Spring - User contributions [en]

KAI

2006-06-21T11:11:14Z

Targ Collective:

{{AI|KAI|Krogothe|Version 0.11|Supports most mods|Under Active Development|Closed Source}}

KAI

KAI is an AI being developed by [[User:krogothe|krogothe]]. It is currently at version 0.11 and is now up to a challenging standard of play. It has several limitations such as frequent crashes, but it still manages to produce a decent challenge in groups of three or more due to its relentless attacking and decent economy. For best results play in a flat, large map with specific mex spots..

There are many goals Krogoth is pursuing with KAI. These mirror the goals of other AI developers in many ways - universal mod compatibility, for example - with a few twists that other AI authors are not currently pursuing, such as real objective-based use of its units.

Let's say Human has relatively weak air defence but ironclad antitank defence. KAI will start building a group of bombers while putting a mission together to take the anti-air out - its attack force, balanced against the defenses there will target the anti air as highest priority and if successful will bomb the base. Turn the tables on this scenario and KAI will start building heavy tanks while planning how to eradicate the weaker antitank defence. (Objectives have not been implemented yet, although KAI will try to balance its units against the enemy forces in the test build, and even against the terrain.)

While the AI is in an early stage, there are many developments which give a hint of the immense promise KAI has. The most impressive, yet one of the simpler, is KAI's ability to think in chokepoints. According to Krogothe, this took five to ten minutes 'under the current framework', so whatever the framework is, it is certainly impressive.

KAI is closed source, although Krogothe has released a few AI utilities for other developers to use, the most notable of which is his Metal Class, used in one form or another by almost all AI developers.

KAI does show great promise in testing, and v0.11 is a worthy opponent even with the relatively high probability of crashes. It should be noted that KAI's prowess is largely down to maphack functionality; the AI will always know where your units and structures are, and does not need to scout like a human does. KAI was always planned to have this trait.

=== Info ===
*Status : Early test build (v0.11)
*Compatible mods : Most commonly played mods
*Playability : Challenging, crash-prone

=== Links ===
* [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=5500 Forum Thread]

''' [[AIs|<- Back to AI page]]'''

KAI

2006-06-21T11:09:42Z

Targ Collective:

{{AI|KAI|Krogothe|Version 0.11|Supports most mods|Under Active Development|Closed Source}}

KAI

KAI is an AI being developed by [[User:krogothe|krogothe]]. It is currently at version 0.11 and is now up to a challenging standard of play. It has several limitations such as frequent crashes, but it still manages to produce a decent challenge in groups of three or more due to its relentless attacking and decent economy. For best results play in a flat, large map with specific mex spots..

There are many goals Krogoth is pursuing with KAI. These mirror the goals of other AI developers in many ways - universal mod compatibility, for example - with a few twists that other AI authors are not currently pursuing, such as real objective-based use of its units.

Let's say Human has relatively weak air defence but ironclad antitank defence. KAI will start building a group of bombers while putting a mission together to take the anti-air out - its attack force, balanced against the defenses there will target the anti air as highest priority and if successful will bomb the base. Turn the tables on this scenario and KAI will start building heavy tanks while planning how to eradicate the weaker antitank defence. (Objectives have not been implemented yet, although KAI will try to balance its units against the enemy forces in the test build, and even against the terrain.)

While the AI is in an early stage, there are many developments which give a hint of the immense promise KAI has. The most impressive, yet one of the simpler, is KAI's ability to think in chokepoints. According to Krogothe, this took five to ten minutes 'under the current framework', so whatever the framework is, it is certainly impressive.

KAI is closed source, although Krogothe has released a few AI utilities for other developers to use, the most notable of which is his Metal Class, used in one form or another by almost all AI developers.

KAI does show great promise in testing, and v0.11 is a worthy opponent even with the relatively high probability of crashes. It should be noted that KAI's prowess is largely down to maphack functionality; the AI will always know where your units and structures are, and does not need to scout like a human does. KAI was always planned to have this trait.

=== Info ===
*Status : Early test build (v0.11)
*Compatible mods : Most commonly played mods
*Playability : Challenging, crash-prone

=== Links ===
* [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3482 Forum Thread]

''' [[AIs|<- Back to AI page]]'''

KAI

2006-06-21T10:59:45Z

Targ Collective: /* Info */

{{AI|KAI|Krogothe|Latest version not available for download|Supports XTA|Under Active Development|Closed Source}}

KAI

KAI is an AI being developed by [[User:krogothe|krogothe]]. It is currently in Pre Alpha, but a very early version of the yet incomplete AI has been released. It is not yet up to a playable standard, but that hasn't stopped people trying. It has several limitations such as only being able to play as XTA Core and using only vehicles but it still manages to produce a decent challenge in groups of three or more due to its relentless attacking and decent economy. For best results play in a flat, small map made of metal or with many mex spots.

There are many goals Krogoth is pursuing with KAI. These mirror the goals of other AI developers in many ways - universal mod compatibility, for example - with a few twists that other AI authors are not currently pursuing, such as real objective-based use of its units.

Let's say Human has relatively weak air defence but ironclad antitank defence. KAI will start building a group of bombers while putting a mission together to take the anti-air out - its attack force, balanced against the defenses there will target the anti air as highest priority and if successful will bomb the base. Turn the tables on this scenario and KAI will start building heavy tanks while planning how to eradicate the weaker antitank defence. (Objectives have not been implemented yet, although KAI will try to balance its units against the enemy forces in the unreleased test build.)

While the AI is in an early stage, there are many developments which give a hint of the immense promise KAI has. The most impressive, yet one of the simpler, is KAI's ability to think in chokepoints. According to Krogothe, this took five to ten minutes 'under the current framework', so whatever the framework is, it is certainly impressive.

KAI is closed source, although Krogothe has released a few AI utilities for other developers to use, the most notable of which is his Metal Class, used in one form or another by almost all AI developers.

KAI does show great promise in testing; unfortunately only the initial release is available at the time of writing.

=== Info ===
*Status : Early test build (v0.11)
*Compatible mods : Most commonly played mods
*Playability : Challenging, crash-prone

=== Links ===
* [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3482 Forum Thread]

''' [[AIs|<- Back to AI page]]'''

Map Reviews

2006-06-21T10:56:12Z

Targ Collective: /* Castles */

If anyone else wants to do more work on this, it might be useful to have the maps sorted by size.

==Normal Maps==

===2 Valleys===

Deci: Mostly an air map, as not even kbots can climb the plateus, mex radius is also too small for the metal layout.

===4 skulls===

Deci: Simply too much metal, otherwise a solid map. Try lowering the metal income on the hills to around 1.5 or lower.

FizWizz: Interesting map, funny metal but fun to play. However, the metalmap is really bright.

===Alaska===

AF: Needs stuff on the corner bits, preferrably custom snowy tree like features and other assortments, and a small open space, otherwise looks nice but a bit plain.

===Ancient Arena===

Deci: I have heard that this is an excellent FFA map, though I myself do not normally play FFA

Sehk: Very good for FFA and small but numerous team games (5 teams of 2 comes to mind) if completely dependent on the center. Height map issues may arise, and the water in the corners offers another viable few strategies most players shouldn't need to deal with.

===Anglo-Saxon Starfish===

Deci: Too much metal, otherwise a good combo of land and sea.

===Ashap Plateau===

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:55, 16 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Apparently an old favourite for 1v1s and 2v2s. The ground is covered with spires that really muck up most units' pathfinding and firing.

===Ashpen===

Gnome: Good, not too big and not too much metal. Wouldn't mind a slightly larger one with more topography, but it's still good.

===Atlantic===

Deci: A strange map, as amphibious units are near useless due to mountainous shorelines and air and naval power rule the day. This is another map that would benefit from a larger mex radius.

===Azure Rampart===

Deci: Probably the most played FFA map, not much to say about this one.

Sehk: Not pretty, not very varied, but functional. Good for FFA, but with limited enjoyment and flexibility.

===Blue Planet===

Sehk: Water map, with central metal in the water and lesser metal on land. Once you have the center, it becomes far too easy, and the map doesn't have an incredible amount of replay value. Smaller than I would like.

===Brazilian Battlefield===

AF: Too many trees in one corner makes AI testing on this map unfair. Make a bigger version though, it's somewhat smaller than I would have liked.

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:55, 16 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Good for quick games.

===Caldera===

Deci: Basically a larger version of Ashpen

===Castles===

Deci: the ultimate seige map, I don't play this one much anymore, but it is still fun sometimes when the game doesn't slow down.

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:55, 16 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Massive porcfest.

2k4: HUGE metal in water

Targ Collective: Excellent siege map, although the 'Lake of Gold' has less tactical value than it could. Placing an even moderate metal distribution over most of the map, including the grassy areas, allows players to expand resource operations over most of the map, where it could play better confined to the castles and lake solely to force confrontations.

===Cathralda V10===

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:10, 25 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): A fun map. Wind is good but very unpredictable. Medium level of metal, quite spread-out. Easily-accessible geothermals, mostly near the center of the map. Rolling hills with some chokepoints, but too open to porc effectively. Vehicles seem to be able to climb all of the hills. The one problem is that it's a little hard to gauge hill heights in the default TA view.

===Cliff Down===

Deci: A good FFA map if the players start at the entrances to the canyon, the starts should probably be changed to reflect this

Gnome: Good metal layout, but it's so big that there's too much available. Also very easy to porc out on (secure your two chokepoints, dot the rest of your base with AA). The game I played on this one became a drawn out stalemate that lasted over three hours because it's simply too damn big.

===Cliff Run===

Deci: too small to really play on.

Gnome: I disagree. It's good for a quick game, the action is quick and it really keeps you on your toes. The hills really add to the map. The trees are somewhat annoying, but area reclaim works.

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:55, 16 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Great fun for 1v1, though watch the water.

===CometCatcher and Green Comet===

Deci: one of the much-loved maps, it isn't my personal favorite, but it's a solid map.

Min3mat: Godlike! accept no substitutues!

Forboding Angel: Too damn flat. Heightmap needs to be redone badly.

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:55, 16 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Great maps, if a little flat. I prefer Green Comet for its left-vs-right setup, but the original's still great.

===Core Pyramid===

Deci: A map with actual low metal, these are rare goodies

===CorrosivePits===

Deci: apparently there is a version 4 out for this map that I haven't played yet.

===Crossings_v4===

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 20:09, 25 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Fun "push the middle" map. Low metal near start locations, lots in the middle. Assaulting up the ramps is a little annoying at the end, but once you push the enemy out of the middle, you're practically guaranteed a win.

===Crystal-Harbor===

Targ Collective - A fun water map with perhaps just a bit too much metal. Metal spots are used throughout and the centre has a very high metal spot, which in itself accounts for at least half the metal on the map. South has an advantage in land (slight) and Geo spots (two extra), so the choice is a balanced if cramped East vs West, or an unbalanced yet easier teamwise North vs South.

If one team can consistently hold the centre, that team will gain a huge tactical advantage. Therefore, pummelling the centre with artillery if you lose it is advised.

All teams start on land, so the more durable aircraft are available. Specialist seaplanes, esp. torpedo launchers, should see plenty of use.

2k4: you might as well quit if you dont have the center on start

===Crystal-World===

Deci: Mex radius is far too small, it should be doubled or tripled at least.

