Assault Knights: Development Blog.

I know I have not posted much about the game’s development.. But I can assure everyone that development is still going at a rapid pace.. The best way to get info about the game.. Cause I keep it updated as much as posable.. Is to look on our modb site.. Which can be found here..

http://www.moddb.com/games/assault-knights-reign-of-steel

I always keep it updated with new pictures, and videos of the progress of the game, as new things develop..

Currently as of right now.. We have several new additions to the game that I beleve every one is going to highly enjoy..
One is the new techlab.. Basically the techlab is the major fuction of the hole game.. Because you can now make customised variants of the units in the game.. Adding all kinds of new weapons specially made for the game..

Then you can spawn them in the maps at any time..

The game currently has as of this writeing.. 53 units.. From,
Mechs: 16

VTOL and Heli: 4.. 3 heli and 1 VTOL

Airplanes: 1

Tanks: 18

Wheeled Vehicles: 3

Turrets: 11

Plus two soldier characters for both teams.. The Assault Knight character and the omni soldier..

Currently right now we are working to make the game much more stable.. We have a intirely new coder working on the project..
one that really knows what he is doing.. We setup the mechs to have better walking animations.. And also got the Nmechanics car code implimented into the engine.. So now the vehicles will be much better to controls in game..

There is a ton of new additions to the game too.. Implimented Night Vision.. And doing a intirely new heat vision implimentation as well..
Where the units will turn red the hotter they get as they fire there weapons..

More info on the Techlab:

The techlab, as I said above works in a very unique way.. The player will pay Assault Credits, to create new variants of the mechs they buy from the Unit buy menu.. Each time they select a new weapon, the unit visually changes the bodypart.. So if you add a new weapon to one of the arms.. That arm will change for the unit..

Same goes for the unit’s missle racks and so forth..

 Each unit is only limited to the kind of weapon that will go onto that bodypart at a givein time..Also limited to the ammount of Assault Credits you have in your account.. But have no fear.. There is a ton of weapons that each unit can use.. I have made sure of it.. From lasers, Missles, and all kinds of new ballistic type weapons.. I even made weapons that are unique to a specific mech, (Or unit.) that is made for them.. Each player will be able to go into the techlab and create all kinds of custom variants to there likeing, and play style.. The game really is begining to feel like a Mech sim.. Gameplay itself has become so fun too.. especilly sense you can now make customised variant of your favorite units..

You can see videos of the Techlab, and custom unit spawning videos here..

Techlab video.

http://www.moddb.com/games/assault-knights-reign-of-steel/videos/tech-lab-customise-and-buy-windows#imagebox

Custom unit spawning video.

http://www.moddb.com/games/assault-knights-reign-of-steel/videos/customised-mech-gameplay-video#imagebox

Thank you

Night Hawk

This is the first video of 3 others.. This showcases two dragon mechs fighting it out in game.
Hope yall enjoy..

Well I am not sure if any one still reads this blog or even comes to the site any more.. But just letting every one know that we are still around.. And still developing the game.. Main reason why I have not been blogging much about the game is because I have been so busy with it..

But every one is invited to come to our forums.. And give us a shout.. We are still in heavy development of the game, and things are going rather well.. Currently right now the game has been updated to Neo Axis 852.. And we have already added the new multiplayer system to the game where you can spawn your mechs and vehicles directly on the battlefield.. Which is alot like Mech Warrior: Liveing Legends but instead of the player haveing to start over and over and over again each map rotation.. When you gain Game Money which we call Assault Credits.. You keep it.. The AC is stored directly into your account, where you can then buy new mechs.. This feature is already being implimented as we speak.. And this will give players the ability to buy new mechs, weapons, and vehicles.. From the tech lab, where the player will then be able to create customised war machines.. This feature is already half way done..

In other AK news, our main coder has left the development team for personal reasons.. But fear not, this has not stopped development of the game at all.. We now have a new coder who is going to take the game farther then before.. His name on the forums is Angerywasp.. He is a great coder and I welcome him to the team with open arms..

Currently right now we are finishing up the todo list that I posted a couple months ago.. Adding the rest of the features into the game that will help make this game feel more like a mech sim.. (Hopefully..) Soon as all the features of the game are implimented, and bug tested by myself and our coder, we will be releseing a open beta to the public..

Also at a later date, hopefully a week or so from now, I will post up some multiplayer videos of the game in action..By then we should have the new team system implimented intirely..

Hello everyone.
I would like to take a moment to tell you about the Development of the game, and the direction we are going.. First of all I would like to say, the Assault Knights Tech Lab is well under way, And is being developed for the next demo, and should be completely implimented by then.

The techlab will be where players can create customised, Mechs, Vehicles, Tanks, and other weapon loadouts for the units.. This will give players the ability to be able to buy new weapons, and mechs to play with in multiplayer.. Useing what we call AC, Or Assault Credits..

