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Evochron Renegades News





March 14th, 2009
Version 1.988(b) is ready for download and includes the following improvements.

- Several graphics improvements.
- Map log layering issue fixed.


The server program has also been updated for the latest build.



January 14th, 2009
Version 1.988 is ready for download and includes the following improvements.

- Local faction reputations are now saved along with global system reputations in pilot profiles.
- Default reputation value for Virgo system corrected ('Fair' rather than 'Hostile').
- Lens flares now continues to display in panning view modes.
- Sierra jumpgate alignment corrected for linked gate.
- Several small bug fixes and code improvements.


The server program has also been updated for the latest build.



November 14th, 2008
Version 1.958 is ready for download and includes the following improvements.

- Navigation, Inventory, and Trade consoles are now hidden when player list and stats are displayed.
- Memory efficiency improved to reduce high load conditions when zooming in and out on nav map.
- Camera jumpiness when adjusting map view in 3rd person chase view fixed.
- Additional value protections added for ship configurations.
- Improved specular effects.


The server program has also been updated for the latest build.



October 10th, 2008
Version 1.928 is ready for download and includes the following improvements.

- Weapon and equipment loadouts can now be previewed in the pilot manager before entering the game.
- Planetary mining for particular material types was severely limited in certain locations, now equalized properly.
- Fine tuning of click ranges for mouse selection.
- New higher resolution desktop icon.


The server program also has a major update which includes a new automatic CPU utilization system, allowing the program to better adapt to any potential changes in available system resources. The new version monitors and automatically throttles CPU utilization as needed to maintain a certain level of performance for stable/reliable gameplay. The new version also generally decreases the level of CPU utilization significantly. Manual control is still available as an option. Leave line 810 blank in the text2.dat file to use the new automatic CPU system. You can also still manually set it if you want to lock in a value. If you update, make sure to back up your current text2.dat file and copy over lines you want to keep, but remember, line 810 needs to remain blank to use the automatic CPU system.



September 12th, 2008
Version 1.908 is ready for download and includes the following improvements.

- New multiplayer clan linking option added, different clan groups can now adjust their threat levels with each other in-game.
- Increased sensor and radio cover provided by nebulae for better shelter from hostile ships and their reinforcements.
- Unified universe data file management system for server operated multiplayer games.
- For TrackIR, HAT strafe control now functions with 3D head tracking active.
- Multiplayer chat tracking and gamestate updates improved in shipyard.
- Server status checking now available for password enabled games.
- Mouse wheel can now be used to scroll through map log entries.
- Three second delay added to looping 'low altitude' warning.


The server program has also been updated for the new build and includes the addition of a date stamp on recorded messages in addition to the time stamp, by player request. The update also includes the universe data file integrity check.



August 8th, 2008
Version 1.888b is ready for download and includes a player requested verification check for station license purchases.



July 12th, 2008
Version 1.888 is ready for download and includes the following improvements.

- HUD modification options expanded (see customizing kit for details).
- 3D radar display now adjusts horiztonally and vertically as needed for custom cockpits.
- For TrackIR, HUD vector indicator now adapts to changing central viewpoint relative to gunsight.
- Improved support for mouse based target selection with widescreen resolutions.
- Cockpit glass reflection edges softened for smoother angle transitions.
- Custom ship frame components not appearing in inventory list fixed.
- Custom event/threat driven music haulting when respawning fixed.
- Planetary rings more accurately reflect lighting from distant stars.
- Several minor bug fixes.


The customizing kit has been updated along with the server program.



May 30th, 2008
Version 1.858 is ready for download and includes the following improvements.

- In-game status and player list check option for server browser menu added.
- Text quality for cockpit displays improved and support for more characters added.
- Saving while mining just above the surface of a planet sometimes created respawning problems, now fixed.
- EMP weapon effect often carried over to a respawn, now fixed.
- New solar system added, Lost Rucker.
- Improved missile contrail effects.
- Several minor bug fixes.




May 2nd, 2008
Version 1.788 is ready for download and includes the following improvements.

- New multiplayer system added for improved router support and performance.
- Additional environment and object texturing options added (see the customizing kit for details).
- Option to save in different profile slots in-game added (multiple save points).
- Custom music option now supports event/threat level triggered music.
- Target range list on MFD now adapts to custom cockpits correctly.
- Improved nav map text legibility, especially for low resolutions.
- Delete all on-screen text message button/key option added.
- Server program updated for new multiplayer system.
- New clan battlefield system added.
- Several bug fixes.


