Global Conflict Blue 2 (GCB2)

[Dust]

I'm pleased to announce development for a new version of the game. See the gcblue.com wiki for screenshots and more info: http://www.gcblue.com/wiki/index.php/GCB2

Text from the wiki:

Global Conflict Blue 2 (GCB2) is the next version of GCB, the open source real-time naval and air war game. GCB2 development started in January 2007 as a port of GCB using the Truevison3D (http://www.truevision3d.com/) graphics engine. Continuing work has advanced game capabilities, leveraging the TV3D engine to provide high quality graphics while allowing game development to focus on game play.
Truevision3D DirectX graphics - Graphics handled by Truevision3D engine using DirectX for better compatibility with Windows systems and faster frame rates
Open database and art - Database, scenario files, AI scripts, and 3D models will remain in an open format. Players can study and modify game files with commonly available editing tools. Game engine code is not available for distribution. GCB2 engine code may be available as GPL open source in the future. The Truevision3D library is commercial software.
Global bathymetry data - Ocean depth data has been added to maps
Improved GUI - Improved start screen and multiplayer lobby GUI screens
Game loading and saving - Game can be saved to a file and loaded later to resume play
Customizable air loadouts - Air loadouts can be customized in the database and are automatically linked to game controls
Naval formations - Surface ships can grouped into formations and dynamically repositioned during game
Bug fixes - Many small bug fixes
More - Much more to come! Beta release

A closed beta release of the game will follow soon. Please email beta2@gcblue.com if you are interested in participating in early testing.

:ping:

[XabbaRus]

Looks a lot better thatn original GCB which I did get running in the end.

Do you still use .3ds as teh model format? If so I have a bunch of textured models from SCX and DW which I made and could offer.

[Seeadler]

GCB2 development started in January 2007 as a port of GCB using the Truevison3D (http://www.truevision3d.com/) graphics engine.
A neat 3D Engine for the price, I own a 6.5 license for a private project.

[Dust]

Looks a lot better thatn original GCB which I did get running in the end.

Do you still use .3ds as teh model format? If so I have a bunch of textured models from SCX and DW which I made and could offer. we can import it, thanks for the offer. :D

[Amiral Crapaud]

It looks very nice Dust. One should really keep an eye on your nice work guys, looks like it may really become da reference :)

[Dust]

http://www.gcblue.com/files/install_gcb2_102.exe

a newer testversion

:ping:

[Amiral Crapaud]

I just installed it and played it for the first time - it rocks!
Very intuitive interface, fluidity, quick reaction time, stability... Well I can feel the change over my good old lagging Fleet Command, which wouldn't let me play more than half an hour before another CTD...

Really that's a great job. Anyone who played Harpoon and FC will not feel lost at all (didn't even check the manual for my first try) and, still, the qualitative and interface leap forward is huge. Can't wait to see accurate models for the plate-formes, engine sounds, ship wakes and all :cool:

[Dust]

http://www.gcblue.com/files/install_gcb2_103.exe

new test version

[Dust]

http://www.gcblue.com/files/install_gcb2_104.exe

- Additional test options on option page to manually adjust some 3D graphics parameters
- Added second (lower resolution) map tier to allow viewing four times as much area at once for bigger scenarios
- More map area included with installer (eventually will have separate download for full maps)
- Some fixes for longitude wrap bugs near Bering Sea
- Adjusted map projection for less distance distortion at high latitudes
- Added bearing errors to bearing only sensors
- Bearing-only detections now triangulated with uncertainty instead of cheating with exact location

[FERdeBOER]

Keep up the good work!! :up:

[XabbaRus]

I keep coming back to this and I still need to upload models for you.

I see you have an FTP for that.

Send me a PM with your e-mail Iand I'll send some of what I have and you can say if you are happy with them or not.

I am downloading the new one now. The only thing I didn't like about earlier versions once I got it working well was the interface for the menu screen.

