Skip to content

Commit 8518994

Browse files
committed
Add About.md file, giving general information meant more for newcomers
1 parent 58bd966 commit 8518994

1 file changed

Lines changed: 39 additions & 0 deletions

File tree

About.md

Lines changed: 39 additions & 0 deletions
Original file line numberDiff line numberDiff line change
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
1+
## FreeSpace
2+
FreeSpace: The Great War (Released 1998) and FreeSpace 2 (1999) are mission-based space combat simulators, like X-Wing/TIE Fighter and Wing Commander. Among the greatest games of the genre, they were also effectively the last.
3+
4+
The FreeSpace series follows humanity and their Vasudan allies as they fight to withstand the xenocidal, enigmatic Shivans, a species of unknown origin, vast technological capability, and seemingly limitless malice.
5+
6+
## FreeSpace Open
7+
Thanks to Volition's generosity, we've continued development of FreeSpace 2 as FreeSpace Open, building graphical enhancements to bring the original games up to modern standards, telling new stories set in the FreeSpace universe and original worlds, and creating spectacular total conversions that let players fly in the beloved universes of Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica, Wing Commander, and Star Wars.
8+
9+
## Hard-Light Productions
10+
HLP is a fan community built on love and open-source code. We're dedicated to bringing modders together and giving them a place to share their own hard work and draw inspiration from the work of others. Thanks to Volition's generosity, we've continued development of FreeSpace 2 as FreeSpace Open, building graphical enhancements to bring the original games up to modern standards, telling new stories set in the FreeSpace universe and original worlds, and creating spectacular total conversions that let players fly in the beloved universes of Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica, Wing Commander, and Star Wars.
11+
Find us at:
12+
- Our [website](http://www.hard-light.net/) and [forums](http://www.hard-light.net/forums/)
13+
- [Discord](https://discord.gg/YNVP3WR)
14+
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/Hardlightproductions/)
15+
- [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/freespace/)
16+
- [Twitter](https://twitter.com/hardlightpro)
17+
- [IRC](irc://irc.esper.net/hard-light)
18+
19+
20+
## How to get the game
21+
FreeSpace Open requires a retail installation of FreeSpace 2, which is available at the following stores:
22+
- [GOG.com](https://www.gog.com/game/freespace_2)
23+
- [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/273620/Freespace_2/)
24+
After installing retail FS2, use [Knossos](https://fsnebula.org/knossos/) to upgrade to the most recent release of FSO. Knossos is an advanced mod manager and launcher for FSO.
25+
26+
## Improvements
27+
The new open source game engine has several distingushing features including:
28+
- Linux and Mac OS X support
29+
- OpenGL support
30+
- OpenAL audio support
31+
- Easy mod installation
32+
- OGG support
33+
- Hardware transform, clipping, and lighting
34+
35+
## The FreeSpace Upgrade Project
36+
While the SCP improve the code of the game engine to enable new and exciting features, the FreeSpace Upgrade Project (FSU) creates material that takes advantage of the improved game engine.
37+
The FSU improves the ships, effects, and background elements of FreeSpace 2. Every now and then these improvements are released as a pack called MediaVPs. These assorted improvements enhance the graphics of the game.
38+
39+
^(Much of this content was pulled from existing sources, such as InsaneBaron's "What Is Hard Light Productions" [thread](https://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=86650.0), the Wiki's [Getting Started article](https://wiki.hard-light.net/index.php/Getting_started) and more.)

0 commit comments

Comments
 (0)