Movie Battles
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Movie Battles II: a mod for JKA | |
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Developer(s) | Movie Battles Developer Team |
Publisher(s) | Movie Battles Developer Team |
Designer(s) | Movie Battles Developer Team |
Engine | Quake III engine |
Release date(s) | B18 was released September 4, 2006 |
Genre(s) | First-person shooter |
Mode(s) | Multiplayer |
Rating(s) | ESRB: Teen (T) |
Platform(s) | Windows PC, Apple Macintosh |
Media | Download Only |
System requirements | Identical to Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy |
Input | Mouse, Keyboard |
Movie Battles II is a multiplayer modification of the LucasArts/Raven Software shooter game, Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy. The game pits one team of Galactic Empire/Separatist forces against the Rebel Alliance/Galactic Republic forces, either of which attempt to complete an objective (which varies from map to map), or to eliminate all members of the enemy team. It was featured in the UK edition of PC Gamer magazine, issue 152.[1]
Contents |
[edit] History
The Movie Battles mod was started by RenegadeOfPhunk in 2003, the first versions of the mod were developed for Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast, the previous game in the series.[2] It aimed for more a movie like and class based combat.[3] This first version of Movie Battles is the one that started it all. The key Elements of Movie Battles were even in this first version, that includes a Last Man Standing system, Class based combat and a early version of the new saber system.
[edit] Gameplay
Movie Battles II is a team based first-person shooter (although you may switch to third person) game, in which the player joins the Imperial/Separatist forces or the Rebel/Republic forces Each round commences with five minutes on the timer, with the two teams spawning in their respective spawn points simultaneously. The amount of starting/minimum points varies from server to server, but the maximum amount is 80, with the minimum amount of points being no lower than 4. Various tasks completed give points to the player to use for abilities, weapons, and Force powers.[2]
The scoreboard shows a list of all players, separated by team. If an enemy has purchased the "Reinforcements" skill, then they do not count as a "frag" point until their last life has been taken. This scoreboard displays the latency of all the players as well as the kills/deaths of all players. The scoreboard also displays the number of lives a player has, as well as the amount of lives their teammates have.
Any players who are killed before the end of the round become spectators. They may follow certain players who are still alive or free-roam in the spectator cam, similar to other FPS like Battlefield 2. The Movie Battles mod has some movie-realistic aspects and others which are merely created in the issue of balance. One of the most often heard quotes on the forums from the developers is one of "Balance over realism," to the many requests made of them. ARC troopers are an example of this logic, as are the low damage of most weapons.
[edit] Sabering System
The lightsaber combat in Movie Battles is a total change from what exists in the base game. It attempts to present swordplay as more skill-based and realistic. Movie Battles utilizes a more up-close sabering system that focuses on your intentions, movements and can rapidly change pace from hectic to coordinated. It is open to almost any type of play, from defensive and tactical to offensive and swift, all on a level of swordplay similar to the movies.[4]
[edit] Basics
The "blocking" system in Movie Battles is completely changed and similar to the one used in the Open Jedi Project. "Blocking Points" are a visual representation of the player's ability to block incoming lightsaber attacks, and the force pool is a representation of the ability to use force powers and deflect blaster shots. The player now has the option to manually go into a defensive mode where he can deflect incoming blaster shots more safely and accurately and with less force drain but the jedis speed is reduced. If he is not in defensive mode he can run and jump as normal.
[edit] Objective System
Similar to Counter-Strike, Movie Battles uses an objective system, similar to Jedi Academy's Siege mode - however maps usually feature less objectives due to the last man standing nature of the mod. Objective types are usually variants on common themes.[5], such as "slicing panels" (ala Jedi Temple's beacon objective), or NPC guarding (such as Death Star, where players must take a Princess Leia NPC to the Millennium Falcon). By using such a system, it is significantly different from most Star Wars games, where the goal is often simply to kill everyone on the other team. (compare Battlefront II's FFA stylings)
[edit] Gametypes
[edit] Open Mode
In Open Mode, all classes on their respective sides are available to the player for selection. There is no limit to who may play what class. The players allocate points to the classes to give them skills and weapons.
[edit] Semi-Authentic
In Semi-Authentic, the classes are limited to choosing the "skins" of the people who actually appeared within the time-period that the map takes place in. Players may still allocate points as they deem fit.
[edit] Full Authentic
In Full Authentic, or FA, there is one "unlimited" class, and numerous numbered classes. Choosing a numbered class while it reads "zero" places you in a queue, in which you play as the unlimited class until the spot opens up. The numbered classes correspond to certain characters in the movies. (IE: Tantive IV has Stormtroopers/Rebel Troopers for the Unlimited Class. Imperials have a Darth Vader limited class, while the Rebels have access to Princess Leia.)
[edit] Classes
Movie Battles II is a class-based game. Some classes are available for one side only while some classes are available for both sides. (i.e Sith class is available only for Imperials while both sides can choose Soldier class. [6]
[edit] Rebellion/Republic
Only the Republic/Rebellion has access to the classes listed below.
[edit] Clone Troopers
Clone troopers have access to a powerful rifle, in addition to a pistol which, when charged, has ricochet capabilities. The rifle excels at suppressive fire, and can be upgraded to fire charged blasts which knock down opponents. The clone trooper has a max of 80 HP/80 Shields.