===Desert Dunes===

Deci: too much metal, otherwise good

FizWizz: This map is Ace. The metal is much higher than a typical map, but I still wuvs it =)

===Egypt===

Sehk: Fairly realistic and fun to play, but rather imbalanced due to the placement of water. Metal is plentiful and gameplay is quick.

===EuroGreen===

Forboding Angel: Honestly, it's ugly and a comm swapfest imo. Small maps are good if the are done correcty. Unfortunately this map does not have enough real chokepoints to be viable.

===EvergreenHaven===

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:55, 16 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Nice hilly map. Good balance between chokepoints and openness. Similar gameplay to GreenHaven.

===Greenhaven===

Deci: One of the popular maps of spring, somewhat rough terrain, while still allowing vehicles.

===Greenriver===

Min3mat: awesome. IMO the best water map out there

===Hamburger Hill===

Deci: Open-area tank warfare, barely deserves to be called a hill

===Hill Haven===

FizWizz: My favorite map of the River Dale set. It looks absolutely beautiful, it is simple, but it is not a plain map. It is balanced too, which is a little bit harder to say about the other maps in this series.

===Hills and Valleys===

Deci: a good vehicle and kbot map, I really don't know why this one isn't played more.

===Island in the Sun===

FizWizz: A good naval map, the only island-hopper besides Gods of War II remake, I wish I could see more maps like this on FU.

===Island Alpha===

Deci- decent 1v1 map

===Lava Highground===

Deci: extremely focused on the center, not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing for this map

===Lava Rivers===

Deci: Only one land route is generally bad for gameplay

===Martian Desert===

Gnome: Decent for 1v1, probably a little too much metal for that a lot of the time though. Probably very good for 2v2. Not too big either.

===Mountain Seige===

Deci: a good kbot map, probably the one that would benefit most from lvl2 kbots having good anti-air.

FizWizz: I love this map, it is beautiful and it plays well too, but it really needs to have a couple of the pathways broadened and leveled some so that they can actually accept traffic.

===Nightscape===

Deci: a personal favorite of mine, this map manages to feel huge even though it isn't.

===Oki River===

Deci: this map has only one real problem, there is too much metal in the water, on this map, the water would probably still be valuable even if there were no metal in it.

2k4: agreed, half the metal should be plenty

===Painted Desert Remake===

Deci: no qualms with this one, solid map

Min3mat: Probably the prettiest map out there with good gameplay. Faithful port by NoiZe ^-^

===Pathways===

Deci: now weighs in at only 15 meg!

===Pax Prime===

Deci: an interesting map simply because of it's color

===PincushionRemake===

Kixxe: This map has a great feel towards the different maps. It's low metal makes expanding a must, constantly fighting over more of the map and more resources. A peewee corpse can be a god's blessing. The pins can be used to place LLT's and radars, but they block much of the radar to, meaning you have to build several on different pins to get a full view. This is a wonderful map, but it can be hard to adapt to since it has "no metal".

===Plains and Passes===

Deci: this map could use a metal reduction, there are so many metal patches that the maxmetal should probably be lowered by a third or so. Also, mex radius is so small that it doesn't even cover the entire metal patch.

Forboding Angel: Nice map, too much metal imo. If I don't have over 300 metal income by the end of the game on this map I've done something wrong.

2k4: increase mex radius, decrease metalspots by 75%

===Rainbow Land===

Deci: as far as I can tell, this is a joke map

===Redhaven===

Deci: rarely played because Greenhaven is easier on the eyes.

===River Dale===

Deci: excellent 3v3 map, though the host needs to be careful where the start boxes are to keep it fair.

2k4: GREAT map

===Road to War===

Deci: my map, so I don't think I can comment

===Shore to Shore===

FizWizz: I have never played an enjoyable game on this map, it just does not conduce itself to anything other than porcing, aircraft spamming, or massing battleships, that I have seen.

===Sparewood===

Gnome: Excellent for 3FFAs, small and in your face like sherwood, only minus the severely annoying trees at the start points. Not bad for 1v1 either. Perhaps a little too much metal, but it plays very fairly and well.

===Splintered 4x4===

Deci: Absolute annihilation units cannot cross the fords, and therefore it doesn't get played by a very large chunk of spring's players. The speed boost on the ford is also a bit rediculous.

2k4: too high tidal

===Sunken Outpost===

Deci: an often-played ffa or team map, would be a bit linear if it weren't for the water

===Swamp Island===

Deci: mohos cannot easily be placed on the metal, making this map a bit of a pain to play

===Tendril Mountain===

Deci: another of my maps, it has way too much metal and I plan on fixing it eventually

===The Hunters===

Forboding Angel: All in all it's a solid map. A little low on metal for my tastes but still quite solid. It has large lake type bodies of water running through it. Lakes are large enough to put ships in if you so desire :D

I havn't played this map myself. Only spectated, but I like the layout quite a bit and the atmospheric colors are beautiful. It is rather flat which IMO kinda sucks but regardless it's a rather fun map.

Sehk: The gameplay here is varied, though the terrain is rather feeble. If you want to run a game with every type of unit, this is the place... hovers, tanks, ships, amphibious vehicles, k-bots and planes are all viable, though you would have a hard time with submarines.

===The Abyss===

Deci: Giant filesize makes this one a pain to download

FizWizz: Absolutely destitute of metal, until you reach the crater in the middle. However, I had one of my most fun games of Spring in memory on this map.

===The Cold Place===

Deci: works for teams or FFA

Gnome: Good, faithful port of the original.

2k4: solid map

===Volcano Island===

Deci: subs have some difficulty getting though certain areas, should be changed

==Metal Maps==

===Core Prime Industrial Area===

FizWizz: The metal concentration on the North/South Pyramids is ridiculous. Being both a metal map and a classic OTA map, it ought to have even metal distribution throughout, but as it is now, the strategic importance of the four walled forts is greatly diminished.

Min3mat: Awful metal map which would be better with even displacement of metal

===Metal Isles===

FizWizz: Being both a metal map and a classic OTA map, it ought to have even metal distribution, but there is zero metal in the water. Not a crimp on gameplay, but something which should have been remedied.

==Unreviewed Maps==

If you've played one of these maps, please contribute your opinion and move it into the appropriate category above!

4B Facility

Acid Bridge

AcidQuadratic

Appleville Two

BallerBurg

Battle Lines

Clear a Ditch

Caustic Realm

County Crossing

Crust

Death Valley

Dueling Bases

Dueling Forts

Duggans Metal Map

Duggans Metal Map Two

Fizzy Lakes

Foothill Basin

Foothills

Gods of War two remake

Grassy Paradox

Grad

Green River

Hell's Pass

IceArena

Icebergs

Island Hopping

King of the Castle

Marshlands

MetalHeck

MicroMetalAlpha

Monolith NaAr

Mountain Range

Omega

PCB

Proving Grounds

Rockies

Rolling Hills

Rush Hour

Rusted Divide

Scrap Metal

Snowscape

Speedymetal2

Spring-Islands

Stone Bridges

The Highlands

The Pass

Tidal War

Tri-Vega

Valles Marineris

Valley of Death

Water-Ways

WideOpenCombat

Windswept Desert

XantheTerra

[[Category:Maps]]

Map Reviews

2006-06-21T10:51:24Z

Targ Collective: /* Crystal-Harbor */

If anyone else wants to do more work on this, it might be useful to have the maps sorted by size.

==Normal Maps==

===2 Valleys===

Deci: Mostly an air map, as not even kbots can climb the plateus, mex radius is also too small for the metal layout.

===4 skulls===

Deci: Simply too much metal, otherwise a solid map. Try lowering the metal income on the hills to around 1.5 or lower.

FizWizz: Interesting map, funny metal but fun to play. However, the metalmap is really bright.

===Alaska===

AF: Needs stuff on the corner bits, preferrably custom snowy tree like features and other assortments, and a small open space, otherwise looks nice but a bit plain.

===Ancient Arena===

Deci: I have heard that this is an excellent FFA map, though I myself do not normally play FFA

Sehk: Very good for FFA and small but numerous team games (5 teams of 2 comes to mind) if completely dependent on the center. Height map issues may arise, and the water in the corners offers another viable few strategies most players shouldn't need to deal with.

===Anglo-Saxon Starfish===

Deci: Too much metal, otherwise a good combo of land and sea.

===Ashap Plateau===

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:55, 16 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Apparently an old favourite for 1v1s and 2v2s. The ground is covered with spires that really muck up most units' pathfinding and firing.

===Ashpen===

Gnome: Good, not too big and not too much metal. Wouldn't mind a slightly larger one with more topography, but it's still good.

===Atlantic===

Deci: A strange map, as amphibious units are near useless due to mountainous shorelines and air and naval power rule the day. This is another map that would benefit from a larger mex radius.

===Azure Rampart===

Deci: Probably the most played FFA map, not much to say about this one.

Sehk: Not pretty, not very varied, but functional. Good for FFA, but with limited enjoyment and flexibility.

===Blue Planet===

Sehk: Water map, with central metal in the water and lesser metal on land. Once you have the center, it becomes far too easy, and the map doesn't have an incredible amount of replay value. Smaller than I would like.

===Brazilian Battlefield===

AF: Too many trees in one corner makes AI testing on this map unfair. Make a bigger version though, it's somewhat smaller than I would have liked.

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:55, 16 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Good for quick games.

===Caldera===

Deci: Basically a larger version of Ashpen

===Castles===

Deci: the ultimate seige map, I don't play this one much anymore, but it is still fun sometimes when the game doesn't slow down.

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:55, 16 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Massive porcfest.

2k4: HUGE metal in water

===Cathralda V10===

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:10, 25 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): A fun map. Wind is good but very unpredictable. Medium level of metal, quite spread-out. Easily-accessible geothermals, mostly near the center of the map. Rolling hills with some chokepoints, but too open to porc effectively. Vehicles seem to be able to climb all of the hills. The one problem is that it's a little hard to gauge hill heights in the default TA view.

===Cliff Down===

Deci: A good FFA map if the players start at the entrances to the canyon, the starts should probably be changed to reflect this

Gnome: Good metal layout, but it's so big that there's too much available. Also very easy to porc out on (secure your two chokepoints, dot the rest of your base with AA). The game I played on this one became a drawn out stalemate that lasted over three hours because it's simply too damn big.

===Cliff Run===

Deci: too small to really play on.

Gnome: I disagree. It's good for a quick game, the action is quick and it really keeps you on your toes. The hills really add to the map. The trees are somewhat annoying, but area reclaim works.

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:55, 16 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Great fun for 1v1, though watch the water.

===CometCatcher and Green Comet===

Deci: one of the much-loved maps, it isn't my personal favorite, but it's a solid map.

Min3mat: Godlike! accept no substitutues!

Forboding Angel: Too damn flat. Heightmap needs to be redone badly.

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:55, 16 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Great maps, if a little flat. I prefer Green Comet for its left-vs-right setup, but the original's still great.

===Core Pyramid===

Deci: A map with actual low metal, these are rare goodies

===CorrosivePits===

Deci: apparently there is a version 4 out for this map that I haven't played yet.

===Crossings_v4===

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 20:09, 25 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Fun "push the middle" map. Low metal near start locations, lots in the middle. Assaulting up the ramps is a little annoying at the end, but once you push the enemy out of the middle, you're practically guaranteed a win.

