In honor of Team Fortress Quake's third birthday, Valve has released some new Team Fortress 2 materials to show off the upcoming descendant of that original Quake mod. I almost though the anniversary would pass before I could eek them through the FTP, but having done so, here are four movies in MPG format: Ammoload (3.3 MB), Combo (6.7 MB), Tank (3.7 MB), and Voicecomm (4.5 MB), as well as three new screenshots. Enjoy!

Sixxo was kind enough to send along an edited log of the MSN Gaming Zone Chat from earlier (story) with Alex Garden (Homeworld); Mark Frohnmayer (TRIBES/TRIBES2); and Tim Znamenacek (Age of Empires). Here's the edited log of the proceedings. Thanks again Sixxo!

Painful Detail interviews Shane Caudle of Epic Games about his work on their Unreal, and the upcoming Unreal Tournament as a Level Designer, Modeler, and Artist.

Bleem Claims Another Victory is a Gamecenter article detailing the latest round of legal hassles between Sony and the makers of the bleem! PlayStation emulator. According to the article, the latest legal hurdle the bleem! folks have cleared is the point at which Sony was able to stop Connectix and their Mac PSX emu software.

Looks like Half-Life Opposing Force, Gearbox' upcoming H-L add-on will be debuting at the beginning of next month on both sides of the Atlantic. Randy Pitchford's .plan file has word that Gearbox Art Director Brian Martel "drew the short straw" so he's going to be at the show in London doing demos of Half-Life: Opposing Force "for all the hungry Euro press." Also, word on the Ground Zero Exhibitors page is that "Gearbox Software will be at Ground ZERO, showing the first public demo of Opposing Force." ECTS is September 5-7 in London, and Ground Zero is September 9-12 in in NYC.

Drakan.Net has posted a Lucy and Ethel scheme to work some rebate magic to score a copy of Drakan: Order of the Flame for $23.00. So if you're a thrifty gamer that longs to ride a dragon, roll up some pennies and head on over to find out the scoop.

The Wheel of Time page has had one of its periodic updates, confirming that the game indeed does now play straight through from beginning to end, "with some notable placeholder material naturally,"talk of a smooth transition to "the new 300 version of the Unreal engine," and shows off some neat WoT swag, a crystal encased clock.

On the heels of the RUNE shots posted earlier (story), The Adrenaline Vault News has posted word that Human Head plans on showing off Ragnar, the main character from their upcoming Unreal-engine Viking game, at next month's ECTS in London.

A Talent For War sends word of a screenshot they've posted of one of the ships from Parsec, an upcoming space sim, along with some new info about the differentiation between ships in the game.

Word from Chris at GLSetup is that they are switching servers over the next couple of days, so if the server is wonky for a while when you try using their utility to update your video drivers, it should settle down soon. Word is they will have a new release by the end of the month (hopefully this server move will have settled in by then).

Another story on the MacUnreal/UT front that's been a bit busy these past couple of days: A post a while back on Inside Mac Games Newsbriefs (scroll down the page) has some QuickTime VR shots from a beta of MacUnreal Tournament that will allow you experience levels in the game to turn your browser into a holodeck! Okay, you're right in not believing me about the holodeck part, but it does use that neat QuickTime VR stuff to let you see panoramic views, and even get a sense for the snazzy lighting effect on the barrel of the weapon. The shots are: Codex1, Galleon, Gothic, and Metaldreams.

The NOP website has version 2.0 of NOP, a Java stats tool for Q3Test. Here is a short list of features from their main page, their Info page has more details:

• win/linux/mac version available
• output is fully customizable
• multiple logfile support
• does not lag q3-servers
• use it to ftp your htmls or run a command
• includes cgi for html-database access

Monolith Programmer Mike Dussault updated his .plan with talk of seeing Ministry, email, and LithTech2 programming, which is, of course, the part quoted below:

The first iteration of the terrain functionality is in now. Wes has been busting out cool terrain levels for a while
and everything is proceeding smoothly. I know I will have to revisit terrain a couple times in the next couple months to get it better and better, but the hardest part is over.

