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XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 12:34 pm
by Ace Antilles
XWAU 2020 Mega Patch Update 3
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May the 4th be with you! We haven't forgotten, the XWAU Team has worked really hard in a short time to give you one of the biggest Mega Patch Updates!
It's available to download now. Here are the very long patch notes which are also in the readme file.
I will post a new topic with all the new release pictures on.

Please backup any configurations files or changes that you have custom edited before installing this Update, as this release could reset them to defaults. This release has many changes to Effects, Flightmodel INI, Dynamic Cockpits and Material files.

New Releases

Platform 3 v1.0 by Vince T: First release of the XQ3 Platform and Hangar. Vince T has created another beautiful looking Platform that hasn’t been released before. It has 4 Skins, plus a Void template and optional Cargo Bays profile.
It also comes with animated light textures on the landing platforms indicating the Hangar pad to use!
Please see the readme file for the full details here: Readme\XWAU Crafts\Platform 3 Readme.docx

Calamari Liberty v2.0 by DTM: Another Starship with improved Opt and brand new HD textures for the winged Calamari Cruiser Liberty. It has a new Hangar as well as hangar doors, these can be used as an Object Profile.
Please see the readme file for the full details here: Readme\XWAU Crafts\Calamari Liberty Readme.docx

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Assault Frigate v2.0 by Vince T, Blue Max and Driftwood: A joint effort from the team and a completely new model for the Assault Frigate! Created by and used with permission from The_Farseer. It comes with 2 Skins and is well armed.
Please see the readme file for the full details here: Readme\XWAU Crafts\Assault Frigate Readme.docx

Class A Container (Brick) by JC: Almost 20 years after his first Container opt, JC has come back with a new improved version of the classic Brick Container. With 4 flightgroup colours, new detailing and textures. Ready to be transported!

XWA Interface Update v1.0 by Ace Antilles: Many of you may already have this but Ace Antilles has given us permission to now include his XWA Interface Update in the XWAU Mega Patch. This upgrades the look of most of the menu screens found in the Flight Simulator room and others. It replaces nearly all the interface images stored in the Frontend2.dat file. Many of them are starting to look a little dated so now they have brand new images and icons.
Please see the readme file for the full details here: Readme\Upgrades\XWA Interface Update Readme.pdf
Also you can see more screenshots in the other forum section: https://www.xwaupgrade.com/phpBB3/viewt ... 19&t=13212

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New Updated Versions

Asteroids v5.0 by Blue Max: No stone has been left unturned in the XWAU. Blue Max has remodelled all 9 Asteroids and given them great new textures too. There’s some great new designs but we still tried to keep close to the original sizes.
Please see the readme file for the full details here: Readme\XWAU Crafts\Asteroids Readme.docx

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Asteroid Base, Asteroid Laser Battery, Asteroid Warhead Launcher and Pirate Shipyard by Blue Max:
Blue Max has retextured and improved the other Asteroid items with brand new rock effect textures.
Please see the individual readme files for the full details here: Readme\XWAU Crafts\

Victory I Star Destroyer v2.3 by Vince T: The VSD 1 has had the texture layout recomposed to improve mapping efficiency, improve shading and reduce file size. The flightgroup colors have been converted into 3 skins currently.
Please see the readme file for the full details here: Readme\XWAU Crafts\Victory Star Destroyer Readme.docx

Skins by DTM: He’s created a new Partisan black and white skin for the X-wing to use when setup in custom missions.
Also a new “Void” template skins which you can use to add your own colours and make a new custom painted fighter.
For the necessary codes and pictures of the Skins see the XWA FlightModels\Skins\ folder.

You can see pictures and videos of the XWA Upgrade releases in the Showcase section on our website.

Assault Gunboat and Missile Boat by Ace Antilles: These ships have had Cockpit Damage Animations added to them. These are based off the existing versions and are triggered based on damage events to the ship. Normally when a subsystem is destroyed and needing repair. Or if your hull strength is reduced past 75% etc.
Also the Dynamic Cockpit files have been converted to the new DAT system. Keeping them all in one file.

