   client update - 05/18/2010 - bug / problem fixes -- fixed several minor internal reference problems, which might had caused game instability and crashes on specific conditions
- fixed a possible crash when loading a capsule into a warehouse
- fixed the "E" shortcut, whoch does center the camera on 3d view to the building named "Headquarter"
- fixed a rendering problem when viewing the build grid or F10 unit list when using ATI based graphic cards
- corrected a problem when locally storing in-game mails (to get back your old mails just copy the folder Mankind/Outer/mails to Mankind/mails)
- fixed the "7" and "8" shortcut to show/hide military/civil units
- corrected a problem when on some planets the sun got displayed at a wrong altitude
- fixed a possibloe problem when the attack confirmation got not displayed when trying to attack units of a friend
world changes
- dynamic resource fluctuation changed
Resources now always have their maximum radius applied, no matter of their quantity.
The fluctuation now has a stable period of 12 month, where the spot will not change. The six month before, the spot will grow and six month after it will decrease - so the total fluctuation cycle of 24 month (except for food) will be the same as before.
This does mean, that all currently decreasing spots will be back to maximum right now and start decreasing next month. All currently increasing spots will rise to almost maximum and start their stable period next month.
- a new unit load optimization got implemented to speed up environment load times
- gas planets now have a gasous environment on planet 3d view
- the following 3d models got completely reworked (you can disable them through an option at Mankind launcher)
AF-Titan, AN-525, B-152, First/B, HD.Build, Kibitzer
 client update - 02/04/2010 - bug / problem fixes -
- fixed an automatic mail bug when using a friends ship to attack somebody and adjusted the related confirmation message
- fixed a bug which did prevent the automatic atack email to get send by the server
- fixed a crash related to WinSock when moving units
- updated all DirectX calls to avoid crashes and graphic glitches
- when pressing the ´E´ keyboard shortcut to center on the own home base does now select own base first, then shared trade base
- some minor units height adjustment on planets
- fixed a pissble crash when giving units to another player and still pending orders did not get canceled correctly
- game changes -
new ressources
- Hydrogen (can be normally mined with a specific mine)
- Tritium (a result of refining Hydrogen)
new technologies
- Hydro-Tech (available after building a Space-HT base structure)
- Refine-Tech (available after building a Space-HT base structure)
new units
- HP-Tanker (for athmospheric and hyperspace)
- Gas-Planet specific: Base, Extractor, Tank-Warehouse
- Space specific: Refinery, Tank-Warehouse
- new Bomber
new cargo type - capsule
- any enemy cargo unit has a chance to drop up to 30% of it´s loaded ressource when destructed
- the resulting ressource capsule can be loaded by any unit transport ship
- any ressource capsule can´t be filled by players and get automatically destroyed when empty
new extended chat
- the games chat system got expanded to allow to chat with all players on the same server on each frequency now, not only the same system
- all languages have named chat channels
- the chat box got expanded to support 120 characters
- each line received does trige a short sound effect (can be disabled through comm interface options)
- you can block messages from any enemy player (can be disabled through comm interface options)
- guild channel does show all messages from friends right now
new dynamic resources
- all resources on all planets will slowly fluctuate now... existing spots will vanish over time and new ones will appear
- food will take about the double time to fluctuate than other resources
world changes
- any ressource on planets are only visible when within radar range of any unit
anyway, they will be still visible all the time (no matter of radar) in imperial base areas (blue and green cubes)
- all gas planets can be accessed
- battle reports
in case of any battle you will receive an in-game mail with all units lost... summary of about one hour each
- decay report
in case of any units lost through the decay rule you will receive an in-game mail with all units lost
- you can now destroy your own units by selecting them and pressing the ´Del´ key
- the cinematic view and zoom of units got updated to better fit their quality and distance
- splash damage on exploding units got enabled
- units will move slower now depending on their health
- several unit models got updated to increase their texture quality... more to come
- units from type Bomber shoot stations first now
- click management changed and reversed (optional)
Going confirm with common strategy games the Mankind click management got reversed (can be enabled by an option at communication interface) and packed. This does mean that left click does now select units and right click does open the order menu... which got packed into a new sub-menu structure to easily access common shortcuts.
