Freedom is Fun

Happy festive season to all those who are celebrating, and commiserations to those who are missing out or have not been blessed with a nice Christmas period.

Many thanks to Q for being a custodian of the blog. It would surely have died long ago but for his endeavour and I deeply appreciate his ongoing efforts.

NYC in Sauer

I have a queue of interesting things... like this lovely screenshot of a NYC map for Sauerbraten that pushes the engine's performance.

There was a Christmas release of SuperTuxKart and it's full of goodies. Verison 0.6rc1 (an rc, thusly YMMV) offers (among a lot of new tracks and other improvements) improved physics with skidding, nitro, a better AI, and positional sound effects. Sounds super.

Gearhead2 is now completable as of the latest release, version 0.530, meaning that it is no longer a tech demo but a real live game. It's a futuristic / mech-based graphical roguelike and a very nice one too by all accounts.

UFO:AI Starchaser

I really liked this UFO:AI "Starchaser" interceptor (right). I'm looking forward to 2.3 which should be another impressive release for the project.

Vega Strike has had a lot of speech packs contributed in the last few weeks. To preview them you'll have to head on over to the VS forums (sorry, no direct links). I'm sure this will make the next release of the game more atmospheric. Whilst core development seems a little cool at the moment, the community contributions are as active as ever and I predict an explosive release sometime in 2009 that makes people go, "Wow, that's what open source can do." I also mined this nugget from the Ogre forums when procrastinating the other day (hellcatv is a lead VS dev, VS is prospectively getting ported to OGRE, and that thread is about a feature that looks particularly useful for transitions between space and planetscapes). Yes, that is rumour-mongering, and I'm proud of it!

Scourge is getting nicer lighting, there's a poor quality video on vimeo of it in its infancy (the effects have since improved). There was a bump with the 0.21 release, which got pulled and replaced by 0.21.1, but now that's sorted out development momentum has returned and already 0.22 looks promising.

I don't monitor nearly as many projects as I used to. Are there any other impressive screenshots you guys have seen lately? Any other projects looking promising for nice 2009 releases?

More about →

Plutocracy, Cheese Boys and Goblin Hack 1.16

Cheese Boys breaking the fourth wall

Cheese Boys is a humorous post-apocalyptic action adventure. The current two-level implementation, that features dialog and fighting already contains a lot of strange fourth wall breaking humor (although it is quite different to Fallout's.)

Goblin Hack 1.16

Goblin Hack (GH) 1.16 is now out with new features, including music by Pascal Provost and new level kinds. Apparently there even is an end game level now, which I assume 0.17% of all GH players will reach. (Ever finished Nethack? Not me. :) )

Plutocracy rev 499

Plutocracy is

a multiplayer 3D RTS game focusing on merchant trade and domination by economic means, although warfare and piracy are always an option. The game has a 1600s Caribbean theme, is played on a real globe, and aims to replicate realistic economic transactions.

I fell in love with it's graphical style, which reminds me of Populous III. I haven't had the chance to play it with anybody else and there are no bots, so I can't say anything about playability, besides the fact that it's easy to lose your units out of sight.

More about →

DccNiTghtmare 0.3, ASC 2.20

DNT: inspiration source in the shelf

DNT: post-apocalyptic santa

DccNiTghtmare (DNT), the RPG with a dyslexical title, a post-apocalyptic setting and The Sims-like graphics, is 0.3 Versions old (download here).

To my great joy, there are already three solvable quests and a bunch of collectable items. The main thing, however: humor. In your journes you can either choose the light path and install GNU/Linux on the computers you pass by or infect it with the dark force of ruinix. You can actually do this in the latest version. I like where this is going, if this open source/proprietary thing gets implemented well, the game will have completely different playing styles.

Update: 0.3.2 of DNT has been released and it runs! [video] Also check out this DNT tutorial in comic form.

