RavenGames News Archives

May 2003

This is a very nice map taken from "The library" from goldeneye for sof2, for those of you that know this map you will have to see if its reproduced correctly. The map has the feel of Maze like with loads of secret doors and walkways, the map supports CTF, DM, TDM, ELIM game types and will host 16 max players, any more and its a bit of squash:

Go download it at SoF II Files and see what you think, nice all around map.

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A new study says that action based video games can imporove your visual perception. If that's the case, I can probably see what's coming up behind me. lol.

"Researchers at the University of Rochester (search) found that young adults who regularly played video games full of high-speed car chases and blazing gun battles showed better visual skills than those who did not. For example, they kept better track of objects appearing simultaneously and processed fast-changing visual information more efficiently. "

Fox News has the scoop.

(Source: Mods Online)

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This is the first map from Deadbob for Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix and it looks and plays very well indeed. Its a medium/large sized map based on the Resident Evil movie, there are loads and loads of tunnels for you to get lost in, and loads of place to hide making escaping with the breifcase in Infi game play very difficult, the map supports DM TDM INF ELIM game types and will host 8 or more players the more the better i feel, this is a beta version so hopefully we can some some nice additions to this map? Dunno if you all can remember the movie, but to me the walls and floors in this map seem mighty clean to me (no blood):

Take a look at SoF II Files.

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This is Alexraptor's first map, and it's not too shabby. I really like the frame of the drydock itself. At first the debris seemed strange, but hey you need something to stand on. It's hard enough to avoid falling off already. My only complaint is that the skybox isn't done right. It doesn't have that skybox feel to it. You can actually see the edges and corners:

Check it out at Elite Force Files.

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Here we have an updated version of Space Fort Capture the Flag for Elite Force, with the texture problem fixed, but still no bot support.

The map itself has a tri level ramping structure and the author based this creation on a cross between the old west and faceoff maps, keeping the sniper lovers in mind too. There is a hidden passage for the map,and the passage to the floating sniper shacks you'll need to find...

It was developed by Adm.Wolvereen and you can find it at Elite Force Files.

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This is -=Lone=- K|D's first map, it a small sized map in the theme of a military airbase, it supports CTF only in this version, and would host at a guess no more that 10 players. The map is made up of hangers a helipad and a couple of buildings, very basic, but like the author said its his first map and i'm sure with your help the next will be better...

Download it and give the guy your advice here!

Check it out at SoF II Files.

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It's been far too long since we've had news from Laz Rojas. This is one of his latest skin packs. Holomatch bots of five green Orion dancing girls. Full team support. CTF flags included:

You can pay a visit to Laz Rojas homepage here at Elite Farce or take a look at the collection at Elite Force Files.

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This is a small sized map for Soldier of Fortune II supporting DM and TDM only, it will host 4 to 8 players. Its a arena type map not many places to hide, so its kinda a free for all frag fest, he who runs, bobs and weaves lives. If you want a fun map and a basic shoot-um- up map, then this is for you:

This map was designed from scratch by Hazard using textures from SoF2 and some customs textures made with Adobe PhotoShop.

You can get it at SoF II Files.

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This is LegsWideOpen's last map for Elite Force CTF based on the Resident Evil Series! He's not 100% happy with it, but I like most of it. It's really hard to describe the map, and screenshots aren't good at it either. You really have to see it in game. This map has bot support.

There are some FPS issues. Looks like Radeon cards get good FPS and GeForce gets bad FPS. I have a GeForce2 MX200 and I was getting FPS between 5 and 15 unless I got really close to a wall or looked at the floor.

Check it out at Elite Force Files.

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The X-Mod v3.0.sc (server/client side mod) is a new multiplayer gametype for Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix!

Some of the new features of this new version 3 are:

- new Sub-machinegun UMP45
- new Shot-gun M1014
- binocular & m203 launcher as accessories

- new gametype "Protection" (supported map - Italy , Army Base , Shop) - Female characters for all teams (Now team has 6 players !)
- New crosshair names infos
- Bots in game support
- HeadShot & NeckShot detection with sound effect

Another cracking version from =CW=Xena.WarriorPrincess this mod is getting better and better, go give it a test run and make your own mind up!

You can get it at SoF II Files.

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This is a medium sized map and is a simple arena map with identical structures at each end, enough places to play hide and snipe if you wish, or just run around for the sheer hell of it, the choice is yours, there are also some tunnels for you to explore, the map supports ELIM, CTF, INF, Gold game types and will host 5 -16 players, the more the better really, a well balanced map overall, go give it try will do well as a choice on servers!

Developed by ={LAW}= Chaos & PyromaniacLV it can be found at SoF II Files.

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Raven Software's main man pinpoints the paths to placing yourself in the gaming business:

Q: The gaming industry is highly competitive, and most people won't get jobs at a game company right away. What other industries do you suggest that might help one eventually get into a game company? -- Shaykai

A: I don't think there's any "Golden Path" to the gaming industry through other careers. The key is to do something you're interested in and use whatever you can to build your skill set. If you're interested in being a game artist, for example, a career in graphic design or advertising would serve you well, giving you valuable experience with PhotoShop and demonstrating the ability to work under deadline pressure.

The key to any position in the games industry, however, lies in your portfolio. Work your day job, whatever it happens to be, and develop mod materials on the side, be it levels, code or artwork. This portfolio is what will ultimately get you the job. Gaining other experience through your current job (references/working under deadline pressure/hardware and software support, etc.) will be the icing on the cake and could elevate you from a developing prospect into a serious candidate.

Q: What is the best type of qualification to take if you want to do sounds and game design? -- Nick Tasker

A: Unfortunately, game audio isn't my strong suit. That said, I posed this question to Kevin Schilder, Raven Software's audio manager of the past nine years. Below is his response.

"Well, there are two different things here … "sounds" and "game design." There are no specific "qualifications" for doing sound effect design that I know of, but these things would help:

-Get a good knowledge of, or experience with, the gear that allows you to record and manipulate sound. Microphones, recorders, mixers, effects processors, etc.
-The same thing goes for the computer software that is used in the industry to work on sound effects. There are several good programs that do digital audio processing (Sound Forge, Peak). Learn how to use them to create the kind of sounds you are looking for.
-A background in audio engineering/mixing would be helpful in understanding the sonic and acoustic qualities of all sound, music or SFX. This is helpful in understanding what can be done with sound and how to achieve the effects you desire.
-Some training in an audio production environment would help."

Much of SFX design is done by experience and "instinct." It's an art form of its own. You have to have the creativity inside you. I'm not sure how you can actually teach that(...)"

You can read it all at GameSpy!

