SFC 4 Project

[KOTH-Green]

Great googly moogly. Time to plot shoving Hex out an air lock.

So SFC4 will allow us to continue to kill Hexx? 

Great, looking forward to it.

[Cruis.In]

good to see the fans are making games, just like they're making movies.

I wish to offer you a healthy constructive suggestion, one which will save you headache.

i dont know the facts of sfc2 orion pirates, you have access to the actual engine code? or just the game code? do you have any of it?

assuming not, then stay away from C++ and that kind of environment, takes years to develop something with a full huge team of programmers working in that environment much less a fan project, with people with real liives and limited time to devote to such a project unless you let it take over your life.

theres many things out there you could use.

blitzmax, with the blitz3d sdk, best of 2d/3d game OO programming you could get. easy simple coding, for experienced programmers.

theres other stuff such as ogre3d which is open source etc...

dont let the yesteryears fool you, things like blitzmax are powerful enough speed wise etc, to get what you need done.

[FPF-Thrain]

Good Grief!

I step out to take a smoke and I return to find you all suffering from delusions of granduer! I certainly hope this pulls through. You've definately gotten my attention, (and so did that lil' thing Soreyes has bouncing in his avatar! lol).

Tell me when the shooting starts. I may be old and slow compared to some of you whippersnappers, but I don't believe there's a hand here I haven't handed my head to.......wait..... that didn't come out right!

Now I lay me down to sleep.
Frey and company my game to keep,
If it starts before I wake,
It's Krueg I want, so make him wait!

lol

[FAR]

I've moved this to public development (suggestions).

[marstone]

I have a question for the Project Manager:

Why haven't you consider NanoFX Game Engine?

Have a look at it, shouldn't SFC 4 look like that?

I don't think they have looked at it because the game will be an extention of the SFC:EAW code.

[Rat Boy NCC-71854]

Mind if I toss my hat into the writer's circle?  SFC, after all, is where I got my start.

[mstrobel]

Hi there,

I'm the lead developer of Star Trek: Supremacy (I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not).  Congratulations on the new project--it looks very interesting indeed!  Might I make a few suggestions from my own experience developing a Trek fan game:

• I highly recommend developing in C# against the .NET platform.  It generally enables you to produce a working product in a much shorter time, and without such a steep learning curve.
• Ditch the NDA, non-compete, and proprietary code.  Go open-source instead.  You will find very few developers who are willing to commit hundreds if not thousands of hours of their free time to a project while giving away the rights to their code.  On the other hand, you will find many more people (developers and non-developers) who are willing to commit time to an open-source project, because such projects inherently have a much more transparent development cycle, and everyone can clearly see the status of the game at all times.  This lets people know that you're actually producing something, and it's not all just hot air .  Trust me on this one--I know it's not easy to put your stuff out there, but in the end it's worth it, and there are some great reciprocal licenses out there that protect your IP from misuse or other people taking credit for your work.

On a side note, Supremacy is also developed in C# against the .NET platform, and there is certainly a potential for collaboration.  Supremacy will eventually sport a 3D tactical combat engine, which your game will obviouly need as well.  It might be worth discussing a sort of joint venture there, as both games are Trek-based and the basic combat requirements may be similar.  On another side note, such collaboration would require your project to use a compatible open source license--as would collaboration with most other open source projects, and even the use of some open source game engines.  Another good reason to go open source .

Cheers,
Mike Strobel

[GFL Offkey]

We at the GFL will help. I have one programmer in college working C++. I would like to offer input in a admin position as discussions on what route what weapons ect. I run the admin status of our mod team and right now we are number one with sfc3. We also have designers, skin developers and sound people. So let me know what ya want and we will assist. My contact is tljones@vcn.com

[Capt_Pestalence_XC]

For those offering to help on SFC 4.. Please put an application in with Braxton in accordance with the first post..

You do not have to be just a programmer.. you can have graphics experience, Music experience, etc.. the initial posting was just for an example to fill out for your skills.. Scripters, writers, so forth.. put your apps in.

[Mariner Class]

Dammit, I forgot to input my experience as a vocalist. Can't forget the opportunities for voice overs.

Should I re-mail my application?

[Capt_Pestalence_XC]

I would, just to be safe

[psytce]

For those offering to help on SFC 4.. Please put an application in with Braxton in accordance with the first post..

