Americas Army Releases Special Forces 2.1 Update

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Americas Army Releases Special Forces 2.1 Update

Posted by simoniker on Wednesday June 2, 2004 @07:01AM from the yes-sir-download-sir dept.

Phil John writes "As announced on the America's Army site, version 2.1 of America's Army: Special Forces is now available for free download, either as a full install or an update from 2.0.0a. There's a BitTorrent version of the update patch and a full standalone Windows version available from 3D Gamers to ease the load on the download mirrors. New goodies available: 2 new maps, brand new physics engine, new weapons and even an armoured vehicle with 50mm gun turret. Go forth, download and continue fighting the 'global war on terrorism'."

62 comments

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I wonder if this is considered propaganda? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-06-02 07:07 · Score: -1, Redundant

I mean seriously guys think about it for a second.
1. Re:I wonder if this is considered propaganda? by wibs · 2004-06-02 08:03 · Score: 2, Funny
  
  Parent was the very first comment posted, and it's moderated redundant. Heh.
  
  --
  If you get nervous, just remember that there are a few billion other people who don't really give a damn.
2. Re:I wonder if this is considered propaganda? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-06-02 08:42 · Score: 1, Insightful
  
  Notice that this is not the first America's Army story. People post that garbage every single time there is a story on it, and it eventually gets seriously REDUNDANT. The Army specifically states that it is a recruitment tool, we don't need some idiot pointing it out to us every time there's a story posted on it. Hope that clears things up for you. Heh.
3. Re:I wonder if this is considered propaganda? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-06-02 10:04 · Score: -1, Flamebait
  
  The Army specifically states that it is a recruitment tool,
  
  And what better recruitment tool than propaganda! I think I'm gonna whip up some Photoshop recruitment posters using Nazi WW2 stuff as a template.
a word of caution by fireduck · 2004-06-02 07:09 · Score: 4, Informative

installing 2.1 over your previous 2.0.0a resets all your settings--including graphics, audio, and most importantly binds. so back up your binds if you've got anything of note to save.

unfortunately i updated at midnight last night and haven't had time to try it out, other than discovering that everything had been reset...
1. Re:a word of caution by masterQba · 2004-06-02 17:45 · Score: 1
  
  the game is really, really good. it's a whole lot faster on my box than version 2.0, the karma physics engine is a great addition.
  
  --
  xb0x
FYI: 763mb... sorry to the poor bastards w/ dialup by Delta-9 · 2004-06-02 07:19 · Score: 4, Funny

At least there will be a couple days where we can play with little or no people with crappy pings.
Give it a try by eviljolly · 2004-06-02 07:23 · Score: 1

I have played this game for nearly 2 years, and it's getting even better. I find it to be the most realistic games out there. You can check out my clan's website at www.combatlifesavers.us. Try this game out and see how you like it
America's army, eh? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-06-02 07:27 · Score: -1, Troll

Is there a level where you get to rape Iraqi civilians or torture them with electrodes?
1. Re:America's army, eh? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-06-02 09:00 · Score: 0
  
  That's 'Sadaam's Army'. Read a book or two.
2. Re:America's army, eh? by BTWR · 2004-06-02 09:15 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  Yeah, but here's the catch...
  You have to play the game a quarter million (250,000) times, and then you get to take pictures of naked Iraqis six times. That pretty much puts the 6 or so assholes in perspective out of the 250,000 men and women serving overseas. (flamebait asshole...)
3. Re:America's army, eh? by JonMartin · 2004-06-02 10:30 · Score: 3, Interesting
  
  You have to play the game a quarter million (250,000) times, and then you get to take pictures of naked Iraqis six times. That pretty much puts the 6 or so assholes in perspective out of the 250,000 men and women serving overseas.
  You make it sound like the entire problem is just a few assholes. Guess again. The problem is systemic and goes all the way to the top (or at least near the top).
  