Super Backdrops v3.2 by DTM: DTM has improved some of the backdrops in the Planet2 and Death Star Dat files.
There are three different high orbit scenarios used in these missions:
Nomlis III, in mission 1B2M4. Kothlis, in missions 1B4m4 and 1B4m5. Endor, in missions 1B7M1, 1B7M2 and 1B7M3
If you are a mission builder and used high orbit backdrops in your custom missions then please read the details below:

"Backdrops for creating orbital scenarios have been improved. However, it is necessary to apply the following changes in your custom missions, in case you have created orbital scenarios similar to those seen in the Azzameen missions.
Now the scenario is made up of a single front image, instead of four as before. You can then delete three of the four frontal backdrops (it doesn't matter which one), without changing their size. The polar Backdrop must be changed in its size: the new size is 2.0. Use the following Azzameen missions as a reference: 1b2M4, 1B5M5 and 1B7M1"

He has also improved the definition of the Death Star II Backdrop. Now in the 3 Endor missions the Death Star II is now seen in low orbit above Endor. The missions have been adjusted for the new high resolution sizes.

Family Missions by Ace Antilles: Ace has added new sound files to improve the Azzameen Family missions.
This includes new YT-1300 and Otana hangar take off sounds, as well as different Hyperspace noises for those ships.
Also in Battle 0 Mission 7 it has had a change to the hangar sounds to reflect the mission circumstances.


Updates

Please backup any configurations files or changes that you have custom edited before installing this Update, as this release could reset them to defaults.
This release has many changes to Effects, Flightmodel INI, Dynamic Cockpits and Material files.



Config File – The XWAU installer will now automatically change the Config.CFG file to enable Use 3D Hardware, Hardware MIP Mapping, 32 Channels sound and High Quality Sound. This is to avoid known crashing issues.

Assault Gunboat - Cockpit Damage Animations have been added and Dynamic Cockpit files are stored in a Dat file.

Calamari Defiance Hangar - DTM simplified the Defiance hangar to improve the FPS inside the hangar.
Minor tweaks to the Defiance and Default Maps. Shuttle adjustments Removed some options to try and keep the FPS low.

Effects – All the latest Effects and VR Beta files by Blue Max have been added.

FlightModels INI – Ace Antilles has spent more time updating the INI files coding for opt models used in the game.
Added are extra codes or descriptions for what each line does. This can help to understand or modify them for custom use
IMPORTANT! Backup all files before editing these features. A wrong edit can break the ship or crash the game!
The descriptions have ; before them which means the game won’t read them or interfere with its action. Not every line can have a description on it though. I recommend you don’t alter most lines but hopefully it can help custom builders.
Please see the Hooks readme file for the full details on the commands here: Readme\Hooks\Hooks_Readme.txt

Updated more INIs with default CockpitPov and StatsProfiles listings.
Enabled ParkOrderSFoilsClosed on these ships: Missile Boat, Twing, VSD1, Skipray.

Laser fixes – Corrected, adjusted or fixed laser colours in many ships.
AccelRing2 - Changed to Red lasers. AccelRing3 set to Yellow.
Asteroid Laser Battery - Changed to Red lasers from pink.
Carrack Cruiser - Changed to Yellow as per XWAU settings.
GunPad - Changed to Red lasers from pink. Gun Warhead Pad - Stays yellow.
MineA - Changed to Yellow lasers and uses RebelTurbo sound.
MineB - Changed to Purple Ion and uses IonTurbo sound.
MineC: Changed to Green lasers and uses EmpireTurbo sound.
Modified Strike Cruiser - Changed to Red for Rebel.
Scout Craft - Changed to Red lasers.
Slave 1 - Changed to Red lasers and light blue ions as per movie.
Slave 2 - Changed Red ions to light blue and Yellow lasers.
Strike Cruiser - Changed lasers from red to green.
System Patrol Craft - Changed to Red lasers.

FlightModels OPTS – Removed pilot illumination from many ships to stop them looking too bright in exterior views.
CloakShapeFighter, CorellianTransport2 YT1300, FamilyTransport Otana, IrdFighter, MillenniumFalcon2 and variations, PinookFighter, PlanetaryFighter, R41Starchaser, SlaveOne, ToscanFighter, Twing.

Freighter Container K - Created new Empty and Partial loaded profiles for mission use.

Hooks - The latest Hooks by Jérémy Ansel (JérémyaFr) as of the date of this release.
Note: The Hook files are only overwritten if the existing file is older than the new file, otherwise installation is skipped.
Hook_Engine_Sound.dll. Added a EngineSoundTakeOff setting. The Falcon will now use the MFTakeOff sound by default
You can now set the Take Off sound in the Ship ini file. "[Sound]" in "FlightModels\[Model].ini". Add a line with "EngineSoundTakeOff = value". The value is between 1 and 2: 1 means LandingGearUp - 2 means MfTakeOff
Hook_Sounds_Count.dll. A new hook which will allow changes to the Sound effects and more in the future.
Hook_Targetboxtoggle.dll. This hook has been updated to prevent crashes and added to the XWAU Hooks.
This hook turns the in-flight target box on/off by using the Ctrl+T key. You can also disable it completely in the INI file.

