Parsec To Be Released As Open Source

Mark Bainter writes "The Parsec creators have announced today that they are going to release the Parsec project source code early next month. From the site: 'The source release will include platform support for Win32, MacOS X, and Linux, and contain both OpenGL and Glide rendering code. It will include almost everything that has been part of the earlier LAN-Test releases, as well as our new client/server code that is already far along in development. However, it is our hope that this release will be picked up by the Parsec community for further development, supported by members of the original Parsec Project. This release will be the last official release of the original Parsec Project. It had been our intention to achieve a full-featured release including Internet game play in 2002. However, we were always doing this in our spare time, and since it is taking us too long to reach our original goal, we do not want to keep the Parsec community waiting any longer and have thus decided that it is time to change Parsec's development model to an open source approach.'"

Comments

This isn't Parsec

[1984]

There I go, getting all excited that the classic TI99/4a sideways scrolling shoot-em up is going to made open source. So I'd have a chance to see the workings of one the games that perverted my early development. Alas it's some fancy-schmancy 3D number. New fangled nonsense...

Re:This isn't Parsec

[PsychoKiller]

I think my parents still have mine in their basement. Ahh, those were the days, programming in basic and praying that the tape (a regular audio tape) recorded your information properly. I even had the speech synthesizer, and there was a mountain climber game that used it a lot, Alpine was the name I think, that was fun.

You can get emulators here (there is even a Linux version):

http://www.ricks-graphics.co.uk/area99/links.htm

finally!

[blaine]

I've been watching this project with anticipation for years, but it's always been "almost ready". That, and the guys running it had what seemed an unnatural fear of open source. Their argument against in in the past was basically "we don't want outside help, so no open source". As if opening the source meant they had to accept changes. It was very strange.

So yeah. Yay! Maybe we'll see a finished game finally. It definately has the potential to be a kickass game.

Gripe...

[YellowElectricRat]

I mean really - how hard would it be to put a one line description about what the Parsec project is in the article body?

Parsec project: Fast-paced multiplayer cross-platform 3D Internet space combat

There... That didn't hurt too much, did it?

There is no safe distance!

[imac.usr]

I downloaded one of the tests for the Mac a long, long time ago. Gameplay seemed intriguing, but what really hooked me was the music by Stefan Poiss (I play the three tracks on my MP3 player over and over). Anybody know if there's other tracks available by him? I haven't checked the site in a while and it seems to be well and truly slashdotted now.

VegaStrike

[sweeze]

but how does this compare to VegaStrike, which is already open sourced ( and written by a friend of mine , shameless plug )

Re:Parsec for TI cartridge computer

[Zirnike]

Well, to get you started, http://www.ricks-graphics.co.uk/area99/emulate.htm , which gives details on an emulator, and http://www.ticomputer.net/tisi.html which seems to be an emulator itself (haven't tried yet, and the english is either somewhat broken (or at least really oddly phrased) or I'm _way_ the heck too tired)

I can't find anyplace to download the ROM, and even if I grab my old TI, I'm not sure how to grab the ROM image, anyway.

FOr the curious:

PARSEC: PHM 3112 - Released 3Q/1982 - MSRP $39.95 -- A game cartridge programmed by James E. Dramis with help from TI Summer employee Paul Urbanus (Urbanus also authored or co-authored Jumpy, Jungle Hunt, Pole Position, Disko, PLATO Interpreter, Grand RAM and Line-by-Line Assembler for Mini Memory). Released in August 1982 at a retail price of $39.95. Featured a synthesized voice patterned after that of college student Aubree Anderson. Game consisted of a Space ship traveling through asteroid belts, attacks by Alien ships and other hazards. Perhaps the most popular game ever to come out of the Texas Instruments Consumer Products Division for the 99/4A. Fully bit mapped graphics, excellent joystick control, clear speech synthesis and very challenging.

User Comments: Fly into combat with the starship Parsec. Destroy rebel alien fighters and cruisers by out maneuvering them and laying down withering fire from you laser. Then try to survive the deadly asteroid belt. Parsec is made to work with or without the speech synthesizer. With it, it enhances the game by simulating an onboard computer in your starship. It warns you of oncoming alien craft and refueling tunnels, and it congratulates you for good performance. There are increasing levels of difficulty to challenge your strategy and skills as a starfighter. With great graphics, color, and action this is one of the best modules for the TI. Try it and you're hooked.

(ref: http://timeline.99er.net/id22.htm)

Your offer is...

[leonbrooks]

You can have my Parsec when you unwrap my cold, dead fingers from around it...

...acceptable...

Re:woah!

[RichardX]

"Speaking of DNF"

Somewhat ironic.. I read that as "Did Not Finish" (as in failed to reach the end of a race).. then a moment later realised it's Duke Nukem Forever.

Perhaps a little too convenient of a coincidence?

correction

[cbx]

We are going to do a full source release in early May 2003 NOT next month as stated in the article.
This is mainly due to some preperation work.