Yes, the v1.1 patch update for Quake 4 has finally been exuded, addressing a numerous amount of bugs, issues, and what not, such as multiplayer improvements, E.G: a fixed pure server system and new auto-addon download packs, support for Intel Hyper-Threading special instructions technology, plus Intel and AMD's latest dual-core CPU chips, 2 new DM and CTF maps, and etc, all weighing 120MB.
[EDIT - the URL/mirror has been taken down due to id Software announcing that the patch has seriously detered widescreen support functionality to the point of possibly harming the user's monitor. Sorry.]
The folks over at Aspyr have besetted up their new news letter regarding the Mac OS X port development of Quake 4 and how the new v1.1 BETA patch will prove to be toilsome in terms of moving the Intel dual-core SMP support from the Windows BETA patch to Mac OS X. Here's the actual news letter if you haven't subscribed already:
"The last month has seen lots of progress in our Macintosh development efforts on Intel Macs. Final testing is winding up on Universal patches for The Sims™ 2 and Civilization® 3 Complete, and our first in-the-box Universal game, Quake 4™. Having completed a thorough test of all our older games on Intel Macs, we'll now move to some of the other titles. Some of the games most likely to have Universal updates are Rollercoaster Tycoon 3, SimCity™ 4, Call of Duty™, and Command & Conquer™ Generals. Exact details will be announced soon.
One of the other interesting projects we've recently undertaken has been moving the SMP (multi-processor) support for Quake 4™ from the beta patch released for Windows to the OS X version. Our initial work has shown amazing results, and we hope to have the dual processor aware version of Quake 4™ Mac ready to release in late March. Historically it has been difficult for many games to get a speed boost from dual processors, but having access to a very well engineered codebase that is SMP aware on the PC has really helped in this case. Keep an eye on your favorite Mac games sites for the Quake 4™ SMP patch!"
This v1.1 BETA Patch of Quake 4 fixes some small issues during gameplay. It also has some very nice addons, such as:
- Voice Chat in multiplayer simmilair to CS - Forcemodel option (much like Quake 3 once had) - 1 Minute Warning during tournament matches (much like Quake 3) - Fixed pure server autodownloading - Hyper-Threading Technology support (Woo for folks with Intel Pentium 4 CPUs with HT support!) - smooth stairjumping - other community-requested fixes
This update will bring any previous version of the game completely up to date, however it will affect pure server and protocol consistency. Therefore, players who update to 1.1 BETA will only be able to play multiplayer against other 1.1 BETA users, and save games created on previous versions of the game will not be compatible with the 1.1 BETA update. Please use the form at www.idsoftware.com/bugs/ to report any issues you find with the 1.1 BETA.
The update is not completely finished yet, but they will soon release the full version of the update. As a bonus, they are releasing 4 new maps to continue the Quakemas map series.
id Software is also working with a mod team to get the SDK for Quake 4 out...woo!
The folks over at Aspyr have updated their game development status page confirming the Quake 4 Mac OS X port to be in its Final Canditate development stage status (meaning it's impending on the beta stages of development) making a rather probationary release date guestimate of March of this year.
The dudes at FiringSquad have scalded up a new 5-page Quake 4 performance analysis, testing Intel's latest Pentium 4D EE 540-840 series CPUs (which run at a clock speed of 3.2 GHz, with 2MB of L2 cache per core, a 800 MHz FSB, a 0.09 micron cooling process, and so forth), and AMD Athlon 64's latest X2 3800+-4800+ series CPUs (which run at a frequency of 2.0 GHz - 2.4 GHz with 1MB of L2 cache per core, a 1 GHz FSB, and also a 0.09 micron cooling process, all with special 64-bit instructions, that being AMD64 architecture support and EMT64 architecture support) in a series of thorough, custom Quake 4 benchmarks.
Raven Software and Activision have stirred up an accumulation of three new maps, dubbed "Railed", "Tremors", and "Campground Redux", all together weighing approximately 23.39MB. Here's the press announcement:
"Mesquite, TX - December 20, 2005 - Shaking up the holiday season with a trio of aftershocks, id Software™, Raven Software and Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) have released the Quakemas Map Pack - three new downloadable maps for QUAKE 4™ on the PC. The maps—Railed, Tremors, and Campground Redux - offer all-new gameplay environments for more fast-paced, intense multiplayer combat. These latest maps are now available for free download at www.idsoftware.com.
Railed - Set in an abandoned, rusting Strogg facility, the environment in Railed produces fast paced frenetic tournament action. This new map is all about close-quarters combat and hair-trigger reflexes as players hustle through the winding, multi-tiered corridors. Designed particularly for tournament play, Railed also supports Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch game modes, and is guaranteed to provide some thrilling fast-action gameplay.
Tremors - Built within a twisting underground cavern and peppered throughout with pipes, bridges, and catwalks, Tremors demands tactical expertise. Enemies attack from above and below in the enormous, multi-tiered environment, making team-play invaluable. Tremors is perfect for huge Capture-The-Flag games, and also supports the Arena Capture-The-Flag gameplay mode.
Campgrounds Redux - With QUAKE 4’s updated technology, Campgrounds Redux now has a fresh look and feel, revitalizing this QUAKE III classic. Excellent for any number of players, this updated version supports Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Tournament modes, where hard-core QUAKE fans can get crazy with this throw-back to one of their old favorites."
You simply couldn't demand a more pleasant surprise, just in time for the week of X-mas, too! So what are you waiting for? Begin downloading it at Filefront.
12/22/2005 UPDATE: The Linux OS version of the mappack has been released, weighing 16.4MB, grab it over at Fileplanet.
Aspyr Media have just tactfully announced the Quake 4 Mac OS X version port, only revealing a sparse amount of details, such as the early 2006 pencilled release date.
Check out the rest of the details over at their Quake 4 page.
