[johnt519]

Noticed a ton of Halo servers were missing, including the Bungie servers. Finally noticed that an update for the Halo PC and server was released - to 1.06.


Any chance of us "lowly" Mac users getting a compatible update sometime soon? Please??

[Adam Betts]

Whatever happened to that shaders patch that will supposedly improve Halo's performances by about x15?

[reader50]

I'd settle for the Halo Mac Demo.

[Horsepoo!!!]

Who knows...all *I* know is that Halo's single-player story was very lack luster. The multiplayer was fun but brings nothing major or new over Marathon multiplayer when it comes to concept.

I understand why everyone went gaga over Halo and now Halo 2...it was one of the only good games for the xbox. But if I were you, I'd do what I did and store Halo in my closet until it gathers a healthy dose of dust.

[Leonard]

I'm wiling to bet it won't be long before we see an update fo the Mac version. Last time it was a week or two I think. So just be patient and I'm sure we'll see an update.

[johnt519]

I hope there's an updater out soon.. or at least word one is on the way. The few servers that are there don't have anyone playing. I have read the latest update for the PC is causing more problems that it was supposed to fix - including very laggy games with high ping times.

[Brad Oliver]

Originally posted by Adam Betts:
Whatever happened to that shaders patch that will supposedly improve Halo's performances by about x15?

As I recall, that was specific to the PC version. The Mac port (again, IIRC) already had a ton of shader optimizations in it, including a non-shader path that didn't exist in the PC or Xbox versions. Translation: I don't think that talk of "improved" shader code affects the Mac. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me to discover that it amounted to the PC guys rolling in the shader optimizations that were already in the Mac version.

[johnt519]

Somebody must know something! I'm going into withdrawl....The few servers listed now either don't have anyone on them, or are full of clan players and tk'ers.

[lenox]

Originally posted by Horsepoo!!!:
Who knows...all *I* know is that Halo's single-player story was very lack luster. The multiplayer was fun but brings nothing major or new over Marathon multiplayer when it comes to concept.

I understand why everyone went gaga over Halo and now Halo 2...it was one of the only good games for the xbox. But if I were you, I'd do what I did and store Halo in my closet until it gathers a healthy dose of dust.

Yay for attempted thread derails!

On topic: From what I hear, 10.3.6 supposedly introduced some pertinent vertex and pixel shader code to Apple's OpenGL implementation, which is partially why Doom3 requires that update.

Also, Blizzard was disabling vertex shading in the mac version of WoW entirely until Apple and video card vendors got this stuff figured out.

If I recall, there's quite a few things in the mac version of Halo that were being done in software as OpenGL's (maybe just Apple's OpenGL version) featureset is not as robust as Direct3d in some cases. Examples of this would be the lens flare being done entirely in software...probably some other things I can't think of right now, too.

Anyhow, maybe they're waiting on this update to add these speed-enhancing features to the game?

[a2daj]

The lens flare issue is pretty much the only major bottleneck caused by lack of an OpenGL feature. But that doesn't mean there couldn't be some overall code optimizations to help it improve performance.

[Horsepoo!!!]

Originally posted by a2daj:
The lens flare issue is pretty much the only major bottleneck caused by lack of an OpenGL feature. But that doesn't mean there couldn't be some overall code optimizations to help it improve performance.

Apple has updated OpenGL at almost every 10.3 point release...are you sure this problem hasn't been solved yet and Aspyr isn't simply not bothering to re-enable hardware lens flares?

If this is really Apple's problem and if it's not solved by 10.3.7, I'd start a petition.

[a2daj]

Originally posted by Horsepoo!!!:
Apple has updated OpenGL at almost every 10.3 point release...are you sure this problem hasn't been solved yet and Aspyr isn't simply not bothering to re-enable hardware lens flares?

If this is really Apple's problem and if it's not solved by 10.3.7, I'd start a petition.

MacSoft published Mac Halo. The app must be patched to support ARB_occlusion_query, which was included in 10.3.5. So even if the OS supports it, the game doesn't so it's still an issue. They can't 're-enable' it if the code was never there to begin with.

[urrl78]

I would rather have Halo 3rd person than performance improvement patches. Guess it will never happen though.

