OFP:DR official patch and DLC released

With the first patch update information out, things have not got to the best of starts for the OFP:DR community.

Just recently Helios, the community manager for OFP:DR, broke the news of the long awaited patch.

Here are the implementations in the first patch:

1. The game now displays the version number on the front end
2. Video can now be captured with the software FRAPS.
3. When using the Mission Editor, if the player clicks off the game in order to move an object in the mission editor, the game will now not loses focus.
4. Gameplay online

o Lag issues reduced for 32 players pvp
o The Client and Host shooting are now synchronised. The client will no longer empty a magazine into a player and not killing him.
o In an online game, the mines are now correctly synchronised. The player can place mines on the ground with no problems.
o The weapon will now continue working if the player spam the fire button and the change fire rate button.
o The Players will now position correctly when re-spawned inside a vehicle
o Clients are now able to enter vehicles with no problem

5. All sniper rifles will now have a sway effect
6. When a building is destroyed any corpses that are within the building are removed, so they are not floating in the air.
7. The inventory UI from the crate or corpse can now be opened correctly when the player is standing at distance.
8. A rare online crash bug has been fixed when the Client is assaulting the fuel depot towards the end of the mission Bleeding Edge
9. If the fireteams are following orders and then the player select an ROE order on all fireteams including themselves the orders will now be spread across all fireteams.
10. On a Pvp game, the counter will now count correctly when the settings are restricted to no re-spawns
11. Games via a private server and password are now correctly protected. The players will now require the password to join the game.
12. The mouse wheel will now respond to the input control if the player enters a vehicle and continues to switch positions using mouse wheel.
13. The player can now change weapon with number keys while in a vehicle
14. The player can now scroll the list of names in the lobby using the middle wheel
15. The reloading time is now correct when the player is going prone straight after firing a SMAW or Queen Bee weapons.
16. The chat box will not overlap on 800x600 resolution
17. In the polish SKU, the apostrophe key is now translated correctly when changing keyboard configuration in the Front end
18. When exiting the credits, the heading will not transition twice.
19. The game has been modified to only use the original data to prevent cheating or hacking by modifying the configuration files.
20. Added script command OFP:setAIConfigPropertyValue to allow mission designers to override the AI configuration values found in the global AIConfig.xml file in user generated missions only.

There are obviously some good points to note about the update. One of them has to be the prevention of cheating. Lag issues have also been looking into, which is another plus. However, there are still storm clouds above Codemasters, and they are getting larger and louder.

The main problems by the community have not been addressed. These include:

1. No option for joining in-game for Multiplayer.
2. Vehicle behaviour still needs work on.
3. Flight stick support has not arrived for those budding pilots.
4. Leaning has also not been introduced into the game.
5. Kicking players in the lobby still has not been implemented.
6. Force ready in MP.
7. Disable AI's in multiplayer.
8. Allowing the changing of the Field of View, which is currently set at 65.
9. No Dedicated Server support.

One could argue that all the above was missed out due to the new DLC "Skirmish" pack available to download at the same time as the patch. This will be free of charge to PC users.

What has been implemented with the "Skirmish" DLC:

• We have 4 new multiplayer maps:

Infiltration
    Lumberyard: Hunt down SAM launchers in a complex.
    Whitefang: Room-to-room combat against dug-in PLA forces
Annihilation
    Stomping Grounds: Use armour and infantry to fight within a large valley
    Force Dispersal: 2 bases separated by a strategic hill, perfect for close combat.

• Attack helicopters have been brought into the game

• There are 2 new Fire Team Engagement (FTE) missions that can be played solo or via the Co-Op mode.

   All Round Defence: Allows you to control air supprot and attack helicopters you try to defend a fortified complex  against relentless waves of PLA.
    Uphill Struggle: You must capture of bunker under fire from reinforcements on a hillside.

• Island Tour also gives the players the opportunity to free-roam the enire island of Skira either solo or via Co-Op in a range of vehicles at day or night.

Watch the Skirmish video here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVAtAio1ytE

Unfortunately we will have to wait for the next patch to see if this game can take-off like it should have done from the beginning.

Related
Codemasters Forums