Main Page/Readme redux
Community effort to redo the readme in the installer
http://spring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=188526#188526
[edit] Spring ReadMe v0.75
Spring is a free, open-source 3D real time strategy (RTS) engine started by the Swedish Yankspankers. The engine was initially created to provide a gameplay similar to the Cavedog game Total Annihilation (TA), however there are numerous customizations available including Star Wars and World War 2 -themed mods.
Included in this installer is the core Spring engine (latest release is 0.74 b3), the TA-inspired mod XTA, two maps and the multiplayer lobby client (taslobby.exe).
[edit] Installation and system requirements
The installer is self-extracting and pretty much straighforward, just execute it after downloading.
System requirements for Spring are relatively moderate for a 3D engine. Minimum CPU speed to run the game comfortably is around 1Ghz, and memory should be 512MB with 256MB as the absolute minimum. The game requires a 3D accelerator as well. Spring runs fine on most modern laptops with onboard 3D. The 3D features are scaleable and can be customized for both high- and low-end GPUs.
To play larger maps and games with 1000+ units simultaneously Spring requires 1GB RAM and 1.8+Ghz CPU.
[edit] the Lobby Client
Both single- and multiplayer games are easiest started through the online multiplayer lobby client. Simply launch the tasclient.exe program which by now should be on your Start Menu under "Spring". Then use the Options/Account buttons to create your nick and password. The log-in button is on the top left, red when disconnected and green when connected to the Spring server.
The lobby client works very similar to IRC clients, with channels being accessed with the /join #channelname command. On the right side there is a userlist for the active channel, which can be sorted by rank, country and name. PMing users is done by doubleclicking the username in this list.
On the bottom there is a list of active battles. Green battles are not running, red battles are running and can not be joined.
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Downloading TA Client:
First of all when downloading the starter pack from http://spring.clan-sy.com/ you will need a few minutes for the download to upload onto your computer
Client:
when the upload is complete you will then see the Client for the first time.
Client will be a white screen with 3 panels and 4 tabs at the top. Creating a account:
This is easy, the options tab will open another box, which will have more tabs withing, clicking account will bring up Password and Username and create a new account.
Clicking on this will bring up another box with Username, Password, Retype Password and REGISTER after filling in the details and completing this Key in your details on the box before hand, simply click accept and close and you're done.
Loging in:
The top right of client will have a red with a blue center, if looked at close detail its a plug, thats unpluged, clicking this will connect you and in a sense connect the plug. :)
The first thing you will notice is that everything will update and usernames on the right and open and closed games will be visable at the bottom.
#Main:
- Main is the primary place for players to talk, recruit players and share battle details. At first getting players attentions will be hard for a first time player, genrally #Main attracts attention seakers, spammers, and of course political arguments, so getting a word in will be hard.
Who to talk to:
this is easy, admins
Admins are allways there to help and although at time may be away, are allways waiting to help.
Admins have a Spanner tool next to there name and some of these will include:
[LCC]Licho [LCC]quantum[K]
ect.
Joining a game:
a desired game from the list below is what is needed. For maps and mods please visit: [[1]] and [[2]] Hosting a game:
Battle screen tab at the top will bring a diffrent window up, this window will have the button host, click this to start the hosting proccess
8452 should be your port, and should stay like this if you want other to join your game.
after this the mod tab in the center should drop down when clicked and a selection of your mods should be available. Passwording games:
the password option is near the drop down bar for mods and is used if you are waiting for one paticular person to join
E.G Clan members
Player Amounts:
again the same box but at the top the drag bar will change from 2 players to 16 depending on left or right movement.
Hosting the game finnally!:
click the host button when sure everything above is done correct, and wait a second or two and bang! You're hosting!
Hosting a replay:
the same host button you clicked to host a normal game has a small tab next to it, a arrow , this will open up to hosting or hosting a replay, after selecting the right replay and pressing host, you will be again be hosting.
Changing map:
The change map button will give a selection of the maps you have downloaded and are ready to use.
Adding bots:
Add bot button will add a bot to your game. (not all AI work on every mod)
Starting the game:
Make sure teams are balanced, 1 arrow is a beginner a star is experinced, never mix these!
resources and unit limit should be changed depending on mod and number of players. 2000 on metal and Energy is good for bigginers and up the limit to 700-1000.
After Choosing your faction team and ally
(Team and ally shouldn't be mixed, Ally is friend or foe, Team is player status)
Colour diffrence is also needed to play a game without confusion.
Ready up!:
after everyone has ready'd up (inculding you) start button will appear click this to start
AND OFF YOU GO!
FAQ:
Q. Not all members are ready, how do i wake them up from being away?
A. .Ring [insertname] will ring the player giving them a small but high sound to wake them up from what ever they are doing
Q.
How do i kick unwanted players
A. Again .Kick [insertname] will kick the player also, a helpful trick is to lock a battle with the lock battle button to stop them coming back!
This has been brought to you by me 1337[LordSpawn] the friendliest member of them all :D
