Star Wraith 3: Shadows of Orion

Version 1.04

• corrects a bug that caused the weapon menu to occasionally default to the Plasma gun after the player selected a different one
• fixes a few minor bugs
• adds complete customized game controller options for rotation and throttle

Version 1.04R

• the demo exit has been cleaned up
• a few multiplayer bug fixes
• a few controller flaw corrections

Version 1.041

• voice chat added

Version 1.042

• added some improvements to the radar

Version 1.043

• added the option to remap keyboard commands
• multiplayer sign-in bug fixed
• corrected a few minor graphics bugs
• added on-screen text notification for radio transmissions in multiplayer

Version 1.043 (fixed)

• pressing the Q key while typing a message in multiplayer no longer brings up the quit game menu

Version 1.044

• a few small bug fixes
• controller system updated to increase compatibility with various controller types

Version 1.05

• fixed compatibility issues with ATI Radeon video cards
• various code optimizations

Version 1.05 (updated)

• implements various minor user-requested changes

Version 1.08

• game engine optimized to increase performance
• added the option to select and change controller type in the menu
• various small bug fixes
• various minor graphic improvements

Version 1.082

• improved multiplayer code
• 3D mouse cursor bounds for all menus
• weapons no longer need to be dragged and dropped on the loadout screen

Version 1.083

• added the option to invert the vertical axis for game controllers
• 3D mouse pointer replaced with a 2D one

Version 1.084

• added extra inertia effects for weapon, environment and ship impacts
• fixed a bug related to changing controller type

Version 1.084 (updated)

• multiplayer gameplay performance enhanced to reduce lag
• fixed a bug related to the detection of Force Feedback controllers and reinstated Force Feedback support

Version 1.09

• fixed a bug related to inbound enemy missiles
• full Force Feedback support
• additional performance improvements

Version 1.1

• All-new high fidelity music and sound effects.
• Revised heads-up-display with improved illumination effects.
• Improved textures.
• An all-new demo mission.
• Revised multiplayer server setup for improved reliability
• New unique sound effects for each primary weapon.
• Larger, more legible radar blips.
• Regional craft count bug fixed in demo version.
• Wraith texture bug found on some 3D cards fixed.

Version 1.2

• More HUD graphics are rendered through the 3D pipeline, improving performance.
• Red HUD option reintroduced, uniform design used for all HUD's.
• Enhanced lighting effects.
• 3D text legibility improved.
• Controller configuration bug fixed.

Version 1.3

• Secure team chat option added for multiplayer (left ALT-ENTER instead of just ENTER).
• Player requested mouse point control option for flight controls added (point the mouse cursor to fly the ship, traditional directional mouse control that works well with laptop point sticks is still available).
• Asteroid and cave environments enhanced with improved textures, lighting, and frame rate performance (video memory overhead reduced by 50%).
• Maxim Ion cannon weapon menu bug located and fixed (sometimes plasma cannon defaulted).
• Miscellaneous graphics improvements.
• Game documentation updated for new control options.

Version 1.4

• Cooperative multiplayer mode added.
• New afterburner effects added.
• MDTS accuracy improved in multiplayer (to better account for latency).
• Observer mode added to multiplayer during restore screen.
• Improved nebula framerate performance (30-50% on most 3D cards).
• Wraith fighter redesigned slightly to improve external view framerate.
• Multiplayer support for non-english versions of Windows added.
• Better detection of disconnected game sessions added.
• Automatic default to mouse control if no game controller detected.
• Score bug that sometimes missed detection of a successful kill fixed.
• Crash occuring in controller configuration menu on systems with no controllers fixed.
• AI improved to more appropriately use secondary weapons.

Version 1.4 (update 1)

• Minor cooperative mode improvements.

Version 1.4 (update 2)

• Throttle control has been added to the Mouse Point option using the mouse wheel/slider.
• The mission briefing display has been improved to reduce pixel shimmering.
• The star halo/lens flare effects have been improved slightly.

Version 1.41

• Freeflight instant action mode opened in demo version.
• Mission builder preview opened in demo version.
• "Advanced Effects" graphics option updated to improve rendering on newer 3D cards (including mip-mapping for most environmental graphics).
• Cooperative multiplayer bug causing pause when host explodes fixed.

Version 1.42

• Cockpit textures improved.
• Loading progress bar added.
• Afterburner sound bug fixed (sound disengages properly when energy reserves depleted).
• Cooperative multiplayer scoring system revised (by player request).
• Host away notice option added to multiplayer.
• Throttle support added to all mouse flight options (using mouse wheel).
• "Severe Exception" crash occuring on older 3D cards fixed (when Advanced Effects is enabled).

Version 1.44

• Multiplayer system switched to new server.
• HUD graphics fixed for demo training mission (missile lock box sometimes stayed on).
• Enhanced nebula environment for improved performance.
• Faster gameplay loading (especially on Radeon and GeForce 3D cards).
• Controller configuration menu improved to better respond to input.

