Starshatter v4.01 Released!

[David Heath]

New Version of Innovative Space Combat Simulation Available Now!

Woodbridge, NJ, July 20th, 2004 - Matrix Games and Destroyer Studios are pleased to announce version 4.01 of the exciting new 3-D space combat simulator, Starshatter. Released this month, Starshatter is the next generation in space combat simulation games.

Starshatter extends the gameplay concepts of the classic space sims by combining fighter and starship combat in a single game. You begin the game as either a fighter pilot or the commander of a small starship. As you progress through the game, you can earn promotions and awards until you are commanding a massive fleet carrier with three wings of fighters and a complete escort of warships.

The new update, version 4.01, includes 25 fixes and enhancements, including a new updated version of the built in Magic modeling software for mod-makers. Most important of the fixes are a resolution of a CD-key issue on some machines in the initial release and a fix for wingmen showing up as KIA on some campaign missions. On the new features side, there is now wide screen (1280 x 800) support and smooth scrolling side views in the cockpit camera mode.

We recommend that all Starshatter players update to this release, either by downloading the patch or re-downloading the new updated master file.

Starshatter integrates elements of real-time-strategy games by allowing fleet commanders to direct the battle on a tactical level, launching fighters and directing destroyers to defend the fleet and annihilate enemy forces. You will arm fighters for patrol or strike missions. You will send orders to your escorting destroyers and frigates to engage enemy starships or defend the fleet from attack by enemy fighters. You are the admiral, and you decide how to employ all of your forces in battle. It is all up to you.


Game Features:

• Exciting and original science fiction universe

• Integrated fighter and starship combat

• Seamless blend of space combat simulation and real time strategy

• Dynamic campaign engine with four dynamic campaigns

• Easy to learn, difficult to master. Detailed training missions included.

• Highly replayable single player action, plus free multiplayer support*

• Cooperative and head-to-head multiplayer mission scenarios

• Extensive mod support – create your own ships, weapons, galaxies, and missions

• Includes full featured built-in mission editor

• Includes FREE 3D modeling program to create custom ship designs

• Choose from three different flight models: newtonian, relaxed, and arcade

• Choose from four different inputs: keyboard, mouse, gamepad, or joystick


* Multiplayer support includes free server browser. Local network access charges may apply.

To download the patch please go to our Matrix Games Members Area at http://www.matrixgames.com/members/

ABOUT MATRIX GAMES

Matrix Games produces, markets and publishes historical wargames as well as other computer gaming products. Since 2002, Matrix Games has published several award-winning games, including Korsun Pocket, Uncommon Valor and Eric Young’s Squad Assault. Matrix Games is based in Woodbridge, New Jersey. For more information, visit the Matrix Games website at http://www.matrixgames.com/


ABOUT DESTROYER STUDIOS

John DiCamillo is a one man design and development studio and Starshatter is his masterpiece. After years of development and help from many testers, he’s finally ready for the bright light of day. For more information, visit the Starshatter website at http://www.starshatter.com

[Kuokkanen]

Has somebody made typo with version number? Earlier versions were numbered like 3.7.6, not like 3.76.

[mossicon]

does it really matter?

the readme says:

STARSHATTER(TM) 4.0.1 PATCH RELEASE

[Firefly]

As long as it fixes the bugs, they can call it Brenda for all I care. Thanks for the news David.

[Kuokkanen]

ORIGINAL: moss_icon

the readme says:

STARSHATTER(TM) 4.0.1 PATCH RELEASE

All right, David had typo.

[Mr.Frag]

Hmm, don't like the mouse wheel changes ... I like going from 0 thrust in 100 + burners with a quick spin. Now it takes a lot of spinning, quicker to use z/a/tab keys.

[elmo3]

I want to view the readme file for the patch to help me decide if I'm going to buy Starshatter. The whole download section is gone now! Apparently I can't get there from here without registering again even though I've been a forum member for a couple of years and own several Matrix games. What's up with that?

Can someone please post the readme text here?

[Marc von Martial]

ORIGINAL: elmo3
The whole download section is gone now! Apparently I can't get there from here without registering again even though I've been a forum member for a couple of years and own several Matrix games. What's up with that?

The Members Area registration is a unique login. You need to register for this, it´s not the same as your forum login. After you registered you will see all the games with the new protection sceme listed and below that a link to the other downloads that do not require a serial number (yet).

Here´s the read me text:



STARSHATTER(TM) 4.0.1 PATCH RELEASE
README FILE
16 JULY, 2004
Copyright © 2004 Destroyer Studios

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

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

Thank you for downloading this Starshatter Patch Release. This
patch will replace the following files in your Starshatter game
directory:

1. Stars.exe
2. start.dat

This patch 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
milo@starshatter.com


The Starshatter Universe and all related indicia
Copyright © 1997-2004 Destroyer Studios LLC
All rights reserved.

[Kuokkanen]

ORIGINAL: Marc Schwanebeck

11. Starship missiles no longer target mines

BOO! [:@]

You better have very good reason for that

[Mr.Frag]

You better have very good reason for that

Umm, how about OVERKILL?

Mine's range < 20, Starship weapons (non-missile) are > 20. Whats the problem?

You can sit out of range and blow them up for days on end without any missiles.

[elmo3]

Thanks Marc.

[Dirt12]

ORIGINAL: Matti Kuokkanen

ORIGINAL: Marc Schwanebeck

11. Starship missiles no longer target mines

BOO! [:@]

You better have very good reason for that

Yes there is a good reason for this. This way your Cap ships don't blow their wad of torps on pesky mines!

[John DiCamillo]

ORIGINAL: Matti Kuokkanen
BOO! [:@]

You better have very good reason for that

In case it wasn't clear - this refers to missiles launched from starships (fusion torpedoes, nikes, and athenas) not anti-ship missiles launched from fighters (harpoons, rockets). All fighter munitions can still be used against mines. This change was requested by a couple of players to save starship ammo. Enemy vessels are often found near minefields...

[Master]

why not just turn your missle launcher on manual?

[TheDeadlyShoe]

This way *AI* starships wont use them on mines.

[Kuokkanen]

ORIGINAL: John DiCamillo

this refers to missiles launched from starships (fusion torpedoes, nikes, and athenas) not anti-ship missiles launched from fighters (harpoons, rockets). All fighter munitions can still be used against mines.

That sounds better. Good job!

[whammo11224]

Register to download a patch is ridiculous, especially if your already registered as a forum user.

How many times does Matrix wish to sell information.

Thanks

[Erik Rutins]

Whammo,

We're not selling any user information, period, nor do we plan to do so. The registration is to make sure that only legal owners of the game get the upgrades. Keep in mind we are now on a serial number system that removes the normal copy protections that can cause issues with some computers. Instead, we ask that you register with your serial number once. With that done, you get access to all lifetime patches and we get to make piracy a bit less convenient and thus put some additional money in John's pocket.

I don't really think this is a hardship at all given that this is a much more user-friendly form of copy protection when it comes to system compatibility, backup copies, etc.

Regards,

- Erik

[TheDeadlyShoe]

Yeah Egosoft did this too. It makes more sense with small games as it is less likely that the patches/full versions get out there and less likely that some group takes the time to hack it.

[elmo3]

Erik

Does this new policy mean that True Update no longer works without registering first? Thanks.

Elmo3