Freespace 2 OS X!

[mtr]

mtr: I would be willing to take a crack at helping debug the X1600 issue. Let me know what I would need to do.

I just need someone to grab CVS (I can get you an updated code tarball if you want/need it) and rip up the OpenGL code basically. Start with some of the texture parameters and see if any of those are causing an issue. If not then move on to possible blending issues or state changes that aren't getting reset properly (and would therefore trigger some sort of driver bug).

I'm guessing that it's either a TexParameter() related issue, or something freaky with the state setup. I can only assume that it might be somehow mipmap related (either filter related or through our possibly strange use of GL_TEXTURE_MAX_LEVEL). A place to look at that is in gr_opengl_tcache_set_internal() in code/graphics/gropengltexture.cpp.

Basically, someone just needs to narrow down the possibilities a bit. There are simply too many areas where the problem might be to try and deal with it at the moment.

Feel free to send me a PM or something if you would like more info. I'll give you my e-mail as well if you need it (though I think I've posted it a time or two already).

 

[Xandor]

This is what I mean. I looked in the tech room as well, but the ships are missing from there as well. Currently playing it as a mod with all fsport files (vp's and such) in a folder.

Thats exactly what it looks like for me too

 

[Xandor]

Hey, I'm sure this has been covered, but i can't find it. Where do I put the derelict campaign folder and how do i access the campaign in the game?

Thanks so much, really wanna play it!

 

[InsomniaClown]

Derelict

Hey, I'm sure this has been covered, but i can't find it. Where do I put the derelict campaign folder and how do i access the campaign in the game?

Thanks so much, really wanna play it!

Put the folder in your Freespace folder with FS2 open. If your are using soulstorms launcher, got to the gameplay + speed menu, beside "selected mod" there is a pull down menu. It should be listed there. You may have to select the campaign in the campaign room in game.

If you are not using the launcher, you can dump all of the files in the derelict folder into your freespace folder, and then select it in game in the campaign room. Hope this helps.

 

[Xandor]

Thank you so much, it works perfectly! I also got all my graphics to work now, a very "duh" moment. The game is so much more now than it was before, I'm gonna redo the whole thing!

There are so many campaigns to choose from at hardlight, is there a greatest hits list or anything like that? I have derelict, homesick, and DeusEXMachina, any others I should get?

 

[InsomniaClown]

Asteroids

Well, I decided to go back and replay the main freespace 2 campaign. Loved it the first time! However, on the first mission with the GTVI, I have to protect the Iceni from asteroids. Problem is, the asteroids aren't there. They can be targeted, but I can't actual shoot them. Is this a part of the X1600 bug? Is there a way around it? I can post screenshots if needed. Thanx.

 

[InsomniaClown]

Asteroids sort of fixed

I activated the jpgtga option and got some results. The graphics are not exactly there, but they can be destroyed now. They seem to swoop across the screen randomly. Anyways, it's better now. Is there anyway I could help with the X1600 issue? Can I write something to apple or ATI? I just wouldn't know what to write so that the issue is understood.

 

[Xandor]

I got everything to appear when i looked in my FS2 folder and realized all my vp files were in folders, i pulled them out, put them in the main folder and BAM, everything was there. Even before I did that, I remember being able to destroy the asteroids in that mission.

 

[InsomniaClown]

I got everything to appear when i looked in my FS2 folder and realized all my vp files were in folders, i pulled them out, put them in the main folder and BAM, everything was there. Even before I did that, I remember being able to destroy the asteroids in that mission.

The first time I played this mission I was able to destroy the asteroids, but the graphics still weren't there. It is a weird issue, but it has to do with my graphics card. What graphics card are you using?

 

[aidanpendragon]

Could the OP revise the first post (or someone do a new one) with a clear & concise summary to ALL FS2 elements, scenarios, links, etc.? This would be very helpful as a "one-stop shop" for those wishing to download and set up. Many/most of those things are *somewhere* in this thread, but very ponderous to find.

For instance, I was lucky enough to find the complete FS2_Open "package" - download containing the app + all content files in one ready-to-use folder - but can't remember where that one simple link was. Instead, the first post instructions are for grabbing bits piecemeal, require config, etc. Similarly, I'd love to try the other scenarios but don't have time to sift through 20 pages of comments trying to find one with links, one with instructions, etc.

Short of splitting this thread off between instructions and troubleshooting, revising the first/an early post to be that simple summary would be the best approach.

Thanks

 

[InsomniaClown]

One shot install

Could the OP revise the first post (or someone do a new one) with a clear & concise summary to ALL FS2 elements, scenarios, links, etc.? This would be very helpful as a "one-stop shop" for those wishing to download and set up. Many/most of those things are *somewhere* in this thread, but very ponderous to find.