[edit] Wookiees
The Wookiee troopers have a powerful bowcaster, which must be upgraded to unlock its full potential. The Wookiee can get a lot of health, do great melee damage, and sometimes even stop offensive force powers from working. The Wookiee has lots of HP, but no shields.
[edit] Heroes
The Hero has access to the Projectile Rifle, a high powered sniper rifle. The Hero can purchase a powerful Pistol, which has great accuracy and power, but a low rate of fire. The Hero can also purchase an E-11. With the Quickthrow ability, the Hero can throw a grenade without switching weapons. The Heal ability allows the Hero to auto-heal, depending on the level of damage already taken. The Dodge ability automatically dodges incoming projectiles.
[edit] ARC Trooper
ARC troopers have the ability to dual-wield strong pistols with ricochet capabilities. In addition, they have access to the Dexterity ability. The blue bar at the right screen measures the player's ability to do acrobatic maneuvers. Dexterity also introduces an innate defence to some Force Power abilities. The ARC also has access to the PLX and the Pulse Grenade. The PLX is a powerful rocket launcher, and the Pulse Grenade is an ammo draining and droid-disabling suppression weapon. The ARC can also sprint which makes him faster, it can also quick-dive for quick escapes.
[edit] Imperials/Separatists
Only the Imperials have access to the below classes.
[edit] Mandalorian
The purchase of Fuel allows the Mandalorian to either activate his jetpack or spray flames at enemies. The Jetpack overheats after every use, and must cool down before being used again. The Mandalorians have access to an EE-3, dual Westar pistols, and a projectile rifle. With the purchase of a Rocket, a Mandalorian can launch a single rocket at his foes.
[edit] Super battle droids
The Super battle droid has a battery that increases damage resistance and rate of fire. As the battery drains, so does the effectiveness of the SBD. Hull Strength increases HP, Recharge increases the recharge rate of the battery, and Firepower increases the knockback/damage/Force Points drain of the SBD's arm blaster. Advanced Logic allows the SBD to become immune to Mind Trick, enables a zoom ability for their arm blaster and enables a "quick recharge" mode for the battery. The SBD can also slap opponents to knock them down.
[edit] Droideka
The Droideka is a unique class. When deployed and stationary, the Droideka's shields are raised and it can withstand an incredible beating. Walking disables the shields, however. When moving, the Droideka rolls up into a wheeled mode, gaining an incredible speed at the expense of having no shields or offensive abilities.
[edit] Bounty Hunter
The Bounty Hunter has access to a wide variety of weaponry, at the expense of defensive capabilities. The Bounty Hunter has access to a large weaponry including a powerful pistol, an E-11 blaster, a DLT-20a assault rifle, a Projectile Rifle, and is the only class with access to the Disruptor rifle, an instant shot, chargeable sniper rifle. The Bounty Hunter also has access to the thermal detonator, which kills anything within its blast radius instantly. The Bounty Hunter can also fire a damaging poison dart and a tracking dart for finding enemies. They can also kick down opponents while wielding a gun, something no other class can do.
[edit] Both Teams
Both the Republic and the Imperials have access to the below classes.
[edit] Soldiers
Soldiers are a generic class, featuring no outstanding abilities other than their 3 purchasable reinforcements for a total of 30 points.
[edit] Elitetroopers
The Elitetroopers are a twist on the soldier class and offer a go-between between the disposable rank-and-file and the single life storyline characters of Movie Battles. They have a maximum of two lives and can pack a wide variety of weaponry from a pistol to side-specific assault rifles. They can carry more grenades than the Soldier. The Rebels may opt to pack an A-280, which functions as a carbine with single shot and burst fire modes, a medium range scope and solid damage. The Empire can take the T-21, a light repeater which fires slow, damaging shots or rapid, less damaging ones. However, the rapid fire option still beats the E-11 in pure damage output.
[edit] Jedi/Sith
The Jedi/Sith can use the Force on their foes, deflect enemy blaster fire, and cut enemy troops up with their Lightsaber. The chief difference between the two classes lay in two powers unique to each respective alignment. The Jedi get the ability to use force speed and Jedi mind trick on their foes, while Sith get Lightning and Grip. Mind Trick renders the user invisible to an enemy gunner, but Jedi are forced to turn off their lightsaber in this mode. In addition, the mind tricked opponent hears a sound indicating they have been tricked. The Sith lightning ability paralyzes a gunner while they are being zapped, as well as draining some HP and shields. Grip renders the enemy temporarily helpless while draining HP.
[edit] References
- ^ MovieBattles II Website: "Scan of the Article in the Gallery": http://www.moviebattles.com/gallery/p17_sectionid/22
- ^ LucasForums - MB Goes Public Beta Thread: http://www.lucasforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=94813
- ^ LucasForums - The first MB thread: http://www.lucasforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=92785
- ^ MovieBattles II Website: "Art of the Saber": http://www.moviebattles.com/features_artofthesaber
- ^ MovieBattles II Website: "The Forms Of Combat": http://www.moviebattles.com/features_formsofcombat
- ^ Sky News article http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,31500-13209702,00.html