[Leonard]

Why would you think there is going to be a Halo 3rd person? Halo as a FPS is a top selling game.

Back on topic, I haven't seen or heard of a patch or update yet.

[macaddict0001]

Originally posted by urrl78:
I would rather have Halo 3rd person than performance improvement patches. Guess it will never happen though.

i agree that original halo looked so cool. And it might have decent single player if it was an rpg.

[Vash]

Originally, halo was a 3rd person shooter. But Bungie decided it was too awkward and hard to aim like that so they made it into a 1st person shooter.

[Leonard]

Just grabbed this quote off the IMG forum which apparently grabbed it offthe Bungie.net forum:

Mac Update. As you know, Halo Mac is produced by a different company, and can not always match our update schedule. While we scheduled this release to coincide with when the Mac team estimated they would be ready, other work came up and prevented them from being able to match our patch day. We waited an extra week, and at that point decided to release this security fix before it was exploited by malicious users. (This bug was reported externally, and so we had reason to believe that we could not delay indefinitely without seeing it exploited)

[macaddict0001]

Originally posted by Vash:
Originally, halo was a 3rd person shooter. But Bungie decided it was too awkward and hard to aim like that so they made it into a 1st person shooter.

i know thats what they said but you would just follow the crosshairs anyway so whats the difference.

[Arolte]

Originally posted by Horsepoo!!!:
Who knows...all *I* know is that Halo's single-player story was very lack luster. The multiplayer was fun but brings nothing major or new over Marathon multiplayer when it comes to concept.

Not to hijack the thread or anything, but it's funny that you mention Marathon here. While there were a few minor references to the Marathon universe in Halo 1, that's pretty much as far as it went in terms of similarities. People have speculated that the universe between the two games overlaps somewhere--but some inconsistencies such as dates and places also appear to conflict between the two stories.

In terms of multiplayer gameplay, Halo 1 didn't feel like the original Marathon at all. Well sure it looked sort of like Marathon with its motion sensor in the HUD, SPNKr rocket launcher, a suited cyborg for main character, and returning gametypes (KotH, Oddball, etc.) but the multiplayer aspect of it didn't feel like Marathon at all. The slow running speed, falling damage, lack of dual wield weapons, etc. all made it like a completely different game with a fake plastic coating of Marathon slapped on to it.

Halo 2, on the other hand, is slightly different. I don't know how many of you have played it yet, but there are a few surprises in it that make the game feel a lot more like Marathon. Some are very subtle and some are not. For example falling damage is taken away and the running speed is slightly increased (still not as fast as Marathon though). You can also dual wield weapons--just as you did with the pistols and the shotguns in Marathon 2. And there's an added surprise when you finish the game that you'll immediately recognize from the days of Marathon 2, which I won't spoil for you.

It appears as if Bungie made a subtle attempt to make Halo 2 multiplayer feel more like Marathon. It's still a whole different game, no doubt about that, but if you've always wanted Halo to feel more like Marathon you may want to look into getting Halo 2 also. I just hope the sequel gets ported to PC and Mac later on, because as good as I've gotten with the console controller I still wouldn't recommend it over the traditional keyboard and mouse setup. I also believe paying a monthly fee for XBox Live is ridiculous. But with that aside I think a lot of old school Marathon fans would enjoy the sequel even more than the first Halo.

[johnt519]

Alright, it's been about a couple of weeks, and a couple of threadjacks, but still no word of an update. Last night I was only able to see 145 servers!

Please Westlake! How about an update?!? Their "support" site give no info or help.

Pleeeeeeeease, can we have an update??!!!

[Angus_D]

MacSoft claimed on the 26th November that it "should be available soon". Evidently, their definition of soon leaves something to be desired.

[johnt519]

Originally posted by Angus_D:
MacSoft claimed on the 26th November that it "should be available soon". Evidently, their definition of soon leaves something to be desired.

Where was this posted? I don't see any reference. Getting cranky.. last night it was down to about 120 servers...

[johnt519]

MacSoft? Westlake? Somebody? Anybody??

Down to 100 servers.. soon there'll be no online play!

Please!!

[Weezer]

Originally posted by johnt519:
MacSoft? Westlake? Somebody? Anybody??

