_FFC_
Vietnam - COD5
In case you've not been around lately, the first go around of a 'Nam mod for COD:WW as mentioned previously was very much a let down. The maps are well-made but most all too large for our small group. And the model/play modifications were very minor. So it didn't last long.
Instead we've been running the RGN Vietnam mod which has better (for us) maps and more customization (skins, weapons, napalm, etc). A few bugs still being worked out (sounds, tripwires, messages, etc) that should be fixed in the upcoming patch.
I think this RGN mod is a "keeper" and we'll switch between that and their flagship AWE5 mod that we usually run for the foreseeable future.
Note: You'll need to install the RGN mod/maps locally; too big for our redirect server. Download the client installer.
Star Wars - COD4
The Black Monkeys now have a new "Frag Movie" video out that shows more of the map movement and weapons inventory. I wish they'd shown additional video of the weapons in use but at least you can get an idea of the variety available. They are still pushing to release the Beta by year-end....we'll see!
Battlefield Bad Company 2
Talk of this release is all the rage in the FPS gaming circles, and if you watch a few of the videos you can see why. The BF series has always been (in my mind) an alternative to COD and now with the crappy direction that ATVI is moving console-wise, it might well be worth a look next year.
Release date is March 2nd, 2010.
In closing, I do want to wish everyone a cheery and safe holiday season! It's been pretty scarce on the player attendance the past few weeks, and it appears we've lost MB completely...he'll be greatly missed. Hopefully the player count will improve after the holidays.
Mamba, out
_FFC_
Now that MW2 is pretty much a dead duck, let's move on to what's new in the mod releases for the WW and COD4 games.
COD5 - NAM:WAW
First off, seems the gents over at CODUtility have effectively "1-up'd" the RGN competition for an out-the-door release of a Vietnam mod for WW. I heard nothing about this over on RGN, but then there's some past bad blood between RGN and CODU so I guess that's no surprise.
RGN's flagship mod is AWE while CODU uses OpenWarfare. Of course there's much similarity in features since there are only so many things the modders can do with tools/textures/etc. but I've never played with the OW mod as it looked more complex to configure than AWE.
That said, I've now got the NAM:WAW mod installed and working on our NFO hosted FFC server. Crashed the server badly at first and I had to get the NFO TS to restart it but I think things are ironed out now. Prolly still have to tweak settings a bit here and there as usual after we've played awhile, so be prepared for the usual confusion at first.
The new mod comes with ALL NEW MAPS created in the 'Nam theme so get ready for about 280MB of map downloads. The mod itself is ~90MB total and as per normal will DL on connect.
Here is the list of new map names, no idea yet which'll work out for us, DL from here:
mp_chokepoint
mp_lao_cai
mp_marsh - we already had a "marsh", this replaces it
mp_overcong
mp_ravine
mp_siege
mp_storm
mp_waterway
To make room for the above, I've deleted the following older/less-played/too large maps:
mp_trenchtoast
mp_ship_n
mp_sps_s_toys
mp_line_of_fire
mp_fr_sd1
mp_argentan_n
mp_assault
mp_ambush
mp_railyard
mp_warehouse
Oh, and in celebration of Halloween I'm starting out the new mod rotation with a small Halloween-themed map, mp_nightmare, so DL that one also while you are in there. It may NOT work with this mod, if not then we'll try it with AWE5. ;-)
COD4 - Galactic Warfare progress
Hot off the press from BashnSlash, here's a report, new screenies and podcast highlighting this much-anticipated release. While the BlackMonkeys recently posted that this'll be out in December it sure sounds like it may be sooner...we'll see. Extremely fine look'n total conversion which I'm sure is much more work than the comparatively minor changes for a WW 'Nam mod. Can't wait for this one!
Mamba, out
_PC_
Ever feel a bit sad when you think back to ye olde Quake/Arena days? Miss those low-G jumps and frantic mid-air rocket shots? Well, now you can re-live those experiences for free, and all it takes is a browser!...mostly. Check out QuakeLive in your spare time. This has been out for about a year now, supported by in-game ads. Recently there has been more talk about the upcoming "Premium" service for no-ads AND, most importantly for TDM play, private servers. IF the monthly cost is real cheap I might be enticed into setting one up for us. I've tried the free version and it's pretty true to the old Quake roots. Sometimes ya just get the urge for a frag-fest and COD ain't quite the same thing. ;-)
Speaking of COD, the COD:WW Vietnam Mod is now up to version beta 2.0. If you'd like to check it out, here is the public beta hardcore USA server addy: 72.243.113.9:28960
I'll probably try it out over the long holiday weekend....longer for me as I'm taking Tues off next week also.