===Crystal-Harbor===

Targ Collective - A fun water map with perhaps just a bit too much metal. Metal spots are used throughout and the centre has a very high metal spot, which in itself accounts for at least half the metal on the map. South has an advantage in land (slight) and Geo spots (two extra), so the choice is a balanced if cramped East vs West, or an unbalanced yet easier teamwise North vs South.

If one team can consistently hold the centre, that team will gain a huge tactical advantage. Therefore, pummelling the centre with artillery if you lose it is advised.

All teams start on land, so the more durable aircraft are available. Specialist seaplanes, esp. torpedo launchers, should see plenty of use.

2k4: you might as well quit if you dont have the center on start

===Crystal-World===

Deci: Mex radius is far too small, it should be doubled or tripled at least.

===Desert Dunes===

Deci: too much metal, otherwise good

FizWizz: This map is Ace. The metal is much higher than a typical map, but I still wuvs it =)

===Egypt===

Sehk: Fairly realistic and fun to play, but rather imbalanced due to the placement of water. Metal is plentiful and gameplay is quick.

===EuroGreen===

Forboding Angel: Honestly, it's ugly and a comm swapfest imo. Small maps are good if the are done correcty. Unfortunately this map does not have enough real chokepoints to be viable.

===EvergreenHaven===

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:55, 16 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Nice hilly map. Good balance between chokepoints and openness. Similar gameplay to GreenHaven.

===Greenhaven===

Deci: One of the popular maps of spring, somewhat rough terrain, while still allowing vehicles.

===Greenriver===

Min3mat: awesome. IMO the best water map out there

===Hamburger Hill===

Deci: Open-area tank warfare, barely deserves to be called a hill

===Hill Haven===

FizWizz: My favorite map of the River Dale set. It looks absolutely beautiful, it is simple, but it is not a plain map. It is balanced too, which is a little bit harder to say about the other maps in this series.

===Hills and Valleys===

Deci: a good vehicle and kbot map, I really don't know why this one isn't played more.

===Island in the Sun===

FizWizz: A good naval map, the only island-hopper besides Gods of War II remake, I wish I could see more maps like this on FU.

===Island Alpha===

Deci- decent 1v1 map

===Lava Highground===

Deci: extremely focused on the center, not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing for this map

===Lava Rivers===

Deci: Only one land route is generally bad for gameplay

===Martian Desert===

Gnome: Decent for 1v1, probably a little too much metal for that a lot of the time though. Probably very good for 2v2. Not too big either.

===Mountain Seige===

Deci: a good kbot map, probably the one that would benefit most from lvl2 kbots having good anti-air.

FizWizz: I love this map, it is beautiful and it plays well too, but it really needs to have a couple of the pathways broadened and leveled some so that they can actually accept traffic.

===Nightscape===

Deci: a personal favorite of mine, this map manages to feel huge even though it isn't.

===Oki River===

Deci: this map has only one real problem, there is too much metal in the water, on this map, the water would probably still be valuable even if there were no metal in it.

2k4: agreed, half the metal should be plenty

===Painted Desert Remake===

Deci: no qualms with this one, solid map

Min3mat: Probably the prettiest map out there with good gameplay. Faithful port by NoiZe ^-^

===Pathways===

Deci: now weighs in at only 15 meg!

===Pax Prime===

Deci: an interesting map simply because of it's color

===PincushionRemake===

Kixxe: This map has a great feel towards the different maps. It's low metal makes expanding a must, constantly fighting over more of the map and more resources. A peewee corpse can be a god's blessing. The pins can be used to place LLT's and radars, but they block much of the radar to, meaning you have to build several on different pins to get a full view. This is a wonderful map, but it can be hard to adapt to since it has "no metal".

===Plains and Passes===

Deci: this map could use a metal reduction, there are so many metal patches that the maxmetal should probably be lowered by a third or so. Also, mex radius is so small that it doesn't even cover the entire metal patch.

Forboding Angel: Nice map, too much metal imo. If I don't have over 300 metal income by the end of the game on this map I've done something wrong.

2k4: increase mex radius, decrease metalspots by 75%

===Rainbow Land===

Deci: as far as I can tell, this is a joke map

===Redhaven===

Deci: rarely played because Greenhaven is easier on the eyes.

===River Dale===

Deci: excellent 3v3 map, though the host needs to be careful where the start boxes are to keep it fair.

2k4: GREAT map

===Road to War===

Deci: my map, so I don't think I can comment

===Shore to Shore===

FizWizz: I have never played an enjoyable game on this map, it just does not conduce itself to anything other than porcing, aircraft spamming, or massing battleships, that I have seen.

===Sparewood===

Gnome: Excellent for 3FFAs, small and in your face like sherwood, only minus the severely annoying trees at the start points. Not bad for 1v1 either. Perhaps a little too much metal, but it plays very fairly and well.

===Splintered 4x4===

Deci: Absolute annihilation units cannot cross the fords, and therefore it doesn't get played by a very large chunk of spring's players. The speed boost on the ford is also a bit rediculous.

2k4: too high tidal

===Sunken Outpost===

Deci: an often-played ffa or team map, would be a bit linear if it weren't for the water

===Swamp Island===

Deci: mohos cannot easily be placed on the metal, making this map a bit of a pain to play

===Tendril Mountain===

Deci: another of my maps, it has way too much metal and I plan on fixing it eventually

===The Hunters===

Forboding Angel: All in all it's a solid map. A little low on metal for my tastes but still quite solid. It has large lake type bodies of water running through it. Lakes are large enough to put ships in if you so desire :D

I havn't played this map myself. Only spectated, but I like the layout quite a bit and the atmospheric colors are beautiful. It is rather flat which IMO kinda sucks but regardless it's a rather fun map.

Sehk: The gameplay here is varied, though the terrain is rather feeble. If you want to run a game with every type of unit, this is the place... hovers, tanks, ships, amphibious vehicles, k-bots and planes are all viable, though you would have a hard time with submarines.

===The Abyss===

Deci: Giant filesize makes this one a pain to download

FizWizz: Absolutely destitute of metal, until you reach the crater in the middle. However, I had one of my most fun games of Spring in memory on this map.

===The Cold Place===

Deci: works for teams or FFA

Gnome: Good, faithful port of the original.

2k4: solid map

===Volcano Island===

Deci: subs have some difficulty getting though certain areas, should be changed

==Metal Maps==

===Core Prime Industrial Area===

FizWizz: The metal concentration on the North/South Pyramids is ridiculous. Being both a metal map and a classic OTA map, it ought to have even metal distribution throughout, but as it is now, the strategic importance of the four walled forts is greatly diminished.

Min3mat: Awful metal map which would be better with even displacement of metal

===Metal Isles===

FizWizz: Being both a metal map and a classic OTA map, it ought to have even metal distribution, but there is zero metal in the water. Not a crimp on gameplay, but something which should have been remedied.

==Unreviewed Maps==

If you've played one of these maps, please contribute your opinion and move it into the appropriate category above!

4B Facility

Acid Bridge

AcidQuadratic

Appleville Two

BallerBurg

Battle Lines

Clear a Ditch

Caustic Realm

County Crossing

Crust

Death Valley

Dueling Bases

Dueling Forts

Duggans Metal Map

Duggans Metal Map Two

Fizzy Lakes

Foothill Basin

Foothills

Gods of War two remake

Grassy Paradox

Grad

Green River

Hell's Pass

IceArena

Icebergs

Island Hopping

King of the Castle

Marshlands

MetalHeck

MicroMetalAlpha

Monolith NaAr

Mountain Range

Omega

PCB

Proving Grounds

Rockies

Rolling Hills

Rush Hour

Rusted Divide

Scrap Metal

Snowscape

Speedymetal2

Spring-Islands

Stone Bridges

The Highlands

The Pass

Tidal War

Tri-Vega

Valles Marineris

Valley of Death

Water-Ways

WideOpenCombat

Windswept Desert

XantheTerra

[[Category:Maps]]

KAI

2006-05-12T12:15:57Z

Targ Collective:

{|border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 10px; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; background: #f9f9f9"
|<center>'''KAI'''</center>
|<center>Coded by Krogothe</center>
|<center>'''Latest version not available for download'''</center>
|<center>Supports XTA</center>
|<center>'''Under Active Development'''</center>
|<center>Closed Source</center>
|}

KAI

KAI is an AI being developed by [[User:krogothe|krogothe]]. It is currently in Pre Alpha, but a very early version of the yet incomplete AI has been released. It is not yet up to a playable standard, but that hasn't stopped people trying. It has several limitations such as only being able to play as XTA Core and using only vehicles but it still manages to produce a decent challenge in groups of three or more due to its relentless attacking and decent economy. For best results play in a flat, small map made of metal or with many mex spots.

There are many goals Krogoth is pursuing with KAI. These mirror the goals of other AI developers in many ways - universal mod compatibility, for example - with a few twists that other AI authors are not currently pursuing, such as real objective-based use of its units.

Let's say Human has relatively weak air defence but ironclad antitank defence. KAI will start building a group of bombers while putting a mission together to take the anti-air out - its attack force, balanced against the defenses there will target the anti air as highest priority and if successful will bomb the base. Turn the tables on this scenario and KAI will start building heavy tanks while planning how to eradicate the weaker antitank defence. (Objectives have not been implemented yet, although KAI will try to balance its units against the enemy forces in the unreleased test build.)

While the AI is in an early stage, there are many developments which give a hint of the immense promise KAI has. The most impressive, yet one of the simpler, is KAI's ability to think in chokepoints. According to Krogothe, this took five to ten minutes 'under the current framework', so whatever the framework is, it is certainly impressive.

KAI is closed source, although Krogothe has released a few AI utilities for other developers to use, the most notable of which is his Metal Class, used in one form or another by almost all AI developers.

KAI does show great promise in testing; unfortunately only the initial release is available at the time of writing.

=== Info ===
*Status : Pre Alpha
*Compatible mods : XTA Core
*Playability : Bad

=== Links ===
* [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3482 Forum Thread]

''' [[AIs|<- Back to AI page]]'''

KAI

2006-05-12T09:47:56Z

Targ Collective:

KAI

KAI is an AI being developed by [[User:krogothe|krogothe]]. It is currently in Pre Alpha, but a very early version of the yet incomplete AI has been released. It is not yet up to a playable standard, but that hasn't stopped people trying. It has several limitations such as only being able to play as XTA Core and using only vehicles but it still manages to produce a decent challenge in groups of three or more due to its relentless attacking and decent economy. For best results play in a flat, small map made of metal or with many mex spots.

There are many goals Krogoth is pursuing with KAI. These mirror the goals of other AI developers in many ways - universal mod compatibility, for example - with a few twists that other AI authors are not currently pursuing, such as real objective-based use of its units.

Let's say Human has relatively weak air defence but ironclad antitank defence. KAI will start building a group of bombers while putting a mission together to take the anti-air out - its attack force, balanced against the defenses there will target the anti air as highest priority and if successful will bomb the base. Turn the tables on this scenario and KAI will start building heavy tanks while planning how to eradicate the weaker antitank defence. (Objectives have not been implemented yet, although KAI will try to balance its units against the enemy forces in the unreleased test build.)

While the AI is in an early stage, there are many developments which give a hint of the immense promise KAI has. The most impressive, yet one of the simpler, is KAI's ability to think in chokepoints. According to Krogothe, this took five to ten minutes 'under the current framework', so whatever the framework is, it is certainly impressive.

