Silver Knights

Silver Knights (also known as SK) is a homemade 3D mech action/fighting game created by Haruo Teshima. The game is not very popular, but is mostly played in Japan, Hong Kong (China), and the United States . The development of this game was temporarily stopped at beta version 0.05D, and the beta-test version stopped at version 0.05G, however after three years, January 9th 2007, the new version 0.10B was released and gained back some of the player who left the game after no updates. The game features over 10 different mechs. However, the new version released in January 9th 2008, featured only 2 mechs but with more features, better graphics, and effects.

History

Teshima and a few other members started creating the game as a file named SK. Later, these changed to version files, ver0413, then to ver0.01.The first main mech that was created and designed was the Philotes. Later on, possibly in ver0.01, (Cerberus and Icarus were introduced.

Philotes, Cerberus, Tartaros, and Icarus became the primary mechs of the game. They were planned to be the mechs in Story mode, which was never released, and the project was temporarily shut down.

In Spring 2006, Teshima was officially said to have stopped all development of any new version of Silver Knights because of a new project called "Gunners". However, development of this game has also stopped since Teshima is now a father of three children. However, he still supports the Online Host Tower (noted in the "current news section" of his website).In 2007, Teshima's support for Silver Knights had stopped; soon after, a rumor spread suggesting that a group known as TeamSK took over. It was also stated that TeamSK was currently working on the game and that newer versions were to be released soon, but it was soon revealed that the rumor was false.

Teshima have started working on Silver Knights, stopped development of Gunners. Teshima have released the 0.10B which includes only two mechs: Philotes and Thor. However news of Silver Knights being developed again has brought more members into the Silver Knights fan community.

K From Now On

TeamSK's support still continues. After two years of inactivity, the project seems to be closed, but the sources are moved to another programmer. However, this was only a rumor, and Teshima have now officially stated that he did not let anyone else take over the development of the game, and he was working on it until his old computer broke down.

On May 2007, after a two year hiatus, Teshima has officially reported that he is going to work on Silver Knights once again.

January 9th, 2008 - version 0.10B is released.The news of this version sparked some interest in previous fans of the game, causing an rise in multi-player activity. Since it was only demonstration version and offered two playable mechs: Philotes and and a new character named Thor, the lack of interest grew quickly. The previous stable version of Silver Knights: 0.05D, released before the announced hiatus, offered more characters which fans quickly turned back to.

January 26th, 2008 - version 0.10C is released0.10C offered a new mech, Zephyus and significant model and feature change. However, due to the serious bugs(the game crashing for example), Teshima discontinued the download for 0.10C.

On May 25th, 2008, Teshima released 0.10I, with a new mech, Arjuna. Arjuna is a sniper mech, which not only it has the ability to fire ammunition far away, but also can use special bullets that allows it to heal teammates. The introduction of Arjuna, a character firmly established as a support/medic character, was a much welcomed addition to the roster.

May 30th, 2008 - 0.10J is releasedArjuna was adjusted for balancing issues. Version 0.10J offers new 4 mechs as well as smoother graphics, causing a drop of online matches in version 0.05D.

(Note: Version 0.05D is still available to download to be able to play online, but it must be Direct IP.)

Graphics Development

The mechs of Silver Knights have significantly changed over time.

The oldest series, the mechs were "short" (not large or small, but short) and had very less features. The online mode was simple as well, and most people were unable to play online because of bugs and problems. The old series offered more features and renewals, the mech became significantly "taller" and more complex. The maps also have significant changes: different shaped towers. The old series are the longest, but it ended in version 0.05D.

The new series arrived, with the main mech, Philotes being model modified. It offered better graphics, and curved surface rather than polygon surface that oldest and old series had. Although, only versions that could be classified in this series are the 0.05E and 0.05G.

The newest series continues today. it starts in 0.10B. Features are significantly increased. There are no visible model change in the game, however, it offered more complex movement, more ways of attacking, and new boost feature (which was removed).

