Video Games What video games are you currently playing?

This is what I've been playing/doing/uploading for the past two weeks...

 

Quake - 15 years on, "Epsilon" build - free download for Win/Mac/Linux

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I've been browsing the latest graphical/sound quake mods recently, and have managed to put together a pretty neat build using LordHavoc's darkplaces, rygel's ultra textures packs, the reforged packs and a variety of Seven's mods, to play the original Quake.

The problem comes when you have to browse the quakeone forums, stumbling to find the posts which detail what cvars and what configs/files you have to overwrite etc in order to get each mod to work. I literally spent as much time getting the damn mods working as playing the game!

So, with that in mind, I've built together a pretty happy-looking build of quake original called 'epsilon' for everybody to download without getting into the hassle of config files and reading every post in the quakeone forums.

 

 

Take a look at the screenies below:

 

 

 

I've made two versions, one an 'Ultra' build for a halfway modern setup (dual core 2.5ghz and upwards, 2GB ram and upwards, geforce 7600GS and upwards),

as well as the 'Medium' build for lower spec machines with onboard video etc. Screenshots are from the "Ultra" edition.

 

 

 

 

'Ultra' Edition DOWNLOAD (3.24GB):

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quake_epsilion_ultra_28112011.zip.001 (950MB) - Download

quake_epsilion_ultra_28112011.zip.002 (950MB) - Download

quake_epsilion_ultra_28112011.zip.003 (950MB) - Download

quake_epsilion_ultra_28112011.zip.004 (470MB) - Download

 

 

 

 

'Medium' Edition DOWNLOAD (1.3GB):

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quake_epsilion_medium_28112011.zip.001 (800MB) - Download

quake_epsilion_medium_28112011.zip.002 (419MB) - Download

 

 

 

 

 

Installation and running:

========---------========

 

Just unzip the zip file to somewhere on your computer and run the "darkplaces" executable. That's all!

 

I've included executables for Windows, Linux and Mac in these packs, so you should be able to run it on any of those (I've only tested in Windows- no guarantees for others).

 

Since these are multipart zip files, you'll need an unzipping program like 7-zip (freeware, Mac/Win/Linux) or similar to unzip.

 

 

 

Omitted Content:

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The download cannot include the full quake pak0.pak and pak1.pak files, for legal reasons (that'd be pra-riracy!), so I've put in the shareware quake pak0.pak (ie. the first quarter of the game) and you can buy full quake off of steam for about $5-$10 depending on the day, and grab the full-version pak0.pak and pak1.pak files from that. If you're using steam the pak0.pak & pak1.pak files will be in your steam/steamapps/common/quake/id1 folder.

Also for legal reasons, the download doesn't include the original NiN soundtrack, so I've included my own 'Diabolipak' music replacement pack which I hope you'll enjoy. You can always find the original soundtrack around if you really want it.

 

 

 

Performance notes:

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If you're running the 'ultra' build and you get performance issues in areas with stained-glass lighting, delete the ID1\zreflecting_overload.pk3 file. You lose the stained glass stuff, but get your FPS back.

Otherwise if you get performance issues, try going into the game's options/video config and either dropping resolution, antialiasing or anisotropic filtering down.

 

 

 

Sources & Thanks to:

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Darkplaces: http://icculus.org/twilight/darkplaces/index.html

Lava mod: http://quakeone.com/forums/quake-mod-releases/finished-works/6113-dp-new-lava-thread.html

Sky replacement: http://quakeone.com/forums/quake-help/quake-clients/5492-darkplaces-hd-remastering-packs-5.html#post80673

Mindgrid Audio upgrade: http://quakeone.com/forums/quake-help/general-help/7511-where-mindgrid-audio.html

Explosive barrels upgrade: http://quakeone.com/forums/quake-mod-releases/finished-works/6313-explosive-barrels.html

Small mod compilation: http://quakeone.com/forums/quake-mod-releases/finished-works/6076-small-mod-compilation.html

Environment effects: http://quakeone.com/forums/quake-help/quake-clients/6869-tut-creating-rain-snow-fog-darkplaces.html

Pretty water: http://quakeone.com/forums/quake-mod-releases/finished-works/6094-dp-pretty-water-update.html

Reflecting overload: http://quakeone.com/forums/quake-mod-releases/finished-works/7734-quake-animated-reflecting-overload.html

Reforged (bestiary): http://quakeone.com/reforged/

Quake shareware: http://www.quakeone.com/q1files/downloads/quake-shareware-setup-beta099a.exe

Rygel's texturepacks: http://quakeone.com/forums/quake-talk/quake-central/2778-my-texturepack-quake-darkplaces.html

Diabolipak music replacement: http://quakeone.com/forums/quake-mod-releases/finished-works/7802-diabolipak-alt-music-replacement-pack-quake.html

