Archived News:
As someone who owns the full, registered version of ARDI,
a Mac OS emulator, I was pretty surprised when rumors started popping up that
this was able to run the recently released Mac Q3Test. To clarify: it will not
run! ARDI doesn't emulate a PowerPC, which is required for the file to run (this
includes the recently released ARDI 2.0.) Coincidentally, the ARDI
page was recently updated to clarify this: An incorrect rumor on
the net listed Executor as running Q3Test, the test-version of Quake 3 that
was made available for the Macintosh before Linux and Windows. Our site has
been swamped as people try to download our demo to test this. Q3Test requires
a PowerPC, and Executor does not currently run any Mac applications that require
a PowerPC.
In what seems to be a reaction to feedback about his recent .plan update about Macintoshes, John Carmack made another large update to his .plan on the Mac, discussing the source of the performance figures he mentioned, and clarifying what he meant about the Mac OS.
Here's a chunk of the large update:
...So, clearly, hand tuned asm code can make either platform pull ahead. It also
shows that the two platforms are at least fairly close in performance. I never said macs
were SLOW, just not quite as fast as the best intel systems.
Quake3 doesn't software rasterize, so there isn't any great place for lots of asm code
(the great place is in the OpenGL driver). The code is essentially identical on all
platforms.
Q3 is definitely faster on a wintel system than a macos system. When the wintel version is
released, everyone will be independantly repeating that measurement.
Even this measurement isn't exactly an apples to apples comparison, because the OpenGL
driver and 3D card are still a significant variance. The two can be broken out farther: Q3
can be run without 3D output to test just the identical compiled code. Wintel is still
faster, although somewhat less so...
<snip>
"Sucks" is a subjective description that can be dismissed as opinion. Note that
I have NEVER said that the hardware sucks, or the user interface sucks, just that the mac
OPERATING SYSTEM sucks.
"Faster", when qualified with testing conditions, is objective, and all the
wishing in the world doesn't change it.
Objectivity and quantification are the paths to improvement.
I will be very happy if Apple can produce a desktop system that is faster than anything
else you can get. I respect good engineering from any source. Altivec should be better
than the PIII extensions (trinary ops -- yeah!). The upcoming system architectures look
good. They have a shot at it, but they won't make it if they complacently think "oh,
we are already faster than any pc system".
My twin turbo F50 can still be outrun at the dragstrip by much cheaper race cars. Many
ferrari owners would not dare set foot at a drag strip, because they fear objective
measurements that may not show their important possession in the best light. I would
rather have the facts, so I can base future decisions on logical grounds.
It's a Sunday, so it's time for our weekly round up of commentary from our
readers. In this week's bag are letters about the Mac-only release of Q3Test,
and a whole lot more about the Colorado shootings, including one from MamaBlue,
and one from someone close to one of the victims. It makes for a great read,
so head on
over there.
- Sharky
Extreme News is reporting that Leadtek is now shipping its S320 II TNT2 accelerators,
making them the first TNT2's on the streets. If you are looking for more dope on this
chipset, GA-Source
reviews the Maxi Gamer Xentor, Guillemot's TNT2 offering.
- H-Oda!'s software
downloads page has new versions of about all of their PC tweaking/overclocking
utilities, including new versions of the SoftFSB Windows front-side bus overclocker,
WCPUID, WCPUL2 (adjusts L2 cache latency), CPUCLK (real-time clock speed checker),
WPCREDIT (edits PCI configuration register), and WPCRSET (changes the PCI configuration
register). These programs are for experienced users only. Thanks Tweak3D.
- Here's the correct URL for the Mesa 3D Graphics
Library, required for the Voodoo MacQ3ATest tip posted earlier (story). Thanks John.
- FPS3D.COM reviews the 3DfxCool
VoodooCooler.
The Aliens vs Predator FAQ on the Aliens vs Predator Network has been updated with new info
on the upcoming first-person shooter from Fox Interactive that pits aliens, predators, and
space marines in combat against each other. The FAQ contains info classified as spoilers
for those of you in need of refrigeration, and there are some spiffy new screenshots
showing off action from the game as well. Thanks Apache.
A new version 1.01 of the SiN ReDeMpTiOn
bot is now available. Thanks Ritualistic.
GA-Source
interviews Jack Mamais talking to the director of Heavy Gear 2 about Activision's
upcoming game of giant robot combat.
Make Your Voodoo Card Work With Q3Test is an article on how Mac G3 owners with Voodoo cards can get the MacQ3ATest running (the only cards with out-of-the-"box" support are the ATI Rage line).
A couple of readers have written in to point out that though Windows users cannot play a client with the just-released Win32 server ( story), since the .pak files are now in .zip format (as was mentioned in a few .plan updates long ago), it is now easy for curious Windows users to take a peek at the art assets in the Q3ATest. Thanks Spork and datahead.
The unofficial Half-Life FAQ housed on this page
has been updated to version 4.24.