Down to 100 servers.. soon there'll be no online play!

Please!!

you should email macsoft and complain, not post on a message board that they do not read. I play a game of halo almost every day and am really sick of not having PC people to shoot.

[Leonard]

Man, they ARE slow on this update. Or it's a big update. I haven't seen any update on this yet.

Then again, I've been busy playing UT2004 and C&C:Generals.

[GnOm]

Originally posted by Leonard:
Man, they ARE slow on this update. Or it's a big update. I haven't seen any update on this yet.

latest:
http://www.macsoftgames.com/products...o-Support.html


cheers.

[johnt519]

Yaaay! Halo update! Can't wait to get home to try it out!

Any one test it yet?

[a2daj]

The fixed a lot and including optimizations for R200 chipsets (Radeon 8500-9200) and Lens flares have been optimized for 10.3.5 and up. Also, GameRanger support (premium GR subscribers... VOIP Halo!)

Download link from MGF.

http://www.macgamefiles.com/detail.php?item=17997



¥ The Mac code is now in sync with version 1.06 of the PC code (Build 612).
¥ An "Advanced Pixel Shaders" option has been added to the Graphics Options window. This new rasterizer may be used on ATI 9600/9700/9800 and NVIDIA 6800 level hardware.
¥ Support for USB gamepads and joysticks has been added. NOTE: If you have multiple USB game controllers attached to your Mac and you experience control problems, remove all game controllers except the one you wish to play with before starting Halo.
¥ GameRanger support has been added (special thanks to Scott Kevill!).
¥ The Hardware Shaders menu in the Graphics Options window has been simplified ("Pixel + Vertex Shaders" and "NV Shaders" are now a single option).
¥ A change in the OpenGL description string for the NVIDIA 5200 fx was preventing Pixel Shaders from running optimally on the new G5 iMacs. This has been corrected.
¥ Model Reflections are now always active when using Pixel Shaders on ATI 9600/9700/9800 and NVIDIA 6800 level hardware. This prevents performance loss and graphics bugs.
¥ Lens flare effects have been greatly optimized for gamers using Mac OS X 10.3.5 or later.
¥ A bug with decal textures has been fixed on NVIDIA 5200 fx, 4 Ti, and 3 Ti hardware.
¥ A bug with night vision has been fixed on NVIDIA 5200 fx, 4 Ti, and 3 Ti hardware.
¥ The plasma shield effect has been fixed on ATI 9600/9700/9800 level hardware.
¥ Optimizations to the Vertex Shaders rasterizer have been made for ATI 8500/9000/9200 hardware.
¥ Minor optimizations have been made to the blur and warp screen effects on NVIDIA 5200 fx, 4 Ti, and 3 Ti hardware.
¥ A problem in the Pixel Shaders where 2D overlays (menus, health & shield indicator, ammo indicator, etc) would turn bright blue has been fixed.
¥ The rasterizer_fps console command is working again.
¥ Added a check to make sure the path to the Users/user name/Documents folder was valid.
¥ A memory calculation bug in Macs with greater than 4GB of RAM has been fixed.

[dab007]

After the update I'm unable to find one game server. Thanks for the great update

[a2daj]

Did you try inputing your IP address in the IP address box in the startup dialog box (hold down command while starting up the app if you disabled it).

Some people at IMG fixed networking issues by removing the IP address and ports or by putting in their IP address and dumping the ports. So try a few different things.

[dab007]

Originally posted by a2daj:
Did you try inputing your IP address in the IP address box in the startup dialog box (hold down command while starting up the app if you disabled it).

Some people at IMG fixed networking issues by removing the IP address and ports or by putting in their IP address and dumping the ports. So try a few different things.

I don't have a static IP. I use PPPOE

[dab007]

I entered the IP that I'm currently assigned too. I can see the servers but now I can't join any of them...

[johnt519]

Ick... Maybe I'll wait a little bit before I do the update! I can't see enough servers as it is now!

[MindFad]

Wow, it's actually just playable now on my dual 800 with Radeon 9000 with today's Halo update. Awexome.

[a2daj]

Originally posted by dab007:
I entered the IP that I'm currently assigned too. I can see the servers but now I can't join any of them...

