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Join the GTVA Fleet! FREESPACE 2 (56K is hit with friendly fire from the Actium)
MechMantis
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
What is Freespace 2?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khIWdolT9xY
Freespace 2 is a very awesome space flight combat simulator released in 1999 to many awards and nice reviews. However, it was marketed not at all, and thus, did not sell too well. Which is a damn shame. If you have something you like in flight simulators, be it taking down giant capital ships, taking down enemy fighters in dogfights, flying escort for bombers, or just want a good story in your game, this is what you should play. See the above intro if you want a taste of the game's story.
Yes yes yes we know what FS2 is (or do now). What's your point?
Now, many of you do NOT know about the Source Code Project.
What's that? What's that got to do with Freespace?
The Source Code Project was formed in 2001 when Volition basically said: "Guys, we aren't going to get to make a sequel to this game like we would have liked. SO have the source code! GO NUTS!"
The community was overjoyed. However, they were also not idiots. So, instead of EVERYONE making a derivative of Freespace 2, they only made ONE. What we now know as Freespace Open.
So fucking what? It's a 1999 game and I played it then. It probably looks like ASS now.
Oh really.
This...
LOOKS LIKE ASS?!
REALLY?!
HUH?!
ASS?!
Thought so. Doesn't look like ass.
Now these are with the .10 Media VPs, which are still IN BETA, so they are occasionally BUGGY AS HELL. I can't get the normal maps on my copy to work properly so YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY.
Okay fine it looks pretty. But what ELSE does it do?
The Source Code Project also removes some limits on the campaign editor, and fixes some bugs within the engine itself. Which allows for some pretty cool things.
Like Beyond the Red Line.
Or Inferno (may contain FS2 Campaign Spoilers).
Or Blue Planet (contains FS2 Campaign Spoilers).
They even set up a PXO-alike called FS2NETD so you can play multiplayer!
MUST HAVE MUST HAVE MUST HAVE
The easy way now no longer requires mod approval as it no longer provides Retail FS2 files!
You can get Turey's Freespace Open installer provided you have an install of FS2 to begin with!
Get it here!
For those who like the manual touch, this is how you go about it.
YOU WILL NEED :
One (1) Retail Copy of Freespace 2
One (1) Copy of the FSO Launcher Version 5.5D
One (1) Freespace Open EXE
*You may either use the 3.6.9 Official Release, which will ALWAYS WORK, OR
*You may use A relatively stable Trunk build which allows you to use the .10 media VPs which have the fancy effects.
One (1) Set of Media VPs for fancy graphics
*Note: The game WILL WORK without them you just don't get the fancy effects.
*Use either the 3.6.8 Zeta Media VPs which don't look as nice but are stable
*OR Use the 3.6.10 Beta Media VPs which are somewhat buggy and require a few fixes (read the topic).
If you HAVE all of these parts we may begin construction.
STEP THE FIRST
Install Freespace 2. Use the Maximum Installation option.
STEP THE SECOND
Extract the Launcher into the Freespace 2 Folder, in my case it was E:\Games\Freespace 2
STEP THE THIRD
Extract the EXEs into the Freespace 2 folder.
STEP THE FOURTH
Extract the Media VPs into a NEW DIRECTORY called mediavps in the Freespace 2 Folder.
STEP THE FIFTH
Open the FS2O Launcher and CONFIGURE IT. Check the tabs, make sure you're happy. Under the Mod tab switch your mod to mediavps to play with your new fancy graphics. In the Welcome tag make sure you aren't running a debug build (designated with _d or _dbg). This will break things.
STEP THE SIXTH
Hit the APPLY button. HIT IT. HIT IT.
STEP THE SEVENTH
Hit the RUN button. This will run the game. Once you have applied the settings, however, you can run the EXE you modified without running the launcher. I still do just for old time's sake but it's not required. You can just run the modified EXE.
MULTIPLAYER
Yes we can play multiplayer. Kickass, right? There's a bit of work to it, though. And a few notices. If you play with the 3.6.8 OR 3.6.10 Media VPs, STATS ARE NOT STORED, and you will have a HACKED TABLE NOTIFICATION when you play. This does nothing. It doesn't mean you're a cheater, it means you're playing with prettyfied game. This guide also assumes that you have already installed FSO. If you haven't, get to it.