The new multiplayer system lets players join without having to manually forward ports on most routers and connecting is much faster. The game's instructions and the FAQ provide additional information on using the new multiplayer mode. Thanks to those of you who helped test.



March 28th, 2008
Version 1.508 is ready for download and includes the following improvements.

- New faction system added to ship/system reputations, economies, and contract system (see below).
- Science crew members now indicate when hidden containers are in a sector and aid in mining efficiency.
- Solar array cleaning contracts, visibility improved and per panel accuracy improved in multiplayer.
- Text message displayed when player is destroyed due to object collisions or self-destructing.
- Radio chatter can now have multiple custom voice types (see the customizing kit for details).
- Multiplayer clan ID's are now displayed in the new faction box on the target detail MFD.
- Improved planetary cities with a building specific collision avoidance system added.
- Excessive gravity field repelling effect near planetary polar regions corrected.
- Keyboard control for the 'free look' panning cockpit view option added.
- Velocity indicator now reflects adjusted value for gravity from stations.
- Tractor beam effect visibility for other ships improved in multiplayer.
- Water added to several planets in the game's universe.
- Loading bar added to multiplayer connection process.
- Potential cause for new inventory warping corrected.


The new faction system provides multiple levels to the reputation structure in the game. Instead of only one global reputation per solar system, the player now has unique reputations with various companies, militaries, rebels, guilds, and miners within each system. And each of those reputations now effects the contracts offered to the player, the overall system reputation level, individual ship reputations, and economic/market conditions. Players can now change their reputation by selecting and completing contracts for particular groups and/or attacking ships that are hostile to particular groups. Contracts are now faction specific, meaning objectives will be offered based on the player's reputation and will revolve around the interests of the faction offering it. Essentially, this will mean completing contracts for companies and militaries can lower a player's reputation with rebels (aka pirates) and guilds (aka clans) while completing contracts for rebels and guilds can lower a player's reputation with companies and militaries. A player's overall system reputation will likely increase by staying on the legal side and completing contracts with company/military factions who are generally part of the system's economy and government. Completing contracts with rebels and guilds who often work against the other groups will likely decrease a player's reputation. There are advantages and disadvantages to aligning with one group or the other. The player's reputation with each faction in a system will be displayed in the news console along with the other stats. A series of bar graphs is presented, including color coding, to help make the various levels easier to read. Individual ship affiliations are now displayed on the target detail MFD next to the ID indicator.



March 1st, 2008
This update focuses on a lot of fine tuning, performance improvements, and player requests. Version 1.458 is ready for download and includes the following improvements.

- News Console now displays the planetary system headlines are linked to at the top.
- New HUD option to display velocity, shield, energy, gravity, altitude, cargo, and location data next to the gunsight.
- 1-2 second pause when descending into certain planet atmospheres removed (texture data now loads in advance).
- Crew management console sometimes double listed an individual and did not update correctly after hiring, now fixed.
- Improved auto-formatting of text messages in multiplayer, including an audible alert when line limit reached.
- The purchase price is now displayed for items purchased from stations/planets and stored in the cargo bay.
- Improved memory efficiency, especially when jumping from system to system and using the shipyard.
- If weapon hardpoints are full, weapons from cargo containers are now loaded into the cargo bay.
- New economy class system for planets and local markets (displayed on the navigation map).
- Visual range increased for ships to allow for a realistic shimmering effect in the distance.
- 'New items available' notice sometimes caused a location warping effect, now fixed.
- Secondary weapon list was often rendered too high for custom cockpits, now fixed.
- Panning the mining beam now provides a much faster rate of material recovery.
- Asteroid cave system entrances improved to reduce excessive 'shimmering'.
- Greeting text message now displayed when docking at a station or planet.
- Custom text modification options expanded to support more languages.
- Energy bias indicator reversed to line up with [ and ] key layout.
- Clear assigned key option added to control configuration menu.
- Station licenses now provide a 25% discount on items for sale.
- Faster target switching, new scanning effect added.
- Nav console now opens and closes much faster.
- Faster respawning in multiplayer.