Controls

Silver Knights supports keyboard as well as gamepads.

Gameplay

The gameplay is very similar to the Virtual-On arcade game. The player is pitted against other mechs in a three-dimensional environment. There are two teams that a player can join, the Red Team (by default) or the Blue Team. Each team is assigned a Team Leader and can be composed of up to four members. The game can hold up to six players at a time. Players can choose from a variety of maps such as the Central City, Space, Tatami Room, and Floating Base, to name a few. There are different gameplay options available such as "Destroy All Enemies", "Destroy All Enemies (Melee Only)", "Destroy the Leader", and "Simple Wars".

Two modes of play available: Battle mode and Network mode.
*In Battle mode, a player can face up to five CPU players from an opposing team or can have up to four CPU players as teammates.
*Network mode allows a player to join other players and play cooperatively or in team deathmatch style. A player can either connect to an existing Silver Knight game server or create one. The server has the ability to limit the players in a game.

The game's controls make use of the keyboard, except during "Simple Wars" which requires the use of both the keyboard and mouse.

To effectively attack an enemy, a player must lock onto it. A player can lock onto either an enemy or its projectiles (in order to neutralize them). An enemy mech must be within radar range for the lock-on to take effect.

Melee mode is automatically engaged when enemies are in close range; these attacks differ with each mech. A flying attack is performed when melee attacks are used in mid-air. Combination melee attacks can be performed by launching different combinations of primary and sub melee attacks.

The shield is effective only when it is activated and while it has energy. Because shield energy is limited, a player must use it sparingly and rely more on evasive tactics.

The AI

CPU players are available in Battle mode and Network mode. CPU player level can be set to "Easy", "Normal", or "Hard" in the options menu. These options do not increase the intelligence of the computer players; they determine how much they move around. For instance, on the "easy" setting, the CPU barely moves and attacks, never quick boosts or super boosts, and rarely does melee combos. On the "hard" setting, the CPU sometimes does super melee combos (the strongest melee combos) and both moves around and fires often. The "normal" setting is in between "easy" and "hard". Technically, this cannot be called an AI.

A game of Silver Knights can have up to six players (including CPU players). In Network mode, there are options in the Host Control Tower that allow 2, 4, or 6-player games.

AI has also changed in the newest series. The new series offered AI difficulty based on how much they move around and fire, no matter where they are or even if they are facing directly to the wall. Newest series offered AIs that were smarter. For example, when the character Thor is controlled by the computer, it will only fires its shoulder cannon if its opponent isn't behind cover (building, hill ect.)

Mechs

Philotes
*Health: 2000
*Primary weapon: 10
*Sub weapon: 4
*Option: 4
*Boost: 400
*Shield: 1400
*Description: The most balanced mech in the game. Philotes' Option are stationary floating pods, which simultaneously shoot concentrated beams when the sub weapon is used. A maximum of two pods can be deployed at any time. Its main weapon is a single-shot beam rifle. The sub weapon is also a beam rifle but shoots a more concentrated beam.

Tartaros
*Health: 2400
*Primary weapon: 16
*Sub weapon: 10
*Option: 16
*Boost: 600
*Shield: 1200
*Description: This mech is unique because it has two forms. When it has more than half of its health, Tartaros has a lot of armor, will deal more damage, and has higher damage tolerance. It moves slower when it has armor. When its health drops below half, the armor is destroyed. In this form, Tartaros becomes weaker but it moves faster. Tartaros' main weapon fires two laser shots from its wrist. Its sub weapon shoots a claw and chain, which will try to home in, grab an opponent and drag it to melee range. Its Option, when still armored, shoots a barrage of eight missiles from pods on its armor. When the armor is depleted, the sub weapon shoots two claws at the same time. Tartaros uses a spear for its melee attacks.