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Soldier of Fortune II has finally made the jump from the PC to the Xbox, and from the looks of it, the Xbox version successfully reproduces almost everything that made the single-player and multiplayer aspects of the PC first-person shooter so fun to play. In the game, you assume the role of John Mullins, a member of a top-secret agency who's sent to various locations around the world to combat terrorists. Interestingly, John Mullins' real-life counterpart (who shares the same name, was a Green Beret, and could probably kill a man five times before he hit the ground) helped in the development of the game by providing his input on various aspects of the gameplay.

You can read the whole preview at Gamespot.

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Here is the unoffical SoF 2 1.03 Multi player source code by Arkanis:

"For those people who have been asking for the 1.03 MP source code for Soldier Of Fortune 2, you can now download some UNOFFICIAL 1.03 source code for use.

Raven promised us that a new 1.03 SDK would be available sometime in March 2003, of course this never eventuated. Since people often ask about being able to download the 1.03 source code, I have provided some 1.03 base code I use in my mods for public use. This code is 1.02 code which has been updated with the 1.03 code changes which were given to us by Raven. A full list of changes can be found in this readme.

To the best of my knowledge this code is 100% correct, and is an almost perfect representation of the Raven 1.03 code. The only additions to the code have been to fix a gametype problem introduced by 1.03. Although don't blame me if something crops up later is doesn't work - use at your own risk.

Also included a tutorial by Sevensins in Word format with the code - this tute is handy for those who are having troubles setting the compiler up."

Check it out at SoF II Files.

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"On a recent excursion to LucasArts' E3 booth we were lucky enough to get a brief demonstration of the PC version of Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy. As we've reported previously, the game will see you assuming the role of a student at Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, and today we got to see the character creation screen in action. LucasArts has promised that there will be at least 2,000 possible combinations available when creating your character, and, as numerous beautifully realized species and items of clothing flashed past our eyes, that number became increasingly easy to believe. Equally impressive was the option to create your own lightsaber--in addition to being able to choose from a single saber, twin sabers, and a Darth Maul-style staff, there appeared to be a huge number of different handle and color options available.

LucasArts is including so much depth in the game's character creation system because of the game's Counter-Strike-style siege mode, which will complement the single-player adventure. Details on this multiplayer mode of play are scarce at present, but it's at least good to know that when you decide to take your Jedi online you're unlikely to encounter too many look-alikes.

The single-player adventure will feature numerous locations from all over the Star Wars universe and will see you visiting familiar planets, such as Tattooine and Hoth, and encountering more than a few familiar faces, such as Chewbacca. Although we didn't get to see any of them in action, certain levels in the game will allow you to assume control of vehicles or ride animals--the examples given were AT-ST walkers and tauntauns. The level we did see, though, was surely as impressive as any of the vehicle-based missions will be and had our character attempting to rescue prisoners that were scheduled to become playthings for a Rancor. The Rancor itself was a large and impressive-looking enemy, and since it successfully managed to kill the LucasArts representative that was showing us the game, we're still not entirely sure how we'd have tackled it. It's conceivable though, that our Jedi character wasn't particularly well equipped for the job in hand, since the game's structure is such that you'll have the option to choose your own path through the game--only being required to complete 80 percent of the missions to reach the end--and, in most cases, return to missions that you've previously failed once you have a few extra Jedi tricks in your arsenal.

Jedi Academy is currently scheduled for release in November. For more information, check out our previous coverage of the game.

By Justin Calvert, GameSpot"

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Here we have a nice single player map for SoF II. This is Leon Stephan Brinkman's first single player map for SoF2, but he has made single player maps for other games:

This one is simply single player no MP capabilities at all. You can try it at SoF II Files.

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Here's an interesting map. Raven's Camelot map that you all know and love, with a few modifications, and you can go outside the walls. There are several entrances/exits to the castle, and a moat all the way around. He also added ladders to the tops of the towers. Overall, a good map whether you like sniping or whatever. It also includes CTF, though I've classified it under Deathmatch because that's what the original was.

The author included bot support and Capture the Flag, though it was never really designed to be a CTF map.
It was developed by Galen and it can be found at Elite Force Files.

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This is a very nice map, its a medium size set in the theme of a small town (sort of) the map supports dm dem elim tdm ctf inf ktmwtb gold game types and will host I would guess about 20 players, any more and its a bit crowded.
The map has a very nice feel to it with loads of places to hide and snipe if you wish or just grab the flag and run for it, the main feature of the map is a train smash placed in the center of the playing area, some warehouses for you to explore and a large roof top for everyone to scramble over:

Developed by Judge Dred (CH) you can find it at SoF II Files.

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This is a medium sized map for Soldier of Fortune II, based around the theme of a large mansion, there is a small area outside with a few goodies left for use in DM, and access to a ladder taking you up to the first floor (for all you USA ppl thats the second floor). Once inside the mansion there are a number of rooms for you to explore, i would imagine the mansion would soon become rather crowded with large amounts of players in the map.

The map supports DM, Team DM, CTF, Elimination, Infiltration game types and the author recommends 6 - 8 players, that sounds about right, a good all round map and a good addition for your collection.

You can get it at SoF II Files.

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This is the non-executable version of The Most Toys Mod. It might also be smaller which means it will download faster.

Features:

- Capture The Flag TMT Map 01 (This is a CTF_Voy2 related map)
*New Textures
*Capture The Flag Airport (by Cmdr Chakotay NL)

- TMT Weapon Mod (All weapons)
*New Models
*New Simple Items Mode
*New Textures
*New Effects
*New Stereo Sounds on all weapons and all items (switchable)
*New Items (3D + Simple Items)
*New Detpack (+ Effects,Sounds etc)

- TMT Flag Mod (USA VS Europe)
*New Textures
*New 2D Icons

- TMT Crosshairs
*9 New Crosshairs
*Special Blue and Red team Crosshairs

And many more...

Take a look at Elite Force Files!

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This map is from the winner of SoF2Resources Spring Mapping Contest, the winner was..... gynec with his map - The Shop Under Fun. The map supports DM,TDM,INF,ELIM,CTF game types and will host upto 40 players.

The map is medium sized made up of a courtyard area hosting a large building in the center (The Shop), there are loads of rooms for you to explore and the building has 3 floors and roof area, you can take the stairs to the top or be lazy and grab the lift. Loads of dark areas to are dotted about the map just the place to hide and wait for your un-suspecting victim.

Check it out at SoF II Files.

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"Some enterprising photographer shot some footage of JK3 at the E3 convention in May 2003. What you'll find here is a Windows Media (AVI) version of that footage.

What you'll see is the Twi'Lek female default with the double-saber, going after a bunch on NPCs on an outdoor map. She's fast, furious, and even uses a few force powers.

The video is grainy, has no gameplay sounds, and is a little choppy at times. But I have learned more about the game from this clip than from the official trailer. Matrix-style death sequences, like in JK2? Cool! The NPCs will now jump to meet you? Wow!