As part of the terrain work, the engine's top-level search structure is a quadtree instead of a BSP tree now. (Changing to an octree is very easy, but we don't need it for NOLF). This comes in handy, is faster for certain operations, and handles non-indoor games better than a BSP as well, so I'm glad this got in.

While working on model LOD, I found a way to rework the skeletal animation loop to be MUCH faster. I can't believe I missed this before.. it was so obvious, but it's a relief to have the LT2 models rendering at the speed one would expect.

I'm very pleased with the way the model LOD came out. It's much simpler than the Shogo method (which was similar to Intel MRM) and is a lot more efficient. In the game, we will be using a set LOD offset for each GAME detail level (ultra-high, high, medium, low), and the animators can tweak out what each version will look like. The transitions between LODs are smoothed out so you can only tell it's doing LOD if you really look hard.

The model rendering will get another pass in the not too distant future, and I'm expecting even more performance gains. Sometimes this kind of thing bites me in the ass though.. envision this scenario, "I am specifying 1/3 of the vertices as before, but it renders slower!" Or how about, "I removed 20% of the transforms, but it renders slower!" There are those who say there's a reason for everything, and there are those who use 3D APIs...

Primary things left to address for LT2 (I'm leaving these extremely general because I'm sure I'll end up doing the exact opposite of whatever I say here :)
- Lighting enhancements
- Networking
- Mods
- More model optimizations
- More terrain optimizations
- General renderer optimizations.. I have some ideas that I'm very excited about

RainbowSix.Net has word that Red Storm Entertainment has released the intro movie to Rogue Spear, which can be downloaded directly from Red Storm's FTP site. The movie a 35 MB mpeg file.

Fox Interactive Announces Exclusive Development Deal With Monolith Productions is the press release announcing that Fox will be distributing Sanity and No One Lives Forever (working title), and that Monolith will be developing PC and PlayStation 2 titles for Fox using their proprietary LithTech technology. Here's most of the announcement:

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 24, 1999--Fox Interactive Tuesday announced an exclusive long-term deal with Monolith Productions Inc., a Kirkland, Wash.-based company, to develop interactive games.

As part of the deal, Fox Interactive will publish and distribute two upcoming Monolith titles -- Sanity and No One Lives Forever (working title). Monolith will also develop games based on Fox properties for the PC and PlayStation 2 platforms utilizing their proprietary Lith Tech 3D Engine.

"We are excited to be partnering with Monolith as they are one of the most sought-after companies in the game-development community. They are a group of talented designers who are matched with a leading proprietary technology -- that's a winning combination in this business," said Eric Hammond, vice president of development at Fox Interactive. "We are looking forward to joining our talented teams to create truly unique games."

"Everyone at Monolith is thrilled to be working with Fox Interactive on both our original titles, No One Lives Forever and Sanity, as well as the many potential Fox properties and licenses," commented Monolith CEO Jason Hall. "Monolith brings to Fox a proven track record of critically acclaimed products as well as cutting-edge 3D technology. When combined with Fox's strong original content and marketing muscle, the result is sure to be a wildly successful alliance."

The Aliens Versus Predator on Wireplay page now has a patch to allow users to play Aliens versus Predator on this UK-based gaming service, the end-result of a recent petition by overseas users who could not effectively use Mplayer to play. Thanks FuzzySteve.

Saw on UnrealEngine.com News the Human Head site has been updated with some new screenshots of RUNE, Human Head's upcoming Unreal-engine game of Viking fun, you know, sailing, wearing helmets with horns on them, pillaging, that sort of thing.

Westlake Interactive has posted a beta 7 update for MacUnreal version 224. This version only works with a previous MacUnreal 224 beta already installed. Word is there is no new code since beta 6, this is just a re-compiled version "repackaged to fix problems some people had with B5/B6 crashing immediately on startup." The folks over at WI recently posted an essay on the state of the MacUnreal port and tech support issues that were causing them problems, beta MacUnreal users who missed it might want to give it a read.