- units position search radius after hyperjump increased to prevent units back jump
- units which can´t get placed back to source system immediately (in case no free spot can be found at target system) will now pend on server until a free area can be found at source system again - no unit will get lost on hyperjump anymore
- 3d-engine load optimization to load full systems within a few seconds now
- shareware account restrictions expanded
It is important to mention that the usage of shareware accounts got expanded (additionally to already present shareware restrictions) in the way that any other account can no longer use or move any shareware account. Further, shareware account units can not shoot nor attack anything and are limited to move within imperial areas (green and blue cubes) only. Already present units outside of such areas are locked in place.
- decay rule changed
decay does now no longer count last system visit timestamp but last login timestamp on the related server, so you no longer need to visit all systems on a regular base (please look at the official cartography section to see which systems are related to which server)
other changes
- Correction of a problem rised after a Microsoft Update on Windows Vista. If you leave MK during a fight by pressing Alt+Tab the game will close automatically.
- internal time usage optimized to better support dual/quad core processors
- the client does automatically close after five seconds after it got disconnected
- several other minor adjustments and fine tuning not mentioned here
 client update - 01/29/2009 - bug / problem fixes -- top bar display fix if viewing in Direct3D mode
- game changes -- multi forward of ressources when buying
If you select more than one ship as destination and the selected quantity is less than the available stock on destination, then each destination ship will receive the same quantity as selected. If the selected quantity is larger than the available stock on destination, then the each destination ship will receive max. quantity each and last one the rest... until the selected amount got transferred. - it is now possible to start Mankind two times with different accounts at the same computer
- any builder gets locked for further actions if it does currently build, repair or is waiting to build
- you can release the lock on builders (multi select aswell) by selecting them and use "Cancel Order" from the command menu
- ships now gets automatically unselected if any repair or dismantle order
- units can no longer be given to other players while they shoot
 client update - 01/12/2009 - bug / problem fixes -- yellow screen bug corrected
- the 3d-engine of Mankind got completely reworkd to fully support DirectX 9 and use advantage of Direct3D functionality.
As a result the overal frame rate should be faster aswell as 32bit color depth is now also supported in window mode.
On a further step we will replace all existing 3d models step by step with new versions to further increase frame rates and quality.
- fixed a sbil crashing issue on network communication
- fixed a memory leak when viewing the universe map
- game changes -- when trying to move a builder this order will get rejected if the builder does currently build something (not on idle, build resume or repair)
- when doing mass order to several builders on planets all get unselected after the order got submitted
...the last builder is kept selected anyway
- localization updates for french and german
 client update - 11/07/2008 - bug / problem fixes -- Windows Vista right regulation request updated to include the correct certificate and also show the request with trusted company.
- fixed a problem with automatic unselect of builders when ordering to build something
- new compile of the 3d-engine in relation to latest DirectX to increase frame rate and general performance
- game changes -- default camera zoom got lowered to allow better overview and frame rate after login
- multi select on moving resources within a base
You can now select several units on the right side to transfer resources to their destination. After pressing the "Enter" key all targets will get the selected amount of resources each... after clicking the transfer icon all targets will get the maximum amount of resources each.
This feature is limited to amounts smaller or equal 10.000
- on automatic unselect of units after energy and stock linking, only DCA will get unselected now
- on automatic unselect of units after grouping, this will only happen if not in any battle area now
- automatic ship movement to destination restricted to get OOE (Out Of Environment) under better control
In a second correction to the changes done on last update, automatic movement to destination will not only be restricted if any battle is going on at the related environment but also if any enemy units are present now.
- some loading time optimisation to increase environment change performance
 client update - 10/29/2008 - bug / problem fixes -- Windows Vista right regulation fixed
On Windows Vista Mankind will now ask for authorisation when getting started to make sure it has all rights to access the registry and update client files through patches.
- ATI display driver fix on none Direct3D rendering
Gas clouds will automatically be hidden on universe map if the client is set to not use 3d-accelleration on ATI related graphic cards.
- fixed a problem with depth of view if client is set to not use 3d-accelleration
- fixed a bug which caused a "can't initialize DirectX" error when starting Mankind
- time between possible unit orders (rapid clicking on unit move) increased to better prevent crashes and server lagout
- game changes -- initial planetary protection through Strat.Defence
Depending on the setup of a present Strat.Defence other players might not be able to send ships down to planets at the related system.
- automatic ship movement to destination restricted to get OOE (Out Of Environment) under better control
In a first attempt to get OOE attacks under better control units will remain at system border and will not automatically move to their destination in case any battle at the related system gets detected (if you move units into an enemy system for example).
