Difference between revisions of "Fate of the Galaxy"

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{{fotg}}
 
{{fotg}}
  
'''Fate of the Galaxy''' (FotG), formerly known as the '''Star Wars Conversion''', is a single player and multiplayer total conversion for the FreeSpace 2 SCP engine set in the ''[[Wikipedia:Star Wars|Star Wars]]'' universe. The game is currently in development.
+
'''Fate of the Galaxy''' (FotG), formerly known as the '''Star Wars Conversion''', is a single-player total conversion for the FreeSpace 2 SCP engine set in the ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars Star Wars]'' universe.   The game is in development and will be released as a standalone (FreeSpace 2 not required).  The game also maintains an active [https://www.fateofthegalaxy.net/ website], [https://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?board=143.0 forum] and [https://discord.gg/k7ZMdmt Discord Channel].
  
 
==Developers==
 
==Developers==
Line 9: Line 9:
 
*'''zookeeper:''' Model Conversion, Artist, Scripting
 
*'''zookeeper:''' Model Conversion, Artist, Scripting
 
*'''swashmebuckle:''' Music Composer, Writer
 
*'''swashmebuckle:''' Music Composer, Writer
 +
*'''TopAce:''' FREDder
 +
*'''CountBuggula:''' Webmaster
 +
*'''niffiwan:''' Coder
 +
*'''wookieejedi:''' Scripting, Mission Content Moderator and Design, Beta Distribution
 +
*'''Limbert:''' Artist, Cockpit Models and Textures
  
 
===Contributors===
 
===Contributors===
Line 14: Line 19:
  
 
*'''Admiral Snackbar:''' Music Production
 
*'''Admiral Snackbar:''' Music Production
 +
*'''Agent_Traitor:''' Artist
 
*'''Axem:''' Artist
 
*'''Axem:''' Artist
 
*'''Black Wolf:''' FREDder
 
*'''Black Wolf:''' FREDder
 
*'''bobbtmann:''' Artist
 
*'''bobbtmann:''' Artist
 
*'''Galactic Emperor:''' Artist
 
*'''Galactic Emperor:''' Artist
 +
*'''Galemp:''' Artist
 +
*'''greyleader:''' Artist
 
*'''Herra Tohtori:''' Model Converter
 
*'''Herra Tohtori:''' Model Converter
 +
*'''Hobbie:''' FREDder
 
*'''jacek:''' Model Converter
 
*'''jacek:''' Model Converter
 +
*'''LarsH:''' Model and Artist
 
*'''maje:''' Artist
 
*'''maje:''' Artist
 +
*'''Mavrosh:''' Artist
 +
*'''Newman:''' Artist
 
*'''PixelSmash:''' Artist
 
*'''PixelSmash:''' Artist
 
*'''PHRiSCo:''' Artist
 
*'''PHRiSCo:''' Artist
 +
*'''rhettro:''' Artist
 
*'''rsaxvc:''' Feature Coding
 
*'''rsaxvc:''' Feature Coding
*'''TopAce:''' FREDder
+
*'''tnadz:''' Voice Acting
 
*'''Turambar:''' Artist
 
*'''Turambar:''' Artist
 
*'''Turey: '''Coder
 
*'''Turey: '''Coder
 
*'''Wanderer:''' Coder, Scripting
 
*'''Wanderer:''' Coder, Scripting
*'''zookeeper: ''' Sound, Model Conversion
 
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
''Fate of the Galaxy'' is a space simulator game where the player takes the role of a starfighter pilot through a series of missions in a story campaign.  A multiplayer mode will also be available.  The game is primarily played through the perspective of single-manned craft, and there are no plans for control of capital ships or multiplayer vehiclesMost missions will be set in space, though atmospheric missions are planned as well in later releases.   
+
''Fate of the Galaxy'' is a space combat simulator game where the player takes the role of a starfighter pilot through a series of missions and campaigns.  The game is primarily played through the perspective of single-manned craft. There are no plans currently for control of capital ships, though certain craft also allow for AI gunnersCurrent missions are set in space, though atmospheric missions are planned as well in later releases.  A multiplayer mode is planned, but extensive fixes to the FSO net-code need to be implemented first.   
  
