http://www.halomaps.com Your Halo Modding Source http://www.halomaps.com/forum/index.php/topic,5887.0.html Thu, 9 Apr 2009 12:00:00 -0400 Hosting a HaloCE Dedicated Server? Need more functionality and don't know where to look? Abyll has developed a simple solution that will allow you more flexability than ever before.<br><br> This adds numerous custom commands, most notably team swap, and cmdfile (to load numerous commands from a file), and also has customizable admin levels to allow commands to be done from chat (with a / prefixing it).<br><br> Simple easy and to the point, just how we like things! Please visit our forum for more information! http://www.halomaps.com/forum/index.php/topic,5885.0.html Fri, 3 Apr 2009 12:00:00 -0400 First off I would like to thank everyone who has been using Arsenic. We have put a lot of hard work and effort into the development of this project. Without the help from our community we wouldn't have made it this far. We have gotten a lot of feedback and constructive criticism from our community members since the release back in February. Our test team has been tearing through the SlimDX beta versions like it's their job, Now it's your turn...<br><br> We're proud to announce the new SlimDX version of Arsenic. The reason for the switch over from Managed DirectX to SlimDX is pretty simple. "Managed DirectX is still usable, even with .NET 2.0 applications. However, there are a number of problems affecting MDX that make developing applications on it undesirable". There are numerous reason why MDX was becoming a dead end road for Arsenic.<br><br> We felt SlimDX was a much more stable environment for Arsenic especially in the long run. "SlimDX is an open source library originally prototyped by Promit Roy which allows .NET 2.0+ applications (including C#, VB.NET, IronPython, F#, and more) to use Microsoft's DirectX APIs, as well as several related Microsoft multimedia APIs. This role was previously filled for .NET 1.1 applications by Microsoft's own Managed DirectX (MDX) library. However, the age of .NET 1.1, and Microsoft's lack of interest in continuing MDX, have made it necessary to build a new library. Thanks to enthusiastic community support and the invaluable contributions of several other developers who have worked on and with SlimDX, the library has become a fully viable platform on which to build DirectX based applications. Our latest release is March 2009, and can be found for users and developers on the Download page".<br><br> For those of you who already have Arsenic all you have to do is launch the program and it will prompt you to upgrade. Remember you must have March 2009 SP1 installed in order for Arsenic to run properly. Once that is done you can begin using Arsenic as you did before.<br><br> I would like to thank our test team for all their hard work and everyone else for the interest they have shown in our project. You can expect more within the next few weeks from us. We have a list of add-ons that we are currently working on such as Scripting, adding AI Spawns, finished Tag Editor, etc. So keep your eyes pealed.<br><br> Bug Fixes...<br> 1. Handles compressed maps better<br> 2. Weapons and Equipment can now be duplicated<br><br> New Updates...<br> 1. Now using SlimDX instead of MDX for better compatibility with 64bit windows http://www.halomaps.com/forum/index.php/topic,5869.0.html Wed, 1 Apr 2009 12:00:00 -0400 The project is basically what the name implies. In game modding, meaning LIVE, during game. Not outside of Halo, inside Halo, while you are walking around! You can move any object in real time, have a Direct3D menu with tons of options without ever having to minimize, map/object editing options in the deep end, tools such as fly cam. I wanted to create something that will be useful to everyone, the possibilities for this application are endless.<br> <br> I'm looking for programmers, not modders, skinners or modelers, etc. I'm an advanced hobbyist C++ programmer, self taught, so I need someone who can keep up with me. I know quite a bit of Direct3D as well and can hook and reverse like it's my job.<br> <br> If you are interested in participating please visit the link above. Thank you for your time! http://www.halomaps.com/forum/index.php/topic,5831.0.html Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0400 At this point in time our test team consists of only a few men. It's important we extend this invitation out and see what kind of feedback we get from it. The doors will not be open for long, so please take this opportunity to consider what we are asking. If you have the time, effort and are willing to help us out we would very much appreciate it. This is a great way to get involved with your community members and work together as one.<br> <br> It's also very important we get a wide range of people with different computer setups (ex: Window XP/Vista 32/64bit, Processors, Graphic Cards, etc.) to test from. Every machine is different and our main focus is ironing out all the wrinkles. Arsenic has come along way since the first initial release and we plan to continue this journey with a solid test team!