the old one??

 Do you get a CD? Or is it just a down load??

 Is SFC 4 Dead?? 

Offline Bonk

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #35 on: April 13, 2011, 09:41:04 am »
Can somebody please direct me to the page that explains exactly what is going on ??

There isn't exactly one. (hmm, I guess there should be?) Perhaps you might want go through the announcements forum to catch the highlights of what you missed?


Is this a newer version of the game? with enhancements,and new races? Or just a fixed patched version of the old one??

Stage one: fix EAW so the Vista Dynaverse works. Make patch for EAW. (everything else comes second and depends on this in the current plan, which is not written in stone) Though NuclearWessels has not been able to stop himself from adding a few configurable goodies and obvious/long-time-coming fixes along the way.

Do you get a CD? Or is it just a down load??

Stage one result: a patch for EAW that you can download (and a new serverkit release). Not available yet. Though I think I should put together a beta of current progress for testing soon.

Is SFC 4 Dead?? 

It was never really alive as far as I was concerned. We started this Dec. 27th 2010. I would have liked to have seen more progress in twelve weeks but we are doing ok, but I think it is time to crack the whip and get the team into better shape, or look at a recruitment or two.

Currently the future kind of depends on a patch for EAW. Then we go from there. It is kind of a proof-of-concept for what we are, a trial by fire. But I do not want to make it a be-all end-all. If in time we find we are unable to patch EAW to work properly on Vista/7 then we will consider other approaches.

In short, the current goal is a patch for EAW, but it is a milestone for us mainly. We all still overflow with creative ideas on where to go from here.

The terminology I currently like best is Starfleet Command: Empires at War - Community Edition. But Frey is full of ideas for names and has not settled on future products really. Frey had suggested some interview type stuff soon. Perhaps that would help, but I would like to have a product in hand...

Right now, just think EAW 2.0.3.7+.

Ravok

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #36 on: April 13, 2011, 10:58:38 am »
  :) Thanks Bonk !!

Offline Kid Carrson

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #37 on: April 17, 2011, 05:16:52 pm »
Along with improved stability and bug fixes, I'd really like to see 2 things for the game:

1.  A relatively simple and effective mission editor that can create scripts for Multi-player skirmishes on LAN, as well as scripts for Single Player skirmishes and campaigns.

2.  Editable weapons, preferably with additional weapons that can be edited (think 5 versions of Phaser 1 that can be modified).  Ideally, with most of the OP weapons added.

These 2 changes, along with bug fixes and improved stability, could carry us on for many more years.

Kid Carrson

 

Offline FA Frey XC

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #38 on: August 06, 2011, 12:29:34 am »
You know my Romulan ALE smuggling ring and fight my tribble, I certainly MIS budget, time, or into other matters. I know you ragging, but just to be sure, I gently said: "We do this outta love, and we have a full-time job," you know what I'm Sa?

Moderated, spammer, please don't come into my house and attempt to fit in. We spot you.

Regards,
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Owner, CEO XenoCorp Inc.


Offline matchbox2022

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #39 on: September 26, 2011, 10:20:56 pm »
Making the AI not blindly charge towards my dreadnought if they're a frigate would be nice.

AKA AI personalities that include, "HEY! How about we dont get the sh*t kicked out of us and outrun that thing?"

I'm getting so sick of them not running away, though I've been on the recieving end of that lots.

Offline FA Frey XC

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #40 on: September 28, 2011, 02:15:20 pm »
Making the AI not blindly charge towards my dreadnought if they're a frigate would be nice.

AKA AI personalities that include, "HEY! How about we dont get the sh*t kicked out of us and outrun that thing?"

I'm getting so sick of them not running away, though I've been on the recieving end of that lots.

I'd have to agree ;)

Regards,
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Offline manitoba1073

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #41 on: September 28, 2011, 06:21:29 pm »
 I am so so on that. Maybe a better idea would be like have that frigate run a little ways a way to wait for back up then attack en masse. Or be it where the frigate appears to fall back then have a couple ships decloak as you chase after it.



Offline matchbox2022

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #42 on: September 30, 2011, 02:09:52 am »
How hard would it be to make the AI do that? At least once it's below a certain BPV it just tries to disengage. Or it comparing BPVs in the beginning of the match and if the difference is more than 20% it just says f*ck this and "tries" to peace :)

Offline FPF-Tobin Dax

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Re: UPDATE #2
« Reply #43 on: October 01, 2011, 09:10:15 am »
If you are going to let the AI disengage, then no large maps for such missions. I'm not interested in wasting a large chunk of time chasing the AI across the largest maps that I have seen.

Get rid of the missions where you would get a mismatch with a frigate in your big boat.
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