The player will choose to play as either a pilot for the Rebel Alliance (later the New Republic) or the Galactic Empire. Each side will have its own unique ships to control.  Story missions will likely also include neutral factions such as pirates, though these are not planned as playable factions for the initial releases.
+
The player will choose to play as a pilot for the Rebel Alliance (later the New Republic), the Galactic Empire, or as a neutral adventurer.   All sides will have their own unique ships to control.
  
The gameplay will differ from that present in the default FreeSpace 2 engine.  Ships will be much faster and combat quicker paced, with a larger focus on avoiding damage rather than absorbing it.  Several coding features have either been completed or are planned to create a brand new style of combat not before seen in any space simulator game.
+
The gameplay will differ from that present in the default FreeSpace 2 universe.  Ships will be much faster and combat quicker paced, with a larger focus on avoiding damage rather than absorbing it.  Several coding features have been completed to create a new, unique style of combat.
  
 
===Authenticity===
 
===Authenticity===
''Fate of the Galaxy'' strives to recreate combat as close to as seen in the original trilogy of ''Star Wars'', during scenes such as the [http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Battle_of_endor Battle of Endor] and the [http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Battle_of_Yavin Battle of Yavin].  To achieve this, the members of the development team have extensively analyzed individual movements and moments within these scenes to determine a baseline for such game concepts as damage, speed, and maneuverability.  Each fighter will stay as close as possible to its canonical statistics stated in various sources, but the final authority is the original trilogy movies themselves, and thus many attributes may be contrary to other published materials due to their divergence from the original trilogy.
+
''Fate of the Galaxy'' strives to recreate combat as close to as seen in the Original Trilogy of ''Star Wars'', during scenes such as the [https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Battle_of_Endor/Legends Battle of Endor] and the [https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Battle_of_Yavin Battle of Yavin].  To achieve this, the members of the development team have extensively analyzed individual movements and moments within these scenes to determine a baseline for such game concepts as damage, speed, and maneuverability.  Each fighter will stay as close as possible to its canonical statistics stated in various sources, but the final authority is the Original Trilogy movies themselves.  Thus, many attributes may be contrary to other published materials due to their divergence from the Original Trilogy.
  
 
==Vehicles==
 
==Vehicles==
The game will initially include a small number of ships unique to each side, with some designs being shared between factions.  Each side's fighters and capital ships will have unique strengths, leading to a different gameplay style for each side.
+
The game will initially include a reasonable number of ships unique to each side, with some designs being shared between factions.  Each side's fighters and capital ships will have unique strengths, leading to a different gameplay style for each side.
 
===Alliance to Restore the Republic/New Republic===
 
===Alliance to Restore the Republic/New Republic===
 
[[Image:NuX.png|thumb|The X-wing Starfighter, main fighter of the Rebel Alliance]]
 
[[Image:NuX.png|thumb|The X-wing Starfighter, main fighter of the Rebel Alliance]]
 
The Alliance to Restore the Republic and New Republic maintain a focus on versatile and durable starfighters and small, fast capital ships.  Most of the Rebel fighters are equipped with secondary missile weapons such as concussion missiles and proton torpedoes.  Rebel players will, in most cases, be unable to outmaneuver their Imperial counterparts and will rely on their superior durability and weapon complement, as well as teamwork to engage the enemy.  Rebel capital ships are smaller than their Imperial counterparts, with each having diverse strengths due to their construction by various manufacturers.  Rebel Mon Calamari Cruisers are noted for their incredible shield regeneration rates, while Corellian Corvettes are known for their speed.
 
