FreeSpace Alpha - Revision history

Goober5000: title case

2023-09-17T21:01:46Z

title case

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:01, 17 September 2023
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	*[http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/screens2.cfm Page two] of above		*[http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/screens2.cfm Page two] of above

	[[Category:The ~~games~~]]		[[Category:The Games]]

The Force: Spam

2013-02-01T10:52:47Z

Spam

← Older revision	Revision as of 10:52, 1 February 2013
(No difference)

Snail: it's not really a stub anymore is it

2011-05-15T12:36:56Z

it's not really a stub anymore is it

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:36, 15 May 2011
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	This article is about the preview version of ''Descent: FreeSpace''. If you're looking for ~~Alpha One~~, ~~click~~ [[Alpha 1~~\|here~~]].		:''This article is about the preview version of ''Descent: FreeSpace''. If you're looking for the player pilot, please see [[Alpha 1]].''

	==General==		==General==
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	*[http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/screens2.cfm Page two] of above		*[http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/screens2.cfm Page two] of above

	~~{{stub}}~~
	[[Category:The games]]		[[Category:The games]]

Snail: wrong category

2011-05-15T12:35:13Z

wrong category

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:35, 15 May 2011
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	{{stub}}		{{stub}}
	[[Category:~~FreeSpace Universe~~]]		[[Category:The games]]

TopAce: consistency with capitals, wikifying dashes, plus some spellchecking

2009-04-07T18:54:12Z

consistency with capitals, wikifying dashes, plus some spellchecking

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:54, 7 April 2009
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	This article is about the preview version of ''Descent: FreeSpace''. If you're looking for Alpha One, ~~you should~~ click [[~~Alpha_1~~\|here]].		This article is about the preview version of ''Descent: FreeSpace''. If you're looking for Alpha One, click [[Alpha 1\|here]].

	==General==		==General==
	[[Image:Medium_laser.jpg\|thumb\|'''Evidence of the remnants of the G-13 Medium Laser from FreeSpace Alpha.''']]		[[Image:Medium_laser.jpg\|thumb\|'''Evidence of the remnants of the G-13 Medium Laser from FreeSpace Alpha.''']]
	Before the retail release of Descent: FreeSpace, a number of Alpha and Beta versions were shipped to various testers and magazine editors in order for them to get a preview of what's coming, plus it allowed them to advertise the coming game. There was a lot of unique gameplay content in the Beta and the Alphas -- of which there was a total of two; content that was not included ''at all'' in the released versions of the game or was changed to the point of unrecognizability. Some of the Alpha-only content included things such as unique ships -- the ~~shivan~~ cruiser ''Caldera'' and the ~~terran~~ cruiser ''Juggernath'' -- and unique dialogue deepening the storyline.
			Before the retail release of Descent: FreeSpace, a number of Alpha and Beta versions were shipped to various testers and magazine editors in order for them to get a preview of what's coming, plus it allowed them to advertise the coming game. There was a lot of unique gameplay content in the Beta and the Alphas—of which there was a total of two; content that was not included ''at all'' in the released versions of the game or was changed to the point of unrecognizability. Some of the Alpha-only content included things such as unique ships—the Shivan cruiser ''Caldera'' and the Terran cruiser ''Juggernath''—and unique dialogue deepening the storyline.

	Some graphics decisions unique to the Alpha are, amongst other things, a completely different HUD with shield integrity as exact percentage instead of graphics, a different pilot stat screen with your current fleet affiliation on display and totally different pilot appearance graphics, different POF models and mission backgrounds including multiple planets (''official screenshot of early planet background [http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/images/screens/fullsize/fsshot0030.jpg here]'').		Some graphics decisions unique to the Alpha are, amongst other things, a completely different HUD with shield integrity as exact percentage instead of graphics, a different pilot stat screen with your current fleet affiliation on display and totally different pilot appearance graphics, different POF models and mission backgrounds including multiple planets (''official screenshot of early planet background [http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/images/screens/fullsize/fsshot0030.jpg here]'').

	In the earliest phases of development, and thus apparent in the Alpha screenshots, the fighter and bomber ship models disintegrated in the same fashion as the ships in the 6DoF ''Descent'' series, ie the ship's fuselage got literally "blown to bits". This was probably deemed too processor heavy, and was quickly dropped. Not a single screenshot post-Alpha reflects this earlier development decision.		In the earliest phases of development, and thus apparent in the Alpha screenshots, the fighter and bomber ship models disintegrated in the same fashion as the ships in the 6DoF ''Descent'' series, i.e. the ship's fuselage got literally "blown to bits". This was probably deemed too processor heavy, and was quickly dropped. Not a single screenshot post-Alpha reflects this earlier development decision.

