Take to the air with Loki Eliot’s new Battle Balloons
As I wrote back in July 2013, Loki Eliot is many things. Games developer, content creator, blog / philosopher to name but three, and his Escapades Island in Second Life is legendary.
At the time I made those comments, I was writing about his free, Star Trek inspired starship battle game that allowed players to face off against one another flying either a Federation Starship or a Klingon Bird of Prey.
Since then, Loki has been refining things, generating a wholly original game, Battle Balloons, in the process. He’s just announced the launch of the game on SL Marketplace, and it again demonstrates that while SL may not be a game, it is possible to develop some fun game-focused experiences which can be shared among friends.
I think for a lot of people the experience that is Second Life revolves around visiting places, looking at pretty objects and chatting to people. There are the odd rides, combat systems and role playing groups but its always a bit rare to find simple instantly fun epic gaming experience.
And he’s right. What’s more, Battle Balloons fills the void perfectly. The essence of the game is to fly an armed, powered balloon and try to shoot down those flown by your opponents. Each balloon has a crew of two, a pilot and a gunner, who much work together, as Loki explains:
It is the pilot’s job to keep the airship in the sky, avoiding other cannon fire while collecting repair crates. It is the Gunners job to shoot down the other teams battling for air supremacy. Gunners must be careful not to shoot repair crates, unless of course you are trying to prevent the other teams from getting them … The game, while a shooting game, is also one of corroboration. While the Gunner is on the offensive, the pilot is on the defensive and success often relies on a balance between the two as you compete against others.
Fly through the repair crates to recover from damage your balloon has sustained
Battle Balloons comes complete with a balloon rezzing platform and vendor, a spectator platform, and hovering repair crate dispensers (shown in the image above), all supplied Copy, No Mod / Transfer. Loki tells me he is considering releasing a standalone balloon with texture kit, for those people who want to run team-based competitions.
While not specifically designed for the Oculus Rift, Loki notes the game works “pretty well” with the headset – and his request that the Lab include a means of firing guns while wearing an Oculus came directly from the development of Balloon Battles.
The game, seen in show #20 of The Drax Files: World Makers, can be purchased via the SL Marketplace, and for those wanting to try it out for themselves and get a feel for it, a version is available to play above Escapades Island.
So, if you’re looking for a new attraction for your region, or you simply like the idea of a little lighter-than-air combat with friends, when not take a look at Battle Balloons?
A familiar fly-past: taking the MD-900 around the Fastnet Rock lighthouse
Back at the start of the year, I wrote about my experiences in getting hold of an EC-135 Eurocopter from Spijkers & Wingtips. As noted in that article, it’s a great little helicopter – easy to fly, plenty of space in the cabin, and nicely customisable. It’s been on my helipad ever since.
Well, at least until this weekend, when it found itself returned to inventory after one last (for the time being) flight. Not because I’ve given up on flying – oh no! Rather, as the images in this piece show, I’ve swapped to a new aircraft.
Gracing my helipad at home now is the Spijkers & Wingtips MD-900 Explorer. Superficially like the EC-series of helos in terms of exterior cabin looks, this is a 7-seater helicopter that is 100% mesh, the design by Sylvira (sylviramaus). And I have to say, it is beautiful, with a wealth of detail to enjoy.
The MD-900 in its default (supplied) finish
The first thing that is immediately noticeable about the MD-900 is that it doesn’t have a tail rotor. Instead it uses a NOTAR system, employing a fan system together with a thruster mechanism at the end of the tail to both counter torque from the rotors and provide vectored thrust when turning, etc. With the S&W MD-900 the system is reproduced such that in-flight manoeuvring of the helicopter will see the directed thrust mechanism at the end of the tail moving in response to control commands, together with the twin rudders.
The helicopter comes as a comprehensive package: there is the MD-900 itself, Copy / Mod and with an LI of 54; a static display model, six customisable texture packs, optional combat script and cargo payload scripts. The default colour scheme for the helicopter is striking, and possibly the best of the supplied packs, and a further air ambulance option can be obtained from Sylvira.
The interior detailing is incredible; from the seat harness elements through to the individual buttons and dials on the controls and flight panel. Even the ducted air circulation system in the cabin is reproduced in detail, together with working front, passenger and rear cargo doors
Using the texture packs is a matter of unpacking the desired finish, then editing the helicopter via Edit Links Parts to drag and drop the various texture elements onto their requisite sections of the helicopter. For those who want something more personal, the textures can be saved as TGA or PNG files and amended locally & then re-uploaded at the usual L$10 a shot.
