I always hear people saying how they have 40fps or 90fps when playing games like Unreal Tournament. I was wondering how you get that type of information. Is there a utility that I can download that will analyze my fps?

It is a feature built into the games. Each game has a different way of activating it. In the Unreal games, for example, you must go to the console and type like "stat_fps 1" or something like that (don't remember exactly).

great - thanks for the tip. I will try that tonight.

Simply "stat fps" for Unreal based games (like Americas Army, Deus Ex, and of couse Unreal Tournament).

Quake based ones I believe are what Tony said, "stat_fps 1" or "set stat_fps 1"

Also, if the game doesn't have a built in feature for monitoring FPS, then use Fraps.

Simply "stat fps" for Unreal based games (like Americas Army, Deus Ex, and of couse Unreal Tournament).

I never noticed a thread here on Americas Army but some of the folks at work are raving about it and are hassling me to setup a lan server.

Apparently it was developed for/by the US Mil as a recruitment 'weapon' - is this true or another urban legend?

True.

Apparently it was developed for/by the US Mil as a recruitment 'weapon' - is this true or another urban legend?

True.

Well, not completly. While the CDs are going to be given out at the recruitment offices, the download will always be available from many places, without any type of recruitment message. Overall, the objective of the games (yes, games as in plural, there is an RTS in development as well) is to give a better insight into the army. Many manhours are going into it to ensure it is very realistic, from the drill instructor at the firing range, to the sound of the weapons, and their inaccuracy when using the targeting marks. An amusing possibility is the jail. Team killing can result in a jail visit, and servers can be linked togther to effectivly enforce someones jail time for team killing intentionally.

And how does any of that make the concept of it being a recuitment tool "not completely true"? Just because it doesn't have a 1-800-ARMY baner flashing on it doesn't mean it's not a PR tool for recruitment.

Essentially the game production is very similar to any true to life military film. An independant commercial company (in this case Ignited Minds) does all the work and content creation, while the Army provides the needed advice. (Lt. Col. George Juntiff is one of the project advisors)

Here's a quote from an interview: You don't have to worry about being asked to sign up or having your personal information given to the military. "If it leads to recruitment, fine," Juntiff says. "But, again, the idea is just to tell people what the Army is all about. There's no data tracked on you unless you voluntarily go and say, 'I want more.'"

Basicially to me, thats the same as seeing "Saving Private Ryan". I get an insight into the military, with a personal story attached. There is never any point where the movie tries to direct me to a recruitment office, and the same with the games.

The one point that is really different here is the source of funding. Yes, the Army budget is paying for these games. But that dosen't make me think of it as a recruitment tool.