Saying the "Ubi Soft-Mirage Media Soap Opera Continues," The Adrenaline Vault News, where they have been keeping close tabs on this story, has more on the ongoing efforts to find a publisher for Mortyr, the World War II first-person shooter that's been sort of a gaming orphan since it was included as part of a package of games acquired by Ubi-Soft in a deal a while back with Interactive Magic.

The Adrenaline Vault Downloads has an updated version 1.51 patch for Bullfrog's game that gives creating a finished basement a whole new meaning. The update is available as a 1.1 MB patch for version 1.5, or as a full 11-some MB jobbie to update the original retail version that includes the "bonus packs." Version 1.51 is said to fix some bugs introduced with the recent 1.5 patch.

Word from the MSN Gaming Zone is that they will be hosting a developer chat this evening with not one, not two, but (yup) three noted developers, working on completely separate titles, rounding up Alex Garden (Homeworld); Mark Frohnmayer (TRIBES/TRIBES2); and Tim Znamenacek (Age of Empires). Here's the poop on the chat, scheduled for 9:00 PM EDT tonight:

Microsoft today announced that at 6:00pm PDT tonight, Tuesday August 24, the MSN Gaming Zone (http://www.zone.com) will host a Super Chat with some of the hottest game developers: Alex Garden, co-creator of Homeworld; Mark Frohnmayer, programming lead for Tribes and Tribes 2; and Tim Znamenacek, program manager of Age of Empires.

Have you always wanted a job creating computer games? What does it take to be a professional gamer? Microsoft has gathered a high-power panel of gamers who will tell you what it takes to do what they do. With representatives from Relic Entertainment, Dynamix and Microsoft, the Super Chat is an event that those interested in the gaming industry will not want to miss.

To take part in the Zone's Super Chat, participants must be registered Zone members. To sign up for a free Zone membership, go to:

http://www.zone.com/

Next-Generation Online Take Two Confirms Hidden & Dangerous Sequel says: "Take Two has entered into a publishing agreement with Illusions Softworks and has confirmed Hidden & Dangerous 2 and a Dreamcast version of the original."

On August 24, 1996, Team Fortress Quake 1.0 was released. Planetfortress is planning a special event every day this week to celebrate the third birthday of one of the most enduring Quake mods. Here's the scoop:

Today's Event: The History and Versions of Team Fortress
Come on a journey through time and indulge yourself in a history of TF, Planet Fortress style.

Tomorrow's Event: Valve Interview

Noticed funny things on servers? That is because the servers are running birthday mode! You will often hear special birthday sounds, and see special messages. Grenades will also come out as packages.

• Nvidia up, 3dfx down in graphics fight declares CNET. Thanks CiKoTiC.
• The Ars Technica Celeron Overclocking FAQ has been updated on how to overclock the most fiber out of your celery-powered system.
• On the subject of Celerons, Hard OCP has posted an "explanation of the "Flip Chip" Celeron and if it will in fact make your Socket 370 board useless," as well as some photos "out of the UK showing the unreleased ABIT CX6 Camino chipset board for sale soon in the UK."
• Xatrix' Ryan "Ridah" Feltrin updated his .plan with a warning about the shortcomings of "bargain" TNT2 cards.
• Geoff Stafford points out that an RC3 of DirectX 7 is up on MS' premium site, so it sounds like that's getting closer, as Geoff points out, "Most products don't get past rc3 before going gold."
• There are newer Voodoo3 Windows 2000 INF files on NT Game Palace.
• To hell with other accelerators, I want the Bitchin' Fast 3D 2000! Livin' la Video Loca, baby! Thanks |6iX|Dire Wolf and [DP]Yoda.