Advanced Strategic Command's latest stable version is 2.2.0. Some of the changes include new terrain and object graphics and changed unit definitions. Unfortunately it won't run on my system for now, so no screens from me this time.

More about →

Late nights and leftovers - Scourge 0.21

Scourge 0.21 is out. It's been optimized and stabilized considerably and now has a full 12 chapter storyline. Each release of Scourge gets closer to being a really good game - there are still a few issues that need addressing such as the character models - and that is reflected in the increasing activity of contributors. Until a year or so ago, Scourge development was mainly a 1 man effort, but 4 people put a lot of work into this release. A new model format (they are looking at [the unfortunately named] assimp for 0.22) and some better character models (think Glestimals, some JCRPG models, and a few of their own) and Scourge will offer some real immersion as well as a platform for creating new Free Software 3D isometric RPGs.

Talking about optimizations, VDrift is getting back on track after a ground-up rewrite to address key weaknesses in the codebase. Most features are now back and working better than before. I'm going to give the SVN version a go, but the vdrift-data check out takes a while. I think I started it 40 minutes ago.

Cube on the iPhone? No, really. Yes, really. Video:

Talking of cube-things, in Sauerbraten land I thought this idea was a good one. The Intensity Engine is a... well, it's ambitious. I won't go into that bit. However it brings procedurally generated content to Sauerbraten and that's pretty awesome. Video:

[i]Oops, forgot to link to the [arguably more interesting] counterpart video which shows how a bit of Python generates the above.[i]

Yo Frankie! Or yo, what's the deal Frankie? I guess when something gets so much hype, the expectations are high. The screenshots look lovely. The game? Well, the BGE version (which came with 0documentation and meant I had to ask in irc how to actually start the game since the Yo Frankie website gives as much info as the 0documentation) performance was terrible and the Crystal Space version I couldn't play because 0launch* is just about the worst way of distributing a game I have ever encountered. All hype and a totally cute techdemo. Good effort though.

* As if web browsers weren't already overburdened, apparently now they should be installers for things too. I hope the next release they at least provide a tar.gz download alternative.

I'm a bit off-radar at the moment with work. Thankfully Q is filling in brilliantly. He's the next-gen Free Gamer dude because he actually does stuff like create videos rather than just linkify interesting things.

More about →

America's Army

 

America's Army

• Publisher: U.S. Army
• Developer: U.S. Army
• Release Date: September 20, 2002
• Genre: First-Person Shooter
  

About This Game

Taking cues from the currently popular trend to cater to the realism-enthused, America's Army is one of a new breed of team-based tactical first-person shooters. Costing approximately 6.3 million dollars to make and powered by next-generation Unreal technology, the title delivers a tried and true Counter-Strike style of multiplayer. America's Army is one of the five most popular PC action games played online. It provides players with the most authentic military experience available, from exploring the development of Soldiers in individual and collective training to their deployment in simulated missions in the War on Terror. The game is free.

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: Windows ME/2000/XP
• Processor: 2.4 GHz
• Memory: 512 MB
• Hard Drive: 3.5 GB
• Video Memory: 128 MB
• Sound Card: DirectX 9.0 Compatible
• DirectX: 9.0
• Network: 56kbps Modem or other connection
• Keyboard & Mouse
• DVD Rom Drive

Recommended System Requirements

• OS: Windows ME/2000/XP
• Processor: 3 GHz
• Memory: 1 GB
• Hard Drive: 3.5 GB
• Video Memory: 256 MB
• Sound Card: DirectX Compatible
• DirectX: 9.0
• Network: Broadband Connection
• Keyboard & Mouse
• DVD Rom Drive

America's Army - Direct Link

DOWNLOAD

www.elj-games.blogspot.com

More about →

The Sims Carnival: BumperBlast

The Sims Carnival: BumperBlast

• Publisher: Electronic Arts
• Developer: Electronic Arts
• Release Date: January 8, 2008
• Genre: Action

About This Game

An entry in The Sims franchise designed for casual game players, The Sims Carnival games are designed to be enjoyable and accessible games for players of all ages. The Sims Carnival BumperBlast will have the player blasting away for hours! The goal in this arcade-style game is to clear out all The Sims-styled bumpers before the shots run out. The player is challenged to master skill shots, score combos and bonuses, and go for the high score! With over 140 action-packed levels, The Sims Carnival BumperBlast is a game that can be played time and time again.