KAI is closed source, although Krogothe has released a few AI utilities for other developers to use, the most notable of which is his Metal Class, used in one form or another by almost all AI developers.

KAI does show great promise in testing; unfortunately only the initial release is available at the time of writing.

=== Info ===
*Status : Pre Alpha
*Compatible mods : XTA Core
*Playability : Bad

=== Links ===
* [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3482 Forum Thread]

Commander

2006-05-10T11:31:22Z

Targ Collective:

Commander - the first unit you own.

The Commander is capable of building low-tech structures, and also has a light laser gun and the unique [[D-gun]].

Commander

2006-05-10T11:30:19Z

Targ Collective:

Commander - the first unit you own.

The Commander is capable of building low-tech structures, and also has a light laser gun and the unique [[Dgun]].

Commander

2006-05-10T11:29:59Z

Targ Collective:

Commander - the first unit you own.

The Commander is capable of building low-tech structures, and also has a light laser gun and the unique [[DGun]].

D-gun

2006-05-10T11:19:48Z

Targ Collective:

The Disintegrator Gun, which only the Arm and Core Commanders can use. This weapon is capable of dissolving anything on a subatomic level, and requires a massive level of power (400+ Energy) for each shot.

It is thought the 'backpacks' on the Commanders contain rare and exotic equipment needed to use this weapon, accounting for the megaton explosion on the destruction of these units.

D-gun

2006-05-10T11:19:05Z

Targ Collective:

D-gun

2006-05-10T11:18:39Z

Targ Collective:

The Disintegrator Gun, which only the Arm and Core Commanders can use. This weapon is capable of dissolving anything on a subatomic level, and requires a massive level of power (400+ Energy) for each shot.

It is though the 'backpacks' on the Commanders contain rare and exotic equipment needed to use this weapon, accounting for the megaton explosion on the destruction of this unit.

Map Reviews

2006-05-10T10:01:03Z

Targ Collective:

If anyone else wants to do more work on this, it might be useful to have the maps sorted by size.

==Normal Maps==

===2 Valleys===

Deci: Mostly an air map, as not even kbots can climb the plateus, mex radius is also too small for the metal layout.

===4 skulls===

Deci: Simply too much metal, otherwise a solid map. Try lowering the metal income on the hills to around 1.5 or lower.

FizWizz: Interesting map, funny metal but fun to play. However, the metalmap is really bright.

===Alaska===

AF: Needs stuff on the corner bits, preferrably custom snowy tree like features and other assortments, and a small open space, otherwise looks nice but a bit plain.

===Ancient Arena===

Deci: I have heard that this is an excellent FFA map, though I myself do not normally play FFA

===Anglo-Saxon Starfish===

Deci: Too much metal, otherwise a good combo of land and sea.

===Ashap Plateau===

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:55, 16 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Apparently an old favourite for 1v1s and 2v2s. The ground is covered with spires that really muck up most units' pathfinding and firing.

===Ashpen===

Gnome: Good, not too big and not too much metal. Wouldn't mind a slightly larger one with more topography, but it's still good.

===Atlantic===

Deci: A strange map, as amphibious units are near useless due to mountainous shorelines and air and naval power rule the day. This is another map that would benefit from a larger mex radius.

===Azure Rampart===

Deci: Probably the most played FFA map, not much to say about this one.

===Brazilian Battlefield===

AF: Too many trees in one corner makes AI testing on this map unfair. Make a bigger version though, it's somewhat smaller than I would have liked.

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:55, 16 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Good for quick games.

===Caldera===

Deci: Basically a larger version of Ashpen

===Castles===

Deci: the ultimate seige map, I don't play this one much anymore, but it is still fun sometimes when the game doesn't slow down.

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:55, 16 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Massive porcfest.

===Cathralda V10===

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:10, 25 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): A fun map. Wind is good but very unpredictable. Medium level of metal, quite spread-out. Easily-accessible geothermals, mostly near the center of the map. Rolling hills with some chokepoints, but too open to porc effectively. Vehicles seem to be able to climb all of the hills. The one problem is that it's a little hard to gauge hill heights in the default TA view.

===Cliff Down===

Deci: A good FFA map if the players start at the entrances to the canyon, the starts should probably be changed to reflect this

Gnome: Good metal layout, but it's so big that there's too much available. Also very easy to porc out on (secure your two chokepoints, dot the rest of your base with AA). The game I played on this one became a drawn out stalemate that lasted over three hours because it's simply too damn big.

===Cliff Run===

Deci: too small to really play on.

Gnome: I disagree. It's good for a quick game, the action is quick and it really keeps you on your toes. The hills really add to the map. The trees are somewhat annoying, but area reclaim works.

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:55, 16 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Great fun for 1v1, though watch the water.

===CometCatcher and Green Comet===

Deci: one of the much-loved maps, it isn't my personal favorite, but it's a solid map.

Min3mat: Godlike! accept no substitutues!

Forboding Angel: Too damn flat. Heightmap needs to be redone badly.

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:55, 16 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Great maps, if a little flat. I prefer Green Comet for its left-vs-right setup, but the original's still great.

===Core Pyramid===

Deci: A map with actual low metal, these are rare goodies

===CorrosivePits===

Deci: apparently there is a version 4 out for this map that I haven't played yet.

===Crossings_v4===

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 20:09, 25 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Fun "push the middle" map. Low metal near start locations, lots in the middle. Assaulting up the ramps is a little annoying at the end, but once you push the enemy out of the middle, you're practically guaranteed a win.

===Crystal-Harbor===

Targ Collective - A fun water map with perhaps just a bit too much metal. Metal spots are used throughout and the centre has a very high metal spot, which in itself accounts for at least half the metal on the map. Beautifully balanced for North vs South, so it is best for 1v1 or 2v2 matches.

If one team can consistently hold the centre, that team will gain a huge tactical advantage. Therefore, pummelling the centre with artillery if you lose it is advised.

All teams start on land, so the more durable aircraft are available. Specialist seaplanes, esp. torpedo launchers, should see plenty of use.

===Crystal-World===

Deci: Mex radius is far too small, it should be doubled or tripled at least.

===Desert Dunes===

Deci: too much metal, otherwise good

FizWizz: This map is Ace. The metal is much higher than a typical map, but I still wuvs it =)

===EuroGreen===

Forboding Angel: Honestly, it's ugly and a comm swapfest imo. Small maps are good if the are done correcty. Unfortunately this map does not have enough real chokepoints to be viable.

===EvergreenHaven===

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 00:55, 16 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time): Nice hilly map. Good balance between chokepoints and openness. Similar gameplay to GreenHaven.

===Greenhaven===

Deci: One of the popular maps of spring, somewhat rough terrain, while still allowing vehicles.

===Greenriver===

Min3mat: awesome. IMO the best water map out there

===Hamburger Hill===

Deci: Open-area tank warfare, barely deserves to be called a hill

===Hill Haven===

FizWizz: My favorite map of the River Dale set. It looks absolutely beautiful, it is simple, but it is not a plain map. It is balanced too, which is a little bit harder to say about the other maps in this series.

===Hills and Valleys===

Deci: a good vehicle and kbot map, I really don't know why this one isn't played more.

===Island in the Sun===

FizWizz: A good naval map, the only island-hopper besides Gods of War II remake, I wish I could see more maps like this on FU.

===Island Alpha===

Deci- decent 1v1 map

===Lava Highground===

Deci: extremely focused on the center, not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing for this map

===Lava Rivers===

Deci: Only one land route is generally bad for gameplay

===Martian Desert===

Gnome: Decent for 1v1, probably a little too much metal for that a lot of the time though. Probably very good for 2v2. Not too big either.

===Mountain Seige===

Deci: a good kbot map, probably the one that would benefit most from lvl2 kbots having good anti-air.

FizWizz: I love this map, it is beautiful and it plays well too, but it really needs to have a couple of the pathways broadened and leveled some so that they can actually accept traffic.

===Nightscape===

Deci: a personal favorite of mine, this map manages to feel huge even though it isn't.

===Oki River===

Deci: this map has only one real problem, there is too much metal in the water, on this map, the water would probably still be valuable even if there were no metal in it.

===Painted Desert Remake===

Deci: no qualms with this one, solid map

Min3mat: Probably the prettiest map out there with good gameplay. Faithful port by NoiZe ^-^

===Pathways===

Deci: now weighs in at only 15 meg!

===Pax Prime===

Deci: an interesting map simply because of it's color

===PincushionRemake===

Kixxe: This map has a great feel towards the different maps. It's low metal makes expanding a must, constantly fighting over more of the map and more resources. A peewee corpse can be a god's blessing. The pins can be used to place LLT's and radars, but they block much of the radar to, meaning you have to build several on different pins to get a full view. This is a wonderful map, but it can be hard to adapt to since it has "no metal".

===Plains and Passes===

Deci: this map could use a metal reduction, there are so many metal patches that the maxmetal should probably be lowered by a third or so. Also, mex radius is so small that it doesn't even cover the entire metal patch.

Forboding Angel: Nice map, too much metal imo. If I don't have over 300 metal income by the end of the game on this map I've done something wrong.

===Rainbow Land===

Deci: as far as I can tell, this is a joke map

===Redhaven===

Deci: rarely played because Greenhaven is easier on the eyes.

===River Dale===

Deci: excellent 3v3 map, though the host needs to be careful where the start boxes are to keep it fair.

===Road to War===

Deci: my map, so I don't think I can comment

===Shore to Shore===

FizWizz: I have never played an enjoyable game on this map, it just does not conduce itself to anything other than porcing, aircraft spamming, or massing battleships, that I have seen.

===Sparewood===

Gnome: Excellent for 3FFAs, small and in your face like sherwood, only minus the severely annoying trees at the start points. Not bad for 1v1 either. Perhaps a little too much metal, but it plays very fairly and well.

===Splintered 4x4===

Deci: Absolute annihilation units cannot cross the fords, and therefore it doesn't get played by a very large chunk of spring's players. The speed boost on the ford is also a bit rediculous.

===Sunken Outpost===

Deci: an often-played ffa or team map, would be a bit linear if it weren't for the water

===Swamp Island===

Deci: mohos cannot easily be placed on the metal, making this map a bit of a pain to play

===Tendril Mountain===

Deci: another of my maps, it has way too much metal and I plan on fixing it eventually

===The Hunters===

Forboding Angel: All in all it's a solid map. A little low on metal for my tastes but still quite solid. It has large lake type bodies of water running through it. Lakes are large enough to put ships in if you so desire :D

I havn't played this map myself. Only spectated, but I like the layout quite a bit and the atmospheric colors are beautiful. It is rather flat which IMO kinda sucks but regardless it's a rather fun map.

===The Abyss===

Deci: Giant filesize makes this one a pain to download

FizWizz: Absolutely destitute of metal, until you reach the crater in the middle. However, I had one of my most fun games of Spring in memory on this map.

===The Cold Place===

Deci: works for teams or FFA

Gnome: Good, faithful port of the original.

===Volcano Island===

Deci: subs have some difficulty getting though certain areas, should be changed

==Metal Maps==

===Core Prime Industrial Area===

FizWizz: The metal concentration on the North/South Pyramids is ridiculous. Being both a metal map and a classic OTA map, it ought to have even metal distribution throughout, but as it is now, the strategic importance of the four walled forts is greatly diminished.