As for MW2 news, with the release date now just one-month out IW has a new "Infamy" video on the wire...check it out!
Lastly, doesn't look like we're getting any new players right away. Turns out Craig is a 2nd-shifter and not heard much back from him past that. I sent an email to Tom Fee today as now that SITS is over he should be back in the gaming groove at home. But he's a SP person historically so not sure if we can lure him over to the MP dark side.
Mamba, out
_FFC_
COD:WW Patch -
As usual, the latest "World at War" 1.6 patch slipped up on us and we had to scramble to get all 1.2GB of it downloaded/installed before we could connect to our NFO server. Sometimes I wish those NFO admins weren't so damn efficient! The patch had only been out a couple hours and they already had our server updated. Ah well....so now we are at version 1.6 with the following details:
Call of Duty: World at War PC Patch 1.6
Submitted: September 18th, 2009
Notes:
- 3 new Multiplayer maps: Battery (mp_drum), Breach (mp_bgate), Revolution (mp_vodka)!
- New Nazi Zombie map: Der Riese (nazi_zombie_factory), an all-new Zombie map set in a secret Nazi research facility featuring the Pack A Punch Machine, Teleporters, and many more undead hordes!
- Exploits pertaining to Demo playback.
- Favorites list now ignores filter settings.
- Fixed S&D round counting error when round limit is reached.
- New feature: in-game Add to Favorites.
- Friends list: green online indicator.
- Starting the game in Safe Mode will no longer toggle the “Soften Smoke Edges” graphic option.
- Fixed various crashes.
- Mods: Client will no longer join a modded Co-op server via Game Invite unless they have that mod loaded.
- Mods: Client running a mod will be asked to unload the mod if they attempt to join an unmodded server.
- Mods: All single player levels can now be run with a mod loaded.
Of course the new MP maps are kinda large unless everyone shows...pretty large even then. Great look'n maps but we'll have to see how the game play fares sometime when we've a full house.
COD4 K3 -
I found a few really good maps for COD4 that are now in the rotation. At least one of them (mp_garena) works perfectly with the K3 mod. The others work but not sure if the ceiling height is workable or just airburst...we'll have to try'em out. The arena one reminds me of the old stadium/arena maps from the "BlackHawk Down" days. Great for snipe'n or general CQB.
New players -
We may have a couple new players soon. Craig (aka Grizz123 on the Zuke Forum, aka "General Screw-Up!" gamertag) should be joining us today or sometime next week. He's a COD 2, 4, & WW vet and familiar with Ventrilo and online MP so should slide in nicely. Hope to cya soon Craig!
The other possible new player is another Tom (aka TFee3 on the Zuke Forum), a SP vet but a MP n00b, so we'll have to give him a hand get'n things going once he gets back from SITS. We'll try not to get him confused with Hock....somehow. lol
That's it for now...hope you new players find your way to our battlefield soon!
Mamba, out
_FFC_
With September knocking on our door, the "Modern Warfare 2" release will soon be upon us....Tuesday, November 10th in the USA. I don't think I'm going to do a pre-order this time around. Seems every time I do, it hits the local stores long before I get my shipment. And it always takes a few months before the quirks get worked out well enough to consider switching to a new version on our server.
I think I'm looking forward to a return to modern times. The classic WWII setting and weapons will always be fun, but after the first MW it was a difficult transition in some ways. And it remains to be seen how many of the new features in the single-player will be available for online use and what will be admin configurable.
And just because, here's a bit of MW2 marketing humor. ;-)
Regarding COD:UO, several of you have loaded it again but we've yet to get much play time in as a group. IMO and many others, this is still the best WWII COD at least in regard to play-ability and there are hundreds of maps out there...and still more being released. It's one of those classics that never dies, and the only one that included jeeps (and motorcycles via mod). Maybe we can get together for some planned battle time over the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend. ?
Lastly, here's a just released movie that is a must watch for any true COD player, especially if you are also a "Band of Brothers" fan. Really well done and illustrates just how accurate the Carentan maps and gameplay are, at least in regard to the "BoB" interpretation of the famous battle. Enjoy!
Mamba, out
_FFC_
First they said no, now they say yes...hmmm. Anyway, the recent DLC (DownLoadable Content) package that released for the consoles (Map Pack 3) with the kewl new maps will reportedly be out for the PC whenever patch 1.6 releases. Here's a look at the MP maps.