The new economy system allows planets to specialize in particular areas. There are 5 sub categories and a general category. A general economy planet has a similar market structure as before. An agricultural economy creates an abundance of food, so the prices are generally very low for that commodity. An industrial economy will often pay a premium for raw metal ore and provide low prices for machined components. A technology economy will usually pay very little for electronic equipment, since they create most of what they need themselves, but will pay high prices for materials needed to produce them, including diamonds and platinum. A bio-research economy can be a good place to buy meds at low prices, then sell in other economies for profit. An energy economy can be a good place to buy hydrogen cells, solar cells, anti-matter cells, and fusion cells at low prices. The type of economy for each planet will be displayed after its name on the nav map, G is for a general economy, A for agricultural, I for industrial, T for technology, B for bio-research, and E for energy. The customizing kit has also been updated to include information on the new HUD options.



February 1st, 2008
This next update is focused on multiplayer enhancements. Version 1.288 is ready for download and includes the following improvements.

- Update rates and frames-per-second now displayed in multiplayer for all connected players.
- Support added for excluding single player profiles (player requested for fair role playing gameplay).
- Automatic disconnect time limit decreased for less delay with a non-responsive connection.
- NPC/AI controlled ships in multiplayer now transport cargo similar to single player.
- Item type shifting when transferring items from weapon slots to cargo bays fixed.
- Station docking lights disappearing when jumping from near a planet now fixed.
- Chat messages in exit and restore menus now added to main chat log.
- Hostile ships can now be bribed in multiplayer as in single player.
- Memory leak occuring after long term multiplayer gameplay fixed.
- Formation throttle control now more precise and fuel efficient.
- Greeting messages now functional with the server program.
- Rain effects expanded for type '3' planet atmospheres.
- Station licenses sometimes auto-revoked, now fixed.


The server program has been updated to include the option to exclude single player profiles in addition to displaying the framerates and update rates of each connected player. The memory leak mentioned above has also been fixed, allowing the program to run indefinitely without the slowly increasing memory condition. For additional information on the new multiplayer AI cargo transport system, visit: http://www.starwraith.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=2839.



January 12th, 2008
Version 1.258 is ready for download and includes the following improvements.

- Fleet payment cycle added, supporting fleet ships on individual pay cycles.
- Fleet ships now use secondary weapons in combat when ordered to attack rather than just primary weapons.
- Nav map would double render log and icons when selecting Quadrant Map, then Map Log, then Nav Map, now fixed.
- Target range list would sometimes miss one of two ships when at identical distances, now fixed.
- Radar blips for missiles now include highlighting to distinguish them from yellow level threats.
- Ability to modify materials that can be mined from asteroids added.
- You can now import multiple music files into the game.
- AI controlled ships now occasionally mine asteroids.
- Option to cancel a station license added.
- Password protected server support added.


The customizing kit has also been updated to support the latest features. The server program has been updated to include the option to password protect a multiplayer game.



December 22nd, 2007
Version 1.208 is ready for download and includes the following improvements. This is considered a critical update for multiplayer compatibility.

- Option to lock precise jump coordinates to specific nav map objects added (right mouse click).
- Wing system selection now also adjusts maneuvering thruster power (in space and atmospheres).
- Jump/navigation points entered in map log now displayed on the visual navigation map.
- Asteroid fields more evenly spaced for improved appearance and consistency.
- Performance improvements for higher framerates on most system configurations.
- Gunsight now pans with the center of the cockpit when using padlock or TrackIR.
- Option to engage the jump drive for the maxmimum possible distance added.
- Configure Controls menu now available in multiplayer Exit/Pause menu.
- Error 100 message occuring on some system configurations fixed.
- Capital ships now have cannon turrets on the front and back.
- Ability to customize the font in the game added.
- More reliable PvP kill tracking in multiplayer.
- Planet ring textures can now be customized.


To customize the font used in the game, create a text file in the game's folder with the filename setfont.txt and in the first line, enter the name of the font you want to use. In the second line, enter the size of the font. In the third line, enter a value of either 0 or 1 to use normal text or bold text. The font needs to be installed on your system and it may take some testing to get the needed size. This option can also help players who have increased their Windows DPI setting and need to reduce the size of the font to appear correctly in the game.