AC will be gained by playing multiplayer games, online, The more AC you gain the more you will be able to spend on buying mechs, and other vehicles, ect.. You will also be able to buy new weapons, to be put on your mechs, and vehicles inside the Tech Lab too, and use them online against other players..

The techlab will be simular to Mech Warrior’s Mech Lab, but instead of only being able to customise mechs, you will be able to customise all units in the game, Giveing you the ability to create all kinds of custom war machines, ect.. Then spawn them in the New Bay on any map, All this and more will be in the new up and comeing game demo do out in just a short time, So please stay tuned..

Thank you..

Greetings and salutations, readers; it’s time for another progress report.

First, general news: the game’s Neo Axis engine has been updated to Version .83. With this comes a number of gameplay improvements as well as smoother performance on most systems.

A bunch of new options have been added to the mechs, and the TechLab is nearly complete. We’re planning to add at least 5 new single-player maps to the next demo iteration, to complement multiplayer maps that are already included.

The TechLab, when complete, will allow you to design custom variants of all combat craft, and can change the weapon loadouts of any vehicle or soldier on the fly, similar to the MechWarrior series. Related media can be expected soon detailing its operation.

The To-Do list has been in the works, detailing all planned features for the game, and is viewable below. As soon as everything on the To-Do list is implemented, the demo will take about a month to smooth out. The new version of the game will not be released until Q1 2010, but there will be regular updates until that time.

Soon I will create a feature list of all the expected features of the game.
Which will be posted in the near future.

Thanks,
Night Hawk

Current todo list.. (Can and will change at any time..)
Color Codes: Green (Finished parts.) Blue (Currently Being Worked on.) Red (Not implimented yet.)

• #1 Fix jump jeting where the mech wont go in different directions.. Or walk in air.. I would like it where
when they are in air.. The animation stops at 1.. Where one leg is lifted up in the air.. That way it looks like
it is dangleing.. The animation needs to stay at 1 until the mech touches the ground.. Also it needs to not be allowed to fall over
in the air.. Stay straight up and down.. (DONE)
• #2. re aligning the GUI for wide screens(Done)
• #3. intergrateing stand alone MySql server for our AKMainServer(Done)
• #4. Dynamic control system.. Ability to change the controls through the Configurator. (working on it but no hope)
• #5. Change use key command to indicate which key the player should press (will be done in a sec)
• #6. Add actual throttle to the mechs..and vehicles Makeing the mechs and vehicles continue walking or driveing until they player
chooses to slow down the mech or vehicle..(Done)
• #7. Find better music for the main menu opening sequence. (i guess this is done)
• #8. Get with Jarkko to create a intirely new GUI for the mechs and vehicles..(Done)
• #9. Fix idle animation for character (BUG in 0.82 fixed in 0.83)
• #10. Add multiable animations for character. (Done new method in Dynamic.cs)
• #11 Add computer voice.. The mechs needs a computer voice.. (in progress some voices are done)
• #12 Techlab.. Ablity to change out weapons for the mechs.. Would be great to have this in the demo.. (in Progress nearly Done)
• #13 Another jump jet problem.. When a map is over 200m tall.. The jump jets completely stop working.. Is there a way to make it where the jump jets check from the heightmap terrain itself?From uneven ground..Basically they check from the ground
height itself.. Because as of now.. There is places in some of the terrain where jump jets cant be used at all.. (Done)
• #14. completing the score system based on Factions (headshots, kills, friend aid… team kill…..)
• #15. implementing a Score for Each faction to decrease while more than half of maps flags are captured (Done)
• #16. importing the new jet version (Done but not good in progress still problem with networking)
• #17. finishing planetary systems
• #18. debugging Map Heat (Done)
• #19 It feels like the vehicles fall too slow when comeing off say a jump or something.. I would
like have some kind of way to make falling faster.. It just feels like they float in the air.. Or fall like a feather
Need some way to fix it so mechs and vehicles fall quicker from either jumping.. Or mechs jumpjetting..(Done there is a gravity option for each map in NAME)
• #20 Add directional Jump jets to the mechs. Useing the numpad keys (in progress, GUI done ).
• #21 Add Boosters and Light jump jets to the AKcar code and AKtank.. Space will Activate jets
and Shift will activate the booster.. Make sure to have a toggle for them in the Resource editor.. True or False..
• #22 Missles need to have a incomeing beeping sound indicater.(Done)
• #23 Random Wizby sounds for bullets..
• #24 Smoke particles for the mechs to show up when they over heat.(Done)
• #25 Light for AK unit (Done)
• #26 Sliding menus (in progress)
• #27 main Menu map Curv (Done)
• #28 Team kill server option
• #29 Update the car Code
• #30 Dynamic zoom “with mouse wheel” (Done)
• #31 Player charecter HUD (Radar Done, showing bullets for weapons done , design is not finished)
• #32 4 weapon selection for player charecter (Done, waiting on actual weapons and the weapon kit list)
• #33 Headshot system (Done)
• #34 Waypoint AI for units on main menu (Done)
• #35 Night vision (Error So far)
• #36 AKturret.cs (Done)
• #37 Lava
• #38 Car Dust particle
• #39 Targeting Computer, visual part of leading a moving target to be able to hit them wile moveing..
• #40 heatsink in Tech lab
• #41 Jump jet Buying for Techlab
• #42 jump jet fule ratio value in NARE
• #43 change visual of RE and ME to the dark skin
• #44 heat vision
•#45 Torso Rotation limit for the mech and the Turret
(Currently in progress.. More stuff will be detailed soon..)