So enjoy this unofficial preview. It's worth the download!

Astyanax"


I'm sorry this wasn't posted earlier, but i was spending the weekend at my dads house!

Also, watch for the moment when the Twi'Lek combines her two sabers (i couldnt see cleary, but i believe they were yellow and purple) and turns it into a green dual-blade in less than a second!

You can download it from JK II Files!

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"This MOD is based off the AdminMOD core. It is very useful for clans that run a trial system, and highly useful for having sub-admins. I recommend it to mostly clan servers.

Personally, I use this mod on my duel server, and I found it extremely useful. The MOD functions great, I love the trainer and padawan type command system, and I love the /amwait emote. The only problem I found was that /amstatus did not function. Other than that the MOD is perfect. For improvement I'd add TCK's Saber MOD for more customization."

Worr Son

"This mod is cHoSeN oNe's final version of the popular server-side-only mod. It fixes a couple minor bugs which were preventing file saves at build time in VS.NET.

Great mod, nuff said!"

Astyanax

"Jedi Academy 1.3 is the final version of this great mod - no really - it IS the final version. Seriously. This update is chocked full of admin commands and emotes and just all kinds of stuff. There are quite a few bug fixes and this is just the best mod out there for admin-ing servers. The gameplay remains the same, but now, like if you're in a duel on an FFA server, you can't use bacta, or emotes. Any sleeping or punished person cannot be killed - they can't even /kill - fabulous feature for admins trying to deal with lamers. Ooo ... and if a Padawan connects and there's already a Pad on the server, the one connecting gets renamed. And, and, and ... there's just so much here. Read the readme. Trust me ... you're going to need to read it. It's a freakin' tome, but there's just so much there and every feature is just... well, okay, I'm gushing. But I love this mod. Remember, it's a serverside mod, so you don't have to download it to play at a server that runs it."

AmosMagee

That kinda leaves it final. Three jk2files reviewers all agree: It's a hit! And i myself couldnt agree more!

You can get this fantastic mod at JK II Files!

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This map is an RPGer's dream! You can activate a number of consoles, each have specific functions (what they're meant to do). For example, you can put the ship into warp, or set it to red alert!

This is a RPG map for the ERP (Elite Role Players). It's not a playable map such as CTF, etc.

You can find it at Elite Force Files.

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Filtration takes on the concept of a refinery. The map's floor is covered with a green, foggy liquid with a few grated pathways to get over them. The liquid does not hurt you, however. It can be used to stealthly get from one base to the other. It also harbors some pickups and a kind of secret entrance.
The flags are placed at the very ends of this large room. To avoid people from just running across and grabbing the flag, a little water pool surrounds the flag area:

This map was quite fun to play! The use of the foggy water is a great idea. The map looked a little plain and it's small-ish size can only support a few players, but it should allow you some good gaming time!

Check it out at Elite Force Files.

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This is an amasing map and, if you all remember, SoF II Files told you to look out for Hutch... Well read on to find out why. Here is the remake of Dust 2 for SoF II:

This is the final version and now has a different name, The Clash. This is the remake of the Counter Strike map Dust 2. But this time there are extra features added to the map. This map is really well made and has some intresting places to go. Now there is rain on the map and some trees Bizzard has also helped Hutch with the triggers on the map. Shoot the Gas lines and you will see what i mean. Graphics have been tweeked for best peformance!

Go get it at SoF II Files.

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This new version of The Cage features a couple updates: Structurally, the top parts of the cage have been removed. The entire map is still low grav and there are still jumppads to be found all over. Removing those top sections definitely increased the gameplay speed. Despite the many pickups scattered around, I think it's kind of essential to have all of them because the map is pretty open, now. You can expect to run into enemies a bit more often in this version.

Bots seem to have greatly improved. Previously they couldn't grab the flag and usually just shot each other. Now they move around, use the transporters to get to the flag, and actually score! The bots work really well here, so if you can't play online then this map might provide some fun!

Take a look at Elite Force Files.

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Elite Force's Convection features two bases and two neutral platforms floating in 'space'. Except it's not really space, but a mountain range! As with all space maps, to get around you must use the various jumppads located around the bases. The flags are located in a rather open space, though are protected behind glass from sniping from the other base.
Inside the bases are rooms with a few pickups. It's a little strange the whole door system. Along the walls are various panels which you can toggle to activate/deactivate doors. They are a bit puzzling why they work the way they do, but they can be used to trap some people.
There are a number of weapons scattered around. To be honest, for a map of this size, the pickups seem to fill up a lot of the area and dominate your view. The lighting was a little weird, a lot of black spots and such. And a little error with one of the brushes on the floor where you could see through it!

Developed by [TFX]PhotoPaint with bot support, new textures and new sounds! You can grab it at Elite Force Files.

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The major change from the last version would be the addition of water pools. This opened up a lot of the map. Players must stick to the little pieces of dry land to get across the quickest way. The water pools also have some nice powerups hidden within them, so it might be worth your while to not completely ignore them:

The improved bot support seems to have worked. Bots were roaming around, dodging the pools and actually being helpful!

This map looks very realistic and is pulled off rather well. The different use of textures really opens up the map and makes it interesting. Definitely recommend a download! Go get it at Elite Force Files!

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LucasArt is now letting us see three more pictures under their models section: a Tauntaun, a Tusken Raider and another man that you can put together yourself!

You can see the models at LucasArt's site.

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A new version of JEEL's realistic mod for Soldier of Fortune II is ready! The new features include:

-Interface
*Add a lot of missing functionnalities missing in menu, like adding bot, first/third view toggle, third view rotation, third view reset. Too much people think that Specops run only in third view !!!???
Drop Item for demolition mode and Drop weapon is active ( but drop weapon is buggy in QVM run time ...)

-Weapons
*Removed 4 of 8 grenades (too much weapon)...keep the 4 grenade from MP game
*A new sniper Rifle , the Brown Precision rifle (M40) , bolt sniper rifle. This M40 was made in collaboration with AGENT REZ team , the author helped them to build the animated model.
*Removed M1911 SD and replace it by a new B92FS ( Beretta M9) + silencer.
*AK74 is equiped with GP30 , a 40mm grenade launcher , to balance the M4M203.
*New weapon active HKG3 ( base model for msg90),clip 20 rounds 7.62mm, fire mode burst, single, auto ).
*New weapon active UZI silenced , fire mode burst and auto on primary attack and single on alternate.
*Sig551 is now without scope ( surprise !!).

If you want use/test all weapons use the mode Weapon Free in class player. In client server run time use weapon free mode. You can test new weapons, and have a lot of fun ...

-Gameplay
*Ghost recon mode with lead team bot and system class is in progress...Stay tuned!

You can grab it at JEEL's homepage!

