Baldur's Gate is an RPG, not what is typically called an "adventure game". Adventure games are games like the classic Sierra (Space Quest, King's Quest) and Lucasarts (Maniac Mansion, Sam & Max, Day of the Tentacle, Monkey Island,...) games.
The only thing I wish apt-get could do is reinstall an installed package (for when you do something really stupid, or when fsck finds errors in a file related to such a package), since removing it (and usually all dependancies) and installing it again can be really painful when all you need is the files extracted again.
Note that not all GTK themes will work, only pixmap themes. And the Gnome/GTK people themselves have said on numerous occasions that the current implementation of the pixmap theme engine is pretty bad. Most people I know don't use the pixmap engine but rather something faster (and better-looking than most pixmap themes) like the CoolIce theme engine. Still, this is a pretty impressive accomplishment, kudos the the KDE people.
Terminus is a space combat sim featuring newtonian physics, a persistent universe, dynamic economy, a campaign that can be played both in multi- and single player and from 3 differented "perspectives" (Earth Military, Mars Military and pirate/mercenary). Shipping date is June 27th, and it will ship with Windows, Linux (x86 only) and Mac binaries in one box. You can pre-order the game here. More info can be found at the fan site Station Terminus.
"[XMPS] is a GPLed app which uses a proprietary library. The licence makes no explicit exceptions. Sound familiar? Now read the Gnotices. See anyone complaining? I don't. Everyone looks thrilled. Somehow, I'm not surprised. Slashdot posters would react the same if the news got here. This is a Gtk+ app, after all."
Yes, I have posted about this to gnotices (before the slashdot story came up). So people *are* complaining;)
Now I'm *really* confused. I just started thinking... the GPL doesn't allow linking to closed libraries? That kinda weakens it a bit, in my mind. Doesn't that mean you can't write GPL'ed Windows programs? I understand that you can't link closed programs to GPL'ed libraries, but I didn't think there were any restrictions going the other way.
You can't link GPL'd programs to closed source libraries, except when the closed library is an integral part of the operating system, as explained in the following clause of the GPL:
The source code for a work means the preferred form of the work for making modifications to it. For an executable work, complete source code means all the source code for all modules it contains, plus any associated interface definition files, plus the scripts used to control compilation and installation of the executable. However, as a special exception, the source code distributed need not include anything that is normally distributed (in either source or binary form) with the major components (compiler, kernel, and so on) of the operating system on which the executable runs, unless that component itself accompanies the executable.
They're starting work on a demo now that the game has gone gold, and they've promised the demo will be out by the time the game is in stores. (the info is somewhere on Station Terminus, too lazy to look where exactly:)
Is this an on-line only, monthly fee sort of game?
Certainly not on-line only, Terminus has a very large, inticrate campaign that can be played both in multiplayer and signle player. There won't be a monthly fee because afaik there are no plans for a single central server. It's not really a massively multiplayer game like Everquest, i've heard numbers of around 16 to 32 players simultaneously on a decent PC with a good net connection.
Also, they talk about this being developed specifically for Linux: will there be a Windows version as well? Not the kind of information the average/. reader cares about, I realize, but if there was a Windows version, it would help increase the popularity of the game.
There are binaries for Windows, Linux (x86 only) and Mac in the box.
> Arrggghhh.... Got the G400... love the card, but its kinda rough having to wait for Quake3 and UT support in Linux...
Uhm, you do know that the G400 does Q3 ( and probably UT as well, though I haven't tried that ) under Linux just fine, don't you? Get the GLX for it here
> Has anyone else noticed a distinct B5 influence?
Yes, the developers have said as much:
"What has inspired you for the game? Books, movies, etc? Which ones and why?"
"As far as previous games that have influenced us: Elite, Starflight, and Sentinel Worlds. We're all sci-fi buffs, and most recently Babylon 5 has become a favorite with us. Okay, I'll be the first to admit that I'm a total B5 nut. I think the common thread with these influences is that these creative works weren't afraid to take chances and try something new. They also have very well written, compelling, and immersive storylines that really capture your imagination. We're hoping that Terminus will do the same."
As for the music, it is indeed very reminiscent of B5. Note that the game will ship with a seperate audio CD containing the music (that's every game, not just the limited edition).
