[MOD UPDATE] Transcend I - version 3.01

[Observe]

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Transcend version 3.01

View the Video Trailer

This major update release is the result of many months of development and intensive testing activity. It contains Mission Director "plot" game, amazing missile and explosion effects, new ships, and various other enhancements.

Note: Now updated to version 3.01 - June 16, 2008

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Requirements:

X3 latest patch 2.5 running on Windows

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Download here - (34 meg) June 16, 2008

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Installation instructions:

1. Extract the .rar into your game root directory. All files should go to their appropriate locations. Overwrite if asked.

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Operating instructions:

1. Run Custom Game/Transcend

2. You start the game in Moon sector with OSR TP Passenger Transport ship.

3. As soon as the game starts, you will notice you have an incoming message instructing you to change Pilot name to "Thereshallbewings".
Mission Director REQUIRES the game run in modified Script Editor mode.
Note: Player name will not actually change. If Player name does change (from Julian), it's because you typed Thereshallbewings incorrectly.

4. Plot Mission will begin. Follow instructions and complete Missions as they are presented if you desire. This is a "free-flowing" game, so following the plot is not a requirement. You can leave and resume the plot at any time.

Note: Ships of size TP and smaller are not able to carry jumpdrive. This is by design for added game challenge.

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Storyline.

The Galaxy is in ruin. Commerce and trade between races has all but ceased and sector economies are collapsing. All has not gone well and key sectors have been lost to the Xenon, Kha'ak and Pirate factions. All the major fleets from our allies are engaged in combat against an ever-increasing foe.

Terran High Council has decided the historically isolationist policy of our Solar System must be set aside if we are to avoid being engulfed by the chaos besetting the rest of the galaxy. We must make preparation to lend our hand in galactic affairs.

Terra has turned to Observe Space Research to develop their new range of capital ships as an extension to our existing fleet. All spacecraft production factories have been converted to produce these new and unique designs and all our hopes now rest with how well these craft perform in combat.

We have decided to appoint a new fleet commander who must take this new fleet on the perilous journey through to Tree of Life in order to establish a viable base of operations prior to an assault on the enemy forces to retake our allies lost sectors, and to re-establish vital trading lanes.

Initially the fleet will consist of new OSR capital and support ships as well as several wings of the new Mk6 Evader M3 and supporting M6 and M7 craft. This fleet is currently being brought together for commencement of the mission and one of our last MO Mobile Fortresses will be placed under the new command.

Failure will not be an option! The new fleet consists of hand picked crews and pilots. They are the best we have to offer. These are all volunteers who are pledged to follow their commander through the gates of hell if required.

All that remains now is the selection of this new commander for the fleet. It will be a perilous task and he must be experienced in tactics and command as well as steadfast in his task of reducing our enemies to dust

Applications are being requested now, recommendations are being made, are you up to the task?

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Ships:

Apocalypse : M2 class "Super Weapon"

When it comes to specialist ships OSR brings together technology and firepower to provide the most destructive ship in the galaxy today.

Built to fulfill one role only, this M2 Class ship has enough firepower in a single shot to destroy an enemy Battleship or Space Station.

Not built to stay in combat against other craft without protection, this enormous firepower comes at the expense of strong defensive qualities, speed and cargo space.

The Apocalypse has 1x10 GJ shield and a top speed of 50m/s with over 250,393 XL cargo which is mostly taken up by the Super-Weapon.

It can also dock 1 Fighter class ship in its hangar.

Its only fighter protection capabilities are four turrets mounting BPACs so don’t leave it alone and unprotected.

This M2 has the ability to win battles with a single shot, treat it with respect and it will provide you with an edge against all foes.

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Dart : M5 Class Scout Ship

One of the fastest ships available in the universe today, the Dart is the eyes and ears of the fleet. It provides reconnaissance and fast transport across sectors. With an operating speed up to 1000m/s and with 80 m/s acceleration it leaves the opposition in its wake.

This ship is not built for combat although it does have a forward laser it relies upon speed to gain the upper hand and report back to its battle group. It has cargo space providing 30 M class containers.

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Deliverance : M1 Class Heavy Transport Specialist Rescue Craft

Observe Space Research (OSR) recognized a need for specialist ships in today’s dangerous universe, and has therefore launched the Deliverance. This ship is a Heavy Transport and Rescue Craft and carries the new and innovative prototype Repel Weapon system.