Another major notice:
3.6.10 is FUBAR'D in relation to multiplayer! DO NOT USE IT. USE A 3.6.9 EXE.
First, you need to make an account here. Write down the info or something.
Second, find the file named fs2open_pxo.cfg Open it, and make sure it contains the following lines
fs2netd.game-warden.com
12000
If this file does NOT exist, fire up notepad and create it. Make sure the EXACT SAME FILE is also in Freespace2\mediavps\Data !!! Otherwise it WILL NOT WORK.
Third, if you want to host, make sure port 7808 UDP+TCP is forwarded.
Fourth, make a multiplayer pilot using the handy multiplayer pilot button at the pilot select screen.
Fifth, go into the FS2 Preferences, go to the Multiplayer tab, and type in your FS2NetD info.
This is an example. Squadron field can remain blank.
Sixth, get the multiplayer mission pack from here, and put it in the root FS2 folder. (Mine was E:\Games\Freespace2)
Seventh, GAEM ON MANS.
HAMACHI MULTIPLAYER
Well you're a lazy bastard and don't want to do all that silly FS2NetD stuff. I feel for you. It's pretty annoying. So I made a Hamachi network for all you lazy bastards out there. Including myself.
We are using Hamachi 1.0.3.0, as Hamachi 1.0.1.5 has committed suicide on my computer. Maybe it will be compatible, maybe it won't. You're welcome to try 1.0.1.5 with me, who will be running .3.0.
1)Download and install it. Once you have it installed, go to preferences (the gear icon) and set up your nickname, etc etc.
2)Then go to the network button, the triangle with the three dots on the points. Go to "Join an Existing Network" there.
3)In the Network Name, type PAFS2. This is CASE SENSITIVE. Password is wang. Per usual. You are now a member of my virtual LAN. You can now play LAN games with other network members. Congrats!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khIWdolT9xY
Freespace 2 is a very awesome space flight combat simulator released in 1999 to many awards and nice reviews. However, it was marketed not at all, and thus, did not sell too well. Which is a damn shame. If you have something you like in flight simulators, be it taking down giant capital ships, taking down enemy fighters in dogfights, flying escort for bombers, or just want a good story in your game, this is what you should play. See the above intro if you want a taste of the game's story.
Yes yes yes we know what FS2 is (or do now). What's your point?
Now, many of you do NOT know about the Source Code Project.
What's that? What's that got to do with Freespace?
The Source Code Project was formed in 2001 when Volition basically said: "Guys, we aren't going to get to make a sequel to this game like we would have liked. SO have the source code! GO NUTS!"
The community was overjoyed. However, they were also not idiots. So, instead of EVERYONE making a derivative of Freespace 2, they only made ONE. What we now know as Freespace Open.
So fucking what? It's a 1999 game and I played it then. It probably looks like ASS now.
Oh really.
This...
LOOKS LIKE ASS?!
REALLY?!
HUH?!
ASS?!
Thought so. Doesn't look like ass.
Now these are with the .10 Media VPs, which are still IN BETA, so they are occasionally BUGGY AS HELL. I can't get the normal maps on my copy to work properly so YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY.
Okay fine it looks pretty. But what ELSE does it do?
The Source Code Project also removes some limits on the campaign editor, and fixes some bugs within the engine itself. Which allows for some pretty cool things.
Like Beyond the Red Line.
Or Inferno (may contain FS2 Campaign Spoilers).
Or Blue Planet (contains FS2 Campaign Spoilers).
They even set up a PXO-alike called FS2NETD so you can play multiplayer!
MUST HAVE MUST HAVE MUST HAVE
The easy way now no longer requires mod approval as it no longer provides Retail FS2 files!
You can get Turey's Freespace Open installer provided you have an install of FS2 to begin with!
Get it here!
For those who like the manual touch, this is how you go about it.
