FAS NEWS (3 JULY 2010)

FAS has an official release date, 23 July 2010! The game has changed considerably since it was first conceived July 2006. The game has moved away from Counter-Strike: Source Grid Cache File to a complete custom library of models and assets. Various FA features have been added in that weren't originally going to be included, such as prone and custom player models.


This is only the start of FAS, as the team says they will continue supporting FAS for years to come.

Those who would want to start a FAS server, the team will release the server builds in advanced.

FAS NEWS (29 APRIL 2010)

FAS has released a time line of every FA releases that you can find on their history page (or a more detailed view here). In it, they release the release window for FAS which is sometime in July, as well as a new map SV_Dragovo.

You can also check out FASR's FA Birthday Coverage:

FA Remembrance
FA 1.0 Team Thanks
FA 1.0 Maps
FA 1.0 Weapons

FAS NEWS (2 APRIL 2010)

Following FAS's April Fool's news announcement, the team has released an actual news update. The team has showcased two of the grenades in FAS, the M67 Fragmentation Grenade and the M84 Stun Grenade. The fragmentation grenade is a FA staple and retains the cost in previous RCs at two credits for two grenades. The stun grenades cost slightly more than the frag grenades at three credits, but can blind enemies in a large area and grow more effective the more confined the space is.


FAS has also included objective highlighting. Similar to what is found in L4D and L4D2, the objective highlighting in FAS provides quick visual clues to players about where objectives are. In the pictures provided, you can see the red ammo crates with a red highlight, the blue ammo crates with a blue highlight, and a neutral object (the ammo box) with a green highlight.

FAS NEWS (1 APRIL 2010)

FAS's April Fool's joke was the removal of dedicated servers and the implementation of "FANet." FANet would provide players with various "features." Such included matchmaking which determined games, "Based on mystical properties of fate beyond the ken all but our most astute software engineers, FANet will place you in the game you are meant to play." As well as a revolutionary new system of communication, "text chat" and custom content, reassuring the community that, "[those] who wish to contribute custom maps, models, skins, or other third-party content will be pleased to learn that they can't, thereby saving them from the very real, very dire threat of Communism."

You can check out the robust feature list of FANet here.

FAS NEWS (3 MARCH 2010)

FAS's news post has made it official that FAS is moving over to the Orange Box engine. The reason for the change of engines is because of the problems in the older code, making the game very hard to debug and code. This change however does not effect FAS being released this year. As DysPatch states, "game balance down for what we would like to be released with RC1, so its as simple as moving the functioning clean code over, optimizing old code, and leaving behind the bugs." All of these improvements are made possible FA coding veteran, Mazor, who has done various work on the Half-Life version of FA and FA related projects.

FAS has also released new screen shots of ps_snowstorm. The map has undergone revisions since its last showcase. DysPatch has stated in his developer's journal he has been working on "finishing up the brushwork and the lighting on the map."


In addition to ps_snowstorm, there is a new render of the M18A1 Claymore Mine, modeled by Racer445


As well as the Gerber Gator Machete: modeled by Naota, textured by Dr. Hubbler, and animated by Thisismyname09.


Finally StealthSilver has updated and users who have Desura will be able download FAS though that distribution platform.

FAS NEWS (9 JANUARY 2010)

FAS has released two wallpapers and an online manual for FAS to help new players become familiar with the game before it's release.

The first wallpaper is the new FAS logo designed by undertone with a release date show as "2010". The FAS team is still working on a few aspects of the mod to ensure that it is ready for the public which is why the release date is vague at "2010". Some coding issues still have to be worked out as well as more polish applied to the maps. However, all the art aspects of the mod are complete which has allowed the art team to go ahead and start working on content for after FAS's release.

As you can see, the new logo is more modern instead of the almost 10 year old stencil font that was previously used.

The second wallpaper is the same logo applied to an in game screen shot of FAS.

In addition to the wallpapers, there is now an online manual for FAS which is still being updated. The manual outlines the basic features of FAS, such as how to install the game, descriptions for each categories of weapons, list of skills and what benefits they provide, as well as a section for "pro tips and hits" which explain game play features in depth.

Some areas of the manual aren't finished, most notably the HUD section, but these will be updated soon.

FAS NEWS (12 NOVEMBER 2009)

FAS has released a video, showcasing the M14 as well as ps_sand and some screen shots of sd_mine. Not only do you see the effectiveness of the M14, but also the amount of people play testing FA, as well as some other features that are new for FAS.



As you can see near the end of the video, Lustymuffins increases his rank as show by the HUD indicator in the lower right. Also, there is a new cause of death symbol in the upper right which is hazmat symbol for explosives.


In addition, you may notice that there is a audible "moo" in parts of the video. This sound is a placeholder for the M79 which has yet to be replaced.

Finally, this updated also includes a few screenshots of sd_mine. The FAS Team also regretfully announces that not every feature they want included in FAS will make it into the first release candidate. They do say they will continue to patch, update, and support the mod for years to come.