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The Soldier of Fortune 2 Weapon Mod, is just as the name says; it's based around weapons. Players weapons, enemies weapons, emplaced weapons, you name it. The mod tries to keep a balance between realism and fun. Weapons are more like their original counterparts. Magazine sizes are more correct, damage, penetration and range is determined by the bullet, and so on. The mod also
give new sounds, which have more "balls". No more small pops, a machinegun sounds like a machinegun. Not to mention the many new weapons the mod adds to the game. Won't work in MP yet, but soon.

Take a look at SoF II Files.

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A brand new cool weapon mod for Elite Force developed by [SE] Cpt. Oddyssey!
It features:

-Phaser sounds from Elite Force 2 Demo
-Rifle sounds from my Type3a
-Enhanced rifle textures that my friend gave me
-Alexraptor's Green Phaser indicator
-Cannon Photon torpedo sounds
-Moving indicator digitaly edited with Irfanview to
have a more vibrant orange/yellow color than in "Phasercolourchange"
-Yellow Ammunition Glows for the Compression Rifle
-Golden Yellow Photons from Worf's Weapons Effects
-New Item pickup sound

Check it out at Elite Force Files!

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After a while of being away 3D Towers Productions is back, with a new name 'Men of Honor'. New Mod features include:

- Vehicles: We are gonna integrate some vehicles used by counter terrorists from all over the world
- Weapons: The new weapon in the arsenal is the G36K with grenadelaunch attachment
- Prone, crouch, stand positioning

They will be launching their new site soon and will be requiring some new recuits to assist them. So if you are one of these...

- Coders, with knowledge of the ghoul2 engine
- 3d Modellers, with experience of softimage output
- Texture artists
- 2d artists
- 3d Modellers for static models in-game
- 3d Modellers for vehicles
- Scripters for vehicle scripting

(news comments by Reaper)

You can contact them here!

(Source: Planet Soldier)

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"At long last, we finally have a Legolas Greenleaf model. You can all thank the author, Hindy. This model has the trademark elf ears, slim frame and of course, Legolas' quiver on his back. The face looks a bit like the actor, Orlando Bloom, who portrayed Legolas in the Lord of the Rings movies. I'm assuming that this is Hindy's first attempt at modeling (since I haven't found anything else with his name stamped on it) and if this is the case, I'm quite impressed.

As with almost any file submitted, this model does leave a bit of room for improvement. But I'll leave that up to you guys to comment on. I really hope that Hindy intends on updating this model with more skins, (the skin he did make looks great), bot support, of course and new sounds. Sounds are key in completing skins/model, IMO. This just isn't Legolas to me when his taunt is "Come out!" Y'know? Otherwise, great job, Hindy!!! Can't wait to see what else you produce.

Bot Support: No
Team Colors: No
New Sounds: No (Prisoner)

~AmosMagee"

Design: 9
Concept: 9
Value: 8
Extras: 4
OVERALL: 7,50

As you can see, this model is magnificent (i'm trying to buy him for my OTTC), but it's a big drag-down without teamcolors, bot support and new sounds (as the Prisoner sounds doesnt really cut it).
Would have made the history books with those... I'm waiting for a v2:-D

You can get the file at JK II Files.

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"This is a skin created by [CW]-PloKoon-[ATO] based on a Nazi officer from Medal of Honor. He used the bespin cop model, and I think, considering the limits the model has, this is a very well done skin. It has team colors and new sounds, but no bot support. The new taunt is very fitting, and the author says it is taken from Medal of Honor.

I never really liked the bespin cop model, but I think this skin has been pulled off rather nicely. It seems very clean and proffesionally done, and I would like to see more from [CW]-PloKoon-[ATO]. I always thought a WWII mod would rock the JK2/3 mod-world, but no one has ever attempted it, until this nice little skin. The author notes that this is one of many he plans to release, and I can't wait. But, I think a really high-quality WWII mod would require a lot of models. Good work man!

Bot Support: No
Team Colors: Yes
New Sounds: Yes

- KiLLeR_SqUiRReL"

Design: 10
Concept: 8
Value: 7
Extras: 8
OVERALL: 8,25

A really good-looking skin there! Just waiting for the next ones now!

You can get the file at both PC GameMods and JK II Files.

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This map follows true to it's name It's a bit strange when you play it. First of all, you have quite a bit of breakable glass lying around. In some cases, breaking this glass will prevent you from reaching certain pickups easily and opens up access to some nice, hot lava. The map has 3 main levels to it. The lowest one has a pool of lava with a bunch of pickups and 6 transporters. 2 of these transporters take you to this water filled box on the second level which is filled with pickups (quad, haste, enviro)... though the box has a glass top to it! It appears to be breakable, but no matter what I did, I could not break through it.
The other 2 transporters take you to the very top on top of a large body of (floating) water. This also has a number of pickups and lets you access the flags. The flags are also encased in boxes filled with water and covered with unbreakable glass. Ummm... so what's the point in that?

Take a look at Elite Force Files.

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Omikron has two bases across from each other separated by a building running across the centre. The bases have a very fortress feel to them. The main entrances are 5 doors around the base. It's almost like a moat. The inside reminds a bit of Spyglass with walkways running around to the flag and around the perimeter. The building in the centre has a few pickups as well as two sniping towers.
Some clipping around the structures would help movement. There were a few z-fighting errors and other texture misalignments, too.
Overall, not too bad! Seems like a good map for some classic CTF!

Check it out at Elite Force Files.

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Photon Hall is a very simple map. The only weapon you will find here is the Photon Cannon (with ammo to match ). The majority of the map is littered with ammo and health pickups. The flags are located at opposite ends of the map hidden behind a wall. Other structures in the map include 2 small walls on each side to duck behind, and one wall with many 'inlets'.
We can see how challenging this map could be, but the rather small space to fight in might just get on your nerves more Some breakable structures would have made the map a little more fun/interesting.

Developed by -=R=-Alpharaptor with bot support it can be found at Elite Force Files!

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This mod was created to get ingame action to more closely resemble action from the movies.
It also adds new gameplay features such as LMS (Last Man Standing) play and classes.

This mod is for those who want a new, fresh approach to JKII gaming.

RenegadeOfPhunk says himself about the 1.1 update:

I have added a 'Movie Battles' filter to the server list in the 'Join Server' menu. Select it using the 'Game' menu control.

I apologise for releasing un update so quickly, but I realised this needed to be avaliable as soon as possible, since without this filter, it's going to be very hard to find servers running Movie Battles.

Since this is a minor code change, Serves running v1,0 are fully compatible with v1.1 and vice versa.
(Unless the servers are running as PURE servers. In which case, a different version client will NOT be able to connect.)

Design: 8
Concept: 9
Value: 9
EXTRAS: n/a
OVERALL: 8,67

Allround a great mod, keep up the good work...

