At long last The Dark Mod version 1.03 is available for download!

To get the update, just run your tdm_update.exe file (inside your darkmod folder) or see our website for more info: https://www.thedarkmod.com. With the new updater the download size for upgrading 1.02 to 1.03 is about 210 MB. A fresh download will weigh about 1.8 GB.

Ultra-short summary

• Graphic overhaul: New Ambient method, Interaction Shader and HDR-Lite Post-Processing
• Various code changes with regards to AI, physics, sound, location system, inventory
• New textures (lilies, skyboxes, metal, roof and brick textures)
• New female AI including two new vocal sets “Wench” and “Lady”
• A couple of new models, fixed a few fixed issues with existing models
• Built-in Mission Downloader, plus some changes to the settings GUI
• Added Werebeast and Horse AI, spiders upgraded
• New update system supporting differential downloads
• A couple of new systems are still in preparation, so expect more goodness to come in TDM 1.04 (Overhauled Level of Detail system, AI pathing upgrades and more)

The full changelog can be found on our wiki.

Note: While missions are fully compatible with this release, you can NOT load any previously saved games after updating to 1.03. If you’re in the middle of playing a mission, you might want to finish it before updating.

The team is in the final stages of getting the 1.03 update ready for release. This new update has a huge number of features, including a new in-game mission loader, new characters (wench, noblewoman, horse, etc), new graphic options, and a huge number of bugfixes. The difference when playing is quite noticeable–both the graphics and sounds have been taken to the next level.

The Dark Mod has made the top 100 list of mods at MODDB. Help vote us to the top! http://www.moddb.com/mods/the-dark-mod

As the developers are generally too busy to focus on self-promotion, nbohr1more has taken on the task of updating our MODDB page with screenshots, interviews, and other goodies. Here’s one interview with Grayman, our newest developer.

A belated congratulations to Sotha, the winner of our 2010 summer vertical build contest. His mission, The Glenham Tower, is awesome, and a must-play for anyone who enjoys scary missions!

As we approach the one year anniversary of TDM’s release, we’re pleased to see that there are already 32 missions released. A hearty thank-you to all the mappers who have done a fantastic job of helping TDM to thrive. 🙂

The latest update, TDM 1.02, is ready for download. This is a medium-sized update (about 500 MB), adding textures, models, new AI and patching a few gameplay issues. It includes a new vocal set courtesy of Bikerdude, “active props” by Springheel that allow AI to play cards or drink from bottles (see below), and a fix for the saved game crash issue by greebo. See a full list of changes here.

To get the update, just run your tdm_update.exe file. For more details, see here.

Note: While all missions are fully compatible with 1.02, you can NOT load 1.01 saved games after updating to 1.02. If you’re in the middle of playing a mission, you might want to finish it before updating.

In other news, some fantastic missions have been released in the past few months, including The Heart of Lone Salvation by Fidcal, and a 4-mission campaign, No Honour Among Thieves by Goldcochobo.

At long last, the TDM 1.01 update is ready for download! This is a BIG update, that adds dozens of new assets for mappers (including 6 new AI types, new models, and new ambient tracks), as well as fixing numerous bugs. New features for players, like a crouch indicator and combat difficulty levels, have also been added. We’ve also responded to the many player requests to reduce the volume of the player footsteps. See the full list of changes here. There should be something for everyone.

To get the update, just run your tdm_update.exe file. For more details, see here.

Note: While 1.00 missions are fully compatible with 1.01, you can NOT load 1.00 saved games after updating to 1.01. If you’re in the middle of playing a mission, you might want to finish it before updating.

In other good news, DarkRadiant 1.2.0 is ready for download as well. Check out the cool readable editor! Grab it at: http://darkradiant.sourceforge.net/