Hard Light Productions Forums
General FreeSpace => FreeSpace Discussion => Topic started by: cvearl on October 10, 2006, 03:21:24 pm
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I am new here and to Freespace 2.
As an old player of the WC series, Freelancer and Xwing and so on, I have been waiting for a good space sim/drama and here was one all along that I overlooked!
I have been playing for a few nights the original RETAIL Freespace 2 patched to 1.2. I Love it.
Since talking about the game in other forums, I was directed here and that I NEEDED to run the Source Code project to really get all I can from it. I have it downloaded (ver 1.9 complete) and will be isntalling it. But I am a little apprehensive.
Is the actual game left in it's original glorious state other than it is graphically enhanced? I want to experience the game's original story, campain and voice acting and so on. The magic of it that made it the legend it is today.
Does the 1.9 Open Source version just improve it but basically leave the original essence in tact? Original music and cutscenes? Story line, flight and weapon dynamics and so on?
I don't want the "game" modded so much as I was just looking for a cool and working facelift. :)
Please clarify. :)
Sincerely,
Chavez.
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:welcome:
A general FAQ (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/karajorma/FAQ/intro.html) (this helps most problems)
A list of several modifications for FS2 (http://campaignlist.hard-light.net/)
I'm afraid I have some bad news for you... you had retail FS2, right? You didn't need to download the 1.9 package to get the Source (http://scp.indiegames.us/) code (the source version is also call the Source Code Project[SCP] and Freespace Open[FSO]). The 1.9 package is, IIRC, a compilation of the retail game, several mods (such as Derelict and Inferno) and one of the latest releases of FSO. Since you already have the game, and intend to play through the canon SP game, all you need to download is FSO.
The Source Code Project's official website (http://scp.indiegames.us/) (most people don't get anything from here, as it is usually outdated :) )
The SCP forum here at HLP (http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/board,50.0.html) (note the 'Recent builds' child board and the stickified 'FAQ + How to get started using FS2NetD' FS2NetD is a way to play multiplayer, now that PXO is gone.)
The Upgrade forum for the SCP (http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/board,120.0.html) (this board includes prettier models and everything else like that.
The most recent and best 'upgrades' to the SCP (http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/topic,39905.0.html) (These make the game pretty)
Report bugs in the SCP here (http://www.hard-light.net/mantis/) (Don't forget to use the search feature on this forum to see if your problem has already been answered.)
If you want cutscenes, you will have to download a huge pack of them as AVIs, unless you use this (http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/topic,41891.0.html) SCP version. If you use this version, don't forget to get the media VP patches. You should probably get this build, as it is the latest one, anyway.
And finally : How to install FSO! (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/karajorma/FAQ/installingfs2_open.html)
And to answer your question, no, the SCP only modifies the graphics and music quality of the game.
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You sir are awesome! thanks.
I'm not upset that I have downloaded 1.9 Full. I will burn it to DVD in case I need a reload later.
However...
I have NOT yet uninstalled the RETAIL game. It's still in it's original state and patched to 1.2 and I am like 10 missions into the game. Sorry if I sound like a dip here but...
Are you saying I can simply download and apply this tiny little patch and I am upgraded to all the new sexy engine tweaks???
http://fs2source.warpcore.org/exes/latest/May2006/FS2_Open_KARA_20060517.rar
I am a little confused. It's sooo small! 3.56MB!
Ooops Ok. I just saw this. Or payed attention to it. Your last link. Wow. Some steps to do! :) http://homepage.ntlworld.com/karajorma/FAQ/installingfs2_open.html
Should I just delete the FS2 folder I have and install the 2GB Full 1.9 pack? Will that be easier?
C.
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The actual FS2_Open executable file, or "build," represents the actual changes/upgrades/bugfixes to the game engine, and you're right in noting that it's a relatively small file. However, to actually get the full graphical enhancement that make FS2 as pretty and shiney as all of those gorgeous screenshots, you'll have to also download the Media_VPs, a series of files in FS2's archive format that include all of the enhanced content that can be used with FS2_Open. As you might expect from having a ton of textures and animations in them, they're on the hefty side when compared with the actual build. You should be able to grab the most recent MediaVPs from the "most recent and best upgrades" link in thesizzler's post. Also, be sure to check out the "how to install FSO" link, as it'll explain everything you need to know about where to put those Media_VPs in order for FS2 to use them.
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Man I gotta tell others about this once I have played it a bit. :)
This much community for a 6 year old game? My god!
Thanks to you all!
C.
