Freespace 2 (SCP) - Not a Megathread, but close enough!

[Sobek-]

Hey guys.

After posting in the Screenshots thread, I realised that people might want to know how to install Freespace 2 with the latest graphical upgrades and such, so I've started this thread for that purpose. It's not a megathread, but if you honestly don't know anything about Freespace 2, I'd be really really worried!

For this 'guide' to be of any use, you'll need to own Freespace 2 and have it installed. You can buy it really bloody cheap from here;

[B][URL]http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/freespace_2/[/URL][/B]

Now, on to the fun bits!

Ok, I'm going to try and explain how to download and install all the Freespace2 SCP stuff. Now, I'm going to assume you A) have the game, B) have it installed, and C) Have a remotely decent new-ish PC, preferrably with a recent Intel or AMD processor as these builds make good use of SSE/SSE2;

First, you'll need to download the latest Launcher EXE (to replace the game's old launcher app;

[B][URL]http://swc.fs2downloads.com/files/Launcher55g.zip[/URL][/B]

Then download the latest Antipodes 7 game EXE build;

[B][URL]http://swc.fs2downloads.com/builds/WIN/fso-WIN-Inferno_Ant7_SSE2-r6685.7z[/URL][/B]

Extract both of these, and place all of the extracted EXE files and such directly into your Freespace 2 directory.

Next step is to download the latest version of the FS2 MediaVP's, which contain all of the updated textures, models, sounds, animations, etc;

[B][URL]http://mvp.fsmods.net/3612/MV_Maximum_3612.7z[/URL][/B]

This is about 500mb. Once you have it, extract it and you should have a folder called [B]MEDIAVPS_3612[/B], in which should reside all of the VP files and whatnot. Put this [B]MEDIAVPS_3612[/B] folder into the main Freespace 2 directory.

Next up is the Hollywood Effects package. Download that from here;

[B][URL]https://sourceforge.net/projects/freespace2novao/files/holly.rar/download[/URL][/B]

Once you have this, extract it, and place the extracted files (should be either more VP file/s or a bunch of folders for scripts and tables etc) into the [B]MEDIAVPS_3612[/B] directory you put in your Freespace 2 folder before (so all of the Hollywood Effects files and such are in the same directory as the MediaVP files).

Next, download the Media VP's 3.6.13 update, from here;

[B][URL]http://swc.fs2downloads.com/files/3613_Update.7z[/URL][/B]

Extract this, and place the extracted file [B]3613_update.vp[/B] into the [B]MEDIAVPS_3612[/B] file in your Freespace 2 Directory, alongside all the other VP files and such.

At this stage, I would also recommend that you go here;

[B][URL]http://freespacemods.net/download.php?view.128[/URL][/B]

And download the Freespace 2 Cutscenes in OGG format. I don't use this specific download, but once you download and extract it you should have a bunch of OGG format video files (the cutscenes). These got into Freespace 2/Data/Movies. If you don't have the Data/Movies directory, feel free to create it and put these OGG files into it. If you have any problems with this just tell me, because I don't know if that's the perfect way to go about it. But it should work fine and get you the proper high quality cutscenes without all the horrible interlacing and whatnot.

Now, run the new Launcher that you extracted into your main Freespace 2 directory earlier, and at the top, click 'Browse' and select the EXE in the Freespace 2 directory called [B]'fs2_open_ant_7r_INF_SSE2.exe'[/B]. If you get an error about not being able to find Openal32.dll, download the OpenAL installer from here;

[B][URL]http://climpxwss01.creativelabs.com/openal/Downloads/oalinst.zip[/URL][/B]

And install that before trying again.

Now once you've selected that EXE file, go to the MOD tab of the Launcher, click 'Select Mod', and choose that [B]MEDIAVPS_3612[/B] folder that all of the mediavp's and such reside in. If you've done everything right, you should now see a 'Freespace Upgrade' logo appear, with some mod information below. Good shit!

Now go to the FEATURES tab of the launcher. Under 'Easy Setup', select 'Custom'. In Custom Flags, enter the following;

[B]-ambient_factor 35 -ogl_spec 20 -spec_exp 15 -spec_point 1.2 -spec_static 1.5 -spec_tube 1.5[/B]

Now under 'List Type', select 'Graphics' and tick the following;

[B]Enable Specular
Enable Glowmaps
Enable Environment Maps
Enable MipMapping
Apply Lighting to Missiles
Enable Normal Maps
Enable 3D Shockwaves (this one is personal preference. Normally shockwaves always face you as they spread out, this makes them spread out on random angles... more realistic I think).[/B]

Now under 'List Type', select 'Gameplay' and tick the following;

[B]Use Models for Ship Selection (don't do the weapon selection - trust me)
Enable 3D Warp
Enable Flash Upon Warp[/B]

Now under 'List Type', select 'Audio' and tick the following;

[B]Preload Mission and Game Sounds[/B]

Under 'List Type', select 'Experimental. You may choose to enable [B]'Post Processing' [/B]here, but honestly I would leave it off. Post Processing will give you bloom which is just too strong and performance-sucking to be of any use at the moment (they're working on new shaders for these sorts of things anyway). The other downside is that if you enable this, you cannot use AA, and you WANT to use AA, for sure. So I would say leave this one... The rest of the list type objects are pretty much fine as they are, but perhaps you'd like to try the 3D radar under the 'HUD' list. I don't much like this myself as I'm so used to the standard radar.