<br> <br> Our goal is to make sure everyone can enjoy the same experience as the next person without any holdups. We put a lot of time and effort into listening to what everyone has to say, your input is extremely important and we will continue to value that.<br> <br> It's important we keep the Halo Modding Community alive... Thank you! Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0400 The new version of Arsenic which contains the new SlimDX is currently being reviewed by our internal test team. If everything goes accordingly we should be ready to roll this update out within the next few days. We have also fixed a number of bug issues since the last v1.0.0.12 update. Those fixes will be included along side the SlimDX Update. I will post an updated list of changes that have been made via forum.<br> <br> Thank you for all the support you've given us. We value everyone's input and will continue to take your modding needs to the next level. Wed, 4 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0400 Bug Fixes...<br> 1. Fixed error if you export a map twice without closing between builds.<br> 2. 64bit work around.<br> <br> New Updates...<br> 1. Loading status is now displayed.<br> 2. Built in FTP Exporting, Xbox Cache Erasing & Map Uploading. http://www.halomaps.com/forum/index.php/topic,5853.0.html Tue, 3 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0400 As many of you have noticed, a lot of users have had complaints with Arsenic. All of these users are running a 64bit OS. Arsenic is built with a 'any-cpu' flag set, which means 32 bit cpus will load the application into 32bit CLR memory, and 64bit cpus will load into their own CLR. The issue isn't with Arsenic, but with the managed directx wrapper that Microsoft made. Microsoft no longer supports MDX 2.0 and left it in favor for XNA. MDX will not load into 64bit CLR.<br> <br> There is a workaround, just setting Arsenic to compile for 32bit mode only will fix this, but MDX 2.0 is already too buggy to begin with. I could switch Arsenic to use the XNA framework but I wouldn't like that since I feel XNA is more of an XBOX API. I have decided that Arsenic will begin using SlimDX, which is in essence a Managed wrapper for DirectX. It is currently active and supported. It also works under 32 bit and 64 bit.<br> <br> While I transition Arsenic to SlimDX there will be no more updates. The final update before then will be 1.0.0.12 which includes FTP and Loading status. Sat, 28 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0400 Bug Fixes...<br> 1. Auto Update fixed. Now detects internet connection and does not crash if server is down. Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0400 We've been paying close attention to what's been going on in the "bug report" section of our forum. We are extremely dedicated to this project and will continue to work out the kinks!<br> <br> Thank you for participating and leaving us feedback, it's very much appreciated.<br> <br> Bug Fixes...<br> 1. Fixed 'Save Scenario' after adding an outside tag to the scenario<br> 2. Opens and properly displays CE BSP's Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0400 Bug Fixes...<br> 1. Fixed DirectX Anti alias (will now work for more users)<br> 2. Fixed the bug where you can't reopen a closed tab window<br> <br> New Updates...<br> 1. Added Selected Object Axis<br> 2. Can now move object via X and Y axis using arrow keys http://www.halomaps.com/forum/index.php/topic,5837.0.html Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0400 Punkpc created a two part video tutorial on how to get Arsenic up and running for the people who are new to the modding scene.<br> <br> There is also a collection or links that will direct you to some of the patches your Windows machine will need in order to run this program. Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0400 Bug Fixes...<br> 1. Minimizing Window Error<br> 2. -1 Name Fix for in Game Objects<br> 3. Device Lost (DirectX / Screen Savor Issue)<br> 4. Save Scenario As (make sure your XboxTags folder is NOT selected as read only)<br> 5. Adjusted Objects Control Speed (hit + and - on the numpad to change the object speed)<br> <br> New Updates...<br> 1. Verification Updater<br> 2. Changes Internal Map Names<br> 3. Loads Compressed Xbox Maps<br> 4. Tag Explorer & Tag Editor Swapped (easier use)<br> 5. Complies Maps to both NTSC & PAL (view settings tab) http://www.halomaps.com/forum/index.php/topic,5815.0.html Sun, 22 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0400 This program is pretty much all you're going to need when it comes to modding Halo.<br> <br> Arsenic's hardcore power ranges from its visually stunning graphics to its built in game and tag editor. You can chose anything within a map such as scenery, weapons, vehicles, etc... and hot swap on the drop of a dime.<br> <br> Duplication is now made easy with our new point and click system. Any object you wish to move in Arsenic will move and suck to the mesh or structure of your map, this will save you a lot of time when placing stuff in your environment.<br> <br> Our built in tag editor is amazing and simple to use, for example click on a warthog then chose the tag editor. You will be able to edit a wide range of physics right on the spot, all changes will take effect when you save your map.