STATUS REPORT: Updates on hold. Project is not canceled, but the main component is heavily dependent on Kornman's free time (and he doesn't have much).
Cerebrum and Synapse
Cerebrum-Synapse is an in-development system for tracking game stats. It was originally started for H2V, but for obvious reasons we stopped. So we're starting it back up again, almost two years later, for CE.
Cerebrum takes data from specially equipped servers running a system called Synapse (an extension to Open Sauce) which generates an XML dump of all sorts of useful game information and uploads it to the Cerebrum server. The server then processes the data and puts it in a MySQL database. From there, the Cerebrum web interface provides players with complete details on their games, including kills, flag caps, time in the hill, and even player-vs-player details (who killed who).
There is much to do to get Cerebrum-Synapse up and running. The first step is to get our game recording system into Open Sauce for dedicated servers. Once that is in place, the real development of Cerebrum can begin. Cerebrum will store massive amounts of data in a MySQL database here at Modacity.
Features
- Game summaries: including all the regular stats listed in the Postgame Carnage Report as well as Player vs. Player. Our tracking system will be able to provide clear information on who killed who, what weapon they used, and where both players were. It even supports custom weapons.
- Player profiles: Your profile is attached to the MD5 hash of your pseudo-CD-key, which ensures integrity of profiles. You'll be able to see all the Synapse-monitored games you've played in, keep track of your total kills, and even see who you've killed the most.
- Dynamic signatures: Like with the many third-party extensions to the H2/H3 stat systems, we'll provide dynamic signature images with all sorts of goodies, like your total kills, k/d ratio, player color, etc.
- Various stats: We'll provide statistics on specific maps - who's the best on Coldsnap? what's the most popular game type on Bloodgulch these days? what maps are played the most? - to keep you in the loop.
- Global banlist: Synapse will provide servers with a global list of banned players. The ban-list is mandatory for server administrators, but is highly exclusive to those players deemed unfit for the game.
- Medals and Achievements: Bring Halo CE into the same action as Halo 2 and 3 with medals (per-game) and achievements (overall).
- Ranking System: What's the point of all this tracking if we can't put it to good use with a global ranking and rating system? Accumulate points for kills and caps and move up the ranks to General.
- Killzone Heatmaps: What's the most popular spot to get your ass handed to you on Sidewinder? Find out with our dynamically generate heatmaps.
FAQs
Can I see what this thing looks like?
My original implementation/prototype of Cerebrum is available here. jcap may wish to post his for reference, as we'll be starting with it (it just looks better). The new prototype is available here. Update: The early gameviewer prototype is also up, though it lacks the features of the completed system.
What can I do to help right now?
Start taking thumbnail shots of your favorite maps. We can't live with the ones on HaloMaps, after all.
We'll also need pretty graphics for Cerebrum, so if you're good with that sort of thing, feel free to contribute. Specifically, we'll be looking for weapon side views like what's shown for H3, medal graphics, achievement graphics, etc.
If you're good with web design or development, or you have access to rec0's source code, you can join the development team and make Cerebrum or Synapse a reality now.
Will Cerebrum have X Feature?
See above. If it's not listed, maybe we don't know about it. I haven't started making a list of things we won't do.
Can I use Synapse with my server?
When the system is up and running, anyone will be able to use Synapse on their server, but you will have to register the server and some credentials with Cerebrum. We will track what servers are submitting what data and games may be revoked if tampering is found.
So when can we get it?
When it's done. At this point, it's barely even started. We'll keep you updated. Heck, if you're a regular here at Modacity you may get a chance to beta the system. Beta testing will be done on public dedicated servers.
How will I link my CD key to my personal account?
When Cerebrum-Synapse is read to go, you will link your CD key (through our extensively researched [not yet finished] CD Key hashing system) to your Modacity account. Don't have a Modacity account? Registered today!
What are Medals? I've never played H2 or H3!
You should play them... just don't play H2V... horrible, horrible game... Anyway, medals are awards for special kills you get in game. The most basic medals are for double kills and killing sprees. Other medals can be awarded for sprees with certain weapons, sticking your opponent, and more. Some of these more advanced medals will require Open Sauce, but the simplest ones will be done through any Synapse-equipped server extension.
Will there be a ranking system like in Halo 2 and Halo 3?
We will have a ranking and rating system in Cerebrum, but it will not follow the Halo 2/Halo 3 model. Our ranking system will be like that used in Call of Duty: kills and flag captures on any server will earn you points. At predetermined point levels, you will advance to the next rank.
Will I be able to track my entire clan as a single group?
Clans and league teams can be tracked with the Clan Management page, but this is a "Stage 2" addition.
Is the global banlist mandatory to use Synapse?
Yes. The banlist consists of known, proven and tried* botters and excessive TKers. Allowing them in games forces us to void those games because their presence destroys scoring and can have a massive effect on gameplay. Voiding these games destroys the experience for legitimate players by ruining any game stats they had accumulated before the banned player joined.
* Players on the global banlist are the worst of the worst, proven multiple times to be botters and presented to us on open channels with clear proof. All players on the list will have a chance for an appeal in an open forum.
Oh no, I'm really good at CE, you're going to ban me because of my awesome stats!
Never! The banning process does not look at statistics except when banning TKers (because our stats dumps clearly show how betrayals play out). Rest assured, you won't be banned for having exceptional stats: only real, verifiable proof of botting will get you the hammer.
I see you've started using a logo, is that the final logo for the project?
Yes sir. Well... sort of. It's the basic shape. We're exploring further options in its presentation, including (among other things) a change in color scheme.
Who are you guys?
The primary developers of the system are myself, jcap and kornman00. I started mapping for back in '06, but my true calling is programming. I'm not too sure what jcap does, but he's an administrator here at Modacity and has definitely helped make this project a reality, even if it's not done yet. And kornman00 is god. That should do for biographies.
This is awesome, I should +rep you and Jcap!
Yes, yes, you should.
I'm from bungie, we're stealing your idea to get more people to buy an old, unsupported game for ~$9.
I highly doubt that. Honestly, if someone from bungie is reading this, they should email me. I can be a very sociable person when properly confronted, and I don't make any demands concerning futuristic body coverings and bullet deflectors.
Where else has this been posted so I can bump it for you?
HaloMaps
ModNexus
Open Carnage
Rework3d
You can also follow us on Twitter.
Development Phases
There are three key phases in the development of Cerebrum-Synapse. We are already well into "Phase 0", which is our designation for the minimal-feature test system that is being used to record statistics on the HCEL tournament games. Phase 1 is the primary release, and Phase 2 will bring various extra low-priority features we thought would be cool.
Phase 0:
__ - ✔ Basic statistics tracking
__ - ✔ Basic game dumper
__ - ✔ Manual game uploads
Phase 1:
__ - Complete kill/death tracking
__ - ✔ Automatic, X secure uploads
____ Public Beta Test
__ - Medals and achievements
__ - Ban list
Phase 2:
__ - Rankings and ratings system finalized
__ - Scheduled delivery of Medal Overlay and live statistics
__ - Minor features by request
Originally Posted by Malloy
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