Ok! Now go to the VIDEO tab. On this, leave Graphics set to OpenGL, and set your resolution to whatever you use. Colour Depth should be at 32bit, Texture Filter set to Trilinear, Anisotropic Filter set to 16x and AA set to whatever you want (AA is a bit finicky, 2x is useless, 4x is a good compromise but 8x or higher really starts to work - it's somewhat selective in what lines it anti-aliases). Down the bottom of this tab, set 'General Settings' to [B]'4. High'[/B], and tick [B]'Use Large Textures'[/B]. If you're using an ATi card and you find ingame font is all distorted, you can tick [B]'Fix Font Distortion'[/B] [I](NOTE! Using AA will create some lines around text and objects typically, this is NOT fixable by the Fix Font Distortion option... Deal with it).[/I]

Next, go to the NETWORK tab of the launcher, and just set your internet connection and connection speed to whatever you want - it's irrelevant but I think the game complains if you don't set this.

On the AUDIO tab, you can choose to configure your sound card if you want, or stick with the defaults... It's different for most folk so just try and see.

And that's it! either hit OK or Apply to save, or just hit Run to save and run the game. Create a pilot, get playing and enjoy some sexy shit!

[IMG]http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/6194/86498373.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/8550/66705454.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/5240/25221470.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9356/34301241.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/7262/82973864.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/6109/88361101.jpg[/IMG]

:smug:

Oh and just to be absolutely clear, the above screenshots were all taken by me using the exact same configuration as I've detailed above. I use 8xAA myself, and if you want to disable the HUD while playing to take some nice screenshots, press [B]SHIFT+O[/B] (that's [B]Oh[/B], not [B]Zero![/B]).

If you want to enable cheats, while playing just type in;

[B][URL="http://www.freespace2.com"]www.freespace2.com[/URL][/B]

Which enables cheats. Two that come in most handy are [B]`+i[/B] for invulnerability, and [B]`+w[/B] for infinite ammo / missiles.[B] ` [/B]being the symbol right below your ESC key (on a normal keyboard). For a full list of cheats, check here;

[B][URL]http://www.cheatcc.com/pc/descentfs2.html[/URL][/B]

Remember, you need to hold [B]` [/B]for any of these codes to work. So if you wanted to use [B]'Kill selected target'[/B] from that list, you need to press[B] `+k[/B].

[geromyP]

Those screenshots made me want to look this game up in the first place.

Great thread.

[Sobek-]

Thanks. I've tried to be as straight-forward and clear as I possibly can, given just how much crap you have to do to get it up and running. If anyone encounters any problems, just ask and I'll do my best to troubleshoot with you :)

[lorden]

I have my original Freespace: The Descent CD, but it got cracked in half during my move.

Great game, you kinda got my hopes up that they were making an actually new Freespace. :frown:

[skoinks]

Oh god, Freespace. One of my favorite games ever. I have to find my CD now.

[Sobek-]

[QUOTE=lorden;25951251]I have my original Freespace: The Descent CD, but it got cracked in half during my move.

Great game, you kinda got my hopes up that they were making an actually new Freespace. :frown:[/QUOTE]

Sorry about that :P Also, just to note... This 'guide' I've made is strictly for Freespace 2. I haven't toyed with upgrading Freespace in quite some time, so I don't have any specifics for getting that one up and running on the SCP just yet. Someone's completely recreating all of Freespace's cutscenes however, so I'm probably going to wait until those are done before I go back to it.

For anyone who cares, here's a few more random shots. Colossus carving up a corvette;

[img]http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/2833/65866969.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/4138/64490116.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/2351/51147643.jpg[/img]

But then I accidentally the whole Colossus;

[img]http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/931/34014838.jpg[/img]

[The_Marine]

Bump.

Finally bought the game off of GOG and installed the SCP all-in-one thing, good Christ... it made my FS2 folder like 8 or 9gbs bigger.
But the game looks ridiculously sexy now.

Anyone else still playing? Not sure how to get around to playing some MP.

[The_Marine]

Of course not.
Volition is still alive and kicking.

[D_M_]

I still have Freespace 1 installed. :smug:

[The_Marine]

I was thinking of buying it on GOG but when I read that the SCP comes with a remake... that just saved me some cash.

Now I just need to find a good config for my shitty Logitech Attack 3 that doesn't have any rudder support even though playing with a mouse isn't absolutely terrible.

[wewt!]

I love this game

[69105]

freespace is on GoG? oh my!

[editline]23rd March 2011[/editline]

how'd i never notice? thanks, OP!

[amgoz1]

This is the Half Life 2 of space, everyone should play it atleast once.

