duplex
02-16-2009, 06:52 AM
The Final 5
Part 5
The 5th world of the final 5 is ...
Ceres Delta
Ceres Delta has got a small revamp, mostly regarding performance optimization. Some areas were quite laggy before if you hadn't a top-notch high-end system. This would of course increase with many visible players. By separating a few areas from each other we were able to increase performance in critical areas.
A few screenshots for you as usual:
http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd001_tb.jpg (http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd001.jpg) http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd002_tb.jpg (http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd002.jpg) http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd003_tb.jpg (http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd003.jpg) http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd004_tb.jpg (http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd004.jpg)
http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd005_tb.jpg (http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd005.jpg) http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd006_tb.jpg (http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd006.jpg) http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd007_tb.jpg (http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd007.jpg) http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd008_tb.jpg (http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd008.jpg)
http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd009_tb.jpg (http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd009.jpg) http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd010_tb.jpg (http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd010.jpg)
If you compare the character and model lighting with those of earlier screenshots, you will notice that it has changed. We have reversed back an addition that was introduced in 2005. At that time, after switching rendering engines, all model lighting was darker than before and it looked wrong in our eyes. So we added a general lighting addition to make them look ok. Later on, all world lighting has been adjusted as well, but the lighting addition was left in. To cut a long story short, we took it out. Now the lighting contrast seems to be a bit harsh in some areas, but that's only reflecting the lighting condition in that area, and normal. You can now hide again in most dark corners and scare your friends.
The objectives you can see on these screenshots (on the right, under the minimap) are "work in progress" and contain only sample descriptions so far. We will add the final descriptions and titles during closed beta.
Closed Beta
Now, on to the topic you all really want to hear about. Closed Beta will start as announced, in the evening (CET) of February 20.
To apply for closed beta testing, as of now, there is a new checkbox on the "Edit Account" page at http://www.fomportal.com/account.php.
Check the closed beta box and you will be considered for collection. That's all.
Being a closed beta participant will require accepting the EULA and a non-disclosure addition to it when installing the game and everytime you start up the game.
On February 20 we will make an initial selection of about 100 random testers, plus 15 we have selected manually plus all GMs. We will add new waves of testers when necessary, growing the player base steadily. This can be after a few days, a week or later.
First testing will be about getting everything started. At the beginning, GMs or developers will be the faction leaders.
The closed beta installer will not be provided before February 20. We will release the link together with the announcement that the first wave of testers has been selected.
Until then, manage your excitement. You will hear more on Friday.
-duplex
You can discuss this update here: http://forum.fomportal.com/showthread.php?t=3527
Edit: You will find screenshots of someone hiding in the dark in this thread:
http://forum.fomportal.com/showthread.php?t=3544
Part 5
The 5th world of the final 5 is ...
Ceres Delta
Ceres Delta has got a small revamp, mostly regarding performance optimization. Some areas were quite laggy before if you hadn't a top-notch high-end system. This would of course increase with many visible players. By separating a few areas from each other we were able to increase performance in critical areas.
A few screenshots for you as usual:
http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd001_tb.jpg (http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd001.jpg) http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd002_tb.jpg (http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd002.jpg) http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd003_tb.jpg (http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd003.jpg) http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd004_tb.jpg (http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd004.jpg)
http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd005_tb.jpg (http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd005.jpg) http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd006_tb.jpg (http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd006.jpg) http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd007_tb.jpg (http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd007.jpg) http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd008_tb.jpg (http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd008.jpg)
http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd009_tb.jpg (http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd009.jpg) http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd010_tb.jpg (http://www.fomportal.com/downloads/fomscr_cd010.jpg)
If you compare the character and model lighting with those of earlier screenshots, you will notice that it has changed. We have reversed back an addition that was introduced in 2005. At that time, after switching rendering engines, all model lighting was darker than before and it looked wrong in our eyes. So we added a general lighting addition to make them look ok. Later on, all world lighting has been adjusted as well, but the lighting addition was left in. To cut a long story short, we took it out. Now the lighting contrast seems to be a bit harsh in some areas, but that's only reflecting the lighting condition in that area, and normal. You can now hide again in most dark corners and scare your friends.
The objectives you can see on these screenshots (on the right, under the minimap) are "work in progress" and contain only sample descriptions so far. We will add the final descriptions and titles during closed beta.
Closed Beta
Now, on to the topic you all really want to hear about. Closed Beta will start as announced, in the evening (CET) of February 20.
To apply for closed beta testing, as of now, there is a new checkbox on the "Edit Account" page at http://www.fomportal.com/account.php.
Check the closed beta box and you will be considered for collection. That's all.
Being a closed beta participant will require accepting the EULA and a non-disclosure addition to it when installing the game and everytime you start up the game.
On February 20 we will make an initial selection of about 100 random testers, plus 15 we have selected manually plus all GMs. We will add new waves of testers when necessary, growing the player base steadily. This can be after a few days, a week or later.
First testing will be about getting everything started. At the beginning, GMs or developers will be the faction leaders.
The closed beta installer will not be provided before February 20. We will release the link together with the announcement that the first wave of testers has been selected.
Until then, manage your excitement. You will hear more on Friday.
-duplex
You can discuss this update here: http://forum.fomportal.com/showthread.php?t=3527
Edit: You will find screenshots of someone hiding in the dark in this thread:
http://forum.fomportal.com/showthread.php?t=3544