Laser Squad 3D / News: Recent posts

I have finished forking Laser Squad 3D, and have now created a new game - "Nuclear Graveyard". It uses the same 3D engine, and is very similar in most respects apart from the fact it is much better. If you wanted to play Laser Squad 3D, play this instead! http://www.carlylesmith.karoo.net/ng

I am forking Laser Squad 3D and creating a new on-line multiplayer game with it, called Nuclear Graveyard. It's being playtest tested at the moment, and if anyone would like a preview copy just email me.

And this releases' new features include new corpse models for the extra-gritty realism, and you can also see your unit's hand when walking about! What more could you ask for? Bullet trails? You got it!

We now have some excellent troop models in the game thanks to Paul Ward (http://pward.no-ip.com/). This new version also corrects some AI bugs - they now don't walk through each other so much, and only look round corners, not walls.

This latest version has a few improvements over the previous version, including:-

* Increased the information displayed in the HUD

* Corrected a bug where units would not move until they turned

There are a host of new improvements in this new version:-

* The AI will now not try and shoot you from round a corner until they have a good line of sight.

* There is now a smart background to the Client startup screen.

* There is now a proper option window for in-game options.

* Lots of general bug-fixes.

Thanks to Paul Ward (http://pward.no-ip.com/), Laser Squad 3D now has a music soundtrack.

To make the program more accessible (and so players don't need to memorise all the keyboard controls) Laser Squad 3D now has a small control panel, so all the controls are just a click away.

The code has been tweaked to give quicker response times when moving troops, now giving an all round better experience!

Considering it's supposed to be platform-independent, a few mistakes negated this, particularly the case-sensitivity of Linux. However, since I started using Ubuntu I can now propely check it works in Linux, and it does. It also includes the Linux version of JOGL, so as long as you have Java installed, you're away!

PS - There have also been a few speed improvements, natch.

Called "Deathwing", the units must escape to the exit, avoiding the aliens which explode when close!

The latest new feature to be added to Laser Squad 3D is the option to have maps randomly generated each time, making each game different and requiring new tactics.

The AI for the Battle in the Jungle missions and both Guerilla War missions has been radically improved, with the computer now actively seeking out its objectives with intent and its mercy setting at zero!

I've just finished implementing an Evac Mission into version 2.07. And if I do say so myself, its rather great!

It uses the same map as Moonbase Assault (cos its so good) and I've managed to imlement AI for either side, and it plays a good game! Basically, the attackers need to cover the exits, while the defenders need to hustle good ol' Sterner Regnix out of the building. So its a bit of a nailbiter for both sides - the attackers are thinking "which door are they going to come out?" and the defender is thinking "how many attackers are waiting outside this door?" Also, there's lots of opportunity for wild-goose chasing, as demonstrated by my own AI on me.... read more

There is now a mailing list for those wanting details and discussions on Lazer Squad 3D, and I will also be announcing new versions and missions on it.

To join, simply visit https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/lasersquad3d-general

The latest version of Lazer Squad 3D has much improved AI for the missions The Assassins and Moonbase Assault. The computer-controlled units will attempt to complete their mission intelligently, whether it be hunt down Sterner Regnix, or turn off all the computers in the moonbase.

The latest version of the 3D squad-based pseudo-realtime strategy game has been released. It now utilises a proper client/server model, allowing more than two players to compete, and enabling more complex missions (of which there are several new ones). Also includes numerous bug fixes and improvements.

New screenshots have been added to the Sourceforge page of Laser Squad 3D, showing the game in action. The new version with a new client/server model is being tested now...

The first full Release Candidiate version of Lazer Squad 3D has just been passed and is ready to be downloaded. As well as a myriad of bug fixes, there are greatly improved 3D models and a new rocket launcher weapon, adding a whole new range of strategies.

Laser Squad 3D is a 3D squad-based multi-player pseudo-realtime strategy game pitting two people against each other in a variety of different missions.

The latest version of Lazer Squad 3D, uploaded 12th March 05, includes a new Jungle mission. There is also an additional version of the Guerilla War mission with a slight twist. This and also a range of minor tweaks and adjustments.

The latest version of Laser Squad 3D now incorporates a new mission, 'Guerilla War'. As the name will suggest, it is set in an abandoned city where the two sides must battle it out.

I have also added a simple AI for single-player games. Though this is not really what the game was designed for (it was designed from the ground-up to be two-player) it does mean that a single player can practise and learn the game before throwing themselves into the middle of a pitch battle with another player.

I have changed the game from using GL4Java for the OpenGL bindings, to using JOGL. THere's doesn't seem to be much performance difference (both are more than adequate) but JOGL seems to have more support.

Textures have been added to all the 3D objects, as well as lighting effect. These both add up to radically improved visuals and make the game far better to look at, and an altogether more immersive experience. Take a look at the homepage for screenshots.

Changes to this fully-playable game include a new tutorial option and improved menus. The download includes full source, and now 10 maps! I've also included the GL4Java installer, to make it even easier. All you need is the JRE to play it now.

I've just realised that I've been uploading my project with the mode set to ASCII, so the .zip became corrupt. Aaarrgghh!! I've now uploaded it correctly, so please download it and play at your (p)leisure.