Cerberus
*Health: 2100
*Primary weapon: 16
*Sub weapon: 8
*Option: 4
*Boost: 600
*Shield: 240
*Description: Also known as "Cheap Mech #1" in the American forum. The mech's strong point is its main weapon that shoots two red fire balls that home-in on a target quite well. Its sub weapon, a ground-crawling explosion, is very powerful but is very limited in range and homing capabilities. Its melee capabilities are very strong. Its Option allows four tentacles to be created from its shoulders that shoots fire balls simultaneously when the primary weapon is used.

Icarus
*Health: 1800
*Primary weapon: 30
*Sub weapon: 25
*Option: 100
*Boost: 510
*Shield: 800
*Description: The second fastest mech in the game. This mech is known to have the best melee attacks and flies the best in the game, but has low health. Primary weapon is a sub-machinegun which fires three rounds of mini energy balls. The sub weapon fires four spiraling energy beams which can create significant damage if an enemy is struck by all four. Its Option doubles its damage and damage tolerance from enemy attacks. Icarus' armor turns white when its Option is activated.

Gigantes
*Health: 2600
*Primary weapon: 10
*Sub weapon: 8
*Option: 8
*Boost: 700
*Shield: 2500
*Description: One of the strongest mechs in the game. This mech is quite heavy and very slow, but is very strong. The primary weapon fires a bazooka which explodes upon impact. The Sub weapon is the strongest weapon in the game which can cause a one-shot-kill when the enemy is hit directly. The Bub weapon shoots four powerful long beams from its back. The Option fires two floating seeker mines which explode on impact. The mines follow the enemy up until a certain range. Gigantes has the most durable shield out of all the mechs.

Zephyrus
*Health: 1900
*Primary weapon: 12
*Sub weapon: 16
*Option: 0
*Boost: 700
*Shield: 800
*Description: This mech has some unique characteristics. While its main and sub weapons are nothing special (a beam rifle and two missiles respectively), Zephyrus has infinite Option energy which allows it to transform into an aircraft. In this form, it can fire four rockets simultaneously. Also, when it is in aircraft mode, move controls for this mech change to that of a flight simulator style set-up. One of its melee attacks allows it to launch its thruster module like a boomerang at the enemy, usually hitting the enemy twice.

Bacchus
*Health: 2800
*Primary weapon: 20
*Sub weapon: 8
*Option: 4
*Boost: 700
*Shield: 500
*Description: The third strongest mech in the game. This mech has some resemblance to a dinosaur that has two pincers and a huge shell on its back. Since stronger mechs are slower, this mech's Option is a green super boost which allows it to move very fast for certain time but disables its other weapons. Its Option can be used to damage its enemies by ramming them. Its primary weapons are two energy balls generated from its pincers. The sub weapon launches two homing missiles that each split into four.

Masamune
*Health: 2300
*Primary weapon: 8
*Sub weapon: 6
*Option: 6
*Boost: 450
*Shield: 1800
*Description: Masamune is a mech that resembles a samurai. It wields two swords for melee and has a bow and arrow which it uses as its main weapon. The arrow can be charged up to fire a powerful shot; however, Masamune is unable to move when doing so. Its secondary attack creates tornados. This mech is also excellent when it comes to melee barrages. Masamune's Option allows it to throw stick grenades at enemies. When heavily damaged (25% health or less), Masamune's armor turns red and black. In this form, Masamune deals more damage than it would otherwise.

Kaede
*Health: 1600
*Primary weapon: 30
*Sub weapon: 6
*Option: 4
*Boost: 400
*Shield: 400
*Description: Kaede resembles a female ninja with two blades located at its forearms. It is very fast and can be very tricky. Its main weapon shoots three energy disks whilst its sub attack fires rotating, crescent-shaped energy blades. Its Option allows it to instantly teleport which nullifies any lock-ons on itself. This mech excels in hit-and-run attacks.