HyperBuoy – Added a Material file to fix bad lighting effects.

Imperial Landing Craft (Sentinel) – Adjusted the wings S-Foils position. Separated the Landing Gears, Material file.

Map Icons - New Strike Cruiser and Modified Strike Cruiser map icons. Modified Strike Cruiser now works.
MapIconList - Text file added to XWA Directory. This gives support for adding custom craft.

Missile Boat - Cockpit Damage Animations have been added and Dynamic Cockpit files are stored in a Dat file.

Skirmish Pics – New pictures for the updated and new crafts.

X-wing – New Partisan and Void Skins added.

Z-95 (Quad Engine) – Adjusted the Hangar Elevation so that it sits on the floor properly.

Trash Compactor Clean-up – As we add many new files or correct others it can lead to a lot of obsolete game files.
The installer now goes through and deletes those files that we setup. They will be added to the Backup directory if needed

Bug Fixes

Hooks – Hook_Windowed.dll. Updated to fix a possible crash.
Hook_Weapon_Type.dll. New Hook fixes the warheads selection for crafts that have dual warheads.

Mission changes

Please backup any configurations files or changes that you have custom edited before installing this Update, as this release will overwrite them with new versions.
This release has many changes to Mission INI files and the Mission TIE files.


A lot of mission changes. Every Mission INI should now be named inside. Many hangar maps fixed or improved.

Family Missions by Ace Antilles: Ace has added new sound files to improve the Azzameen Family missions.
The YT-1300 and Otana now have different hangar take off sounds, adjusted to match the times before boosting.
Also there is different Hyperspace noises for those ships. The Falcon will now use the MFTakeOff sound too.

A massive thank you to @Blazingfirestorm for finding many small bugs in missions and helping correct them.

B0M1 - Fixed briefing sound cutting out by increasing the time.
B0M4 – Added a merged “Shut Up Emkay” wav thanks to @Luke_Skywalker .
B0M6 - Fixed briefing sound cutting out by increasing the time
B0M7 - Change to the hangar sounds to Evacuate sound to reflect the mission circumstances.

B1M2 - Fixed briefing sound cutting out by increasing the time.
B1M5 - Enabled unused message, changed yellow Aeron text to purple.
B2M1 - Fixed inspection bonus.
B2M2 - Added ETR object profile.
B2M4 - New High Orbit backdrop.
B3M3 - Fixed Liberty Briefing Icon, Set one of the Gunboats to use BlackOps skin.
B3M4 - Fixed bonus goal.
B3M5 - Enabled unused message. Set Assault Shuttle to use the Spacetrooper FG colour.

B4M1 - Fixed Bilbringi spelling mistake
B4M3 - Fixed Liberty Briefing Icon
B4M4 - New High Orbit backdrop, Fixed Outrider briefing icon, used Empire VSD Skin.
B4M5 - New High Orbit backdrop.
B5M2 - Fixed Tugs docking wrong. Moved Nebulon B out of the way. Fixed an order.
B5M3 - Enabled unused messages.
B5M7 - Fixed briefing sound cutting out by increasing the time. Also docking fix.
B6M6 - Fixed the Falcon to use the Han Solo variant.

B7M1 - New High Orbit backdrop. Improved Death Star backdrop. Liberty closed door profile used.
B7M2 - New High Orbit backdrop. Improved Death Star backdrop.
B7M3 - New High Orbit backdrop. Improved Death Star backdrop.

Important Information

Please make sure you play the game by opening Alliance.exe. A desktop shortcut will be made during installation.
Do NOT use open Steam, GoG or other shortcuts. Make sure they are closed during play or it will affect the XWAU files.

The first thing you should do is run Babu Frik's Configurator from the Launcher menu. In that you can setup your graphics and VR options to improve things as you wish. Don't forget to read our Beginners Guide for help too.

Make sure 3D Hardware and MIP Mapping is turned ON in the Video options, Hardware section. This prevents crashes.
Be aware that some people report issues with high refresh rates on monitors. Changing it to 60hz can help fix that.

Open Joystick Configurator from the Launcher to setup your Joystick options.
A few people have been experiencing some issues with joysticks and controllers. With so many modern Joysticks etc and any old game it's tricky. With the Mega Patch release more people are trying our new system so we may find a few small bugs. This isn't like Squadrons so don't expect XWA to accept all the latest gear in one click but it's better than before.
If you have any issues then read and post in this topic for help.

