TFIV Rebirth dev thread

[BPzeBanshee]

Had a delay today with my computer in my room gone dead and trying to get an even older PC working again with sound (currently sound doesn't work, something about a PCI Serial Port not being installed), once that's done and major stuff in real life is managed I'll try getting Ubuntu working again. (Hell, if this PC problem is real bad I may end up installing Ubuntu for real on that thing anyway).

[BPzeBanshee]

Finally managed to get it somewhat working in Ubuntu, making a game.properties with fullscreen = true did nothing to it and the game crashed upon loading the first level, but at least I got the Main Menu (albeit laggy).

I suspect the culprit is one of two things:
1. Ubuntu does not have the necessary materials installed - what does TF4R need besides the Java runtime?
2. The java runtime isn't actually normal java but OpenJDK - maybe it's a support bug.
3. It may be running right but not within proper directory like OS X did - in which case it aint loading the plugins included with TF4R causing the crash. I'll use my files with it tomorrow.
4. Emulation incompatibility of some sort - I can't do anything about that if that is the case.

[wondersonic]

Finally managed to get it somewhat working in Ubuntu, making a game.properties with fullscreen = true did nothing to it and the game crashed upon loading the first level, but at least I got the Main Menu (albeit laggy).

Congratulations!

I suspect the culprit is one of two things:
1. Ubuntu does not have the necessary materials installed - what does TF4R need besides the Java runtime?
2. The java runtime isn't actually normal java but OpenJDK - maybe it's a support bug.
3. It may be running right but not within proper directory like OS X did - in which case it aint loading the plugins included with TF4R causing the crash. I'll use my files with it tomorrow.
4. Emulation incompatibility of some sort - I can't do anything about that if that is the case.

1. TF4R needs open gl 1.5 video card (check this link for more information)

2. Please run OpenJDK command: java -version and send me the output (TF4R needs a 1.6+ JRE version)

3. The currently available scripts supposes you are running the shell from a terminal and that the current directory is the one in which the core.jar file is

4. yes, since this is Ubuntu from MAC OS X (I suppose)

[BPzeBanshee]

The key issue with emulation here is two main factors - the host computer and the program itself. VirtualBox is free and open-source but is somewhat behind in relation to graphics-related things. It wont let me enable 2D Hardware Acceleration for Ubuntu which suggests that the emulator has incompatibility issues with Ubuntu 10.4. Mac OS X (at least the version I have) seems to have a high CPU usage which sucks, and is also a major factor. High-CPU OS + High-CPU emulation + graphical game using Java and OpenGL that is being emulated at the same time = kaboom, methinks.

One other thing I didn't mention is the possibility that I just didn't download Stage 1 properly. I noticed download issues when downloading updates with Ubuntu and then leaving it for some time, this may have occurred as well.

[wondersonic]

One other thing I didn't mention is the possibility that I just didn't download Stage 1 properly. I noticed download issues when downloading updates with Ubuntu and then leaving it for some time, this may have occurred as well.

Theoretically, one must only download the tf4r.zip file. All other files (*.jar) are downloaded automatically when needed by the game engine.

[BPzeBanshee]

This I know, which is why I suspect it might have buggered - on OS X I used to regularly have any downloads of relatively large size (like your .jars) disconnect.

In other news, I managed to get my computer working with sound and two hard drives, once I get the files I want from the second hard drive (which is from the computer that died) I'll reformat it and probably dual-boot with Lubuntu and will be able to test TF4R on a real computer then.

[BPzeBanshee]

I suspect I found the culprit - when running the game within Ubuntu under OS X, I had installed "OpenJDK". I have reason to believe that this isnt as proper as real Java so I'll try to install that and then run it under VirtualBox. Lubuntu's LXTerminal doesn't seem to let you open files properly and Ubuntu doesn't run too well on the old PC for real testing.