Ultimately what I'd love to see is this kind of thing that can work down to the tactical level.

You can play GCB standalone as it is giving orders for units etc, but in an MP environment it could link to a DW type sim and the player of say the FFG receives orders and info from the higher level commanders playing GCB at staff level. If you had a dedicated server you could set up a scenario which keeps running even if the commander of GCB leaves and when you hook in with your tactical sim you select the unit you want and continue.

A pipedream probably.

[DCOg]

I have tried to install twice & each time the install crashes.
Is there something extra that needs to be done for this to work?

DCOg

[Dust]

I keep coming back to this and I still need to upload models for you.

I see you have an FTP for that.

Send me a PM with your e-mail Iand I'll send some of what I have and you can say if you are happy with them or not.

I am downloading the new one now. The only thing I didn't like about earlier versions once I got it working well was the interface for the menu screen.

Ultimately what I'd love to see is this kind of thing that can work down to the tactical level.

You can play GCB standalone as it is giving orders for units etc, but in an MP environment it could link to a DW type sim and the player of say the FFG receives orders and info from the higher level commanders playing GCB at staff level. If you had a dedicated server you could set up a scenario which keeps running even if the commander of GCB leaves and when you hook in with your tactical sim you select the unit you want and continue.

A pipedream probably. i asked dewitt where you can send him the files, hope he is soon back from his business trip.

you are not alone with your dream. ;)

it is still a goal, a war simulation where you can play at different levels, from strategic level to 1st person. but this will combine several programms, http://csp.sourceforge.net is one of them.

:ping:

[Dust]

I have tried to install twice & each time the install crashes.
Is there something extra that needs to be done for this to work?

DCOgno, should install without problems, more details please.

[XabbaRus]

I like the new interface and it is a lot smoother. I havea new GFX card anyway but I do think this has a lot of potential though.

The only minor thing I have is that some of the ship models need updating but I can help with that. Also watching the missiles fly they seem to be a bit odd. Is it real world physics? I don't know if you plan it but it would be good to see the guns firing.

Good work though.:rock:

[Reaper51]

Ah how nice it is to see GCB running on my computer. The original just wouldn't run, but GCB 2 seems to run just fine.

Just one thing, while surfaced in the kilo, I didn't see an option to use my masts?
I was playing the sub tutorial, by the way.

[Delareon]

looks like a very cool project, but the linked wiki page is down,
or the wiki isnt configured.
Are the link no longer correct or do some other sites exist?

[Dust]

its with detailed physics, realworld physics would imply fluid dynamics like http://www.caelinux.com/

mast options should be there. did you also try different scenarios?

wiki is down at the moment, the isp changed some stuff so dewitt needs to install it again when he is back from his business trip.

models, improvements and all other help is very appreciated. you can also post in the gcb forum.

:ping:

[Frosttty]

Error 85D03. Game frame failed to initialize. That's the error I get when I try to run the program. I'm running XP. Any advice?

[Dust]

Error 85D03. Game frame failed to initialize. That's the error I get when I try to run the program. I'm running XP. Any advice?http://www.gcblue2.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?p=1814#p1814

[Dust]

Version 1.0.6

http://www.gcblue2.com/files/install_gcb2_106.exe

This version has a lot of updates, new features and likely new bugs. Coming soon, I'm also working on a couple of new scenarios and updating the manual.

Simulation improvements
- Improved damage model -- Added more general damage model with physical effects like blast, fragmentation, kinetic energy, etc.
- Larger damage footprints -- Support for area effects of single warhead nuclear missiles, bombs, torpedoes
- Air-to-air guns -- Improved the sim to handle air-to-air guns and also better model for ship point defense guns
- Smart bombs -- Sim models for GPS and laser guided bombs and wing kits, previously the sim would only handle unguided gravity bombs
- Aerial refueling -- In-flight refueling with tankers
- Air formations -- Basic air formations now possible (mainly to support refueling)
- Chaff/flare countermeasures
- Approximate ranging for passive detections
- Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) ESM model for rapid alerts vs threat radars
- Line of sight/terrain masking calculation for sensors