As most know, I have a penchant for red and white in my boats and planes, so one of the first things I did was grab one of the texture packs (“white with red stripe”) and download the various elements to produce a colour scheme more in keeping with my preferred style. When I did this with the EC-135, it literally took me 3 minutes to get something I was happy with – although admittedly, I didn’t really try anything clever in editing the textures.
The MD-900 is one of the supplied texture finishes, and the default colour scheme to the rear
The MD-900 did take a lot longer. The was mostly down to my decision to go for a design which required some careful detailing around hinges and things. However, it also has to be said that, outside of the default paint scheme, the finishes on some of the packs are a trifle rough – in my case I found that white parts would have an odd splash of red where they shouldn’t (and vice versa, or that edging between the colours be a tad rough when looked at closely (and I do mean closely – the packs past muster reasonably when to the casual eye). Unfortunately, for me, once seen closely means such things are forever nagging; so I spent a good few hours doing some general clean-up, because I’m obsessive that way.
Handling-wise, the MD-900 is fabulous. I’m not sure how much updating Tig has done with her helicopter scripts, but the MD-900 really is a delight to fly. It’s very responsive, can move at a fair lick if required, and offers the usual 3rd person or Mouselook flight options (the latter feeling far more responsive that the EC-135). A HUD is provided for flying, although not essential (all commands can be entered via chat), and this reveals some of the extras – such as the searchlight (which can also be turned on / off via the chat command “sl”), the winch options for lifting cargo aloft – read the instructions carefully, and take note that cargo can behave oddly if particularly complex. There’s even a police / rescue siren!
A particularly nice touch with the more recent helicopters in in S&W range is the inclusion of auto-deploying pontoon floats. Simply drop down over Linden water in a low hover, and the floats will deploy for a water landing. They can also be manually deployed / stored when in flight via the HUD or a chat command.
My MD-900 at home
All told, the MD-900 is a great aircraft, and niggles over the texture packs aside (they don’t in any way spoil the aircraft), it will make a great addition to any SL aviation enthusiast’s collection.
I entered the world of casual SL sailing via the Premium Gift sailboat. I know, I know, there are better offerings around! Well, those of you who have been nudging me to “upgrade” to something more will likely be likely be pleased to read that I have 🙂 .
September saw me hopping around looking at various boats and options, as I wasn’t sure what I wanted. I did know I didn’t want a racing yacht or racing sail boat; not that I have anything against racing, I just wanted something that offered comfort and a degree of style to sailing around SL. Two boats went fairly immediately to the top of my list, the MLCC Oceanic, and the MLCC Loonetta 31, both of which are created by Motor Loon, who has a well-deserved good reputation for his custom bikes and other vehicles (he’s also a regular at SL User Group meetings, which are where I first met him).
The Oceanic is the older of the two designs, and is a sleek sailing cruiser, a little over 25 metres in length which features a very comfortable& furnished cabin – seriously, you have to see the boat for yourself to appreciate the level of detail. The Loonetta 31 is the more recent of the two builds and 100% mesh. Around 9.5 metres in length, it might be thought of as the Oceanic’s chubby little sister.
Both come packed with features and capabilities, making them each very excellent value – I’m not going to spill the beans on everything included, as part of the pleasure with these boats is in the discovery. Suffice it to say check hatches and steps carefully 🙂 . Initially, I was swayed towards getting the Oceanic, but in the end opted for the Loonetta 31. This was for two reasons; firstly, Motor’s excellent video tutorial on customising it via a very smart scripted system and set of texture maps convinced me this would be something even I could manage, and secondly – and more directly – the Oceanic is a tad on the long side when manoeuvring alongside at the jetty in front of my house, and is too long to fit the dock alongside the house whereas the Loonetta 31 sits easily alongside either one.
Loonetta 31: closer look at the default finish
Which is not to say I’ve taken second best – far from it; the Loonetta 31 is an incredible little vessel, featuring a fully fitted cabin, like the Oceanic, and has plenty of room for friends to enjoy a trip out with you. As I siad, the customising system is quite awesome, and it is packed with some really nice touches.
The boat is delivered unboxed and ready to go – simply move the folder from your Received Items to your inventory, then drag the boat into the water. The default colour is a white finish, but there are six more pre-set finishes you can pick from simply by clicking on the boat (not the wheel or the seats – you’ll end-up sitting! Top of the cabin is the best) then selecting SETUP from the displayed menu, and using the DESIGN + and DESIGN - buttons to page through the different finishes, which will render on the boat as they are selected.