Try deleting the ports in the startup dialog box. Someone else reported that restarting their computer fixed everything.

[dab007]

Thanks, That worked for me

[johnt519]

Took a chance, loaded it up and yippie - works just fine and all the servers are back, including the Bungie servers. I also did notice some graphical changes. I usually play with "vertex shaders only" (on my dual 2ghz G5 w/ radeon 9600). Doesn't look at nice as the pixel shaders, but it's much faster. But I now notice that when my shots hit other players, I can now see their shields glow for second. Before I'd only see the shield flash when it's depleted.

Nice Macsoft... thanks!

[macaddict0001]

How much of an improvement performance wise would this be over the 1.0.2 version?
(if you are wondering i why i haven't updated it, its because i don't want to have to insert the cd just to play the game.

[Dennis the Phantom Menace]

I downloaded & installed & everything seems fine! I'm glad we're finally catching up with the PC guys.

[a2daj]

Originally posted by johnt519:
Took a chance, loaded it up and yippie - works just fine and all the servers are back, including the Bungie servers. I also did notice some graphical changes. I usually play with "vertex shaders only" (on my dual 2ghz G5 w/ radeon 9600). Doesn't look at nice as the pixel shaders, but it's much faster. But I now notice that when my shots hit other players, I can now see their shields glow for second. Before I'd only see the shield flash when it's depleted.

Nice Macsoft... thanks!

The shield glow was in 1.02 but disappeared in 1.03-1.0.5.3. 1.5 fixes that bug.

[esXXI]

Does anyone else using a Radeon 7500 get bugs with the shields? They don't appear "on" people but appear 3-4ft (game-distance wise) to the left of everyone.

(Settings: Half Particles, no shaders (bah, I can't wait to get my iMac G5 ), highest textures)

[macaddict0001]

Originally posted by esXXI:
Does anyone else using a Radeon 7500 get bugs with the shields? They don't appear "on" people but appear 3-4ft (game-distance wise) to the left of everyone.

(Settings: Half Particles, no shaders (bah, I can't wait to get my iMac G5 ), highest textures)

I haven't noticed that on my ibook g4 800

[a2daj]

Originally posted by esXXI:
Does anyone else using a Radeon 7500 get bugs with the shields? They don't appear "on" people but appear 3-4ft (game-distance wise) to the left of everyone.

(Settings: Half Particles, no shaders (bah, I can't wait to get my iMac G5 ), highest textures)

I've noticed it. It happens on my PowerBook G4 800 with a Mobility Radeon 7500. I noticed it started happening in 10.3.6 with Halo 1.0.2 as well (that was the last version with the shield impact before the bug that removed them).

[Angus_D]

About damn time.

[macaddict0001]

Is the update worth it over 1.0.2

[esXXI]

Originally posted by macaddict0001:
Is the update worth it over 1.0.2

I seemingly get much better FPSes since the previous update, but that's just my view.. It did seem "smoother" to play.

@Replies: Thanks, I guess I can manage until I upgrade.. Or try reinstalling or something..

[a2daj]

Originally posted by macaddict0001:
Is the update worth it over 1.0.2

I'd say it would depend on your needs. Do you play multiplayer online? If yes, then yeah, you pretty much need to patch it for network compatibility.

If you only play single player, it would depend on your hardware. Do you have an R200 class card (Radeon 8500-9200)? If yes, then you may want to upgrade because Vertex Shader support for those cards has been improved. However, I've heard one person say it's still not as fast as the No Shaders renderer when a lot of models are onscreen. However, for those same cards, No Shader rendering seems to be broken. There are all kinds of crazy visual glitches.

Mac OS X 10.3.7 includes drivers which can significantly help performance for certain cards. I've only tested my Radeon 9800 but I saw some pretty bug jumps in performance. Plus, there's a new renderer called Advanced Pixel Shaders which adds some more eye candy for users with Radeon 9600+ and GeForce 6800. The GF FX 5200 could probably technically handle the Advanced PS, but would be too slow to bother using it.

But you should really just read my earlier post which has all the things the patch added/fixed and base your needs on that.

Is the iBook your only Mac you have that can play Halo?

[macaddict0001]

Yes its the only mac that can play halo, and since its a g4 ibook it has a 9200.