The Alliance to Restore the Republic and New Republic maintain a focus on versatile and durable starfighters and small, fast capital ships.  Most of the Rebel fighters are equipped with secondary missile weapons such as concussion missiles and proton torpedoes.  Rebel players will, in most cases, be unable to outmaneuver their Imperial counterparts and will rely on their superior durability and weapon complement, as well as teamwork to engage the enemy.  Rebel capital ships are smaller than their Imperial counterparts, with each having diverse strengths due to their construction by various manufacturers.  Rebel Mon Calamari Cruisers are noted for their incredible shield regeneration rates, while Corellian Corvettes are known for their speed.
  
The following Rebel fighter craft are planned to be included in the first release of the game:
+
The following Rebel/New Republic craft will be included in the first release of the game:
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/X-wing_starfighter T-65 X-wing Starfighter]
+
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/X-wing_starfighter T-65 X-wing Starfighter]
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/BTL_Y-wing_starfighter BTL-S3 Y-wing Starfighter] & BTL-A4 Y-wing Starfighter
+
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/BTL_Y-wing_starfighter BTL-S3 Y-wing Starfighter] & [https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/BTL_Y-wing_starfighter/Legends BTL-A4 Y-wing Starfighter]
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/RZ-1_A-wing_interceptor RZ-1 A-wing Interceptor]
+
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/RZ-1_A-wing_interceptor RZ-1 A-wing Interceptor]
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/B-wing_starfighter B-wing Starfighter]
+
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/A/SF-01_B-wing_starfighter B-wing Starfighter]
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Z-95_Headhunter Z-95 Headhunter]
+
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Z-95_Headhunter Z-95 Headhunter]
 
+
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/E-wing_escort_starfighter E-wing escort starfighter]
The final list of Rebel capital ships is not yet decided, but the following models are in various stages of production:
+
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/UT-60D_U-wing_starfighter/support_craft U-wing support craft]
  
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/CR90_corvette Corellian CR90 Corvette]
+
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/CR90_corvette Corellian CR90 Corvette]
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/DP20_frigate Corellian DP20 Frigate]
+
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/EF76_Nebulon-B_escort_frigate EF76 Nebulon-B escort frigate]
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Dreadnaught-class_heavy_cruiser ''Dreadnaught''-class heavy cruiser] (''complete'')
+
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Dreadnaught-class_heavy_cruiser ''Dreadnaught''-class heavy cruiser]
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/MC80_Liberty_type_Star_Cruiser MC80 ''Liberty''-type Star Cruiser]
+
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/MC80_Home_One_type_Star_Cruiser ''Home One''-class Star Cruiser]
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Reef_Home_(starship) MC80 ''Reef Home''-type Star Cruiser]
+
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/MC80_Liberty_type_Star_Cruiser ''Liberty''-class Star Cruiser]
  
 
===Galactic Empire===
 
===Galactic Empire===
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The Galactic Empire's main strategy for fighters revolves around the concept of numerical advantage.  Imperial TIEs usually lack shields and durability, but have very potent weaponry and great maneuverability to counter this weakness.  Most Imperial fighters also forego any sort of missile secondary weapons and focus entirely on their lasers for offensive armament.  Imperial capital ships are much larger than those of the Rebels, and focus on heavy offensive weaponry and great hull durability.
 
The Galactic Empire's main strategy for fighters revolves around the concept of numerical advantage.  Imperial TIEs usually lack shields and durability, but have very potent weaponry and great maneuverability to counter this weakness.  Most Imperial fighters also forego any sort of missile secondary weapons and focus entirely on their lasers for offensive armament.  Imperial capital ships are much larger than those of the Rebels, and focus on heavy offensive weaponry and great hull durability.
  
The following Imperial fighter craft are planned to be included in the first release of the game:
+
The following Imperial craft will be included in the first release of the game:
  
 
*T.I.E. Starfighter
 
*T.I.E. Starfighter
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/TIE/ln_starfighter TIE/ln Starfighter]
+
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/TIE/LN_starfighter TIE/ln Starfighter]
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/TIE/In_interceptor TIE/In Interceptor]
+
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/TIE/IN_interceptor/Legends TIE/In Interceptor]
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/TIE/sa_bomber TIE/sa Bomber]
+
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/TIE/sa_bomber TIE/sa Bomber]
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/TIE_Advanced_x1 TIE Advanced x1]
+
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/TIE_Advanced_x1 TIE Advanced x1]
 +
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/V38_assault_fighter V38 Assault Fighter]
  
