Map: pts_arena

We have created a simple Alpha demo with a very basic implementation of beast racing in the source engine. The demo features a simple arena race track and some fun ramps, and obstacles, to play with the control and abilities of the beasts. We have used the model of the antlion guard from half life 2 and he makes a fine four legged mount, standing around 15 foot high and weighing in at around 2 tonnes. To ride your chosen mount, simply walk up to it and press your 'Use' key. As with most racing games, use your arrow keys to control the beast (or configure them to your taste), and use your 'Sprint' defined key to 'boost your beast' and your 'Jump' defined key to pull-in the reins (Dig-In Claws). This is great for getting your mount to skid around after a boost, but watch out, out on the track there are uneven surfaces to catch you out!

Overview of Arena

When you're all ready, press this button. The race will begin in 60 seconds.

Then, head over to the starting line and prepare to race.

There are 3 checkpoints, and as you pass each one, you are awarded 50 points. This is reflected in the PlayerInfoPanel which tells you your position in the race. The default settings are for a 5 lap race, if you want to change the lap count use the console variable ff_racing_laps .

On completing the race, players spectate until the race is over. Players then see a scoreboard (not yet converted to racing display) and return to the readyroom.

The handling on the low friction sand arena highlights the physics and the skill needed to control the beasts at high speed. Once you have got the hang of the basic controls, you can try out the "dig in claws" function to apply the brakes and skid into line and the "mad mount" function where the beasts break into a mad sprint.

This demo is a very quick exploration of the features the engine has which we can use for racing beasts, the models we are using were never designed to do what we have them doing, and so a few animation bugs and problems are apparent but with custom models built to our spec we can achieve a far higher level of polish.

We have not as yet added riders but, as soon as we get a beast model with a saddle attachment, we can get the riders on.

Handling and beast characteristics can vary enormously, we have given one example of what we felt this beast might be like to race, we can easily change the handling to suit any beast type or model including sea beasts and flying mounts. And, of course, as part of the game, players will be able to customize their beasts with power ups and skills.

This version contains one test map specifically for beast testing , and we have included our readyroom and 5 battlezone maps featuring various pvp and pve missions, so players can see some of the other features available for inclusion into Top Secret. This is NOT a demo of actual in game content or rules of play we have left everything open for players to experiment with the beasts. We have a lot more to add to the mix in a future version. We will add NPC interactions, combat and physics objects and devices. This map is a test only, and we built and tested it in 4 hours so it doesn't feature all the graphical elements we would use in a full production map.

The Top Secret map entrance is in the battlezone area on the left. It is important to have 'Elimination Mode' off, so enter the Administration area of the ReadyRoom and alter it on the in-game panel. Look at the 'Select' option and press 'Use' until you reach Elimination Mode, then look at 'off' and press 'Use' again. When a race has completed you will be returned to the ReadyRoom, but when in-map you can restart the level by pressing your 'Restart Round' button (which defaults to F10 in this install). We have not included all the coop content from follow freeman as it is a very large download.

You can run a server by installing the same package to your source dedicated server folder and running it through steam (more info on this in the follow freeman manual).

We will be running a test server in the us and hope you can join us on it and tell us what you think!

If you have any questions or need any help setting it up, feel free to contact us.

See you on the starting line!