With the last PC release, as we saw, the new maps were/are spectacular....just kinda "huge" of course for our wee clan. Most of the COD community is always clamoring for bigger bigger maps which leaves us out most of the time. But the newest Zombie map (an "Asylum" version) shows a lot of potential....if the damn COOP/Zombie mode would just work better! Works consistently for Crow and I if he hosts. Maybe one weekend I'll setup my game machine on the DMZ router port to see if that helps, but I'll need a couple volunteers to help test connectivity.
In other news, the AWE/RGN team is still hard at work on the Vietnam mod, but I don't expect that to release until closer to Thanksgiving. Same for the BlackMonkey's much-anticipated "Star Wars Galactic Warfare" total conversion of COD4. That one holds a lot of promise, tho' I've seen such TC's die on the vine in the past. Hope it releases, although with that time-table it'll be competing with the MW2 release for attention.
Mamba, out
_FFC_
Da-aaam...seems like it's been quiet for a long time and now too much news all at once! I'll try to break things down a bit, so here we go:
COD:WW Vietnam Mod
Hot news from one of the top map/modders out there right now, Zeroy and the RGN team! Their new "Vietnam Mod" is very close to being released and includes:
Complete new Menus with 5 classes per side - the 2 sides being US Marines VS Vietcongs/NVA and a nice list of weapons.
In addition to the primary weapons both teams will carry a secondary weapon, Colt M1911A1 for allies, Tokarev TT-33 for axis. Each team will also carry 4 perks and extra Inventory Items (like Bettys, Satchel or Binoculars).
Add to this *almost* new player models for each team, "almost" since the models are from COD:WW but unseen in the MP game yet. Custom skins for all of the above + weapon skins. In the works are 2 separate jungle themed maps.
For server admins there will be options to set by class the perks, secondary weapons and inventory Items plus much more basic options as well.
COD:WW the 1.5 patch
This includes several fixes and 3 new maps + 1 zombie CO-OP map. Guess we should try out the CO-OP again sometime to see if it's at all improved. There was also a mod tools update which might help with future map development. Here's a list of changes:
- CO-OP hosts can now kick players from their lobby
- Improved dog spawning in MP
- Addressed an issue with Zombie pathing
- Fixed an instance of the player model displaying incorrectly
- Some unhandled exception errors have been addressed
- Improved server browser's refresh functionality when the Source is set to 'Favorites'
- Added support for CODTV
- "cg_DrawFPS 1" now only displays FPS and cg ms/frame
- Added RCon command "teamstatus" to display players' team information
- Mods: Added joinsquad script function
- Mods: Players can now join CO-OP lobbies that are hosting map names with more than eighteen characters
- Mods: Users can now load custom maps when the usermaps folder contains fifty or more custom maps
- Mods: Removed the loading of duplicate assets that contributed to the '2048 materials' error
- Mods: Increased the amount of mods displayable in the Mods menu
- Mods: Fixed a crash related to the mod.arena file
New map names are below, and the new mp maps are now in our rotation. These are some of the best looking maps I have seen for any game! Tho' as usual they might be too large for our use unless I make the gametype HQ or such later on.
Note that we already had a "mp_stalingrad" so I removed that map from the server to avoid conflicts. You MUST delete your local copy of this map or your game may crash when this map rotates in. I imagine the old map author will re-release with a changed map name later on. The new maps are:
- mp_docks - noisy, rainy sub docks
- mp_kwai - noisy, waterfalls and jungle
- mp_stalingrad - complex jumble of factory pipes and buildings
- nazi_zombie_sumpf - a new Nazi zombie CO-OP map
COD6 aka COD:MW2 aka MW2
First off, IW has decided to keep the "Call Of Duty" mostly around in the title for MW2. You can read more about that and some of the MW2 improvements, which sounds like may include better CO-OP, in a recent Activision article here.
Finally, to wrap things up, here is a great home-made video by one of the overseas COD RGN mappers...enjoy!
Mamba, out
_FFC_Activision Raises Outlook On CoD, WoW Success
Activision Blizzard has announced "better-than-expected financial results" for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, with $981 million in revenue and $189 million in profits, once again led by brands such as Call Of Duty and World Of Warcraft.
The results, which significantly outpaced analyst estimates, had an alternate version, taking into account financial deferrals for online games such as World Of Warcraft. But these calculations were still positive, with $724 million in revenue and $111 million in profit.