You can get both the V1.1 file and the original file at PC GameMods

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This is a very nice map for Soldier of Fortune II, its a large sized map made up from a number of multistorey buildings, all very nicely placed to hide and snipe from, in most gametypes a good placed sniper will make grabbing the flag, case and escaping with it a trial in its self!

the map supports dm,tdm,elim,inf,ctf,dem gametypes and will host 10 - 32 or more players, the more the better, with small player numbers you would play the game and proberly never meet each other, well go see for yourself give it a try you wont be disapointed!

Go grab it at SoF II Files!

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This is a package of three maps originally created for the SoF II mod Team Soldier. The MOD was put to rest but the maps where finished so the authors thought they should give you the chance to play em in normal SoF II CTF!
The Maps still have the name of the MOD, "TS" in the beginning of the names.

-'TS Town' is set out in and around a small town with many pathways and good connectivity.
-'TS Druglords', 2 rival mansions and compounds is the set of this maps playground.
-'TS Sandstorm' was an attempt to give you the feel of fighting in Iraq.

Check them out at SoF II Files!

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Samiel_6 brings us another map and it is called the Duel Pit, by the title you can figure out it is a duel map. Very small in size but serves it purpose for dueling and is kind of colorful (in a good way). On the dueling area you can fall to your death if you fall off!

This map is great for dueling, and I like that if you don’t watch were you are you will fall off and die. Make sure you read the readme file about the music so there are no problems!
(news comments by Maddog)

You can get it at Jedi Knight II Files!

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International Crime Syndicate is up and running! So line-up, lock-&-load, get ready for cranked-up intensity and game-play wound so tight you won't be able to leave! Head over to our the I.C.S. website and see what all the fuss is about. You won't be sorry!

I.C.S. enhances the familiar SOF II 'action' experience with a new theme, expanded scenarios, game-modes, commercial quality level and sound design, and all new feature content. Smoothing out SOF II's rough edges I.C.S .offers a feature rich, higher quality game.

There will be plenty of action surrounding the release, including an all-day IRC party at irc.enterthegame.com | #ics, plus a live interview with project leader Mr. White on Clan Match Radio at around 8:30pm ET. Don't miss the fun; grab I.C.S. NoW , and get ready for the 'shock and awe'!
(news comments by Foyleman)

(Source: Mods Online)

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The forum thread where we collect your suggestions for the upcoming Raven game Jedi Knight 3: Jedi Academy will be closed in 3 days (Wednesday, May 21), so if you didn't have your say yet, be sure to add your suggestions/requests here.

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Straight from HomeLan Fed is another preview (JA Impression)! Not much news, but if you're like me and can't wait for the game, it's worth to read:

This time you will be given a choice of what missions you wish to follow and you can chose to follow them in any order you wish which gives Jedi Academy more of a non-linear structure to its single player, something like what was done in the original Jedi Knight.

The demo level we got to see saw the Jedi character wielding a dual light saber blade as she took out some aliens in a prison in order to free some prisoners that are being held there. She manages to accomplish this feat but unfortunately freeing the prisoners also means freeing a Return of the Jedi style Rancor as well. We got to see our Jedi battle the Rancor with both the light saber as well as Force attacks like lightening and rage.

The game’s engine, like Jedi Outcast, is still based on id Software’s Quake III engine but it’s pretty clear in our E3 demo of Jedi Academy that Raven has done a lot to improve upon it, including better character models and lighting. Indeed, when our Jedi sliced into the Rancor it actually left scars on the creature (not that it helped much; the Rancor eventually killed us).

Check out the whole review at HomeLanFed.

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"Okay, so I can't believe it took this long for someone to do a decent Scream guy. It seems like such a simple concept, but it was brilliantly done. The key to making this great was the Palpatine model.

This is a great skin that has everything you'd want from bot support to team support to a very fitting new taunt. Only thing that would be perfect is new sounds, like jump should be silent and there has to be some good pain sounds from that movie. Good job, as always, IZaNaGI.

Bot Support: Yes
Team Colors: Yes
New Sounds: Yes (taunt only)

~AmosMagee"

Design: 9
Concept: 10
Value: 9
EXTRAS: 9
OVERALL: 9,25

This is excellent... Two thumbs up for a job very well done!

You can get the file at JK II Files!

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"Here is Darth Luke by SoHei. This is a Luke skin that looks like he might have raided Vader's wardrobe. :-) The black suits him well though, and the lines look clean and well aligned. There are two skins in this "pack" but the differences are so subtle that it is hard to tell the difference.

Personal Notes:
This is a Luke skin that I wouldn't mind using...It is well made, and makes Luke look less like a girl. The hair on the alternate model in this "pack" looks a tad like a helmet, but still not bad at all.
This is a very good reskin of Luke IMO...and one of the few that I would actually consider using. Team colors would have been better, but at least there are a couple new taunts. The author did however
mention that a future version will have team support.
Nice Job SoHei.

Bot Support: NO
Team Colors: NO
New Sounds: YES

~LordWraith~"

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A conundrum ... a paradox ... an enigma. Wraith's latest submission is nothing short of breathtaking. The ominous mood is set by the music ... as you make your way through the cold, grey castle you find secret passageways, old tapestries, a cemetary with moonlight casting eerie shadows over the tombstones. In one room there's an inexplicable blue fog surrounding everything. There is room to duel in more than a few areas, but this map would probably be best for a guns FFA or even just used for RPing.

I had so much fun exploring this map. Considering the (still not upgraded) computer I have and the size of this file, I was amazed that my FPS was still great! I really love the four poster bed ... it really completes that whole gothic bedroom look. The only thing this map really needs is well, a sequel? (Oh yeah, and bot support, I suppose.) I refuse to give away the secrets in this map. They're fun to find. Tell me how many ravens you count.
~AmosMagee

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I've heard from many people that the JA trailer isnt quite working, wont download, or just wont open at all... But luckily, pcgamemods have been so nice and kind to put the trailer up for download!

You can get the file here!

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Firstly, there's this IGN preview from Hillary Goldstein:

"Infiltrating the facility where the students were trapped, I had to slice open a vent and crawl through an airshaft. Dropping in, I was greeted by several unpleasant guards who were easily dispatched with a few shots from my Wookie crossbow. But the best (or worst?) was yet to come.

Just when it seemed like I'd done my job, the students warned me to get them out as fast as possible, because there was a rancor on the loose. Cue a cut-scene showing one big, nasty, controller-rumbling rancor.

Facing the rancor, easily four times my size, taught me some valuable lessons. First, having a wide variety of armaments is a definite necessity when facing a giant, hungry, slobbering eating machine. Second, foregoing those weapons and trying to use force powers against a beast that is nearly impervious to such things is a bad idea. And thirdly, never get too close to a rancor, because they can pick you up and eat you." -Hillary Goldstein.