Shambler remodel: Quake Shambler remodeled

Pentagram remodel: http://quakeone.com/forums/quake-mod-releases/finished-works/7809-pentagram-protection-remodel.html

Laser remodel: http://quakeone.com/forums/quake-mod-releases/finished-works/6185-laser-remodel-skin.html

Effect-enabled powerups: http://quakeone.com/forums/quake-mod-releases/finished-works/7365-effect-enabled-powerups.html

 

Enjoy-

Matt (soulstudios.co.nz)

 

And the Mission-packs:::

 

 

Mission Pack 1 - Scourge of Argamon - Epsilon Build Addon pack

==========================================----------------------

 

This requires both the Quake epsilon build above, the download below and a full version of Quake Mission pack 1 (Scourge of Argamon) - there are no shareware versions of the mission packs.

 

 

 

Screenies:

 

 

 

'Ultra' Edition DOWNLOAD (325MB):

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quake_epsilion_MP1_ultra_28112011.zip - Download

 

 

 

 

'Medium' Edition DOWNLOAD (324MB):

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quake_epsilion_MP1_medium_28112011.zip - Download

 

 

 

Installation and running:

========---------========

 

As mentioned you'll need the Quake epsilon build installed to your computer.

Download the addon pack zip above that matches your build (ultra or medium).

Unzip the zip file to your quake root directory (ie. not into the ID1 directory).

Copy the pak0.pak file from the "hipnotic" folder in your scourge of argamon mission pack (which you (of course) own, having downloaded it through steam or ID software) to your quake epsilon build's "hipnotic" folder.

Then run the game by starting darkplaces with -hipnotic after the executable name. I've included a batch file (quake - scourge of argamon.bat) to do this in windows, if you're on mac/linux, you'll need to figure it out for yourself.

Taadaa!

 

 

Omitted Content:

=====----------

 

For legal reasons I obviously can't include the scourge of argamon pak0.pak or soundtrack in this pack. Usually it's about $2.50-$5 on steam, depending on sales. If you're using steam the pak0.pak file will be in your steam/steamapps/common/quake/hipnotic folder. The soundtrack is not included with the steam download but can be found around the net.

 

 

 

Bugs:

==---

 

There is one bug that I am aware of with the darkplaces engine, which is the gold door at the end of the first level. If you do not approach it in the correct manner, it will not open. This is the only bug I have encountered in quake so far.

Workaround is: if you move to the left side of the door and slide slowly to the right while pushing into the door, you'll get it to open.

 

 

 

Additional Sources & Thanks to:

=====---------------------------

 

SOA QRP textures and normal maps: http://qrp.quakeone.com/

SOA weapons pack: http://quakeone.com/forums/quake-mod-releases/finished-works/6436-scourge-armagon-weapons-pack.html

Rain and fog for SOA: http://quakeone.com/forums/quake-mod-releases/works-progress/7646-rain-fog-mp1-soa.html

 

Epsilon Build Addon pack - Mission Pack 2 - Dissolution of Eternity

==========================================---------------------------

 

This requires both the Quake epsilon build above, the Quake MP1 addon pack above, the download below and a full version of Quake Mission pack 2 (Dissolution of Eternity) - there are no shareware versions of this mission pack.

 

 

 

Screenies:

 

 

 

'Ultra' Edition DOWNLOAD (90MB):

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quake_epsilion_MP2_ultra_28112011.zip - Download

 

 

 

 

'Medium' Edition DOWNLOAD (80MB):

======-----=======================

 

quake_epsilion_MP2_medium_28112011.zip - Download

 

 

 

Installation and running:

========---------========

 

As mentioned you'll need the Quake epsilon build installed to your computer.

Download the addon pack zip above that matches your build (ultra or medium).

Unzip the zip file to your quake root directory (ie. not into the ID1 directory).

Copy the pak0.pak file from the "rogue" folder in your scourge of argamon mission pack (which you of course own having downloaded it through steam or ID software's site) to your quake epsilon build's "rogue" folder.

Then run the game by starting darkplaces with -rogue after the executable name. I've included a batch file (quake - dissolution of eternity.bat) to do this in windows, if you're on mac/linux, you'll need to figure it out for yourself.

Taadaa!

 

 

 

Omitted Content:

=====----------

 

For legal reasons I obviously can't include the MP2 pak0.pak or soundtrack in this pack. Usually it's about $2.50-$5 on steam, depending on sales. If you're using steam the pak0.pak file will be in your steam/steamapps/common/quake/rogue folder. The soundtrack is not included with the steam download but can be found around the net.

Additionally, some of the monsters and walls have not been officially retextured for MP2- yet- so you will find the multi-grenade OGRE for example looking pretty low-res.