  --
  Serve Gonk.
4. Re:America's army, eh? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-06-02 13:12 · Score: 0
  
  Insightful? Please. Flamebait, more like. Methinks you need to read a little more and stop believing everything your lying, cheating, murdering, raping government tells you. Use your common sense, if you have any.
5. Re:America's army, eh? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-06-02 13:13 · Score: 0
  
  They don't want to hear it.
  
  America had a brief glimpse of the way they are seen by the rest of the world. Everything will now be made right by crucifying a few disposables, and the curtain will fall again.
  
  Then back to pretending they're Luke Skywalker rather than the stormtroopers (after all, Grampa was a hero 60 years ago, so everything is alright).
6. Re:America's army, eh? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-06-02 14:21 · Score: 0
  
  Yeah, tell it like it is wise one. Show us photos from the last time *you* were in Iraq. Let me get this straight - the government lies - but never anyone in the media - 'because they are better people'? You remind me of the people praising Stalin in the '30s.
7. Re:America's army, eh? by BTWR · 2004-06-02 15:03 · Score: 1
  
  no, the media doesn't lie.
  Unless, of course, it's a news organization that has a different politcal slant than yours. Then they're lying through their teeth...
8. Re:America's army, eh? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-06-02 19:00 · Score: 1, Insightful
  
  Without stopping all interrogations (which would logically end all prison 'abuses') what other methods are there that you can expect to work on a terrorist? For crying out loud we have murders in jail who spend over 50 years rotting away in a prison cell and still refuse to admit they commited the crime. Hell just watch the TV show 'Cops' and you see drunk people denying that they're drunk when you can't even understand their speech. Do you really expect a trained, battle-hardened, fanatical, 'kill-me-now-for-my-god' terrorist to say, "X guy is planning to blow up Y building in Baghdad on June 21, can I go now?"
9. Re:America's army, eh? by Pxtl · 2004-06-03 01:00 · Score: 1
  
  Right. Because every person they detained and tortured was a confirmed terrorist. Read a real newspaper you numpty.
10. Re:America's army, eh? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-06-03 03:49 · Score: 0
  
  What? You mean not every Arab is a terrorist? Surely you jest.
11. Re:America's army, eh? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-06-03 20:59 · Score: 0
  
  Because after all, we have to torture all the innocent people in case any of them are really guilty.
12. Re:America's army, eh? by RobertB-DC · 2004-06-04 06:36 · Score: 1
  
  Foo: You have to play the game a quarter million (250,000) times, and then you get to take pictures of naked Iraqis six times. That pretty much puts the 6 or so assholes in perspective out of the 250,000 men and women serving overseas.
  Bar: You make it sound like the entire problem is just a few assholes. Guess again. The problem is systemic and goes all the way to the top (or at least near the top).
  
  Oh, I get it now.
  
  After you play a quarter-million times, a systems admin comes in and takes pictures of naked Iraqis. Your player just holds the leash.
  
  Easy enough mistake to make.
  
  (Not to minimise the actual issues. I'm damned proud of my cousin who just came back from Tikrit, and I'm fighting mad at his Commander in Thief for sending him in the first place.)
  
  --
  Stressed? Me? Of course not. Stress is what a rubber band feels before it breaks, silly.
Vehicle is stationary by br0ck · 2004-06-02 07:31 · Score: 5, Informative

The post says

even an armoured vehicle with 50mm gun turret

which leaves out an important point mentioned in the article

New Stryker Armored Vehicle:
This version of America's Army introduces the Army's new Interim Armored Vehicle, a.k.a. the Stryker. The Stryker vehicle is currently implemented as a stationary vehicle with a fully functioning .50 cal turret usable by the player.
1. Re:Vehicle is stationary by MBraynard · 2004-06-02 08:57 · Score: -1
  
  ??
  Stationary means that it can deploy troops. IE - they are "stationed" within the vehicle.
2. Re:Vehicle is stationary by FoolishBose · 2004-06-02 09:00 · Score: 1
  
  No actually the vehicle in the game IS stationary. As in it doesn't move. All you get to do is control the turret, which is still fun IMHO.
3. Re:Vehicle is stationary by nacturation · 2004-06-02 09:06 · Score: 1
  
  stationary
  adj.
  1. a. Not moving.
  1. b. Not capable of being moved; fixed.
  
