Order Question

[zmohner]

Hi guys. I was wondering, if I were to order the game, what version would I get? Because I'd prefer an earlier version that I can upgrade, rather than be stuck with something my computer can't play. Do any of the versions require Pixel Shader 1.1?

[wdboyd]

STARSHATTER(TM) 4.5.0 PATCH RELEASE
README FILE
21 March, 2005

http://www.starshatter.com
milo@starshatter.com

******************************************************************

Thank you for downloading this Starshatter Patch Release. This
is a cumulative patch that will bring any previous retail version
of Starshatter up to version 4.5.0.

* * * NOTE * * *

The system requirements have increased due to the more advanced
graphics engine in Starshatter 4.5.0. YOU MUST HAVE A 3D CARD
WITH SUPPORT FOR HARDWARE TRANSFORMATION AND LIGHTING. Software
rendering is no longer supported at all.

This patch will replace the following files in your Starshatter
game directory:

1. Stars.exe
2. start.dat
3. ReadMe.txt

This patch represents a fairly major update to the original retail
release of Starshatter, hence the relatively large jump in version
numbering from 4.0.3 to 4.5.0. There are too many enhancements to
list here, but the highlights include:

1. All new rendering engine with DX9 support and HW T&L
2. New GUI look and feel
3. Option to run in resizable window (-win command line option)
4. Improved gamma fade in and fade out effects
5. Volume shadows for in-game objects


6. Bump and specular maps
(Vertex Shader 1.1 required, Pixel Shader 2.0 recommended)

I'm not sure if the above is required. wdb


7. All new terrain engine with seamless texturing
8. Updated graphical effects for drive flares
9. Updated campaign, rank, and medal graphics
10. Online tactical reference with 3D preview of ship models
11. Various minor AI improvements
12. Larger missile payloads for some ships
13. Fixed the "high-speed strafe" bug (a.k.a. the "skidding" bug)
14. Fixed a CTD related to manual targeting of inbound torpedoes
15. General performance enhancements
16. Improved subsystem damage resolution on starships
17. Fixed keyboard steering response bug


******************************************************************

This patch also fixes the following issues with
Starshatter 4.0.0

1. Fighters no longer marked killed in action when landing
2. Reduced damage radius on starbase
3. Improved landing path for allied starbase
4. Increased atmospheric AI hard deck to reduce ground
collisions
5. Campaign medals now properly awarded after completing
campaigns
6. Increased stand-off range for starship target approach AI
7. Added wide-screen video mode support (1280 x 800)
8. Player self-destruct penalty is now correctly applied
9. Attack target command has been made ship-specific
10. HUD shows velocity as a negative number if ship is flying
backwards
11. Starship missiles no longer target mines
12. Added "Hold" order to tactical view Action menu
13. Campaign mission generator can now handle players assigned
to fighters stationed at ground-side starbases
14. Smooth-scrolling side views in F1 cockpit camera mode
15. AI pilots acknowledge RTB and Dock radio orders
16. Built-in data files are now filtered from the mod config
screen
17. Adjusted aim-point for ground targets
18. Adjusted mouse wheel sampling for greater throttle precision
19. AUTO time skip will now exit when player gets near enemy
units - both for safety and to remove a minor exploit
20. Carriers will now bug out to a random sector when threatened
21. Corrected campaign scoring of sorties and kills for fighter
squadrons
22. ILS hoops are now easier to see when using HUD daylight
color setting
23. Self-destruct may now be bound to a joystick key
24. Fixed aiming parameters for port-side point defense batteries
25. Fixed starboard hardpoint on Falcon fighter

CONTACT INFORMATION

http://www.starshatter.com

[zmohner]

Thank you, but I'm not sure if you understood my question; since the highest version is now 4.5.0, does that mean that when I buy the game, I get version 4.5.0? Or, do I get an earlier version, like 4.0.3, that I manually upgrade via additional downloads? Thanks.

[wdboyd]

Hi,

The disc version I received was 4.02.

That was in late summer of last year. [:D]

[zmohner]

Thanks.

[Erik Rutins]

ORIGINAL: zmohner
Thank you, but I'm not sure if you understood my question; since the highest version is now 4.5.0, does that mean that when I buy the game, I get version 4.5.0? Or, do I get an earlier version, like 4.0.3, that I manually upgrade via additional downloads? Thanks.

We decided to keep 4.5.0 as an optional upgrade (though I highly recommend it) because it changed the hardware requirements from the initial release. This way, those whose systems can handle the increased hardware requirements of 4.5.0 can upgrade while those that can't have 4.0.3.

Regards,

- Erik

[zmohner]

Thanks guys, that's the answer I was prayin' for.