The BattleCruiser Online site has a new BCK version 2.08 release candidate posted in their open beta program. Word on that is: "Have you joined the open Beta program for v2.08 yet? If not, visit the New Version discussion forum. v2.08 RC2 is out. Get it, especially if you have a 3Dfx Voodoo card."

SIGGRAPH '99 From a Game Development Perspective is another recent Gamasutra article of interest giving a look back at the the world's biggest computer graphics show that took place last week in Los Angeles. This year's show offered "many special activities [that] reminded attendants of the relevance of computer graphics throughout the last three decades," on the 30th anniversary of the SIGGRAPH organization. Thanks again devilbunny.

There are some new Earth 2150 Screenshots on this German site showing action from a recent beta of this futuristic military RTS. Also, there are some New Age of Empires II Screenshots on GA-Source.

Voodoo Extreme has posted a pair of screenshots from Raven's upcoming Soldier of Fortune depicting the same background when rendered on a Voodoo versus a TNT to show the difference in the appearance of the sky when rendered using 512x512 textures (on the a TNT) rather than 256x256 on a Voodoo.

Gamasutra's Designer's Notebook Reflections on the Colorado School Massacre is another recent article on attempts to correlate incidents of violence involving young people with gaming and the media. The piece is written by Ernest Adams, currently doing game design at Bullfrog Productions, while on on sabbatical in the UK from his job at Electronic Arts (the opinion reflected in the piece are his alone, however). Thanks devilbunny.

The second day's installment in loonyboi's Quake III Tour bus diary has arrived. The delay in getting the new edition up can probably be attributed the the final update yesterday saying "I'm told that I'll be getting drunk tonight," and then the report continues this morning. It wouldn't take Detective Colombo more than an hour (minus time for commercials) to figure out what happened here. Today's recounting is photo-free, as yesterday was really a travel day for the bus, so they did manage to stop off at the Houston Chronicle to deliver some whoopass, and collect some umbrellas (must be a southern tradition). Here's loonyboi's day two Quake III Tour bus report, which offers the thought of the day: "3D accelerated beer goggles."

PC Zone's Phoenix Preview is online, offering a look at the plans and progress on Team 17's upcoming space trading and combat game that seems to draw inevitable comparisons to the classic Elite. The piece offers their usual heavy dose of screenshots, as well as some conversation with the developers.

Word on the Action Half-Life page is that if you are having problems with the newly released beta of Action Half-Life, and you used the update patch, it is suggested you try installing the full version, rather than the update, which seems to solve the problem for some people.

GameSpot's Preview of SWAT 3 Close-Quarters Battle is up with an extensive look ahead at Sierra's upcoming tactical police operations game. Also, while you are hitting the old G-Spot, GameSpot's TenSpot Ten Games That Should Be Remade is one of those just-for-fun conversation/argument starters.

Saw on the Bot Epidemic that The Jumbot page has a new version of the Jumbot for Half-Life that fixes a "nasty bug" in the previous release, though the new release has been somewhat confusingly been given the same version number, 0.35.

PlanetUnreal has word of a quick and dirty new Fatboy Unreal mod inspired by the amusing sounding Fatboy "mutator" (game type) in the works for Epic's upcoming Unreal Tournament. The object of the mod is: "the more people you kill, the fatter you get, and the more times you die, the skinnier you get." Hey! I'm losing already... and Brian Dennehey is about to win the match!!

The Adrenaline Vault Previews Black & White looking ahead at Lionhead Studios' upcoming RTS god-game* currently in production under the supervision of Peter Molyneux, who calls the game his most ambitious project to date.

• The Matrox user's resource Centre has a new version of G400Tweak, bringing this tweak utility for G400 users up to version .004.
• Power Gamerz interview with Viet-Tam Luu at NVIDIA is up again. They apologize for the relentless downtime at their old webhost, and hope to provide closer to uninterupted service from now on.
• CPU Review's Athlon/Pentium3 Price Comparison has been updated.