Interface updates
- More group commands in popup menu, some new group hotkeys
- When group is selected, can cycle through group in PlatformControl window
- Tactical view area shown in world map. Can click world map to recenter tactical view
- Added a third map layer for zooming out even more
- "Minimal 3D" option to shut off 3D model rendering
- Velocity leader option for heading vectors (vector length proportional to speed)

Multiplayer
- Upgraded server with more automation
- Players can start another game after one finishes while remaining logged in to server
- Players can surrender and mutually agree to end game (/surrender and /endgame commands)
- Players can change scenario on server (via selecting scenario in normal scenario window)
- Added compression for some multiplayer data. Less bandwidth needed for unit state updates in multiplayer
- Fixed bug that caused some platforms to jump backwards after each update at client
- New server at gcblue.servegame.com (still working some availability and DNS issues). Can get basic server status at
http://gcblue.servegame.com/index.html If time is incrementing then server is up.

Other
- Added "sleep" to game loop to reduce CPU load when the game doesn't need it
- Added some neutrals (oil tanker) to some scenarios
- Added Ohio SSGN model from Gabriel, FFG-7 model from Guido, other misc 3D model cleanup

Miscellaneous bug fixes
- Bug fix with sound. Game could crash if too many sounds occured simultaneously (e.g. synchronous bomb release)
- Bug fix where air bases at 1000 m elevation or higher would not accept landing aircraft

[Dust]

Version 1.0.7

http://www.gcblue2.com/files/install_gcb2_107.exe (full version with standard maps)
http://www.gcblue2.com/files/install_gcb2_107patch.exe (patch from 1.0.6 to 1.0.7)

Additional map files:
http://www.gcblue2.com/files/install_gc ... outham.exe (http://www.gcblue2.com/files/install_gcb2maps_centsoutham.exe)
http://www.gcblue2.com/files/install_gc ... leeast.exe (http://www.gcblue2.com/files/install_gcb2maps_middleeast.exe)

Manual by itself:
http://www.gcblue2.com/files/GCB2_Manual_107.pdf

Server updated to 1.0.7, gcblue.servegame.com
Status page at http://gcblue.servegame.com:3080/index.html (if time is incrementing then server is up)

This version has minor updates and bug fixes:
- Updated pdf manual that is installed with game. Commands and tutorial walk-throughs updated.
- Added display of uncertainty region for passive sonar contacts
- Improved air intercept. Intercept (unless canceled) will have aircraft enter close formation behind target for gun solution
- Aircraft in takeoff position shown in 3D
- Fixed sonar database values. Old values made many ships and subs far too quiet
- Adjusted SM1 database params
- SM1 and SM2 updated to allow ship targets. Warhead still detonates before impact (as with air targets) so mainly does sensor damage.

[Castout]

Wow looks very promising though I haven't tried it.
Please keep us updated.

Especially on its final public release.

Thank you. You have no idea how much you made me happy today knowing this kind of game exist and it's free lol.

[Dust]

Beta release 1.0.8

This version is mainly a scenario editor upgrade. See the tutorial pdf for an example of how to use the new scenario edit mode features. Some development tools were updated so OpenAL and VC Redistributable may have to be reinstalled (normally these are installed by default).