<br> <br> Arsenic has a built in Auto Update feature which will be a life savor when future updates are released. All updates will come from halomaps.com so anyone using this program will always have an up-to-date version. The updates will automatically be applied when you open up Arsenic.<br> <br> As of right now the beta release will be structured around modding Xbox maps and tags. What you can expect in the near future from us...<br> <br> 1. Built-in FTP (uploading maps to your Xbox)<br> 2. Halo CE Map Editing<br> 3. Load Compressed Xbox Maps<br> 4. Scripting, etc...<br> <br> Note: Keep in mind this is a beta release!<br> <br> Arsenic is a HaloMaps exclusive only, welcome back to Halo 1 modding people! This is one bad ass program, better get those old modded Xbox's out of your closet. http://www.halomaps.com/forum/index.php/topic,5815.0.html Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0400 We felt it was only fair to release a video that shows you what Arsenic is capable of. In this video you will see its basic functionality and just how easy it is to mod with our new drag an drop system, on the fly swapping and many more in-depth features we won't spoil as of just yet.<br> <br> We hope you enjoy the video, leave us some feedback... Thank you! Wed, 18 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0400 We are pleased to announce that our brand new dedicated server is up and running, I would like to thank the Convergent Team for their hard working efforts and having to deal with me on top of it.<br> <br> This means the beta release of Arsenic will be delivered as promised this Sunday, February 22, 2009 @ 12am. We will also be posting a teaser video of Arsenic to show you just how powerful this program actually is. I think there's a lot of misconceptions and people who might not understand just how solid this program actually is.<br> <br> So keep your eyes pealed... Sun, 15 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0400 We're experiencing a huge upset with our server company as you can see. This entire week was devoted to the release of Arsenic, which then came to a screeching halt at the last minute.<br> <br> The beta release will be rescheduled for this coming Sunday, February 22, 2009. I do apologize, but this is out of our hands at this point in time. Please don't be upset, we're trying our best to resolve this long awaited issue!<br> <br> I'm just as upset as anyone else, so keep that in mind. Sun, 8 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0400 We're experiencing some unexpected server issues at the moment. We are aware of the problem and we are trying our best to resolve the issue. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused, but the forums will be up and running shortly!<br> <br> Update: Server issue was resolved...<br> <br> However keep in mind HaloMaps is being moved to a brand new dedicated server this week. If you see any downtime it's because we are shifting everything over to the new server. Thank you for your cooperation! Mon, 2 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0400 I would like to give you a heads up about our new online chat room. This can give you quick and easy access to congregate with your friends or ask various modding related questions.<br> <br> The other nice feature we have built into our chat room is Username Registration, take advantage of this easy and secure process! The registration link is below the login button.<br> <br> Also note if you are having issues loading the chat (404 error) it's because you don't have Java installed. Most browsers supply a plug-in fix for Java but it will not install properly (a known browser issue), your other option is to click the Java Chat Software link to install it manually! http://www.halomaps.com/forum/index.php/topic,5790.0.html Sun, 1 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0400 Before I get into anything I just want to thank each and every one of you for the support you've given us over the years. HaloMaps was born many years ago, and this community grew and blossomed into something I never thought to be possible. After many years of helping people and creating mods for the game we all love, my interest started to fall short of what used to be such an inspiration. I had a few complications over the past few years which I won't get into detail about, but now I'm back.<br> <br> CLuis and I have been working on a project for quite some time now and we both decided to make it a welcome home gift along with the resurrection of our domain... HaloMaps!<br> <br> The website itself has had a huge overhaul in many aspects. Some people may have moved on with their lives and put this scene behind them. I plan to change that with the release of Arsenic and the fresh new look of HaloMaps. We plan to spark a massive interest in this community once again and also with the help from all of you.<br> <br> February 15th, 2009 will be the day this community re-opens and the Halo gods will reunite! So mark your calendars because you don't want to miss this!