DeFRaG (computer game)
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DeFRaG is a free mod for id Software's Quake III. Unlike most other first person shooters, the bonus is not on killing, but rather on trickjumping and speed runs, and, depending on the individual player, the style with which these are accomplished. Skill is measured by the time in which maps are completed, and outstanding times can be submitted to an online high score table.
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DeFRaG
DeFRaG differs from traditional games in that it is totally linear in design - that is, there is no established structure or storyline. Players download player-designed maps and aim to complete the map's objectives in the shortest time possible. Most maps are designed like obstacle courses, with players needing to use various techniques in order to navigate through the course of the map, many of which involve using the weapons from Quake III in order to manipulate movement.
The learning curve is high, which can be offputting to beginners. Skills must be developed to a relatively high level before even the simplest of maps can be completed, and in general, a large amount of practice is required before a competitive map time can be achieved. The game does not generally aim to provide an enjoyable experience to beginners, and little help is given beyond a number of tutorial maps.
Maps and objectives
All maps share the common objective of finishing in the fastest time possible, but there are variations on how this is achieved.
- 'Run' - a flat-out race to the finish using whatever means necessary. The majority of maps are of this type.
- 'Accuracy' - where the map is completed after a certain number of targets have been hit with the railgun.
- 'Level' - similar to run maps, but provide a number of alternative ways of reaching the finish line.
- 'Fast caps' - measures the time taken to 'capture the flag' with no opposition.
- 'Training' - usually requires the successful usage of a particular technique in order to complete the level.
The type of map can usually be seen in its name, although some do not follow this convention.
The DeFRaG team periodically release new map packs, containing a number of officially sanctioned maps. These are generally the only maps on which times will be accepted for the high score tables. There are also a great variety of 'unofficial' maps, which are often sought after by expert players, those seeking to make game movies and those looking for something different from the official map packs.
Techniques
Each map will require any number of trickjumping techniques in order to complete. Most Training maps involve only one or two methods, but some more complicated Run and Level maps can require up to five or six.
- Strafe-jumping - Dating back to Quake, this basic technique is the basis of most DeFRaG maps. By moving sideways at the same time as jumping forward, a player can gain extra momentum, enabling them to jump over larger gaps and gain ever-important speed.
- Bunnyhopping - simply an extension of strafe-jumping. By linking jumps together and not walking, impressive amounts of speed can be gained.
- Rocket-jumping - The most basic weapon technique, utilised in countless other computer games. By firing a rocket at the same time as jumping, a player can jump much faster and higher. More complicated techniques involve landing on rockets fired from some distance away.
- BFG-jumping - The same premise as rocket-jumping, only using the BFG. Its more rapid rate of fire means it can provide almost unlimited vertical and horizontal momentum, at a cost of health and armour.
- Climb-jumping - By standing next to a solid object, aiming the plasma gun at the correct angle and holding fire, one can 'climb' over obstacles.
- Grenade-jumping - Again a similar premise to rocket-jumping. The player stands on a fired grenade and is propelled into the air.
- Overbounces - Technically a map flaw, they are usually not required in order to finish a map, but can be of great assistance in lowering times. By dropping from some height onto a solid floor, a random 'overbounce' may be triggered, rewarding the player with a stunning boost of momentum.
Various map sections will require quick timing and flawless execution of a number of these techniques.
Features
While these things can conceivably be done in vanilla Quake III, DeFRaG includes a number of features which make it more suitable for the purpose. These include:
- Special mapping features enabling the placement of specific start and finish zones
- Accurate automatic stopwatch counter, enabling easy comparison of times
- Automatic recording of demos of completed maps
- 'Ghost' system, in which a shadow of a player on their previous best time accompanies the active player, letting the player know instantaneously whether they are on track for a record or not
- Trick-mode, with all weapons enabled and unlimited health, for the purpose of either trickjumping or exploration of levels
Records
Providing the game with its competitive nature are the record tables, which measure the fastest times for particular maps. These can be global or for certain locales only. Earning a place on a global record table is highly prestigious in the DeFRaG community, as it is a demonstration of literally world-class skill. However, it is easier for general players to submit their times to regional record tables.
The game automatically records a demo of every successful map completed, and stores along with it the precise time in which the map was completed. This is stored to 3 decimal places, which is usually (but not always) enough to separate the records of individual players.
Movies
The relatively high-skill requirement of the game and the often-impressive spectacle it creates - along with the blistering pace - means that highly entertaining game movies are often made using DeFRaG content. Traditionally, especially impressive runs or pieces of trickjumping are included in sequence, usually in synchronisation with suitable music - although this depends on the preference of the movie editor. The DeFRaG demo-playback system includes settings to view the action from various angles and perspectives, and in the hands of a skilled producer, even a mediocre demo can be turned into something breathtaking. Famous movies include CeTuS: The Movie (http://www.planetquake3.net/download.php?op=viewdownloaddetails&lid=1687) and Trick 'Em All 2 (http://www.cyberfight.org/offline/movie/f/515/).
Multiplay
At this stage, multiplay does not feature highly in DeFRaG. While a supported feature, setting up a server is rather counter-intuitive, and players are not encouraged to attempt to do so without a lot of patience. Several internet servers do exist, which can be freely joined.
Multiplay generally involves a number of players either trickjumping or racing on 'Run' maps. With the 'interference' setting enabled, players can interact with each other, throwing one another off course with well placed weapon shots in an effort to finish first.
External links
Community
- Official DeFRaG home (http://www.planetquake.com/defrag/)
- Breakdown (http://www.breakdown-hq.com/)
- Overdrive PC Trickjumping Forums (http://www.overdrivepc.com/forum/)
- MousePotato Online Defrag (http://www.mousepotato.org/)
- Own-age Game Movies (http://www.own-age.com/)
- Pimpjumps (http://www.boxsocial.org/pimpjumps/)
- Tricking Q3 (http://www.trickingq3.com/)
- G3nrix's Site (http://q3a.sytes.net/)
- SpeedCapture (http://www.speedcapture.com/)
Regional
- German DeFRaG (http://www.german-defrag.de/)
- French DeFRaG (http://www.defrag-france.net/)
- Russian DeFRaG (http://defrag.hut.ru/)
- Polish Trickz Center (http://q3arena.gry.imro.pl/defrag/)
- Austrix: Australian and New Zealand DeFRaG (http://defrag.austrix.net/)
Personal
- Axelay's Vault (http://mystification.free.fr/)
- Gambit's Defrag (http://gambitsdefrag.free.fr/)
- MasterMatt's Site (http://mastermatt.free.fr/)
- Ryodox's Homepage (http://members.lycos.co.uk/ryodox/)
- Cheez's Maps (http://www.geocities.com/cheezcb/)
- Tricking_iT Homepage (http://www.planetquake3.net/tricking_it/)