News Archive 2006

FROM: Rear Admiral Tolwyn, Commodore Starman, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2006.31.12

Greetings, fellow Wing Commander fans!

You are about to download a true labor of love. Our team has poured countless hours of sweat into creating Wing Commander Saga, and we are all extremely pleased to share the first fruits of our labor with you.. After all, without the support you have provided us, none of this would have been possible. For that, you have our deepest thanks.

Following in the footsteps of a game like Wing Commander 3 is an amazing challenge. We hope you will find a familar sense of space combat as you experience our vision of the Wing Commander universe and play your part in the incredible story that will unfold in the months and years to come.

The team is very proud of this game, and we look forward to hearing your reaction. And once again, on behalf of the entire team, let us thank you for standing by us. It means a lot.

Tolwyn & Starman
Producers Wing Commander Saga

Download (Windows Installer, 282 MB / Macintosh Installer, 275 MB)

FROM: Rear Admiral Tolwyn, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2006.24.12

The Wing Commander Saga team wishes all of you a merry Christmas.

As a little present, we would like to give you a sneak peak "behind the scenes" of what makes Saga tick. Saga utilizes Theora for its cuscenes. We've provided some information about Theora for those of you unfamiliar with it. 

Theora is a video codec being developed by the Xiph.org Foundation as part of their Ogg project. Based upon On2 Technologies' VP3 codec, and christened by On2 as the successor in VP3's lineage, Theora is targeted at competing with MPEG-4 video (e.g., H.264, Xvid and DivX), RealVideo, Windows Media Video, and similar lower-bitrate video compression schemes.

While VP3 is patented technology, On2 has irrevocably given royalty-free license of the VP3 patents to everyone, letting anyone use Theora and other VP3-derived codecs for any purpose.

In the Ogg multimedia framework, Theora provides a video layer, while Vorbis usually acts as the audio layer.

Theora is named for Theora Jones, Edison Carter's Controller on the Max Headroom television program.

One of our goals in creating Wing Commander Saga is to help players feel like a tiny part of a much larger fleet. Combat will take place on both a small- and large-scale basis. Capital ship battles and torpedo strikes will make prominent appearances throughout the game. We've included two small video clips to give a feeling of what they will be like.

01 | 02

- Tolwyn

FROM: Rear Admiral Tolwyn, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2006.15.12

In this update, the Wing Commander Saga team would like to showcase one of our new starfields. In keeping with the tradition of Wing Commander, we have tried to make space look like more than an empty void with background stars merely for reference. Rather, we portray it as being filled with beautiful starscapes, planets, and astronomical phenomena with unique features for each starsystem. We invite you to take a look at our astral vistas...

 

- Tolwyn

FROM: Captain Sphynx, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2006.13.12

The Wing Commander Saga team has released a new wallpaper available which features Saga's new logo.

You can download it here.

- Sphynx

FROM: Rear Admiral Tolwyn, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2006.27.11

It've been two hectic weeks: we've shifted entirely to bug fixing and preparing to launch this thing. We had a team-wide play through of the entire game. Everyone was looking for problems and places we could add that last little bit of polish. I was ecstatic at the amount of feedback I received and have been spending the past two days sorting through it all, prioritizing issues, and slamming stuff into our Bugtracker. As I've said before (ad nauseum by this point) the game we have right now is already good. All the feedback was just minor little things that we can do to really make it great.

- Tolwyn

FROM: Rear Admiral Tolwyn, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2006.12.11

We would like to thank everyone who submitted an application to help us beta test the Wing Commander Saga Prologue. If you have been selected as a beta tester, we will contact you as soon as possible at the e-mail address that you have provided for us. If you have not been selected, please don't feel bad or take it personally. We received a very large number of very well-qualified applications, putting us in the difficult position of trying to decide how to narrow things down and choose a more focused number of beta testers. Thank your all for your interest and support, it has been nice to see your enthusiasm. We look forward to this beta test and hope that it will allow us to provide you with a very polished game experience when the Prologue is released. Whether or not you were chosen as a beta tester, you will be able to get your chance to try Saga soon enough.