  2. Unchanging: a stationary sound.
  
  What usage of stationary are you aware of where it's a better choice of word than "deployment" would be?
  
  --
  Want to improve your Karma? Instead of "Post Anonymously", try the "Post Humously" option.
4. Re:Vehicle is stationary by fireduck · 2004-06-02 09:08 · Score: 4, Interesting
  
  Eventually the plan is to have an actual moving vehicle with realistic physics, as the most recent SITREP indicates (midway down the page, near the graphic).
5. Re:Vehicle is stationary by foidulus · 2004-06-02 10:18 · Score: 2, Funny
  
  You forgot the noun version(which is not listed on dictionary.com). Maybe the tank is a sheet of paper with an army header on it(and a turret, even more fun!)
  Apologies for the pointless post.
6. Re:Vehicle is stationary by nacturation · 2004-06-02 11:10 · Score: 1
  
  I guess it's possible to play war games with stationery that's stationary.
  
  --
  Want to improve your Karma? Instead of "Post Anonymously", try the "Post Humously" option.
7. Re:Vehicle is stationary by Anonymous Coward · 2004-06-02 14:40 · Score: 0
  
  You forgot the noun version(which is not listed on dictionary.com)
  
  Spell it right (stationery) and I think you'll find that it is.
8. Re:Vehicle is stationary by MMaestro · 2004-06-02 18:51 · Score: 1
  
  The Stryker vehicle is currently implemented as a stationary vehicle with a fully functioning .50 cal turret usable by the player.
  Currently huh? Does this mean we should expect future versions (maybe 3.0) to allow players to drive vehicles? Maybe helicopters as well (though thats a stretch.)
9. Re:Vehicle is stationary by bruthasj · 2004-06-02 23:13 · Score: 1
  
  Wonder if they'll move to an Onslaught-type map that ut2k4 uses. The vehicle movement ain't simulation level of complexity, but it sure is fun.
  
  The gov't should get an RS6000 running the Unreal Engine with an "army" of clients connected playing on a huge map from GIS info. Maybe of Mogadishu or Falujah...
10. Re:Vehicle is stationary by MBraynard · 2004-06-03 03:16 · Score: 1
  
  It's the troops within it who are actually 'stationary.' I've seen the thing. It has tracks.
  Sometimes military lingo doesn't make total sense but you have to roll with it unless your the Secretary and then you can fix it, but odds are you will have your hands full with more important matters.
11. Re:Vehicle is stationary by Run4yourlives · 2004-06-03 07:02 · Score: 1
  
  why a stretch... the Battlefield franchise does this pretty well, IMO.
12. Re:Vehicle is stationary by Minna+Kirai · 2004-06-03 14:36 · Score: 1
  
  why a stretch... the Battlefield franchise does this pretty well, IMO.
  
  Yes, but BattleField (1942 or Vietnam) is in a completely different position on the realism spectrum from Americas Army.
  
  In AA, when you get killed, you're dead until the match is finished. BF allows a team of 15 to respawn 100s of times total.
  
  That difference relaxes the negative effect different gamestyles have on each other, making them more compatible. Respawning makes it easier to fit activities on different scales into the same game- and helicopter travel is at a larger scale than CQB!
  
  Basically, adding realistic moving vehicles means you need bigger maps to give them some room to manuver usefully. And bigger maps means it will be more possible for the last 2-3 guys alive in a game to spend quite a while slowly hunting for each other, without any conclusion.
  
  AA is already teetering on the brink of being non-fun by forcing killed players to wait for the next round to play again. Any changes that increase the potential wait may devastate the game's popularity.
13. Re:Vehicle is stationary by thrash242 · 2004-06-08 17:43 · Score: 1
  
  AA is supposed to be a realistic portrayal of US Army infantry. Infantry do not hop in and out of vehicles (not as the driver, anyway). If you're a truck driver or helo pilot, you drive/pilot a vehicle; if you're infantry, you don't.
  