You can read the whole preview at IGN.Com!

Next is another preview from IGN.com, with some insider blurp! At least they says so, because poor little me havnt gotten to read it, as you must be a registered member with IGN to do so!
If you're a registered user there, you can check out the review here!

Lastly, is an interview with Raven's Kenn Hoesktra about Ravens history in games:

"It's always kind of hard to describe what the show - known as e3 - is like to people who have never been there," said Kenn Hoekstra, project administrator with Raven who has attended the expo several times. "You have all this noise, and all these games, and pretty girls throwing free T-shirts to the crowd. It's a pretty crazy thing to see."

Raven Software began in 1990 as a five-man operation run out of the basement of a home in Madison, Hoekstra said.

Game industry icon Activision Inc. of Santa Monica, Calif., bought the company in 1997 for $12.4 million in stock, and Raven became a subsidiary.

The whole interview is available JSOnline!

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Here we got a smallish sized map for SoF II based on. well we can imagine, Scotts house! The map is split up into 3 rooms, the kitchen, living room and bedroom/office and these are all joined together by a small hallway.

There are some very nice touches dotted about the map, like all the clan pics and pics of the family, this map has the same feel as "The Big Frikin House". This map supports dm, tdm, ktmwtb, tktmwtb, and would host up about 16 players any more and it would be a bit crowded.

Chack it out at SoF II Files.

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This map is medium sized with as much going on underground as is uptop, this map supports dm tdm ctf inf elim dem game types and will host up to 32 players.

The map is in the theme of WW1 trench warfare, so you have loads of trenches, tunnels and water to fight your way though, some nice footstep sounds add to the atmosphere, nice haven for you snipers too pill box's and bunkers for you to hide..anyway enough of this go download it now and see for yourself.

It was developed by HasH.be and you can get it at SoF II Files!

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This map is based around a large Cemetery inside a small town, a town where spawn killing is a punishable offense and where you must respect the dead or else!!..The author ain't joking, give it a try and see...

This is a very nice map with loads of places to explore, the map has multiple gametype support and will host 16-24 players some of the gametypes are Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Classic Capture the Flag, Infiltration, Demolition.

Take a look at SoF II Files.

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Firstly, ShackNews has provided us with a bunch of new screenshots of the game, available here!

Secondly, IGN has been so kind to put up a preview of the game:

"We already know a whole lot about Activison's upcoming X-Men Legends RPG from Raven Software. The details we uncovered in a limited demo at E3 revealed a little more depth to the straight up action-RPG.
There's a strong physics system behind every object and structure in the world in terms of how characters will interact in the environment. Walls, crates, computer equipment all have a hidden weight attribute associated with them that will be calculated as you punch or grab or throw them. So, Wolverine will be able grab and throw enemies like rag dolls even though he's not know for such actions. But to represent the strength of a guy like Colossus those same enemies thrown by the big Russian will be more likely to smash through the object or structures they hit. Jean Grey can't manhandle enemies very well, but her telekinetic powers make up for it, even early on in the game when her psionic powers are still relatively weak!"

The whole preview is availbe at IGN

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GameSpot.com brings us a great preview of JK:JA... I just can't seem to get enough of those good previews!

"On a recent excursion to LucasArts' E3 booth we were lucky enough to get a brief demonstration of the PC version of Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy. As we've reported previously, the game will see you assuming the role of a student at Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, and today we got to see the character creation screen in action. LucasArts has promised that there will be at least 2,000 possible combinations available when creating your character, and, as numerous beautifully realized species and items of clothing flashed past our eyes, that number became increasingly easy to believe. Equally impressive was the option to create your own lightsaber--in addition to being able to choose from a single saber, twin sabers, and a Darth Maul-style staff, there appeared to be a huge number of different handle and color options available.

LucasArts is including so much depth in the game's character creation system because of the game's Counter-Strike-style siege mode, which will complement the single-player adventure. Details on this multiplayer mode of play are scarce at present, but it's at least good to know that when you decide to take your Jedi online you're unlikely to encounter too many look-alikes.

The single-player adventure will feature numerous locations from all over the Star Wars universe and will see you visiting familiar planets, such as Tattooine and Hoth, and encountering more than a few familiar faces, such as Chewbacca. Although we didn't get to see any of them in action, certain levels in the game will allow you to assume control of vehicles or ride animals--the examples given were AT-ST walkers and tauntauns. The level we did see, though, was surely as impressive as any of the vehicle-based missions will be and had our character attempting to rescue prisoners that were scheduled to become playthings for a Rancor. The Rancor itself was a large and impressive-looking enemy, and since it successfully managed to kill the LucasArts representative that was showing us the game, we're still not entirely sure how we'd have tackled it. It's conceivable though, that our Jedi character wasn't particularly well equipped for the job in hand, since the game's structure is such that you'll have the option to choose your own path through the game--only being required to complete 80 percent of the missions to reach the end--and, in most cases, return to missions that you've previously failed once you have a few extra Jedi tricks in your arsenal.

Jedi Academy is currently scheduled for release in November. For more information, check out our previous coverage of the game.

By Justin Calvert, GameSpot"

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Today LEC's Jedi Academy site sports a brand new gameplay trailer! Like the videos for the other E3 games on their site, it is in streaming quicktime format, with a running time of just under 2 minutes.

Enjoy the first public footage of the new game, straight from the horse's proverbial mouth. Get it while it's hot from the official Jedi Academy site.

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E3 is upon us, and while I myself was not able to go, certain gaming groups who have made it to the show and gotten their hands on the game are already weighing in with their impressions. So let's delve in, shall we?

(The articles mentioned below are also in our "JK3 News" section on the left menu, with lots of other articles, screenshots and links.)

E3 2003: Jedi Academy Impressions (from IGN):
http://pc.ign.com/articles/402/402358p1.html?fromint=1

Hilary Goldstein, reviewer at IGN, actually gets to play JK3, and brings us her impressions of what it's like to play and how it compares to JK2.

E3 2003: Star Wars: Jedi Academy Hands-On (from IGN):
http://xbox.ign.com/teasers/402/402348.html?fromint=1

More hands-on details of the game from the reviewers at IGN, this time you'll get to read what it's like to take on a Rancor! Unfortunately, you'll need to subscribe to IGN in order to read that article.

Raven Pre-E3 Article and Interview with Kenn Hoekstra:
http://www.jsonline.com/Enter/homeenter/videos/may03/140507.asp

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel tells us about Raven an JK3, and what the company is up to. Also included is a brief interview about Raven with Kenn Hoekstra, project administrator at Raven.

Astyanax"

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Here's an update on the Total Conversion for JK2 based on the movies!
This post is to clarify to the many people wondering what the hell really is going on with those TC's, and how many there are! If you dont feel like reading all of this, go to the bottom of this newspost for a short summary!