The Sims Carnival: BumperBlast - Direct Link

DOWNLOAD

www.elj-games.blogspot.com

More about →

Desert Rats vs. Afrika Korps

 

Desert Rats vs. Afrika Korps

• Publisher: Encore Software
• Developer: Digital Reality
• Release Date: March 23, 2004
• Genre: Real-Time Strategy

About This Game

Desert Rats vs Afrika Korps is Real-Time Tactical game in full 3D with realistic graphics, real time shadows, localized damage effects, explosions, and variable weather effects. Missions range from recon operations in the desert and escort missions to large-scale sieges of desert fortresses. The game prides itself on a high level of combat realism and varied combat tactics. All missions start with a briefing, a recap of the historical background and a management phase. At any time the player can pause the game, to think over tactics, and give accurate orders before coming back to real time. Its soundtrack, composed by Ervin NAGY and the BAFTA Award winner Tamàs KREINER, intensifies the captivating atmosphere.

 

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
• Processor: 1 GHz
• Memory: 256 MB
• Hard Drive: 1 GB Free
• Video Memory: 64 MB
• Sound Card: DirectX Compatible
• DirectX: 9.0
• Keyboard & Mouse
• CD/DVD Rom Drive

Desert Rats vs. Afrika Korps - Direct Link

DOWNLOAD

www.elj-games.blogspot.com

More about →

Dreamfall: The Longest Journey

Dreamfall: The Longest Journey

• Publisher: Aspyr
• Developer: Funcom
• Release Date: May 24, 2007
• Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

About This Game

Packing all of the adventure gaming of this adventure series into one package, this 2007 Game of the Year Edition includes the original The Longest Journey, Dreamfall: The Longest Journey and the MTV award-nominated original soundtrack for Dreamfall: The Longest Journey.

Both games included in the Game of the Year Edition feature exotic worlds to explore and powerful stories that capture both the mind and heart. With gripping characters, intriguing puzzles, beautiful art direction, diverse gameplay and soaring music, Dreamfall Game of the Year Edition sets the standard for modern adventure games.

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: Windows XP (With Service Pack 2)
• Processor: 1.6 GHz
• Memory: 512 MB
• Hard Drive: 7 GB Free
• Video Memory: 128 MB
• Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c Compatible
• DirectX: 9.0c
• Keyboard & Mouse
• CD/DVD Rom Drive
  

Dreamfall: The Longest Journey - Direct Links

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

www.elj-games.blogspot.com

More about →

Word War vi 0.24, Daggerwind Scrolls, jClassicRPG music, Yo Frankie! download

Word War vi 0.24

Word War vi is now downloadable as version 0.24. I'm having an awfully great time playing it (even if it took me some months to finally get over myself and resolve some dependency problems at first). I especially like how I can use my xbox 360 controller for playing and how it's rumble function is used. Word War vi is the most high-tech retro arcade shooter you can get your hands on right now.

One super thing about it is that development and tweaking is being influenced by player criticism a lot. So for posting feedback on the game, use this thread.

Daggerwind Scrolls

Daggerwind Scrolls is a traditional 1st/3rd person CRPG dungeon crawl game written using C# for Mac OS X. Its a fan based project inspired by 'The Elder Scrolls Daggerfall', Bethesda Softworks 1994.

I haven't given it a try (and won't do as long as there are no for-*nix instructions).

I now count four bigger The Elder Scrolls-related open source projects: Daggerwind Scrolls and DungeonHack (Daggerfall-inspired game projects), OpenMW and The Crystal Scrolls (Morrowind engines).

jClassicRPG's first soundtrack was released on Jamendo. The music was composed by the project's developer and there will be many more track additions in the near future, I presume.

