0 A.D. Widget
Jul 15, 2008 Full Version 0 commentsMac OS X users now have an easy way to keep up-to-date with 0 A.D. news and forum updates with the release of the 0 A.D. Widget! The application features...
0 A.D. is a new real-time strategy currently undergoing development by Wildfire Games. Featuring 6 unique civilizations, each ideally depicted in their peak of economic and military prowess historically. Featuring a ground-breaking new game engine custom-built to suit our environment, 0 A.D. strives to preserve historical accuracy combined with engaging gameplay.

Though a momentous task, we are working to ensure that each culture provides a unique yet balanced gameplay experience. Each of the six civilizations will have a unique set of buildings and units, and have notable strengths and weaknesses that must be learned and exploited by the player to be used effectively.
The Carthaginians will have the strongest navy in the game; the fiercest contendors on the high seas. They were also masters of naval trade, extending their trade routes even beyond the pillars of Hercules and circumnavigating Africa. They deployed towered War Elephants on the battlefield to fearsome effect.
The Britons and Gauls make up our Celtic civilization, and are the antithesis of the rigid organisation of Rome. A fierce horde of woad-painted Celtic warriors charging across the plains was a fearsome sight. They considered the bow and other ranged arms to be a weapon of cowards, and excel in hand-to-hand combat. Not known for their machines of war, they have minimal navy and siege. They construct mostly wooden buildings, which are fast and inexpensive to construct, though far less robust than their stone counterparts.
Controlling the representatives from the Hellenic region, the player has the power of Sparta, Athens and Macedonia at his command. As the forebearers of philosophy, democracy, geometry, and hellenistic art and architecture, they are considered to be civic minded. However, do not discount the strength of their stone structures, the resolve of a Hoplite in phalanx formation, or their historic ability to steal victory against seemingly insurmountable odds.
The Iberians were fathers of the art of guerilla warfare, capable of lightning strikes against an opponent and withdrawing before he can mass an offensive. Their foot units are some of the fastest and most rapid-firing in the game, particularly their Balearic Slingers. A number of their ranged units also have the unique ability to fire flaming missiles. Toledo steel grants them superior metal weaponry.
The Persian Empire is the most cosmopolitan civilisation, levying a wide variety of troops from their vassal satrapies. Their infantry are weak and poorly-equipped, little more than cannon fodder, but can be massed in vast numbers. They have the strongest (though most expensive) cavalry in the game, and are the only civilisation that features all forms of cavalry, including the fearsome cavalry archer. Their cavalry is equally exotic, including camelry, mahout elephants, and scythed chariots. They are known for their lavish wealth, grand architecture and strong trade empire through the Silk Road.
The great conquering imperial powerhouse that swept across Europe, the western shores of the Mediterranean and North Africa in its early days as a Republic. The Romans are notable for their regimented military, powerful siege engines, broad range of naval vessels, politics, and ability to adapt.
In future Expansion Packs, we hope to expand the number of available cultures by incorporating additional civilisations from 1 A.D. to 500 A.D. So expect this section to grow after 0 A.D. is released! The list will not be finalised until the first edition has gone gold, but possible civilisations include the Germanics, Vandels, Sarmatians, Late Rome, Eastern Rome, Saxons, Parthians, Huns, Dacians, Goths and Imperial Rome. Of course, as a game intended to be modified, there is always the possibility that these civilizations spring up from our ambitious community before we get a chance to release new content.

We are specifically looking for hard-working and motivated individuals with a good temperament, the ability to commit 10+ hours a week to the project, have a passion for RTS gaming, and an interest in working on one of the greatest free-ware achievements to date. Members of WFG are expected to work efficiently and cooperatively to produce their work, but for the most part create their own work schedule to adhere to their required agendas. Working as a team means that everyone has a say in what goes into the project, and everyone has their piece of the puzzle, however to achieve our quality standards and historical accuracy, there will most likely always be something to improve. However, we do realize that perfection is a mere concept rather than a reasonable goal, and as such, designers are encouraged to pursue their personal goals of perfection in design. You can read more about the application process in this thread.




8 comments by PrplPplEater on Jun 3rd, 2008 digg this super bookmark

The summer of 0 A.D. has come, and it kicks off the block with a strong start with the release of screenshot glimpses into the desert biome. Our desert biome preview is kicked off with the completion of the Date Palm Tree. Usually between 15-25m in height, the date palm is native to the desert oases of northern Africa, long cultivated for its fruit, the date.
The date palm can be seen in released action in the June 2008 monthly screenshot, depicting our two resident desert civilizations in bloodthirsty battle - Carthage and Persia. No one knows who will come out on top, but at least the victors will have plenty of ripe fruit for afterwards.
Also released at the beginning of our summer is a brand new showcase exclusive to ModDB readers, featuring the game's attention to detail in the form of unit variation. An essential aspect to the creation of a realistic environment is variation. In 0 A.D., we will be making extended use of the alpha channel to determine randomized hair color, display of player color and even the color of various animals, including horses and dogs. All randomization is controlled by a powerful yet user-friendly application dubbed the 'Actor Editor'.
The Actor Editor is responsible for linking together each and every sword, shield, spear, helmet and head, allowing easy randomization of props to ensue. It will also improve the workflow of a 0 A.D. modder, avoiding toiling through lines of code by using our developmental tool.
Aside from alpha channel randomization, the team has gone to extra efforts to create numerous different versions of helmets, clothing and faces to ensure that even units of the same type will look different. Variation is made use of in many aspects of the game:
Variation is a key aspect in the game that enhances gameplay, helps identify your troops and cater to the overall realistic appeal by setting units apart from one another. Even if you have two of the same unit, it is highly unlikely that they'll be identical due to the extensive effort put forth for a more enjoyable environment.
Finally, the beginning of our summer is launched by the announcing of a public alpha release in the coming months. With no exact date in mind, the community will at that point be given a chance to test the game for bugs and get a feel for the engine first hand. There is no absolute guarantee that a copy will be distributed for Windows Vista users, but Windows XP and Ubuntu are our most easily supported platforms, and will be released during the alpha release period.
The game will be distributed using torrents, select game hosting sites and of course, ModDB. Adequate documentation will be provided with the game's beta release, as expected. It is confirmed that multiplayer will be prepared for the beta release, and at least one civilization will be represented in its fully balanced state. A few maps will be released, along with our map editor, allowing designers to get a head start on maps in Atlas, our scenario editor. There is small chance that a rudimentary matchmaking system will be included, but no promises in that category just yet.
Enjoy the summer to come!
Bob Kimball, WFG Texture Artist
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Mac OS X users now have an easy way to keep up-to-date with 0 A.D. news and forum updates with the release of the 0 A.D. Widget! The application features...
Wear your WFG pride on your desktop with these wallpapers. Credits go to the art of Hyborian and various members of our community.
Only registered members can share their thoughts. So come on! Join the Mod DB community today (totally free) and do things you never thought possible.
I was gunna buy Age of Empires 3, but this looks better. :D
Well, AOE3 might be in the bargain bin before we release 0 A.D. lol
Can't believe this'll become freeware.
Believe it buddy! :D
You persuaded me ... now convince me with a playable version ;)
Damn, I remember reading about this game almost 4 years ago.
I CANT WAIT!! I love RTS games! and this looks very very promising
Man every screenshot and media update I see I feel a thrill of excitement coming to me :)
Hehe, thanx!!!
Can... Not... Wait!