YOU WILL NEED :
One (1) Retail Copy of Freespace 2
One (1) Copy of the FSO Launcher Version 5.5D
One (1) Freespace Open EXE
*You may either use the 3.6.9 Official Release, which will ALWAYS WORK, OR
*You may use A relatively stable Trunk build which allows you to use the .10 media VPs which have the fancy effects.
One (1) Set of Media VPs for fancy graphics
*Note: The game WILL WORK without them you just don't get the fancy effects.
*Use either the 3.6.8 Zeta Media VPs which don't look as nice but are stable
*OR Use the 3.6.10 Beta Media VPs which are somewhat buggy and require a few fixes (read the topic).
If you HAVE all of these parts we may begin construction.
STEP THE FIRST
Install Freespace 2. Use the Maximum Installation option.
STEP THE SECOND
Extract the Launcher into the Freespace 2 Folder, in my case it was E:\Games\Freespace 2
STEP THE THIRD
Extract the EXEs into the Freespace 2 folder.
STEP THE FOURTH
Extract the Media VPs into a NEW DIRECTORY called mediavps in the Freespace 2 Folder.
STEP THE FIFTH
Open the FS2O Launcher and CONFIGURE IT. Check the tabs, make sure you're happy. Under the Mod tab switch your mod to mediavps to play with your new fancy graphics. In the Welcome tag make sure you aren't running a debug build (designated with _d or _dbg). This will break things.
STEP THE SIXTH
Hit the APPLY button. HIT IT. HIT IT.
STEP THE SEVENTH
Hit the RUN button. This will run the game. Once you have applied the settings, however, you can run the EXE you modified without running the launcher. I still do just for old time's sake but it's not required. You can just run the modified EXE.
MULTIPLAYER
Yes we can play multiplayer. Kickass, right? There's a bit of work to it, though. And a few notices. If you play with the 3.6.8 OR 3.6.10 Media VPs, STATS ARE NOT STORED, and you will have a HACKED TABLE NOTIFICATION when you play. This does nothing. It doesn't mean you're a cheater, it means you're playing with prettyfied game. This guide also assumes that you have already installed FSO. If you haven't, get to it.
Another major notice:
3.6.10 is FUBAR'D in relation to multiplayer! DO NOT USE IT. USE A 3.6.9 EXE.
First, you need to make an account here. Write down the info or something.
Second, find the file named fs2open_pxo.cfg Open it, and make sure it contains the following lines
fs2netd.game-warden.com
12000
If this file does NOT exist, fire up notepad and create it. Make sure the EXACT SAME FILE is also in Freespace2\mediavps\Data !!! Otherwise it WILL NOT WORK.
Third, if you want to host, make sure port 7808 UDP+TCP is forwarded.
Fourth, make a multiplayer pilot using the handy multiplayer pilot button at the pilot select screen.
Fifth, go into the FS2 Preferences, go to the Multiplayer tab, and type in your FS2NetD info.
This is an example. Squadron field can remain blank.
Sixth, get the multiplayer mission pack from here, and put it in the root FS2 folder. (Mine was E:\Games\Freespace2)
Seventh, GAEM ON MANS.
HAMACHI MULTIPLAYER
Well you're a lazy bastard and don't want to do all that silly FS2NetD stuff. I feel for you. It's pretty annoying. So I made a Hamachi network for all you lazy bastards out there. Including myself.
We are using Hamachi 1.0.3.0, as Hamachi 1.0.1.5 has committed suicide on my computer. Maybe it will be compatible, maybe it won't. You're welcome to try 1.0.1.5 with me, who will be running .3.0.
1)Download and install it. Once you have it installed, go to preferences (the gear icon) and set up your nickname, etc etc.
2)Then go to the network button, the triangle with the three dots on the points. Go to "Join an Existing Network" there.
3)In the Network Name, type PAFS2. This is CASE SENSITIVE. Password is wang. Per usual. You are now a member of my virtual LAN. You can now play LAN games with other network members. Congrats!
MechMantis on
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Posts
How much of the single player campaign has been revamped? I remember quite a few one-off ships in there, it would be odd if everything but one or two looked shiny and new.
I don't think a single ship hasn't received at least a better model or texture.
