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Aug 28, 2005, 4:03pm

The next version of AWE is out. New features include more enhanced
textures, further enhancements from the version 1.0 textures, some enhanced
objects, and more passive avatar gestures.

For those who don't know about AWE, it's a visual mod to Alphaworld which
utilizes the local path function in the AW advanced settings, overriding a
portion of the object path with the texture pack's custom, enhanced
textures. All, except 2, textures represent the original texture, but just
in a higher res format. More importantly some textures are adjusted a
little so that an unsightly tiling effect doesn't show when looking over a
texture (where you can make out all the texture panes), creating a more
seamless environment. AWE is now 3 months old and 250+ downloads and
counting.

For more information and the download site, visit http://awe.swcity.net


New in version 1.1

- Larger ground object (4x larger, blue backdrop not seen untill roughly 32%
higher elevation vs before)
- New version of grass1 (more seamless)
- Better jump sequence (your legs actually move in this one)
- Added a fall sequence, which activates when your falling.
- Some of the tbtree___ objects, and the old tree01 to 03 objects, support
the tag command so you can texture the trunk and leaves specifically. Tag 1
is the trunk, tag 2 is the leaves. Non-AWE users will see the default tree.
It's suggested you don't dramatically change the appearance of the trees,
for the sake of non-AWE users. Expect the rest of the trees to be taggable
in a later version. Thanks RoadKill & Selanit.
- Texture slate1 enhanced (resolution 2x)
- Texture sand1 enhanced (resolution 2x)
- Texture sand2 enhanced (resolution 2x, seamless)
- The flat8 in version 1.0 was enhanced incorrectly. It is now properly
enhanced (original texture, 74% higher resolution)
- grassn now has proper darkness ratio towards grasso so that the two should
match up.
- Texture rock2 enhanced (resolution 2x)
- Texture road7 enhanced (resolution 2x)
- Texture boden further enhanced (resolution 4x, version 1.0 had 2x).
- Texture roof1 fixed - there was an unsightly black line on the side in the
vanilla version.
- Texture thwall1 enhanced (resolution 2x)
- AWE now comes bundled with a tool that downloads the entire AW object path
(except content modified by AWE) into the AWE folders, so you never have to
download it again in the future. Thanks Selanit. To use it, look in the
start menu. Note this will take a long time, especially for dial-up users.

Aug 29, 2005, 12:32pm

[View Quote] I don't understand the bit about the local function. Is there somewhere
I can look it up? Also how do you use AWE? Does it just work with the
normal browser?

Aug 29, 2005, 3:11pm

It uses the local path function, as described here in the AW Help files:
http://www.activeworlds.com/help/aw36/advanced.html
That should answer both questions ;D

[View Quote] > I don't understand the bit about the local function. Is there somewhere I
> can look it up? Also how do you use AWE? Does it just work with the
> normal browser?

Aug 29, 2005, 3:44pm

All you have to do is run the install file and forget about it. There's
nothing special you need to do to set it up.

Chris

[View Quote]

Aug 29, 2005, 4:28pm

Why if this enhanced browser is so good, AW does not incorportate it into
its numerous updates? I personally will not install any exe files etc if
not straight through AW. Do we know you?

I am not sure I like the idea of some seeing one thing and others seeing
something else. Where is the fun in that?

Sorry maybe there is something I am not understanding here, not being a
techie LOL but I am not sure it is right playing around with AW's browser
unless AW gives it to us.

I have heard a lot about the enhancements, and if it is as good as I hear,
how about giving it to AW so we can all have it across the board on entering
Alpha?

sweets

[View Quote]

Aug 29, 2005, 4:34pm

[View Quote] Most people do.

> I am not sure I like the idea of some seeing one thing and others seeing
> something else. Where is the fun in that?

Where is the fun in crappy graphics?

> Sorry maybe there is something I am not understanding here, not being a
> techie LOL but I am not sure it is right playing around with AW's browser
> unless AW gives it to us.