When today’s military are more in demand and pilots are an ever more valuable commodity, we now have the capability of providing a rescue service for those that lay their life on the line for their comrades.

Having the capability of maintaining a defensive screen around itself with the use of the new weapon system, this ship will be able to stay in hostile areas for prolonged periods, and in combat situations against fighter wings providing the ability for rescues to be achieved.

This craft can carry a wide range of Fighter craft up to M6 capability for protection and also allows for TP and TS docking.

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Evader: M6 Class Corvette

OSR have pushed the Evader design to its limits in producing the Corvette Class M6. The Evader technology has been retained to assist in heavy combat with multiple adversaries. Docking for an additional craft up to M3 is provided.

With a top speed of 160 m/s and 3 x 125 MJ shields, the Evader Corvette is capable of taking the fight to the enemy and also providing potential for escort duties.

A wide range of lasers both front and rear make this potentially one of the best armed craft in its class today.

The sizable cargo space of up to 800 XL units means this ship can carry supplies for a multitude of tasks and roles.

Take command of a ship that will take the fight to the enemy and provide exceptional maneuverability and firepower.

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Mobile Fortress: M1 Class Base Ship

Any Battle Group needs the ability to take additional craft and supplies into combat over the long-term and OSR have recognized this in the production of the Mobile Fortress.

This heavy-duty craft has the capability of housing whole battle fleets including capital ships. Its hangar can take up to 260 ships and its cargo space at 200,000 Station Containers is immense.

Don’t think for one minute that this ship cannot hold its own in defense or offence. It carries 4 x 10 GJ shields and is armed with up to 48 lasers ranging from GPPs, Lasertower Weapons, BPBEs and BFAA for protection and offence.

It also carries a significant range of missiles, which have been modified using the latest technology to provide additional benefits in terms of seeking, speed and kill rate.

Please bear in mind that the AI MUST be used for docking and undocking with this ship to avoid shield damage.

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Evader: M2 Class Frigate

In today’s Hostile environment, OSR has recognized the need for a fast, hard hitting response craft capable of taking the fight to the enemy and providing a threat to any battle group or hostile encountered.

We are pleased to announce launch of the Evader Frigate range. This is an M2 Class ship with high speed and substantial weapons range. It is highly maneuverable, well shielded and carries a wide range of missiles for offensive and defensive operations. It also has a hangar capable of space for up to two M3 class fighters.

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Hailstorm: M2 Class Destroyer

OSR is proud to announce the launch of the Hailstorm Destroyer. This ship with its unique Wheel Turrets provides its commander and gun crews with a tremendously extended targeting arc.

This destroyer brings unrivaled firepower to the battlefield with 48 lasers and a tremendous range up to GPPCs in each laser slot. There are no frills with this M2, its design is purely functional as with all OSR craft.

For fighter protection it also has AFAA, PBEs and HEPTs available as optional. With 12 x 1GJ shields, it can stay in combat for prolonged periods taking significant punishment. This is the mainstay of the heavy capital fleet from OSR.

The Hailstorm can also fit 6 additional ships within its hangar and can carry up 10 10,000 XL cargo. With a top speed of 112 m/s it is the pinnacle of OSR heavy class ship design for fire support and offence against other capital ships and battle groups.

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Evader Mk6: M3 Class Specialized Fighter

The Mk6 Evader is the OSR's latest evolution of its famous M3 fighter. Originally utilized for black ops and covert missions the series has now developed into what must be regarded as one of the finest fighter craft of its generation.

It is highly maneuverable and carries a wide range of front and rear lasers as well as a substantial range of missiles for offensive and defensive capability.

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OSR Luxury Passenger Transport: TP Class Transport Ship

Featuring heavy front and rear defensive turrets, and unmatched luxury accommodations, this TP class ship is the ultimate passenger transport designed for comfort, speed, and defensive firepower.

Every flight features the latest video releases, galactic cuisine and live music for unmatched entertainment.

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OSR Cargo Transport: TS Class Freighter

Based on the same superstructure as the OSR TP, this nimble TS class ship features medium cargo capacity, fast speed, and ample defensive capability.