According to the company, Call of Duty and Guitar Hero remained two of the top-five best-selling franchises in the U.S. and Europe.
Source...
In Other News...
Rumor is that another "DLC" Map Pack release is in the works which we'll probably see like last time, issued with the next 1.5 patch.
Locally, a new "hotfix" version 1.11 of AWE5 is now out which includes our requested fix for the Gas Nade. I'll get the update in place this weekend, should be a small single file download for clients. I'll also see if I can figure out the weird COD4 connection problems..but will need some help testing that.
I've also poked around and found that at least one WW mapper is working on a dedicated tank battle map. No time-frame on the release but it IS in the works as many players are interested in the concept.
Lastly, for any of ye olde "Duke Nukem" fans, seems the coffin lid at last has slammed shut on any hope for the future. Sad, but not unexpected....R.I.P. Duke.
Source...
Mamba, out
_FFC_
The DLC Map Pack 1 that I mentioned in the last post is now out. Of course that's ONLY for the consoles so far. STILL no word or details on the PC version....will it be free, when will it release, who will host it, and so forth. Sure does suck being last in line but $ talks and the console sales must still exceed PC for such delays to exist. We don't have to like it tho'....and I don't.
The AWE5 mod is working out very well. As usual it's taken a bit of trial/error to get settings tweaked but it seems real close to perfect at the moment. I'm still in contact with the devs regarding little things that need fixed (the Vote function is now fixed, you are welcome very much ;) and am pushing to get the double "Use" key tap for satchel detonations fixed. If anything else comes to mind let me know and I'll pass it on.
I'm also starting to configure some limited weapon loadouts per map, so certain maps will only allow certain pre-defined weapons. This can drastically change a map's playing style. For example the "Dome" map is often a "Betty-fest" fight over the upstairs ledge. That won't be the case with the Betty's excluded and short-range weapons only. Of course I can always toggle things back to "normal" or change the loadouts for variety down the road.
Maps. Starting to see some really nice custom maps finally, like "506th", "Ambush", and the newest "Sabre" map. The same author that gave us "Ambush" (the jungle map with the waterfalls and tunnel) is releasing a "Marsh" map that looks just as good. A few final bugs are being fixed along with a few fixes for "Ambush"...should have both up on the server this weekend.
Do note that we have very limited space on the redirect server for custom maps. Since the sizes are bigger than in COD4 I can't fit as many out there. Kind of a PITA as I can only keep a dozen or so maps at any one time. If any of you have a free web server that has lots of space (say +3GB) and decent bandwidth, and are willing to share, let me know.
Mamba, out
_FFC_
The rumored DLC (DownLoadable Content) map pack for WW is scheduled to be released sometime later this month. The rumor is that once again, Intel will be the sponsor for the PC folk...if so, thank you Intel!
If you'd like an advanced peek at the new maps in action, check out this video; the WW action starts at 17:12 on the timeline.
In other news, the AWE5 version 1.0 mod has released finally. This release is the updated version of the AWE4 mod that we ran/run with "Modern Warfare". Pretty much the same features but updated to work with the new game. I'll try to do some testing with it this week and then add it to our WW server this coming weekend. I won't be around at the usual time on Saturday as we have other plans, so maybe we can test things out a bit earlier that afternoon.
Not much other COD news at the moment. Still quite a few broken things that need fixing before we can start investigating the several split-sniper maps that are out. Haven't seen any other "killer" small/medium maps but will check around this week.
Mamba, out
_FFC_
Here's the latest update on the 1.2 patch status, from the Treyarch Community Manager:
-------------------------------------------------
In response to:
Re: --> PC 1.2 Patch Details
<-- Posted: Today Update: for those of you familiar with the PC Patching Process announcement at the top of this forum (linked below), we are currently in Phase 4 of the PC Patch 1.2 production. All items we intended to fix for PC Patch 1.2 have been fixed, and the fixes are being tested. As the process explains, this Phase can be iterative, and we may need to iron out some wrinkles as the testers hammer away at it.
We suspect the patch will be finished within 2 weeks presently. I'll keep you updated if that changes.
Regards,
-JD
-------------------------------------------------
Given ^this, the COD admin community is holding off on any boycott, providing the patch emerges within said timeframe AND that it fixes what needs fixing. Hmmmm...guess we'll hang on a little longer.
In other PC FPS gaming news, the awaited demo for "F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin" released this week. I'll be checking it out today. You can download it from their site but it ain't tiny...about 2GB in size.