The final list of Imperial capital ships is not yet decided, but the following models are in various stages of production:
+
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Carrack-class_light_cruiser ''Carrack''-class Light Cruiser]
 +
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Strike-class_medium_cruiser ''Strike''-class Medium Cruiser]
 +
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Imperial_II-class_Star_Destroyer ''Imperator II''-class]
  
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Carrack-class_light_cruiser ''Carrack''-class Light Cruiser] ''(operable and in-game)''
+
===Neutral===
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Strike-class_medium_cruiser ''Strike''-class Medium Cruiser] ''(operable and in-game)''
+
There are multiple factions in the Star Wars galaxy which use many craft that are not produced for the Galactic Empire or the Rebel Alliance. These craft vary in characteristics and are used throughout the galaxy in various roles.  
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Vindicator-class_heavy_cruiser ''Vindicator''-class Heavy Cruiser]
+
 
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Immobilizer_418_cruiser ''Immobilizer 418''-class Interdictor Cruiser]
+
The following Neutral craft will be included in the first release of the game:
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Victory_I-class_Star_Destroyer ''Victory I''-class] and [http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Victory_II-class_Star_Destroyer  ''Victory II''-class Star Destroyers]
+
 
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Imperial_I-class_Star_Destroyer ''Imperator I''-class] and [http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Imperial_II-class_Star_Destroyer ''Imperial II''-class Star Destroyers]
+
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/CloakShape_fighter/Legends Cloakshape Fighter]
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Tector-class_Star_Destroyer ''Tector''-class Star Destroyer]
+
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/N-1_starfighter N-1 Naboo Starfighter]
 +
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Ugly/Legends Various Uglies]
 +
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/YT-1300_light_freighter YT-1300 Light Freighter]
 +
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Marauder-class_corvette Marauder-class corvette]
 +
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Braha'tok-class_gunship Braha'tok-class gunship]
 +
*[https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/BFF-1_bulk_freighter BFF-1 freighter]
  
 
==Missions and Campaigns==
 
==Missions and Campaigns==
''Fate of the Galaxy'' will come with a 6-mission-long minicampaign which places high emphasis on quality mission design and high replayability. The player's performance throughout the campaign will affect the difficulty of the last mission, which will finally pit a ragtag Alliance task force against a dreaded ''Imperial''-class Star Destroyer. The best possible outcome is hard to achieve, thus a number of playthroughs will be required. The minicampaign will start with a basic training mission that, aside from teaching the basics to new players, introduces the player to ''Fate of the Galaxy'''s unique gameplay features.
+
''Fate of the Galaxy'' will come with three mini-campaigns that narrate three interconnected stories.  Designers put high emphasis on quality mission design and high replayability.   The player's performance throughout the campaign will affect how later missions play out.  For example, the Alliance campaign will finally pit a ragtag Alliance task force against a dreaded ''Imperial''-class Star Destroyer, and the player's performance throughout the campaign has a major impact on this encounter's difficulty.   The best possible outcome is hard to achieve, thus a number of playthroughs will be required.
  
Lead writer swashmebuckle has submitted a full script for an Imperial and a smuggler campaign as well. Whether these campaigns will be included in the first release remains to be seen.
+
Players receive different types of training in different campaigns.  The Alliance mini-campaign will start with a basic training mission that, aside from teaching the basics to new players, introduces the player to ''Fate of the Galaxy'''s unique gameplay features.  The Imperial mini-campaign starts with an advanced training.
  