- Tolwyn

FROM: Rear Admiral Tolwyn, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2006.30.10

Our team is seriously considering starting a beta test at the beginning of November. There is a caveat, though; the number of beta teaters will be limited. However, we are now accepting applications for the upcoming beta test of Wing Commander Saga, our remake of the famous spacesimulator universe. To participate in this exciting adventure, fill out the beta tester sign up form.

Beta testers need to meet the minimum computer specifications – detailed on the "About" page – and have internet access.

Interest in games-- especially space sims-- is an advantage, as is any testing experience you might have. Applicants have to be aware that beta testing is not just about playing and having fun with the game, and that there is work involved. Testers will be asked to devote several hours per week to testing and will be asked to test certain missions, weapons, or ships. Testers will also be required to send in bug reports and answer the occational test survey to be able to continue their participation in the beta test.

We are looking for people that can communicate their ideas clearly and have an eye for detail. During the testing process, you will have to explain to us how you found potential bugs and problems in the game and how to reproduce them. We will also ask for your views on game design and playability in order to improve the game. This gives participants several opportunities to contribute to the creation of Wing Commander Saga.

We can't overestimate the value of fresh playtester eyes on the product. As developers, we look at the thing all day, everyday, and to be honest, we lose perspective. When we're able to watch a new "fresh to the game" player run through the game, we get to see the game play out in a whole new way. We get to see when things are good, but more importantly, with the aide of our new set of eyes we can't hide from something that's just not working. We're forced to face it and fix it -  which leads to a stronger product.

- Tolwyn

FROM: Rear Admiral Tolwyn, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2006.22.10

Things are really cooking here. At this point, we're trying to iron out the last few design wrinkles that have reared their heads in the last few weeks. Yesterday we got last bits of the voice over work done, and it has turned out very well. The experience was amazing - as were the actors. This was my first time working with actors like this, and I think I got extremely lucky to work with such an incredible group. These guys and gals just nailed it. I would continue gushing, but I already sound like some half-crazed fanboy, so I'll hold my tongue for now. Besides, all the proof you'll need will come when this thing is released.

- Tolwyn

FROM: Rear Admiral Tolwyn, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2006.02.09

One of the areas in which Wing Commander excels is in its ability to bring to personalize its epoch stuggle, which it accomplished in part by giving a face, a believable personality, and in many cases a name to the many pilots and crews of the ships that the player encounters throughout the series. One way in which this feeling was generated was through the usage of communication visuals which showed the man, or the Kat, behind the machine. In our effort to recreate the feeling of Wing Commander, Saga has created customised com animations. We've included one screenshot to give a preview of what communication visuals will be like in Saga.

- Tolwyn

FROM: Rear Admiral Tolwyn, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2006.02.09 

In the heat of combat, knowledge can be the difference between life and death. Each pilot needs to know the capablities and limitations of all of his own equipment, as well as the those of his opponents. What better place to brush up on this vital information before a mission than in the tech room.

Wing Commander Saga features a tech room with information about all of the ships and weapons that the player will encounter, both friend and foe. In addition, the tech room will also serve as a location where new intelligence is shared with the player. Through the WC Saga campaign, new intelligence will become available as the player progresses. Keeping current on the hardware and intelligence in the combat theater will give players an edge in their desperate fight against the Kilrathi.

This week, we are happy to share some pictures of the WC Saga tech room with you.

 

-Tolwyn

FROM: Rear Admiral Tolwyn, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2006.10.08

Previously, we showed you the renders of our exciting new feature: cloaking. Now, we're able to show you the actual in-game footage of a cloaking Strakha. Now you see him . . . now you don't

- Tolwyn

FROM: Commodore Starman, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2006.01.08

In todays update we have some exciting news to report. Thanks to modifications done in the SCP-Engine (some older and some newer ones) we are now finally able to make a full-blown cloacking effect like in the original WC games. The technical side requires the usage of a few simple scripts for each cloaking ship, but those are easy to create and the effect for the player will be just like what we are used to in WC gameplay. Even better than that, the final animation will be very close to what we saw in the original CGI movie sequences of Wing Commander 4.

