Zero-K

Zero-K is a FREE, multiplatform, open-source RTS game. It aims to be dynamic, action-packed and hassle-free, full of clever strategies and constantly moving combat with games lasting an average 20-30 minutes. Some of the more prominent features: - Epic Scale from tiny fleas to huge mechs and gigantic superweapons that wreak havoc - hundreds or thousands of units on the battlefield, all easily viewable with a fully pannable and zoomable camera. - Realistic Physics mean each shot is physically simulated realtime - you can actually evade bullets if you micro-manage your units! Hills and terrain affect line of sight and radar coverage, and explosions deform the terrain. - Natural Balance allows units to depend on their natural characteristics and the benefits of the simulated environment, not contrived special damages to determine their effectiveness. - Terraforming - change the terrain: walls, ditches, ramps and more, to provide yourself with an extra tactical advantage. - Unique Abilities make sure units are fun to use! From jump-jets, gravity turrets, mobile shields, burning napalm, air drops, unit morphs - we've got it all and more! You can even control your units directly in First Person Mode! - Streamlined Economy - the economic system is complex without being tedious, with a simple interface and controls. Resources are unlimited and output can be scaled up as the game progresses, allowing for increasingly intense battles. The system is also designed to minimize slippery slope and allow skilled players to make comebacks from losing positions. - Planet Wars lets you take control of your own planet and fight for survival in an ongoing online campaign! There are a even more amazing features, but listing them isn't as fun as trying them out yourself! ;-) Zero-K is made by the players, for the players. All the game developers are active and experienced players. Balance and fun are assured.

What is new in this release:

• Game interface:
• new "selector" bar, shows idle constructors, commanders factories
• ally chat is automatically converted to speech (with Zero-K lobby)
• chat bubbles stack to bottom, only ally chat and point bubbles appear
• go to last alert button for minimap
• only ally chat makes "ping" sound
• changed default layout
• main menu layout tweaks and improvements
• bomber ammo icon displays for specs

• Lobby:
• removed rarely used features - quickmatching, follow, auto ready
• page loading in progress indicator for browser
• settings tab overhaul - easy way to pick one of graphics details presets
• after engine crash, lobby offers to switch to minimal config
• initial game resolution is set to match desktop resolution
• Zero-K lobby now distributes proper default configs with bindings and settings optimized for ZK

• PlanetWars:
• team balancing tweaks
• it is now possible to buy/sell influence from "locals" - at any time, at high (buy)/low (sell) prices

• Unit properties:
• Krow behavior fixed; now comes with a gravity gun
• Stiletto attack run length reduced by 33%
• Dante rocket salvo fires twice as fast (takes half as long to finish)
• Concussion Shell has more AoE and impulse; Disruptor Bomb does a bit more damage
• Plasma Containment Field no longer affects Heavy Machine Gun
• Shadow dives to hit targets under shields by default; can be made to never dive, dive against any target, or to always fly at low altitude.

• Misc:
• replaced commander teleport effect at start of game with a better one
• commanders grow dramatically in size with levels
• fixed Chicken Suicidal difficulty