Page 3
Custom Builder
Urban Ops includes a custom mission builder, as well as some new game types. The player can set game type, map, number of terrorists, etc., in a very simple and quick interface menu, without having to resort to a complicated mission editor. The "Defend" game is easily the most fun we've had in any co-operative multiplayer tactical game. You are given an area with a switch or other objective the terrorist forces are trying to reach, and they will swarm your positions continually until they achieve their goal. Being surrounded and on the defensive right from the beginning is a whole new experience, and it is giving us an idea what it must be like to be the terrorist for once. Urban Ops also includes a mission editor, as well as improved Mod support. We'll have a better look at these features in our following previews.
Improvements and Fixes
Fig. 8. A shot of the custom mission interface
We spoke to Greg and Gary Stelmack Friday, and these two gents were kind enough to give us a bit of their time and answer some questions. Included in UO mulitplayer is a fix for the "host reticule dislocation" problem. Now not only will the host's reticule be moved when struck by enemy fire, all of the clients' will as well. This will definitely make the multiplayer gameplay more appealing to server hosts, since they won't be at a disadvantage any longer. We've tested this a fair bit, and it is working as advertised: We also think it adds another element of realism to the game.
A few lingering bugs in RS have been fixed as well, one of them being a typo in the code that gave the MP-10SD a round with inadequate damage hit points. A few graphical issues have been rectified as well.
The RSE team has again impressed us with the ability to import all of the mapped key controls from Rogue Spear to Urban Ops with the click of one button in the configuration menu. Urban operations also adds some new hotkey shortcuts that are typically available on the orders bar. Now, instead of calling up the bar and issuing new orders, you can hit NumPad keys 1,2,3,7,8,9 to order your team to perform such actions as flashbang/frag room, breach door, snipe, cover, and defend.
A few new graphic features have been added, most notably the ejected shell casings. This is extremely well done, with single cases flying or an entire stream, depending on the rate of fire. This effect can be seen on both friend and foe, and it adds yet another element of realism to the most realistic tactical combat game to date.
Fig. 9. Check out that flying brass...better get your tumbler warmed up!While our copy of Urban Operations is only preview code, we can already tell that this mission pack is going to be a must have for any Rogue Spear enthusiast. We'll be playing Urban Ops the remainder of the weekend, so stay tuned for more information next week.
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