The Loonetta’s Cabin – where you can use the radio to listen to an SL Coastguard weather report for Blake Sea
However, that’s not the end of the customisation options – you can select just about any part of the boat and change its colour / hue using the RGB buttons, you can change the degree of shine applied to various parts of the boat, both via the COLOR/SHINE button, and by following Motor’s very excellent video linked-to above, you can learn how to download the texture maps for the boat and use them to create your own texture finishes – which is pretty much what I did.
The menu is also used to control other options as well – lower / raise the anchor or sails, set the spinnaker, adjust the camera position, deploy / hide the fenders for docking, sound the bell or horn, set the boat to a moored status, adjust each of the 40 poses individually, and more. For those who prefer, text commands can also be used with the boat.
My customised Loonetta 31, “Exotix 2”
Customising the Loonetta 31 took me a couple of hours – a fair part of which was me trying to do a half-decent job with a graphics programme; I’m pretty sure that anyone with any reasonable graphics abilities could have done the same as I’ve achieved in half the time or less. Essentially, I used the hull map to create a red hull with a white stripe set on it, did the same with the stern plate, and re-coloured the cabin roof in a matching white. I also added a couple of graphics to the main sail and spinnaker, and created a custom name. I have to say I’m quite pleased with the results.
A point to make here is that the Loonetta 31 and Oceanic are both No Modify, so if you’re going to be engaging in some extensive customisation and are concerned about upload costs, you might want to re-sync your Aditi beta grid inventory with a password change, wait 24 hours, and then work on your boat there; once you’re satisfied with the results, you can then upload your modified textures to the main grid and apply them to the boat.
Sailing-wise, these boats are a real treat; Motor has spent a lot of time optimising them for sailing and region crossings. While it is still early days for me, a trip around the United Sailing Sims presented no problems with multiple region crossings under sail or motor. A nice touch is the smoothness of motion when turning; the boat turns gently and easily in a continuous motion, rather than the more step-by-step turns some vehicles exhibit (love the animation uses when turning the boat as well!). And if you don’t wish to leave the boat moored, you can pull out a stand from its contents and rest it safely on land.
My customised Loonetta 31, “Exotix 2”, under sail
To say I’m pleased with the Loonetta 31 would be an understatement. It may not be the sleekest boat available (I can’t help but call it chubby!) nor the fastest, but it has won my affections. Motor has done a magnificent job with it, and despite my clunky flapping around with GIMP, I really enjoyed putting together a personalised look for it, one which keeps to my preferences for red-and-white :).
For anyone interested in seriously trying-out sailing in SL, I have no hesitation in recommending the Loonetta 31 or its big sister.
As regular readers here will know, I’ve been bitten by the SL flying bug. It’s not something I do all the time, but it is something I enjoy; so much so that I’ve gained a (very) modest collection of aircraft over the past couple of years, of which I tend to use my EC-135 helicopter, Spitfire and Terra Stingray the most.
However, these three now have a competitor for my time and attention: a Consolidated PBY Catalina, which is affectionately referred to as the “Cat” by aviation enthusiasts. It’s one of those aircraft I fell in love with while going around airshows; being a flying boat, there is something very graceful about its lines that not even the frog-like “blister” canopies on the sides or the gawky, sticky-outy main wheels (on the amphibious version) can spoil.
Starting-up the engines at Second Norway airport, ready for an early morning flight home
So when I was out investigating air racing locations in SL (of which, more anon) and I came across Shana Carpool’s PBY-6A (the “A” being for “amphibious”), I got completely sidetracked (sorry Terag!), and couldn’t help but click the button labelled “PAY”. And I’m glad I did; this aircraft is simply beautiful.
This is actually a new addition to the Shana’s impressive range of aeroplanes, and two variants are provided in the package: the flyable version, which weighs-in at a LI of 49 and a physics weight of around 9; and a static “display” model, which has a LI of 38 and roughly the same physics weight. The scaling of the aircraft is idea for SL flying, and the dual controls make it fun to fly with a friend.
One of the great things about flying in SL is the chance to discover things – such as these glorious paddle steamers!
Being the amphibious version, the PBY-6A rezzes with wheels down, ready for a land-based take off. However, simply sit it in Linden water, get in, and with two quick commands you can lower the wing-tip floats raise the wheels, and be ready to take off from the sea. The controls are pretty typical, the usual WASD or arrow keys for up/down and left/right and PAGE UP and PAGE DOWN for the throttle. Other commands are single-letter commands – “g” for raising / lowering the wheels, “v” for lowering / raising the wing-tip floats, etc. In addition to this, the side “blister” canopies can be opened / closed at a click, as can the rear gangway.