Its the entire point of the feature, Active Worlds Inc actually
__advertises__ this mod in AWGate.

> I have heard a lot about the enhancements, and if it is as good as I hear,
> how about giving it to AW so we can all have it across the board on
> entering Alpha?

We wish.

>
> sweets

If you want better graphics in alphaworld, just install the damned mod :)

--
- Mark Randall
http://zetech.swehli.com

Aug 29, 2005, 5:23pm

Psst <opens trenchcoat>, i have a special mod for aw, its a res hacked
2kb version of aworld, want to download it?

[View Quote]

Aug 29, 2005, 6:02pm

[View Quote] Because the AW Conservatists would scream bloody hell if their textures were
modified in any way, and AWI tends to want to please them *shrug*

> I am not sure I like the idea of some seeing one thing and others seeing
> something else. Where is the fun in that?

Many, almost all games include graphic settings through the options, where
you can increase and decrease texture detail. It's not much different than
that if you think about it.
Note that many of the textures are the same texture. They are the original
textures that AWI used aquired through freeware texture resource
directories. AWI however downsized their resolution for whatever reason.
AWE uses the maximum resolution available. So it's not like you'll be
seeing a dramatically different world.

> Sorry maybe there is something I am not understanding here, not being a
> techie LOL but I am not sure it is right playing around with AW's browser
> unless AW gives it to us.

It's an AW feature. Chrispeg, the AWI dev, taught me how to use it, and AWI
is advertising it. What more do you want?
Try it out, what do you have to lose? If you don't like it, the uninstaller
will revert it back.

Aug 29, 2005, 6:08pm

Just a note. There's a known issue where the larger ground object may
cause z buffering for people with certain video cards (particullary Intel
Graphic Chipsets). You can simply uncheck it through the installer, so it
won't install, if this is the case.

Aug 29, 2005, 6:28pm

ahhh ok thanks....was just curious...us old timers have trouble trusting
anyone LMAO
sweets

[View Quote]

Aug 30, 2005, 1:56am

Here's a good before and after sample screenshot for all you doubters :P

http://www.swcity.net/temp/flat16_before.jpg
http://www.swcity.net/temp/flat16_after.jpg

As you can see, the texture is the same. It's just a higher resolution.

Aug 30, 2005, 2:04am

just curious, where you get the high res textures from anyway? O_O

-SWE

[View Quote]

Aug 30, 2005, 6:41am

ummm is it safe to click on those addy's? LMAO
sweets

[View Quote]

Aug 30, 2005, 1:57pm

[View Quote]

Aug 30, 2005, 4:15pm

It's a jpg. Yes it's safe.

Chris

[View Quote]

Aug 30, 2005, 6:34pm

What if it's one of those horrible terrorist JPEGs that causes mice and popcorn to explode from the keyboard?

[View Quote]

Aug 30, 2005, 7:10pm

you mean the exploding mice and popcorn ones? O_O God forbid >_<

-SWE

[View Quote]

Aug 31, 2005, 12:34am

lol whats with all the mistrust around here, jeeze :P
Even if it were a virus or whatever, not even a virus writer would just post
it in a public newsgroup when your account has an identity. Even a dimwit
would know that would be illegal suicide to do.

[View Quote]

Sep 8, 2005, 9:53am

I am very impressed with the modifications that have been made... though i
fail to understand how they were made...

maybe we could have a chat?

wburns at vr5-online.com

William Burns
CTO
VR5-Online.com

[View Quote]

Feb 21, 2006, 5:38am

Wait... nevermind. I'm a bit slow on these things. Enable local path...
mirror directory... put in high res stuff... override original things.

Ok.. sounds fair. Have a better use for it though. Well... better is an
opinion here.. but ... well...

Rephrased... this sparked a couple of interesting uses other than what AWE
is doing.

[View Quote]

Feb 25, 2006, 11:15pm

What I had in documentation was the method to use AW as a standalone from CD
without connecting online... either or...

Cool that AWE is doing the replacement thing for high res, though 9Mb is a
little high for me (dialup).

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