Gyges
*Health: 2600
*Primary weapon: 12
*Sub weapon: 30
*Option: 4
*Boost: 600
*Shield: 1600
*Description: The second largest mech in the game. Gyges is very bulky and very slow, but has considerably durable armor. Its main armament are two spiked ball and chains that shoot from its arms. The secondary weapon launches scattered orbs that can bombard a certain area. Its Option is a "Thunderclap", wherein it "claps" its two spiked balls and an explosion occurs within a small circumferential area. The shockwave produced by the "Thunderclap" nullifies any projectiles fired at Gyges, making it difficult to damage it.

Maikaze
*Health: 550
*Primary weapon: 30
*Sub weapon: 12
*Option: 4
*Boost: 180
*Shield: 0
*Description: One of the playable vehicles in the game. It is a fighter jet, which makes it unique among other playable mechs. Its controls are a bit different. Maikaze, being an aircraft, is constantly moving; its controls are in similar fashion to aircraft simulator games wherein the directional buttons control the pitch and roll of the aircraft. Its primary weapon is a vulcan cannon, with its sub weapon being two missiles. Maikaze also has a melee attack, with which two wire claws protrude from its wings. Maikaze has the lowest health in the game and does not carry a shield.

Shiranui
*Health: 800
*Primary weapon: 32
*Sub weapon: 12
*Option: 8
*Boost: 400
*Shield: 0
*Description: The second playable vehicle in the game. Shiranui is a floating tank; its primary weapons are the twin cannons mounted on its turret. The sub weapons are two missiles from two hardpoints located at the sides of the turret. This mech has no melee attack nor a shield but it does have an Option wherein it deploys a floating mine. In the "Simple Wars" mode, only Shiranuis are available to the players wherein they must utilize the mouse to aim its weapons.

Joker
*Health: 4500
*Primary weapon: 56
*Sub weapon: 25
*Option: 4
*Boost: 410
*Shield: 500
*Description: The largest mech in the game, it is around three to four times bigger than a regular mech and is also very powerful. As its name implies, it resembles a joker with crosses draped around its body and carries a big scythe on its shoulder. Its primary attack fires multiple scattering beam shots at the enemy. The sub attack utilizes the crosses around its body which levitate and are used as missiles that explode on the enemy. Its Option allows it to dash-teleport and use its destructive scythe which can destroy a mech when directly hit.

Thor
*Health: 2800
*Primary weapon: 36
*Sub weapon: 20
*Option: 2
*Boost: 600
*Shield: 250
*Description: The only mech available in Silver Knights version 0.05G and 0.10B. Its main armament is a gatling gun located on its right arm, its sub weapon launches four homing missiles from external pods on its shoulders, with its Option requiring the player to "mount" on the ground and press the Primary weapon button to fire a shoulder cannon. For its melee attacks, it utilizes a big claw located on its left arm, the same claw is used to create an energy barrier that is used as its shield.

Known Problems

-The game was not released for Macintosh or Linux. It's reported that some users are able to run Silver Knights on Linux through Wine and other means.

-Several Problems are reported when using Nvidia GeForce graphic drivers.

-Online play typically requires additional technical setup. Support pages are available to instruct new users, but it only instructs according to specific routers and firewalls. Therefore, for countries other than Japan must find their own way of setting up their routers. This is often discussed in forums and ususally have a solution, as it can be seen in Silver Knights Forum Olympus (English Forum)

-Many users elect to utilize Hamachi, a freeware VPN client, to directly connect to other players. However, this causes the Hamachi users unable to play with non-Hamachi users while Hamachi Network Connection is turned on. To play with non-Hamachi users, the user must turn off the Hamachi Network Connection over Control Panel in "Network Connections".

References

http://www12.atwiki.jp/lastlaugh/
*citation
title = SK Wiki
url = http://www12.atwiki.jp/lastlaugh/.

External links

*citation
title = HT's Web Page (Japanese)
url = http://h-teshima.hp.infoseek.co.jp/.
*citation
title = Silver Knights Olympus (English) - Forum for English speaking SK Fans.
url = http://s2.excoboard.com/exco/index.php?boardid=1063.