Firstly, Episode I - The Phantom Menace TC:

"There hasn't been too many updates lately! This is because the limitations of our free hosting at Ravencommunity have provided us with a number of problems making a suitable news loader to work. This will however begin changing in the next few weeks, when the entire site will be converted to Flash, and be supported by the great software, PHPNuke. Also expect to see two new models created for the mod, as well as an exploratory test using our recently finished 'Droid Control Ship' map.
-Tiletron

It appears as if work has been slowed down for a while, but they are still going. It is still very uncertaint how much they will complete of this TC before Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy is released, but it stands pretty firmly that it will probably not see completion before JK:JA! They also have a trailer of the first map ready at JK2 Files. You'll need DivX to view it! You can visit the TPMTC site at TPMTC.RavenCommunity.net.


Next is the Episode II - Attack Of The Clones TC:
This TC is unlike TPMTC going VERY strongly! Although updates on the sites are not plentyfull, the forum is usefull and shows clearly that they ARE working on it. If you want info on this TC, you should go browse the Forums a lot.
It's said that they hope for completion of a beta a little before JK:JA is out!

Thirdly is fittingly the Episode 3 - The Beginning of Darth Vader TC:
This is the only one with no steady baseline, and that leaves trouble along the road! But they appear to be doing allright (I would know since i'm a mapper for them). Well, the mapping is just about to start, but they have almost all the rest done, which they have released as a mod in itself, available at PC GameMods. You can visit the Ep3 TC site at JK2Mods.com.


Now, there is also an Episode 4-5-6 TC on the way, called the Original Trilogy TC:
Many of you would not know this, because it was just started. They are still recruiting mappers, scripters and modellers, plus maybe some skinners later on! There is not much info yet on this subject, except that it is myself personally that is running this TC project! The site for this is at the moment at Academy.RavenCommunity.net/Forum/ViewForum.php?f=10.


Also, there is the Dark Forces TC:

"Hey folks, I've managed to get enough stuff together for an update. The team is working hard at the moment, and a lot of work is going on. However, we can't take screenshots of all of it - unless you particularly want to see a bunch of code.

Anyway, MilesTeg, the guy "responsible" for the demo's Secret Base map, has gotten to work on Gromas Mines again. There are some early environment shots in the screenshots section - more work has been done since then, so hopefully some shots of the actual base won't be too far away.

Infinity Blade is hard at work on the Kyle model. You can see the latest pictures on the screenshots page. Since you last saw it there are some updated textures, and extra detailing. Be sure to have a look!

Other areas of the MOD are doing well too. Weapon coding is well under way, and myself and Fracman are working on a new menu interface. Other models are being made, and there should be some new mappers starting up in a few weeks. So, it's all go here at the Dark Forces MOD!"
-The_One

This TC is cooking fastly as you can see. There was once something about it being shut down by LucasArts, but that was luckily just a joke (a very evil one i might say).

 

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This has got to be one of the best maps you have seen for ages, it's a medium to large sized map in the theme of a Spanish hill side village. The map supports the following gametypes: CTF, DEM, INF, ELIM, DM and TDM. There are also custom gametypes supported as Reverend Ted's KTMWTB and TKTMWTB!

Arkanis Assassination: ASS
SoF Phoenix: CTFX
Goldrush: GOLD, CAH, TCAH, CTB, TCTB, SABO, LASTMAN, CCTF, ESCAPE, and INFINITE.

This map will support up to 16 players, any more and its a bit crowded. There are good places to hide and snipe in the map, some tunnels for you to explore!

Take a look at SoF II Files!

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JK2 Review has an interview with mapping legend LivingDeadJedi, quizzed by Eldritch on such issues as how he began mapping, how he works, his upcoming SP project Return of Tavion and his plans beyond this. He even reveals the origin of his mapping name! The interview is avaliable at JK2 Review and it is the first of many, with more on the way:

"Eldritch: Let's talk about your new SP project, Return of Tavion. How many maps will it include?

LDJ: As of now it's roughly over 10; this is because level 1 is now 3 smaller levels. I've done this for two reasons: one, to be able to use all the shaders I've made without errors and two, I can add more detail.

Eldritch: Wow. Sounds like it's fairly long and involving then. Tell me about the plot.

LDJ: Yes, the plot. Basic story line is this: last time we saw Tavion was on Bespin. Kyle returns and finds she is using clone technology herself. It will go to movie locations seen in Empire but not in the same order, and include areas not seen before, like the lower level docking bays. I hope in one stage to have a section over the core that gets hit and you fall to the gantry. The first Tavion you face is a clone but that's not known at the time. I've had problems with extra dialog, since who sounds like Tavion? And also I'm very new to scripting and can't get some scripts to work even when it's all correct in the actual script. But the ones that do look quite nice."

You can read it all at JK2 Review!

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Some Soldier of Fortune II maps are good, some maps are better than good and then there are awesome maps, like this one, its so original and away from the jungle or combat scene. Fancy a run around in the gym? or take in the sun at the beach? or maybe a spot of track and field? Well this map has it all!

This map is a medium to large size and supports the following gametypes: CTF, DEM, DM, TDM, INF, ELIM, Assassination, Jihad! KTMWB, Gold & Attack the Bunker (Goldrush MOD) CTDM CELIM (from Mp_tennis MOD) Agent Rez MOD (raid rescue des desR). It will also support 8 or more players, you must take this map for a test and add it to your collection!

You can grab it at SoF II Files!

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Fragger is back, better than ever, with a gold weapon skinpack for Soldier of Fortune II, so here is a all in one pack of all the gold Hussein style weapons:

The author would like to thank the following:

-Baghdad Bob.
-Everybody who asked for a pack.
-Everybody who didn't
-The Phantom Voter who goes around bashing all the cool skins.

You can get it at SoF II Files!

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International Crime Syndicate is all new and the first feature complete mod for SOF2. ICS enhances the familiar SOF2 'action' experience with a new theme, expanded scenarios, game-modes, commercial quality level and sound design, compelling new and some of the most requested feature content. Smoothing out SOF2's rough edges ICS offers a feature rich higher quality game.

The International Crime Syndicate is a well financed and organized offensive criminal mercenary force with suspected ties to the Corsican Mafia. The Syndicate takes crime to the 'next level' with high-tech modern weapons, motivated talent, planned objective larceny and sabotage. Defending game objectives are SWAT, Special Police and Private Security Teams. ICS expands SOF II with contemporary urban settings like Banks, Casinos, Art Galleries, and... you'll just have download the game and see!
(news comments by Reaper)

Check out the Official ICS website here!

