MP3.1 (Free Mercs)

Well I have to say this right up front, It's good to be writing and it's good to have something to write about. What's is store for this posting of Vettie's Views? That should be obvious. The Free Release of MechWarrior 4 Mercenaries.

I know the folks over at MekTek are as busy as one-legged waitresses at the IHOP on Sunday morning. AT1 just had a new release. MTX was released. MW4 Mercs was scheduled to be released but then there were issues with the unseen mechs, so MekTek had to go back and remove those mechs. I am guessing they have a “quick” way to put them right back in, in the event the “legal” issues are cleared up and it becomes “okay” to release those mechs(crosses fingers).

Of course, work continues on MP4. But more importantly, the folks at MekTek have been “upgrading” their web access so when the “green light” is given for the free release, the servers over there will be able to handle the expected traffic of folks downloading the software. MTX will be needed for this, so I hope you have your copy installed and ready. MTX can be downloaded from this site http://www.mektekdev.com/site/index.php . I suggest that you go ahead and get MTX downloaded to insure that you have it and it is working for you with no problems. I had zero problems downloading and installing it to my Vista machine. Each day I peek at it just t see if MP3.1 (Free MW4 Mercs) is out there even tho I know its not there yet, its just a hopeful thing.

Last time I did that, something occurred to me that I am sure someone else has thought of, hopefully. Glancing quickly at MekMatch moments ago showed some 23 active servers. Of course this is non-prime time in the U.S., so as the evening goes on the list will grow. That's ok, its more the 23 that brings out this post. Almost all of these servers are dedicated servers running MP302b. Sure there are some running NBT's HC and even one running Mercs PR1, but most are MP302b.

I have tried, on more than one occasion to get an interview with MekTek, but as I mentioned above, they are some busy folks, they dont do interviews, they dont like me, too much going on to talk to an old guy like me, still investigating the Kennedy shooting or whatever. (Truth is, in my opinion, Vam, Jeho, Whitefeather and the rest of the gang are simply too busy right now and they have too much going on to take the time, not to mention they have real lives to lead.) One of the questions I was planning on asking is whether or not the operators of these servers, especially the dedicated, rented machines would be allowed access to MP3.1 prior to the release to the public. This would allow those operators time to update their machines and get them running again as the general public readies their personal machines. If not, there may be some down time with “on-line” play of Mercs while the servers are converted over to the newer version. Having run a server myself, there is prep required (to do it correctly) before your machine is ready.

Another question I had about Free Mercs would be will there be any new maps included or will they just be the “standard” ones that come with the “disc” versions. This relates back to the previous question for both the server operators and the players themselves. IF the maps included are only the maps included with the “boxed” version of the game, the map sets will need to be transferred into the “new” folder in the Free version to be able to use them server side and player side. Some folks have saved these map sets to discs or have the downloaded versions on a hard drive somewhere. These will need to be “installed” in the free version to be able to use them (I think). Again this would have been a question for MekTek.

Server ops will need to do this and reset their MW4Monitor program and then verify that it works to get their servers running as they currently are. Some dont use MW4Monitor, so their set up wont be as “complicated”, but there is tweaking to be done for dedicated servers.

I am fairly sure players will create their own server(s) in the short term just so they can get online and play the game. For many of them, this will be the first time that they are free to use the Microsoft Mech Pack mechs such as the Dragon, Zeus, Highlander, Cauldron Born, Kodiak, Hunchback, Masakari and the Arctic Wolf.

Some of the “expected” changes that MIGHT be included in MP3.1 are as follows
-MTX downloader and updater (no more multiple patches to mess with and the game will be kept up-to-date)
-Additional MekMatch servers to handle a much greater population with dedicated game types, including new/returning players
-No CD's needed
-Clan and IS Mech Packs included
-MekTek mechs and weapons available for purchase in the campaign
-Game launches much quicker getting you to the Main Menu much more quickly
-Many exploits fixed
-Lag Correction
-Microsoft and MekTek mechs incorporated in one alpha list in Mechlab
-Improved graphical representation for the S1/S2 Weapon slots
-Screenshots placed in Screenshots sub-folder
-Custom Decals folder created upon installation
-Long name server crash fixed
-LTRI (Long Tom Range Indicator)
-Transparent HUD Clock (indicates time left in game)
-Date/Time stamp easily seen during gameplay
-Removed unnecessary UI components like Zonestats, Details, Refresh
-Removed "Checking for Updates"
-Easier to read Torso Twist Guage

I have it from a pretty good source that this is “real” close.
REAL close...

Back to the servers. I have read that “as many maps that we can” will be included with the download. That's great, but again, for server operators, if they do it correctly, time is required to make the changes such as camos, updating the NFM files for weights, restrictions, and on and on. If a server op makes any changes to the NFMs, then the MW4Monitor program has to be changed to match. If you use the in game server options, you still have to add the maps to the list and set the parameters and blah blah blah. Personally, I think it would be a good idea for MekTek to allow these dedicated servers “1st” access to insure that folks have a place to play once the game is available to download, but that's me.

I wonder how many MP302b servers AND MP3.1 servers there will be for the first week or two? That would allow folks to play either or version until most have MP3.1 downloaded and running. Interesting. All I know for sure is that I am hoping that there will be an influx of new and old players to the game. We have already started seeing some new folks show up in the Sunder Junkies forum, so I am pretty sure there will be some new blood brought to the battlefields.

Well folks, just one more thing, w00t!! w00t to all.