Version 1.45

• Several graphics enhancements including background star detail, menu borders, and explosion lighting.
• Internet player score tracking and ranking added for multiplayer.
• Pilot multiplayer ranking system adjusted.
• Performance issues with demo mission 1 on some systems fixed.
• Carrier launch made a bit more dramatic.
• Controller configuration menu improved for broader compatibility.
• Mouse direction flight control input sensitivity improved to reduce 'jittering'.
• Bug causing afterburner sound to remain on after carrier landing fixed.
• Bug causing planet to rarely appear in clear environments fixed.
• Game documentation updated for new features and changes.

Version 1.45b

• Error 7 crash occuring on some systems when scanning for internet games fixed.
• SW3DG logo and introduction cut scene music updated.
• Low shield warning sound changed to be more distinct from missile proximity alarm.
• Built-in multiplayer voice chat feature performance improved.
• Offset text in multiplayer scoreboard chatbox corrected.
• Vonari ship textures improved.

Version 1.47

• Major texture improvements for all ships.
• All-new demo missions added.
• New training mission added to better introduce players to the game and controls.
• Internet Multiplayer performance increased by 20%.
• Higher quality sound and music added in various places.
• Perspective change when afterburner engaged in 3rd person views fixed.
• Better detection of player fighter classes in multiplayer added.
• HUD clarity improved.
• SW fighter design changed for a more futuristic look.
• Ship status display cleaned up.
• Enemy target indentifiers added for all fighters in the area, allows visual tracking of up to 9 enemy fighters simultaneously.
• All target indentifiers now available in chase plane view.
• Target highlight box added to enemy shield level display for easier viewing.
• 0 key can now be used for 100% throttle.
• Vertical strafe jet control added.
• Mission briefing hologram updated to full 3D graphics.

Version 1.48

• Changes to the screen ratio settings added to prepare for support of the Matrox Parhelia Surround Gaming feature, allowing players to use 3 monitors for multi-view gameplay.
• Automatic join request added if game is in combat.
• Gunsight appearance improved.
• Aim guide appearance improved.
• Newtonian slide/strafe indicator added to HUD.
• White background that appeared rarely on some GeForce systems fixed.
• Framerate performance boosted.
• Asteroid cave collision detection improved.
• Cockpit enhanced for much higher detail.
• Occasional asteroid collision bug fixed.
• Menu textures improved.
• Menu option text visibility improved.

Version 1.48b

• Multiplayer chat routine correctly detects enter key every time now (it occasionally added a box to the end of the message).
• Installer now launches the game directly instead of just the documentation.
• Player ship type detection in Cave Arena multiplayer map now completely accurate (occasionally a player would show up as a mobile missile turret).
• Game documentation now directly links to website FAQ where needed.
• Keyboard remapping now correctly labels the various strafe controls, sometimes two strafe keys would try to remap at the same time.
• Skip Training option is easier to locate and centered.
• Raven starfighter armour and shielding revised (now poses a pretty good challenge against a Wraith or Quasar).
• Players can now press the enter key to skip through the various training stages in single player mode and demo.

Version 1.48c

• Crash that rarely occured in Random Mission Instant Action mode fixed.
• Planets added to main menu 3D wallpaper background.
• Multiplayer game selection menu improved to more accurately detect mouse position.
• Ship textures improved substantially (now much easier to distinguish between ship types visually).
• Configuration menus improved for easier use.
• Wrong prompt message that occasionally appeared in multiplayer game selection menu fixed.
• In-game background music switched to a better format to reduce resource demands and improve quality (eliminates sound crackling issues on slower systems trying to run the game at high resolutions).
• Game documentation now includes explanations for each Create Mission Instant Action option.
• Occasional screen restores in multiplayer menus fixed.
• HUD enemy shield indicators brighter for improved legibility.

Version 1.5

• New cinematic-style intro added including much better music and cut scene (now available in demo also).
• Menu music changed to more SW1 style vocal epic theme.
• Players can now import a starfighter of their own design in X or 3DS model format (replaces the Quasar's slot offering 6 secondary weapon hardpoints and good maneuverability).
• Players destroyed in multiplayer games now receive identifier message for which player got them.
• Joystick button mapping menu now joined with main control configuration menu for easier access.
• Game documentation now includes ship and weapon technology database.
• Team vs Team multiplayer mode team number bug fixed.
• Menu music no longer restarts after exiting Stats menu or Tech Database menu.
• Incorrect player fighter position in multiplayer weapon loadout menu fixed.
• Missiles now have their yield rating in parenthesis in the loadout menu.
• Improved player join system (much lower chance of lost gamestate packets).