For instance, I was lucky enough to find the complete FS2_Open "package" - download containing the app + all content files in one ready-to-use folder - but can't remember where that one simple link was. Instead, the first post instructions are for grabbing bits piecemeal, require config, etc. Similarly, I'd love to try the other scenarios but don't have time to sift through 20 pages of comments trying to find one with links, one with instructions, etc.

Short of splitting this thread off between instructions and troubleshooting, revising the first/an early post to be that simple summary would be the best approach.

Thanks

To install everything in one shot, use the installer. The link is provided on the first post as option 2. You download it, open it, and then follow the instructions. The installer gets you all of the files needed for the game, as well as many of the user created campaigns.

 

[aidanpendragon]

To install everything in one shot, use the installer. The link is provided on the first post as option 2. You download it, open it, and then follow the instructions. The installer gets you all of the files needed for the game, as well as many of the user created campaigns.

OK - that doesn't seem correct, for at least two reasons:

1. The instructions on post 1 indicate you need that installer (link 2), AND the FS_2 Open Application, AND the FS_2 Open OS X Launcher, and...etc., etc. That's still a lot of pieces to get. I somehow found everything as a folder in a DMG, without needing a fishy Java app that will dial out to download stuff (who knows what?), etc. There should be one easy-to-find post that details where that single package is. If the Java installer indeed "does everything," that's not what post #1 says.

2. I already HAVE the game installed. What will running the installer do for me? Let me access the Freespace 1 campaign? Or just overwrite my files? Again, a post that has links to download-and-play core game, campaigns, etc. is needed.

So, I reiterate my call for someone to craft a clear post with simple instructions on how to get the core game (i.e., download this DMG, mount, and play), and clear links collecting major scenarios, etc.

 

[InsomniaClown]

Clarified

The installer contains the FS 2 open application and the launcher. I have installed the game twice. Once by downloading all of the files separately, and most recently using the installer. The installer gives you every required and up to date file needed as well as all of the extra stuff. There are zero pieces to find if you use the installer. It makes everything way easier.

And yes, it does allow you to play the Freespace one campaign, and the derelict campaign. Most of the files that you will find on the various sites will most likely not be up to date.

The first post has also been edited time and time again in order to allow fast access to new information. Some of the parts af that post may be no longer relevant. Also, the installer will update the already installed files, not overwrite them (unless they are out of date).

 

[Soulstorm]

Notes for d/l link 2: This will give you a few kbytes java program that will install all the files necessary to play FS2_Open. I personally recommend that, as it will help you skip the next steps of the install process. It will also allow you to download the additional media vps content, and additional mods.

From the first post, I think this quote clarifies that all you need is the installer. It will install everything you need to play the game. Applications, data files, everything. I altered my first post to make that more clear.

The first link is outdated now, this post is 2 years old, I have since then altered it many times, and now, I think the only good option you have is the installer. There may be other resources, but I haven't found them.

So, I reiterate my call for someone to craft a clear post with simple instructions on how to get the core game (i.e., download this DMG, mount, and play), and clear links collecting major scenarios, etc.

I am not going to do that. The post describes the best method to get the game, and that method is the installer. All mods that the installer downloads, and every package, application and launcher, are constantly updated. The installer is the only way of keeping your installation directory up to date with the latest changes, since it is smart enough to install new files while keeping the unchanged ones. That DMG you have, will be outdated in a matter of 1-2 weeks, maybe, since I intend to update the Launcher, and the team has a new version coming out at some point (do not ask me when- I am not going to answer that question).

As for major scenarios and other links... Sorry. This thread intends to welcome the unwary of the FS2_Open application into the Freespace 2 for OS X universe. But I will not sit down and provide links for every available scenario that uses FS2_Open or the FS2_Open codebase, since even those are constantly changing. However, I did provide a link to the Hard Light Forums, that no one seems to have visited! Why? All the extra information you need, such as available mods and upcoming releases are there.

So, to clarify:
1)You want the core game? Use the installer.
2)You want to use command ling arguments? Use the Launcher.
3)You want more mods? Visit the Hard Light Forums, and/or use the Installer.

 

[aidanpendragon]

The installer contains the FS 2 open application and the launcher...

All of this is a helpful clarification that was not (at the time) in the first post. Thanks.

From the first post, I think this quote clarifies that all you need is the installer. It will install everything you need to play the game. Applications, data files, everything. I altered my first post to make that more clear.

Thanks.

The first link is outdated now, this post is 2 years old, I have since then altered it many times, and now, I think the only good option you have is the installer. There may be other resources, but I haven't found them.

This is where I got the game - in a single DMG - http://macgamefiles.com/detail.php?item=18968. So, other resources. "But that file will be outdated," you say...well, read on...