Min3mat: Awful metal map which would be better with even displacement of metal

===Metal Isles===

FizWizz: Being both a metal map and a classic OTA map, it ought to have even metal distribution, but there is zero metal in the water. Not a crimp on gameplay, but something which should have been remedied.

==Unreviewed Maps==

If you've played one of these maps, please contribute your opinion and move it into the appropriate category above!

4B Facility

Acid Bridge

AcidQuadratic

Appleville Two

BallerBurg

Battle Lines

Blue Planet

Clear a Ditch

Caustic Realm

County Crossing

Crust

Death Valley

Dueling Bases

Dueling Forts

Duggans Metal Map

Duggans Metal Map Two

Egypt

Fizzy Lakes

Foothill Basin

Foothills

Gods of War two remake

Grassy Paradox

Grad

Green River

Hell's Pass

IceArena

Icebergs

Island Hopping

King of the Castle

Marshlands

MetalHeck

MicroMetalAlpha

Monolith NaAr

Mountain Range

Omega

PCB

Proving Grounds

Rockies

Rolling Hills

Rush Hour

Rusted Divide

Scrap Metal

Snowscape

Speedymetal2

Spring-Islands

Stone Bridges

The Highlands

The Pass

Tidal War

Tri-Vega

Valles Marineris

Valley of Death

WideOpenCombat

Windswept Desert

XantheTerra

[[Category:Maps]]

FAQ

2005-11-12T11:51:21Z

Targ Collective: /* Will tunnel building be possible? */

==General information==

===What is TA Spring?===
TA Spring is a project to create the best RTS ever (no joke). There are three principle goals which we hope to achieve.

# Reach a stage where TA Spring can flawlessly execute most of Total Annihilation's original gameplay, with its original units in their original format.
# Add new features as we see fit, fix bugs, and release new versions when we feel it is appropriate to do so.
# Support the mod community as we see fit.

===When will TA Spring be ready?===
Now! You can get the latest beta from the [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/download.php download page].

===Will TA Spring be free?===
The core game is released under GPL License. However, some parts of the game are still under copyright by their owners. Therefore, today, you need to own the original TA game if you want to play. However the community is working hard in order to offer completely free alternatives.

===Why can I edit this page?===
This page, and several others, are located in the TA Spring [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki Wiki]. The link gives a full explanation of what it is, but in short it is a way of letting anyone who wants to contribute to the page content. This can of course be abused, but even while it is easy for someone to vandalise the page, it is just as easy for someone to restore it, since the wiki saves all previous versions of a page.

===Why can't I edit this page?===
You need to be [[Special:Userlogin|logged in]] to edit our wiki because people were vandalizing and/or being morons too much, so they had to lock it down.

===I want to help, what can I do?===
Please look at the Messageboard. There are lots of things you can do according to your skills. Particularly important is to create viable and pleasing free alternatives to copyrighted material, mainly sounds and units.

===I want to donate.===
People have made clear their desire to donate to the project, and so far, we have been fairly reluctant about accepting donations. Our main concern? While we certainly hope to have something on the level of a commercial release in the near future, there is no guarantee that it will ever happen. Unforeseen events arise, and it would be most unfortunate if everyone who donated felt swindled because the project did not turn out as they had hoped.

We do not plan to be more or less productive solely based upon the quantity and frequency of donations received. The TA Spring project is here only because we view this as an enjoyable hobby.

Also, because we're such nice people, we'll let you view the Source, available [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/dl/taspring_0.63b1_src.zip here], so you can help in making this game better than it already is (as though that were possible).

===I read all that and I still want to donate.===
Very well then! You can find the required details [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/donate.php here]. It will be much appreciated. :)

----

==Technical==

===What port numbers does TA Spring use?===
Game uses port 8452 UDP by default, which can be changed in the lobby. If you are behind a router, make sure you forward the correct port first and also make sure firewall is not blocking it, or else you won't be able to host games (you will still be able to join others games though).

===What APIs does TA Spring use?===
The Windows version of the program (which one might call the official version, or at this point, simply the working version :) ) uses: OpenGL for rendering, DirectSound for sound, and Winsock for networking.

The Linux port (more info below) will use SDL/OpenGL for rendering, OpenAL for sound (which will connect to DirectSound on Windows and OSS or ALSA on Linux), BSD sockets for networking.

===What language is TA Spring written in?===
The spring game engine is written in C and C++. The Windows lobby client is written in Delphi, the lobby server is java. Another portable lobby is being made in Python.

===Is TA Spring open source?===
Yes, it is. Go to the [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/download.php downloads] section of the site to download the source code.

===Is there any documentation for the source code===
Yes, doxygen is used to automatically generate the [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/doxygen/ documentation]

==Requirements==

===What platforms will TA Spring run on?===
At the moment, it only runs on Windows.
Members of the community are working on porting the game to the Linux platform.
This will make the code more portable so if someone wants to port it to another platform please contact us.
We (the Sy) will not, however, port it ourselves at any time (in the foreseeable future). There is simply no compelling reason for us to do so. Additionally, we would like to focus on getting it to work well.

===What sort of a system will I need to run TA Spring?===
You will most certainly need a 3D graphics card to run TA Spring, which will probably require at least a GeForce3 (note that a GeForce4 MX is not better than a GeForce3) and the latest driver supported. Minimum CPU requirements are a little more complex. A more powerful CPU will have the capability to support larger maps and a greater maximum unit limit. A 1 GHz CPU should be able to support an estimated 500 units. The needed memory will also vary with unit count and map size, but 512 MB should be enough. However, 1024MB you should already have, so it'll run fine.

===Spring says I need the GL_ARB_texture_env_combine extension, what can I do?===
If you encounter the error "Needed extension GL_ARB_texture_env_combine not found", this means that your video card driver does not support GL_ARB_texture_env_combine. You can try downloading a new video driver from the manufacturers website ([www.ati.com], [www.nvidia.com], ...) If this doesn't solve the problem then your video hardware is too old to support the extension. Buy a new video card.

EDIT: I am also having this problem with the geoforce 6800 ultra and I have the latest drivers.

REQUEST : please name some working and non-working 3D video cards. please give a value for minimum video memory : 32 Mo ? 64 Mo ?

List of video cards supposingly supporting GL_ARB_texture_env_combine :

http://www.delphi3d.net/hardware/extsupport.php?extension=GL_ARB_texture_env_combine

----

Spring works in full screen,but cncounters the error "Needed extension GL_ARB_texture_env_combine not found" when i try to run spring.exe in window

==Content==

===Do TA Spring maps need a "ground"?===
TA Spring maps do require a ground. We have had many requests to have space maps, however, a "true" (ala Homeworld) space setting is not likely. It would have to wait until a much later stage. This does not mean that TA's style of "space" maps won't be possible, (see the Final Frontier TC for examples of this).

===You stated that TA Spring uses the TA unit format.===
TA Spring does use the Total Annihilation unit format. However, we do plan to make TA Spring compatible with a custom unit format of our own design.

===How powerful will TA Spring's custom format be?===
Total Annihilation's unit format was extremely limited. Most of these limitations will either be expanded or non-existent in TA Spring's custom unit format. One of the most exciting improvements is the introduction of an entirely new method of scripting, with nearly complete control over every aspect of a unit's actions and behaviors.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of weapons?===
No. Unlike Total Annihilation, TA Spring's weapon IDs will be unlimited. Meaning it will be possible to add as many third-party units as you want. However, the current model format limits 16 weapons to each unit.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of unique units?===
No. Unit IDs, like weapon IDs, will be unlimited.

===Will units have a maximum of 3 unique weapons?===
Total Annihilation had a limitation that permitted a maximum of 3 unique weapons per unit. Spring currently has a way to have 16 weapons per unit. (Replace Primary, Secondary, Tertiary by 1 2 3 ...16). More can be made possible by modifying the source if there's a sufficient demand by mod makers.

===I'm curious as to the per-unit polygon limit.===
The engine itself does not have a polygon count limit. The limit is that of the processing power of today's computers. Since TA Spring requires a 3D card, the maximum polygon count per unit will be several times higher than Total Annihilation's. No real numbers yet though. We're gonna leave it up to the mod community to figure that one out.

===Will units be able to perform basic terraforming?===
Total Annihilation units probably won't have any terrain editable functionality. Future units may be endowed with such functionality, but it's more of a gameplay issue and has not been decided upon yet. However construction units can restore ground.

===Will tunnel building be possible?===
Subterranean areas of any sort is impossible. However, it is possible to heavily deform the ground with explosives... Which is great fun!

EDIT: Now I ''know'' I disputed this point yesterday, with cogent arguments. While I have great respect for the TA:S team, I don't see how removing awkward questions - without answering them - is a responsible attitude to take. (TA:S team, I don't mind if you delete up to here once read).

If you can support hills, you can support levels of altitude. If you can support levels of altitude, you can support subterranean areas; while your environment may have a base level that you cannot go below, by setting the default ground value to higher than this you will logically have an area 'under' the surface tiles, from which all you need for burrower units are animations for digging and spawning tunnels as they move with a simple terrain deformation routine. Setting the angle of the tunnel would need its own interface - I'd suggest something like a rotatable headlight mounted into the chassis above the drill. Click a button on the interface and you control the way it points with the mouse; simple, elegant, intuitive and effective.

Alternatively you could merely simulate a subterranean area by animating a digger to go into the ground. In fact it does not have to do any such thing - it just has to shed it's visible polygons so it looks as though is is heading into the ground, while spawning churned earth around itself. Once 'invisible' the selection box would have to turn off, as would the ability to target the unit. Then it's a case of moving the unit - minus any altitude adjustments - to the destination and reversing the process (rebuilding the unit from the drill down, naturally). Depending on how your engine works this may or may not be possible.

You can contact me at targ.collective (gmail address). And if you delete my piece again I will pretty much expect you to do so, instead of giving me the cold shoulder again.

===Will the ground's water retention be editable?===
No. Water will always collect when a piece of land has a height below sea level.

===Does TA Spring have a limit on the number of races?===
TA Spring has no limit on the total number of sides/races.

===What are the sizes of the biggest and smallest units?===
Static units (buildings, defenses, etc.) have no size limitations in the engine. Technically, neither do mobile units, but units with a footprint larger than 4x4 "squares" (an arbitrary size standard created by Cavedog) might have problems pathfinding.

===What is going to be the maximum possible sea depth?===
For all practical purposes, it will be unlimited. The depth values are stored as "float variables", so it is doubtful that maps would ever be made which even come close to approaching the limit.

===Will TA Spring support campaigns?===
Basic Map scripting has been implemented, using a Lua scripting engine. From that, it would be possible to make a basic campain, but for ease of use a better way of selecting scripts and an improved Single player menu is needed.

===How big will the TA Spring files be?===
TA Spring will be as small as however much content is included with it. The "essential" files (engine files mostly) will only be several megabytes large. Content (such as maps and units) will add considerable size to the TA Spring download. However, it is not known at this point just how much "content" will be included with the first release.

Currently, the file size is roughly 40 MB.

===How will TA Spring render sound effects?===
Sound is rendered 3D, meaning that the volume and direction (assuming a multi-speaker setup) vary with the location of the camera from the sound "emitter". What this translates into gameplay terms means that the closer you are to a unit making a sound or motion, the louder the sound will be. Additionally, the sound will be heard differently depending on which way the camera is facing relative to units making sound.