Version 1.0.8
http://www.gcblue.com/files/install_gcb2_108.exe

Scenario editing tutorial
http://www.gcblue.com/files/gcblue2_sce ... torial.pdf (http://www.gcblue.com/files/gcblue2_scenario_tutorial.pdf)

Additional map data
http://www.gcblue.com/files/install_gcb2maps_giuk.exe (Greenland Iceland UK region)
http://www.gcblue.com/files/install_gcb ... outham.exe (http://www.gcblue.com/files/install_gcb2maps_centsoutham.exe) (Central and northern part of South America)
http://www.gcblue.com/files/install_gcb ... leeast.exe (http://www.gcblue.com/files/install_gcb2maps_middleeast.exe) (Middle East)

[Dust]

Version 1.0.9
http://www.gcblue.com/files/install_gcb2_109.exe

Bug fixes
- Fixed crash to desktop that happened when viewing near North Pole sometimes
- Fixed map data error where thin strip of land near E180 deg longitude was all set to 0 m height

Simulation updates
- Radar model supports "look-down" performance degradation for targets within clutter horizon. One case for target over land, another for target over water.
- Sensor models support elevation coverage and elevation accuracy for height finding

Interface
- Scenario editor now correctly saves scenarios with more than 2 sides
- Added Tutorial/ScenarioTemplate2 scenario as template with 3 sides (third side neutral to other two)
- Clicking on platform in Platform Summary panel (upper left) now changes tactical map region automatically to make it easier to follow action over large areas

Database changes
- Added MinElevation_deg, MaxElevation_deg, ElevationError_deg to all sensor tables (radar, sonar, optical, esm, ecm)
- Added ElevationBeamwidth_deg, LookdownLand_dB, LookdownWater_dB to radar table

[Dust]

Here's a version to try out for testing the new database format, install on top of old one (backup first):

http://www.gcblue.com/files/install_gcb2_110_partialtest.exe

This is not the next release.

[PeriscopeDepth]

I just tried this again. Hadn't played GCB in a while. It's fantastic, once you guys fill out the database I will be spending a lot of time with this game. Very well done.

PD

[Dust]

Beta Release 1.1.0

Highlights:
- Support for windowed mode
- Damage model has reduced random damage variation
- Added area goal type so win/loss conditions can be based on reaching a location
- Waypoint editing has been improved. You can create new waypoints by clicking on a leg in the middle part and dragging out a new waypoint. Or click and hold and hit the delete key to remove a waypoint. Right clicking a waypoint brings up a menu to allow you to set speed, altitude, and add tasks that are triggered when reaching the waypoint.
- New air mission editor
- A few new database platforms and associated equipment, much more on the way
- Lots of other small fixes and improvements

Latest files:
Full version installer (http://www.gcblue2.com/files/install_gcb2_110.exe) - Full 1.1.0 installer with all map and data files
Patch installer (http://www.gcblue2.com/files/install_gcb2_110_patch.exe) - Patch installer for 1.0.9 to 1.1.0
Updated game manual (http://www.gcblue2.com/files/GCB2_Manual_v110.pdf) - Minor updates to the previous manual
Updated scenario editing guide (http://www.gcblue2.com/files/gcblue2_scenario_editor_guide_v110.pdf) - Has new section at end for mission editor walk-through

[Castout]

Very promisng i too bad I don't have the time to test it at the moment. But from the previous version which I tried it looked very promising indeed. Thank you for all your toil.

will try and test the most recent version when I have the time I'm full during this weekend. But I can read the manual though.

[Blacklight]

I like this game a lot. GCB2 runs a LOT better on my system than GCB1 did (GCB1 always lagged and froze my computer up for some reason). GCB2 runs beautifly and smoothly. Any chance that we'll get to see a scenario editor any time soon ?

[Dust]

best you look into the forum for more infos about the scenario editing and download the scenario editing guide.

http://www.gcblue2.com/files/gcblue2_scenario_editor_guide_v110.pdf
http://www.gcblue2.com/phpBB3/index.php

there are the latest infos about work in progress.

[CapitanPiluso]

Thanks for this,really a good job.:yeah:

I haven't had enough time to run the game,but first impression is superb, mainly a clean, intuitive and stylish interface ( hope some day Matrix guys can learn )

[Robsoie]

Wow, how could i have missed this extremely impressive GCB2 naval sim for so much time.
I have tried quickly the latest version ( 1.1.0 i believe) and i was amazed, .