I am not going to do that. The post describes the best method to get the game, and that method is the installer. All mods that the installer downloads, and every package, application and launcher, are constantly updated. The installer is the only way of keeping your installation directory up to date with the latest changes, since it is smart enough to install new files while keeping the unchanged ones. That DMG you have, will be outdated in a matter of 1-2 weeks, maybe.

I didn't ask you specifically to do this...just someone, in a place that's easy to find (as this thread has grown to 500 posts). I appreciate that you've updated the first post, though.

But while you're at it, *please* add the para. I just quoted, or its substance, to the first post. It's still not too clear from 1st post that the installer: 1. pulls files that are constantly updated (making using it more current than downloading a DMG or ISOs); 2. will update, not wipe out, an existing install & saves; and 3. can install scenarios, as InsomniaClown suggests (I guess I don't think of a "mod" as the same thing).

I appreciate your starting this thread, trying to keep the 1st post updated, and working on the Launcher, etc. But, installing the game evidently has grown easier, just as this thread has grown far beyond the initial purpose of "welcoming the unwary of the FS2_Open application into the Freespace 2 for OS X universe." SOME updated, central resource that captures all of that as it stands today is a good idea. If you want to continue to do so, all the more thanks to you!

(seriously...this thread kicks ass and deserves all the stars it gets)

 

[Erasmus]

Hi guys, I'm having a little bit of trouble sometimes with FS2 freezing mid-mission. For some reason FS1 port seems pretty stable, but FS2 freezes often enough to be annoying. The kind of freeze that can only be solved by holding down the power button for 5 seconds. Does anyone else have this problem?

Another problem is that the game sometimes hangs for ~20 seconds mid-mission, before continuing as if nothing had happened, which is just annoying. Does anyone else have this problem?

Any help getting these two problems fixed would be greatly appreciated.

Finally, any inside info on when the next update (3.6.10 or whatever is next) will be ready? It's been a while now...

Thanks.

 

[alanmcn]

black screen of death!

hi i've just downloaded the freespace open installer and installed everything it recommended but nothing happens, when i mount the disk image and launch either fs2_open or the debug, it goes to a completely black screen where it freezes and i have to restart, any ideas or am i doing something stupid?

 

[livinzlife]

im with alan above...i just get a black screen

 

[dantak]

I've never had any luck getting 3rd party campaigns to work. The graphics are always jacked up. Here is a screenshot from the procyon insurgency. I have always used soulstorm's launcher cause it rocks and I'm lazy. Let me know if you have any ideas or if it just always looks like this. I'm also including my config file.

 

[timelord726]

Hi guys, I'm having a little bit of trouble sometimes with FS2 freezing mid-mission. For some reason FS1 port seems pretty stable, but FS2 freezes often enough to be annoying. The kind of freeze that can only be solved by holding down the power button for 5 seconds. Does anyone else have this problem?

Just wanted to chime in and say that I'm having the exact same problem. It's very frustrating and it sounds like mine is happening even more often than yours... I can pretty much count on it to happen every time I launch the game, and it's not even always restricted to when I'm in a mission. I've had it happen on the menu and even on the pilot selection screen. I always have to hold the power button to turn off the computer and then turn it back on, every time. Very frustrating.

Any advice on fixing this problem would be tremendously appreciated!

 

[Erasmus]

Just wanted to chime in and say that I'm having the exact same problem. It's very frustrating and it sounds like mine is happening even more often than yours... I can pretty much count on it to happen every time I launch the game, and it's not even always restricted to when I'm in a mission. I've had it happen on the menu and even on the pilot selection screen. I always have to hold the power button to turn off the computer and then turn it back on, every time. Very frustrating.

Any advice on fixing this problem would be tremendously appreciated!

Mine has never "frozen solid" on the title screen, however if I move the mouse too far to the right, it does hang for an annoyingly long time, 30-60 seconds kind of thing.

I believe the ~30 second hanging in flight has some correlation with some ships exploding, but I could be wrong.

For me, the game totally freezes in some missions, but not others. ie. the first mision with the Knossos Portal, where you first fight Maras and Astaroths is very unstable, and difficult to finish because it inevitably freezes half way through the mission, causing me to have to force restart the computer. The mission with the Mjolnir RBC's is also this way. However, I cannot remember ever having a freezing problem in the vast majority of levels, ie. all the nebula levels.

It is very disappointing that such a great game should have these problems. I can only hope the next update fixes all these problems, adds FSAA, and is released soon.

 

[mckyvlle]

I'm sooo late into this, but as a recent switcher I'm so glad I found this thread! I love FS2!

I have the retail CDs for this. Following the instructions from the quote below won't be a problem for me. (I'll have to dig up those CDs first...) However, the instructions on http://www.hard-light.net/wiki/index.php/FreeSpace_Open_Installer says to run the FS2 1.2 patch. This step is missing from the instructions below. Do I need to run this patch? If so, how to do this in Leopard without having to fire up Windows?