To celebrate this new development, we would like to share a few rendered pictures of our version of the infamous Strakha. Through centuries of conflict, the Kilrathi have gained an obsessive appreciation for strength. Many Kilrathi fighter designs, such as the Jalthi or Vaktoth, give expression to the Kat's sadistic infatuation with sheer brute force. However, the Kilrathi also have an appreciation for the more subtle forms of strength, such as stealth and cunning. The Strakha is the techological culmination of this facet of Kilrathi philosophy. Capitalizing on the element of surprise, the Strakha strikes from the shadows without warning. Although relatively lightly armed, its ability to move undetected provides it a tactical advantage that the Kat's capitalize on without mercy. As such, the Strakha is a veritable tactical nightmare for Confederation pilots.

   

While you sleep, they'll be waiting...

- Starman

FROM: Captain Sphynx, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2006.15.07

The Kilrathi are a warrior race in every sense. Born on an inhospitable and harsh planet and decended from primative and ferocious predators, killing is second nature to the Kats. In their psychology and in their religion, battle is the way of life and the path to glory. The Bloodfang represents one of the the deadliest creations of Kilrathi science, a deadly weapon to be wielded by a noble warrior who has proven himself in combat against the enemy. It's presence spells doom to those who oppose it. Scooby Doo of the Wing Commander Saga team has recently completed his rendition of the Bloodfang, which will be featured in WC Saga and which we share with you today.

 

- Sphynx

FROM: Rear Admiral Tolwyn, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2006.27.06

Gamestar, the largest German Computer Games magazine, has published an article featuring Wing Commander Saga. The article can be found on the August 2006 issue (available June 28th) on page 153. We have included a scanned version of the article in PNG format here, and have also provided an English translation.

Some pilots get cool callsigns like "Maverick," Ace," or "Duke," but "Sandman?" "Sandman?!" While it may not be the greatest callsign, it really doesn't matter, because some people would gladly call themselves "Buttercup" just to be able to pilot a starfighter and fight the Kilrathi! Very soon they will get their wish, because Wing Commander will be back as a mod for Freespace 2. You will be David "Sandman" Markham, a young fighter pilot who has to prove himself against the Kilrathi. The story of Wing Commander Saga takes place during the Wing Commander 3 era. Through 35 missions you will encounter old friends and new enemies, all with updated graphics. In addition, a multiplayer mode for Wing Commander Saga is also in progress. Best of all, Wing Commander Saga will run without having to own a retail copy of Freespace 2. To that we say, "Enter Sandman!"

- Tolwyn

FROM: Captain Sphynx, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2006.09.06

Wing Commander Saga seeks to continue the WC tradition by recreating music from the original games and adding new compositions which remain true to the spirit of the originals.

For today’s update, we have included a conceptual sample of some of the new music that will be featured in WC Saga. Our composer, Ed, gives the following explanation:

“The ‘Unused Ideas’ track is essentially three different tracks stitched together. None of these will feature in either the Prologue or the full campaign. I made them to try and get a feel for how I wanted the music to go. I felt the first section started sounding more Freelancer than Wing Commander, the second section was too ‘happy’ sounding to me, and more like WC4 than WC3 which is what I wanted, and I thought the last section sounded too much like a Star Trek score!

The Prologue originally was going to have original in-flight music, but I decided it was best to wait for the main release as it’s not just a big job to write all those different cues but you also have to make sure they all fit together musically and make sense in the game. The "in-flight" track is another example of me experimenting to see how I would approach this. While the main campaign’s music will likely sound quite different than it, it’s probably the most Wing Commander sounding! Anyway, I thought some of you might find the ‘outtakes’ interesting. So, thanks for listening!"