The potential of this is so incredible that i am wordless, there are so few sims in the genre of Fleet Command/Harpoon, that i can't believe all the Subsim radio room enthousiasts are not jumping happily all over it.
Oh in fact i know why, because the noise would trigger a bit too much the sonar counter-detection ;)

More seriously, if you have ever enjoyed Harpoon or Fleet Command, try GCB2 as soon as you have some time, it is purely amazing.

Superb work http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/images/icons/icon14.gif !

[Kazuaki Shimazaki II]

My sentiments exactly. Except for air operations. I don't get it. I know that they might not have had time to research everything, but the air ops. OUCH! Isn't it a bit much that every air operation takes about 30 seconds to complete. Even if you hadn't researched it, surely you can put in better answers than 30 seconds!

Another problem is the plummet in map quality once you get outside of the East Asian area. I know it is under development, but come on, don't just go all Blue on me when I zoom in in Iran (or at the very least, don't package any scenarios that are not in the high fidelity area)...

[Boomer Ang]

Hi,

I have been lurking since.......more than 5-6 years here..... every now and them I jumped in but I only saw lot of passioned guys but no new good sim game at all.

I have now discovered this gorgeous creation, I want to make my best compliments to the author and his mates, I have never seen so much talent :ping:

Please Dust keep up the good work, many other men will join when this project will be known, that's for sure.

I have given this incredible game a very very short look and I see it has an huge potential, and when I'll be back from vacation at the beginning of September I would like to play it for sure, that's oustanding indeed ! :salute:

Roughly 8-10 years ago I produced few 688, DW and Fleet Command sound packs, if I can be of help in someways I would be more than honored to participate into this open source magnificent project. :yep:

I noticed in the 2 darts show that planes make no sound when cruising into the 3D enlarged view, maybe it is only tutorial mission related, anyway I'll be back on September to try to contribute or just to play and customize this incredible creation.

My Best Compliments !!!

[Dust]

best you look into the forum for updated test versions.

http://www.gcblue2.com/phpBB3/index.php

[Blacklight]

I'm just curious. Is Global Conflict Blue 2 intended to be a commercial release when finished, or is it going to remain under a General Public Liscence ?

I'm really likeing what I'm seeing so far btw !

[XabbaRus]

dust could you post a link to the download, I can't find one on the forum

cheers

[dd149]

http://www.gcblue2.com/files/install_gcb2_110.exe
http://www.gcblue2.com/files/GCB2_Manual_v110.pdf
http://www.gcblue2.com/files/gcblue2_scenario_editor_guide_v110.pdf
http://www.gcblue2.com/files/install_gcb2maps_all.exe

All necessary files incl additional maps for the latest version, note maps ara optional and a big download more than 600 Mo

Looks quite interesting compared to the old Fleet Command

[dd149]

The present download is not working due to expiry date on betas, we will have to wait for a new one.

[Castout]

A new beta 1.12 is out get it here
http://www.gcblue2.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=632

I will certainly try it

[Robsoie]

After reading that the previous beta had an expiration date, i begin to wonder what is exactly the nature of GCB2 : is this a free software or is this in fact a continuous beta test for a commercial software ?

[Herman]

I think that it will someday be a commercial release. GCB1 was totally public; source code and everything. GCB2 is only public for testing purposes. The source code has not been released, AFAIK.

[Caseck]

Holy catfish! Where did this come from?

Downloading now.

1.12 now.

[Lucky Jack]

Just downloaded it, very good. A lot of fun.

[Gorshkov]

Seven years long development time and still no final release announced so far. When will we be close to the end of this journey?

As for now only old Harpoon 3 is a sole choice...oh, yes - its Ultimate Edition is coming! ;)

[Blacklight]

Which is just every public version of Harpoon ever released all together in one big bundle.