Standalone missions will also be included in the first release. Many of them will be serious, story-driven missions, but there will also be arcade-like "challenge" missions in which the player must accomplish a wide variety of objectives, such as surviving two minutes within a ''Strike''-class cruiser's firing range. There are 19 playable standalone missions on FotG's SVN (as of Dec 1, 2011).
+
Standalone missions will also be included in the first release. Many of them will be serious, story-driven missions, but there will also be arcade-like "challenge" missions in which the player must accomplish a wide variety of objectives, such as surviving two minutes within a ''Strike''-class cruiser's firing range. There will also be a Practice Zone mission, where the player can test flying any of the small craft and actively spawn in any FotG craft in the mission as a hostile or friendly to practice combat.
 +
 
 +
Additional components are being worked on and will likely be available when the game is released to the public, but specific details remain under embargo until public release.  This component is code-named Project Alderaan.
  
 
==Development==
 
==Development==
[[Image:Ewingmaps.jpg|thumb|The progression of model work shown on an E-wing Starfighter, from Model (Right) to Normal Maps (Center) and Diffuse Texture (Left). Note that this model will not be used.]]
+
[[Image:Ewingmaps.jpg|thumb|The progression of model work shown on an E-wing Starfighter, from Model (Right) to Normal Maps (Center) and Diffuse Texture (Left).   Note that this model will not be used.]]
 
Fate of the Galaxy picks up after a number of previous attempts to create a ''Star Wars'' mod for FreeSpace.  For several years the "Star Wars Conversion Project" was worked on by various teams and developers, but without any releases.   
 
Fate of the Galaxy picks up after a number of previous attempts to create a ''Star Wars'' mod for FreeSpace.  For several years the "Star Wars Conversion Project" was worked on by various teams and developers, but without any releases.   
  
In early 2007, chief1983 took over as project leader, and began to assemble a new team of developers. Choosing the name ''Fate of the Galaxy'', the initial team consisted of chief1983, Brand-X as a modeler and Turambar as a texturer.  The initial plan put forward was to use the models and textures that had been completed by previous teams.  Soon after the reformation of the mod team, however, it was decided that all new art assets were needed to compete with the high graphical standards of the newer models, and all previously completed ships were discarded.
+
In early 2007, chief1983 took over as project leader, and began to assemble a new team of developers.   Choosing the name ''Fate of the Galaxy'', the initial team consisted of chief1983, Brand-X as a modeler and Turambar as a texturer.  The initial plan put forward was to use the models and textures that had been completed by previous teams.  Soon after the reformation of the mod team, however, it was decided that all new art assets were needed to compete with the high graphical standards of the newer models, and all previously completed ships were discarded.
  
Work continued on ship models and textures through the next year and a half, as new staff members were added to the development team. In May of 2008, work began on implementing the new ship models into the game and work began on redesigning the feel and pace of the FreeSpace 2 Open engine. Work still continues on the models needed for a campaign and demo release. The story for the campaign will be set at the beginning of the Galactic Civil War and will (hopefully) feature both Alliance and Imperial campaigns.
+
Work continued on ship models and textures through the next year and a half, as new staff members were added to the development team.   In May of 2008, work began on implementing the new ship models into the game and work began on redesigning the feel and pace of the FreeSpace 2 Open engine.   Work still continues on the models needed for a campaign and demo release.   The story for the campaign will be set at the beginning of the Galactic Civil War and will (hopefully) feature both Alliance and Imperial campaigns.
  
In early January of 2009, Brand-X experienced a hard drive failure which destroyed all previous models of his, setting the team's art department back significantly. Since then, work has progressed on recreating these models to even higher quality standards.
+
In early January of 2009, Brand-X experienced a hard drive failure which destroyed all previous models of his, setting the team's art department back significantly.   Since then, work has progressed on recreating these models to even higher quality standards.
  
On June 4th, 2009, the first in-game screenshot of the X-wing starfighter was made public at the Mod Database ([http://www.moddb.com/games/fate-of-the-galaxy/images/x-wing-in-game-shots2#imagebox Link]) and at the official FotG forums ([http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/topic,63624.0.html Link]).
+
On June 4th, 2009, the first in-game screenshot of the X-wing starfighter was made public at the [http://www.moddb.com/games/fate-of-the-galaxy/images/x-wing-in-game-shots2#imagebox ModDB site] and at the official FotG [https://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?board=143.0 forums].
 +
 
 +
In December of 2018 the team began the first phases of private beta testing. In April of 2019, the private beta tests were stated as nearly concluded.
 +
 
 +
In May of 2019 the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ler20EdjAfs&list=LLW8-wdcPLv0eT913KIi9_mw&index=2&t=0s teaser trailer] was posted.
 +
 
 +
Throughout 2020-2021 developmental showcases have consisted of forum updates and gameplay streams on Discord.
  