	Unique weaponry for the Alpha included weapons that are still present in some of the screenshots on Volition's official FreeSpace site. Look for evidence of the the Mag-Pulse and Angelfire missiles (''screenshot [http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/images/screens/fullsize/fsshot0014.jpg here]''), for instance, check for stats below. The screenshot is also proof that the [[GTM MX-64\|Rockeye]] secondary was already part of the Beta release, and was simply re-introduced in ''FreeSpace 2''.		Unique weaponry for the Alpha included weapons that are still present in some of the screenshots on Volition's official FreeSpace site. Look for evidence of the the Mag-Pulse and Angelfire missiles (''screenshot [http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/images/screens/fullsize/fsshot0014.jpg here]''), for instance, check for stats below. The screenshot is also proof that the [[GTM MX-64\|Rockeye]] secondary was already part of the Beta release, and was simply re-introduced in ''FreeSpace 2''.
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	==Screenshots from FreeSpace Alpha==		==Screenshots from FreeSpace Alpha==
	Very few screenshots of the earliest development phases of ''Descent: FreeSpace'' are still available (as of 2007). In sheer volume, most of the screenshots can still be seen on Volition's official ''Descent: FreeSpace'' site. The official screenshots, however, are from the last stages of development. For all intents and purposes, the screenshots can be said to reflect the actual ~~game play~~ of the playable Beta version.		Very few screenshots of the earliest development phases of ''Descent: FreeSpace'' are still available (as of 2007). In sheer volume, most of the screenshots can still be seen on Volition's official ''Descent: FreeSpace'' site. The official screenshots, however, are from the last stages of development. For all intents and purposes, the screenshots can be said to reflect the actual gameplay of the playable Beta version.
	<gallery caption="FreeSpace Alpha gallery">		<gallery caption="FreeSpace Alpha gallery">
	Image:Alpha_hud.jpg\|Early version of the HUD.		Image:Alpha_hud.jpg\|Early version of the HUD.
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	==FreeSpace Alpha-Only Weaponry==		==FreeSpace Alpha-Only Weaponry==
	The pre-release version(s) of FreeSpace had unique weaponry, both primary and secondary ~~ditto~~. The point of interest is that many of the Alpha names are still present in the retail version(s), namely as the names of the sound FX files. These names can easily be read by examining the VP files.		The pre-release version(s) of FreeSpace had unique weaponry, both primary and secondary. The point of interest is that many of the Alpha names are still present in the retail version(s), namely as the names of the sound FX files. These names can easily be read by examining the VP files.
	===Primary ~~weapons~~===
			===Primary Weapons===
	{\| border=1 cellpadding=4 style="border-collapse: collapse"		{\| border=1 cellpadding=4 style="border-collapse: collapse"
	\|- align="center"		\|- align="center"
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	==Alpha Missions==		==Alpha Missions==
	[[Image:Juggernath_mission.jpg\|thumb\|'''Screenshot from the near-mythical Juggernath mission.''']]		[[Image:Juggernath_mission.jpg\|thumb\|'''Screenshot from the near-mythical Juggernath mission.''']]
	The Alpha versions of FreeSpace also contained unique missions. There were a total of three missions in the Alpha versions, two of which are the ones' we know from the FreeSpace 1 Demo. The third Alpha-only mission -- the second in the Alpha "campaign" -- is arguably the most interesting of them all. This is the mission where Alpha wing is ordered to escort the lone ''Juggernath'', a Fenris class cruiser.		The Alpha versions of FreeSpace also contained unique missions. There were a total of three missions in the Alpha versions, two of which are the ones we know from the FreeSpace 1 Demo. The third Alpha-only mission—the second in the Alpha "campaign"—is arguably the most interesting of them all. This is the mission where Alpha wing is ordered to escort the lone ''Juggernath'', a [[GTC Fenris\|''Fenris''-class cruiser]].

	The mission also contains a lot of unique dialogue, dialogue which explains the sentiments regarding the newly founded Vasudan~~/Terran~~ alliance and deepens the storyline, highlighting the still present animosity towards the Vasudans. A line from Alpha 3 in the mission might serve as example; "''I just hope I don't accidentally fire on one of them in the heat of battle. Old habits die hard''".		The mission also contains a lot of unique dialogue, dialogue which explains the sentiments regarding the newly-founded Terran-Vasudan alliance and deepens the storyline, highlighting the still present animosity towards the Vasudans. A line from Alpha 3 in the mission might serve as example; "''I just hope I don't accidentally fire on one of them in the heat of battle. Old habits die hard''".