XWA CD Version: If you are still using the old CDs for XWA it is getting harder to support that system. We do recommend you upgrade to a digital version such as sold by GoG.com etc. They can be very cheap in sales.
Sound Issues: If you find you are missing some mission sounds then you need to copy the WAVE folder from both CDs to the XWA main folder. If asked to replace any files then select not to do that. The sounds will then run from your PC.

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 12:46 pm
by marcop000
This is a very good news !!

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 1:55 pm
by batuta
YEAH thank you very much this is great.

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 3:13 pm
by Trevor
Ace Antilles wrote:
Tue May 04, 2021 12:34 pm
XWA CD Version: If you are still using the old CDs for XWA it is getting harder to support that system. We do recommend you upgrade to a digital version such as sold by GoG.com etc. They can be very cheap in sales.
Erm... what do you mean CD is getting hard to support? :? Except for the DRM (which is removed by XWAUP) arn't GOG/Steam and CD the same game (well, and the fact that steam was hacked to force 800x600 for some reason)

The only difference I know of is that the CD game doesn't install everything (like sound) onto HDD which you have already addressed.

Anyway, Update looks good, and I see the brick container is back to being a brick (instead of the rounded ends) :)

Trev

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 3:42 pm
by Rookie_One1
Trevor wrote:
Tue May 04, 2021 3:13 pm

Anyway, Update looks good, and I see the brick container is back to being a brick (instead of the rounded ends) :)
Someone will have to update that bulk freighter again!

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 3:50 pm
by Blazingfirestorm
And the CTRNS Container Transport

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 4:29 pm
by Vince T
Yes, someone should really do that ^^

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 6:45 pm
by eddyfurax
Thank you so much for this massive Patch And Happy Star Wars Day all Pilot friends. May the force be with you !!

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 7:52 pm
by Old_Jedi
Thanks guys - MTFBWY - always.

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 4:53 am
by Erd
Are the new X-wing skins for the Darksaber X-wing? Which X-wing model is the recommended one then?

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 8:37 am
by Demis_Russos
I installed the Mega Update and the Patch 2 yesterday and it scrubbed my pilot! I can see my pilot in the Babu Frik pilot selection launcher but I've gone right back to the beginning of the game. Have I lost my progress???

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 9:46 am
by Ace Antilles
Erd wrote:
Wed May 05, 2021 4:53 am
Are the new X-wing skins for the Darksaber X-wing? Which X-wing model is the recommended one then?
No they are not. The latest Skins are for the default XwingA (Azzameen) or Generic Xwing.
We are working on different ways for Xwing skins to be available in the future.

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 9:50 am
by Ace Antilles
Demis_Russos wrote:
Wed May 05, 2021 8:37 am
I installed the Mega Update and the Patch 2 yesterday and it scrubbed my pilot! I can see my pilot in the Babu Frik pilot selection launcher but I've gone right back to the beginning of the game. Have I lost my progress???
I'm sorry to hear that. The Update does not touch the Pilot files. If it did then the file would be in the Backup folder.
As it says at the top we recommend backups and I would always recommend you backup your pilot file to a different folder on a regular basis.

Have you tried loading your pilot in the launcher to make sure it's working right? It sounds like a different one is loaded.
Also open config.cfg in Notepad. The current pilot name will be at the top, so check that.

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 1:46 pm
by Demis_Russos
Ace Antilles wrote:
Wed May 05, 2021 9:50 am
Demis_Russos wrote:
Wed May 05, 2021 8:37 am
I installed the Mega Update and the Patch 2 yesterday and it scrubbed my pilot! I can see my pilot in the Babu Frik pilot selection launcher but I've gone right back to the beginning of the game. Have I lost my progress???
I'm sorry to hear that. The Update does not touch the Pilot files. If it did then the file would be in the Backup folder.
As it says at the top we recommend backups and I would always recommend you backup your pilot file to a different folder on a regular basis.

Have you tried loading your pilot in the launcher to make sure it's working right? It sounds like a different one is loaded.
Also open config.cfg in Notepad. The current pilot name will be at the top, so check that.
I didn't think of the Backup folder. I'll take a look and report back.

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 5:40 am
by Erd
Ace Antilles wrote:
Wed May 05, 2021 9:46 am

No they are not. The latest Skins are for the default XwingA (Azzameen) or Generic Xwing.
We are working on different ways for Xwing skins to be available in the future.
Thanks, I saw the partisan skin on the showcase page and thought that was the new one.

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 10:49 am
by haui
Thank you for this work.

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 9:09 pm
by Tuskin
I always preferred the blocky container over the rounded one, so I'm really liking that.