These guys even ported the original FS1 campaign over, and are working on HTLing (the term for AWESOMIZING) those ships. You'll have to hunt that one down on your own though. It's a real grey area that I'm not willing to get into here.
This just makes it harder to not have.
So you only need to find ONE game.
Psht. I want the whole story.
I mean, for those that forgot, this is what Freespace 1 looks like, in full-resolution 1998 glory:
Here is the same level in FS2 SCP:
And this was about a year ago with an older version. I'm sure they prettified it even more since.
Also, since they added .mve support in SCP, getting the cinematics to play is pretty must just copy-paste into the install, no fiddling nasty AVI recompression or shit.
Wow!!
Anyone know where I can get a damn profile... So I don't have to program one myself like with Mechwarrior 4.
I'll set this damn thing up tomorrow.
It's gone now.
Also:
I'M A TWITTER SHITTER
Now help me rip off these crooked cops and fence the stuff with my guy Redfern.
Updated textures? Must have.
I'm pretty sure they're there. :P
Yeah those are both FS1. Silent Threat is the addon pack for Freespace: The Great War (Freespace 1).
The mods are for Freespace 2 unfortunately. However, as the op said:
I'm not going to post any more than that until MechMantis gets his verification, since he feels that going that route might be a bit "iffy" on these forums (although IIRC, it was allowed in the last Freespace thread we had).
It's a tough game. Trust me, you'd probably be doing far worse without a joystick.
When I started off playing it was my wingmen mainly getting the kills as well. Don't take that as saying that you're useless, you've just got to learn the ropes. The AI for your wingmen is actually pretty competent for once in a game of this type.
Fucking hard shooting down those bombs.
Yes, but mod approval WAS required.
So I'm going about this by the book.
EDIT: On the interceptor missions, you don't need to shoot the BOMBS if you shoot the BOMBERS first. Double harpoons with subach fire should deal with most of them.
Fair enough I understand that. What I'm saying is that it's likely to be allowed this time as well.
Also, be sure to order your wingmen to defend targets as well.
Give orders to your wingmen, I cannot stress that enough. They're good at following orders and are a fundamental necessity for the later missions. You can't do it all on your own, the missions are too large and there's far too much going on, nor are you meant to do it alone either. Later on you'll be commanding three to four wings of fighters, and you'll want to be setting them up with orders as soon as you enter the mission.
What surprises me is that even today, it feels like one of the few games where it's really vital for me to give orders to my wing mates, and make sure they're going at different missions whilst I carry out my own tasks. They may not necessarily have a high survival rate, but you really do feel as if you're fighting alongside them when they're carrying out vital tasks.
First thing I'd do every mission as soon as we'd jumped in would be to give orders to the various wings. Alpha 2, with me, Interceptors Alpha 3 and 4 on bomber defence for the station, Delta wing take down that cruiser...
It'll take a bit of practice - when I started playing again after a few years off, I was certifiably craptacular. I won't make any claims to being good, but I'm better off than I was and am seriously enjoying myself.
What stick are you using, if you don't mind me asking? Having a decent one really helps, too.
And for the record, I actually really like the bomber intercept missions...they're such juicy targets! :P Anything involving shooting down Dragons...now that's a bona fide pain in the ass.
Vanilla FS2 might be a little wowed by your memory amounts. FSO should have no problems with it.
I have my joystick to control motion and fire weapons.
Headband to control targeting, power and viewpoints.
Keyboard for comm and issuing orders.
Anyways, it is awesome
steam
I mean sure, you're going to look like a gigantic dork, but this still seems pretty awesome. Actually, since the FS2 source code is open, it'd probably be possible to rig it up with something like this at the same time:
Skip to 2:44
It would be a reverse transform of the view frustum based on the player's head position - really not all that difficult to do. And you could just mount the infra-red LED needed on the wii sensor.
Virtual reality mind-control FS2 here I come!
Yeah, if someone can test/talk through getting the texture/graphics upgrades working on the GOG edition of Freespace 2, I will be a very happy man and will be straight up on a purchase.
Hopefully the people at GOG are cool and will work with the SCP guys.
I'm not worried, though. At all.