I've been following this game for quite a while, so I know a bit about it. First of all some more links:
Station Terminus, the main fansite for the game. Read the latest news post here on how to actually get the limited edition, it's not enought to just pre-order it from the store! (you need to send in an email).
I pre-ordered my copy last week and I'm already on the first 100 list, can't wait to play it!
Also, what isn't mentioned in the writeup or in the (rather old) preview that was linked to is that this game will ship with binaries for Windows, Linux (x86) and Macintosh in the box.
Some of the main features are a newtonian physics engine, lots of ship customization features, a half dynamic, half scripted campaign mode that can be played in both single and multiplayer; three different careers to choose from,...
What do you think about the "patch clause" that both the DFSG (Debian Free Software Guidelines) and the OSD have allowed, meaning the clause that says "The license may restrict source-code from being distributed in modified form _only_ if the license allows the distribution of "patch files" with the source code for the purpose of modifying the program at build time.". I personally feel that this clause is a bad idea. A program/library which allows changes to be distributed onyl as patches unless the original authors agree to merge them makes is no more free software then (for example) Minix was when Linus Torvalds decided to write Linux.
I realise this clause was introduced as a compromise to allow certain important libraries and programs to be DFSG-compliant, but do we really need this now that Free Software has become (almost) mainstream?
I believe the "issue" was about their package installer/updater using libapt, which is GPL, but also used QT. In the end, the apt maintainer granted an license exception to Corel for this program. My memory's kind of muddy on the details though, so don't flame me if i got something wrong:)
I just compiled and configured it (which went really smoothly, apart from makedepend hanging once during 'make world' - just kill the makedepend process and it'll go on compiling.) Feels really fast, and I haven't had any apps fail yet, except one, Enlightment. It refuses to start saying "your x server does not support the Shape extension", and says it's probably because I'm running an old X server. Hmm, right, must be it.:)
Seriously though, stuff like that was bound to happen, and I'm sure it will all be fixed soon enough. Big congrats to the XFree people for pulling off such an ambitious project so well.
This is slightly off topic, but I've been meaning to try one of Pratchett's Discworld books (I haven't actually read anything by Pratchet yet), but i've been put off 'till now because I wasn't sure which one to buy, since as I understand it a lot of characters come back in several books. What would be the best first Discworld book to read so that I can get acquainted with the series?
Slashdot Mirror
> Windows won't be killed since, AFAIK, it must be installed for Suse/Crossover to work.
No, it doesn't. Crossover Office works just fine without a real Windows installation.
Baldur's Gate is an RPG, not what is typically called an "adventure game". Adventure games are games like the classic Sierra (Space Quest, King's Quest) and Lucasarts (Maniac Mansion, Sam & Max, Day of the Tentacle, Monkey Island, ...) games.
apt-get --reinstall install packagename
Note that not all GTK themes will work, only pixmap themes. And the Gnome/GTK people themselves have said on numerous occasions that the current implementation of the pixmap theme engine is pretty bad. Most people I know don't use the pixmap engine but rather something faster (and better-looking than most pixmap themes) like the CoolIce theme engine. Still, this is a pretty impressive accomplishment, kudos the the KDE people.
The mac version is out, though the main page at Inside Mac Games doesn't show it yet. You can get it over here, or at A Talent For War (direct link).
Terminus is a space combat sim featuring newtonian physics, a persistent universe, dynamic economy, a campaign that can be played both in multi- and single player and from 3 differented "perspectives" (Earth Military, Mars Military and pirate/mercenary). Shipping date is June 27th, and it will ship with Windows, Linux (x86 only) and Mac binaries in one box. You can pre-order the game here. More info can be found at the fan site Station Terminus.
Yeah sorry about that, I could have sworn I got it right in the post, but I guess not. Unless it's some kind of conspiracy ;)
Yes, I have posted about this to gnotices (before the slashdot story came up). So people *are* complaining ;)
You can't link GPL'd programs to closed source libraries, except when the closed library is an integral part of the operating system, as explained in the following clause of the GPL:
The source code for a work means the preferred form of the work for making modifications to it. For an executable work, complete source code means all the source code for all modules it contains, plus any associated interface definition files, plus the scripts used to control compilation and installation of the executable. However, as a special exception, the source code distributed need not include anything that is normally distributed (in either source or binary form) with the major components (compiler, kernel, and so on) of the operating system on which the executable runs, unless that component itself accompanies the executable.
