Hi everyone, hope you're having a pleasant day.
Some time ago, i have asked here if it is even worth the effort porting DO into "HTML5", with most answers being passive or negative (Understandably so). Unfortunately for me, that did not stop my mind bugging me to continue and bring the project back to life. So here we are
I would like to introduce, my new (for now) private server purely made using the marvels of modern css and js.
So what is the server about?
The server is a Free-to-Play HTML5 server with a streamlined economy, enabling most players to achieve "Full Elite Status" within 6-8 hours of gameplay (even faster with friends), eliminating the need for excessive grinding. There is no P2W, no funny boosters giving 50% damage boost, etc, as I believe a more even playing field makes the game fun!
The server is more PvP sided, but PvE enthusiasts will also find a welcoming space with NPCs seamlessly integrated into the game loop!
And do not worry, there is plenty of endgame stuff ready, if you're not a fan of ranking up or just shooting other players
The server itself is based on DarkOrbit during the 2014 year. The important word being based on, as the server diverges from the subsequent developments in DarkOrbit, having its own original items and events.
How the HTML5 helps the game and server:
No Downloads, No Clients: Players can seamlessly enjoy the game directly in their browsers, eliminating the need for downloads.
Optimized Performance: Since there is no longer so much flash player junk, it allows the client to perform greatly even on the most potato systems. In my personal tests on xbox, tablets and smartphones, the FPS were always sitting comfortably at 60FPS! Now if you have a proper gaming PC with a high refresh rate monitor, you will enjoy the wonders of 100, or even 200+ FPS!
Controller Support: Leveraging JavaScript, our server accommodates console controllers, offering players the choice between the standard keyboard/mouse setup or the immersive experience of gaming with console controllers (compatible with both PS and Xbox controllers).
Voice Chat Integration: While currently unimplemented, the incorporation of HTML5 tools paves the way for a future voice chat system, enhancing the multiplayer experience with group communication.
Differences/New Features:
Keyboard Shortcuts: Additional shortcuts, such as EMP, have been introduced to optimize inventory slots.
Laser visuals: Players can toggle between modern and classic laser visuals, catering to the preferences of both new and nostalgic players.
Jackpot and Jackpot Arena: The process of collecting jackpot currency remains mostly unchanged, though instead of being forced to collect bonus boxes, players can now gather jackpot in combat. Once a month, the server will be hosting the Jackpot Arena event, with the ability to win (for now) up to 100€, depending on how much jackpot an user has gathered. Of course, there are couple new rules, and the whole event will be streamed using spectator mode, to prevent a bunch of issues DO JPA encountered!
In-Game Equipment and Shop: Streamlining the player experience, ship purchasing and equipping can now be done in-game, eliminating the need to switch tabs.
Diverse Lasers: The LF-4 is no longer gonna be the only meta. While staying a very powerful and accessible laser, there are now new types of lasers, which have different quirks to them, allowing for more fun and diverse combat.
Ship Skills and Reworked Pilot Sheet: Skills are now tied to ship classes, freeing players to choose their favorite ship design without sacrificing preferred abilities. The pilot sheet has also been reworked, no longer requiring you to purchase billions of logdisks, but instead, each level gives you a certain amount of points you will be able to spend.
Mines Overhaul: Mines have been overhauled to become more deadly. Players now have the ability to deploy multiple types of mines simultaneously.
Training Arena: Emphasising the word "Training" in the Training arena, players are able to train both with other players (Or, you can train with the group you gathered) and npcs of different difficulties.
This will be a great place to sharpen PvP skills, as even with no equipment gathered, every piece of elite equipment will be given to the player
Ranks and Competitive Mode: Ranks are now given a PvP meaning. No more 24/7 hades gates. The players will be able to get to a higher rank only through the competetive means. Of course, there are couple playlists - 1v1, 2v2 and 5v5 for proper mayhem.
Group Gate (Firefight Mode): The traditional Group Gate has been transformed into a new game mode, Firefight, offering solo or group play through waves of increasing difficulty with substantial rewards for successful completion.
Localizations in real time: Of course, what would be a game without multiple localizations! I plan on having at least the EN, TR, DE and CZ languages implented. Of course, this might change, so think of this as the minimum!
When is the launch?:
Currently, the server is only in testing phases, and is not open publicly.But do not worry, i believe we could be done by the end of the year! For now I have made this post primarily to create interest, and find new players willing to spend their time on testing the game. If you would like to participate but do not like testing, I am also looking for people willing to help with translations! Since unfortunately, AI is still not perfect .
If you fall into any of those two groups, please feel free to contact me on discord - dewenforcer
And for everyone else, feel free to check where i post updates regularly.
Thank you for your time spent reading this essay
TL;DR - Looking for testers and/or people who could help with translations for new HTML5 pserver. Contact - discord - dewenforcer.