You do not have to be just a programmer.. you can have graphics experience, Music experience, etc.. the initial posting was just for an example to fill out for your skills.. Scripters, writers, so forth.. put your apps in.

When I was having trouble with SFC1 I found your posts and they helped me.
Then when I was wondering about SFC2 you posted that you had an update for SFC:OP that would fill in for SFC2:EAW, this saved me from buying both EAW and OP...... It seems that everytime I needed help with SFC you were there to help ... So, I don't know how much I can help, but I've Emailed my programming set and I'll see if I can help you as much and you have helped me ......

Thanks,
Tommy

[Age]

What I would like to say about this game is to keep it on par with all other new games coming out.This is so that others don't have hand up keeping the features the saame as SFC2 or SFC3.This is like me vs players like say Dizzy on a server who have more exprience or Crim.It is why I can't compete no matter how much time I put in practicing they know the shiplist off by heart.

When I went over to play GW I was ona level playing field with others as it was a new game.

[marstone]

What I would like to say about this game is to keep it on par with all other new games coming out.This is so that others don't have hand up keeping the features the saame as SFC2 or SFC3.This is like me vs players like say Dizzy on a server who have more exprience or Crim.It is why I can't compete no matter how much time I put in practicing they know the shiplist off by heart.

When I went over to play GW I was ona level playing field with others as it was a new game.

yeah, the guys who play alot are going to kick our butts.  But I play for the one in a hundred chance to beat one of the big guys.

Same with 2142, I will never be able to fly well, but I keep trying, heck I think I might have even got a kill the last time before I was rudely blown out of the air (numberous times).

But with SFC I enter a mission, I still have to fire off a probe to check the weapons of the enemy, even when I have seen what the ship is.  And heck who knows you might be up against me and that would be a level playing field (maybe even tilted in your favor).  There are more noobs out there (even tho I have played the game for year, I took a multi-year break so I am back to ground zero)

[KBF-Crim]

Honestly guys...the only way to get any better is to play people much better than yourself...get the snot beat out of you....dust yourself off...smile...and beg them to play again....

When I got SFC1 in 11/98...I almost took it back....it took me two weeks to learn how to beat a damn frigate controlled by the AI...the game was so different to anything I had ever played before...I just couldnt get the concept...

When I found M-player...it was demolarizing...After bangin on the AI for month or two I thought I was king...I was in for a very rude awakening...I got my hat handed to me so many times I lost count...again..I almost gave it up...

It was Dennis Green (SFC Shadow) and Scott Bruno (Captain Krumb) who taught me the basics...Taught me to think of SFC as I think of chess...

I got beat by the best of them...over and over...OscottyO..NTDN, sfaret, Crimson Knight, Kirk Jr, the masters...I didnt know at the time they were all the inner circle team...

This is when I decided to concentrate on one race...until I mastered it...as you can see...I'm still flying Klingon...partly because of my fleetmates...partly becuase I still dont feel that I have mastered Klingons...I'm dangerous...but even after ten years...I'm no ace...I still get smacked around a bit..There are guys I've never beaten....but it's a GAME...I have no fear...fear is the mind killer..

If you can get you hands on one of Dennis Greens' strat guides....he has some excellent drills to hone your skills...

If you cant get one or dont have one...I can post some drills in the tactics section...

Another good thing to do is to find a sparing partner, a person with the same skill level, and simply play battles with the same ships...over and over...this is relaxing and much less pressure than trying to get a good game together on the Dyna...

And quite often...some of the guys offer training sessions...Die Hard is an excellent pilot and a master of the federation...Just ask him..he'll find the time to help you guys out...

Much like chess...you will never advance your own skills if you only want to win and play people of lessor skills just to beat them up...

One cannot become a master...unless one can beat a master...

The fun is in the battle itself...not the outcome...

If the only fun I had was winning....I'd have given up long ago...

[KBFLordKrueg]

Honestly guys...the only way to get any better is to play people much better than yourself...get the snot beat out of you....dust yourself off...smile...and beg them to play again....

When I got SFC1 in 11/98...I almost took it back....it took me two weeks to learn how to beat a damn frigate controlled by the AI...the game was so different to anything I had ever played before...I just couldnt get the concept...

When I found M-player...it was demolarizing...After bangin on the AI for month or two I thought I was king...I was in for a very rude awakening...I got my hat handed to me so many times I lost count...again..I almost gave it up...