	Other differences -- differences that might seem trivial but have quite an impact on the developing story -- include the casting of the main character as part of the [[FreeSpace_1_Terran_Ship_Database#GTC_Orff\|GTC ''Orff's'']] crew, rather than as a part of the [[FreeSpace_1_Terran_Ship_Database#GTD_Galatea\|GTD ''Galatea's'']] crew.		Other differences—differences that might seem trivial but have quite an impact on the developing story—include the casting of the main character as part of the [[FreeSpace_1_Terran_Ship_Database#GTC_Orff\|GTC ''Orff's'']] crew, rather than as a part of the [[FreeSpace_1_Terran_Ship_Database#GTD_Galatea\|GTD ''Galatea's'']] crew.

	Please note that the first Alpha version handed out to (p)reviewers was not playable. Most of the first Alpha only consisted of pre-scripted action. The final pre-release version, however, ''was'' playable and was thus shipped out to reviewers/testers as a novel "Playable Demo". The "Playable Demo" moniker is still present on the load up screen of the officially released ''Descent: FreeSpace'' demo.		Please note that the first Alpha version handed out to (p)reviewers was not playable. Most of the first Alpha only consisted of pre-scripted action. The final pre-release version, however, ''was'' playable and was thus shipped out to reviewers/testers as a novel "Playable Demo". The "Playable Demo" moniker is still present on the load up screen of the officially released ''Descent: FreeSpace'' demo.

Selectah: /* General */

2008-09-16T09:35:37Z

General

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:35, 16 September 2008
Line 4:		Line 4:
	Before the retail release of Descent: FreeSpace, a number of Alpha and Beta versions were shipped to various testers and magazine editors in order for them to get a preview of what's coming, plus it allowed them to advertise the coming game. There was a lot of unique gameplay content in the Beta and the Alphas -- of which there was a total of two; content that was not included ''at all'' in the released versions of the game or was changed to the point of unrecognizability. Some of the Alpha-only content included things such as unique ships -- the shivan cruiser ''Caldera'' and the terran cruiser ''Juggernath'' -- and unique dialogue deepening the storyline.		Before the retail release of Descent: FreeSpace, a number of Alpha and Beta versions were shipped to various testers and magazine editors in order for them to get a preview of what's coming, plus it allowed them to advertise the coming game. There was a lot of unique gameplay content in the Beta and the Alphas -- of which there was a total of two; content that was not included ''at all'' in the released versions of the game or was changed to the point of unrecognizability. Some of the Alpha-only content included things such as unique ships -- the shivan cruiser ''Caldera'' and the terran cruiser ''Juggernath'' -- and unique dialogue deepening the storyline.

	Some graphics decisions unique to the Alpha are, amongst other things, a completely different HUD with shield integrity as exact percentage instead of graphics, a different pilot stat screen with your current fleet affiliation on display and totally different pilot appearance graphics, different POF models and mission backgrounds including planets (''official screenshot of early planet background [http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/images/screens/fullsize/fsshot0030.jpg here]'').		Some graphics decisions unique to the Alpha are, amongst other things, a completely different HUD with shield integrity as exact percentage instead of graphics, a different pilot stat screen with your current fleet affiliation on display and totally different pilot appearance graphics, different POF models and mission backgrounds including multiple planets (''official screenshot of early planet background [http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/images/screens/fullsize/fsshot0030.jpg here]'').

	In the earliest phases of development, and thus apparent in the Alpha screenshots, the fighter and bomber ship models disintegrated in the same fashion as the ships in the 6DoF ''Descent'' series, ie the ship's fuselage got literally "blown to bits". This was probably deemed too processor heavy, and was quickly dropped. Not a single screenshot post-Alpha reflects this earlier development decision.		In the earliest phases of development, and thus apparent in the Alpha screenshots, the fighter and bomber ship models disintegrated in the same fashion as the ships in the 6DoF ''Descent'' series, ie the ship's fuselage got literally "blown to bits". This was probably deemed too processor heavy, and was quickly dropped. Not a single screenshot post-Alpha reflects this earlier development decision.

Mustang19: pedantic change. oh, and the plato is a dude.