 
===Newsletter===
 
===Newsletter===
On June 1st, 2008, the mod development team released their [http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/topic,54217.0.html first newsletter], giving a brief update on the status of the project and advances made throughout the month. This newsletter, edited by Brand-X, can be found on the official forum.
+
On June 1st, 2008, the mod development team released their [http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/topic,54217.0.html first newsletter], giving a brief update on the status of the project and advances made throughout the month. This newsletter can also be found on the official forum.
  
The newsletters are not posted on a monthly basis anymore. However, when there is something to show, it will be posted on the [http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?board=172.0 Fate of the Galaxy News] board.
+
The newsletters are not posted on a monthly basis anymore.   However, when there is something to show, it will be posted on the [http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?board=172.0 Fate of the Galaxy News] board.  Also, the majority of the unofficial development chatter occurs on the Fate of the Galaxy Discord channel [https://discord.gg/k7ZMdmt].
 +
 
 +
The most recent [https://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=97362.0 newsletter] was released in the February of 2021.  This update highlights, among other things, advances in multiplayer and Project Alderaan.
  
 
===First Release===
 
===First Release===
The first open beta of ''Fate of the Galaxy'' was originally planned to be released sometime late-2008 or early 2009. However, with the art setback, the release has been pushed back. A date has not been decided yet, but the initial version will include both a short story campaign and multiplayer functionality.  
+
The first open beta of ''Fate of the Galaxy'' was originally planned to be released sometime late-2008 or early 2009.   However, with the art setback, the release has been pushed back.   A date has not been decided yet, but the initial version will include three single player campaigns and two dynamic campaigns.
 +
 
 +
Recent years have shown considerable progress on the mod, including a release of a private beta.
 +
 
 +
In the most recent communications on Discord, webmaster and co-community manager CountBuggula posted: "''We would love to have a release this year, and have internal goals that could make that happen, but it still is entirely up to what people are able to complete in their free time, as this is a 100% volunteer project. So officially, when it's done.™️''" (mid-August, 2021)
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
Line 127: Line 161:
 
Image:Wallpaper.2-1280.png
 
Image:Wallpaper.2-1280.png
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
  
 
==Links==
 
==Links==
 
*[http://swc.hard-light.net/ Official Website]
 
*[http://swc.hard-light.net/ Official Website]
*[http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/board,143.0.html Official Forum]
+
*[https://discord.gg/k7ZMdmt Fate of the Galaxy Discord Server]
*[http://www.moddb.com/games/fate-of-the-galaxy Fate of the Galaxy on ModDB]
+
*[https://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?board=143.0 Official Forum]
 
+
*[https://www.moddb.com/games/fate-of-the-galaxy Fate of the Galaxy on ModDB]
[[Category:Total Conversions]]
 

Revision as of 14:00, 16 August 2021


FotGOnTop.jpg

Fate of the Galaxy (FotG), formerly known as the Star Wars Conversion, is a single-player total conversion for the FreeSpace 2 SCP engine set in the Star Wars universe. The game is in development and will be released as a standalone (FreeSpace 2 not required). The game also maintains an active website, forum and Discord Channel.