They're starting work on a demo now that the game has gone gold, and they've promised the demo will be out by the time the game is in stores. (the info is somewhere on Station Terminus, too lazy to look where exactly :)
Certainly not on-line only, Terminus has a very large, inticrate campaign that can be played both in multiplayer and signle player. There won't be a monthly fee because afaik there are no plans for a single central server. It's not really a massively multiplayer game like Everquest, i've heard numbers of around 16 to 32 players simultaneously on a decent PC with a good net connection.
Also, they talk about this being developed specifically for Linux: will there be a Windows version as well? Not the kind of information the average /. reader cares about, I realize, but if there was a Windows version, it would help increase the popularity of the game.
There are binaries for Windows, Linux (x86 only) and Mac in the box.
Uhm, you do know that the G400 does Q3 ( and probably UT as well, though I haven't tried that ) under Linux just fine, don't you? Get the GLX for it here
Terminus will ship with Linux (x86), Windows and Mac binaries in the box. (see Station Terminus)
Yes, the developers have said as much:
"What has inspired you for the game? Books, movies, etc? Which ones and why?"
"As far as previous games that have influenced us: Elite, Starflight, and Sentinel Worlds. We're all sci-fi buffs, and most recently Babylon 5 has become a favorite with us. Okay, I'll be the first to admit that I'm a total B5 nut. I think the common thread with these influences is that these creative works weren't afraid to take chances and try something new. They also have very well written, compelling, and immersive storylines that really capture your imagination. We're hoping that Terminus will do the same."
As for the music, it is indeed very reminiscent of B5. Note that the game will ship with a seperate audio CD containing the music (that's every game, not just the limited edition).
Station Terminus, the main fansite for the game. Read the latest news post here on how to actually get the limited edition, it's not enought to just pre-order it from the store! (you need to send in an email).
a bunch of screenshots at LinuxGames.
ATFW's Terminus databank entry, lots of info. There's some *really* good MP3 tracks from the game there as well.
I pre-ordered my copy last week and I'm already on the first 100 list, can't wait to play it!
Also, what isn't mentioned in the writeup or in the (rather old) preview that was linked to is that this game will ship with binaries for Windows, Linux (x86) and Macintosh in the box.
Some of the main features are a newtonian physics engine, lots of ship customization features, a half dynamic, half scripted campaign mode that can be played in both single and multiplayer; three different careers to choose from,...
I realise this clause was introduced as a compromise to allow certain important libraries and programs to be DFSG-compliant, but do we really need this now that Free Software has become (almost) mainstream?
I believe the "issue" was about their package installer/updater using libapt, which is GPL, but also used QT. In the end, the apt maintainer granted an license exception to Corel for this program. My memory's kind of muddy on the details though, so don't flame me if i got something wrong :)
If you're trying to launch the seperate xfs binary with XFree4.0, there's no need to, it's built in now.
No, for now OpenGL (DRI) acceleration only works for 3dfx cards. I'm sure more drivers will start appearing not too long from now though.
I just compiled and configured it (which went really smoothly, apart from makedepend hanging once during 'make world' - just kill the makedepend process and it'll go on compiling.) Feels really fast, and I haven't had any apps fail yet, except one, Enlightment. It refuses to start saying "your x server does not support the Shape extension", and says it's probably because I'm running an old X server. Hmm, right, must be it. :)
Seriously though, stuff like that was bound to happen, and I'm sure it will all be fixed soon enough. Big congrats to the XFree people for pulling off such an ambitious project so well.
I had already seen this on Mozilla.org's Newsbot. The information was posted on netscape.public.mozilla.seamonkey. You can read it on deja here.
This is slightly off topic, but I've been meaning to try one of Pratchett's Discworld books (I haven't actually read anything by Pratchet yet), but i've been put off 'till now because I wasn't sure which one to buy, since as I understand it a lot of characters come back in several books. What would be the best first Discworld book to read so that I can get acquainted with the series?
Geert-Jan