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TMB: Online - Server General FAQ (Read 15410 times)
RoaDiE
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TMB: Online - Server General FAQ
12/04/14 at 08:56:21
 
TMBO FAN SERVER GENERAL FAQ


What is this project?


This is an effort to create a working fan-made and operated server for Twisted Metal Black Online for the PlayStation 2.

What is Twisted Metal Black Online? I did not know Twisted Metal Black had an online version.


Twisted Metal Black Online, or TMBO for short, was an online only version of Twisted Metal Black that originally released August 27, 2002 on PlayStation 2 in North America. People who purchased a brand new network adaptor for the PS2 were treated to a mail-in coupon that they would send off to Sony, who in turn would mail them back TMBO for free. The game was later packaged into Game of the Year editions of Twisted Metal Black and sold in stores. As well the game was sold and launched in Europe as a standalone title June 11, 2003. The North American and European players played on two separate regional servers, NTSC and PAL servers. The North American server went offline on March 19, 2007. The European server went offline June 30, 2008.

What is different between Twisted Metal Black and Black Online?


Twisted Metal Black Online features none of the single player content of the original version such as endurance or story mode. As well TMBO featured no split-screen multiplayer on the same console. TMBO instead featured multiplayer via the online server or multiplayer via LAN. The player count was increased in TMBO to 8 players over broadband connection, TMB only supported 4 players. TMBO also allowed for every single multiplayer level to be played with any numbers of players. TMB multiplayer had limitations on this.

TMBO also featured a variety of new game modes: Last Man Standing, Manhunt, and Collector, along with standard Deathmatch. As well the game allowed for a variety of new host options that included damage-based scoring methods, unlimited weapons, radar removal, and much more. TMBO also introduced Relics, new optional item pickups that modified a variety of gameplay elements. There were also a substantial amount of key gameplay tweaks and changes made to certain vehicles and weapons in the game from the original version. Details can be found HERE

What versions of Twisted Metal Black Online does your server support?


Our server works with both the North American and European releases of TMBO! Players with either the PAL or NTSC discs can connect and play on our server. 

Were there any differences between the American and European TMBO versions?


Only one key difference is noted between the two versions. The North American version had a hidden chat feature that accessible by pressing a specific button sequence while inside a game room lobby. The European release, all chat is removed. The only way for a European version to have chat enabled is through a cheat device.  The cheat/mods/unlockable levels FAQ/Thread has more details will be created eventually Smiley

The NTSC and PAL discs also look different. NTSC version discs have Dollface or Sweet Tooth’s mask on the cover, and the PAL version features No-Face. So if you are looking to buy a certain version, be sure to keep an eye out.

What will I need to access the server?


First
you will require a PlayStation 2, or a PlayStation 3 with backwards compatibility that can play PS2 games.
Second
is a copy of Twisted Metal Black Online. Please note that there is an NTSC and PAL version of TMBO and both work for our server, but your console must be the same region as the disc you are playing on.
Third
is a memory card.
Fourth
and possibly an annoying item that you will need is another PS2 game with a built-in network utility feature. TMBO itself does not have the ability to make a network profile. A network profile is MANDATORY to play ANY PS2 game online. Here is a list of games that are great to purchase, where you can make an online network profile. More detailed information can be found in our setup video we will be making shortly.

Can I play this game from my PS2’s Hard drive? How about USB stick?


Both generally work fine:
  • Hard drive is the fastest method. Some HDD setups like SATA/adapter combos might experience issues, but early signs for IDE users seem ok.
  • USB can sometimes struggle to load or fail to load certain levels with 8 players, but generally the experience is not hindered.
Does this game work online with the PCSX2 Emulator?


Despite the fact that the game looks fantastic, the answer is mostly no. The online lag and ghosting in the game is increased substantially on an emulator to a point that the game doesn’t function well. Testing has concluded that 2 players using emulator might be ok, but any more than that in a game room is not playable in any sense. The game also is prone to desyncing and freezes on the emulator. More testing will need to be done, but for now we strongly advise everyone must play on a PS2 or PS3. Here's an example video showing how atrocious online lag can be in PCSX2 with many players in a game room.

Can I download the game?


Absolutely not. We do not support piracy here and expect everyone to possess a copy of the game. Do not post ISO links here.

Does the new server have any features that the original server did not?


