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Archived News:
A new version 2.6a of the Urban Terror
modification for Quake III Arena is now available (thanks [PIT]SlayerAODsk). The
new update is referred to as the "weapons patch," but also addresses
some issues, and adds a new map. Recognizing the development cycle for version
2.6 went on too long, there are some planned changes that are still on the back
burner at this time, "But the changes included in this update should give
all gamers in the Urban Terror Community something to smile about and bring back
that old school feeling of gaming."
After teetering on the brink of extinction, the Kali
Website has word that this server browser is now once again available, after
founder Jay Cotton was able to purchase the product's assets from bankruptcy
court (thanks FRAGaLOT). A deal is
currently being offered to purchase a lifetime subscription to Kali for $10, a
price which will go up after the next update.
Electronic Arts sends along this
announcement of a pre-sell offer for Command & Conquer Generals
rewarding those willing to spring for the upcoming C&C RTS game before it is
available. The payoff for the pre-purchase is an exclusive "Officer's Club
Pack," which includes officer's club icons for online play, some strategy supplements,
and an interactive CD-ROM. Word is that the pre-sell package will be available
beginning this week, and they also reiterate the announcement that beginning Monday, 20,000 FilePlanet
subscribers will get the chance "to play in a limited version of the public
multiplay test at no charge." In a related note, the latest preview of
Generals can be found on Loadedinc.
A new patch for Freedom force is now available, updating Irrational Games'
superhero game to version 1.2. The new version enables surround gaming for
Matrox Parhelia video cards, and offers a bunch of bug fixes. The file is
available from FilePlanet
(registration required), FileShack.com (registration required), GameHelper,
and Worthplaying.
There's a Drift: When Worlds Collide
Demo on Gamer's Hell, a 125 MB download showing off this space simulation in
the works at Redward Studios. The demo supports most 3D accelerators, and
features "real-time lightning, real-time 3D explosion, real-time calculated
collision detection, and more." The file has been mirrored on Worthplaying.
This Warcraft Roleplaying Game
announcement has word of plans for a pen & paper WarCraft RPG set within the
framework of Dungeons and Dragons. Scheduled for release this summer, the game
will be compatible with upcoming revised editions of the D&D player and dungeon
master handbooks, and will feature some revisions to make this all fit: "Each
character race and class is overhauled to mesh seamlessly with the setting
created in Blizzard's epic game world, while remaining fully compatible with
Dungeons & Dragons. The D&D Warcraft RPG also features brand new core
classes and prestige classes unique to the setting. Other unique details of the
setting — like firearms and other industrial technology — add an exciting
new element to fantasy roleplay."
A story on The Register
announces that "GameSpy could let crackers mount network DDoS attacks"
(thanks argent). According to the story a patch is on the way to address the
problem, which is described here: The vulnerability, which affects many
games across Windows and *nix server platforms, is based upon spoofed UDP
requests, as an advisory
by security research outfit PivX Solutions (which made public its research
yesterday) explains.
Affected applications include Battlefield 1942 Server, Quake, Quake 2, Q3: Arena
& Team Arena, Half-Life, Counter-Strike, Unreal Tournament 2003, and Return
to Castle Wolfenstein... and more, according to the alert.
"As a basic rule of thumb, if it supports GameSpy, it will likely be
vulnerable," said Mike Kristovich, a security researcher for PivX
Solutions, who first identified the vulnerability.
The German Anno
1503 Homepage has word that "Die Demo ist da," or that the German
demo version of SUNFLOWERS' city-building trading strategy prequel is now
available. The demo includes two scenarios that demonstrate the arts of
exploration & settling and trade & diplomacy. Thanks Tiscali Games.
Though dated tomorrow, GameSpy.com's
Tropico 2: Pirate Cove Preview is now online, offering impressions of Frog
City's upcoming Tropico follow-up that puts players in the role of a pirate
king. They describe the island dictator roots of the original game, the buccaneer
theme of the sequel, the needs of your pirates that must be fulfilled,
structures that can be built, resources, pirate characteristics, and more.
Included are some screenshots, as well as quotes from their tour guide Bill
Spieth, the lead designer on the game.
HomeLan Fed's Ultima Online Age Of Shadows
Q&A talks with Anthony Castoro about the Age of Shadows add-on for
Ultima Online. They discuss the success of UO, the idea behind the expansion,
the storyline, new features, creatures, new playable characters, the current
state of development, plans for further expansions, the possibility of future
single-player Ultima RPGs, and more.
- Lionheart
RPG Vault Lionheart Q&A #3
talks with eight of the folks at Reflexive and Black Isle to ask the
following question about their upcoming alternate-history RPG: "One of
the features of the SPECIAL character system is that every few levels,
characters can choose bonuses called perks. Based on the way you enjoy
playing, what are a couple of your favorites?"
- Revolt
Action Vault's
Revolt: Theory of Revolution Q&A talks with Fusion Software's
Tomislav Lovrekovic about Revolt: Theory of Revolution, discussing the mix
of genres the game represents, locations, characters and units, weapons,
NPCs and AI, the game engine, and more.
- The Guildhall
HomeLan's The Guildhall
Q&A talks with David Najjab about plans
to offer game development courses at SMU, the curriculum, the list of
famed Dallas-area developers involved, and more.
Apolyton Civilization Site's Master of Orion III Preview Part
2 is online, with the second installment in a planned six-part series on the
upcoming 4X strategy game, this time out discussing in detail the customizations
available to the player via the game options menu.
PlayStation 2 shipments top 50 million
(thanks Mike Martinez). EA sends word that The Sims for the PlayStation 2 has
shipped, including a new ironically named "get a life" mode.
A new version 3.5B of the Weapons Factory Arena
modification for Quake III Arena is now available. The new release represents
the culmination of a month-long effort to isolate and address all of the known
issues with version 3.5. The result is a large list of bug-fixes, tweaks, and enhancements.
Ritualistic's Counter-Strike Condition Zero
FAQ is online, offering a collection of information about the upcoming
Counter-Strike game in the works at Ritual Entertainment.
The BlueTower has gone even further to the dogs for this weekend, as we baby-sit
for my cousin's Miniature Schnauzer puppy (those familiar with the breed will be
unsurprised to learn she is yapping at me even as I type these words). She's
actually not as bratty as the image of the breed would suggest, and it's amusing
to see her pal around with Hudson, her much larger cousin, as they are more
interested in each other's things than their own, so you have the big dog
playing with the small toys, the small dog eating the big kibble, and all
applicable converses (their foods are specific for dogs their sizes, so we may
end up with a Giant Schnauzer and a Welsh Terrier as a result). Fans of the Honeymooners
will quickly recognize why I am so amused by her name... Lulu. So if I start
sleepwalking after she returns to her rightful home, we'll know the cause.
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