2008-11-01 - Re-Release: XT-100 Viper v2.0!
2008-09-06 - New Release: CSX-600 Corvette!
2008-08-31 - New Release: Spearhead Frigate!
2008-07-07 - Server move!
2008-06-16 - Re-Release: Victory Mk2 v2.3!
2008-05-31 - Blue Phantom Project Relaunch!
2008-05-14 - New Gallery Feature!
2008-05-05 - Community Update!
2008-02-21 - TBP Texturing Contest!
2008-02-08 - Status update!

Re-Release: XT-100 Viper v2.0

An old bird renewed!

Since the first one only had a base model yet you will be starting the TBP campaign flying one, I decided very early to add a cockpit and exterior version to the Viper. So, while being cut off from the internet and spending time tweaking around on the Executor I also found some time to greatly further my efforts on this one. So here it finally is, complete with cockpit and Exterior model.

The design idea: When looking at the development from the XT-250 Victory towards the XT-300 Piranha, design and technology evolved from lots of buttons and many separate screens to fewer buttons and large multifunctional touch-screens. Thus when reverting technological advances to the XT-100 Viper, I'd greatly increase the number of buttons, switches while making the screens smaller and fewer in number - less to see, more to press :D.

You can download this OPT by clicking the picture or have a look at the ship profile for more info and screens.

You can also discuss this new release here.

New Release by DTM

DTM is back and has released two new OPTs: First there's his update version of the V-19 Torrent Fighter from the Clone Wars series. Next he's released an armored version of the famous Radiant-class Republic starship. Stunning work once again. Check them both out at MTD Industries.

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New Release: CSX-600 Corvette

Finally the last touches were done and it's ready for release!

OK, this is, as far as I know, the very first capital ship in XWA modding history that comes with an actual cockpit opt. OK, its shiptype isn't exactly capship, for a more sensible weapons configuration I set it to freighter, but anyway....

This sleek corvette is ShiCon Dynamics' first step into the construction of Capital ships. A fast and agile transport ship, mainly for the purpose of transport of higher class personnel and VIPs. Due to its flexibility and great agility the CSX-600 is suitable for many kinds of purpose, ranging from passenger lining to VIP transit and spec ops combat missions, each supported by a high customizability. The small rear hangar additionally enables the ship to carry an additional starfighter or land vehicle for reinforcements.

The CSX-600 comes in two versions, one, generic grey one, which also features various FG colors, the other as an all dark stealth version, each with its individual cockpit OPT. Due to their general role in the project - and an apparrent lack of free slots, the two ships will by default replace the Corellian and Modified Corvete.

But enough ranting. Enjoy!

You can download this OPT by clicking the picture or check out the Profile page for more info and screenshots.

Minor Spearhead Update.

I made a minor tweak to the Spearhead's SHP-file, increasing both armor and shield values.

You can download it Here.

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New Release: Spearhead Frigate

Oh My GAWD! an UPDATE!

OK, I've been teasing ye lot for a while now and I know people were especially looking forward to this one, so here it is in all its glory.

The Spearhead is a relatively small capital ship who's single purpose is the hunt and destruction of large capital ships. Basically it's one flying fusion cannon, the devastating weapon that made its debut on the SBCR Warrior and now went into line production.

You can download this OPT by clicking the picture or learn more on the Profile page.

Re Release by DTM

He's been far from anything XWA for a while, but now he's back with a vengeance. DTM has recently released his updated version of the Rand Ecliptic, the very starship on which Rebel mortyr Biggs Darklighter served bbefore joining the Alliance. You can get his from DTM's website, MTD Industries.

Guide to Atmospheric Backdrops

When it comes to atmospheric backdrops for XWA, one name stands out above all: Frakel aka. Dodonna, who is also working on several backdrops for the Blue Phantom Project has recently released his Guide to Atmospheric Backdrops, a very detailed and comprehensive tutorial on how to make and add full 360° atmospheric backdrops to a mission. It also includes a sample mission. The tutorial is kindly hosted at the XWAU Homepage. Thanks mate!

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Server move

Just a quick heads up: This site and its domain www.bluephantom.de will be moving to a new server since my current provider is being shut down.

I expect this domain to be down by the end of the week and it might take a few days for the move to be completed. Until then, the site will be relocated to my backup-location at www.vince-t.de, so nothing will be lost.

Of course, I'll keep you informed, once things are back to normal.

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Re-Release: Victory Mk2 v2.3!

Finally done, the long-awaited overhaul is here.

Took me long einough, but here it finally is. This new version of the Victory Mk2 features a complete hull texture overhaul along with a whole bunch of other tweaks and fixes.

Kudos to Mako, the winner of the first tbpp texturing contest who provided the royal Briceran design for the yellow flightgroup colors.

You can download this OPT by clicking the picture!

You can discuss this re-release HERE

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Blue Phantom Project re-launch!

God, I dunno how long this took me, but finally it's done!

After about two years, the new design, originally made for me by webdesigner Alex Herrmann has finally been implemented and adjusted the TBP Project page.

Go xplore, I hope ye folks like, I do anyway ;)

NJO Project Final Release!

It is always sad to see great projects die without ever being completed. The more comforting it is when at the end the players and fans are being given a final present for their patience and loyalty.