Yes we do! For starters, we have a unified server where both NTSC and PAL players can play, without any extra cheat devices required. We do plan on having some additional features such as offline tracking of who is playing online and stat pages, but they are not yet implemented.

How do I enable chat? Is there voice chat?


Upon entering the TMBO server lobby, enter a room already open or host a game room for yourself. You will now be in the game room lobby. Press these buttons on the PS2 controller in order: R1, R2, L2, L1, L1, L2, R2, R1. After this you should hear an audio prompt if done correctly. Press Square to open the chatbox, and triangle to close it. A USB keyboard can help aid in typing. There is no in-game chatting or voice chat in TMBO. You only need to enter the chat code once and it is forever on until you shut off your console. Remember however this will only work on the NTSC version and not the PAL version.

Are there any gameplay rules?


Technically, no.

However, it would depend on the host of the game room and how they want to play their own game. After so many years of playing the game and from the obvious balance issues, people began to play the game differently.

Does this game have team modes, if not how are you guys able to play teams?


Unfortunately this game does not feature team modes. But that does not stop us from playing and making up “pretend teams”. We will usually pre-arrange teams in the in-game chat and do our best to balance car picks as well. Players then go after the enemy team players and avoid hitting their teammates, friendly fire is an issue, but eventually it’s easy to not shoot your teammates.

The most common “Team Mode” veterans play is: Last Man Standing (5 lives)

Rules: No health pickups, and no environment attacks; if a mini health is picked up, simply mine yourself once and continue (pending you aren’t in battle), if a full health is grabbed, try mining yourself back to where you were or standing still to allow someone to damage you if you have no AA left. Spawn killing is frowned upon, if someone spawns beside you or you spawn behind someone just drive away for a few seconds before entering combat. When one team is completely destroyed, if there are any surviving members of the same team, they may mine themselves to death. All cars are legal however both teams try to balance the picks.

How come I sometimes see players warping or standing still for a second then re-appearing somewhere else? What is up with Darkside teleporting?


Net Code. Unfortunately the game does not do a terrific job of displaying player’s positions when they are sliding or drifting. This high level technique results in some teleporting. Sometimes falling off a steep ledge or going up a ramp can result in player’s teleporting from the top to bottom and vice versa. As well sometimes a car might get stuck on a corner for 3-4 seconds and then correct itself by teleporting to the correct location some time after.

Darkside is also a special case. Her special weapon which makes her go at ultra-speeds for a ram cause her to appear to teleport on other people’s screens. As well, if she is T-Sliding sideways the effect is increased. Unfortunately nothing can be done about this, and it takes some time to “see through the lag” with Darkside, and learn tell-tale signs of where she really is.
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« Last Edit: 12/06/14 at 07:03:32 by Aced14 »  

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RoaDiE
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TMB: Online - Server General FAQ
Reply #1 - 12/04/14 at 09:27:24
 
How does the Hit detection in this game work? I shot someone with my special, I saw it land... but it did no damage! What gives?


For WEAPONS in the game... hit detection in TMBO is all "server" side hit detection

This means that if you fire a weapon at an enemy, and in order for it to count as real damage... it must have landed on your opponent's end as well. People dodging at the last second can cause a false appearance that you are hitting weapons when you are not - because with lag, they are really 1 second ahead of where you see them. As well if an enemy is "ghosted", your weapons will not do damage to that car you see stuck on a wall. The best way to know if you landed something for sure besides visuals, is the scorecard which tallies instantly.

The one exception is RAMMING which is Client side hit detection, so it does not matter if on the enemy's end it did not land. This means if you see someone and ram them, it counted. Axel warwheel and Darkside's Ram special are both as well client side hit detection.

I am new, is there anything I should be made aware of?


Try not to get too frustrated if you are dying a lot, this game has a very steep learning curve. And unlike some games, aiming properly, setting up attacks, and timing, are all key in TMBO. Be aware of what car you are using for which level. Some cars fall short in open areas, and others excel at it.

You guys still play TMBO? Didn’t you know a new TM online game came out in 2012!?


Yes we know. That game is unfortunately not many people's cup of tea.



Edits (by Aced14): Adjusted HDD/USB stick answer, added link to PCSX2 lag video, and deleted my and RoaDiE's replies about them upon request.
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« Last Edit: 12/06/14 at 07:07:48 by Aced14 »  

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