Version 1.51

• Subsystem damage and repair functions added.
• Players can now script their own missions and campaigns.
• Button configuration menu unified with keyboard remapping.
• Automatic conflict resolving added to controller configuration menu.
• Control mapping and axis configuring now also available in multiplayer.
• Cooperative multiplayer can now be started by just one player.
• HUDs enhanced with gauge edges.
• Each fighter now has its own unique cockpit design.
• Auto-aiming accuracy for primary weapons improved.
• Mission briefings now include voice descriptions.
• Multiplayer system updated for new server.
• Support for non-standard resolution settings added.
• Lens flare and lighting effects enhanced.
• Framerate performance improved on most systems.
• Bug causing games of 7-8 players in cooperative mode to close fixed.
• Collision detection more accurate for large capital ships.
• Auto update option added when searching for multiplayer games.

Version 1.52

• New weapon added, called the SunRage, it's a nose mounted, low energy cannon with a high rate of fire.
• New Cooperative Multiplayer Mission added, Capital ship assaults are now possible in multiplayer.
• Improved weapon firing response to player input (no more occasional delays).
• Framerate boosted by reducing unnecessary on-screen polygon count.
• Inbound missile range indicators now rendered using the 3D engine for improved performance and appearance.
• Landing beacon guides added to HUD when a mission is completed and clearance announced.

Version 1.52b

• Ship textures improved (divided surfaces with panels).
• Background stars given a more smooth cinematic appearance (high detail mode only).
• Error99 crash occuring in final Earth campaign missions corrected.
• Error102 crash that occured rarely in multiplayer coop modes corrected.
• Game documentation now opens automatically the first time the game is started after installation.

Version 1.52c

• HUD Target indicators improved for better illumination, visibility, and appearance.
• Secondary weapon response more immediate to player input and balanced for weapon subsystem damage.
• Improved radio chatter clarity.
• Enemy missile firing rates reduced slightly to better balance gameplay.
• Keyboard and controller button remapping menu manages multi-input binding better.
• Multiplayer text chat now displays line-by-line for improved legibility.
• Rare crash caused by insufficient inbound missile indicators fixed.

Version 1.54

• Several gameplay balancing improvements.
• Missile Lock indicator occasionally disappeared when using certain views, now fixed.
• MDTS auto-aiming now on by default at launch.
• Multi-point shield rendering added.
• Player request for added bass punch to weapon impacts added.
• Target direction display now updates correctly for non-wraith ship types during restore phase.
• Weapon collision detection now slightly more generous.
• Reload and recharge station added to most multiplayer environments.
• Primary weapon auto-aiming can now rotate gun barrels with a wider range of motion.
• Game documentation updated with quick links and revised content for new features.

Version 1.541

• Player designed mission import capacity increased to 15.
• Minor Instant Action 3D menu movement bug fixed.
• Several small gameplay bugs fixed.

Version 1.542

• Yaw and pitch indicators added to HUD to make it easier to determine fighter orientation.
• 3D radar direction box brighter for improved visibility.

Version 1.544

• HUD pitch indicator rescaled slightly for improved legibility.
• Framerate performance enhancements.
• Planet environment added to multiplayer mode.
• Multiplayer observer mode chat window is now transparent for better visibility.
• Text in multiplayer menu no longer temporarily disappears when selecting options.

Version 1.545

• Players can now view the keyboard controls from within the game by pressing F1 in the pause/quit menu.
• Multiplayer text chat now displays at the middle left of the screen for improved legibility.

Version 1.7

• 'Mouse Point' flight mode enhanced for a wider deadzone and improved control.
• HUD pitch and yaw center indicators brighter for better visibility.
• Fixed rare bug causing enemy gunfire to not be visible.
• Bug causing 3D inbound missile direction indicators to disappear when in 3rd person view fixed.
• Rare program closure bug in 640X480 mode on mission startup fixed.

Version 1.8

• 'Mouse Point' flight mode deadzone reduced by player request.
• Rare bug causing 'error 99' program closer fixed.
• Multiplayer game listing bug fixed.

Version 1.84

• Menu highlight indicators improved.
• Several code improvements for performance and rendering consistency.
• Star Wraith IV's multiplayer integrity system added for improved reliability.

Version 1.88

• Major framerate performance increase on most 3D video cards.
• Missile collision detection now very accurate when in 3rd person views.

Version 1.888

• Invincibility cheat now available in demo (create a pilot profile with the name imacheater).
• Object movement now time based for improved movement accuracy regardless of framerate.
• Faster missiles (200% faster) with greater ranges.
• Rare bug causing 'severe exception' error on some systems during startup fixed.
• Sometimes a score message was lost in multiplayer, now fixed.
• Current player score displayed when score message sent.
• MDTS auto-aiming gunfire accuracy improved when firing at a target from behind.
• Multiplayer scoring accuracy improved.
• Multiplayer reliability improvements.

Version 1.888b

• Joystick deadzone settings now available in Options menu.

Version 1.888c

• Background stars improved for more realistic appearance.
• Minor bug fixes.

Version 2.008

• Support for Windows Vista added.
• Several graphics enhancements.
• The game is now FREE!