Download

-Sphynx

FROM: Rear Admiral Tolwyn, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2006.20.05

Wing Commander Saga will feature pre-rendered cut scenes. Currently, the intro for the Prologue campaign is finished, and is just getting some final cosmetic touches such as lighting, animated maps, and so forth. This picture features a scene from the intro as a wing of Hellcat's escorts a small shuttle convoy. This particular scene is a test render, and does not yet feature all of the visual effects that will be included in the final.

Also, to insure fast and problem-free access to our upcoming release, we have moved to a new server. You will be able to access our website through our new domain www.wcsaga.com.

- Tolwyn

FROM: Rear Admiral Tolwyn, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2006.28.04

For today's update we would like to showcase our final version of the Confederation assault shuttle. This beautiful ship has been modelled and textured by our new team member, Scooby Doo, who joined us a few weeks ago and has been working at full speed ever since. You can expect to see more of his great work in future updates (and of course in-game, once Saga is released).

 

Regarding the model, WC Saga aims to provide a wide variety of mission types, and among the sorties that the player will fly will be escort and close support missions for Confederation Marines operating out of this sturdy combat transport spacecraft.

- Tolwyn

FROM: Rear Admiral Tolwyn, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2006.12.03

Here’s a brief summary of some of our major work over the last month. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but it touches on some of the major points of focus in our work:

• We’ve completed a simulator mission that will be released as part of the prologue release package, and a great deal of work has been done on another simulator mission.
• The full-campaign script has been undergoing some major fine-tuning, with work being done on issues of continuity and canonicity. This is time-intensive and detail-focused work, but it has been proceeding at a good pace.
• We have also been hard at work finishing up the video sequences that will be part of the prologue release.
• In addition, Lars has released another wallpaper featuring some of the ships from WC Saga. Check out the "New Wallpaper: They Strike from the Shadows" thread to pick it up!

- Tolwyn 

FROM: Rear Admiral Tolwyn, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2006.09.03

The Wing Commander Saga team is proud to present a new wallpaper by gevatter Lars! Kilrathi starships are designed to acheive both lethal functionality and demoralizing psychological impact. This new scene displays the intimidating might of the claw-like Kilrathi capital ships while it simultaneously evokes the pathos of the mysterious and deadly Strahka fighter, whose stealthy ferocity is laid out in stark contrast to the ethereal beauty of deep space.

-Tolwyn

FROM: Rear Admiral Tolwyn, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2006.01.02

The Wing Commander Saga team wishes to extend our thanks to all of you who voted for our website this year! There were some other very strong contenders for the award, but your enthusiasm and your faith in our project led us to be recognized as the Wing Commander Fan Site of the Year for 2005! We appreciate this recognition for all of the hard work that we are doing to bring you WC Saga, and we promise to keep burning the midnight oil to bring you the best game we can as soon as possible.

- Tolwyn

FROM: Captain Sphynx, CINCWEAPONSDIVISION
DATE: 2005.01.09

Greetings, faithful fans!

Thank you for your support. As the others have said, you can rest assured that there is a great deal of work going into this project, even with our busy lives and lack of new screenshots. We have been doing a lot of spit-and-polish work with the game engine, the in-game fiction, and so forth, and so a lot of it doesn't translate well into screen shots.

But, we realize that fans want to see progress. So, you can expect some updates and new things to look at very soon, and while I cannot give an exact date, we are really not far at all from releasing the Prologue (barring some major real life catastrophe... again! Real life has been tough on our team members lately with everything ranging from moving fiascos, job changes, and-- sadly enough-- personal losses, just to name a few. But we're hanging in there). Also, once we resolve the coding issues that are holding up the Prologue, that will allow us to release the main campaign much more quickly.

Thanks for your continued interest in WC Saga. We are building this mod to make it as enjoyable as possible for the fans. I have been a part of the play-testing team, and in my opinion you will think that the wait has been well worth it. We haven't forgotten you, our encouraging fans. Keep the faith, good things are coming soon!

-Sphynx