Observe Space Research originally designed and commissioned this Freighter to transport top secret and mission critical cargo requirements. More recently, this ship has become a mainstay for both short and long range solid and liquid cargo transport.

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OSR Factory Transport: TL Class Transporter

This massive Capital ship is OSR’s Factory Transport offering – featuring excellent defensive weaponry, powerful shields, and high speed and maneuverability for a ship of this class.

Ample Fighter escort docking facilities and the latest in cargo compression technology make this TL a highly competitive offering in the factory construction industry.

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Mech:

Reports have been received from outlying sectors of a new dangerous and highly aggressive race. Initially these have been designated "Mech" due to their design. No contact or discussions have been made with them. They do not respond to hails and only seem to wish to engage in battle with any ships they encounter.

These craft are aggressively armed and heavily shielded. Do not engage without significant support. No further details are available at this time.

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Ship Specifications:

Detailed ship specifications including speed, cargo, weapons, etc, are available for download in an Excel Spreadsheet format.

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Sol System Astronomical:

Earth:
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Moon:
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Mars:
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Asteroid Belt:
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Jupiter:
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Uranus:
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Neptune:
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Miscellaneous selected others:

Asteroid shipyard:
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Moonbase:
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"Nebula jumpgate":
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Map for Journey from Earth to the X3 galaxy:
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Credits:

Stu Austin - Missile Effects, Mission Director coding, beta testing
JACC - Creative writing, technical documentation, beta testing, Video Cinematography
A Team - Explosion Effects
Digsin - Galaxy Map, forum Administration
Ketraar - Graphic design, German translation
Yeebok - General consulting
Darya - German translation, beta testing
Killertide - Consultant, beta testing
Cycrow - Script consulting
Observe - Models, Mission Director coding
Nothstar - Galaxy Map
After Domination forum and its members

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And many other surprises!

The galaxy is depending on you!

Enjoy.

Note: Here is an Adobe Acrobat PDF document of this post for offline viewing

[R.Bootneck]

Enjoying the mod so far.

Completed the first Invasion mission, but when piloting the Evader MK6 the targetting doesn't work (kitted out default loadout Fight mk1+2 etcetc) both t and shift+T don't work, the only way to target is highliting ships with the cursor, then the aiming marker and the rest of the icons in the HUD flicker .... targetting etc and HUD works fine in the Deliverance and the OSR transporter just this M3
Is this by design ???

(Virgin X3 2.5 install plus latest bomus pack, no other scripts installed except the mod)

[Observe]

@R.Bootneck: The issue you have encountered was due to a problem with the mod file. It has now been corrected.

Please re-download and re-install.

I appreciate you for bringing this to my early attention, and I apologize for the inconvenience.

Thank you.

[R.Bootneck]

Many thanks for the quick fix.

You know I am almost dissapointed it was an error, If it wasn't for the fact it was all the time on the M3 I rather liked the illusion and thought that you may have introduced some kind of target jamming technology, on the part of the kha'ak against small fighters ....made the furballs "interesting" to shoot down.

+ve feedback . I enjoy the jumpdrive restrictions ... it's fun

[vtecem]

Is this compatible with any other mods scripts?

Does it require a restart to play?

Any other restrictions or requirements?

[Observe]

Is this compatible with any other mods scripts?

Does it require a restart to play?

Any other restrictions or requirements?

Hi vtecem. Transcend does not claim compatibility with any specific third-party scripts, but generally speaking, there should be no problem with most "well behaved" scripts in common use.

This mod does require a restart because it has added sectors (Terran, and others), and because it employs the newly released Egosoft Mission Director for the purpose of the Transcend "plot" and accompanying Missions.

Transcend requires Windows Operating System because this is currently the only OS supporting Mission Director to my knowledge.

Otherwise, there are no special requirements.

[R.Bootneck]

Observe

After having fought my way through to TOL and into the Ego universe, I've noticed that when I enter any previously unrevealed sectors, upon entering, all the sector contents are revealed (there is no scanner range limit displayed when in large sectors) and even things like pandora items, gates etc are visible straightaway in the sector map..
(having the gates revealed as soon as entering a sector made the run through the "unknown enemy sectors" from earth a bit easier) Last time I saw this was many moons ago when a scripter left a bit off code in for testing purposes.

