Those of you who frequently check Sidekick may have noticed that Build 5 was released yesterday.
With it, we’ve released a new game mode! You clamoured for a free-for-all mode in Blade Symphony, and we have delivered: “Freelance,” a hybrid between free-for-all and duels.
In Freelance mode, everyone can attack everyone else. However, you can challenge anyone to a duel by using the new challenge button (vs_challenge - you’ll need to bind it in the options). If they accept, you’ll be in a private duel - you can only damage each other.
Additionally, we’ve added a new type of map - free_ maps. Since FFA does not work with the three-arena setup of our existing maps, map type will now determine gameplay mode. duel_ maps are restricted to Duel mode only, and free_ maps can be either (single-arena) Duel or FFA. To go with this, we’ve added a single-arena version of box called free_box.
You’ll also notice we’ve added some new HUD elements (especially for the challenge mechanic) and in general, redesigned our HUD elements to look a little bit less scruffy.
Plus: more swords, persistent XP and titles, bugfixes and sound changes! Here’s the full changelog:
As usual, the updated server package is available in this thread.
- Additions & Changes:
- Added a Freelance (FFA + Private Duel) game mode where all players start in a large deathmatch style arena and are able to challenge other players to a duel. Requires a map restart.
- Game mode is now determined by the map name. For example duel_monastery will always run as a duel-only map. Whereas, free_box will run as an FFA+Duel map.
- Renamed “box” to “duel_box”
- New keyboard command vs_challenge bound to C by default. Can issue duel challenges to players in Freelance mode.
- Added free_box map for testing free for all and private duels.
- Added box.vmf to serve as a reference point for Blade Symphony mappers.
- [#3276] Added a message explaining a time limit to changing sword models.
- Added a round end notification which shows how much experience and rating a player has earned.
- Added earned titles based on experience points which are append the player’s name on the scoreboard. A list of experience points and titles can be found here.
- Changed most heads-up display messages and user-interface elements to use a newer, prettier version with cool sounds and effects.
- Changed ambient effects in Library arena in Monastery to be louder.
- Changed attacks that are un-blockable to have a red-orange tracer coming from the sword.
- Added a new sword: Caduceus Chord
- Added a new sword: Minecraftian Minuet
Bugs:- [#3324] Fixed a bug which caused the player’s choice of character to not stick when initially spawning with tournament game mode on.
- [#3346] [#3347] Fixed some small issues with Character Selection Notifications.
- Fixed a timing issue which caused Reverse String 2 to be really difficult to hit with when attacking with Tier 3.
- Fixed stance and string HUD so it displays correctly on at least 768px tall resolution.
Oh, and because we think you’re awesome, here’s a new beta key for you and your friends. It’s valid for 200 uses, so get one quick:
da554880921744cf
(Use it at http://blade-symphony.com/beta.php)
