SFC 4 Project

[marstone]

missing Bonk, we progressed quickly when we were bouncing ideas off each other.  Hoping things work out for him in RL.

[Cyberkada]

The reason why is core graphics and what not (GUIs) need updating for 2008.  Particle effects, lighting, bump and other specular mapping and so on.   If that can be coded (add a script interface for dynamic GUIs and missions - like LUA?), rewrite or improve client-server gaming with zonal servers running SQL (I'm aware or the SQL DB projects).  Just some suggestions.  I'm more than willing to write code for this (it won't interfere with my mobile and console development works)

[F9thCenturus]

If SFC4 is going to use the already established MOD format for the ship models, which is a safe bet since we're all familiar with the format, and it allows ships already in existence to just be put into the game, then specular and bump mapping won't really work.

If the graphics engine is updated enough, bump mapping, or a work around to achieve similar effects, could work.  However, the MOD format for models doesn't support specular mapping.  A new model format would have to be adopted or created to take advantage of specular maps.

[ThunderBallz]

[b][/b][i][/i][u][/u] Cant wait,,[glow=red,2,300][/glow][shadow=red,left][/shadow][font=Verdana][/font]Peace

[[UFP]Exeter]

I am interested in helping, but would like more information.  Currently I was planning my own game based upons sfc3, so seems like this may be more productive.

I have been a programmer for over 30 years.  I have developed programs in c++, though my current environment is Java.  I have recently started to refresh my skills in C++.  Me development environment of choice has been Borland for many years.

[Capt_Pestalence_XC]

Shoot Braxton an Email with your information and questions in regards to the First post in this thread .. I am sure he or one of our staff will be able to answer your questions.

[marstone]

If SFC4 is going to use the already established MOD format for the ship models, which is a safe bet since we're all familiar with the format, and it allows ships already in existence to just be put into the game, then specular and bump mapping won't really work.

If the graphics engine is updated enough, bump mapping, or a work around to achieve similar effects, could work.  However, the MOD format for models doesn't support specular mapping.  A new model format would have to be adopted or created to take advantage of specular maps.

That was a offshoot of a question I had come up to me.  What format is the ship data going to be in.  I figure MOD is a given, but could another format be added to make modding cheaper for us who can't afford the price of the tools.

With C++ classes it should be not much of a problem to add formats and keep 90% or more of the code the same.  Just add into a class that would handle the ships so a call to display a ship doesn't care what format it is in, the class would take care of it.  Seting it up that way (not sure how the original is set up but if you are updating the graphics it would make since to do this) you can add new graphic formats when needed to keep current with what is being made by the modders out there.

[Tethys]

does anyone know what the era will be? i mean i dont think this Q. has been asked (pardon the pun ) but will it be Ent era? or all eras and possibly an extended future timeline as seen in Ent? awaiting eagerly with anticipation.

Tethys

[Tethys]

btw ent isnt exactly the 'best' era to focus on. i fear if you base it solely around the ent era you might not get the feedback you are hoping. however if including all eras you may find a happier crowd on ur hands

[F9thCenturus]

btw ent isnt exactly the 'best' era to focus on. i fear if you base it solely around the ent era you might not get the feedback you are hoping. however if including all eras you may find a happier crowd on ur hands

I don't think that'll be a problem.  More than likely if SFC4 is gonna focus on any one particular era, it'll probably be focused more on TMP.

[TheDestroyer]

I'm not much of a game programmer...
I'm not much of a graphics artist...
I'm not much of a grammar checker...

I'm one heck of a game breaker

I can get an official website going if you want it. just need a domain ($7/year from 1&1) and I will provide hosting until the site expands to the point where it goes beyond my web hosting package's capabilities.

I can set up and manipulate phpBB 2 and 3 forums, as well as Drupal with precision because I have a tone of experience in those areas

I can provide public relations if necessary.

I can spread the word through many star wars communities (huge communities).

I am TheDestroyer, hear me roar. If you want my help just send an e-mail to me. thedestroyer@swdroids.com

I've never talked like that ^^ before .

-TheDestroyer, leader of clan N-MOO and ameteur website programmer.

[Capt_Pestalence_XC]

I'm not much of a game programmer...
I'm not much of a graphics artist...
I'm not much of a grammar checker...

I'm one heck of a game breaker

I can get an official website going if you want it. just need a domain ($7/year from 1&1) and I will provide hosting until the site expands to the point where it goes beyond my web hosting package's capabilities.

I can set up and manipulate phpBB 2 and 3 forums, as well as Drupal with precision because I have a tone of experience in those areas

I can provide public relations if necessary.

I can spread the word through many star wars communities (huge communities).

I am TheDestroyer, hear me roar. If you want my help just send an e-mail to me. thedestroyer@swdroids.com

I've never talked like that ^^ before .

-TheDestroyer, leader of clan N-MOO and ameteur website programmer.

Dynaverse.Net is the Official site as well as the Dynaverse Gamers Association site which is a branch of Dynaverse.net.. the sites are covered.. as well as developers forums on these boards here.

