User:Xynth
Note: If you are looking to download the latest Beta client and Beta Artwork folder, note they are not available at present. This page is in the process of being updated, and the download links will be added when they are available.
Free Allegiance Zone Beta is similar to Shadow Allegiance, which was used by Microsoft RG during their development of the game. It allowed for people "in the know" to connect to a lobby that automatically updated the client and artwork to a pre-release version. This let MSRG developers get feedback from a select few and help decide to release the updated versions to the masses or go back to the drawing board.
Introduction
The Free Allegiance Zone Dev Team is responsible for FAZ Beta and overall continued development of Allegiance, but you can assist development by carefully followomg the instructions that have been conveniently placed here.
The number one reason testing is important: developers require timely and constant feedback. There are many more obvious reasons, one of them being to check if the next update will be compatible with your computer.
There are effectively two kinds of testing: By yourself (or with a very small group) to test individual issues, and with a large group to "stress-test" overall performance.
It's usually not necessary to test by yourself (unless you are a developer or you are helping a developer with a specific test case). For large-scale tests FAZ Beta Team have scheduled weekly events on Wednesdays. There is more tester activity throughout this day of the week than any other and thus makes testing a more enjoyable experience. Sometimes larger scale beta events will be held on the weekends, watch the Free Allegiance home page for information regarding these.
Getting Started
Downloads
Here you can find links to all the downloads you may need to run the latest allegiance build for FAZ beta.
The process for installing the beta has been simplified in R6 and now uses a simple installer. The installer can be downloaded at http://trac.alleg.net/attachment/build/R6/73/R6_b73_r602.exe Note that this is not the latest build but it is compatible with the Auto Update feature on the beta server which will download the latest build when you log on.
The installer will ask to download the artwork folder. You will need to respond YES to this dialog box to get the R6 artwork folder. After the download is complete the installer will run a Direct X installer that is also necessary for R6.
A new red colored shortcut will be placed on your desktop and in your start menu if you chose during the install. Run this to update and log in to the beta.
Troubleshooting
This section provides tips for common errors when following these instructions.
ASGS
It is not necessary to use ASGS when testing FAZ Beta nor is it recommended. To launch the game just double click the Allegiance.exe (the application file with a red icon) or your shortcut. A shortcut to the application is recommended, see the testing tip about using multiple clients.
Artwork
It is highly recommended that you have "clean" artwork without mods installed. Testing FAZ Beta with custom mods, chat packs, etc. can have unexpected results and may prevent you from launching the game, connecting to the lobby, joining a server and piloting/commanding.
Downloads
If you have strange issues with the client or artwork download, verify its integrity. To do this compare the check sums from your download with the ones here. If they don't match up, clear your browser's cache and download them again. The tool used to verify the check sums can be found here:
http://downloads.activestate.com/contrib/md5sum/Windows/md5sum.exe
Currently, MD5s are not available.
Vista
The Allegiance.exe beta is built with "Require Administrator". This should make it easier for Vista users as the UAC dialog will appear. You will need a username and password for an account in the Administrators group if you are not logged in as one already.
Intro Video
If you don't see the intro video play when starting Allegiance using the primary display adapter and not in "safe mode", you may need to install the WMV2 codec. For XP or later you must get them via. Windows Media Player, here:
Win32
http://download.microsoft.com/download/0/9/5/0953E553-3BB6-44B1-8973-106F1B7E5049/wmp11-windowsxp-x86-enu.exe
Win64
http://download.microsoft.com/download/3/0/8/3080C52C-2517-43DE-BDB4-B7EAFD88F084/wmp11-windowsxp-x64-enu.exe
For Windows 2000, a codec installer can be found here:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/5/c/2/5c29d825-61eb-4b16-8eb8-58367d0464d5/WM9Codecs9x.exe
Playing the game
This section gives you background on what's changed and provides instructions for testing specific issues.
Testing
- Main article: Test cases
Where do I report bugs/suggestions?
- If you know a specific developer was/is working on a similar issue, send them a private message (click here to create new message).
- If the bug doesn't affect gameplay (i.e. doesn't cause crashes) then search Allegzilla to see if it has already been reported.
- For suggestions or "Bugs" that will affect game play if "fixed" report in the FAZ Beta forum
Testing tips
Use multiple clients
Create a shortcut to launch Allegiance with the -multi and -windowed command-line switches. After creating a shortcut, right click on it then left click properties. Append (add to the end) of the target -windowed -multi after the quotes (if any).
Use quickstart
Create a shortcut as explained in the tip above. Add -quickstart to the end of the target, outside the quotes (if any). This will cause the game to join the most populated server automatically. If no players exist on any servers, a game will attempt to be created using the official core on the official server.
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