Urban Galaxy open beta

[HalationEffect]

I found this cool online game that's 100% built using free and open technology, showcasing just what's possible without all that proprietary unpleasantness

www.urbangalaxyonline.com

It relies on HTML5, WebGL and Javascript (the game's 3D engine is written in JS), so it should be able to run on any system that has a modern web browser and accelerated 3D graphics hardware. In the game, you fly around a cityscape that's visually inspired by movies such as Blade Runner and The Fifth Element, carrying out missions, taking part in the regularly scheduled events, engaging in combat vs AI controlled opponents, and there are PvP zones too. Leveraging HTML5, the game even has integrated voice and video chat! (lacking a mic or camera, I haven't tried that out).

The graphics are nothing compared to Triple-A game titles, sure, but if you use online browser based gaming as your graphical yardstick instead, then this is among the best I've seen. It doesn't require a ridiculously high-powered machine to run either - my humble Sandybridge Pentium Dual-Core 2.8GHz with its Intel HD graphics runs it fine in full screen at 1920 x 1080.

Completely free to play at the moment (and I've no idea if they plan to monetize it some time in the future, or keep it free), just create a user then login and play! It's just a shame that it's a relatively unknown game, which means that the servers are usually empty; I've only ever seen one or two other players logged in at the same time as me. The game definitely isn't finished yet, but there's enough there to while away a good few hours.

[HalationEffect]

I realised that as much as I might try to paint a picture with words, I just can't do this game justice - so I found a video that does a much better job:

[woodsmoke]

Hi
Kewl game!
However, I tend to run junque and it is jerky for me, but again, kewl game and thanks for the heads up!

woodsmoke

[bobbicat]

Well I took a look, its at the Beta stage and has been in development for several years
I'm a sucker for these things and have played it for quite a number of hours since discovering it through the mention on these Forums
The game play is quite immersive and worth a look if you like first person shooters. It has other aspects with several roles available which no doubt defines the game play.
I think it was written to also be played person v person, but it doesn't have a coherent, current community attached to it right now as far as I can see.
Thanks for putting a mention up here

[HalationEffect]

I still think it's a fun game and that what the devs have done so far is an impressive achievement, but... it does seem to be a hobby project for them. Development seems to be happening at a snail's pace, and they don't seem too bothered about having a tiny player base. I check back every so often so see what (if anything) has changed, but it's been tough for me to maintain enthusiasm.

[bobbicat]

Perhaps you have the answer to a difficulty I found with the game, HalationEffect
I am unable to pick up data cubes when these are the mission
Is there a technique, a piece of equipment, something I haven't found yet?
Do you know?

[HalationEffect]

Hmm, it's been several weeks since I last played it, but as far as I can recall it happened automatically when you 'talk' with the ship that has the cube (and before you can do that you need to be pretty close by, and have the ship targetted) . Could be a bug though, I think they made some changes to the game recently.

[bobbicat]

I reported it as a bug and got a reply. It has now been corrected.

[HalationEffect]

As much as might I lament the slow pace of development, they do seem to be very responsive to bug reports, and waste little time fixing problems once they're made aware of them. If only every project could say the same!