Spreading the word would be fantastic.. just copy the first and second post on this thread and direct people to this forum board.

As for game breakers.. there is a section set up on these boards for Public Beta testing and everyone will be welcome to test their heart out as different builds are released to the Dynaverse.net Forum

[Ravok]

I'm not much of a game programmer...
I'm not much of a graphics artist...
I'm not much of a grammar checker...

I'm one heck of a game breaker

I can get an official website going if you want it. just need a domain ($7/year from 1&1) and I will provide hosting until the site expands to the point where it goes beyond my web hosting package's capabilities.

I can set up and manipulate phpBB 2 and 3 forums, as well as Drupal with precision because I have a tone of experience in those areas

I can provide public relations if necessary.

I can spread the word through many star wars communities (huge communities).

I am TheDestroyer, hear me roar. If you want my help just send an e-mail to me. thedestroyer@swdroids.com

I've never talked like that ^^ before .

-TheDestroyer, leader of clan N-MOO and ameteur website programmer.

Dynaverse.Net is the Official site as well as the Dynaverse Gamers Association site which is a branch of Dynaverse.net.. the sites are covered.. as well as developers forums on these boards here.

Spreading the word would be fantastic.. just copy the first and second post on this thread and direct people to this forum board.

As for game breakers.. there is a section set up on these boards for Public Beta testing and everyone will be welcome to test their heart out as different builds are released to the Dynaverse.net Forum

 Send the word out and I would love to Beta test.

 Q`ap Lah!!!

[Strayy]

Hail D.net !!!   'bout time !!!!!
another tidbit... as the ideas/suggestions roll in...  make sure SFC4 is vista compatible, or any other goofiness microsoft can throw out, and get rid of the gamespy login for the dynaverse...  these 2 items alone would greatly improve the game. 

[Ravok]

Hail D.net !!!   'bout time !!!!!
another tidbit... as the ideas/suggestions roll in...  make sure SFC4 is vista compatible, or any other goofiness microsoft can throw out, and get rid of the gamespy login for the dynaverse...  these 2 items alone would greatly improve the game. 

 Maybe having it on game spy as well, would be a good marketing tool??

[NuclearWessels]

I wonder how much of the officer system is still in SFC:EAW from SFC1?  It might not be that hard to bring back online in the game.

Judging purely from what we've done with the scripting API and the flatfile ship blobs, I'd say the majority of it is still salvagable.  Before the recent SFC4 developments I was in the process of updating the db editor to allow officer assignment.

dave

[JohanobesusII]

You say that it will be highly moddable.  Does that include editing and adding weapons?  The debate about SFB could be largely solved by making almost everything editable.  That way non-purists could have seeking photon torpedoes, or different powered disruptors, or even totally new weapons for Gorns and Tholians, while purists can have their drones and energy photon torpedoes.  If the map is editable, then cannon purists can have Ferengis and Cardassians along with Lyrans and Hydrans.

One of my fantasies, if I won the lottery, was to commission an SFC based game that would be completely customizable, but would be distributed with some original races and ships, so as to skirt most legal issues.  Players would have the freedom to make the game into almost anything they want, a computerized SFB, a cannon simulator, etc.  They would even be able to change the effectiveness of the cloak, so SFB purists could have their half hearted cloak, while cannon purists could have perfect invisibility.  There could even be different types of cloaks, to simulate the evolution from TOS to TNG invisibility.  Maybe even the Mauler could be edited to take energy from the warp or impulse generator, with a cooling off time, to make a realistic Wave Motion Gun.

Are you sure this isn't a joke?  Why is this not in the SFC Open Source forum, since that would seem the proper place for it?  Why does the little announcement in that forum end with "snicker"?

[KBF-Crim]

You say that it will be highly moddable.  Does that include editing and adding weapons?  The debate about SFB could be largely solved by making almost everything editable.  That way non-purists could have seeking photon torpedoes, or different powered disruptors, or even totally new weapons for Gorns and Tholians, while purists can have their drones and energy photon torpedoes.  If the map is editable, then cannon purists can have Ferengis and Cardassians along with Lyrans and Hydrans.

One of my fantasies, if I won the lottery, was to commission an SFC based game that would be completely customizable, but would be distributed with some original races and ships, so as to skirt most legal issues.  Players would have the freedom to make the game into almost anything they want, a computerized SFB, a cannon simulator, etc.  They would even be able to change the effectiveness of the cloak, so SFB purists could have their half hearted cloak, while cannon purists could have perfect invisibility.  There could even be different types of cloaks, to simulate the evolution from TOS to TNG invisibility.  Maybe even the Mauler could be edited to take energy from the warp or impulse generator, with a cooling off time, to make a realistic Wave Motion Gun.

Are you sure this isn't a joke?  Why is this not in the SFC Open Source forum, since that would seem the proper place for it?  Why does the little announcement in that forum end with "snicker"?

Frey doesnt post jokes about new projects...

That forum is actually called "OP open source"...the forum was set up by myself in regards to information that the Op scource was to be released...which has proved to not have been the case...

The only reason it still exists is because there are still several ongoing projects having to do with Orion pirates...