Developers

Staff

  • chief1983: Project Lead
  • Brand-X: Senior Artist and Content Moderator
  • zookeeper: Model Conversion, Artist, Scripting
  • swashmebuckle: Music Composer, Writer
  • TopAce: FREDder
  • CountBuggula: Webmaster
  • niffiwan: Coder
  • wookieejedi: Scripting, Mission Content Moderator and Design, Beta Distribution
  • Limbert: Artist, Cockpit Models and Textures

Contributors

(in alphabetical order)
  • Admiral Snackbar: Music Production
  • Agent_Traitor: Artist
  • Axem: Artist
  • Black Wolf: FREDder
  • bobbtmann: Artist
  • Galactic Emperor: Artist
  • Galemp: Artist
  • greyleader: Artist
  • Herra Tohtori: Model Converter
  • Hobbie: FREDder
  • jacek: Model Converter
  • LarsH: Model and Artist
  • maje: Artist
  • Mavrosh: Artist
  • Newman: Artist
  • PixelSmash: Artist
  • PHRiSCo: Artist
  • rhettro: Artist
  • rsaxvc: Feature Coding
  • tnadz: Voice Acting
  • Turambar: Artist
  • Turey: Coder
  • Wanderer: Coder, Scripting

Gameplay

Fate of the Galaxy is a space combat simulator game where the player takes the role of a starfighter pilot through a series of missions and campaigns. The game is primarily played through the perspective of single-manned craft. There are no plans currently for control of capital ships, though certain craft also allow for AI gunners. Current missions are set in space, though atmospheric missions are planned as well in later releases. A multiplayer mode is planned, but extensive fixes to the FSO net-code need to be implemented first.

The player will choose to play as a pilot for the Rebel Alliance (later the New Republic), the Galactic Empire, or as a neutral adventurer. All sides will have their own unique ships to control.

The gameplay will differ from that present in the default FreeSpace 2 universe. Ships will be much faster and combat quicker paced, with a larger focus on avoiding damage rather than absorbing it. Several coding features have been completed to create a new, unique style of combat.

Authenticity

Fate of the Galaxy strives to recreate combat as close to as seen in the Original Trilogy of Star Wars, during scenes such as the Battle of Endor and the Battle of Yavin. To achieve this, the members of the development team have extensively analyzed individual movements and moments within these scenes to determine a baseline for such game concepts as damage, speed, and maneuverability. Each fighter will stay as close as possible to its canonical statistics stated in various sources, but the final authority is the Original Trilogy movies themselves. Thus, many attributes may be contrary to other published materials due to their divergence from the Original Trilogy.

Vehicles

The game will initially include a reasonable number of ships unique to each side, with some designs being shared between factions. Each side's fighters and capital ships will have unique strengths, leading to a different gameplay style for each side.

Alliance to Restore the Republic/New Republic

The X-wing Starfighter, main fighter of the Rebel Alliance

The Alliance to Restore the Republic and New Republic maintain a focus on versatile and durable starfighters and small, fast capital ships. Most of the Rebel fighters are equipped with secondary missile weapons such as concussion missiles and proton torpedoes. Rebel players will, in most cases, be unable to outmaneuver their Imperial counterparts and will rely on their superior durability and weapon complement, as well as teamwork to engage the enemy. Rebel capital ships are smaller than their Imperial counterparts, with each having diverse strengths due to their construction by various manufacturers. Rebel Mon Calamari Cruisers are noted for their incredible shield regeneration rates, while Corellian Corvettes are known for their speed.

The following Rebel/New Republic craft will be included in the first release of the game:

Galactic Empire

The TIE/ln Starfighter, main fighter of the Galactic Empire

The Galactic Empire's main strategy for fighters revolves around the concept of numerical advantage. Imperial TIEs usually lack shields and durability, but have very potent weaponry and great maneuverability to counter this weakness. Most Imperial fighters also forego any sort of missile secondary weapons and focus entirely on their lasers for offensive armament. Imperial capital ships are much larger than those of the Rebels, and focus on heavy offensive weaponry and great hull durability.

The following Imperial craft will be included in the first release of the game:

Neutral

There are multiple factions in the Star Wars galaxy which use many craft that are not produced for the Galactic Empire or the Rebel Alliance. These craft vary in characteristics and are used throughout the galaxy in various roles.

