eXpanded MultiPlayer

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eXpanded MultiPlayer (XMP) is a multiplayer expansion to Unreal II developed by Legend Entertainment. XMP contains just one game mode that is similar to Capture the flag but requires more sophisticated tactics.

The scenery of the map 'Islands'
The scenery of the map 'Islands'

Contents

[edit] Development

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Unreal II: eXpanded MultiPlayer was developed by Legend Entertainment for Atari to deliver on the original promise to extend the original single player game Unreal 2 with a multiplayer functionality. The first playable version was released and made available for download on December 9, 2003. Almost nearing completion, the development of the game was suddenly halted by the unexpected close-down of Legend Entertainment on January 16, 2004.

Although the single player edition of Unreal 2 was disappointing to fans of the original Unreal[citation needed], the online multiplayer add-on (XMP) is considered a sophisticated and addictive multiplayer game[citation needed]. Realistic graphics and visually stunning maps[citation needed] complement class-based game play in a cooperative environment - a departure from the frag-fest environment of the various Unreal multiplayer brethren. Players who gain experience and hone skills, such as wall jumping (Ranger class), concussion jumping (Gunner class) and other maneuvers, are rewarded through game points. While the XMP community has suffered serious setbacks with the loss of master server support and the closing of Legend Entertertainment, a small community of players still meet on a daily basis[citation needed] for lively sessions on a variety of maps.

[edit] Master server

As XMP is a pure online game living from game servers hosted over the world. It is quite dependent on a server which the user's XMP copy queries for online game servers. As this master server crashed often and the manufacturing company stopped support for the game, it was not easy to find online games for XMP newbies.

An XMP fan later implemented his own master server, so that users can find online servers easily again.

For more information, visit

[edit] Gameplay

XMP is a team-based game, where the players are split into two teams, red and blue. Both teams have a base with an Artifact Node. Each Artifact Node initially contains two Artifacts. (XMP players often refer to these as "Artis".) The main objective is to steal the enemy's Artifacts and then register them at your own Artifact Node, both accomplished by running through the appropriate Artifact Node.

The game relies on some basic concepts, which make XMP unique:

  • Three classes: The player can play as a Ranger, a Tech or a Gunner, each with its own pros and cons,
  • Energy: Every action costs energy; each team has to ensure a sufficient energy level at all times,
  • Vehicles: Three different vehicle types enhance gameplay,
  • Teamplay: The team with better collaboration is more likely to win the game.

[edit] Hacking

Some of the items in the game can be hacked to be owned by the hacking team. The two most important things to be hacked are Energy Generators and Deploy Points, but you can also hack panels of some doors and lifts. To hack an item, stand close to it, press and hold the key you have bound to "Use". A progress bar will appear. When it is full, the item belongs to your team and you will hear the announcer say something like "Your team has gained <your item here>". While you are hacking, you are an easy target for the enemy, so it is a good idea to wait for the opportune moment to hack a given item, or otherwise call a teammate to provide some cover.

A special way of "hacking" is treating teammates. The player can always approach and "use" them. Depending on the actual player class the teammate can either be healed (Ranger), repaired (Tech) or resupplied (Gunner).

The speed of hacking items depends on the player class and the actual personal energy reserve. Techs hack fastest, Gunners and Rangers take longer to hack. All three classes treat (heal, repair, or supply) teammates at the same speed. However, if the player's personal energy supply is depleted (e.g. due to excessive use of the jump pack) hacking and treating will take significantly longer.

[edit] Energy

What makes XMP different from typical CTF is Energy. Energy is required for almost everything in the game: weapons, vehicles and even the player's advanced movements. Autonomous mechanical defenses (so-called "Deployables") consume the most energy. Without Energy you cannot register the enemy's Artifacts as your own, drop turrets and so on. Each map has a number of Generators which c