Q: Why are you still maintaining the classic version of Hollow Ground?
A: We are maintaining it because many of our users have not made the switch to the newer hardware and system software that is required by Hollow Ground Special Edition. The original Hollow Ground was released in October 2003 and is now considered legacy by Team Aescapia. It was optimized to run on low-level hardware. Hollow Ground is using software rendering and running at a pretty decent frame rate on old low-end iMacs. If you are not using an Intel Mac or the latest versions of Mac OS X, the original version of Hollow Ground might be the best alternative.

Q: Why have you introduced Hollow Ground Special Edition?
A: Hollow Ground is using software rendering and running at a pretty decent frame rate on old low-end iMacs. It does, however, not take advantage of the powerful graphics hardware acceleration found in almost every Mac today. Instead of hacking the old code, we joined forces with developer Blackwight to do a complete rewrite of the Hollow Ground engine. The result is Hollow Ground Special Edition, which is using OpenGL and is running native on both Intel and PowerPC Macs. Hollow Ground Special Edition also adds hundreds of new features and new content. If you are using an Intel Mac, Special Edition is the best alternative.

Q: Does owners of a valid license for the original Hollow Ground software get a discount?
A: Yes, we have created a discount coupon for each Hollow Ground license that can be used in the Kagi Store to purchase Hollow Ground Special Edition for only $4.99 USD (not including VAT or Sales Tax). With the Upgrade Discount you only pay for the great new features and content, but get to play all of the original content using our brand new engine. You need to contact our Customer Service to claim your coupon.

Q: What is the latest version of Hollow Ground Special Edition?
A: The latest stable version of HGSE is 1.1.8. You should be able to update your copy to the latest version by using the built-in updater. We are currently beta testing version 1.1.9, which should soon be released.

Q: How do I assign and configure a second joystick for player two?
A: There is a bug in Hollow Ground SE version 1.1.8 and earlier that prevents you from successfully assigning and configuring a second joystick. The problem should be fixed in version 1.1.9, which is in beta test and soon to be released.

Notice: Hollow Ground SE version 1.1.8 and earlier can display a graphics error when configuring a second joystick. If the error is persistent, that is, if it does not go away after you quit and relaunch the application, you need to delete your preferences file. The HGSE preferences file is located in /Users/[your account]/Library/Preferences. The file name is “HGSE preferences”. Just drag that file to your trashcan. Upgrade to version 1.1.9 when it is available.

Q: How do I pan using a joystick? It is almost impossible to aim when I use the directional pad!
A: Panning works best with an analog stick. If your joystick has an analog stick try to use it. This might require that you configure your device to use analog input (see the manual for your joystick). For technical reasons panning does not work very well with a digital directional pad. We attempted to implement panning as best we could for digital directional pads as well, but it will never work as good as with an analog stick. We can recommend a Saitek P2900 Wireless, which should work excellently with HGSE. We have also tested cheaper gamepads like Microsoft SideWinder, but the absence of an analog stick makes it less suited for the new panning feature in HGSE.

Q: Can Hollow Ground SE load bonus maps for Hollow Ground (classic)?
A: No, the map format has changed to accomodate new features. Old maps have to be converted to the new HGSE map format using the HGSE Map Editor. Conversion is not completely automatic. Old map files have to be manually tweaked to work properly with HGSE.

Notice: HGSE Map Editor is expected to be released by developer Blackwight Summer 2008.