The following Neutral craft will be included in the first release of the game:

Missions and Campaigns

Fate of the Galaxy will come with three mini-campaigns that narrate three interconnected stories. Designers put high emphasis on quality mission design and high replayability. The player's performance throughout the campaign will affect how later missions play out. For example, the Alliance campaign will finally pit a ragtag Alliance task force against a dreaded Imperial-class Star Destroyer, and the player's performance throughout the campaign has a major impact on this encounter's difficulty. The best possible outcome is hard to achieve, thus a number of playthroughs will be required.

Players receive different types of training in different campaigns. The Alliance mini-campaign will start with a basic training mission that, aside from teaching the basics to new players, introduces the player to Fate of the Galaxy's unique gameplay features. The Imperial mini-campaign starts with an advanced training.

Standalone missions will also be included in the first release. Many of them will be serious, story-driven missions, but there will also be arcade-like "challenge" missions in which the player must accomplish a wide variety of objectives, such as surviving two minutes within a Strike-class cruiser's firing range. There will also be a Practice Zone mission, where the player can test flying any of the small craft and actively spawn in any FotG craft in the mission as a hostile or friendly to practice combat.

Additional components are being worked on and will likely be available when the game is released to the public, but specific details remain under embargo until public release. This component is code-named Project Alderaan.

Development

The progression of model work shown on an E-wing Starfighter, from Model (Right) to Normal Maps (Center) and Diffuse Texture (Left). Note that this model will not be used.

Fate of the Galaxy picks up after a number of previous attempts to create a Star Wars mod for FreeSpace. For several years the "Star Wars Conversion Project" was worked on by various teams and developers, but without any releases.

In early 2007, chief1983 took over as project leader, and began to assemble a new team of developers. Choosing the name Fate of the Galaxy, the initial team consisted of chief1983, Brand-X as a modeler and Turambar as a texturer. The initial plan put forward was to use the models and textures that had been completed by previous teams. Soon after the reformation of the mod team, however, it was decided that all new art assets were needed to compete with the high graphical standards of the newer models, and all previously completed ships were discarded.

Work continued on ship models and textures through the next year and a half, as new staff members were added to the development team. In May of 2008, work began on implementing the new ship models into the game and work began on redesigning the feel and pace of the FreeSpace 2 Open engine. Work still continues on the models needed for a campaign and demo release. The story for the campaign will be set at the beginning of the Galactic Civil War and will (hopefully) feature both Alliance and Imperial campaigns.

In early January of 2009, Brand-X experienced a hard drive failure which destroyed all previous models of his, setting the team's art department back significantly. Since then, work has progressed on recreating these models to even higher quality standards.

On June 4th, 2009, the first in-game screenshot of the X-wing starfighter was made public at the ModDB site and at the official FotG forums.

In December of 2018 the team began the first phases of private beta testing. In April of 2019, the private beta tests were stated as nearly concluded.

In May of 2019 the teaser trailer was posted.

Throughout 2020-2021 developmental showcases have consisted of forum updates and gameplay streams on Discord.

Newsletter

On June 1st, 2008, the mod development team released their first newsletter, giving a brief update on the status of the project and advances made throughout the month. This newsletter can also be found on the official forum.

The newsletters are not posted on a monthly basis anymore. However, when there is something to show, it will be posted on the Fate of the Galaxy News board. Also, the majority of the unofficial development chatter occurs on the Fate of the Galaxy Discord channel [1].

The most recent newsletter was released in the February of 2021. This update highlights, among other things, advances in multiplayer and Project Alderaan.

First Release

The first open beta of Fate of the Galaxy was originally planned to be released sometime late-2008 or early 2009. However, with the art setback, the release has been pushed back. A date has not been decided yet, but the initial version will include three single player campaigns and two dynamic campaigns.

Recent years have shown considerable progress on the mod, including a release of a private beta.

In the most recent communications on Discord, webmaster and co-community manager CountBuggula posted: "We would love to have a release this year, and have internal goals that could make that happen, but it still is entirely up to what people are able to complete in their free time, as this is a 100% volunteer project. So officially, when it's done.™️" (mid-August, 2021)

Gallery

Ship Lab shots

Renders


Links