Yo Frankie! logo, in case you missed it ;)

Apricot (aka yofrankie) is now available for download. Is your definition of a video game "video game engine plus media"? I think Yo Frankie! shows that this is not true. :|

Should you download it? Sure, why not? Do it at least for checking out how cool it looks (if your machine can take it) and to watch the video tutorials (if you're into Blender editing at all).

More about →

Evil Genius

 

Evil Genius

• Published by: Vivendi Games
• Developed by: Elixir Studios
• Release Date: September 28, 2004
• Genre: Strategy

About This Game

Player assumes the role of a wicked mastermind bent on achieving global domination through the construction of the ultimate doomsday device. A tongue-in-cheek take on the 60's spy thriller genre, Evil Genius offers the player the chance to be the villain and control a secret island fortress complete with powerful (and strangely dressed) henchmen, mindlessly loyal minions and a wide range of hilarious gizmos. All the everyday tasks of the megalomaniac are available to experience as players build a secret base, train minions, gain infamy and notoriety by completing daring missions, toy with the forces of justice by setting clever traps, torture captives with ingenious devices, and develop evil super weapons to complete a nefarious master plan.

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
• Processor: 800 MHz
• Memory: 128 MB
• Hard Drive: 300 MB Free
• Video Memory: 16 MB
• Sound Card: DirectX 9.0 Compatible
• DirectX: 9.0
• Keyboard & Mouse
• CD/DVD Rom Drive

Evil Genius - Direct Link

DOWNLOAD

www.elj-games.blogspot.com

More about →

Second Sight

 Second Sight

• Developer: Free Radical Design
• Publisher: Codemasters
• Genre: Action Adventure
• Release Date: February 15, 2005 (US)

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: Windows 2000/XP
• Processor: Pentium 3 @ 1 GHz or Athlon Equivalent
• Memory: 256 MB
• Hard Drive: 1 GB Free
• Video Memory: DirectX 9 Compatible
• Sound Card: DirectX Compatible
• DirectX: 9.0
• Keyboard & Mouse
• CD/DVD Rom Drive

Recommended System Requirements

• OS: Windows 2000/XP
• Processor: Pentium 4 @ 2 GHz or Athlon Equivalent
• Memory:Â 512 MB
• Hard Drive: 1 GB Free
• Video Memory: DirectX 9 Compatible
• Sound Card: DirectX Compatible
• DirectX: 9.0
• Keyboard & Mouse
• CD/DVD Rom Drive

Second Sight - Direct Link

Download

www.elj-games.blogspot.com

More about →

Return to Castle Wolfenstein

Return to Castle Wolfenstein

• Developer: Gray Matter Studios Nerve Software
• Publisher: Activision
• Genre: Shooter
• Release Date: November 20, 2001 (US)

About Return to Castle Wolfenstein

Like the original id game, players assume the role of William J. 'B.J.' Blazkowicz, the Allies? bad boy of WWII espionage. The fate of the free world hangs in the balance as B.J. battles against the sadistic machinations of a Nazi war machine bent on world domination. This sequel reflects the same over-the-top comic book style of the original Wolfenstein 3D. However, by using the powerful graphics technology of the QUAKE III Arena engine and a new scripting system, Return to Castle Wolfenstein pulls the player further into a chilling storyline filled with frightening tales of bio-engineering and the occult. Devotees of multiplayer action can jump online and frag it out within the unique Wolfenstein world.

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
• Processor: 400 MHz
• Memory: 128 MB
• Hard Drive: 800 MB Free
• Video Memory: 16 MB
• Sound Card: DirectX 8.0 Compatible
• DirectX: 8.0
• Keyboard & Mouse
• CD/DVD Rom Drive

Return to Castle Wolfenstein - Direct Link

Download

More about →