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Frogboy
Frogboy
Join Date 03/2001
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GalCiv II: DA Beta 6 (1.59.098) released!

Hopefully the final beta!

May 31, 2007 4:47:57 PM from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums

We have released what we hope will be the final beta of GalCiv II: Dark Avatar 1.6 before we do the official release.

New in this build:

+ FIX: Fixed some alt-tab crashes present in 1.6 beta 5.
+ FIX: Added code to remove AI ship designs from the graphics cache when they are no longer being used
+ FIX: Fixed bug where, in 1 on 1 battles, if both ships kill each other, the stronger surviving ship would have hp restored instead of receiving 1 hp.
+ FIX: Added support for mixed vertex processing which should help some people with older video cards who would normally be running in software vertex processing mode.
+ FIX: Changed the way that vertex and index buffers are created to help framerates for cards running in software or mixed vp mode.
+ TWEAK: Planet Surface Variety Option now defaults to 50%

--

Basically the goal of this build is to "have cake and eat it too" in the sense that all users should experience the new graphics engine (or at least as good as it was before) without any downsides.

We've also reduced memory usage further.

We're still doing more work but hopefully this will be the last beta. Then we'll move onto starting 1.7 which should have new Mega Events, new constructor handling, updated AI, and more.

Please let us know if you have any problems. Assume this is a "real" release.

Update from Cari (6/5/07):  If you are still experiencing slowdown issues, please try this build and turn OFF the Enhanced Ship Rendering option.  You may also need to turn off the Allow Mixed Vertex Processing option.  This build also fixes a memory leak.

http://sd.stardock.com/carielf/da_1_6_rc1.zip

 

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Frogboy
kholdstayr
Join Date 05/2007
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Reply #1 May 31, 2007 6:06:00 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
The changes in the beta patch have still not increased framerates with my Intel 82855. It is still getting 3 fps with ships on the screen and the mixed mode doesn't work at all. However, I am not expecting you guys to support every low end card. For the moment until I get a better system to play on I will stick to Dread Lords.
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Frogboy
Evil Muppet
Join Date 03/2006
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Reply #2 May 31, 2007 6:39:03 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
Wow, thanks guys!
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Frogboy
Frogboy
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Reply #3 May 31, 2007 7:22:21 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums

The changes in the beta patch have still not increased framerates with my Intel 82855. It is still getting 3 fps with ships on the screen and the mixed mode doesn't work at all. However, I am not expecting you guys to support every low end card. For the moment until I get a better system to play on I will stick to Dread Lords.

What was your framerate with the original Dark Avatar (1.5) release?

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Frogboy
kholdstayr
Join Date 05/2007
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Reply #4 May 31, 2007 7:50:02 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
In Dark Avatar 1.5 I get between 20-35 frames per second depending on whats going on.
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Frogboy
knownalien
Join Date 02/2007
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Reply #5 May 31, 2007 8:56:18 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
this is great. sure would be nice if someone like me had any clue about how to find this beta patch. but as I have been critical of you guys before, this is simply not a way to "update" games. Stardock . . . does it do it's job or not? I am used to downloading updates and hitting the .exe file, not having some middleman do it for me. it's confusing guys.

you have a new game coming up: sins of a solar empire.

If I hear stardock is being used I won't buy this game.
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Frogboy
CoReD
Join Date 03/2006
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Reply #6 May 31, 2007 9:07:53 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums

this is great. sure would be nice if someone like me had any clue about how to find this beta patch. but as I have been critical of you guys before, this is simply not a way to "update" games. Stardock . . . does it do it's job or not? I am used to downloading updates and hitting the .exe file, not having some middleman do it for me. it's confusing guys.

you have a new game coming up: sins of a solar empire.

If I hear stardock is being used I won't buy this game.


Yeah because opening stardock and clicking update is a real brain teaser :[
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Frogboy
kryo
Join Date 05/2003
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Reply #7 May 31, 2007 9:10:28 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
sure would be nice if someone like me had any clue about how to find this beta patch. but as I have been critical of you guys before, this is simply not a way to "update" games. Stardock . . . does it do it's job or not? I am used to downloading updates and hitting the .exe file, not having some middleman do it for me. it's confusing guys.


What's so confusing about SDC? If you have a specific complaint with it, please tell us what it is so we can see if something can be done about it (particularly since a big overhaul of SDC is already in order). Personally I don't have any problem with it--just fire it up and hit the update button.
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Frogboy
Wrongshui
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Reply #8 May 31, 2007 9:26:17 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
SDC is pretty great, nice and simple.

Anyway why im here posting..

No more spikey ships, yay.
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Frogboy
knownalien
Join Date 02/2007
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Reply #9 May 31, 2007 10:49:11 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
i am not sure that when I clisk "update" anything happens. I am left looking for a "version" number somewhere at startup. I just fell like having a middle man mabe loads files onto my computer which I am supposed to later execute. It's the first series of games where a 3rd part software does it. I am weary of it.
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Frogboy
Frogboy
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Reply #10 May 31, 2007 11:10:59 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums

In Dark Avatar 1.5 I get between 20-35 frames per second depending on whats going on.

Then we need to come up with another option because it's not fair to you for an update to make the game a step back.

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Frogboy
sam0t
Join Date 01/2006
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Reply #11 June 1, 2007 3:09:42 AM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
1.7 is going to have improved constructor handling!?!?

