Fast Approaching Release of First Strike 1.4 news

Hi there troops!

This week we felt it was high time we filled you in on some further details regarding the next release of First Strike, including the actual release date, which we will come back to later. First off as the title of this news post suggests, we have done away with the initial idea of the next release being v1.35, this title brings to mind small additions to the mod such as minor tweaks to gameplay, graphics and content, where as we feel that what you'll be getting with this release is far much more than that and as such warrants the slightly grander title of 1.4, after all you'll be getting 3 new maps with this release, and although they are based off of the work of members from within the First Strike Community there is a surprising amount of brand new content within these maps over what was seen during the Beta test a while back, plus additional polish from members of the First Strike Dev team as well as the original mappers.

So just what is new to this release's maps when compared with their Beta incarnation?

The map with the most additions when compared to the Beta, Null Sensor Station has had a completely new base built for it by the original mapper Krenyo, who has now become a fully fledged member of the First Strike Dev Team. Explore the vast tank hangers, control rooms and sniper towers of this impressive installation, an experience sure not to disappoint. In addition graphical polish has been included such as brand new trees and foliage. This should prove to be a most exciting map come the next release.

And so we have finally found a home for our Refinery map, and that would be the Outer Rim world of Bandomeer, a mining world with many valuable ores hidden within its crust, ample reason for the Imperials and Rebels to kick off over it. This map has changed the least since the Beta as Zyth's work was already very near the quality we look for in official First Strike maps and was pretty much complete at Beta stage. Main additions made here deal with gameplay and balancing, though it is possible that if we have the time we may introduce a brand new mystery vehicle for this map, so watch this space.

Finally we have TY2D2's contribution to this release. After his impressive infantry city map that was Bestine, he has now turned his talents to creating a war ravaged battle zone with Lok, the perfect arena for some brilliant tank battle action, with plenty to do for those who prefer infantry combat, and as a little treat for you flying aces out there this map also sees the debut of that fan favourite, the Incom T-16 Skyhopper. Find it, fly it, make those ground pounders lives a misery.

I Used to Bullseye Womprats...

Yes, here she is at last. Ever since one teasingly appeared in the loading screen art for Mos Espa all you guys have been asking is, "When can we fly that T-16?" Well, that and, "When's the next release coming out?" The answer to the first question is with the release of First Strike v1.4. The Incom T-16 Skyhopper (made famous by a certain Skywalker playing with a model of one in his garage) is a speedy and versatile civilian pleasure craft often used by the Rebellion for training due to the similarity of its controls and handling to its larger cousin the Incom T-65 X-Wing Starfighter. This craft also sees use by militias and law enforcement agencies across the galaxy due to the vehicle's multiple hard points that make it highly customizable with a variety of payloads and weapons. Within First Strike you will see a light transport model and a more heavily armed close air support model with which I'm sure you're going to have lots of fun.

Now did I forget something? Oh yeah, what is the answer to that second question?

"When's the next release of First Strike coming out?"

Well I'll put it to you this way, I'd clear some extra space in your stocking this year as I'd be expecting a nice gift from the First Strike Dev Team this Christmas.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

And don't forget that we still have Community Games running every Saturday, which we will continue with in the run up to this release. Enjoy the chance to play epic battles with high numbers of players and get that excellent First Strike gaming experience.