FirstStrike AlphaTests - Ingame Screens!

FSDev| Woodrow writes "Well, as you can see we've finally moved beyond models and theory into the actual game. And not just any game, but 2142. For the last two weeks we've been steadily pouring content into the 2142 engine and trying actually playing with it. And to help us with it we've recruited a team of 12 'Alpha Testers' to assist us in testing and offer feedback on the direction of our work.

[image=http://www.firststrikemod.com/img/sshot1_lrg_ig325.jpg]http://www.firststrikemod.com/img/sshot1_lrg_ig325.jpg

[image=http://www.firststrikemod.com/img/sshot1_lrg_ig324.jpg]http://www.firststrikemod.com/img/sshot1_lrg_ig324.jpg

[image=http://www.firststrikemod.com/img/sshot1_lrg_ig323.jpg]http://www.firststrikemod.com/img/sshot1_lrg_ig323.jpg


So far it's been almost nonstop with the updates, as we are constantly adding in new weapons and soldiers to try out. To assist us in it we've even developed a tool in-house to distribute patches. All our testers have to do to patch is open up a little app and press a big "UPDATE" button. The tool then downloads the latest content, merges it with their last build, and repacks the mod all without any further input by the tester. This way we don't have to build installers for each patch and can add content as it's ready, thus only sending the testers the new content rather than an updated .zip with all the original stuff in it (thus keeping the downloads extremely small).

[image=http://www.firststrikemod.com/img/sshot1_lrg_ig322.jpg]http://www.firststrikemod.com/img/sshot1_lrg_ig322.jpg

[image=http://www.firststrikemod.com/img/sshot1_lrg_ig321.jpg]http://www.firststrikemod.com/img/sshot1_lrg_ig321.jpg

And as you can see, the results so far have been astounding. All those shots are taken in-game on medium range computers, as performance is just as important as looks here at FirstStrike. We also hope to have some in-game 2142 shots of our own custom built maps soon (we just started moving those over, and while they work they still need a little cleanup) but for now our testers get to enjoy the full star-warsyness on tweaked 2142 maps.

[image=http://www.firststrikemod.com/img/sshot1_lrg_mkiv.jpg]http://www.firststrikemod.com/img/sshot1_lrg_mkiv.jpg

[image=http://www.firststrikemod.com/img/sshot1_lrg_probot.jpg]http://www.firststrikemod.com/img/sshot1_lrg_probot.jpg

And for those still hoping to get a beta spot, I'm happy to say "Don't Panic!" We will be looking for at least 30 more beta testers in the coming few weeks and months. What we are looking out for in a beta tester will be someone who posts on the forums regularly, is sociable and willing to offer constructive feedback on what they see, is well regarded, and has a copy of 2142. Oh, and being on IRC helps as that's where most of us devs hang out, and where we run the testing centre anyway.

[image=http://www.firststrikemod.com/img/sshot1_lrg_remote.jpg]http://www.firststrikemod.com/img/sshot1_lrg_remote.jpg

[image=http://www.firststrikemod.com/img/sshot1_lrg_fx7.jpg]http://www.firststrikemod.com/img/sshot1_lrg_fx7.jpg

Anyhow, I'm sure I've used up enough space on this update so I'll let you all go. I guess in closing Live Long and Prosper mateys. And happy modding "

One thread for a mod is enough, I think.
http://boards.theforce.net/games_videogames/b10005/25334449