Starting the Cat causes the two engines to turn over in sequence; the big radials giving a puff of smoke as they cough into life. Both on land and water, the plane is very responsive to control movements, with ailerons, flaps and rudder responding nicely in response to input.
Passing a favourite landmark: the Fastnet Rock lighthouse on Blake Sea
With land based take-offs, the plane pretty much takes care of itself; simply get up to airspeed and it’ll lift itself off of the runway very smoothly, so with just a touch on the controls, you’re climbing out nicely, ready to bring the wheels up. On water it is slightly different – as it should be. Take-off requires a good head of speed and a firm (not too heavy!) pulling back on the yoke in order to get the water to agree to let you go.
Landings are slightly harder. I’m not a qualified pilot in the physical world, nor am I an expert in dynamics; but I assume that huge overhead wing is responsible; once in the air, it doesn’t want to come back down to Earth, and I found myself drifting quite a distance down the runway before actually getting the wheels on the ground during my initial attempts. Whether the real Catalina is like this, I’ve no idea; but it felt very real, and certainly adds to the experience of flying the plane.
This wasn’t planned; but while over Blake Sea I happened across this vintage aircraft carrier, and a quick snap was too good to pass up
As well as the exterior detail, the PBY6A has a nicely detailed cockpit, complete with the distinctive overhead throttles. The aircraft also comes with a painting kit, with three supplied finishes: white, dirty white and US Navy. UV maps and instructions are supplied for those wishing to create their own livery for the Cat, although I’m hoping we might see an extension pack (as my graphics design skills are non-existent!). I’d happily buy a pack offering RAF Coastal Command colours :). Given you can also deploy a “rescue boat” to help those in distress in the water, perhaps some form of coastguard colours in a pack wouldn’t go amiss (although I assume the boat is for combat pilots who have crashed into the sea).
Region crossings with the PBY6A were no different from when flying my Spitfire or EC-135; the expected “”rubber banding” and / or barrel rolling as a result of the hand-off between regions was the same, and the occasional skewing of the camera to one side of the aircraft was encountered. Neither a fault of the design, just a fact of life with SL region crossings. However, given it can carry up to nine (2 crew + 7 passengers) I do wonder how things will fair on multiple region crossings under a full load.
The camera slewing issue, when it occurs has led me to start flying more in Mouselook; it’s either that or edited the ‘plane mid-flight and quickly standing/sitting again to reset. I have to say that for some reason, I found doing so a lot more fun in the Catalina than in the Spitfire or EC-135. Perhaps this is simply because flying the Cat is new to me; but I certainly enjoyed myself attempting landings in ML a lot more!
There are some lovely touches to this aeroplane; just witness the way the main wheels tuck themselves up into the fuselage recesses on being raised; similarly the lowering and raising of the wingtip floats is somehow poised and graceful. All told a fabulous aircraft, and one which really is a must for any SL aviation fan, and which also now has me thinking maybe I should be moving to somewhere larger, where I can park it on display :).
Shana Carpool PBY6A Catalina price at the time of writing: L$2,100. Available from Shana Carpool headquarters and vendors across SL.
The PrimPossible Infinite Bed: it’s an Asian-style with bedside tables …
It’s no secret that I’ve been a fan of Ample Clarity’s PrimPossible range. Sculpts they may be, but his furniture and other items offer incredible versatility and style for those on a land impact / prim budget. And as I think I’ve mentioned, I’m totally in love with his concert grand, which still graces the upper terrace at my home (and I have a number of his other items indoors and out).
When last reviewing his work, I covered his decor HUD, which can create in excess of 400 different items from a single sculpt. Now he’s extended that capability into the bedroom.
The 1-Prim Infinite Bedroom literally offers you a bed for all seasons (and styles). Whether you want a four-poster bed, something with an Asian or a Victorian feel to it, something a little rustic or very modern or chic – all are available from the one bed.
…and now it’s a “sleigh” bed in red, with bedside tables…
Using the menu, the user can create one of ten different bed styles / looks, some of which include bedside tables and have different colour / texture options. Given my penchant for things oriental, I was drawn to the Asian bed styles, and particularly the “complete” version, which has bedside tables to accompany the bed (see the top picture). That said, I do confess the wood finish is a little on the dark side for me; something a little lighter and more towards a walnut or mahogany would settle on my eye a little easier – but that’s just me.