===Will TA Spring have ambient sound?===
There is no ambient sound, and we haven't planned on adding it thus far.

===Will there be an AI or a "skirmish" mode?===
We have created an interface for AI's, and two are currently under development. In the meantime, the spawn script included in the latest version exists as a text file in the TASpring folder, and can be modified by any text editor such as MS Notepad, for your particular play style, or mod.

===Will a "possess" or a FPS option be present?===
Yes, it is possible to fully control a unit from the first person view. It is more of a gimmick, but it still allows for a nice diversion once in a while.

----

==Getting into a game==

===People talk about 'Single Player'. How do I start a single player game?===
Go into your TA Spring folder and find the 'Spring.exe' file. Double click on it and say 'yes' to host.

===When I try to make a single player game, it gives me an error.===
Your graphics card probably can't support Spring. If you read the requirements it did say GeForce 3 or better. Go to the settings file in your TA Spring directory and lower some of the options. Sometimes that works.

===Does TA Spring support AI Players?===
Yes, see [[AI]] You can also use the [[random_enemies]] script, which spawns units out of thin air and sends them to attack you.

===When I try to connect to the lobby it gives me an error.===
There could be 3 problems. Either you don't have an account, the server is down, or you have not configured your router/firewall correctly. If you don't have an account, make one. If the server is down, you'll just have to wait (this doesn't happen often, though). If you have a router/firewall read below. Have a look at this website's News page and/or the Messageboard, it is likely that you will get some information there in the eventuality that the server is down.

Also make sure that you don't have any spaces in your username.

===I have a router and I don't seem to be able to get a game===

If you are using a router you may have other problems. Explanations of [http://www.portforward.com/routers.htm how to forward ports] has instructions for every router.

===Where can I download more maps?===
As for most Spring downloads [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=90 FileUniverse] is the place to be! A collection of maps can be downloaded [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=91 here].

===I used the small installer where can I get the missing maps?===
Unfortunately the maps included in the regular installer (0.51b1) aren't available on File Universe. However, since many of the scripts included in the game rely on map4, this can be downloaded [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/dl/map4.7z here].

===How do I install downloaded maps?===
Most maps are released as .sdz or .sd7 files. These can be put directly into the "maps" folder inside the Spring folder. If they are compressed into another type of archive you will have to unpack them first. Just unzip them into your spring maps folder. Some map files use newer (smaller) file formats such as .rar or .7z, to unzip these newer formats, you'll need to download 7-Zip [http://www.7-zip.org/ http://www.7-zip.org/] or Zip-genius [http://downloads.zipgenius.it/ http://downloads.zipgenius.it/]. They both handle almost all formats and are totally free. There is also now a map browser in the TASClient lobby software, click the more maps button in a battle screen to access it.

===Sometimes when I try to join games it gives me an error.===
The host is behind a firewall that has not opened the correct ports for Spring.

===When I make games nobody joins.===
You are probably behind a firewall. See question above.

===When a multiplayer game starts I never make it past the loading screen.===
This indicates a problem with your video card. Once again the best way to deal with this situation is to make sure your video card has the latest driver updates and that all Spring video features are on the lowest settings.

===When a multiplayer game starts, I make it past the loading screen, but when I get into the game it says, "Waiting for Host", and does a 10 second countdown. It always reaches zero and boots me out, what gives?===
This is a firewall issue. There are three things you can do to fix this. First, make sure your windows firewall is either off, or is not blocking the TA: Spring application. Secondly, if you are behind a router, you can forward the ports that the host is using (especially if you are the host), and it usually fixes the problem. To do this you must go to your router configuration page. You can see what port 'you' are using (as the host), by hosting a multiplayer game in the Spring Lobby. You must make this your trigger port, and make sure that it is open for both TCP and UDP. Thirdly, if none of the aforementioned worked. The easiest thing to do (assuming you are behind a router) is to set the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). This means your computer will be completely exposed to the internet, which will make you vulnerable to any unknown or unpatched exploits in windows. All you have to do is find the personal IP if the computer you are using and add it to your router's DMZ list. Please only try this last option if you can't get the others to work.
Good Luck

===I got into the game, but some people didn't.===
The host may have reached the number of players it has set.
Or the players may be experiencing firewall or video card difficulty. That is not your fault. Please ask them too leave if they are still there when you get into the 'game lobby'.

===I got into a game but my name is red, nobody can hear me speak, and eventually I get disconnected===
This is to do with how long it takes the game to start up (the "load time"). If it takes too long you will see this problem. The load time can be reduced by changing the game graphics settings to lower quality. In particular try setting texture quality to lowest.

----

==Playing==

===What is with this weird right-click mode? I'm 'bout to break my keyboard.===
Sorry, you'll just have to get used to it. As of now it can't be changed.

===Why is somebody else also controlling my units?===
In the 'game lobby' there are two sets of teams. There are the 'Teams' and the 'Ally Teams'. If you are on the same 'Team', then you both get the same commander, and can control the same units. If you are on 'Ally Teams', then you both get different commanders and can't control each others units.

===Then why would I want to be on the same 'Team' as somebody?===
Because it's fun to just drive around units and not have to worry about commanding. (Assuming that one of the people on the team is commanding.)

===How do I talk to my allies only?===
You must type 'a:' before you speak. Here's an example: a: Now I am talking to my allies only.<br>
And most important, you can split tasks, as base building, troops managment.

===Help! After I'm finished driving a unit, the camera is all insane! This is nuts! How do I fix it?===
Whoa now. Calm down. Just press ctrl + mouse button 3 to change camera modes. If your unit is destroyed in FPS mode, you will stay in FPS mode until you change camera modes. Also, the camera will stay in "free look" when FPS mode is disengaged, press middle-mouse or J to switch to normal scrolling.

===After I'm finished driving a unit, where what used to be my mouse pointer is now a crosshair. Why?===
-This is a special 'view mode' that allows you to move around the screen much faster. It's good for viewing the battle or getting screenshots. Simply press on your third mouse button to revert back to your mouse pointer.

===But I don't have a third mouse button!===
The key 'J' works in the same way as the 'middle mouse button' does. So where you would use ctrl + middle mouse button to change camera modes, ctrl + j does the same thing. Pressing J once will also switch you from 'crosshair mode' to 'pointer mode' and vice versa.

===When I start a game, I am stuck in this weird camera mode and my perspective is all messed up. How do I switch to the overhead (OTA style) camera?===
This happens when you start a single player game or when the host uses force start. Shift+Backspace (or Shift+J or Shift+MiddleMouseClick) switches between the fps style, total war style and OTA style cameras. Use it to get your camera back to normal in this situation.

===People are cheating! How do I stop it?!===
Well currently, you can't.

Only the host can "activate" the cheat codes. After that, any player can do almost all cheats.

The best thing to do is just not play with the cheaters anymore. But with new spring version cheats are disabled in multiplayer, so that paragraph is hopefully now irrelevant.

===Well how do you cheat?===

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr><th>Cheat Command</th><th>Effect</th></tr>

<tr>
<td>'''.cheat'''</td><td>'''enable cheats - Cheats don't work in multiplayer until the host types this'''</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.nocost</td><td>instabuild (doesn't work on things already under construction, only on new ones)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setmaxspeed 50</td><td>Changes the maximum speed multiplier (default is 3.0)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setminspeed 0</td><td>Changes the minimum speed multiplier (default is 0.3)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.spectator</td><td>Allows you to see the entire map... but you lose control of your units</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.team 0, .team 1, etc.</td><td>Change player</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.give ARMCOM, .give 10 CORKROG, etc.</td><td>Place 1 or specified number of specified unit. Valid units are the internal names of units as specified in the unit definition.</td>
</tr>

</table>

===In Game Commands===
The following ''non-cheating'' commands are also available in game:

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr>
<th>Command</th><th>Effect</th>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.info</td><td>Shows you what colour each player is and their ping delay in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.clock</td><td>Shows you the elapsed game time in minutes and seconds in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.take</td><td>Pulls all allied units, that are owned by players who have lost connection to the server, to your team.</td>
</tr>

</table>

===How do I ally or unally in game?===
I'm pretty sure you can't. Yet.

===How do I give somebody units or metal or energy?===
Press the 'H' key. Then select the amount of metal and/or energy to share. Then select the receiving player and press OK.

When sharing units, you must first select the units to share, then press 'H' key. Tick share units checkbox and choose a receiving player.

===How do I continually give somebody metal and/or energy after a certain point (i.e. Original TA commands +setshare..., +shareall)?===
You'll notice that on your metal and energy bars (top of screen), there are two red bars. You have to put them wherever you want your metal and energy to be shared after.

===This game is different than TA, the units HP and damage are not the same===

There were several third party "balance" mods for the original TA game.

One of those mods were xTA, and was developed by the same clan (SY) that has brought life back to TA, making Spring.

This balance mod is what is bundled by default with the spring engine, and is the mod that was ready to play when spring was released.

Now are several mods available, install the mod of your choice.

[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=listing&ID=92 get mods here]

===XTA? OTA? AA? OMFGLAMO? What those all the abbreviations mean?===
zwzsg maintains a handy dandy FAQ about TA, and the abbreviations that relate to Spring too, of course.
[http://www.tauniverse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27309 click here]. See also the Spring [[Glossary]], which contains brief explanations for all non-standard words and phrases.

===Why am I destroyed so easily by long range assaults?===
This is a realistic feature of TA Spring. Units will automatically attack 'radar blips' (units that they can not actually see, but that are indicated on radar). However, the accuracy is very bad while shooting at radar blips until:
* Your unit kills a lot of units and gets experience
* You get a targeting facility.

===Can I kick people from my 'game lobby' or my game?===
First of all, you have to be the host to kick. Use the good old ".kick playernamehere" command. Works in-game too, use it wisely.

===When I'm 'driving' my commander, why can't I use my laser?===
The TA: Spring team will most likely add a way for you to use your commander's laser soon.

===I hate driving around with the 'arrow keys'. Is there any way I can use the 'W-A-S-D' controls (the controls most First Person Shooters use) anymore?===
Go into your Spring directory and edit the uikeys file. Keep in mind that 'S' is originally a 'hot-key' that will stop your units and that 'D' is a 'hot-key' for your commander's D-Gun. You might want to change those too.

===I turned the shadows feature on; I still don't see shadows. What gives?===
Your graphics card can't handle shadows, so Spring automatically turns them off.

===I can't go backwards when I am 'driving' a unit. Why not?===
Because TA units were never intended to go backwards. Sorry, but you just cant.

===I'm in an Unreal Tournament kind of mood. How do I strafe?===
You can only strafe in 'brawler type' ships, such as the brawler, rapier, and light gunships.

===How can I record and watch demos/replays?===
From version 0.62 onwards recordings of all the games you play are easily available for replay via the Replays button in the TASclient.

You can use the Speed up/Slow down game keys while watching the replay, along with other in-game commands like .team

From version 0.60b1 onwards, demos are automatically recorded in the "demos" folder, underneath your Spring folder (default is C:\Program Files\TASpring\demos), named for the date and map they were played on. If you play multiple games in the same day on the same map, the games will also be numbered to prevent them from overwriting each other.