[nitromethane]

im getting a pretty serious performance lag during big battles in system that i dont get in xtm or vanilla im running a core 2 6600 at 3.25 gig have 8 gigs of ram at 3338 775 mghrtz and a 8800gts onoc is this normal for this mod?

[vtecem]

Cool deal, thanks for the update.

[Cobalt_Spike]

Downlaoded this last night, didn't have much time for it, but it looks pretty sexy so far.

[Observe]

im getting a pretty serious performance lag during big battles in system that i dont get in xtm or vanilla im running a core 2 6600 at 3.25 gig have 8 gigs of ram at 3338 775 mghrtz and a 8800gts onoc is this normal for this mod?

I don't know what the performance lag you are seeing might be attributed to nitromethane. Many months of beta testing on a variety of computer systems has demonstrated this mod performs well. Possibly some interaction with scripts you may have running?

FYI: This mod as version 3.0 is complete in it's present form. No further development or change activity is planned unless some unforseen, major issue is uncovered.

[JACC]

im getting a pretty serious performance lag during big battles in system that i dont get in xtm or vanilla im running a core 2 6600 at 3.25 gig have 8 gigs of ram at 3338 775 mghrtz and a 8800gts onoc is this normal for this mod?

Hi nitromethane

I am running a very similar system to the one you have quotes with the same video card and slightly less ram.

Major battles have not been a problem and game lag speed has not been an issue. it has been very smooth.

I am not running any specialist scrips on there own and any input into the game are only available through script editor.

I take it you have not had any conflicts with Extended coming up.??

JACC

[nitromethane]

yes i was running quite a few scripts will try without them. i was running bse cyrows bbs scripts salvage network and maybe race invasions. and thanks for your quick reply. (although i guess anything over 2 gigs on xp 32 does not help me any i couldnt resist at the price for the super talent 800 in a 2x2 gig kit so i bought 2 in the hopes that vista 64 will be bug free and have decent drivers before my entire system is horibly outdated)

[JACC]

yes i was running quite a few scripts will try without them. i was running bse cyrows bbs scripts salvage network and maybe race invasions. and thanks for your quick reply. (although i guess anything over 2 gigs on xp 32 does not help me any i couldnt resist at the price for the super talent 800 in a 2x2 gig kit so i bought 2 in the hopes that vista 64 will be bug free and have decent drivers before my entire system is horibly outdated)

YOu should find that Transcend is very robust interms of any errors and game play should be smooth.

The only time i sufferred serious lag was when i created over 200 enemy M4 ships in Beta testing.

The game ran comfortably on a similar spec machine with up to 80 ships in sector in combat mode.

Thew spec of the machine utlised was.

Chillblast Fusion Custom Build
Intel R Core 2 CPU
6700 @2.66Ghz
3.00 GHz 2.00Gb Ram
with a NVIDA GeForce 8800GTX card

I would definatly take out the scrips loaded utlised outwith script manager such as LV's to see if it has an effect

All the best

JACC

[Observe]

I've noticed that when I enter any previously unrevealed sectors, upon entering, all the sector contents are revealed (there is no scanner range limit displayed when in large sectors) and even things like pandora items, gates etc are visible straightaway in the sector map..

FYI: Hi R.Bootneck. Some people prefer the extended scanner range. However, based on your comment I have now reverted this back to X3 standard.

[Syndrome]

Awesome this mod might just be enought to get me back into X3 again. I haven't touched it for many a month.

[nitromethane]

how much more story line is there after you leave the earth sectors? ive cleaned out 4 xenon sectors

Spoiler

Show

mech 4, 3, 2, mech gateway and the 2 kahk sectors past the gateway and the only other message i get is when i enter light of heart it pops up with theres no xenon in this sector strange

nice mod so far great models and my system only hangs now in loaded kahk sectors with gamma ppc and laser tower wepons going full blast but not so bad that i cant fight so it must have bean a script im thinking bse

[LV]

Not often I say this but those are immense models worthy of Imperial Respect

[Stu Austin]

Not often I say this but those are immense models worthy of Imperial Respect

Nice compliment to Observe, LV.

[Observe]

Not often I say this but those are immense models worthy of Imperial Respect

On behalf of the entire Transcend team, I would like to thank you for your kind remarks LV.