  This is the main reason I don't like BF games. I heard about the game and thought it would be cool, but when I realized that you can just jump on a ship and start driving it around, then jump off and into a jeep, and drive around like an idiot, I deleted the demo immediately. I thought there would be "classes" such as pilot, driver, infantry, etc, which would have been potentially cool.
Amongst the new features... by legLess · 2004-06-02 07:31 · Score: -1, Flamebait
Amongst the new, highly-anticipated features:
- Hit UP-UP-DOWN-DOWN-LEFT-RIGHT at the splash screen to access a secret "Torture Iraqi Civilians" menu.
- And when you try to quit, the game will force you to continue playing. (NYT story; should be a non-registration link)
I'm not trolling for any particular mods, just honestly disgusted. War is not a game. Death is not a game. This is explicitly a recruitment tool for the army. And while I don't buy the crackpot theories that games train people to kill, I'm grossed out at the two-facedness of it all.
--
This isn't as much "normalization" as it is "don't take so many drugs when you're designing tables."
1. Re:Amongst the new features... by Blakey+Rat · 2004-06-02 07:36 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  Two-facedness?
  
  Could you show me a press release from the US Army that stated that America's Army is *not* a recruitment tool? Uh, hello! Of course it is, otherwise why would they make it? The Army has never said otherwise.
  
  Two-facedness my ass.
  
  Look, if you don't want to play the game, you can play Tribes 2 or Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory, both also free. I'm sure there are good free games I'm missing as well.
  
  --
  Comment of the year
2. Re:Amongst the new features... by gangien · 2004-06-02 10:20 · Score: 1
  
  I think they've been quite honest about the whole thing. In an interview with some of the officers behind AA, they said nobody expects someone to play the game and then go join the army, this game opens up communication channels with a group that they may have had untaped(of course parphrased). They also said that it helps show the world(with the strong european AA community there is) how great the US Army is. SO they openly admit it's part propaganda and part recruitment tool.
Re:FYI: 763mb... sorry to the poor bastards w/ dia by Phil+John · 2004-06-02 08:00 · Score: 4, Informative

Not if you've already got 2.0.0a, it's simply a 178 MB (IIRC) upgrade file, which I downloaded in a little over 15 minutes on my connection here.

If you are in the states however you can pick up a copy at most army recruitment centres (or so I have been led to believe, I'm a brit myself so wouldn't be able to check that out.)

--
I am NaN
I LOVE GETTING FREE GAMES FROM YOU YANKS by Anonymous Coward · 2004-06-02 08:42 · Score: -1, Flamebait

Thanks dipshits.
bad patch design/features??? by jocmaff · 2004-06-02 08:52 · Score: 1

I was pissed when my setting were overwritten. Also frame rates dropped slighty with this new patch.
1. Re:bad patch design/features??? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-06-02 09:07 · Score: 0
  
  amen
Freely copyable, read this EULA . by Thinkit4 · 2004-06-02 09:43 · Score: 1

Nerds (the future) should be reading this EULA. This is by far the biggest game production to be freely copyable. This is a beer, not speech "free", so it's not all the way there. But information, for once, is truly FREE. Yes, we're mostly libertarian, but even if government is behind it the liberation of information is a great thing. In the future, information will be free!

--
-I am an elective eunuch.
1. Re:Freely copyable, read this EULA . by 77Punker · 2004-06-02 12:36 · Score: 1
  
  I know this is offtopic, but what is a transhumanist? I know all about Libertarianism and Secular Humanism, but what is this transhumansm in your sig?
Can you get wacked by your own people by TerryAtWork · 2004-06-02 10:04 · Score: 0, Troll

like Tillman?