FAS NEWS (26 SEPT 2009)

The FAS team has released two videos of FAS with the arrival of the new batch of beta testers last Sunday. The new players are there to help test server stability, overall weapon balance and help find bugs before FAS's first release candidate. Since most of the work on FAS has most been bug fixing in the code and maps, instead of showing new renders and screen shots, the FAS team had recorded last Sunday's testing session and made some quick and dirty video clips of FAS as it stands now.



The first video is two minutes of Hitman with the MP5 and heavy armor in the tunnels and on the flag on tc_iwojima. Here you can see some of changes DysPatch has made to the tunnels of tc_iwojima to make it flow better, as well as the MP5 aim-point in action, the medic skill with its tool tip indicator showing who is bleeding and their health, and how the game plays in general.



The second video is a shot clip of tc_rubble showing off a brief clip of the M4 and M79 in action.

FAS NEWS (22 AUG 2009)

FAS has released new media of the Stoner Rifle 25 and the M1911.

The SR25, donated to FAS by the defunct World at War team is a sniper rifle that has more mid range efficiency than the other sniper rifles due to its 10 round magazine size and semi-auto fire but can also be effective at long range with its high powered scope. While the the SR25 is not a new weapon, it has recently be reskined by DrHubbler to bring it up to the quality of the other weapons.

And yes, that is a suppressor on the rifle according to DrHubbler.


Like the SR25, the M1911 is another older weapon that has been reskinned by DrHubbler to bring it up to FAS quality. Modeled by Sid, the M1911 is a steal at only two credits and packs .45 APC rounds, giving it a bit more power over some more expensive pistols.


These weapon reskins serve a dual purpose: not only do the upgrade the visuals of the weapons, but they also optimize FAS's texture memory making the game more stable. Not only are weapon skins being optimized, but FAS's texture artist are going through FAS's materials directory to make sure everything is optimized.

FAS Interview

In case you missed it, FAS had an interview with half-life.net. While this was originally intended as a pod cast, technical issues resulted in it being an interview. The interview covers a variety of topics from the departure from using CSS content to what makes FAS, FAS They even talk about how near it is completion at the end of the interview.


You can find the complete interview, here.

FAS NEWS (31 JULY 2009)

FAS has unveiled the blue player model; modeled by Schmung and textured by StealthSilver features a CADPAT camouflage so that the coloring and the style is completely different from the red player. The differences don't stop at the skin alone: the blue player model has it's own unique silhouette as well as unique helmet and non-helmet cover. FAS is a very fast paced shooter, and every second matters so the variation between the two teams is important.

Also shown with the blue player model is a candid shot of DysPatch's new map, ps_specter.


This news update also showcases the last weapon in the FAS arsenal, the Sako RK95. The Sako RK95, modeled and textured by Naota, is a rather bare bones assault rifle. While the RK95 has no special features and a bit on the more expensive side of other assault rifles, the RK95 benefits from higher damage, more accuracy and high ROF.


Lastly, on the more technical side, FAS now has all its own art assets. This means that all you need to play FAS is a copy of a Source game and no longer specifically need Counter-Strike: Source.

FAS NEWS (20 JULY 2009)

FAS's newest media update features the long awaited M60E, textured by Wangchung and StealthSilver. This 17 credit machine gun is powerful and accurate with its bipod and ideal for providing fire support for your team.


Also showcased is the G36c. The G36C modeled by SiD, has been retextured by Dr.Hubbler. The G36, a steal at 11 credits, is great at close quarters due to its automatic fire and can hold it's ground at range thanks to its aimpoint and single shot capability.


Finally, as mentioned by wasited menkey in his Alpha Tester's Journal post, FAS announces "awards." Described by DsyPatch, awards are "earn[ed] in the game can be achieved every time you join a server or new map." These are not achievements that are with the Steamworks system Valve has and they are not saved after you complete them.


What is interesting about the awards is that they have a CTI award (capture the flag variant game mode) but no SD award, despite having no official CTI maps and a few SD maps. PFS though, states this is for future - possibly unannounced - maps.

FAS NEWS (25 JUNE 2009)

FAS's 25 June update features player customization in the form of unique heads. Players are able to chose which head they want and accessories. In addition, players with NVG have the NVG monocle displayed on their helmet.

The M82 is also showcased with some amazing renders. The M82 modeled by Thisismyname09 and Schmung, and textured by Dr.Hubbler is the most expensive weapon in FAS's arsenal at 21 credits. With this high price, comes high power: the M82 is able to kill a person with light armor in one body shot, and leaving those with the higher armor classes almost dead. To help balance this power, the M82 can not be used while scoped and moving standing, but can crouched and prone. Furthermore, the M82 has a much lower ROF and greater recoil when the bipod isn't deployed.More information about the specifics can be found here.

Finally, ps_crossfire has undergone many improvements, most note ably the blue spawn.

Tweet Tweet

FAS has a Twitter page that you can find here.

Unlike other messaging mediums, Twitter is updated at a few times every day.

FAS NEWS (7 JUNE 2009)

FAS has released screen shots of the new red player model. This model was created by Schmung, while Shinobi weighted it to Christian's animations and StealthSilver. The new animations no only include the basics of running, shooting, reloading, ext, but also prone. All animations are unique to to FAS and nothing is taken from Valve.