The AirQuake II site has a new version 0.8 of this amazing modification for Quake II that puts you behind the joystick of your own jet aircraft (among other things). The new release offers new toys to choose from like five
new fighters, four new bombers, and three new helicopters, as well as a new tank, and goodies like jammers and stealth modes.
The Quake 3 Arena page has been updated with
word of a Quake III
Test Server List to list and locate Q3ATest servers. Thanks Q3Arena.net. Here's the lowdown:
We've whipped up a quick webpage that will show you a list of Q3Test servers
reporting to our master server. It's really ugly at the moment (read: It's functional) and
we'll tidy it up tommorow.
Remember, if you are running a Q3Test server, and would like for it to report to our
master server, make sure you start the server with +set dedicated 2
http://underworld.idsoftware.com/cgi-win/q3aservers.exe/
The Quake 3 Arena site has the Win32 server release of the Quake III Arena test release, which will allow you to run a server (only). Here's a local copy and mirrors of the 21 MB Q3ATest Win32 server. Here's the lowdown:
This version of the test allows you to run Win32 dedicated servers only. It does not let you play the test locally on the Win32 machine. We highly recommend Windows NT as a good stable environment for dedicated servers. Windows 95/98 will run, but
will be prone to more problems.
This Quake 3 on Macintosh site has a few tips for running Q3ATest on a Mac, as well as screenshots of MacQ3ATest. There are also some more shots on this page and on Q3Arena.net.
The new installment of the always entertaining PyroPimps
Show features a conversation with Adam Pletcher and Dave Baranec from Volition about
the upcoming just-announced Descent FreeSpace 2, as well as "too much other
nonsense" (their words). RealPlayer required.
There's an Xtom 3D demo for download
at 3DFiles.Com, a demo of a game they describe as a
"typical 3D arcade shooter."
Enternet Global Network page has a new 646 Alpha build
of the EGN server-browser/ICQ-esque chat client. Thanks BetaNews.
Next-Generation
Online's Anachronox Preview is up, one of those short 3dfx game of the week dealies.
Thanks Apache.
Sharky Extreme's
First Glimpse at Homeworld looks at this upcoming action/strategy hybrid from Relic
Entertainment.
The Æstats Page has a new version of this
log file analyzer for 3D Shooters that offers stats/ranking output in HTML. The new
version features support for Half-Life 1.0.0.9.
A report on
Thresh's FiringSquad gives the outcome of a challenge placed against them by the bold
souls at 3DGN, all the way to the point in the
second match where they used nothing but hand grenades.
Wow, an awful lot of you wanted to know if I was serious or not about buying a Mac
yesterday, including OzNet who wrote in: "traitor!!! traitor!!! traitor!!! traitor!!!
traitor!!! traitor!!! traitor!!! traitor!!! traitor!!! traitor!!! =)" I presume the
smiley was sincere, and he was kidding (but you never know). Anyway, I was kidding myself,
even if he wasn't. I guess if the Win32 release is to follow soon enough I can wait for
that to come out...probably ![=]](/miscimages/smiley4.gif) .
Link of the Day: The
Uncanny MacOS Page. I've been waiting for the perfect time to use that one.
The official Quake 3 Arena site has the Quake
III Arena test release for G3 Macs for download. There was a brief false-start earlier
when a version was briefly posted and pulled, but that's been cleared up. Here's a local copy, with mirrors
of the 21.4 MB file, and here's the word on the release:
Before Downloading, READ THIS:
This is the Mac version of the test
Linux and Win32 version will be released as soon as possible
Q3TEST is for TESTING new tech and multiplayer code.
Q3TEST is NOT the game "Quake 3 Arena".
Q3TEST is ADDICTIVE. Be sure to get some sleep.
Known Mac Issues
- Sometimes the Mac build crashes in low memory conditions, we're looking for help in
tracking this.
- The sound latency can be improved.
- Currently the game will only run on the main screen in a multi-monitor setup.
- The overbright bits we use to change the way lightmaps work in the PC build is not
currently in the Mac build.
We are running servers at;
- 192.246.40.37:27960 -- q3test1
- 192.246.40.37:27961 -- q3test1
- 192.246.40.37:27962 -- q3test1
- 192.246.40.37:27963 -- q3test2
Xian updated his .plan again with word the Quake III Arena messageboard test
( story)
was a failure, but that more experiments may ensue over the weekend.
THE 3D ZONE (German-language 3D gaming
news) has posted ten new screenshots of Skout, the upcoming first-person shooter from Soft Enterprises.
Things are hopping, id's Christian "Disruptor" Antkow updated his .plan with word on the official moderated Quake III Arena messageboard
(temporary location.). Here's the poop:
I've written a message board for use in discussing the impending Q3Test
releases. It's primary function will be a central place for you to post bugs so that we
can quickly peruse the boards and see what some of the main problems are. It's still in
development, there are a few problems that I still need to iron out, but it's mostly
functional.