From version 0.62 onwards, to view a demo from the Windows file manager you can just double click the file name. For versions 0,60 and 0.61, to view a demo start spring.exe as non server and enter the full demo name as server address ("050803-Ashpen-0.60b1.sdf" for example). Note that you don't need to enter the "demos" folder name. Due to the large font, you will find that the name is too big to fit on the screen. If you're confident typing blind from memory, that's OK. Otherwise go into windows explorer, select the demo file you want, press F2, Ctrl-C, and do Ctrl-V to paste it into the server address.

For versions prior to 0.60b1, the game was always recorded to test.sdf which is overwritten by each new game, so the name had to be changed by hand if you wanted to save it. You had to use a name other than test.sdf to view a demo.

===Sometimes when I play get "not sync" "delayed synch" errors===

Thats caused because of lag. One of the players in the game is having some lag issues. Ask him/her to free up its bandwidth for the game to use.

Alternatively you can use the pause key and wait till the connection gets more stable.

Lag is the seccond number showed when you use the .info command ingame, numbers biguer than 40 are not usual in a normal game and are a signal of lag.

==Creating Content for Spring==
===How do I create maps===
See this page: [[Create maps]]

----

==Troubleshooting==

FAQ

2005-11-11T14:45:33Z

Targ Collective: /* Will tunnel building be possible? */

==General information==

===What is TA Spring?===
TA Spring is a project to create the best RTS ever (no joke). There are three principle goals which we hope to achieve.

# Reach a stage where TA Spring can flawlessly execute most of Total Annihilation's original gameplay, with its original units in their original format.
# Add new features as we see fit, fix bugs, and release new versions when we feel it is appropriate to do so.
# Support the mod community as we see fit.

===When will TA Spring be ready?===
Now! You can get the latest beta from the [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/download.php download page].

===Will TA Spring be free?===
The core game is released under GPL License. However, some parts of the game are still under copyright by their owners. Therefore, today, you need to own the original TA game if you want to play. However the community is working hard in order to offer completely free alternatives.

===Why can I edit this page?===
This page, and several others, are located in the TA Spring [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki Wiki]. The link gives a full explanation of what it is, but in short it is a way of letting anyone who wants to contribute to the page content. This can of course be abused, but even while it is easy for someone to vandalise the page, it is just as easy for someone to restore it, since the wiki saves all previous versions of a page.

===Why can't I edit this page?===
You need to be [[Special:Userlogin|logged in]] to edit our wiki because people were vandalizing and/or being morons too much, so they had to lock it down.

===I want to help, what can I do?===
Please look at the Messageboard. There are lots of things you can do according to your skills. Particularly important is to create viable and pleasing free alternatives to copyrighted material, mainly sounds and units.

===I want to donate.===
People have made clear their desire to donate to the project, and so far, we have been fairly reluctant about accepting donations. Our main concern? While we certainly hope to have something on the level of a commercial release in the near future, there is no guarantee that it will ever happen. Unforeseen events arise, and it would be most unfortunate if everyone who donated felt swindled because the project did not turn out as they had hoped.

We do not plan to be more or less productive solely based upon the quantity and frequency of donations received. The TA Spring project is here only because we view this as an enjoyable hobby.

Also, because we're such nice people, we'll let you view the Source, available [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/dl/taspring_0.63b1_src.zip here], so you can help in making this game better than it already is (as though that were possible).

===I read all that and I still want to donate.===
Very well then! You can find the required details [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/donate.php here]. It will be much appreciated. :)

----

==Technical==

===What port numbers does TA Spring use?===
Game uses port 8452 UDP by default, which can be changed in the lobby. If you are behind a router, make sure you forward the correct port first and also make sure firewall is not blocking it, or else you won't be able to host games (you will still be able to join others games though).

===What APIs does TA Spring use?===
The Windows version of the program (which one might call the official version, or at this point, simply the working version :) ) uses: OpenGL for rendering, DirectSound for sound, and Winsock for networking.

The Linux port (more info below) will use SDL/OpenGL for rendering, OpenAL for sound (which will connect to DirectSound on Windows and OSS or ALSA on Linux), BSD sockets for networking.

===What language is TA Spring written in?===
The spring game engine is written in C and C++. The Windows lobby client is written in Delphi, the lobby server is java. Another portable lobby is being made in Python.

===Is TA Spring open source?===
Yes, it is. Go to the [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/download.php downloads] section of the site to download the source code.

===Is there any documentation for the source code===
Yes, doxygen is used to automatically generate the [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/doxygen/ documentation]

==Requirements==

===What platforms will TA Spring run on?===
At the moment, it only runs on Windows.
Members of the community are working on porting the game to the Linux platform.
This will make the code more portable so if someone wants to port it to another platform please contact us.
We (the Sy) will not, however, port it ourselves at any time (in the foreseeable future). There is simply no compelling reason for us to do so. Additionally, we would like to focus on getting it to work well.

===What sort of a system will I need to run TA Spring?===
You will most certainly need a 3D graphics card to run TA Spring, which will probably require at least a GeForce3 (note that a GeForce4 MX is not better than a GeForce3) and the latest driver supported. Minimum CPU requirements are a little more complex. A more powerful CPU will have the capability to support larger maps and a greater maximum unit limit. A 1 GHz CPU should be able to support an estimated 500 units. The needed memory will also vary with unit count and map size, but 512 MB should be enough. However, 1024MB you should already have, so it'll run fine.

===Spring says I need the GL_ARB_texture_env_combine extension, what can I do?===
If you encounter the error "Needed extension GL_ARB_texture_env_combine not found", this means that your video card driver does not support GL_ARB_texture_env_combine. You can try downloading a new video driver from the manufacturers website ([www.ati.com], [www.nvidia.com], ...) If this doesn't solve the problem then your video hardware is too old to support the extension. Buy a new video card.

EDIT: I am also having this problem with the geoforce 6800 ultra and I have the latest drivers.

REQUEST : please name some working and non-working 3D video cards. please give a value for minimum video memory : 32 Mo ? 64 Mo ?

List of video cards supposingly supporting GL_ARB_texture_env_combine :

http://www.delphi3d.net/hardware/extsupport.php?extension=GL_ARB_texture_env_combine

----

Spring works in full screen,but cncounters the error "Needed extension GL_ARB_texture_env_combine not found" when i try to run spring.exe in window

==Content==

===Do TA Spring maps need a "ground"?===
TA Spring maps do require a ground. We have had many requests to have space maps, however, a "true" (ala Homeworld) space setting is not likely. It would have to wait until a much later stage. This does not mean that TA's style of "space" maps won't be possible, (see the Final Frontier TC for examples of this).

===You stated that TA Spring uses the TA unit format.===
TA Spring does use the Total Annihilation unit format. However, we do plan to make TA Spring compatible with a custom unit format of our own design.

===How powerful will TA Spring's custom format be?===
Total Annihilation's unit format was extremely limited. Most of these limitations will either be expanded or non-existent in TA Spring's custom unit format. One of the most exciting improvements is the introduction of an entirely new method of scripting, with nearly complete control over every aspect of a unit's actions and behaviors.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of weapons?===
No. Unlike Total Annihilation, TA Spring's weapon IDs will be unlimited. Meaning it will be possible to add as many third-party units as you want. However, the current model format limits 16 weapons to each unit.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of unique units?===
No. Unit IDs, like weapon IDs, will be unlimited.

===Will units have a maximum of 3 unique weapons?===
Total Annihilation had a limitation that permitted a maximum of 3 unique weapons per unit. Spring currently has a way to have 16 weapons per unit. (Replace Primary, Secondary, Tertiary by 1 2 3 ...16). More can be made possible by modifying the source if there's a sufficient demand by mod makers.

===I'm curious as to the per-unit polygon limit.===
The engine itself does not have a polygon count limit. The limit is that of the processing power of today's computers. Since TA Spring requires a 3D card, the maximum polygon count per unit will be several times higher than Total Annihilation's. No real numbers yet though. We're gonna leave it up to the mod community to figure that one out.

===Will units be able to perform basic terraforming?===
Total Annihilation units probably won't have any terrain editable functionality. Future units may be endowed with such functionality, but it's more of a gameplay issue and has not been decided upon yet. However construction units can restore ground.

===Will tunnel building be possible?===
Subterranean areas of any sort is impossible. However, it is possible to heavily deform the ground with explosives... Which is great fun!

EDIT: Spring team, I think you're getting a tad fixated on the ground level being the 'base' of the map. If you can support hills you can support levels of altitude. If you can support levels of altitude you can support subterranean things, by setting the default ground level to higher than the base your engine supports. Coding it in would be a nightmare, but somehow I think that won't faze you.

As an extension of this it would also be possible to prevent the terrain being deformed through explosives below a certain point. Bang, a level dedicated to subterranean units.

Even if this is not the path you want to take there are ways of simulating underground activity. Simply have your burrower go through a burrowing animation, spawning churned up earth around it as it 'dissolves' invisibly into the ground. Then set it to invisible, ground level and flying. When it reaches its destination, add a time-delay calculated on the altitude of your given tile, then unburrow it. You could introduce subterranean tanks and even subterranean APCs into the mix in this fashion.

===Will the ground's water retention be editable?===
No. Water will always collect when a piece of land has a height below sea level.

===Does TA Spring have a limit on the number of races?===
TA Spring has no limit on the total number of sides/races.

===What are the sizes of the biggest and smallest units?===
Static units (buildings, defenses, etc.) have no size limitations in the engine. Technically, neither do mobile units, but units with a footprint larger than 4x4 "squares" (an arbitrary size standard created by Cavedog) might have problems pathfinding.

===What is going to be the maximum possible sea depth?===
For all practical purposes, it will be unlimited. The depth values are stored as "float variables", so it is doubtful that maps would ever be made which even come close to approaching the limit.

===Will TA Spring support campaigns?===
Basic Map scripting has been implemented, using a Lua scripting engine. From that, it would be possible to make a basic campain, but for ease of use a better way of selecting scripts and an improved Single player menu is needed.

===How big will the TA Spring files be?===
TA Spring will be as small as however much content is included with it. The "essential" files (engine files mostly) will only be several megabytes large. Content (such as maps and units) will add considerable size to the TA Spring download. However, it is not known at this point just how much "content" will be included with the first release.

Currently, the file size is roughly 40 MB.

===How will TA Spring render sound effects?===
Sound is rendered 3D, meaning that the volume and direction (assuming a multi-speaker setup) vary with the location of the camera from the sound "emitter". What this translates into gameplay terms means that the closer you are to a unit making a sound or motion, the louder the sound will be. Additionally, the sound will be heard differently depending on which way the camera is facing relative to units making sound.

===Will TA Spring have ambient sound?===
There is no ambient sound, and we haven't planned on adding it thus far.

===Will there be an AI or a "skirmish" mode?===
We have created an interface for AI's, and two are currently under development. In the meantime, the spawn script included in the latest version exists as a text file in the TASpring folder, and can be modified by any text editor such as MS Notepad, for your particular play style, or mod.

===Will a "possess" or a FPS option be present?===
Yes, it is possible to fully control a unit from the first person view. It is more of a gimmick, but it still allows for a nice diversion once in a while.

----

==Getting into a game==

===People talk about 'Single Player'. How do I start a single player game?===
Go into your TA Spring folder and find the 'Spring.exe' file. Double click on it and say 'yes' to host.

===When I try to make a single player game, it gives me an error.===
Your graphics card probably can't support Spring. If you read the requirements it did say GeForce 3 or better. Go to the settings file in your TA Spring directory and lower some of the options. Sometimes that works.