In addition to player models, new high quality world models of the weapons has been compiled. These world models feature the ablity for the magazine to be detached while reloading. All reloading sequences and most animations in general have been done by previous FA modeling veteran and military expert Christian Oelud with input from the FAS military adviser TheUltra4sshole.


Not only have models undergone improvements, but maps have as well. TC_rubble has been revised with a more interesting sky box, custom textures and better geometry. As mentioned earlier, a new TC point has been added to balance the map to improve the flow.

FAS News (6 MAY 2009)

FAS's twice monthly update shows more in game screen shots, talks about game balance and directs players to the FAS Team's developers journals.


Alpha Testing has been progressing with bug squishing and game balancing. Shinobi, realistic about the first release for FAS, acknowledges there may be bugs, but the game will be stable so everyone can play. Much of the recent balancing has been with the machine guns, making sure that their high rate of fire and large belt sizes are appropriate for their cost. With FAS's credit system, balancing can easily be done by adjusting the credits for the weapon instead of actually chaining the weapon itself.


As shown earlier, DysPatch and Hitman have both updated their developers journals. DysPatch with new areas in ps_snowblast and Hitman with some beautiful cut maps.

FAS News (22 APRIL 2009)

FAS's biweekly update showcases tc_derailed by Shinobi. Previously a push map, tc_derailed has an emphasis on vertical game play. Snipers and machine gunners can climb on top of the roofs to secure tc_points, but a wrong step will send them falling to their death.

Rambo, a FAS Alpha tester is quoted saying "One of my favorite aspects of Derailed, is its diversity with open and close quarters. You can choose what type of combat you want to en gauge in." Despite being a new addition to the testing map cycle, it has quickly become a favorite due to its unique environments and fast paced game play.

DeShock has also posted some additional screen shots of tc_derailed in this forum post that show off the map's visuals in greater detail.

FAS News (8 APRIL 2008)

FAS has released some in game screen shots as well as announced a new hosting provider, Ultimate Game Server that provides servers for FAS testing along with Nuclear Fallout in their latest news update.

The in game screen shots show off ps_sand, tc_iwojima, sd_mine and ps_crossfire. The screenshots show more than just the maps and weapons, but the new additions to the in game HUD that was fist showed off in the 20 AUG 2008 news post. Besides team mates, the HUD now also shows the location of map objectives, ammo boxes, those with the leadership skill (as shown by the green chevron) and team mates who are bleeding.


SD_mine also shows custom icons for the sd_objectives, a tank and an airplane. It also appears that capture points are no longer instantly captured and have a progress bar similar to DoD and TF2 as shown by the screenshot on ps_crossfire. The flag from the second to the right, one team is capturing the point shown by the incomplete Red Team flag and blue section on it.


Progress of FAS has going well with constant bug fixing and weapon balancing. In addition, the work on animations have been going smoothly and hopefully a video will be coming out soon to show them off. Close scrutiny is also being payed to the map lineup to ensure that there are enough unique maps at release. Expect some map showcases in the next few updates.


Shinobi also invites FAS fans to join the newly created FAS Facebook site as well as the FAS channel IRC channel to ask the developers any questions you may have.

FAS News (1 APRIL 2009)

FAS delayed news update features media of many in game models, as well as mock skills, Driver I/II, that allow players to use vehicles in maps.

The first model is the Bradley modeled by Sulsa and textured by Maggie.


M35 Deuce and a Half modeled and textured by Schmung.


Toyota modeled and textured by Sulsa.


Land Rover "Defender" modeled and textured by Schmung.


Finally is the comical "Armed Recon Bicycle" w/ Mounted Vollmer modeled by Schmung.

FAS News (15 MARCH 2009)

FAS's bi-weekly update showcases three weapons, the M24 SWS, M14 w/aimpoint and the DV-2 combat knife.

The M24 sniper rifle is FAS's light sniper rifle modeled and textured by Naota. The M24 is a 17 credits which is more expensive than most other weapons, but still leaves enough cedits for an AR or SMG backup or a lot of armor and a pistol. The M24 has a slow rate of fire, but guarantees instant kills via head shot and the bipod allows players to sacrifice mobility for a higher rate of fire.

FAS's bipod system as Naota describes is, "the most intuitive and fluid I've ever seen in an FPS." The bipod code allows players to deploy on just "about anything that's the right distance and angle from your gun." This includes other players as well as on a wall looking straight up.

The M14 rifle, modeled and textured by Dekier, is another battle rifle similar to the G3. At 11 credits, it lacks the full auto feature of the G3, but makes up for it with an aim point allowing for easier ranged combat.

Finally is the DV-2 - modeled by Naota and textured by Dr.Hubbler - the Russian equivalent to the US KA-BAR knife. The FAS Team chose the DV-2 to add more diversity to the arsenal.

Finally, for those wondering about the weapon cost (10 credit MP5 vs 11 credit M14) DysPatch commented that the weapon page will be revised over spring break.