There are 15 new Omikron Screenshots on GA-Source giving looks ahead at a bunch of environments and a couple of models from Omikron, an upcoming action/adventure title from Eidos that will offer some unusual plot/gameplay elements, as well as the usually unusual David Bowie.

Stratics has announced the first in a series of ongoing monthly Sovereign House of Commons developer conferences between the players and creators of Sovereign slated for tomorrow, Wednesday August 25, at 6:00 PM PDT (9:00 PM EDT). Sovereign is Verant's planned massive RTS follow-up to EverQuest. The chat will be in the channel #sovhoc on the Stratics IRC network, irc.stratics.com (intworks.stratics.com irc.stratics.dhp.com stratics.sanman.com).

Version 0.2.1 of Hexen32, a new Win32 port of Raven's publicly-available Heretic source, based on id Software's publicly-available Doom source. Thanks Doomworld. The Hexen32 v0.2.1 README has all the info about the debut release.

Lanced.Net's Star in Starlancer Contest gives you the opportunity to land a role for your mug in this upcoming space sim dealie (apparently Malcolm McDowell is holding out). Also, Todd and Dre's Drakan Sign Design Contest is a new giveaway cooked up by a couple of the surreal thinkers at Surreal to celebrate their just-released Drakan: Order of the Flame, that will reward the best signs (you know, like a road sign-type sign) devoted to the game. The winner will snag a copy of Drakan and a Drakan E3 '99 T-Shirt autographed by the Surreal Staff, with prizes for second and third as well.

• Thresh's FiringSquad reviews System Shock 2.
• Insomniax Network reviews System Shock 2.
• Computer Games Online reviews Drakan: Order of the Flame.
• Diversions of Technology reviews Drakan: Order of the Flame.
• The Tech Zone reviews the Creative Labs 3D Blaster Savage 4.
• Sharky Extreme reviews the Gigabyte GA-7IX Athlon Mainboard.

Quite a bunch of things to clear up: Foremost, Drakan.Net has a follow-up to their blurb about CD problems with Drakan (story) saying their initial report that replacement CDs would be issued was erroneous, apparently contacting Psygnosis will get them helping you with a fix, rather than replacing your disk. Also, the original post yesterday about the Quake II All-Star model pack mistakenly called it a pack for the All-Star CTF add-on when in fact it is a collection of premier Q2 models, the all-star reference is a reference to their quality. Also, I accidentally called the new version of Q3Stats Version 2.0 beta 2 yesterday when it should have been beta 2a (thanks Jacek Fedoryñski). Also, the post about Westwood's plans to announce Renegade, their new third-person shooter at ECTS, originally mistakenly referred to it as a first-person shooter (thanks David Kimble). Finally, while it's good news to learn that the report of Evilchild's death (story) was, to use the classic cliché, greatly exaggerated, I'm sorry that this is because someone used the community's willingness to express its sympathies as a joke, as apparently that is what this was, a hoax by a co-worker. Boo hiss.

• Now You Are an Enemy of the State! DOJ Seeks Right to Spy on Your Computer is a Jesse Berst column raising an alarming prospect. Thanks NinjaX9...
• Ten-four has posted a bunch of entertaining single-player speed runs through several Quake II maps...
• The Bloodbath page has the release of Wraithrez v1.1, a GUI front-end for the LithTech lithrez command line tool which "makes it much easier to work with .rez files"...
• BattleLink.com seeks to be the ultimate clan resource for the Unreal scene, including a complete ranking ladder...

One more day after today of flying solo for me, loonyboi flies home tomorrow evening. It's not certain at this point whether the next edition of the trivia contest will go up before the end of this week, or if it will just wait for next week, for those of you who are suffering the loss without a new edition of the tiny print to baffle and amuse you, I feel your pain.

Link of the Day: Roger Walker's Jukebox, a Jukebox refitted with PC guts to be an .mp3 jukebox! Only the Professor on Gilligan's Island could do better (by making the same device out of coconuts). Thanks Mr.Oxymoron.

* "Are you a god?"