(Who I totally admire by the way, it is people like him who make American formidiable, not the Bomb)

--
It's Christmas everyday with BitTorrent.
1. Re:Can you get wacked by your own people by johndeerejedi · 2004-06-06 14:28 · Score: 1
  
  Yes you can get killed by friendly fire. The offender is penalized, and you can get blacklisted (your character ends up in prison) if you are a repeat offender.
How 'bout a Mac version by fmarano · 2004-06-02 11:46 · Score: 1

A Mac version would be cool, anyone know if there are any plans?
1. Re:How 'bout a Mac version by Anonymous Coward · 2004-06-02 12:37 · Score: -1, Flamebait
  
  A Mac version would be cool, anyone know if there are any plans?
  
  Nope. Gay people aren't allowed in the military.
2. Re:How 'bout a Mac version by Anonymous Coward · 2004-06-02 12:47 · Score: 1, Informative
  
  A Mac is not only planned, but it was released with the Windows and Linux versions!
  
  Grab your copy at www.macgamefiles.com!
3. Re:How 'bout a Mac version by Anonymous Coward · 2004-06-02 14:47 · Score: 0
  
  There is indeed a Mac version planned, as well as a Linux client. Nice to see that someone other than Carmack still writes cross-platform games.
4. Re:How 'bout a Mac version by Anonymous Coward · 2004-06-02 16:03 · Score: 1, Informative
  
  Umm... There has *always* been a Mac version.
  
  Look before you ask next time.
Beyond animals by Thinkit4 · 2004-06-02 13:13 · Score: 1

The ultimate end is to host consciousness on a computer, and thus have control over its inputs and outputs.

--
-I am an elective eunuch.
FRAG OUT! by Anonymous Coward · 2004-06-02 14:03 · Score: 0

...oh shit that's a teammate...

TAKE COVER!

(game pauses, then I get yet another glimpse at a Leavenworth cell.)
About The Game by EngineeringMarvel · 2004-06-02 14:46 · Score: 3, Informative

I have played Americas Army since the first public release came out over a year ago. This has to be one of the most unique games in existence. Its realism is unparallel to any other game. Each patch that the Army has produced for this game has made the game better and more enjoyable to play. If you have not tried out this game, you really should. I warn you though that it does require some patience and the game has a learning curve (learning the maps is extremly important and takes some time). There is also an honor system in place which rewards the veteran players. The more you play, the more likely you are to select your weapon of choice. This helps with reducing TKing and just overall gameplay. Now stop reading this and go download the game if your bored of the same old FPS. Americas Army is defitnely a nice change.

--
I couldn't think of anything witty to say, so...you're stuck with this.
1. Re:About The Game by Lord_Dweomer · 2004-06-03 22:45 · Score: 1
  
  *cough*astroturfer*cough*. New account with few posts, another of which is titled "Zelda is one of the best games ever."
  
  --
  Buy Steampunk Clothing Online!
What? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-06-02 18:46 · Score: -1, Flamebait

Does it come with a the Abu Ghraib Prison mod? Maybe car bombs? How about hostages?

The leadership of this country is disgusting.

I'll be voting. See you in November, dubya.
Re:FYI: 763mb... sorry to the poor bastards w/ dia by Zarks · 2004-06-02 22:34 · Score: 1

I gave up getting the updates around about v1.5 . I'm all for updates but not when you have to download a couple of hundred meg every couple of weeks just to be able to play the game.
obvious bullshit. by Run4yourlives · 2004-06-03 07:05 · Score: 1

I've seen the thing. It has tracks.
No you haven't, and no it doesn't. The stryker has wheels, since is based on the LAV platform.

See here.

Try to avoid talking out of your ass.
1. Re:obvious bullshit. by MBraynard · 2004-06-05 04:36 · Score: 1
  
  Regardless, my point is it is mobile. Perhaps not in the game.
Re:FYI: 763mb... sorry to the poor bastards w/ dia by g-san · 2004-06-03 09:39 · Score: 1

and how again is a 178MB "upgrade" gonna help us poor dialup bastards?!?!?

i'll be the long hair at the recruiting centre this afternoon.
Simple.... by Delta-9 · 2004-06-03 15:15 · Score: 1

It'll only take you 4 days instead of 12 to ddwnload.
Torrent the Linux version by AigariusDebian · 2004-06-03 22:34 · Score: 1

Get the full Linux from a torrent here