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Talk to Me!
By Kurt "Froglips" GiesselmanOnline communications have progressed dramatically over the last year. With Battle Comm making the transition to freeware, and programs like Roger-Wilco included with some new simulations (Flanker 2.0), the choices for Internet communication software for cooperative and head-to-head game play are broader and more effective than ever. Let's take a look at what can be had for a free download today.
Battle Comm version 1.31 build 170
Fig. 1. Battle Comm LogoThe biggest news is that Battle Comm (BC) has finally become freeware. This program was previously available for a very modest charge but is now free. Microsoft purchased the company behind BC, Shadowfactor Software, recently. Their voice communication software will be included in the next release of DirectX, version 8. According to Dan Weber at Shadowfactor, you can read all about DirectPlay Voice at http://www.battlecom.com/press-feb2000.html.
BC is not the first voice communications program used in conjunction with online simulations but it is the first that was specifically designed for online communication while playing online simulations.
BC has gone through several iterations. I have five versions in my archives. BC's great development was their GameLink. This was developed after BC was muted by several newly released, at the time, games. I can not say I understand how GameLink works but I can tell you it does. Even the peskiest program succumbs to a few tweaks that allow voice communications while playing online.
Fig. 2. BC Main Screen
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