[wondersonic]

I suspect I found the culprit - when running the game within Ubuntu under OS X, I had installed "OpenJDK". I have reason to believe that this isnt as proper as real Java so I'll try to install that and then run it under VirtualBox. Lubuntu's LXTerminal doesn't seem to let you open files properly and Ubuntu doesn't run too well on the old PC for real testing.

Ok, thanks for your time!

[BPzeBanshee]

Installing Sun's Java didn't work in the VM, I'll try getting some form of offline installer for the OpenJDK.

Using the official Java from OpenJDK made no difference (besides music changing pitch and minor performance change), I suspect it's VirtualBox in this case but will try to get an offline installer for my old PC running Ubuntu.

[BPzeBanshee]

Hadn't had much luck installing Java offline, turns out the devs for Oracle (who bought out Sun and therefore own Java) as well as the Ubuntu devs have deliberately made it a bitch to get either versions of Java downloaded for an offline installation easy. I'm missing some files that I need, once I work out what they are I'll be able to get Java running and then will do a proper test of TF4R.
However I dont have much faith as from the time I got the PC working to begin with OpenGL programs dont seem to work and I know this game uses OpenGL. I suspect the card may be so old that it doesn't support it, but will research further when I have the time. I can't recall the exact error it gives me in relation to OpenGL programs on Windows but there's only two ways I can see fixing it and they're not nice options either way (1. Get updates for the graphics driver that has to still support the outdated model, 2. Pull out the graphics card and crap and replace it with an even more shoddy card).
Also, I just got OS X 10.6 today, installed it and now I need to download something like 1 GB worth of updates, and then I need to update the Boot Camp drivers for Windows on this machine (I'm using the Mac for this post, its the only one with internet in the house) so it'll be a while before I can out the source.

In the meantime wondersonic, would you kindly fix up whatever collision and Windows-related issues you got or at least push a release WITH A DEBUGGER LOG FUNCTION so I can read the exact error and info that the Terminal console gives me. It'd be a lot of help if I could use that to find the culprit for this Linux issue as I cannot provide the info you've ask for in previous posts when the Terminal spits out a huge motherload of errors just after the computer specifications bit before running the program and putting in so much content info I cant scroll up to the info anymore.

[wondersonic]

Hadn't had much luck installing Java offline, turns out the devs for Oracle (who bought out Sun and therefore own Java) as well as the Ubuntu devs have deliberately made it a bitch to get either versions of Java downloaded for an offline installation easy. I'm missing some files that I need, once I work out what they are I'll be able to get Java running and then will do a proper test of TF4R.

Ok but note that the Linux version is not necessarily Ubuntu. Maybe you could try with a Linux distrib known fror its good Java deliveries like Open Solaris for example.

However I dont have much faith as from the time I got the PC working to begin with OpenGL programs dont seem to work and I know this game uses OpenGL. I suspect the card may be so old that it doesn't support it, but will research further when I have the time. I can't recall the exact error it gives me in relation to OpenGL programs on Windows but there's only two ways I can see fixing it and they're not nice options either way (1. Get updates for the graphics driver that has to still support the outdated model, 2. Pull out the graphics card and crap and replace it with an even more shoddy card).

Please use the GLView tool, it gives information about the open GL compatibility level of your video card.

And yes upgrading your video card driver can sometimes help; I myself went from an open GL 1.4 compatible video card to an open GL 2.0 just by installing last drivers.

Also, I just got OS X 10.6 today, installed it and now I need to download something like 1 GB worth of updates, and then I need to update the Boot Camp drivers for Windows on this machine (I'm using the Mac for this post, its the only one with internet in the house) so it'll be a while before I can out the source.

Ok, good luck.

In the meantime wondersonic, would you kindly fix up whatever collision and Windows-related issues you got or at least push a release WITH A DEBUGGER LOG FUNCTION so I can read the exact error and info that the Terminal console gives me. It'd be a lot of help if I could use that to find the culprit for this Linux issue as I cannot provide the info you've ask for in previous posts when the Terminal spits out a huge motherload of errors just after the computer specifications bit before running the program and putting in so much content info I cant scroll up to the info anymore.