[Useful Dave]

Don't forget about mods like Blue Planet! :v:

Here's a tech demo from it, which unfortunately isn't a released mission. :(

[media][url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Hp5FCqRORk[/url][/media]

[The_Marine]

Holy fucking shit.

[yuki]

So can you pilot those huge ships? Or do they take a team of people? Is there any sort of co-op piloting?

[blazingfly]

Wasn't freespace 2 released for free?

[Ravenholme]

No, it's not abandonware. It's just that the source code was released, you still need to own the game to reap the benefits.

I've been considering making a megathread for AGES, so well done to the OP.

Also "DIVE! DIVE! DIVE! Hit your burners, Pilot!"

[editline]25th March 2011[/editline]

[QUOTE=yuki;28777198]So can you pilot those huge ships? Or do they take a team of people? Is there any sort of co-op piloting?[/QUOTE]

It's only fighter/bomber piloting in game (Well, with the caveat that Blue Planet: War in Heaven has a mission about commanding a Frigate [The Blade Itself]). Multiplayer for the game is either competitive or cooperative.

[yuki]

[QUOTE=Craigewan;28798035]
It's only fighter/bomber piloting in game (Well, with the caveat that Blue Planet: War in Heaven has a mission about commanding a Frigate [The Blade Itself]). Multiplayer for the game is either competitive or cooperative.[/QUOTE]
That's what I thought. Considering I have a Saitek flight controller I think I'm going to get this. Still, I think it'd be fantastic to pilot ships with a team of people.

[Mastahamma]

I thought you guys were talking about the map

[wewt!]

Also, I couldn't help but notice a connection between the plot of Mass Effect and Freespace 2, mainly the concept of the reapers

[Jedi_Rayne]

I actually just bought Freespace 1 & 2 from GoG a few weeks ago.
Definitely going to have to install this. Thanks!

[amgoz1]

[QUOTE=wewt!;28803886]Also, I couldn't help but notice a connection between the plot of Mass Effect and Freespace 2, mainly the concept of the reapers[/QUOTE]
The Reapers and Proteans are almost identical in concept to the Shivans and Ancients of FS2.

[Mr.T]

The story of Free Space is amazing.

[Sobek-]

Haven't done anything with this thread in quite some time... As far as I can tell, everything's still up to date and good to go. Two reasonably big updates though;

First, they've just managed to get both Post-Processing and a new anti-aliasing filter working together... So finally we have proper, good looking performance-friendly AA in FS2 again!

All you need to do is download the following build;

[URL]http://swc.fs2downloads.com/builds/WIN/fso-WIN-Inferno_SSE2-20110529_r7217.7z[/URL]

And enable Post-Processing and 'FXAA' in the launcher's Graphics setup section, and you're good to go. It's a post-filter too, so it's a much more effective and performance friendly method of doing AA than full MSAA or SSAA would be in this engine.

[B]*!!!* Warning, I'm about to use the word 'build' a lot. Now, there is a slight chance that it WON'T work with this build - the reason I say this is that now that the filter is finally complete and working good, it's in the process of being committed to the standard release for each build. It SHOULD be available in the build I've linked (the dedicated build it used is outdated and no longer available, but that nightly build should still support it). In the event it doesn't, please for the love of god just say so and I'll get a working build posted.[/B]

And second, they've finally released the highres ANIs (basically all of the mission briefing, some tech room and all weapon detail videos / animations). This one is the best thing to come out in a long long time... We've all been waiting for exactly this. The next release will come in the form of all new high resolution cutscenes for every video in the game, but this is still a little while away yet. They're almost done with Freespace 1, then FS2 will be started. Anyway, to get this high res ANI pack, download the following two files;

[URL]http://mvp.fsmods.net/3612/MV_CB_ANI_1.zip[/URL]

and

[URL]http://mvp.fsmods.net/3612/MV_CB_ANI_2.zip[/URL]

Extract those, and place the resulting VP files into your 'MEDIAVPS_3612' file in your Freespace 2 directory. Some screenshots;

[IMG]http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/mjnmixael/Private/2_cb_train-04_e0062.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/mjnmixael/Private/2_cb_loop-b_b0056.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/mjnmixael/Private/2_cb_sm3-08_c0401.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/mjnmixael/Private/2_cb_sm2-01_a0301.jpg[/IMG]

Yes, it is awesome.

[subenji]

Sobek, the [url]http://mvp.fsmods.net/3612/3613_Update.7z[/url] link is dead, but I found a mirror:
[url]http://swc.fs2downloads.com/files/3613_Update.7z[/url]

[Sobek-]

Awesome, thanks for that - updated the OP. Have you tried the Post-processing + FXAA by any chance?

[subenji]

Yes, but I'm not sure what I'm looking for really :v:

But it doesn't crash or anything, and the AA seems to work at least.

[Tuskin]

I think I have freespace somewhere. But it might be FS2

[Treelor]

We should get some MP missions set up together. I've done the story to death, I need to shoot some players.