- maximal camera distance on planets increased from from 4 to 8
- camera speed elevation on planets increased from 7 to 21
- feature "hide all units on base open" moved to a seperated option at communication interface to individually enable/disable it
- after grouping ships all successfully grouped ones will automatically get deselected
- after setting any energy or stock link the related unit(s) will automatically get deselected
- official TrashBin account can't be attacked anymore
 client update - 09/04/2008 - bug / problem fixes -
- splash damage calculation locked
The calculation of splash damage got locked to a fixed value and is no longer depending on the cinematic slider.
- registry path from Mankind changed
The Windows registry path to store Mankind setup details got moved from HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE to HKEY_CURRENT_USER to avoid errors when trying to start Mankind without having full administrator rights.
The new registry path will be written automatically the first time the new game launcher gets started. The old setup at HKLM will remain untouched for backup reasons.
- DirectX version upgrade
The 3d-engine got slightly upgraded to fully support DirectX 9.0c and no longer crash with some new graphic cards.
- game changes -
- resize feature
Change your screen resolution at the Mankind launcher to play at higher resolutions either in window (still 16 bit color depth only) or full screen.
- maximum camera zoom out increased in space and planet
While the maximum zoom out in space got highly increased, it got almost doubled on planets and the the angle got slightly adjusted to get a better viewpoint.
- land and start speed increased
The speed units are landing and starting from stations on planets and space got increased.
- updated launcher window
While the lanucher got made a bit bigger to better show news it also got a nice background image.
- loading screens when changing environment
Whenever changing environments, a related full screen image gets shown... the old style text messages can always be shown again by simply pressing the escape key.
- automatic deselect on unit loading
When loading any unit into another unit, the landing units automatically get deselected and a related message get displayed.
- automatic deselect on unit repair
When any unit gets ordered to repair another unit, the related unit automatically get deselected.
- display F10 list and chat at the same time
Depending on the selected screen resolution the F10 list and game chat can now be displayed at the same time.
- new shortcut "7" to show/hide all war units
Pressing the "7" key at space or planet does now show/hide all war units within the 3d environment to reduce possible lag. However, in case of any battle all related units will be shown again.
The affected unit types are: Bomber, Destroyer, Cruiser, Intruder, Fighter, DCA
- new shortcut "8" to show/hide all civil units
Pressing the "8" key at space or planet does now show/hide all civil units (none war units) within the 3d environment to reduce possible lag.
- hide all units when base interface gets opened
All units in 3d environment will be hidden when the base interface gets opened to avoid lag on higher screen resolutions.
We have to mention that this behavior is like before but as only 640x480 resolution was available the unit hide not really got recognized as the interface opened full screen. This is why we want to mention it here again as it is a visual change not seen before.
- advanced logic on mass unit landing
When having more units selected than will fit into the desired unit not only all units to load straight away will get automatically deselected but also a dialog box gets shown to ask if you want to send the other ones into the waiting queue to land later anyway or want to keep them selected to load them elsewhere.
- advanced logic on mass factory order cancel
If you have more than one factory selected and click to cancel all orders, all orders in all factories will be canceled.
- selected unit count
The number of selected units gets displayed at top of the screen.
 client update - 02/06/2007 - bug / problem fixes -- some internal security fixes, cheat detection and bug tracking
- protector movement crash fixed
A possible client crash got fixed when moving a protector unit on planets.
- possible crash on environment change fixed
A possible client crash got fixed when changing environments.
- 2d-map frame rate slowdown fixed
A bug got fixed, which did lower your frame rate while viewing the 2d-map.
- city.hall build bug fixed
Under some conditions it was not possible to build a city.hall building on a planet. This problem got fixed now.
- game changes -- multi build across factories added
You can now order several factories to build the same unit at once. Just select several factories, open their interface and select which unit you want to get build. After giving the order a new window will popup to ask for the quantity - just enter your amount and start constructing!
Please note that this is just an initial start - more to come for factory multi-build with a later game update.
- center camera to your base hotkey added
Just name any of your Bases "Headquarters" and you can center the camera to this building any time just by pressing the E - key.
- multi-unselect added
Select any units and press...