Dark Realm Game Studios is looking for new members to join the design team for the game..
If you are interested in joining the design team, please post your design skills on our forums here..

http://www.assaultknights.net/forums/viewforum.php?f=23

We are always accepting applications to join the team. If you have the desire and drive to make a next-gen Mech game then this is DEFINITELY the place to be. Everyone needs to start somewhere and as long as you have the desire to learn and enjoy working with others to achieve a common goal then you would fit in just fine.

We will only accept applicants whom has atleast the basic skill set we need for the position you apply.. Be it 3D modeling, or Codeing, Or sound designers and or musicians.

To apply please post a new thread in the forums above.

We need the fallowing people whom knows atleast the basic skills..

Animators – Rig/Skin models, use IK/FK systems, Prior experience with implementing animations to assets within a game engine. Animators need to either have 3Ds max skills.. Or Maya skills to be able to quilify.

Level Designer/Resource Editor - This one is open to any one whom is willing to learn the Neo Axis engine’s map and resource editor. He or she too also needs basic skills in 3Ds max.. Or Maya.

Weapon Designer – We need mech, and human weapons made, This person will need a wide phocus of modern weaponry.. And need to know how to balance things out.. Just about Any type of weapon can be made in our universe.. But this person needs atleast the basic skills of knowlage modern weapons.. He will also need to learn the Neo Axis Engine, Resource editor.. To make new bullets for the game.. This indivisual will also need to help in designing the tech lab. (Think of Mech Warrior 4’s mech lab.. But can be used to modify any mech or vehicle, ect..)

Programmers – Must have alot of expericence useing C Sharp, And Visual Studio 2008. Understanding of abstract data types, and dynamic memory management are critical.
Understanding of digital logic is also a must.. The programmer will need to learn the Neo Axis engine’s game code inside and out.. And must work well with other programmers.. He is also expected to learn the Neo Axis Logic editor. You must also have atleast 6 months of programming knowlage in C#

It is also a requirement that all potential applicants to have (or download) MSN Messenger ( http://im.live.com/Messenger/IM/Join/ ) for quick IMs.

All applicants must be able to work with a team.

If you are to apply please create a NEW TOPIC in our forums ( http://www.assaultknights.net/forums/viewforum.php?f=23 )
 or pm myself or WarLord in our forums with the following information…..

Name: (handle whatever)
Age:
Position: (whatever position you’d like to fill)
Past Projects: Please post any projects/screenshots/artwork  that you have previously done.
Other commitments: Whether you are part of a different mod team or competitive team or anything add that in too so we know how much we can put on your plate.
SAMPLES: All applicants must provide examples of their work so that we may asses your skill level for the positions you are applying for.

Also as one other requirement you must be atleast 18 years of age or older.. If you are under that.. We might still conciter you.. But you must prove that you are able to work with the team.. Applicates whom are not over 18 will be on a 30 day trial period.. We are a looking for people whom are mature, and will do the work they tell us they will do.. If you are that kind of person whom works hard and love doing this type of work, We look forword to your application..

Thank You.
Night Hawk

Howdy yall..

Just like to Introduce a new member of the Team to the Ranks.. He is the Newest member of the Assault Knights Team.. His name is shadowofamn a new member of the team whom just joined us not long ago.. He is a 3D modeler, and Artist.. From the Unreal Development Kit forums.. As well as Mod DB.

You can see his page here
http://www.moddb.com/members/shadowofamn

I would like to welcome him to the team and say thanks for joining us.. We of the Assault Knights team welcome you..

Well I have currently uploaded about 60 new pictures to the gallary.. Showcaseing a new map made by one of our fans of Assault Knights..
Commander Keen has been a wonderful designer of maps for this game.. He tends to make a all new map for me to do some designing on..

This is the 2nd map he done for our game.. And I desided to add it to the Assault Knights demo as well..