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Fri May 07, 2021 6:22 am
by JustCallMePaige
Hey guys the Update is working great but I'm experiencing two main issues:

1. Some commands are completely broken, like the M button (Opening the Space Map) will make the game crash
2. The new controller configurator is a pain in the neck to use, I lost 1 hour to configure everything and still my directional inputs are kinda broken (I use a PS2 pad and I use my D-Pad for commands like X, N, I and E; when I use the X command from the D-Pad, I get a very fast switch between firing modes)

Hope you understand, sorry for the bad english!

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Sat May 08, 2021 6:36 am
by Demis_Russos
Demis_Russos wrote:
Wed May 05, 2021 1:46 pm
Ace Antilles wrote:
Wed May 05, 2021 9:50 am
Demis_Russos wrote:
Wed May 05, 2021 8:37 am
I installed the Mega Update and the Patch 2 yesterday and it scrubbed my pilot! I can see my pilot in the Babu Frik pilot selection launcher but I've gone right back to the beginning of the game. Have I lost my progress???
I'm sorry to hear that. The Update does not touch the Pilot files. If it did then the file would be in the Backup folder.
As it says at the top we recommend backups and I would always recommend you backup your pilot file to a different folder on a regular basis.

Have you tried loading your pilot in the launcher to make sure it's working right? It sounds like a different one is loaded.
Also open config.cfg in Notepad. The current pilot name will be at the top, so check that.
I didn't think of the Backup folder. I'll take a look and report back.
I looked at the Config file and confirmed the last pilot as the one I was using. However when I start the game, it takes me all the way back to the start. I think it has scrubbed my pilot.

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Sat May 08, 2021 8:43 am
by Forceflow
Demis_Russos wrote:
Sat May 08, 2021 6:36 am
I looked at the Config file and confirmed the last pilot as the one I was using. However when I start the game, it takes me all the way back to the start. I think it has scrubbed my pilot.
This is really strange since the installer itself does not touch the pilot file.
Did you check if the pilot-file is still in the directory of your installation? Are there maybe two files with the same name but only a different extension and might your old pilot-file be in the backup folder of the XWAU installation? Last thing I could think of would be do you maybe have two XWA installations and the link now points to the wrong one?

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Sat May 08, 2021 3:07 pm
by Blazingfirestorm
there is a issue with B4M1 that's causing the mission to fail I have posted a fix for it in Mission Balancing under it's name

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Sun May 09, 2021 1:12 am
by Ace Antilles
JustCallMePaige wrote:
Fri May 07, 2021 6:22 am
Hey guys the Update is working great but I'm experiencing two main issues:

1. Some commands are completely broken, like the M button (Opening the Space Map) will make the game crash
2. The new controller configurator is a pain in the neck to use, I lost 1 hour to configure everything and still my directional inputs are kinda broken (I use a PS2 pad and I use my D-Pad for commands like X, N, I and E; when I use the X command from the D-Pad, I get a very fast switch between firing modes)

Hope you understand, sorry for the bad english!
1 - There must be something wrong with your XWA installation. Backup all pilot files and anything else important and reinstall the game.
Then install the Mega Patch. Test. Then install Update 3.

2 - XWA was never designed to be used on a Controller, especially an old one. A joystick is recommended.
Go to your XWA folder. Find Hook_Joystick_Ff.dll and rename it. For example BACKUP-Hook_Joystick_Ff.dll
Then the original Controller options in the game should work.

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Sun May 09, 2021 5:11 pm
by sobeach
Is there a seperate installer for the XWA interface?
When I run the game, the menu says 2.02.

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Sun May 09, 2021 6:59 pm
by JustCallMePaige
Ace Antilles wrote:
Sun May 09, 2021 1:12 am
1 - There must be something wrong with your XWA installation. Backup all pilot files and anything else important and reinstall the game.
Then install the Mega Patch. Test. Then install Update 3.

2 - XWA was never designed to be used on a Controller, especially an old one. A joystick is recommended.
Go to your XWA folder. Find Hook_Joystick_Ff.dll and rename it. For example BACKUP-Hook_Joystick_Ff.dll
Then the original Controller options in the game should work.
I solved everything by uninstalling & reinstalling the game from GoG and also re-installing XWAUp and the Mega Patch, everything works fine now; Still, thank you!
P.S.: Are you italian Ace? Bc I am!

Re: XWAU Mega Patch Update 3!

Posted: Sun May 09, 2021 7:08 pm
by JustCallMePaige
Also, I was trying out XWA Piloteer; is it possible to re-name the FongFong profile in order to have player profile without playing the campaign all over again?