It was Dennis Green (SFC Shadow) and Scott Bruno (Captain Krumb) who taught me the basics...Taught me to think of SFC as I think of chess...

I got beat by the best of them...over and over...OscottyO..NTDN, sfaret, Crimson Knight, Kirk Jr, the masters...I didnt know at the time they were all the inner circle team...

This is when I decided to concentrate on one race...until I mastered it...as you can see...I'm still flying Klingon...partly because of my fleetmates...partly becuase I still dont feel that I have mastered Klingons...I'm dangerous...but even after ten years...I'm no ace...I still get smacked around a bit..There are guys I've never beaten....but it's a GAME...I have no fear...fear is the mind killer..

If you can get you hands on one of Dennis Greens' strat guides....he has some excellent drills to hone your skills...

If you cant get one or dont have one...I can post some drills in the tactics section...

Another good thing to do is to find a sparing partner, a person with the same skill level, and simply play battles with the same ships...over and over...this is relaxing and much less pressure than trying to get a good game together on the Dyna...

And quite often...some of the guys offer training sessions...Die Hard is an excellent pilot and a master of the federation...Just ask him..he'll find the time to help you guys out...

Much like chess...you will never advance your own skills if you only want to win and play people of lessor skills just to beat them up...

One cannot become a master...unless one can beat a master...

The fun is in the battle itself...not the outcome...

If the only fun I had was winning....I'd have given up long ago...

Very well put, Crim.
Maybe I'll put off that agony booth...
I had a similar story, as a 15 year veteran of SFB, I came into SFC1 with great confidence, only to get my ass consistently handed to me online.
I joined a fleet, DOA, and members there helped me  a lot with the conversion from a rule soaked board game to a 10 seconds-per-turn video game.
But, I still went 17 losses before I won my first match on Mplayer (remember Mpig?  ) 
But, I learned with every loss what worked and what effected game play.
Team-mates help.
Ask your opponent where you made your mistake if you don't know, especially if you get spanked, ask them to be honest and accept the brutal answer and, most important, LEARN from it,
Practice, practice, practice.
In any online game, I don't care what it is, the best players are those that practice, take genuine advice well, and enjoy the challenge of learning how to do it well.
You want a "If I can't win, I don't want to play" game, well, maybe you should look elsewhere.
*word*

[KBF-Kapact]

I've said this so many times I can't count, but I positively stank at this game for years. But the KBF has always stuck with me and helped out whenever possible. I've got a decent record against the AI, pretty good hex flipper, but to my recollection have only one (and it was disputed) PvP victory. But I enjoy it, and I appreciate the fact that I'm welcome in the KBF despite my record of battle..... winning is great, but I'm pretty happy just playing....


Kapact

[marstone]

That is what I said, in a longers form.  I play to play, I really enjoyed the mornings what I could log on and chat an fly with Deadman and crew.  (my schedule changed again so mornings might be back in for me).  When I hit PVP I sometimes win, sometimes lose, but always have fun (in a damn damn damn *boom* kind of way).

[Ravok]

I've said this so many times I can't count, but I positively stank at this game for years. But the KBF has always stuck with me and helped out whenever possible. I've got a decent record against the AI, pretty good hex flipper, but to my recollection have only one (and it was disputed) PvP victory. But I enjoy it, and I appreciate the fact that I'm welcome in the KBF despite my record of battle..... winning is great, but I'm pretty happy just playing....


Kapact

 I used to have the same problem back when I played on game spy with the GFL. But the more I played the better I became.
 I also played allot of "Training games" in single player. I turned up the game speed to 11 and cranked the game up to hardest difficulty as well. This really helped me think fast,and improved my skills. Because you get used to the faster speed. And your reaction time becomes better,it becomes instinct ,because you don't have time to over analyse the situation..
 The only drawback I have now is I think game speed 9 is too slow and boring.

[KBF-Kapact]

I've said this so many times I can't count, but I positively stank at this game for years. But the KBF has always stuck with me and helped out whenever possible. I've got a decent record against the AI, pretty good hex flipper, but to my recollection have only one (and it was disputed) PvP victory. But I enjoy it, and I appreciate the fact that I'm welcome in the KBF despite my record of battle..... winning is great, but I'm pretty happy just playing....


