EverQuest Phase 4 Beta
 

I recently got my hands on an original EQ Phase 4 Beta disc. Anyone have any information as to what, if any, changes were made from the baseline Phase 4 Beta to the initial live launch of EQ? I don't mean server side stuff, just differences in models, zone architecture, etc. (the kinds of things that could be explored with EQEmu).

I'm tempted to build a sort of hybrid Phase 4 Beta/EQLive hybrid folder and give the zones a once over with EQEmu v0.5.5-DR1, but if the files are basically identical to the launch of Live, I'd just be wasting my time.

Nothing much that I know of. Probably just the odd line of code to keep the beta testers from using their beta copy to get into EQ without going to the store and getting a legit one.

Beta 4 was basically just a stress test. Most engine of model changes would be made from 1 to 3.

Hmm not sure how this would work, as the beta files that ARE different will surely be changed with the patching process, which you would need to even be able to log into 0.5.5 DR1 server. In other words, it is like installing the first EQ disk. You cannot just install it, then run EqEmu. It will not work, you would need to patch to a current version of the client comparable to whatever version of EqEmu you are trying to run.

There are not a whole lot of differences, as I played beta through Velious. There may be some very small things, but mainly items and fixed code and more bugs and such .... ....

Re: EverQuest Phase 4 Beta
 

Holy shit dude, where have you been.

It may work if you just install then use one of the older version of Emu, like FQ1.4Q4 :D

I used my beta 2, 3, 3.5.. 3.5 again, 4 install on retail. There was a small patch and that was it. If you don't use the retextured zone files, there is very little you would notice different.. such as no PoK books.

It would be simple. I'd just start with a currently patched Live installation and just replace some of the .s3d files with those from the Beta 4 disc. It would work like a charm. Unfortunately, from what you and kathgar said, there wouldn't be much difference in the architecture and models at all, so I won't bother doing it.

The real fun would be in using the .s3d files from an alpha, but I don't think I'll be getting any of those any time soon... Heck, I don't even know at what point EQ started using files in the .s3d format (the "proof-of-concept" client doesn't use them, but that's so old that I don't really consider it a good indicator of what format the first zones that ended up in Live were developed in). Anyway, for anyone interested, here are a couple of alpha pics that show some definate differences between what we have now and what once was: http://www.gameroom.com/1010101/alpha.html

wow
 

Holy jiminy christmas that's some ugly models. :) The little flying saucer thingy in Qeynos is kinda cool looking though. At least I THINK that's what that is. Post more pics if you get a chance. It's interesting to see what things have changed in teh game. :)

Re: wow
 

Ask and ye shall receive :). I've now posted a total of 17 EQ alpha screenshots. Same link as before: http://www.gameroom.com/1010101/alpha.html

EDIT: I uploaded a bunch more. There are now a total of 48 pictures there, ranging from early "pre-alpha" pics up through the later phases of the beta.

Cool
 

That's really cool man. Hehe...my favorite is the ogre busting that little dwarf in his grill piece. Haha! WHAP!

That blue skinned guy with the yellow vest most would think was a dark elf maybe, but to me he looks like an anorexic crushbone orc wearing the clothes of an orc from east commons. :)

Checking these screenshots out reminds me of my favorite part of EQ (aside from the enormous rack on the luclin female humans models...such cool models) was the exploration. It was just a lot of fun to go see new areas and not be all uber. I think the game lost somethign for me once it was all about LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL. I can't wait to set up a little server to get a small group of people together and just explore the world again...ah nostalgia...

was mayong mistmoore still in mistmoore castle in beta 4?

Far as I know, Mayong was in Mistmoore castle even after the servers went live (after beta). It was only after he had wacky aggro problems that they removed him. I heard he was nasty and would just swoop in and wipe everyone out near the zone line...and then wouldn't return to his spawn point. So he would promptly put the smack down on everyone when they came back to get corpses... yeah...he rules. :)