The game itself is similar to "MUDs", except that it has actual graphics
instead of a text-only interface.
Shown below is a screen capture of the java client. Keep scrolling down the
page for details on where and how to play.
NEWS: I'm happy to announce that I have started updating the java client for use with the new "crossfire 1.0" servers recently released.
You are the little dwarf-guy in the center of the graphics. You can trade at the various shops in the town, explore the various houses, or move on to other locations.
For a more detailed intro to the game, you can try this page in France ., or go to the first link at the top of the page.
java 1.2.2, linux, i86If you have difficulties,try to get an earlier java runtime from the javasoft website.
jre -cp /path/to/jcrossclient.jar CFclientNOTE: CFclient is case-sensitive. "CFclient
" Or if you have a mac, look at my mac page. But unfortunately, mac JVMs seem to be broken currently, like the newer MSwindow ones (last time checked was y2000, it might work now.)
Currently available versions of the client are:
Source code now available, also in jar format:
Please note: If you have problems downloading, or strange security problems, try shift-clicking to download
It also displays the newer Xpm images. Having all the graphics helps, eh?
Plus, I moved the image cache to your "home" directory, if you have one.
I also need to add hooks for magic map display, and improve the inventory image refresh, when you dont have the image in your cache already.
Speaking of cache, I also need to make separate caches on a per-server basis, and add the checksum verification. sigh.
The archives are in "jar" format. jar is the java standard. You should have a jar program with your java environment. But if you don't, it is zip-compatible, too. Just make sure you have a reasonably new version of zip.
But now it seems broken again, with some runtimes. ARRGG! (so if you have problems with the newest jcrossclient, use 1.1.6)
As mentioned above, you can start the java client with
jre -cp /path/to/jcrossclient.jar CFclientIf for some reason you have problems running the client from the .jar file, you can extract the classes to a directory and try things slightly differently. [Otherwise, skip down to the "SPEED" section, below]
Extract the above archive, in a new directory. If that succeeds, you can then run the main routine, "CFclient", with a java run-time.
Once you are in this directory, running the client should be as simple as one of the following:
a) jre -cp . CFclient b) java CFclient[note: microsoft's "jview" is known to be broken. Don't use it.] If you are not running a server on your machine, it will ask you what server you'd like to connect to. Or, if you'd like to automate connectivity to a particular server, use
jre CFclient -server servername
If you have an MS-DOS derived machine, then "crossfire.bat" is a simple script to start the client up. Add "-server whatever.org" to the file, if you find a server you like to connect to all the time. Once again, note "CFclient", NOT "cfclient".
Here's some tips on how to get a fast java environment going for a few different platforms.
First thing: If you're not going to be doing java coding, get a "java runtime" (jre), not the "java development kit"(jdk). You'll save yourself a few megabytes of download.
Once you've installed the above, add the java run-time from jre or jdk to your PATH, in whatever way is appropriate to your system. (mswin seems to do it for you, although you might have to reboot) Then...
You need "direct" internet connectivity to play crossfire. A NAT setup should work, but if you're behind a picky firewall, you're probably out of luck.
The best way to find a server is to go to the Crossfire Server List .page.
Likewise, if you'd like to work on the source, please email me.
For general tips on using the client, I'm hereby making a separate jcrossclient help page for your more convinient bookmarking.