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Here are the steps in less words. :)
STEP 1: Backup data directory
STEP 2: download this (http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/topic,41891.0.html) build of FSO. I am pretty sure that with this build, you can use the cutscenes that came on the CD (they were in MVE format, FSO used to only like AVIs.)
STEP 3: take the fs2_open_3.6.9.exe from the RAR in the previous post and the Launcher.exe from the build that you downloaded. Place them both in the main FS2 directory.
STEP 4: If you have a high end computer: get all (download) media VPs (located here (http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/topic,39905.0.html)
If you have a moderate level computer get all except Adv effects
If you have a low end computer, get all except Adv effects
STEP 5: Create a folder in your FS2 directory called "Media VPs"
STEP 6: Place all VP files downloaded in step 4 into the folder you just created.
STEP 7: Run the Launcher.exe that you placed in the main FS2 folder. (not the RETAIL launcher)
STEP 8: At the top of the Launcher, you will see an empty text box with a 'browse' button on it's right. Click the 'browse' button.
STEP 9: Select the 3.6.9 build of the SCP that you placed in the FS2 directory earlier.
STEP 10: go to the 'Mods' tab and hit 'select mod'
STEP 11: Select the "Media VPs" folder
STEP 12: Go to the Features tab and select the features (graphical enhancements :pimp: ) you wish to use.
STEP 13: hit 'apply' then run!!
The reason I had you put the media VPs in a separate folder is because if your version of SCP breaks, then you can still run RETAIL FS2. When you finish the SP campaign refer back the the faq (the very first link I gave you). It tells you how to use mods and MVs at the same time :) . I suggest you also bookmark the faq along with this (http://www.hard-light.net/wiki/) page. They are VERY VERY VERY useful.
Hope I helped! :)
EDIT: Curse these cold hands! I can't type!!. :mad: !!
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More than helped. I can't wait to get home and play tonight!
C.
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Wait!!!
I have THIS ----------> http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/topic,39499.0.html
Downloaded in last 24 hours. Should I just delete the FS2 Retail and install that? And if I did, would I need to download the cutscenes?
C.
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Having not worked with ShivanSPS's download, I can't tell you. I believe however that his download is a FULL game download, therefore if you have already installed retail FS2 you won't need it. Besides which, I think it's rather out-of-date (unless Shivan's been updating his download).
Minor note about cutscenes: FSOpen, until recently could only play AVI cutscenes. I think the newest versions can play the original MVEs, though I haven't tried it.
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The pack already have the cutscenes... but the AVI ones, you can use them (by now), but the support for the avis ones will disapear in 3.7.0...
My full pack will be updated when 3.6.9 goes live and stable :P
The problem which my pack is that you have to download the 2GB big one and then a 500MB update and other 40MB update :S
If you already have the retail you can copy the .mve cutscenes and replace the avi ones in my pack if you wish :P
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I'm confused now.
Cvearl:
Did you have the ShivanSpS pack 1.9c first, and installed Retail from that
-- OR --
did you get the ISOs online or buy the game from somewhere?
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I downloaded Sihvan's pack recently when I found out my FS2 CD's weren't working properly and I love it. It's got everything I need and had an easy setup. Plus there's no fuss about installing cutscenes.
Anyway, as a longtime fan of Freespace 2 I'll just say welcome aboard. I too am a great fan of the Wing Commander and X-Wing games. Though really in my opinion Freespace 2 is -the- masterpiece of the genre. As soon as you finish the campaign you should come back here and post your thoughts, I'd be fascinated to hear what you thought of the ending.
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Go FS2!
I like how the critics describe it "Freespace 2 offers nothing new or innovative, it's just so damn good!"
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I'm confused now.
Cvearl:
Did you have the ShivanSpS pack 1.9c first, and installed Retail from that
-- OR --
did you get the ISOs online or buy the game from somewhere?
I have the retail Freespace2 in a box under the stairs in one of the boxes of games I have stowed away.
Someone peaked my interrest in the game again with the arrival but not so well recieved Darkstar whatever.
Instead of pulling out all my crap under the stairs, I downloaded the BIN's for the 3 CD's. Made the CD's and installed the game and updated t0 2.0 and have flown the first 6 or so missions. So really just getting my feet wet.
I have now applied "thesizzlers" steps as he outlined them. put the launcher and build fs2_open_3_6_9.exe into the FS main folder and copied the MediaVPs he linked into a MediaVPs folder and ran the launcher. Set all Graphics options full and so on. EDIT ----> And switched to OPENGL. Wow. Drool....