I'm interested in seeing how it performs under a high load. I originally used MS Access
MDB format, but became frustrated with file locking issues with a minimal load of
activity, so I spent most of the afternoon today installing MS SQL Server 7 and adjusting
the code to work with it. Coming from a database background (Oracle at my previous job), I
was quite impressed with SQL Server 7. Really easy to set up, and the performance seems
very good.
Anyway, if you want to beat on it, it's temporarily located at;
http://underworld.idsoftware.com/cgi-win/webcon.exe
If any of you would like to use that as a discussion forum, and generate some data for the
database, I'd appreciate it. If you find any serious bugs or get any error messages,
please post in the "Q3Test: Bugs" forum.
The board will be moderated by id staff to retain it's focus. For general Quake 3
discussion, I highly recommend the Quake 3 messageboard at
sCary's Shack
id's John Carmack updated his .plan with a very lengthy discussion of the factors involved in the decision to release the Mac version of the Q3ATest prior to the PC version (next story). Here is an excerpt from the quite lengthy update that talks about the bottom line here:
We hope it will be done soon, but there are factors out of our direct control involved.
Don't be spiteful. This is just the beginning of the testing and release process.
One conspiracy theory suggests that Apple is somehow getting us to do this.
What we have "gotten" from Apple is a few development machines. No cash payoff. No bundling deal. No marketing contract.
I am looking at this long term. I want to see OS X become a top notch platform for graphics development. I think highly of the NEXTSTEP heritage and I might move my development from NT if it turns out well. There is a lot of groundwork that needs to be laid with apple for this to happen, and my working on the mac right now is part of that. Plus a lot of complaining to various apple engineers and executives. :-)
To be clear:
At this time, there is no mac that is as fast for gaming (or just about anything, actually) as a pentium III with a top of the line 3D card. Period. I have been misquoted by some mac evangelists as saying otherwise.
The update concludes with this:
Gaming is not a reason to buy a mac, but Apple is taking steps so that it may not be a reason to avoid a mac if you have other reasons for wanting one.
MacOS still sucks.
id software's Graeme "Zaphod" Devine updated his .plan with word that, in a surprising bout of
cross-platform-ness, the Mac version of the Quake III Arena test will be the first version
released, perhaps as early as this weekend:
The test is not coming out tonight, but we do have a Macintosh candidate ready
to go. If all goes well tonight, it will be out over the weekend. The Linux/Win32 builds
are not yet ready.
The test version of Quake 3 Arena is just that, a test, and as such we here at id software
need to have some controls over it as we start to test it out publicly. Without these
controls we cannot actively track and improve the product in a manageable manner.
We wanted, and are eager to be completely "out there" on all platforms, but the
OpenGL drivers the product needs for all the platforms are not yet finalized. By launching
on the Mac first it gives the various 3D board manufacturers some time to get their Win32
OpenGL 3D drivers certified with Microsoft. We're using, and depend on, the latest and
greatest drivers and want to be able to distribute those drivers for the Win32 platform.
The Macintosh market is smaller than the Win32 market, and has less configuration options
than the Linux market. There is only a single OpenGL driver, and the hardware is
essentially always the same. This is an ideal "controlled" environment for the
initial testing. Basically, if there is a huge issue with the initial release we're
exposing a smaller audience to it. This turns out to be a good thing.
The plan is to release the Macintosh version first, followed by the Linux version,
followed by the Win32 version. We will release on the other platforms as soon as possible.
We will rev the other platforms as we make new releases.
I hope you understand and agree with this decision/process. It is a good step towards a
timely release of the full demo and retail product.
Dawn of Darkness: The Demo, a
demo version of Dawn of Darkness, which
describes itself as the "ultimate total conversion for Quake II," is now
available. The playable demo of Ward Six Entertainment's
soon-to-be-gold TC is about 11 MB, and contains one of the commercial product's 15 levels.
The Qtracker Homepage has the version 2.3 beta 3 release of the Qtracker server-browser program. The new release offers a major new feature: Automated HTML server list generation, updated every minute, which can be FTPed
automatically to your web server or just stored on a local drive.
The busy bees over at The
Hive have posted another interview, this one with Monolith CEO Jason Hall.
Gamehut's Mortyr gallery has a
half-dozen exclusive new images from Interactive Magic's upcoming World War II game.
Version 1.02 of the GameCam
chasecam mod for Quake II has been released. There are now four different variants, Win32,
Linux (glibc), Linux (libc5), and Solaris (Sparc), of this plug-in mod that can be added
to any other Quake II mod.
So much for the Polish lesson yesterday, Jacek Fedoryñski writes to point out the
captions on the Polish Mortyr page ( story) were not Polish, but German. Not to worry, here's the promised
lesson nonetheless: In Polish, graphics and music would be "grafika" and
"muzyka," respectively. Thanks again, Jacek.
The Cached Home Page has an interview with
PGL finalist JMaster.
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