We are pleased to announce the release of Oolite 1.88. The game can be downloaded from the Oolite website, where versions for 64/32bit Windows and Linux as well as 64bit OS X are available.
This release significantly revamps Oolite graphics and lighting system. Modern lighting techniques have been deployed, applying physically accurate and energy conserving models for specular reflections on both ships and planets. Visual effect entities can now utilize transparency while the planet atmospheres have received an eye-catching makeover as well. This fusion of physically based rendering techniques and effects produces spectacular Oolite visuals that have never looked better. The new lighting system also works in favor of Oolite's materials system, enabling the creation and usage of materials not possible before.
Furthermore, new features have been added in this version, such as the increase of the maximum number of supported joysticks to four, mouse control improvements, battle AI enhancements, additional game-engine properties made available for scripting expansions and more. As always, several bugs identified in previous releases have been fixed and optimizations have been made to ensure even better game stability.
The improvements delivered with version 1.88 are developed with one thing in mind; to offer you the best Oolite gaming experience to date. Feel free to browse the 1.88 changelog, listing all the changes since the previous release in detail, or visit the What's New page at Oolite's website for more information.
Enjoy the game, Commanders, and... fly safe!