[Herman]

And customers are just 'allowed' to re-purchase all the same things they already own. :rotfl2:

[Gorshkov]

Not all customers already have previous Harpoon version. BTW some of them are more playable than another... :rotfl2:

[Krabb]

Is someone still here? :ping:

What is the difference between 3D Cheat Mode options: "Own-alliance 3D only", "Track 3D", "Track 3D+" and "Cheat"? They all look similar to me, except the last one, which is obvious.

[Krabb]

So, after a couple of experiments, they are indeed the same. That is, Own-alliance and both Track 3Ds just disable cheat mode, and are the same in all other respects (ver. 1.25). Funny thing.

[GreySpike66]

Hello fellow seafarers I am also amazed at this! But I can't play it it says has expired, alsoi tried link for 1.12 but web site up for sale anybody know of another link?:yeah:







I have fixed it had to run 1.00 first then apply fix all good now watch out bad guys. geeze that was corny. Out

[Krabb]

Check here: http://gcblue.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page. Also look on their forums, there are some unofficial updates.

[Rex Ursus]

This looks interesting. I'm tired of waiting to find a Dangerous waters opponent. So I will try this.

[Doctor Haider]

People, what had happen to this project? I mean, the Global Conflict Blue. The official website and forum are offline. Very sad :( Does anybody know something?

[Hawk66]

can't tell you what has happened...but the code is on github: https://github.com/gcblue/gcblue

Frankly, due to the success of Command Naval Operations, I do know if it woud had make sense to continue this project - although the 3d view was nice.

[Krabb]

I didn't really followed, so maybe I'm wrong in details. Its main and sole developer stopped to work on it due to low chance of success of a commercial version or whatever, but open-sourced the project: https://github.com/gcblue/gcblue. After that, there was another update (1.26.004) by a modder (forgot his name, he did some AI scripts and DB modding), but then he went to university. So, the project is on hold, or, as I see it, pretty much dead.

[Doctor Haider]

I didn't really followed, so maybe I'm wrong in details. Its main and sole developer stopped to work on it due to low chance of success of a commercial version or whatever, but open-sourced the project: https://github.com/gcblue/gcblue. After that, there was another update (1.26.004) by a modder (forgot his name, he did some AI scripts and DB modding), but then he went to university. So, the project is on hold, or, as I see it, pretty much dead.

thanks for the info.

[artao]

Recently got an urge to play a game like this again. I thought I had the install files on my computer, but apparently I only have this map installer and a patch, so that's no good.
Is there a compiled version available anywhere? There's little to no chance I'd be able to compile this on my machine. I've only had limited success compiling one or two things under Linux, and never under Windows.
And Command: Air/Naval Ops? WAY WAY too expensive. Ridiculously expensive. Not gonna pay 80+ bucks for a minor hobby. Shockingly expensive.
Barring finding install files for GCB2, I suppose I could attempt installing Fleet Command under Win 7 -- but I've read that that doesn't work that well. Beyond that, I guess it's install DOSBox and Harpoon II Commander's Edition (which isn't a bad idea, in general)

[Janus]

Does anyone still have the installer hosted anywhere? I noticed that my copy of it is corrupted :wah:

[Herman]

Check your PMs.

[PurpleCow]

Does anyone have a link to the latest download of Global Conflict Blue 2? The domain name is now with a domain squatter and I have been unable to find the latest release.

[Herman]

Check your PMs.

[Herman]

Check your PMs.

[artao]

Check your PMs.
I also would very much appreciate a link. You're the man Herman! :Kaleun_Cheers:

[Herman]

Check your PMs.

[Tnih_n]

Hello guys ! I managed to find an archived of the latest version i could find from this game :

https://www.axfc.net/u/3678391%20gcb2_126.004_150801_full.exe :Kaleun_Thumbs_Up:

This version probably newer than Herman 's version :Kaleun_Salute:

[Tnih_n]

Based on Herman request, i've uploaded the file here :
https://1drv.ms/u/s!Aq9riP7DuMOSiAK-eDbrge7eFDWU?e=1lF3gl

Enjoy :Kaleun_Salute: