[HPL Engine & Editor Suite] Your Guide To Frictional Games & Amnesia
Is the HPL engine a revolutionary tool in the world of gaming, or simply a niche creation? The HPL engine, developed by Frictional Games, has undeniably carved its place in the realm of horror gaming, powering titles like "Penumbra" and the "Amnesia" series, showcasing its capability in delivering atmospheric and immersive experiences.
Released on June 27, 2022, the latest version of the HPL Editor Suite (versions 1.3 and later) for "Amnesia: The Dark Descent" SDK, sourced from Frictional Games' wiki, represents a significant evolution. However, potential users should be cautious: the suite isn't compatible with "Amnesia" versions 1.2 and earlier. Moreover, while Blender 2.6 can export armatures without modelview or model editor crashes, this requires a minor adjustment to the exported .dae file. Specifically, the HPL engine struggles to recognize bones within the controller (armature) when they are parented to an armature node in the .dae file.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Name | HPL Engine |
| Developer | Frictional Games |
| First Release | 2004 (for the 2D platformer "Energetic," published in 2005) |
| Primary Use | Powering Frictional Games' horror titles ("Penumbra," "Amnesia," "SOMA") |
| Key Technologies | OpenGL, OpenAL, Newton Game Dynamics |
| Shading Language | HPSL (in HPL3) |
| Scripting Language | Angel Script (similar to C/C++) |
| Platforms Supported | Linux, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS (as per Frictional Games releases) and PC and consoles (in HPL3) |
| Versions | HPL1, HPL2, HPL3, HPL3.5 |
| Purpose | To create immersive horror games and allow players to create their own stories and worlds. |
| Tools and Resources | Editor Suite, Documentation, Tutorials, Modding Tools |
| Notable Features | Dynamic lighting, physics simulation, scripting capabilities |
| Impact | Significant in the horror game genre, known for atmospheric environments and immersive gameplay. |
Beyond its use in game development, the HPL engine also touches upon the realm of engine maintenance, particularly through its "HPL Engine Cleaner." This product aims to remove deposits left by lubricants that are designed to meet specific industry standards. The cleaner's formulation includes detergents and dispersants to provide safe cleaning within the engine. Similarly, the "HPL EC30" engine cleaner is designed to address deposits within engines and can be used alongside synthetic oil for enhanced cleaning, representing a more economical approach to engine maintenance compared to solvent-based flushes.
The engine's origins are also rooted in the literary world, the name "HPL" itself is a tribute to horror fiction writer Howard Phillips Lovecraft. The first iteration, HPL Engine 1, was developed for the "Penumbra" series. Frictional Games then developed the HPL2, the engine behind the "Amnesia" series, which is known for incorporating additional features and improvements. The more recent HPL3, is the engine that supports both PC and consoles.
For those seeking to delve into the specifics of the engine, resources are available, including downloads for various tools and tutorials on how to create mods. Documentation about the engine's features and tools can also be found in various places, for both HPL1, HPL2, HPL3, and HPL3.5.
The "Proglog," a file created within the documents/amnesia/main or an FC folder if one is used, logs in-game events. These logged events range from opening the menu or picking up the lantern to the player's health, sanity, oil, tinderboxes, and coins. This comprehensive logging serves the purpose of documenting a tester's playstyle, providing valuable insight into the player experience.
When working with the HPL engine, understanding file formats and data structures is vital. For instance, the starting "_" in a geometry filename acts as a hint for the engine, denoting special properties, while the other "_" act as separators between those properties.
HPL also supports various types of colliders, including box, sphere, and cylinder colliders. The ability to use multiple colliders within a more complex model is also an option.
Beyond its use in games, the term "HPL" is also associated with high-performance lubricants. HPL offers a full line of engine oils, weights, and blends tailored for various engine types, providing a specialized approach compared to mass-produced, consumer-grade lubricants. These oils can reduce the coefficient of friction, leading to enhanced fuel economy.
The engine's shading language, called HPSL, is translated through a shader parser to the language used by the hardware. It also uses the Angel Script scripting language, which is similar to C/C++.
There are also references to engine cleaning and maintenance, suggesting that the HPL EC30, when used in conjunction with regular oil changes, can be an effective method to clean the engine. Alternatively, a 15-minute solvent-based engine flush (such as LiquiMoly) can be considered during oil changes.
For game developers and modders, the HPL engine provides an environment to create immersive and atmospheric experiences. The availability of documentation, tools, and tutorials, along with the ability to mod existing games, makes it an engaging environment for those looking to contribute to the Frictional Games ecosystem or explore its technical aspects.
The development of games using the HPL engine is focused on Linux, Microsoft Windows, and Mac OS. The engine's evolution from HPL1 to HPL3 reflects the ongoing dedication of the Frictional Games team to improve and expand the engine's capabilities. HPL3 is the first engine by the company that provides support for both PC and consoles.
One point to remember is about the visual consistency in the games, is the way the set pieces are structured. In the "Amnesia" engine (HPL2), there's a limitation: some set pieces, like walls, lack backs. This requires careful resource management to create visually appealing and consistent environments.
Engine cleaner, is specially formulated and fortified with detergents and dispersants, which are also safe for elastomers in the engine when used at the recommended rate.
In summary, the HPL engine's legacy lies in its role in creating memorable horror game experiences, but also in its potential as a modding platform, engine maintenance, and the development of high-performance lubricants, as a way to approach the games.