December 1st, 2007
Version 1.128 is ready for download and includes the following improvements. This is considered a critical update for multiplayer compatibility.

- New target MFD mode, now displays subsystem damage using various colors.
- New star type added, class B blue-white in color, added to the Pearl system.
- Multiplayer player-to-player fuel transfer system updated to be more reliable and accurate.
- Speed lock now automatically disables if last remaining target is destroyed or exceeds sensor range.
- Shadow effect added to cockpit gauges when in 3rd person view or when the 3D cockpit is turned off.
- Maximum VSync options added to screen mode, which remove the previous framerate limit when selected.
- The scroll lock key can now be used as an alternative to tilde (~) on non-english keyboards.
- Brackets added to the selectable options in the navigation, inventory, and trade consoles.
- Custom clouds can now be added to planet effects (the customizing kit provides details).
- Custom capital ships can now be added (again, the customizing kit provides details).
- Set Location button added to navigation console for faster coordinate entry.
- Final asteroid not exploding upon completing a clearing contract fixed.
- Fog/haze levels for planets reduced for far greater visibility.
- Text 'blinking' when selecting options in consoles fixed.
- Docking lights added to cities for improved visibility.


If you would like to customize the stat key option (default tilde key), you can also create a text file in the game's folder with the name statkey.txt and in the first line, enter the 'scancode' number of the key you want to use. Refer to the instructions for a chart of the key numbers.



November 2nd, 2007
Version 1.088 is ready for download and includes the following improvements:

- Autopilot option added to navigation console.
- New terrain effects/textures for planet surfaces.
- Map log capacity doubled and page up/page down buttons added.
- Ship component modification options added for importing custom models and textures.
- Radio chatter added for high traffic areas (includes reputation and environment effected sequences).
- Names given to stations, including the option for custom names for player designed universes/systems.
- Planet atmosphere haze was sometimes too dark after travelling through nebulae, now fixed.
- Fauston Xi and Olympus Theta stations moved to outside nearby planetary gravity fields.
- Missile guidance systems updated for improved launch accuracy in multiplayer.
- Trade console would sometimes block certain equipment items, now fixed.
- Changes to accomodate online territory scoring system.
- New stations added in several low population systems.
- Details added to compass for improved legibility.




October 14th, 2007
The early version of the ship and item database is now available for preview. You can view it here. Also, forum member 'Pom' has put together an excellent map of the charted systems in the Evochron Quadrant. You can view it here.



October 12th, 2007
Version 1.078 is ready for download and includes the following improvements:

- Improvements to compatibility with various screen resolutions.
- Sounds effects volume can now be adjusted in the Options menu.
- Training mode now includes stages for station docking and planet descents.
- You can now zoom in on a sector box in the navigation console using the right mouse button.
- Race courses are placed closer to the waypoint and also now provide a white highlight cube for each target box.
- Race course box sizes increased to better accomodate online races with more than two players.
- Radar marker added to indicate the next needed box to fly through for race courses.
- Panning control added to external view mode 2 (use joystick HAT and/or Insert, Home, Page Up, and End keys).
- Modification options added for ships, backgrounds, nebulae, asteroids, caves, and stations.
- Option added to hide objects on the navigation map (use 'HideObject' in the data file).
- For TrackIR, sometimes changing external views caused the gunsight to appear, now fixed.
- For TrackIR, tilting input caused the ship to roll in external views, now fixed.
- Mouse pointer remained visible when closing the trade console using Mouse Direction flight control, now fixed.
- Corrected multiplayer connection bug for players installing the game to non-default folders.
- Several minor graphics fixes.




September 28th, 2007
Finally! After the all of the designing, prototyping, drawing, recording, testing, coding, coding more, then coding some more, all with too many gallons of coffee to count and too little sleep to matter, Evochron Renegades is available now! Head to the downloads section to grab the demo!



September 20th, 2007
A tentative release date has been set for September 28th, which should apply as long as the final stages of testing continue to go well. I hope you enjoy playing Evochron Renegades!



September 15th, 2007
The game has entered release candidate testing and is on track for launch soon. I'll post additional details here as the game nears release. Thanks to all of you who helped beta test the game!



August 8th, 2007
The official website has launched for preview. The game has entered beta testing and should be released this fall or winter.






















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