I loved the original and the free "Combat" MP version. From reviews, I'm sure I'll be buying this one too...will know for sure after trying out the demo.
Mamba, out
_FFC_
The major powers in the COD user community have had a "call to action" out about WW for quite awhile. Short of it was that if something weren't done by Feb of this year, the majority of admins were going to shutdown their WW servers. Apparently that shook up Treyarch/AV enough to finally release info on their patch progress. The word as of a few days ago is that...
"Without mentioning names, let it be said that the 1.2 patch is done and in submission for both QA and approval by all parties concerned. Additionally, approximately 99% of what's been submitted [that needs fixing] has been fixed. Finally, we should see the patch at or near either the end of January or beginning of February. There might even be a few bonuses included in the patch."
So we'll all cross our fingers in hopes that this pans out. If not, well...guess we'll all go back to COD4 and try to persuade the modders to pull another "Modern Paintball" type mod outta their hats.
Meanwhile, I keep looking at other games....hey, it's fun and should COD ever bite the dust completely it's good to know what alternatives are out there. In that light, I finally bought "Left 4 Dead". I wouldn't call it a direct COD replacement since it only supports 2 teams of 4 players and is not a miltec FPS game, but it sure is FUN!
I bought mine as a direct download from Steam. It's pretty much the same $50 cost everywhere, from Steam you get it installed within an hour or so at high broadband speeds, and the updates and playing network are Steam controlled, as it's a "Valve" title.
While there are ways around using Steam it's not worth it for a legit game. Staying legit is worth the $ and support IMO. The game requirements aren't a big deal...it uses the old Valve CSS engine which looks "good enough" but wouldn't be a strain on any FFCer's current hardware.
I was think'n that as a couple of us now have the PC version (me, Rryuu...any more?), that if we could get two more FFC players we'd have enough for us against the zombies. Then we could play L4D on the weekends together...I don't want to conflict with our regular COD schedule. And yes, COD:WW has the "Nazi Zombie" mode but that's been problematic. Comparing that to L4D is like comparing a Mini-Cooper to a Porsche 911....both are fun but only one will blow yer socks off.
FYI for those of you that might have an Xbox 360, there's still no easy way to play vs PC. MS has their "Games for Windows" initiative but their selection is limited. Besides, the PC is still king for these types of games in mine and many others' opinions.
Anywho...do let me know if you have interest in adding L4D as a FFC alternative game experience. I just got the game going yesterday, and while the SP is fun the real value is the MP and team-experience....and we already have great members with plenty of the latter. ;-)
L4D links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Left_4_Dead
http://pc.ign.com/articles/930/930763p1.html
Mamba, out
_FFC_
Well, it was a great run, with hundreds of fun hours of entertainment mixed with quite a few hours of frustration, but today we moved on to "World at War" from "Modern Warfare". I sent out a clan email about the move so if you've not yet seen that go look again.
Maybe down the road we'll revisit COD4...who knows. And it'll probably be back in some form by next year since COD6 is gonna be "Modern Warfare 2" from all reports.
Still, I for one am enjoying WW and the return to the WWII maps and weapons. Now if Treyarch will just get off their arse and release some patches, including one for the server redirect issue so we can get new maps before long....there are already several in the works. Also be great if the damned COOP would work better, but that's less of a priority.
---
About COMBAT ARMS
I noticed an ad on Xfire tout'n the free "Combat Arms" online FPS game. So I gave that a try. Sure enough, no fees to play and it seems pretty popular...lots of battles in progress when I was on there. Their server concept reminds me of the old Novalogic setup...they control the server network and lists, you connect with your installed client and frag away. Looks like they take it a step further in that you download the game from them (about 600MB) and they totally control the servers....at least BHD could run a server from within the game.
But it's not hard to use and the sys reqs are low...so anyone in our clan would have no problem running on the in-game "High" settings hardware-wise.
The games are all real-time in that you create a game room and then others are invited or randomly join into your game. Does look like one can password the room so anyone could host a game and invite other players in for some private frag'n.
The weapons start out wimpy but as I was get'n one-shot sniped from across the map they must improve, much like in other ranking games.
I may keep mess'n around with CA for awhile tho' the usual "kiddies" and hacker types make playing public matches a strain. If anyone is interested in trying it out privately, lemme know...it's not bad at all for a few quick DM or TDM battles, the requirements are low, the graphics and maps are decent, the guns are modern, and the price is right...FREE!
Mamba, out