(Source: Planet Soldier)

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The promising award winning modification for Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix seems to have stoped its develoment for some time now.
Sevensins give us a few answers:

"The first major thing is something that many have noticed in the forums; Where is Phantomas? The answer: who the hell knows. Over the past six months or so, he has been rather sketchy about being around...and as of the last 1-2 months we haven't heard from him again. Basically, we've come to the conclusion that we just can't count on him or his work anymore. Add to that the fact that the last word he gave us was his harddrive crashed and he lost all his maps...not backed up either. That leaves us with one level designer and currently one map (since we just picked up Torchy recently). I guess we jumped to the conclusion that Phan was back in the last news. For now, we'll just designate him as inactive and whatever happens...happens.

The other bigger set back has been player animations. SenseOred, who we had been brought in to do player animations, decided to quit; leaving a big hole there. This opened many decisions and paths; forget animations for first beta and use sof2's, adapt our model to sof2's animations, or using sof2's and merge with our own. The first is mostly a last ditch case because sof2 MP is missing quite a bit of animations that should be second nature anymore (climbing, swimming) plus ones that we need (like prone). The second is exactly like number one, only we get to use our own model; this case is being worked on first as a second to last case. The last is actually something that started in the JK2 community and we may dabble and help in that as well. The first or second case is the one that is becoming more and more advantageous time wise, but if the GLA editing becomes a prospect, we will likely jump on it. Either way, Stannum has charitably offered to do player animations as well; after the weapons are done of course :).

Couple these bigger set backs with some of us having real life issues...and unfortunately things don't move so fast. Thus brings the title of this news post; we are not dead, but only wounded..."

So we're still waiting. You can take a look at the 45th Platoon homepage here.

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"Griffinclaw has finally updated his very popular Jedi Council map. Now, considering how long it's been since he released the beta, there's a lot to note here.

First, here's what another reviewer said about the beta of this map:

Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For a first time mapper, damn good! There is a lot mapped out, some of it is quite familiar from the Episode II Movie. There are lots of rooms lined up on the walls, though some are a little empty, there are some rooms which are interesting; a pitch black one with these white circles in the air (a little freaky because you have no idea where you are going if it wasn't for the small light leaking in from outside it would be hard to get out) another room has small pools and ledges, a training room of some sort.
All in all, the map was quite good, it needs some skyboxes rather than statix images that can be seen in the main council chamber and another room, I'm sure it'll be there in the final release
To see what all is being put in the final release check the readme out

Bot Support: No
New Textures: No
New Sounds: No
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now, the most significant change to this map has to be the add-on of the "Room of a Thousand Fountains". As noted by the author in the readme, there aren't a thousand fountains. But it is a very peaceful outdoors areas with a waterfall and rivers and trees and it's just lovely. GC has also added several more bedrooms and one, like, uber bedroom, a medical center and he changed a few details here and there in some of the rooms. Almost every door now only opens by pressing a button. The chairs in the council room are no longer just an illusion. And there's just ... so much to see.

 

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"Ok, here is a reskin, by Darthshade, of one of the Mandolorian models (the one by Korbin Bator, I believe), and to start off, I think this has some good potential. This is apparently the armor Darthshade's character wore. It doesn't have bot support or team colors, so that's a bit of a downer. The skin is basically grey underclothes with black armor, and the jetpack is grey and black. His cape is completely black.

Like I said before, this skin has good potential, but right now, it looks pretty plain. The colors are flat and lack detail, and the whole skin is basically a two-tone Boba. If Darthshade added a bit more detail, and maybe some new sounds and bot/team support, this would be a nice skin. As for right now, it's not very good. I hope to see some improvements on this from Darthshade, because it could be a good skin!

Bot Support: No
Team Colors: No
New Sounds: No

- KiLLeR_SqUiRReL"

It's nice and all, and some people may find it worth having while others won't! It's really about how long you are willing to go!

You can get the file at Jedi Knight II Files

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"To become a d, you must..." blah blah...

This is Lhotus'es first map, and a rather nice FFA Jedi Outcast map. It's in a garden somewhere (by the textures, i would say on Yavin), and it's nicely detailed, but almost symetrical. In the middle, a very small temple is, and THAT is the one mistake that Lhotus makes. Inside that temple is three plates on the walls with stuff written simmilar to the above in quotes. Maybe "D" is a clan, and if so this is okay. Else, this is just out of place. But what IS out of place no matter what is that inside the temple on one wall is the scorelist from a round of CTF. And it is HIGHLY lowering the atmosphere, which was building up quickly with help from a new background tune.

But despite of that temple (which needs a remake if a v2 is coming), the map is brilliant, with nice gameplay and a high framerate, plus a spot-on skybox-texture which ALSO adds to the atmosphere a great deal.

It's worth a download, not much doubt there!

You can get it from PC GameMods.

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Premier SoF2 map designer Mark Reeve aka Marko has his new site up at mapdesign.ravencommunity.net. Be sure to check it out for tips & tricks on SoF2 and RTCW mapping!

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"The Deluxe Maul Package for JK2, is an SP mod that may not change the storyline and only one of the characters, but it changes so much of the look and feel to the game, that there is a big difference. So, of course, Darth Maul replaces Kyle but you're fighting the same guys and you have the same goals. There are so many details that have been changed which includes your hilt, the way you roll, the color of your force, there is now blood when you kill someone whether with a gun or your saber.

Pretty much this mod is a conglomeration of other mods all wrapped up into this neat little package with some new graphics and sounds here and there that just gives it that Sith feel. Just check out the readme to see all that's included in this SP mod. So if you're a Sith at heart and need to play the SP through as Darth Maul, this is a good mod to go with. It gives you more than just replacing Kyle with Maul.

(Keep in mind that if you keep the pk3 in your base folder when you play MP, Darth Maul will replace your Kyle and a lot of the graphics from screens will stay too.)
~AmosMagee"

Like just said above, this mod does not replace any maps or the overall storyline of JK2, but it may set the base and inspiration for making a Darth Maul map or possibly a Darth Maul Total Conversion. I certaintly have an urge for making one now.

You can check it out at Jedi Knight II Files.

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Now, normally we wouldn't write about prefabs here, but this one is simply great. Sgt_Shughart has created the Imperial V-38 Tactical Starfighter prefab, and it looks excellent. The Jedi Outcast gaming community could sure benefit from some more prefabs, especially for the new mappers out there, and this one sure creates a good Imperial atmosphere.

I suggest that both new and old mappers go download this prefab. Although it's not the best ever made, it could surely create a good atmosphere in Imperial-themed maps!

You can download it from PC GameMods

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{AF}Caladian-LL- has named his first map after him: Duel Caladian. It's very nice for a first time map, although not revolutionary. It's a small Duel map, with only a few rooms, and two rooms that can only be accessed by using "noclip". I found this sad, as those rooms weren't that bad.

But basicly because there isnt that much fun in playing this map (unless you use noclip and duel in the two secret rooms), and another downside is the missing botroutes.