All prayers have been answered, you guys never stop to amaze me
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Frogboy
ElWhopO
Join Date 04/2007
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Reply #12 June 1, 2007 3:34:00 AM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
In the Stardock Central application, I only needed to use the "tools>>check for application updates" option and this newest patch showed up, ready for me to highlight the new version that was under the "available" column and select "install"

Twas a pretty fast patch too. DA went from 1.59[b].097 to 1.59[b].098, and heightmaps from 1.59[b].007 to 1.59[b].008.

Did you get it ok, knownalien?
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Frogboy
Sir_On_The_Edge
Join Date 07/2006
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Reply #13 June 1, 2007 3:37:25 AM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
Did you guys manage to fix the memory leak? - won't be able to test for a couple of weeks
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Frogboy
Neilo
Join Date 04/2006
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Reply #14 June 1, 2007 3:52:09 AM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
new Mega Events, new constructor handling


Yeah!! This is great news!

I certainly got my money's worth with this game, thanks guys!!!

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Frogboy
sponge7
Join Date 03/2007
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Reply #15 June 1, 2007 5:52:35 AM
from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums
hmm... not to be bothersome but I think the version in the title is wrong - on SDC the latest beta is listed as 1.59.098 not 1.59.008
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Frogboy
Achronous
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Reply #16 June 1, 2007 9:04:36 AM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
I am used to downloading updates and hitting the .exe file, not having some middleman do it for me


The non-beta updates are usually uploaded on the Downloads section as well, so you could wait for the final release of the update. Betas are, after all, betas, and you should only download it if you want to test the beta and provide feedback.
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Frogboy
ChaoticWarBringer
Join Date 05/2007
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Reply #17 June 1, 2007 10:07:11 AM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
Then we need to come up with another option because it's not fair to you for an update to make the game a step back.


?Go figure?
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Frogboy
Gaggi
Join Date 04/2006
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Reply #18 June 1, 2007 10:26:38 AM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
Every time I read one of those threads I'm amazed at how much work you guys put into your game. I wish other developers would take you as role model for a job nicely done.
With me you have a new customer for life
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Frogboy
CariElf
Join Date 08/2001
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Reply #19 June 1, 2007 11:22:51 AM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums

Did you guys manage to fix the memory leak? - won't be able to test for a couple of weeks

We fixed a few memory leaks, but I don't remember for certain if they went into the build that is up on SDC.  Something is still hanging on to ship textures in memory and we're still looking for that. 

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Frogboy
kholdstayr
Join Date 05/2007
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Reply #20 June 1, 2007 12:15:40 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
I don't want to hold up patch releases or anything but for the people that get MIXEDVP mode to work, they still have graphical problems. In MIXEDVP mode there are missing stars and other graphics.
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Frogboy
knownalien
Join Date 02/2007
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Reply #21 June 1, 2007 9:20:24 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
In the Stardock Central application, I only needed to use the "tools>>check for application updates" option and this newest patch showed up, ready for me to highlight the new version that was under the "available" column and select "install"

Twas a pretty fast patch too. DA went from 1.59[b].097 to 1.59[b].098, and heightmaps from 1.59[b].007 to 1.59[b].008.

Did you get it ok, knownalien?



yes I got it. But it is still a little confusing. Why are there two ways of using StarDock? I can hit "update" and it loads the .exe. Or, I can hit "stardock" and it opens the web browser.
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Frogboy
Neilo
Join Date 04/2006
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Reply #22 June 1, 2007 10:20:05 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
Everything is working fine, but one thing. in the ship builder if i try and use the attachment spire (1st thing in generic), my frame drop down to 2 or 3, everywhere. Even if i try and use that ship in game it is terrible.

But as soon as i take the spire off the ship and save and reload that ship in shipbuilder it's fine. And plays fine. I have a debugg if ya need it.
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Frogboy
ElWhopO
Join Date 04/2007
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Reply #23 June 1, 2007 11:05:29 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
yes I got it. But it is still a little confusing. Why are there two ways of using StarDock? I can hit "update" and it loads the .exe. Or, I can hit "stardock" and it opens the web browser.


Um ... Can't be sure unless you could specify in what place in which application you are seeing the "update" and "stardock" options displayed for your selection. If you could be a little more specific, then when I get a chance I could repeat the steps you took and see where it takes me.  
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Frogboy
NavyBert
Join Date 04/2007
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Reply #24 June 1, 2007 11:19:31 PM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
Excellent job by the way guys! I'm continuing to run smoothly so far with this latest test build.

But I just wanted to double-check something as it pertains to the asteroid mining bases. I still don't see them planted on the asteroid; I only see it when I attack the asteroid itself. I know this was brought up by someone when 1.6 Beta 5 came out just wondering if it was targeted at all in this new build or is it just me?

- Sincerely
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Frogboy
Neilo
Join Date 04/2006
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Reply #25 June 3, 2007 6:42:42 AM
from GalCiv II ForumsGalCiv II Forums
This problem with the attachment spire continues to be a pain. I have now found that no matter what ship has it, the game slows dramatically. If it is on one of my ships, the game is terrible in the ship builder and then once the ship is built and on screen.

If it is an AI ship once it is on screen the game slows, frame rates below 5, and the ship need not be visable. If the AI ship is in the FOW, or unexplored area i get the same effect.

Strangely i don't recall having this in the previous beta builds. I'll drop in an email with save game and debugg soon.

Neilo.

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