I don't think there are problems into the collision detection process. However you can redirect output in a file:

Code: Select all

go.bat 2> error.txt > log.txt

[BPzeBanshee]

I consider Ubuntu to be the most popular form of Linux and should be the basis of testing for the time being. So far I can't rule out the OS itself as being unsupporting of Java due to other variables (having Java installed on older PC via Linux, and being emulated via VirtualBox and its shoddy 3D support). If Ubuntu does fail me I'll try Lubuntu, and then Open Solaris.

Haven't heard of GLView but I did manage to get OpenGL working again. Turns out I had extracted setup of previous driver update I did to the computer before I left it outside, and later nVIDIA updates don't support the card so lucky me. I can confirm that TF4R running under Windows on the old PC works fine with some minor performance drops, updating Java to v6 Update 20 may fix that, or just killing Explorer.exe when I run it.

TF4R also works under Mac OS X 10.6, the OS actually does run better than its predecessor so I suspect there may be a performance increase for the game. I still need to finish off updates (the Boot Camp disk installed older version of graphics drivers than what I already had downloaded manually, so I need to update graphics drivers again).

I didn't notice much with the collision issues either when trying it under OS X, I'll redownload TF4R under Windows and set it up again. Could just be a faulty Windows thing.

Is what's there in the code exactly what I should be putting in the go.bat? Just wanna confirm before I test it later today.

[wondersonic]

I consider Ubuntu to be the most popular form of Linux and should be the basis of testing for the time being. So far I can't rule out the OS itself as being unsupporting of Java due to other variables (having Java installed on older PC via Linux, and being emulated via VirtualBox and its shoddy 3D support). If Ubuntu does fail me I'll try Lubuntu, and then Open Solaris.

Fine

Haven't heard of GLView but I did manage to get OpenGL working again. Turns out I had extracted setup of previous driver update I did to the computer before I left it outside, and later nVIDIA updates don't support the card so lucky me.

Aaaaaah video card drivers...

I can confirm that TF4R running under Windows on the old PC works fine

Great!!!

with some minor performance drops, updating Java to v6 Update 20 may fix that, or just killing Explorer.exe when I run it.

What is the average framerate? Ideally, the game should run at 75 FPS.

TF4R also works under Mac OS X 10.6, the OS actually does run better than its predecessor so I suspect there may be a performance increase for the game.

And another good news!!! Bravo! I'll precise this on the installation wiki page. "MAC OS X 10.6 recommanded".

I still need to finish off updates (the Boot Camp disk installed older version of graphics drivers than what I already had downloaded manually, so I need to update graphics drivers again).

Ok, so maybe again improvements for MAC OS X

I didn't notice much with the collision issues either when trying it under OS X,

Ok! I prefer that

I'll redownload TF4R under Windows and set it up again. Could just be a faulty Windows thing.

ok

Is what's there in the code exactly what I should be putting in the go.bat? Just wanna confirm before I test it later today.

Ok, following is the go.bat code (without your modifications to include fullscrenn selection):

Code: Select all

@echo off
java -classpath .\core.jar;.\lib\lwjgl.jar;.\lib\lwjgl_util.jar;.\lib\jinput.jar;.\lib\jl1.0.2.jar;.\lib\freetts.jar tf4r.Main

To log output and errors in files, run it as following:

Code: Select all

C:\tf4r\go.bat > out.txt 2> errors.txt

Many thanks!

[BPzeBanshee]

Here is the errors I get at startup along with the log file:
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?gzatmqfgdzk
This is running Windows. I literally just put the code you had said earlier under what was in the original go.bat, but I'll implement this for a debug log function in my Frontend.

