Intro
The }MG{ Development server is where we test balance changes and other things for 1.2. By playing there you help build up balance stats, and therefore speed up development.
For those who don't want to read any of this, connect to dev.tremulous.net:30720.
How to connect:
Due to the scope of the changes being tested its set up as a mod, and due to this you need the necessary client files. The easiest way to do this is via auto download. If you already have http downloads configured, then you may as well stop reading now.
If you don't have a client with download support, you will need to get one. First up, to find out if your current client is up to date, the easiest way is to load the game, open the console (` or ~) and type /cl_guid. If it tells you a long string of crap then skip to the end of this section (last paragraph is still good). If it says "unknown command" or text to that effect, then read on.
Go to http://releases.mercenariesguild.net/client/ and download the file for your system. (If you're a windows nub then win32 is the one for you). You can ignore the .asc files.
Don't forget to back up your current client before overwriting it with the new.
Next for where to put it. If you used the installer, load the game and in the console type /fs_basepath. It should return you a path to somewhere on your system. That's the folder to put it in. If you installed via apt or some other way on linux you can use the command "locate tremulous.x86" for it, or come to IRC in #mercenariesguild on chat.freenode.net and we'll help you out.
Once you have the newer client, you need to enable downloads. In the console in game, type /cl_allowDownload 1 and /cl_wwwDownload 1. After that join up and it should automatically download everything you need. (Its not big)
Changes:
There have been a fair few changes to the way the game works. There is a new help button on the in game menu which should tell you everything you need. A few of the more notable bits are here:
Mark Decon: When you deconstruct a building it no longer disappears, it is marked, and then when the BP's are needed it will vanish. This is very handy when moving base, as you no longer have to decon the RC and run, so moving the base is doable.
Alien regen: Is now slower off the creep. No more camping just outside the human base. Unless you build them in, but if you can do that then just win already. Tyrants no longer provide a healing aura, although basilisks do now, 2x and 3x for base and adv basi respectively. On the topic of healing, med stations and med kits stack now, and the station heals stamina too.
Turrets: Turrets now take a small spin up time before they start firing, but have double range and do a lot more damage. You can also build Tesla's with no DC to help make up for the turrets weaknesses. If you build like its 1.1 then your doomed.
Problems:
Its not done yet, and things do go wrong. If you have any problems, you can post on the forums here or see us on IRC. #mercenariesguild @ chat.freenode.net. http://www.mercenariesguild.net/forum/index.php?action=chat&Itemid=28 has a nice web client.