The Invasion begins - is the final release of the famous NJO Project, taking you into the beginnings of the Yuzham Vong invasion. Here's what Project leader Chris Walker said about it:

The mod includes the work of 34 voice actors playing 61 roles and features Richard Brookes, Amy Ferrell, Seth Marty, and Cass McPhee. Players can download the mod at http://www.njoproject.com/ along with standalone versions of the game's cutscenes, several behind-the-scenes documents and unimplemented voice work for the curious.

The final version of The Invasion Begins tells an in-depth story about Bryon Tomri, who finds himself entangled in the beginning months of the Yuuzhan Vong invasion of the Star Wars galaxy, and must choose between duty and his friends. The mod includes 5 missions, 19 skirmish missions that are based on the originally planned 16 missions for the mod, 5 cutscenes, a full voice cast, voiced briefings, new music, and new e-mail messages tailored specifically to the campaign.

The mod also supports multiplayer gaming between users who have The Invasion Begins installed, allowing players to take control of the coralskipper and Chiss claw fighter in head to head combat for the first time.

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New Gallery Feature!

New and improved, my humble place now features a sort-of gallery showcasing my most recent artwork. You can find it both on the main page as well as parallel to the news. These links will direct you to the full size versions over at my DeviantART-Profile. With the revamp of the TBP Project site I will also update the gallery, adding the new artworks there, too.

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Community Update!

Hey guys, it's been quiet around here, so I thought I'd give a statement.

While this site itself has been quite inactive, I myself haven't. I've got a ton of stuff up and coming, ranging from some urgently needed OPT revisions to new OPTs and other projects. So stay tuned for some more goodnes to the end of this month at the latest.

Vince-T on DeviantArt

Yup, finally I've got my lazy rear up and updated my DeviantART Profile which I had lying around since mid 2006 ... geeze! Well, in this profile I'll from now on will distribute all the new artwork as well as already existing stuff.

And as to celebrate the opening of the new profile, I've made a neat little artwork series dedicated to the Blue Phantom Project. Click the Images below for the big versions ;)

I'll add more stuff to the profile, of course. A lot more! ;)

XWA Upgrade News

A news post would not be a news post without some new XWAU goodness. Once again it is DTM, who after his release of the Defiance or Medium Calamari Cruiser now has released both the Liberty- and the Reef Home-Class Calamari Cruisers, both originally started by JM. Brilliant work as usual. You can download them over at the XWA Upgrade Homepage.

Speaking of the XWA Upgrade Project, webmaster Forceflow has finally gone the critical step and updated the old forum software, porting the active forum to the new version 3 of the popular and comfortable PHPBB. Along with that he's begun reworking some of the website's subsites, such as the complete revamp of the screenshots page. Great work Force!

New Droid Bomber

Berruga is back, this time with his great model of the Droid Bomber from the clone Wars area. You can download it from MTD Industries.

New XWA Missions site

it is always pleasing to see there are still people making XWA missions. Red Leader has now set up a new website for XWA missions and parallely released his first mission of the famous Skyhook Battle. Go check it out!

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TBP Texturing Contest!

OK, let's do something different.

Some of you may know that I've been planning and working on updating some of the older fighters of the Blue Phantom Project, e.g. the Dragonfly or the Viper, so they come as fully featured OPTs with cockpit and exterior model.

In this course I took a few hours time doing some work on the old Victory Mk2 Fighter. Released in 2004 with some minor updates lateron, I figured this ship doesn't match my quality standards anymore. So I've decided to upgrade it. It will mainly be a texture upgrade, but I think that'll already do a proper job in improving the look of it.

I sort of ran out of ideas for the Victory Mk2 flightgroup colors. I have red, blue and green markings, but one is left. So I had the idea to give those who like a chance to aid me here. let's have a little contest shall we?

I've made a pic of the Victory Mk2 with no markings at all. Now it's your turn. Show off your creativity and design a flightgroup marking pattern.

Anything goes, any color(s) goes. At the end I will choose a favorite which will make it into the final version.

Please post your contest entries Here

• get to beta-test the new version as well as the shipset itself, once it's ready for testing
• have a place in the credits of course
• I'll think of something else as incentive ;)

New XWAU Craft

Here's to DTM once again. He has taken over the burden to update JM previously made Calamari Cruisers for the XWA Upgrade Project debuting with his brilliant upgrade of the Defiance. Stay tuned folks, this surely won't be the last we've seen from him.

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Status Update!

Well, folks, you all have noticed I haven't been that active for a while - I was shocked myself realizing that there hadn't been any news update on this page for almost half a year now. I could blame it on my job getting tougher and more stressful. But then again, I am not the only game modder on this planet with real life and a job to worry about so this excuse probably won't count. Anyway, I can now say, things are starting to liven up again. I have moved to a new place, a lovely spacey apartment overlooking the city of Karlsruhe, Germany, just ten minutes away from work (instead of 1:30 as it used to be. So I do have time for the pleasant things in life again.

That said, I have come out of what appeared semi-retirement and am busily working on a couple of new projects. So expect some nice goodies to come for 2008.

So for those of you curious about what I've got coming, here's a little sneak peak ;)

So much for me. So let's see what happened throughout the community:

New XWAU Craft

Quite a bunch of brilliant new ships were released in the past half year. Here's a short rundown of them:

• Razor Fighter by L.D. Khatgar
• YT-2400 "Outrider" by DTM
• Modified Nebulon-B Frigate by DTM

All of these great OPTs can be downloaded from the XWA Upgrade Project homepage.

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