The Infinite Bed is supplied in two variants – PG and Adult – both of which include a range of individual and couple poses for sleeping, cuddling, relaxing, sitting, kissing, dance and, umm, nookie (in the case of the Adult variant). There are apparently some 300 animations in total in the beds, and no, I haven’t tried all of them out! Both variants come as NO MOD / TRANSFER, with the NO COPY version costing L$950 and the copy version L$3,200.
or how about a four-poster?
For those who are on a prim budget and who like to vary the furnishing in their homes, the PrimPossible range has always offered great value. With the introduction of the shape changing capabilities into the range, this is being enhanced even further, and the 1-Prim Infinite Bedroom is already proving popular among those familiar with Ample’s work.
I wonder if a lounge suite with similar capabilities is in the works … ?
Spijkers Aviation & Marine EC-135 over Blake Sea Half Hitch
While visiting RiTai recently, I took time out to fly a helicopter modelled on the Eurocopter EC-135. I’ve never really fussed that much with helicopters in SL (one has been sitting in my inventory forever but it is so old, a Havoc update way beck in … 2009? 2010? broke it and as I’d already stopped using it, I never really bothered with the updated version). As such, I was a little curious to see if my attitude had changed.
Well, flying the machine, even on the one region, proved to be a lot of fun; so much so that I got, well, hooked. Since then, and as time has allowed, I’ve been shuffling around SL looking at various makes and models of helicopter with a view to getting one, and repeatedly found myself drawn back to the EC-135 design as being particularly attractive. My poking around led me to Spijkers Aviation & Marine where, after much mmming and ahhing (and not a few flights in the demo aircraft there) I picked up Tig’s civilian version of the EC-135.
Spijkers Aviation & Marine EC-135 – passing the Fastnet light
I’ve barely put it down since.
Weighing-in with a land impact of 27, the helicopter is well made and looks good. Seating the pilot and up to five passengers, it offers plenty of opportunities for flying with friends – but that’s just the icing on the cake.
For a start, the pack itself contains not one, but three variants of the helicopter: flyable, static (unscripted), and “desktop” (which is small and beautifully formed), each of which is offered in three basic colours: red, white and blue. As the full-size versions are MOD, also included in the pack are additional texture sets allowing the purchaser to mix and match the three finishes to produce a very individual aircraft – and if that is not enough, Tigs and Amy offer to produce custom textures upon enquiry.
As well as the various models of the helicopter and the texture options, the pack includes two sets of instructions and two HUDS – “full” or “light” depending on your preference. Neither is absolutely required for flying, and each has a number of buttons not applicable to the civilian version of the EC-135.
The texture packs made customising one of the default versions a breeze. As I have a thing for red and white (witness Lady of Calas and Lady of Calas 2), I wanted my new toy to be ranged in the same colours, and it took me less than 3 minutes to have a two-tone EC-135 ready to fly. And flying this little helicopter is fun.
Spijkers Aviation & Marine EC-135 – original red (r) and my 3-minute “custom” finish (l)
Page Up and Page Down act as the collective, the arrow keys function as the cyclic for forward / reverse and turning / banking. Other commands are accessed via typing (“s” to start / stop the engine, “l” for lights, “ld” for opening / closing the left door, etc.), or via the HUDs, if used, if used. Handling-wise, the EC-135 is very responsive, and once one has got the hang of using the controls, staying airborne and enjoying oneself is a breeze.
One of the reasons I opted for this model compared to others are the range of additional options. FlySafe, for example turns the aircraft and passengers phantom – handy if you’re flying over mainland only to find someone has parked their skyhome on your flight path and evasive flying might not be that easy due to other buildings, etc., also hanging in the sky.
More importantly (from my viewpoint, at least) is the fact that – like many of Tig’s aircraft – the EC-135 can be configured so that a co-pilot can take the controls (a copy of either HUD can even be given to them). Having been a passenger on flights myself more than a few times, I know how boring sitting and letting someone else pilot you around can get be. so being able to turn over control to a friend and let them experience flying the helicopter for a while, strikes me as a neat idea and helps share the flying experience.
Spijkers Aviation & Marine EC-135 – the controls are ideal for my avatar’s height
I also like the optional floats that come with this model. While these can only be activated / deactivated when the engine is off, they’re a handy addition for someone like me, who lives on the edge of Blake Sea and is surrounded by water 🙂 .
There a lot more I could say about this helicopter, but I’m not going to – just take it from me, if you’re looking for a helo for yourself and you’ve not tried Spijkers Aviation & Marine, then I thoroughly recommend you hop over to their in-world headquarters and give their demonstrators a go. I doubt you’ll be at all disappointed.
Spijkers Aviation & Marine EC-135 – making an inspection pass near the Second Norway airport tower
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 