Games - SourceForts

Home > Listing Index > Games > SourceForts

	Games - SourceForts

SourceForts is a multiplayer CTF modification, or mod for Half-Life 2.

Description

SourceForts is a Half Life 2: Deathmatch modification built around the HL2:DM code, changing the gameplay and including new materials.

The game consists of two distinct phases: "Build Phase" and "Combat Phase". During the build phase players create structures out of building materials located in the map to defend both the flag and team. After the initial build time is the combat phase, during which the players are given weapons according to their chosen class and attempt to capture the enemy's flag. The combat and build phases then alternate until the end of the round.

History

SourceForts was originally created by Knifa, a twelve year old (at the time) UK mod maker, with its first release on February 24th, 2005. It went through various versions, however very few were 'stable' (once, during the course of three days, the mod was updated three times). Eventually, version 1.4.1 was created, including many requested features and extra stability. However, at this point Valve updated Half-Life 2: Deathmatch (which the SourceForts code is based on), introducing an error in the logic_gametimer function which caused 1.4.1 to be unplayable. After attempting and failing to fix the problem, Knifa abandoned the mod, handing over the official site and forums to Stinger, Dred_furst and Coag, none of whom had the coding experience to continue the project.

SourceFort's self-proclaimed "saviour" was jlf, an English programmer who claims he was just "in the right channel at the right time". Jlf released SourceForts version 1.4.2, which was simply a working version of 1.4.1, with the same gameplay but bypassing the bug. Along with this, jlf became the new SourceForts administrator, by the creation of a new website and forums. Jlf's next move was to begin work on SourceForts version 2.0.0, written completely from scratch, with none of Knifa's code. This took far longer than expected, however, leaving many in the community restless at the apparent lack of progress in the mod: they were stuck playing an unstable game while no release of 2.0.0 was in sight. Eventually, the decision was made to work on a temporary stop-gap: SourceForts version 1.5.0, a fully stable version of 1.4.2 that would appease the community until the work on 2.0.0 could be completed. Jlf passed on much of the work on 1.5.0 and its Linux binaries to an outside programmer known as Nick. Nick requested to join the team right when it became apparent a 'one and a half' version was needed.

After a series of misunderstandings of the merits of a public beta, nick released the beta binaries for 1.5.0, without permission from any other staff members. A short time later, with the code all but completed, several additional controversial actions took place. Jlf returned from a trip, and started to request the code that Nick was working on. Additionally, jlf required that Nick add code to the beta which would make 1.5.0 maps compatible with jlf's 2.0.0 format, but would not allow nick to use this code in any future projects. Nick, considering 1.5.0 to be basically his creation, resented this idea. When both sides could not come to an acceptable agreement, nick left the SourceForts Team, and took the 1.5.0 code with him. He used this code to start his own mod, known as Neoforts. Neoforts development ceased and the mod officially closed down a short time after, due to a "lack of leadership" and interest.

Soon after nick's departure, the decision was made to put out another SourceForts stop-gap version, 1.9.0, to allow community members to see the progress the mod was making and give them a stable game. This version was to be coded by jlf, although Voltaire, a programmer who was familiar with jlf, joined near the end of the 1.9.0 betas and helped out a great deal. A new "Dev Team Diary" was added to the forum, additions were added to the stagnant homepage, and Beta Testers were encouraged to speak about the features of the new version before it was released.

SourceForts version 1.9.0 was released on September 25, to mixed reviews from the community. Many appreciate the changes made, while others consider the modifications to have ruined some of the tried and true ways of playing, by removing or heavily modifying weapons and defensive tactics such as block throwing. As the intent of the release was to greatly change the gameplay of SourceForts, however, it is likely that as players become used to the new gameplay they will find new tactics and strategies to replace those that are no longer possible. At the same time as the release, a completely redesigned homepage was unveiled, as well as a new league system.

After a long period of inactivity on the staff's part, they finally provided the community with an update on the progress of SourceForts. A news post was released including various images of new models and maps by FictiousWill and Stieffers. The post also detailed how the previous project leader and coder, jlf, had left due to complications in his life, but how Voltaire had picked up where jlf had left off. Stieffers wrote of how he was working on a completely recoded website to provide a solid foundation for future community activities. Finally, the post included information about FictiousWill was releasing many maps for the community.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for SourceForts ]

Searches on eBay

sourceforts