Here are the pics as promised..
http://assaultknights.net/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=15

I do not know what it is about his map designs.. But when he makes one it really inspires me to take it to the next level and completely decorate his map.. And do some modifying to turn it into this kind of map that AK has been destined for..
I would like to take this moment to Thank Commander Keen for the inspiration he seems to do when he makes a new map..
And I hope he continues to submit maps to us for me to Tweak and do designing for in the future..

I also hope every one whom is a Fan of the Assault Knights game.. Will get inspired and try out Modifying Assault Knights..
You never know.. Your mod submitted modifycation to our game might very well make it into the final product just like
Commander Keen’s maps are..

Feel free to download the newest version of the game any time here..
http://www.assaultknights.net/AssaultKnights/Downloads/AKDemo/AssaultKnightsAlpha.exe

As I try to post updates on the game each week..
Thank you..

After much conciteration.. And thinking on my part.. I have desided to relese the Assault Knights Alpha test publically..
Seeing as I could get more people to test the game then getting beta testers to sign up this way..
I am releseing this version publically to any and all whom want to download and test the game..

Here is the link..

http://www.assaultknights.net/AssaultKnights/Downloads/AKDemo/AssaultKnightsAlpha.exe

The game is 527 MB.. It comes with 5 maps.. 8 mechs, 2 wheeled vehicles, 3 helicopters, and 2 hover tanks..
The game itself is still in development.. But I feel right now that it is ok enough to go ahead and relese this version publically..

Please note after installing the game..

Go into your Bin folder, found in

AssaultKnightsDemo\Game\Bin

And find Configurater.exe..

Run it and find video mode.. In video mode, change that to the desired size you would like to run the game in..
If your system runs in 1440 x 900 then you can just leave it alone..

Then just close out the game..

You can then find game.exe.. This is the main EXE file to run the game at any time..When you run it.. You may at any time click your mouse button to skip the opening parts of the neo axis info screens..

You will then come to the main menu.. Which you will find options on the side.. To load a map, DONOT click start game..

Click on maps, then click on one of the 5 maps you see in there.. Dunes/map.map Mars/map.map Cavern/map.map Snowscape/map.map
or ShootingRange/map.map

Select only them.. Then click run..

Map loading can take several moments.. To load up the map..

Please note that it takes atleast a 2.0 ghz processer, and 2 gigs of ram with a 3d video that is as good as say a Nvidia 8800 to play this game.. And even then the game may still be choppy..

If you do have problems with choppyness.. You may do some things to bring it down some..

Go into the options menu, by hitting escape, And turn off shadows completely.. You may also turn off decorative objects from the options menu as well.. This will probably boost the speed some..

Do not expect this to be a high end game.. Or a complete game.. Conciter this to be just a Tech Demo.. Nothing really special.. I just want to share with the community and show every one how the game is actually progressing..

The game is actually fairly fun if you can look past the flaws it has.. And trust me, it more then likely has a bunch..

Snowscape has AI that appears every 3 min that spawns You can fight mechs on that map.. And get a taste as to how fun the game
actually can be..

The weapons are not balanced yet, Actually some are more then likely over powered, or under powered.. Depending on what you take..
Balanceing of everything will come much later..

The controls for each vehicle is basically the same..

W A S D moves your main character, and Vehicles, (Mechs, Wheeled vehicles, ect.)
Tab changes target when your driveing a vehicle..

1 2 and 3 changes weapons and fireing modes.. 1 and 2 is weapon up and down, 3 changes fireing mode from link, group, and alpha strike.. All vehicles has radar.. You can find your enemies with this..

E is to enter and Exit the vehicle,
Shift is boosters for the helicopters,

Control allows you to move your reticle around with the helicopter.. You must hold it down when you want to turn your heli

It makes it easyer to aim your turreted weapon.. Or lock on with missles..

up down, left and right tilts the helicopter in different directions to make it fly forword, backword and left and right..

Most of the maps has spawning areas.. Where after you take a vehicle, it respawns..

If you want to talk about the game please come to,

http://assaultknights.net/forums

Also for all you map designers out there.. And tinkerers who love to mod games.. I have left the Resource editor, and Map editor, in the game.. You can find them in the bin folder.

AssaultKnightsDemo\Game\Bin

You may modify the game how ever you like.. But you may not use the content of the game in other games to sell..
The game is fairly open, and you may modify any aspect of the game you like, save the source code..

I also left exporters and everything else for your favorite 3D program to export content into the game.. You can make your own mechs,
vehicles, buildings, or anything else for that matter in a 3D engine, and put them into the game..

Feel free to download the game at any time.. Though dont expect updates for it any time soon..

Thank you..

PS: Please dont try multiplayer.. It does not work completely right now.. Only load single player maps.. Multiplayer will come in a later relese..

Well I have been working on a new video of the game..
This one though is very different from the others though..

Because this one is a giant battle.. With many mechs..

Check it out here..