===Does TA Spring support AI Players?===
Yes, see [[AI]] You can also use the [[random_enemies]] script, which spawns units out of thin air and sends them to attack you.

===When I try to connect to the lobby it gives me an error.===
There could be 3 problems. Either you don't have an account, the server is down, or you have not configured your router/firewall correctly. If you don't have an account, make one. If the server is down, you'll just have to wait (this doesn't happen often, though). If you have a router/firewall read below. Have a look at this website's News page and/or the Messageboard, it is likely that you will get some information there in the eventuality that the server is down.

Also make sure that you don't have any spaces in your username.

===I have a router and I don't seem to be able to get a game===

If you are using a router you may have other problems. Explanations of [http://www.portforward.com/routers.htm how to forward ports] has instructions for every router.

===Where can I download more maps?===
As for most Spring downloads [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=90 FileUniverse] is the place to be! A collection of maps can be downloaded [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=91 here].

===I used the small installer where can I get the missing maps?===
Unfortunately the maps included in the regular installer (0.51b1) aren't available on File Universe. However, since many of the scripts included in the game rely on map4, this can be downloaded [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/dl/map4.7z here].

===How do I install downloaded maps?===
Most maps are released as .sdz or .sd7 files. These can be put directly into the "maps" folder inside the Spring folder. If they are compressed into another type of archive you will have to unpack them first. Just unzip them into your spring maps folder. Some map files use newer (smaller) file formats such as .rar or .7z, to unzip these newer formats, you'll need to download 7-Zip [http://www.7-zip.org/ http://www.7-zip.org/] or Zip-genius [http://downloads.zipgenius.it/ http://downloads.zipgenius.it/]. They both handle almost all formats and are totally free. There is also now a map browser in the TASClient lobby software, click the more maps button in a battle screen to access it.

===Sometimes when I try to join games it gives me an error.===
The host is behind a firewall that has not opened the correct ports for Spring.

===When I make games nobody joins.===
You are probably behind a firewall. See question above.

===When a multiplayer game starts I never make it past the loading screen.===
This indicates a problem with your video card. Once again the best way to deal with this situation is to make sure your video card has the latest driver updates and that all Spring video features are on the lowest settings.

===When a multiplayer game starts, I make it past the loading screen, but when I get into the game it says, "Waiting for Host", and does a 10 second countdown. It always reaches zero and boots me out, what gives?===
This is a firewall issue. There are three things you can do to fix this. First, make sure your windows firewall is either off, or is not blocking the TA: Spring application. Secondly, if you are behind a router, you can forward the ports that the host is using (especially if you are the host), and it usually fixes the problem. To do this you must go to your router configuration page. You can see what port 'you' are using (as the host), by hosting a multiplayer game in the Spring Lobby. You must make this your trigger port, and make sure that it is open for both TCP and UDP. Thirdly, if none of the aforementioned worked. The easiest thing to do (assuming you are behind a router) is to set the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). This means your computer will be completely exposed to the internet, which will make you vulnerable to any unknown or unpatched exploits in windows. All you have to do is find the personal IP if the computer you are using and add it to your router's DMZ list. Please only try this last option if you can't get the others to work.
Good Luck

===I got into the game, but some people didn't.===
The host may have reached the number of players it has set.
Or the players may be experiencing firewall or video card difficulty. That is not your fault. Please ask them too leave if they are still there when you get into the 'game lobby'.

===I got into a game but my name is red, nobody can hear me speak, and eventually I get disconnected===
This is to do with how long it takes the game to start up (the "load time"). If it takes too long you will see this problem. The load time can be reduced by changing the game graphics settings to lower quality. In particular try setting texture quality to lowest.

----

==Playing==

===What is with this weird right-click mode? I'm 'bout to break my keyboard.===
Sorry, you'll just have to get used to it. As of now it can't be changed.

===Why is somebody else also controlling my units?===
In the 'game lobby' there are two sets of teams. There are the 'Teams' and the 'Ally Teams'. If you are on the same 'Team', then you both get the same commander, and can control the same units. If you are on 'Ally Teams', then you both get different commanders and can't control each others units.

===Then why would I want to be on the same 'Team' as somebody?===
Because it's fun to just drive around units and not have to worry about commanding. (Assuming that one of the people on the team is commanding.)

===How do I talk to my allies only?===
You must type 'a:' before you speak. Here's an example: a: Now I am talking to my allies only.<br>
And most important, you can split tasks, as base building, troops managment.

===Help! After I'm finished driving a unit, the camera is all insane! This is nuts! How do I fix it?===
Whoa now. Calm down. Just press ctrl + mouse button 3 to change camera modes. If your unit is destroyed in FPS mode, you will stay in FPS mode until you change camera modes. Also, the camera will stay in "free look" when FPS mode is disengaged, press middle-mouse or J to switch to normal scrolling.

===After I'm finished driving a unit, where what used to be my mouse pointer is now a crosshair. Why?===
-This is a special 'view mode' that allows you to move around the screen much faster. It's good for viewing the battle or getting screenshots. Simply press on your third mouse button to revert back to your mouse pointer.

===But I don't have a third mouse button!===
The key 'J' works in the same way as the 'middle mouse button' does. So where you would use ctrl + middle mouse button to change camera modes, ctrl + j does the same thing. Pressing J once will also switch you from 'crosshair mode' to 'pointer mode' and vice versa.

===When I start a game, I am stuck in this weird camera mode and my perspective is all messed up. How do I switch to the overhead (OTA style) camera?===
This happens when you start a single player game or when the host uses force start. Shift+Backspace (or Shift+J or Shift+MiddleMouseClick) switches between the fps style, total war style and OTA style cameras. Use it to get your camera back to normal in this situation.

===People are cheating! How do I stop it?!===
Well currently, you can't.

Only the host can "activate" the cheat codes. After that, any player can do almost all cheats.

The best thing to do is just not play with the cheaters anymore. But with new spring version cheats are disabled in multiplayer, so that paragraph is hopefully now irrelevant.

===Well how do you cheat?===

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr><th>Cheat Command</th><th>Effect</th></tr>

<tr>
<td>'''.cheat'''</td><td>'''enable cheats - Cheats don't work in multiplayer until the host types this'''</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.nocost</td><td>instabuild (doesn't work on things already under construction, only on new ones)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setmaxspeed 50</td><td>Changes the maximum speed multiplier (default is 3.0)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setminspeed 0</td><td>Changes the minimum speed multiplier (default is 0.3)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.spectator</td><td>Allows you to see the entire map... but you lose control of your units</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.team 0, .team 1, etc.</td><td>Change player</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.give ARMCOM, .give 10 CORKROG, etc.</td><td>Place 1 or specified number of specified unit. Valid units are the internal names of units as specified in the unit definition.</td>
</tr>

</table>

===In Game Commands===
The following ''non-cheating'' commands are also available in game:

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr>
<th>Command</th><th>Effect</th>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.info</td><td>Shows you what colour each player is and their ping delay in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.clock</td><td>Shows you the elapsed game time in minutes and seconds in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.take</td><td>Pulls all allied units, that are owned by players who have lost connection to the server, to your team.</td>
</tr>

</table>

===How do I ally or unally in game?===
I'm pretty sure you can't. Yet.

===How do I give somebody units or metal or energy?===
Press the 'H' key. Then select the amount of metal and/or energy to share. Then select the receiving player and press OK.

When sharing units, you must first select the units to share, then press 'H' key. Tick share units checkbox and choose a receiving player.

===How do I continually give somebody metal and/or energy after a certain point (i.e. Original TA commands +setshare..., +shareall)?===
You'll notice that on your metal and energy bars (top of screen), there are two red bars. You have to put them wherever you want your metal and energy to be shared after.

===This game is different than TA, the units HP and damage are not the same===

There were several third party "balance" mods for the original TA game.

One of those mods were xTA, and was developed by the same clan (SY) that has brought life back to TA, making Spring.

This balance mod is what is bundled by default with the spring engine, and is the mod that was ready to play when spring was released.

Now are several mods available, install the mod of your choice.

[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=listing&ID=92 get mods here]

===XTA? OTA? AA? OMFGLAMO? What those all the abbreviations mean?===
zwzsg maintains a handy dandy FAQ about TA, and the abbreviations that relate to Spring too, of course.
[http://www.tauniverse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27309 click here]. See also the Spring [[Glossary]], which contains brief explanations for all non-standard words and phrases.

===Why am I destroyed so easily by long range assaults?===
This is a realistic feature of TA Spring. Units will automatically attack 'radar blips' (units that they can not actually see, but that are indicated on radar). However, the accuracy is very bad while shooting at radar blips until:
* Your unit kills a lot of units and gets experience
* You get a targeting facility.

===Can I kick people from my 'game lobby' or my game?===
First of all, you have to be the host to kick. Use the good old ".kick playernamehere" command. Works in-game too, use it wisely.

===When I'm 'driving' my commander, why can't I use my laser?===
The TA: Spring team will most likely add a way for you to use your commander's laser soon.

===I hate driving around with the 'arrow keys'. Is there any way I can use the 'W-A-S-D' controls (the controls most First Person Shooters use) anymore?===
Go into your Spring directory and edit the uikeys file. Keep in mind that 'S' is originally a 'hot-key' that will stop your units and that 'D' is a 'hot-key' for your commander's D-Gun. You might want to change those too.

===I turned the shadows feature on; I still don't see shadows. What gives?===
Your graphics card can't handle shadows, so Spring automatically turns them off.

===I can't go backwards when I am 'driving' a unit. Why not?===
Because TA units were never intended to go backwards. Sorry, but you just cant.

===I'm in an Unreal Tournament kind of mood. How do I strafe?===
You can only strafe in 'brawler type' ships, such as the brawler, rapier, and light gunships.

===How can I record and watch demos/replays?===
From version 0.62 onwards recordings of all the games you play are easily available for replay via the Replays button in the TASclient.

You can use the Speed up/Slow down game keys while watching the replay, along with other in-game commands like .team

From version 0.60b1 onwards, demos are automatically recorded in the "demos" folder, underneath your Spring folder (default is C:\Program Files\TASpring\demos), named for the date and map they were played on. If you play multiple games in the same day on the same map, the games will also be numbered to prevent them from overwriting each other.

From version 0.62 onwards, to view a demo from the Windows file manager you can just double click the file name. For versions 0,60 and 0.61, to view a demo start spring.exe as non server and enter the full demo name as server address ("050803-Ashpen-0.60b1.sdf" for example). Note that you don't need to enter the "demos" folder name. Due to the large font, you will find that the name is too big to fit on the screen. If you're confident typing blind from memory, that's OK. Otherwise go into windows explorer, select the demo file you want, press F2, Ctrl-C, and do Ctrl-V to paste it into the server address.

For versions prior to 0.60b1, the game was always recorded to test.sdf which is overwritten by each new game, so the name had to be changed by hand if you wanted to save it. You had to use a name other than test.sdf to view a demo.

===Sometimes when I play get "not sync" "delayed synch" errors===

Thats caused because of lag. One of the players in the game is having some lag issues. Ask him/her to free up its bandwidth for the game to use.

Alternatively you can use the pause key and wait till the connection gets more stable.

Lag is the seccond number showed when you use the .info command ingame, numbers biguer than 40 are not usual in a normal game and are a signal of lag.

==Creating Content for Spring==
===How do I create maps===
See this page: [[Create maps]]

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==Troubleshooting==