- M - key to deselect all units with full shield
- Shift + M key to deselect all units that require any repair
- some more minor changes and updates we did forget
 client update - 01/17/2007 - bug / problem fixes -- more internal security fixes, cheat detection and bug tracking
- connection meter (top right) fixed
- first in environment has fire control fix
override attack order to allow attack even if you are not the first in environment
- possible client crash on environment change fix
a possible client crash got fixed, that happened when changing environment while at the current one any battle did happen
- hide Maritime and Air tech tree as those are not used and empty
- TAB key at mail interface fixed
if you hit the tab key while writing any in-game mail it will insert several single spaces instead
- re-enabling the toggle to hide engines parked in bases
- added an additional check when ordering to build any city.hall to make sure you can only build one own city.hall per planet
- game changes -- attack a friend order changed
in case you want to attack a friend, when giving the attack order, you now get a confirmation dialog to avoid accidentally attacks
- units move click restriction
added a minimum time between two subsequent movement orders to prevent lagging other players deliberatly
- mark unread mails within the list with a different color
- multi build feature (space only)
Ever wanted to build up your defences fast and effective? Then we have the right feature for you!
Multiple build - build (almost) as many same buildings at once as you want... with one mouse click. You just ned to select at least two builder and open the build interface - the multi build interface will immediately come up and does allow you to setup your alignment.
The following keyboard shortcuts can be used while the multi build interface is open:
Q / W : rotate left or right
A / S : remove or add columns
Z / X : less / more X spacing
C / V : less / more y spacing
Additionally you may hit the 'G' key at any time to display a build grid to show blocked areas.
- new icon at 3d space view to toggle space grid display
- pressing shift+F does now toggle a FPS (frames per second) display
- new crash logging
A new crash logging got implemented to track down and analyze any client crashes - a debug file gets send to bug@mankind.net so in case you crash, please send in the email to help us to track down and fix problems.
- give command changes
To prevent several negative side effects and security issues to the give-command feature, the following changes got done:
when giving a building
- any energy link gets disabled
- any stock link gets disabled
- any mining order gets disabled
when giving a ship or tank
- check on unit movement:
* only units that don't have a hyper jump order pending can be given
* moving builders can't be given
* any other in-system/-planet transfers are still possible
- any stock link gets disabled
- any attack order gets canceled
- any build order gets canceled
- any repair order gets canceled
- some more minor changes and updates we did forget
 client update - 12/07/2005 - bug / problem fixes -- icon to toggle F10 units list on 2D views fixed
- top/bottom scrolling in space 2D view fixed
- diagonally scrolling in planetary 3D view fixed
- show/hide all ships icon in base interface fixed
- TAB glitch when writing mails fixed
To avoid the TAB glitch within in-game mails, 4 spaces are now written for each TAB stroke
- switching between researches within a laboratory got changed
As this did cause a server issue, you can now only stop and (re)start a research at same laboratory once about every 3 seconds
- in-game email sender display got changed
Handling of displayed sender's name within in-game mails got more secured to fix client crashes on invalid characters within the nickname
- display within labs of views/blurring of units got changed
... from floating point numbers to the base of 1000 (K) so larger values do fit into the display field width -> 10000 will become 10K now for example
- game changes -- initial camera distance on planets
got increased to maximum value when entering the planet environment
 client update - 11/10/2005 - bug / problem fixes -- security fixes
Several internal security issues got fixed - more to come...
- graphic issue on interface top bar
A graphic issue got fixed, that might have occured when anisotropic filtering was enabled at the graphic card display settings. This problem was mainly related to ATI graphic card users that could not disable the anisotropic filtering as it was automatically enabled by the display driver all the time.
 client update - 05/24/2004 - bug / problem fixes -- enhanced time cheat fix
- launcher fix for automatic account selection
There was a problem with similar account names at list that when you started Mankind launcher it did automatically selected a wrong account instead of the really last used one. This also caused wrong password decryption in such a case and forced the user to reenter the password again.
- game changes -- new shortcuts
- CTRL+N : select all own units with same name and same type
- SHIFT+N : select all shared units from others with same name and related sharing level
- SHIFT+S : select all shared units from others with same name and type and related sharing level
 client update - 04/28/2004 - bug / problem fixes -- time cheat fix
- client crash related to WindowsXP security update KB824141
This crash happened when players had the XP security update KB824141 installed, which does enforce local elevation of privileges to fix a vulnerability.
When initializing the used DirectX engine, Mankind client did crash because of that in full screen. As we do not have the sourcecode of this engine available to correct it, a workaround fix got implemented and the startup image slideshow (which caused this crash) got disabled when playing in full screen mode.
- game changes -- Mankind Launcher
* does no longer quit for wrong password...
pressing "Quit" brings you back so you can correct your password
straight away
* after 3 failed tries to connect you can continue to retry or go back to the launcher without closing it
* last used account gets correctly stored and automatically selected at next launch
* passwords stored at registry gets encrypted
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