 

 

 

 

Additional Sources & Thanks to:

=====---------------------------

 

DOE weapons pack: http://quakeone.com/forums/quake-mod-releases/finished-works/6443-dissolution-eternity-weapons-pack-plasmagun-fix.html

neat! thanks bro! make sure not to flip over headways down there!

wow

*srsly contemplates another q1 speedrun*

 

now playing: epsilon's quake build, bishes

ok i'm getting the hang of this rainbow six lark. shot some hombres whilst abseiling

  On 12/3/2011 at 2:05 AM, usagi said:

  On 12/3/2011 at 12:07 AM, tauboo said:

fuck i suck a fps

 

or maybe it's just that you're playing a Rainbow Six game on a console. those are kind of difficult, comparatively speaking.

ah, yeah. aiming is a bit wuuh all over the place.

SH2 is pure warrior-poetry

Rollercoaster tycoon 2, used to play that a lot, after that 3 but it kinda sucked compared to 2.

  On 12/3/2011 at 1:07 PM, th555 said:

Rollercoaster tycoon 2, used to play that a lot, after that 3 but it kinda sucked compared to 2.

 

Love that game. Never seems to get old.

  On 12/3/2011 at 11:27 AM, usagi said:

about to play Silent Hill 2. first ever Silent Hill game for me.

  On 12/3/2011 at 11:37 AM, iep said:

SH2 is pure warrior-poetry

 

seriously dude, i'd like to know what you thought of it.

 

because, Hey girl, the generic blandness of most modern games appears to cut right through my heart, but sh2 will show us the other path.

 

SRSLY. SH2.

  On 12/3/2011 at 6:31 PM, usagi said:

it's 4:30am and I've been playing for about 40 mins. the fog and noises are doing my head in. just got to the end of Vachss street and faced my first enemy (it took 40 mins, yeah). I expect good thrills in store. is this said to be the best Silent Hill game?

 

It's exceptionally good. Are the HD versions out yet?

 

EDIT: Nope - january 2012

SH3 was my personal favorite because by the end its JUST. FUCKED. UP.

 

 

but SH2 is a close second and a critical darling because the atmosphere is so perfectly captured...it has the best soundtrack out of all of them...and probably the best plot.

Silent Hill 3 was my personal favourite but the second one is deemed by most to be the high point of the series.

Played the Frozen Synapse demo today. Was pretty fun. Can't wait for it to get discounted somewhere so I can pick up the full game. Not quite sure how to explain what it is. Closest comparison would be X-Com UFO defense I think.

  On 12/3/2011 at 11:24 PM, mcbpete said:

Silent Hill 3 was my personal favourite but the second one is deemed by most to be the high point of the series.

 

The funfair nearly killed me.

For some reason I never finished SH3 even though I loved it to bits. Actually, I think I liked it better than SH2 because the pacing was better and it looked fucking amazing - and I bet it still does. I am definitley getting the HD Collection once it comes out.

I recently bought Silent Hill 1, 2, 3 so I'll defiantly play them soon. I played the first one a little and the atmosphere is genuinely scary although it's on PS1.

oh yeah....the first one me and my stepsister played at 1am on the weekend.

 

 

made Resident Evil look like Barney the Dinosaur.

  On 11/28/2011 at 4:29 AM, MAXIMUS MISCHIEF said:

maybe its just me but the way the spider comes at u slowly is 1 thing thats creepy as heck , but then when u get to the other people who are setting traps for you i just cant handle that, its just so creepy with nobody talking and theres noREASON for these ppl to be so violent and rude towards u for some reason it just causes me so much grief

 

oh lol. and there is the charm of limbo

I gave up on the final boss in Megaman 7. Seriously it's not worth the effort.

 

And now I'm playing Shadow of the Colossus. :sup:

  On 12/4/2011 at 7:55 AM, verticalhold said:

  On 11/28/2011 at 4:29 AM, MAXIMUS MISCHIEF said:

maybe its just me but the way the spider comes at u slowly is 1 thing thats creepy as heck , but then when u get to the other people who are setting traps for you i just cant handle that, its just so creepy with nobody talking and theres noREASON for these ppl to be so violent and rude towards u for some reason it just causes me so much grief

 

oh lol. and there is the charm of limbo

its funny the game is just so against u. tryin to do a puzzle like 10 times in a row and every tiem u think u have it its like NOPE it tricks u.

batcock: arkham city on pc - really great, love the fighting and the animations - a breath of fresh air after skyrim, thought the whole batman world with over the top villains will seem corny but i really like it all, the atmosphere and the writing. the technical aspects are perfect as well, i don't remember the last time i played such a slick game, there are basically zero bugs or glitches at all. i have a hard time with consolized controls and die every 5 minutes though.

Just started playing Skyrim.

 

Picked up loads of books.......

 

Not sure if they'll be of any use?

not really unless u want to get super into back stories and stuff

at least open every book you come across... some give free skill levels, some start quests, and some are really interesting.