Seems to be working great so I don't think I need to worry with using the 1.9 FULL PACK install.
C.
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OK here's the things I noticed after applying the FSOPEN...
Pro's...
Fuzzy text is now sharp.
Brightness controlls now actually work in the INGAME OPTIONS.
Ships at least SEEM to be sharper and more detailed.
Space and explosions look more colerfull and not as blotchy or blocky.
Hud is more detailed? Or more colorfull at least.
Con's... (EDITING BECAUSE I SWITCHED TO OPENGL)
None that I can see yet. Only played a few hours so far but all seems as it should be. Just graphically modern!
In FEATURES of the launcher under Graphics I enabled everything as per "thesizzlers" instructions. But nothing was meantioned about the VIDEO section. Thereforre I do not know if I should be in the VIDEO screen of the launcher. It has D3D5, D3D8 and OpenGL (are these all stable?). I play on a 7800GT. And do people ever play in "unsupported" resses?
Otherwise I like it!
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I'm assuming you have the latest release of FSOpen, in which case you should set the video tab to OpenGL (and if you don't have OpenGL, you should get it). Direct3d doesn't work as well as it used to on Open, an OpenGL is the preferred video setting nowadays.
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Nice.
I just set to OpenGL 1024x768 and the menus and main screen look perfect now!
Actually the game should be resold in this state!!! Obviously alot of polish went into the re-devlopment of this game.
Holy FREAKIN cow is all I can say. Nice work.
C.
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I'm assuming you have the latest release of FSOpen, in which case you should set the video tab to OpenGL (and if you don't have OpenGL, you should get it). Direct3d doesn't work as well as it used to on Open, an OpenGL is the preferred video setting nowadays.
Is there a problem running this in OPENGL with ATI cards? I am switching to ATI and would hate to have to revert back to D3D.
C.
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I'm assuming you have the latest release of FSOpen, in which case you should set the video tab to OpenGL (and if you don't have OpenGL, you should get it). Direct3d doesn't work as well as it used to on Open, an OpenGL is the preferred video setting nowadays.
Is there a problem running this in OPENGL with ATI cards? I am switching to ATI and would hate to have to revert back to D3D.
C.
I'm running OpenGL just fine on a ATI Radeon Mobility 7500.
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Boooooo.
It's all Karajorma's stuff,you should say "thanks" to him.
EDIT:Oh, I forgot it!!!
(http://www.hard-light.net/forums/Smileys/HLP/welcome2hlpbb.gif)
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Is there a problem running this in OPENGL with ATI cards? I am switching to ATI and would hate to have to revert back to D3D.
C.
I'm running it on a Radeon 9800 Pro Mobility (Dell Inspiron 9100) laptop with not a single problem. Typical FPS is well over 60fps, dropping to around 20fps in the nebulous regions at 1680x1050. That's with all the options up as high as they'll go with the high detail mediavps 8)
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I suppose I should clear up the debate as to what to use when it comes to installing FS2_Open cause there seems to be some confusion as to what to use and if we sort it out now you can all give out good advice :)
Basically you have two options. ShivanSPS' all in one pack or a DIY install on top of FS2 retail. I'm not going to say one or the other is the better solution because they both have advantages and disadvantages. If you're new to FS2 or FS2_Open the advantages of ShivanSPS' pack are that everything is easy to install. You install 1.5 followed by 1.8 and 1.9c. IIRC 1.9c get you up to date with everything except for the RC7.8 build you'll need for multiplayer. Shivan's pack also has the advantage of including the FS1 port and Derelict in a ready to play configuration. Simply click the select mod button in the launcher and they're ready to go too.
The only real problems I've heard with Shivan's pack is that it's hard to get some of the updates. 1.5 is easy to get as a torrent but has some rather big flaws in it which require that it is patched to 1.9c. Unfortunately the patches aren't torrented and thus are hard to get.
Bandwidth usage is another problem with Shivans pack if you already have FS2 as it requires that you download about a gig of data which you already have on the FS2 CDs or your existing FS2 install. For some people the convienience of the pack makes it worth it. For instance from the sounds of it cvearl already had the 1.5, 1.8 and 1.9c patches already downloaded. In which case simply deleting his FS2 install and extracting ShivanSPS' pack to the exact same place would have actually been his best bet.