2008-03-13T17:03:52Z

pedantic change. oh, and the plato is a dude.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:03, 13 March 2008
Line 8:		Line 8:
	In the earliest phases of development, and thus apparent in the Alpha screenshots, the fighter and bomber ship models disintegrated in the same fashion as the ships in the 6DoF ''Descent'' series, ie the ship's fuselage got literally "blown to bits". This was probably deemed too processor heavy, and was quickly dropped. Not a single screenshot post-Alpha reflects this earlier development decision.		In the earliest phases of development, and thus apparent in the Alpha screenshots, the fighter and bomber ship models disintegrated in the same fashion as the ships in the 6DoF ''Descent'' series, ie the ship's fuselage got literally "blown to bits". This was probably deemed too processor heavy, and was quickly dropped. Not a single screenshot post-Alpha reflects this earlier development decision.

	Unique weaponry for the Alpha included weapons that are still present in some of the screenshots on Volition's official FreeSpace site. Look for evidence of the the Mag-Pulse and Angelfire missiles (''screenshot [http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/images/screens/fullsize/fsshot0014.jpg here]''), for instance, check for stats below. The screenshot is also proof that the [[Rockeye]] secondary was already part of the Beta release, and was simply re-introduced in ''FreeSpace 2''.		Unique weaponry for the Alpha included weapons that are still present in some of the screenshots on Volition's official FreeSpace site. Look for evidence of the the Mag-Pulse and Angelfire missiles (''screenshot [http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/images/screens/fullsize/fsshot0014.jpg here]''), for instance, check for stats below. The screenshot is also proof that the [[GTM MX-64\|Rockeye]] secondary was already part of the Beta release, and was simply re-introduced in ''FreeSpace 2''.

	The Alpha/Beta versions also included unique dialogue. Some of the generic lines present in the Alpha/Beta releases were later dropped in favour of the present ones, such as "''Enemy at three o'clock high!''", "''Sir watch your tail''" and "''Enemy fighters just appeared on radar''".		The Alpha/Beta versions also included unique dialogue. Some of the generic lines present in the Alpha/Beta releases were later dropped in favour of the present ones, such as "''Enemy at three o'clock high!''", "''Sir watch your tail''" and "''Enemy fighters just appeared on radar''".

Selectah: /* General */

2008-03-13T14:08:51Z

General

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:08, 13 March 2008
Line 8:		Line 8:
	In the earliest phases of development, and thus apparent in the Alpha screenshots, the fighter and bomber ship models disintegrated in the same fashion as the ships in the 6DoF ''Descent'' series, ie the ship's fuselage got literally "blown to bits". This was probably deemed too processor heavy, and was quickly dropped. Not a single screenshot post-Alpha reflects this earlier development decision.		In the earliest phases of development, and thus apparent in the Alpha screenshots, the fighter and bomber ship models disintegrated in the same fashion as the ships in the 6DoF ''Descent'' series, ie the ship's fuselage got literally "blown to bits". This was probably deemed too processor heavy, and was quickly dropped. Not a single screenshot post-Alpha reflects this earlier development decision.

	Unique weaponry for the Alpha included weapons that are still present in some of the screenshots on Volition's official FreeSpace site. Look for evidence of the the Mag-Pulse and Angelfire missiles (''screenshot [http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/images/screens/fullsize/fsshot0014.jpg here]''), for instance, check for stats below. The screenshot is also proof that the Rockeye secondary was already part of the Beta release, and was simply re-introduced in ''FreeSpace 2''.		Unique weaponry for the Alpha included weapons that are still present in some of the screenshots on Volition's official FreeSpace site. Look for evidence of the the Mag-Pulse and Angelfire missiles (''screenshot [http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/images/screens/fullsize/fsshot0014.jpg here]''), for instance, check for stats below. The screenshot is also proof that the [[Rockeye]] secondary was already part of the Beta release, and was simply re-introduced in ''FreeSpace 2''.

	The Alpha/Beta versions also included unique dialogue. Some of the generic lines present in the Alpha/Beta releases were later dropped in favour of the present ones, such as "''Enemy at three o'clock high!''", "''Sir watch your tail''" and "''Enemy fighters just appeared on radar''".		The Alpha/Beta versions also included unique dialogue. Some of the generic lines present in the Alpha/Beta releases were later dropped in favour of the present ones, such as "''Enemy at three o'clock high!''", "''Sir watch your tail''" and "''Enemy fighters just appeared on radar''".

Selectah: "of" shouldn't be capitalized.

2008-01-07T09:29:10Z

"of" shouldn't be capitalized.