Kapact

 I used to have the same problem back when I played on game spy with the GFL. But the more I played the better I became.
 I also played allot of "Training games" in single player. I turned up the game speed to 11 and cranked the game up to hardest difficulty as well. This really helped me think fast,and improved my skills. Because you get used to the faster speed. And your reaction time becomes better,it becomes instinct ,because you don't have time to over analyse the situation..
 The only drawback I have now is I think game speed 9 is too slow and boring.

I never really thought about that. I'll have to try it. Thanks 


Kapact

[Ravok]

I've said this so many times I can't count, but I positively stank at this game for years. But the KBF has always stuck with me and helped out whenever possible. I've got a decent record against the AI, pretty good hex flipper, but to my recollection have only one (and it was disputed) PvP victory. But I enjoy it, and I appreciate the fact that I'm welcome in the KBF despite my record of battle..... winning is great, but I'm pretty happy just playing....


Kapact

 I used to have the same problem back when I played on game spy with the GFL. But the more I played the better I became.
 I also played allot of "Training games" in single player. I turned up the game speed to 11 and cranked the game up to hardest difficulty as well. This really helped me think fast,and improved my skills. Because you get used to the faster speed. And your reaction time becomes better,it becomes instinct ,because you don't have time to over analyse the situation..
 The only drawback I have now is I think game speed 9 is too slow and boring.

I never really thought about that. I'll have to try it. Thanks 


Kapact

 Q ' apLaH !!!!

[KBFLordKrueg]

I've said this so many times I can't count, but I positively stank at this game for years. But the KBF has always stuck with me and helped out whenever possible. I've got a decent record against the AI, pretty good hex flipper, but to my recollection have only one (and it was disputed) PvP victory. But I enjoy it, and I appreciate the fact that I'm welcome in the KBF despite my record of battle..... winning is great, but I'm pretty happy just playing....


Kapact

Being a part of KBF isn't always solely based on player aptitude. 
And, IMOHPO, you'll never get better at PvP fighting AI.
That's theory vs practical application.
Practice and teamwork is the key.
Wing up on ATOK 4, Kapact, we're still there for ya...

[Capt_Pestalence_XC]

Or you could try out the OP Hardcore server.. I have it running the OP + v4.0 using the stock Conquest game map, but my settings will toss some serious opposition at you.

If it still seems too easy, just let me know and I will increase the chances of 2 or 3 AI coming at ya.

[Terradyhne]

great to hear that you guys working on SFC4 and i hope you have enough creative designers to get good designs for all races not just an overwhelming Fed fleet.

[SFCJB]

Wow, this is the best news I have heard in a long time. I started playing sfc1 back in the mplayer days and it was a blast. Voidwar and I would team up and smack peep around daily.  mmm magic photons.....

[worfhonour]

Hi,
Great news.

If ya wanna learn the game face me I am the best player ever.

Worfy

[KBF-Kapact]

I've said this so many times I can't count, but I positively stank at this game for years. But the KBF has always stuck with me and helped out whenever possible. I've got a decent record against the AI, pretty good hex flipper, but to my recollection have only one (and it was disputed) PvP victory. But I enjoy it, and I appreciate the fact that I'm welcome in the KBF despite my record of battle..... winning is great, but I'm pretty happy just playing....


Kapact

Being a part of KBF isn't always solely based on player aptitude. 
And, IMOHPO, you'll never get better at PvP fighting AI.
That's theory vs practical application.
Practice and teamwork is the key.
Wing up on ATOK 4, Kapact, we're still there for ya...

rock on....

[Ravok]

Or you could try out the OP Hardcore server.. I have it running the OP + v4.0 using the stock Conquest game map, but my settings will toss some serious opposition at you.

If it still seems too easy, just let me know and I will increase the chances of 2 or 3 AI coming at ya.

 Yum yum !!! that sonds like fun!! is it in downloads section??

 I need to get back into the swing of things,and kill some Flat Heads.

[Capt_Pestalence_XC]

Or you could try out the OP Hardcore server.. I have it running the OP + v4.0 using the stock Conquest game map, but my settings will toss some serious opposition at you.

If it still seems too easy, just let me know and I will increase the chances of 2 or 3 AI coming at ya.

 Yum yum !!! that sonds like fun!! is it in downloads section??

 I need to get back into the swing of things,and kill some Flat Heads.

http://www.dynaverse.net/forum/index.php/topic,163380514.0.html