You clearly didnt notice that there is now a NEW forum:

http://www.dynaverse.net/forum/index.php/board,3303.0.html


SFC4 Galaxies at War is to be built upon SFC2 Empires at War code...more of a stand anlone expansion of SFC2 than a new game...the code for EAW is now in the care of DV.net...

That's what we got...so that's what we'll build upon...

[Raven Night]

I will be retiring from Nightsoft in a few months. I would be happy to assist in the design of the game, including ship designs and meshes. Just let me know if you would like my help.

Raven, Sorry to hear about Nightsoft... But i don't suppose i could grab you? Your skills and experience would be highly appreciated.

Sure...im looking for busy work. Dont be sorry, im looking forward to retiring, frankly im a bit weary of the limitations on what I can do and cant do. Free from Nightsoft means I am once again my own man.

But sure, send me a message letting me know what you need and I would love to contribute.

[JohanobesusII]

You say that it will be highly moddable.  Does that include editing and adding weapons?  The debate about SFB could be largely solved by making almost everything editable.  That way non-purists could have seeking photon torpedoes, or different powered disruptors, or even totally new weapons for Gorns and Tholians, while purists can have their drones and energy photon torpedoes.  If the map is editable, then cannon purists can have Ferengis and Cardassians along with Lyrans and Hydrans.

One of my fantasies, if I won the lottery, was to commission an SFC based game that would be completely customizable, but would be distributed with some original races and ships, so as to skirt most legal issues.  Players would have the freedom to make the game into almost anything they want, a computerized SFB, a cannon simulator, etc.  They would even be able to change the effectiveness of the cloak, so SFB purists could have their half hearted cloak, while cannon purists could have perfect invisibility.  There could even be different types of cloaks, to simulate the evolution from TOS to TNG invisibility.  Maybe even the Mauler could be edited to take energy from the warp or impulse generator, with a cooling off time, to make a realistic Wave Motion Gun.

Are you sure this isn't a joke?  Why is this not in the SFC Open Source forum, since that would seem the proper place for it?  Why does the little announcement in that forum end with "snicker"?

Frey doesnt post jokes about new projects...

That forum is actually called "OP open source"...the forum was set up by myself in regards to information that the Op scource was to be released...which has proved to not have been the case...

The only reason it still exists is because there are still several ongoing projects having to do with Orion pirates...

You clearly didnt notice that there is now a NEW forum:

http://www.dynaverse.net/forum/index.php/board,3303.0.html


SFC4 Galaxies at War is to be built upon SFC2 Empires at War code...more of a stand anlone expansion of SFC2 than a new game...the code for EAW is now in the care of DV.net...

That's what we got...so that's what we'll build upon...

What about my main questions concerning customaizing?  I really want to be able to make custom weapons.

[Capt_Pestalence_XC]

Feature requests should be posted in the link provided by Crim : http://www.dynaverse.net/forum/index.php/board,3303.0.html

The game is still in the planning stage as we gather programmers and you will also have to remember this is the Empires at War game engine that is being improved upon.. not a re-write of the entire game.

[CyberLemur]

I'd be happy to do some music composing for the game, if you want. I could give sound effects a go too, though I don't have much experience with them.

http://www.mediafire.com/?xsky8ny5zvo
^^A demo of some of my music^^

[FA Frey XC]

I''ll be making a post later on this weekend about some ideas we're currently planning to implement in regards to SFC4.

Consider it a kinda "to whet your whistle" thing.

We can then do a Q/ A.

Regards,

[Ravok]

I''ll be making a post later on this weekend about some ideas we're currently planning to implement in regards to SFC4.

Consider it a kinda "to whet your whistle" thing.

We can then do a Q/ A.

Regards,

 Frey you are the man!!!

[Akira_Commander567]

Good luck with SFC 4! May luck be with you and get the game out quick!

[markyd]

Miles is in so i guess that means im in lol... but no... its the biggest thing since slice bread this, so when you finally start putting her together, im in for whatever you need, models, textures, mapping, importing, new forums???, images, videos, animations etc

good luck guys.

[Tethys]

I'd be happy to do some music composing for the game, if you want. I could give sound effects a go too, though I don't have much experience with them.

http://www.mediafire.com/?xsky8ny5zvo
^^A demo of some of my music^^

OMG i LOVE the 3rd segment before the technoe bit awesome stuff. i do music as well, mostly hiphop/rap tho my email is csadens777@hotmail.com email me and i will send u a demo of some of my stuff. i also did a bit for a ST Birth of the Federation mod so let me know and we can do something. latez.

Tethys

[Kroma BaSyl]

Well if you need any help painting the Gorn ships pink, then I am you ma....errrr.....gender confused lizard.

[Kreeargh]

Good luck On the SFC 4 guys   Id like to say im in but sub standard wont work . I have been waiting for this for a long time and cant wait to see the results. Ill have to mod my own personal mod if its going to be modable that is.
Is the model format going to change any?

[psytce]

Just wanted to say thanks, I can't wait to see this.     

I'll try to help as much as I can with bata testing as the builds come out.

This is great news .......