And PLEASE get MSN. I need a better way to contact you badly. You dont even need a Hotmail or whatever, just use your existing Email.

[wondersonic]

Here is the errors I get at startup along with the log file:
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?gzatmqfgdzk
This is running Windows. I literally just put the code you had said earlier under what was in the original go.bat, but I'll implement this for a debug log function in my Frontend.

Hmmm, looks strange, the game engine can't find the shared.jar file. Maybe it's again a problem of current directory. I imagine you doubleclick on the .bat file icon, right?

If you run a command window (cmd) and then run it, what happen? And what is the version of Java you are using?

Code: Select all

java -version

[BPzeBanshee]

PROGRESS!

I finally managed to get Sun's Java installed on the old PC, now the game does run (horribly slow, 6 FPS most of the time) but it still doesn't load the level. I think however I found the culprit for it:

Code: Select all

Loading WHITE PIXEL image: /data/common/graphic/white-pixel.png
/media/BP'S USB V3/tf4r/GoV2.command: line 21:  1494 Segmentation fault      java -classpath ./core.jar:./lib/lwjgl.jar:./lib/lwjgl_util.jar:./lib/jinput.jar:./lib/jl1.0.2.jar:./lib/freetts.jar tf4r.Main

/media/BP'S USB V3/tf4r/GoV2.command: line 40: osascript: command not found

The osascript is what I used in my Mac OS for exiting so it's irrelevant, but the one above that happened exactly as the program crashed. It shows the same symptoms as Ubuntu running under VirtualBox so I think I can safely rule out emulation issues on that end and continue further testing with that as TF4R runs even worse on the old PC. And at this point I'm not going to even BOTHER uninstalling Sun's Java and testing it with OpenJDK as it seems to make absolutely no difference between the two besides the strange sound stuff I heard a while ago. Maybe tomorrow when I have the time I'll do it but not tonight.

As for my Windows issue, may I remind you that the game DOES run after all this but I notice it'll crash on me if I skip the movies and/or press the shield button. Note that the game runs better under Windows than what it does under Linux as far as I can see.
This is what java -version looks like via Windows:

java version "1.6.0_20"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.6.0_20-b02)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 16.3-b01, mixed mode, sharing)

[wondersonic]

The problem related to fullscreen mode not working is related to issue #5

[wondersonic]

Version 0.05 available here.

Now needs 256Mb of memory.

And some vacations await me

[BPzeBanshee]

In relation to this new release:
Testing both OpenJDK and Sun Java on Linux shows that it no longer crashes when loading the levels, however it is still not fullspeed (60 FPS roughly) and has the music garbled (the pitch and speed drop of the songs actually make them sound cool if it weren't for the garble every two seconds when the FPS drops).
Running with Sun Java seemed to make little if any difference, and there was no voice like what there was in Windows. I think it ran somewhat better using Sun Java though.
NOTE: Your sh and command still did not work since the directory stuff isn't done right, mine does. I'll be posting a V3 version of it somewhere soon that has a new option for a debug mode that exports the main information and errors like you told me to.

[wondersonic]

Version 0.06 available here.

Release Notes:
- Using new G1 garbage collector to reduce lags
- Using LWJGL 2.5 with no runtime function checks
- Corrected numerous bugs
- Improved second level intro (3D corridor)
- Started second part of second level development
- Adapted first level difficulty according to mission level

Cheers!
WS

[wondersonic]

Also the JDK is now used instead of the JRE (to have the server JVM).

WS

[BPzeBanshee]

Also the JDK is now used instead of the JRE (to have the server JVM).

Far out man, I think we all have enough issues running this game without needing to install a full-fledged interpreter package. You do realise this further isolates your game from the general user since not everyone has the JDK (including me till today)? Maybe if its possible you could compile it so it's an EXE like Minecraft (which is also done in Java with LWGWL or whatever its called), so it has whatever it needs from the JDK and will still run on JRE-only machines.