Cheers!

Installation Instructions: Mac OS X

1. Download all 3 disc images from http://freespacezone.com/. They are compressed as .RAR files, extract them wherever you want.


2. Rename the 3 disc images with the extension .BIN instead of .ISO; they were mislabeled.


3. Download Bin2ISO (linked to earlier in this thread). This is a command line utility. Run the program on all 3 .BIN images. After all 3 images have finished being converted, you can delete the .BIN versions. The syntax for running it is:

sudo chmod 777 /(path to)/bin2iso (this only has to be done the first time)

/(path to)/bin2iso (path to .BIN image) (path to where you want the .ISO image to be)

3. Create the Freespace2 directory structure. It goes as follows (these are folders):
CODE

Freespace2
   data
       cbanims
       effects
       fonts
       force feedback
       freddocs
       hud
       intelanims
       interface
       maps
       missions
       models
       movies
       multidata
       music
       players
            images
            multi
            single
            squads
       sounds
       tables
       voice

4. Download File Juicer (http://echoone.com/FileJuicer/FileJuicer.html) and drag the app to your Applications folder.

5. Launch File Juicer and mount the first ISO image. Drag the file "data1.cab" onto the File Juicer window and let File Juicer finish extracting stuff from the file.

6. Open the folder (on your desktop) called "Data1 Juice". You can delete the Executables folder. Move all ".vp" files you find to the "Freespace2" folder. The contents of "Hud_Config_Files" go in the "players" folder, and the contents of "Data_Directory_Files" go in the "data" folder. The contents of "Fred_Docs" are not essential, but they can be moved to the "freddocs" folder if you wish.

7. Mount the other two ISO images. These two images have the uncompressed data on them, so you don't need File Juicer.

8. Move all ".vp" files except "warble_fs2.vp" (for some reason this one's on all three discs) from the images to the "Freespace2" folder. Move all ".MVE" files to the "movies" folder and rename them to their lowercase equivalents.

9. Download the Freespace2 application (http://www.evula.org/tnjo/freespace2.zip). Put the two files from this in the "Freespace2" folder. You may wish to tweak the .ini file, but it should give you good performance the way it is right now.

10. Let 'er rip.

A quick note is that you may notice that the game appears to slow down alot as soon as the FPS hits 120. That's the game's framerate cap but it's my theory that the engine keeps going past that point (aka generates frames at more than 120 fps) but then drags the gamespeed down to keep them displaying at 120. I'll try to hack out the framerate cap, but for now just keep the details at maximum and it should stay below 120 most of the time.

Another quick note: Joystick HIGHLY recommended!!!!!! The game plays fine without it, but if you have one USE IT! (Lotsa buttons = good thing)


========

The above post was taken from the Apple Corp Forum which was linked to earlier, and was originally posted by Fireball

I am having trouble downloading the .rar and haven't been able to install Freespace either through the installation instructions I've posted or other means; I put this here simply to make this hopefully more convenient; I am in no way responsible if these instructions cause your computer to disintegrate.

=========

Now, my question is, would these instructions work with the .ISO files that are linked to in the first post, in swooh.com ?

 

[redsteven]

I'm reviving this old thread.

I've never played freespace 2 before, but I'd like to try it. The question is... should I download the mac version, or should I run it in bootcamp? If there aren't any performance problems then I'd rather run it under OS X, but I wouldn't be surprised if the windows version was more up to date, and I don't know how well this will run in Rosetta.

 

[mckyvlle]

I'm reviving this old thread.

I've never played freespace 2 before, but I'd like to try it. The question is... should I download the mac version, or should I run it in bootcamp? If there aren't any performance problems then I'd rather run it under OS X, but I wouldn't be surprised if the windows version was more up to date, and I don't know how well this will run in Rosetta.

I have played FreeSpace 2 since it was released on Windows ages ago. Got it installed on my MacBook using the FreeSpace Open Installer. FreeSpace 2 works perfectly on Intel Macs, the game is a Universal Binary.

Read http://www.hard-light.net/wiki/index.php/FreeSpace_Open_Installer.

Enjoy the game!

 

[Soulstorm]

I'm reviving this old thread.

I've never played freespace 2 before, but I'd like to try it. The question is... should I download the mac version, or should I run it in bootcamp? If there aren't any performance problems then I'd rather run it under OS X, but I wouldn't be surprised if the windows version was more up to date, and I don't know how well this will run in Rosetta.

I can tell you than FS2_Open on OS X is equivalent with the one in Windows. It will run flawlessly. I have ran the game in different computers with different configurations (part of the testing procedure I followed when building the FS2_Open Launcher) and I can assure you that the OS X version is as fast as the Windows one.