If someone hasn't already downloaded the pack I tell them that they are going to have to spend a lot of bandwidth and leave it up to them to decide what to do. Because although installing FS2_Open is easy for me I can see why it is a daunting process to do it by hand if you're new and it is very doubtful that you'll do as good a job of it as if you'd simply installed the pack
Installing mods is where most people start to fall apart. I doubt that many of the people who have done a DIY installation have a proper working mod.ini like ShivanSPS's pack has. Sure people figure out how to do the Secondarylist thing but how many people actually have the Website and forums buttons working? How many have the picture and blurb configured?
(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/karajorma/Misc-Pics/Launcher5.3.jpg)
Sure they're only minor things but they do look cool and they do make the SCP install look a lot more professional. One thing that has put off quite a few people is the sheer amount of stuff you need to do to install FS2_Open. ShivanSPS's pack solved a lot of problems initially but the problems patching it to a modern copy have started making it a hassle to use again. Hopefully that will be solved when we release 3.6.9 officially and we get the v2.0 pack from him.
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SoR ;) Elaborate................ps what version launcher is that, Mine can select mods but i forget which it is :nod:
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That's actually a very old pic. If you look at the title bar and the build you can see that :)
SoR is short for Seeds of Rebellion which is my own mini-campaign. It keeps getting pushed back cause of MG and BSG commitments but I'll get it finished sooner or later :)
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Funky ship in the mod image though :D
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Well I played late into the evening. Rock solid!
I only wish I could stay home today and play it all day. :(
I did not mind manually installing FSOPEN to my Retail install. sizzler made it super easy to understand. And it gave me a change to understand how it all goes together.
But ya. A Full pack like Shivans is cool. Makes it "more accessible" and therefore a larger community which benefits everyone.
If there was a "PATCH" version of Shivans where it installed like Shivans Pack. But basically did not have the whole game but just planted the Mods, launcher and build. That would be cool.
That one PACK updated by the TEAM when new full releases were ready. That would make life easy. Anyway, I will promote the project to anyone who will listen. It's fantastic and this community is tight. :)
C.
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Cheers. The Charon class is about the only mod I ever finished. Of course it's now decidedly old hat in these high poly days :)
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I'm assuming you have the latest release of FSOpen, in which case you should set the video tab to OpenGL (and if you don't have OpenGL, you should get it). Direct3d doesn't work as well as it used to on Open, an OpenGL is the preferred video setting nowadays.
Is there a problem running this in OPENGL with ATI cards? I am switching to ATI and would hate to have to revert back to D3D.
C.
Use OGL. There is no compatibility issues with ATI cards and it (I have an ATI Radeon 9550 and am fine with OGL). Also, some features do not work with D3D, as it's beginning to be phased-out.
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Well at 1280x960 4xAA 16xAF in OGL mode, this game is even better! :)
Thank you everyone for humoring this newb and I look forward to playing this one to the end.
And to the team. You guys rock. Keep up the incredible work. :yes:
C.
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Are you playing with al lthe fgags on?
-ambient_factor 18.3 -spec_exp 16.7 -spec_point 0.6 -spec_static 0.9 -spec_tube 1
copy/paste his into hte launchers custom flags box 8in hte Features tab)
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All I am currently doing is using the launcher to set ALL FEATURES to enabled except for the "do not stretch videos thing" in the Features-Graphics screen.
Then in the VIDEO TAB I set to OpenGL and 1280x960. Checked the USE LARGE TEXTURES box and set to #4. "HIGH". Is that right?
As is, it already looks in-friggan-credidible.
Only thiing I have trouble with is when I copy and past anyones "-ambient_factor 18.3 -spec_exp 16.7 -spec_point 0.6 -spec_static 0.9 -spec_tube 1" into that field, the specular checkbox clears itself for some reason.
So I have not done the "-ambient_factor 18.3 -spec_exp 16.7 -spec_point 0.6 -spec_static 0.9 -spec_tube 1" thing. Should I?
And why does that line force the checkbox for Specular to not checked?
C.
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Just tick it again :)
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Just tick it again :)
When I do and then APPLY and quit and come back into the launcher it is unchecked again. I can do it over and over. The only way for it to remain checked is to take that long string out of that field that I keep copying and pasting. I even tried other peoples strings of switches and it happens. :(
C.
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Tried it. Not having any problems with it.
If you really want to add those settings try them one at a time and see which one is causing you grief. The hyphen denotes the start of a new option so start with -ambient_factor 18
(Not 18.3. Can people stop using decimal points in ambient_factor. For a start it's doubtful that there is a huge difference between 18 and 18.3 in the first place but more importantly the variable that it gets parsed into is an integer so the first thing the code will do is round it!)
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Well, that's new to me, although quite obvious when I think about it. ;)