EDIT: And also what's changed that requires a specific part of the JDK anyway? Do I need to install EVERYTHING that the thing offers or can I deselect other ones and choose only what's needed for the game?

I'll test the new script files later on too. I hope since its meant to run faster it may run better on Ubuntu with the legacy machine. Wont be able to do much tomorrow though.

EDIT 2: I installed the lot, I get this after putting pause in the go.bat:
Error: no `server' JVM at `C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\server\jvm.dll
This after installing JDK 6u21 with all of them selected. Should I reinstall?

[wondersonic]

Also the JDK is now used instead of the JRE (to have the server JVM).

Far out man, I think we all have enough issues running this game without needing to install a full-fledged interpreter package. You do realise this further isolates your game from the general user since not everyone has the JDK (including me till today)? Maybe if its possible you could compile it so it's an EXE like Minecraft (which is also done in Java with LWGWL or whatever its called), so it has whatever it needs from the JDK and will still run on JRE-only machines.

EDIT: And also what's changed that requires a specific part of the JDK anyway? Do I need to install EVERYTHING that the thing offers or can I deselect other ones and choose only what's needed for the game?

I'll test the new script files later on too. I hope since its meant to run faster it may run better on Ubuntu with the legacy machine. Wont be able to do much tomorrow though.

EDIT 2: I installed the lot, I get this after putting pause in the go.bat:
Error: no `server' JVM at `C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\server\jvm.dll
This after installing JDK 6u21 with all of them selected. Should I reinstall?

Hello

Yes I realised the issues regarding installation. If you are not a Java guru, then you'll have to fight hard

I've indeed had the same idea has you: building an executable, and I'll test launch4j today

Oh and fyi, as I try to get all the power of the JVM, I've thought to use the server VM which in the long term run produces better optimized compiled code.

Thanks for your reply!
WS

[wondersonic]

Version 0.07 available here.

Release Notes:
- Back to the JRE in client mode (the JRE doesn't contain the server mode JVM and the installation of a JDK is too user-friendly: size, access path setup...)
- An executable program is now available for Windows!
- Improved application icon
- Minor bugs corrected

Cheers!
WS

ps: can someone with an internet connection (without proxy) test that the changes made only to the core packages do not produce problems regarding the level packages that I didn't update this time please, TIA?

[BPzeBanshee]

Much better release, I'm glad you saw the light and reverted the horrible changes.

But seriously, an EXE, with logs, and no errors in the errors section at all whatsoever. Nicely done.
Now the issue at hand lies with the script files for Linux and OS X, which I am updating my versions of the script files since I've figured out why fullscreen "wasnt working" before - the config must be "fullscreen=true" not "fullscreen = true", contrary to what you have on the Google Code page.

I still haven't tested the scripts yet, though my batch file still works running it but its a bit defunct now, at least for the Windows version. Wont be able to test Linux/OSX scripts until the weekend and maybe not even then. Gotta help out a guy who has problems with Homebrew on his Nintendo Wii, and got a party to go to, and people to invite to go there.

Also, Stage 2 is impossible as it is. You NEED to do something about the speed, that stage is a lifesnatcher as it was before with the ridiculous changes in direction without the TF2-style closebarriers (which are the same color as the background and are therefore almost completely invisible). I understand it's in development but I really felt the need to make sure you know that needs to be changed.
Of course, stable engine first, which at the moment it appears you've done well since the massive screwup with the JDK. More than made up for your mistakes.

[wondersonic]

Much better release, I'm glad you saw the light and reverted the horrible changes.

But seriously, an EXE, with logs, and no errors in the errors section at all whatsoever. Nicely done.

Thanks

Now the issue at hand lies with the script files for Linux and OS X, which I am updating my versions of the script files since I've figured out why fullscreen "wasnt working" before - the config must be "fullscreen=true" not "fullscreen = true", contrary to what you have on the Google Code page.

Corrected!