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:29, 7 January 2008
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	Some graphics decisions unique to the Alpha are, amongst other things, a completely different HUD with shield integrity as exact percentage instead of graphics, a different pilot stat screen with your current fleet affiliation on display and totally different pilot appearance graphics, different POF models and mission backgrounds including planets (''official screenshot of early planet background [http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/images/screens/fullsize/fsshot0030.jpg here]'').		Some graphics decisions unique to the Alpha are, amongst other things, a completely different HUD with shield integrity as exact percentage instead of graphics, a different pilot stat screen with your current fleet affiliation on display and totally different pilot appearance graphics, different POF models and mission backgrounds including planets (''official screenshot of early planet background [http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/images/screens/fullsize/fsshot0030.jpg here]'').

	In the earliest phases of development, and thus apparent in the Alpha screenshots, the fighter and bomber ship models disintegrated in the same fashion as the ships in the ~~6DOF~~ ''Descent'' series, ie the ship's fuselage got literally "blown to bits". This was probably deemed too processor heavy, and was quickly dropped. Not a single screenshot post-Alpha reflects this earlier development decision.		In the earliest phases of development, and thus apparent in the Alpha screenshots, the fighter and bomber ship models disintegrated in the same fashion as the ships in the 6DoF ''Descent'' series, ie the ship's fuselage got literally "blown to bits". This was probably deemed too processor heavy, and was quickly dropped. Not a single screenshot post-Alpha reflects this earlier development decision.

	Unique weaponry for the Alpha included weapons that are still present in some of the screenshots on Volition's official FreeSpace site. Look for evidence of the the Mag-Pulse and Angelfire missiles (''screenshot [http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/images/screens/fullsize/fsshot0014.jpg here]''), for instance, check for stats below. The screenshot is also proof that the Rockeye secondary was already part of the Beta release, and was simply re-introduced in ''FreeSpace 2''.		Unique weaponry for the Alpha included weapons that are still present in some of the screenshots on Volition's official FreeSpace site. Look for evidence of the the Mag-Pulse and Angelfire missiles (''screenshot [http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/images/screens/fullsize/fsshot0014.jpg here]''), for instance, check for stats below. The screenshot is also proof that the Rockeye secondary was already part of the Beta release, and was simply re-introduced in ''FreeSpace 2''.
Line 14:		Line 14:
	==Screenshots from FreeSpace Alpha==		==Screenshots from FreeSpace Alpha==
	Very few screenshots of the earliest development phases of ''Descent: FreeSpace'' are still available (as of 2007). In sheer volume, most of the screenshots can still be seen on Volition's official ''Descent: FreeSpace'' site. The official screenshots, however, are from the last stages of development. For all intents and purposes, the screenshots can be said to reflect the actual game play of the playable Beta version.		Very few screenshots of the earliest development phases of ''Descent: FreeSpace'' are still available (as of 2007). In sheer volume, most of the screenshots can still be seen on Volition's official ''Descent: FreeSpace'' site. The official screenshots, however, are from the last stages of development. For all intents and purposes, the screenshots can be said to reflect the actual game play of the playable Beta version.
	<gallery caption="FreeSpace Alpha ~~screenshots~~">		<gallery caption="FreeSpace Alpha gallery">
	Image:Alpha_hud.jpg\|Early version of the HUD.		Image:Alpha_hud.jpg\|Early version of the HUD.
	Image:Alpha_hud_2.jpg\|Planet backgrounds from ''FreeSpace Alpha''.		Image:Alpha_hud_2.jpg\|Planet backgrounds from ''FreeSpace Alpha''.

Selectah: /* Screenshots from FreeSpace Alpha */

2007-12-28T08:47:54Z

Screenshots from FreeSpace Alpha

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:47, 28 December 2007
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	==Screenshots from FreeSpace Alpha==		==Screenshots from FreeSpace Alpha==
	Very few screenshots of the earliest development phases of ''Descent: FreeSpace'' are still available (as of 2007). In sheer volume, most of the screenshots can still be seen on Volition's official ''Descent: FreeSpace'' site. The official screenshots, however, are from the last stages of development. For all intents and purposes, the screenshots can be said to reflect the actual game play of the playable Beta version.		Very few screenshots of the earliest development phases of ''Descent: FreeSpace'' are still available (as of 2007). In sheer volume, most of the screenshots can still be seen on Volition's official ''Descent: FreeSpace'' site. The official screenshots, however, are from the last stages of development. For all intents and purposes, the screenshots can be said to reflect the actual game play of the playable Beta version.
	<gallery>		<gallery caption="FreeSpace Alpha screenshots">
	Image:Alpha_hud.jpg\|Early version of the HUD.		Image:Alpha_hud.jpg\|Early version of the HUD.
	Image:Alpha_hud_2.jpg\|Planet backgrounds from ''FreeSpace Alpha''.		Image:Alpha_hud_2.jpg\|Planet backgrounds from ''FreeSpace Alpha''.