First up some update from Darksaber regarding the installers:
A massive shout-out to Darksaber for continuing to better and of course providing the installers! This has made the upgrade process so much easier and smoother for everybody!Darksaber wrote: With this new batch of installers, I've has changed the way files are backed up, the installers will now create there own individual backup folder, the backup folder will still be stored in for example "LucasArts\X-Wing Alliance\Backup"
But instead of everything being saved to the same "Backup/BackupCraft" folder, where the first craft installer you installed determined what the file dates where backed up. Apart from the craft.opt, all the other files XwingAlliance.exe, Spacecraft0.lst, Equipment0.lst, Fronttxt.txt, Resdata.txt, Shiplist.txt, Specdesc.txt and the Strings.txt remained exactly the same and where not overwritten with each following craft installer, which becomes a pain, because if one installer is messed up, you would have to start over from scratch.
So now each craft installer will now create it's own backup folder which is in this format
Y-M-D_H.M.S_CraftName (Year-Month-Day_Hours.Minutes.Seconds_CraftName)
Like so 2019-08-09_11.49.30_AccelRing
Even if you install the same installer again it will create it's own individual folder based on the date, time and name, so if there is a problem with one of the installers or you select the wrong option, it will be easier to track it down, and replace the files to the previous stable version.
With today's computer systems and the size of HDD's that most people have, I don't see the problem with multiple backups taking up too much room. So if or when your happy with the version of XWA you have, the back up folders can be deleted.
Included in each installer are all the latest Hooks by Jérémy Ansel (JérémyaFr) as of August 06, 2019.
Please note: The Hook files are only overwritten if the existing file is older than the new file, otherwise installation of the Hook is skipped.
Jérémy Ansel (JérémyaFr) also recommends that you install the updated ddraw.dll that includes the commit to reduce memory usage (Jérémy Ansel (JérémyaFr) latest version is v1.3.7). Otherwise the game may run out of memory and crashes in kernelbase.dll. You can download the latest version from JeremyaFr's xwa_ddraw_d3d11 Git Hub Page
And now to the new models we have
![lachen :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
From Warb_Null
Dunari's Rest Casino
The original Casino needed a major overhaul, Warb_Null has done exactly that with this beautiful looking station
![Image](https://www.xwaupgrade.com/newspro/images/Casino.jpg)
A lot of great details have been added in the model and now make it really unique and more believable as a casino location. Make sure to give this one a very close look!
Gun and Warhead Emplacements
You'll be amazed at the detail Warb has put into these wonderful looking weapons platforms
![Image](https://www.xwaupgrade.com/newspro/images/GunPads.jpg)
While it might not be a good idea to fly by those beasts too close it's really worth it if you want to really see all the little details that were put into this one.
Repair Yard
Another great looking station from Warb_Null that was screaming to be remade
![Image](https://www.xwaupgrade.com/newspro/images/RepairYard.jpg)
Another station redone, you know that always makes me very happy since the stations were painfully underupgraded in my opinion, so now having two new great stations makes me a very happy admin
![lachen :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
Stormtrooper Transport
We have a brand new Stormtrooper Transport, which replaces the old version by Gank and Darksaber
![Image](https://www.xwaupgrade.com/newspro/images/StormTrans.jpg)
Such a small craft, so many great looking details, this one warrants a barrage from your ion cannon so that you can admire all it's glory!
From Marco Antonio
A surprise return by Marco and he's still on form after many years, creating the amazing models and textures and with a little help from Darksaber for opting them. Hopefully he may have one or two more up his sleeves ???
Imperial Research Ship
After being left on the shelf for a number of years, Marco made his return with this wonderful looking craft the Imperial Research Ship
![Image](https://www.xwaupgrade.com/newspro/images/ImpResearchShip.jpg)
Great concept and awesome upgrade to this ship!
Assault Shuttle
Marco then made this iconic shuttle seen in the cutscene when the Empire takes over the Azzameen Family Base
![Image](https://www.xwaupgrade.com/newspro/images/AssaultShuttle.jpg)
Really incredible update and again the amount of detail that got crammed in there is great!
From DTM
Acceleration Rings
DTM was Inspired by Star Wars Resistance, when he saw the accelerator rings in the animated series, so he's created his own versions an they look wonderful in the Pilot Proving Ground, try your skill and fly through them.
From Star Wars Resistance
![Image](https://www.xwaupgrade.com/newspro/images/star-wars-resistance-racing-rings-1.jpg)
DTM's version in game
![Image](https://www.xwaupgrade.com/newspro/images/AccelerationRings.jpg)
A new ship to add to the list of upgrades, and it's a great new look for sure!
Thanks to all involved, hope you all enjoy our new offerings, be sure to hand out plenty of beer to all involved!