I still haven't tested the scripts yet, though my batch file still works running it but its a bit defunct now, at least for the Windows version. Wont be able to test Linux/OSX scripts until the weekend and maybe not even then. Gotta help out a guy who has problems with Homebrew on his Nintendo Wii, and got a party to go to, and people to invite to go there.

No problem

However, know that launch4j is also available for MAC, Linux and Solaris. So in order to create executables for these OS, one has to download the right version and use the right configuration file (currently, I have only the one for windows).

Also, Stage 2 is impossible as it is. You NEED to do something about the speed, that stage is a lifesnatcher as it was before with the ridiculous changes in direction without the TF2-style closebarriers (which are the same color as the background and are therefore almost completely invisible). I understand it's in development but I really felt the need to make sure you know that needs to be changed.

Indeed, although the speed won't change for now, I'll finish this part soon so that barriers become visible and all that is missing appears

Of course, stable engine first, which at the moment it appears you've done well since the massive screwup with the JDK. More than made up for your mistakes.

Thanks again

[wondersonic]

Version 0.08 available here.

Release Notes:
- Added moving 3D doors
- Added added "Danger" signs
- Added speed to information panel
- Added final door
- Enhanced collision detection engine for 3D against 2D objects
- Minor bugs corrected

WIP:



Cheers!
WS

[wondersonic]

Version 0.09 available here.

Release Notes:
- Added log to debug user issue regarding texture management during up and down movments
- Added basic texture: polished metal for corridor walls

Cheers!
WS

[BPzeBanshee]

Stage 2 is better, though the corridor shift crap still kills me off so I can't even thoroughly test it. I need to have some more Iced Coffees today.

Some other queries:

1. Why are the MP3 files 12 MB big and unopenable in Windows Media Player? I'd like to be able to replace the files for testing if only I knew how the hell the format works.
2. Glitch after dying at Stage 2 and pressing the speedup button - you see the thrust change.
3. "After some weeks, the door suddently opens, and you succeed in joining the docks!"

EDIT:
Got launch4j and it appears to work under Mac OS X. Please provide the config files and icon so I can convert it to an OS X file. =D

EDIT2:
Using my script file to run the game (yours still dont work) its very dodgy. It crashes completely just as it loads the opening music on Stage 2, and the long grace period that I enjoyed on the Windows side is not there. The script files you made still seem oriented around the JDK library thing, so Im not too surprised they fail, nonetheless I don't have a clue as to why this isn't working and I made sure I have the latest JRE version of Java.

[wondersonic]

Stage 2 is better, though the corridor shift crap still kills me off so I can't even thoroughly test it. I need to have some more Iced Coffees today.

Some other queries:

1. Why are the MP3 files 12 MB big and unopenable in Windows Media Player? I'd like to be able to replace the files for testing if only I knew how the hell the format works.
2. Glitch after dying at Stage 2 and pressing the speedup button - you see the thrust change.
3. "After some weeks, the door suddently opens, and you succeed in joining the docks!"

1. the files in the .mcd (music cache directory) directory are named .mp3 but are not mp3 format. It's more a raw PCM (raw because there is no header). Moreover, know that in a near future, the action will be tightly coupled to music so changing it will result in poor gameplay IMHO.

2. Noted, I'll make a pass for this kind of issues

3. Thanks again my english is all but perfect

EDIT:
Got launch4j and it appears to work under Mac OS X. Please provide the config files and icon so I can convert it to an OS X file. =D

I'll do it tomorrow.

EDIT2:
Using my script file to run the game (yours still dont work) its very dodgy. It crashes completely just as it loads the opening music on Stage 2, and the long grace period that I enjoyed on the Windows side is not there. The script files you made still seem oriented around the JDK library thing, so Im not too surprised they fail, nonetheless I don't have a clue as to why this isn't working and I made sure I have the latest JRE version of Java.

[/quote]

Strange. Maybe launch4j will be the solution