I've used update 1.09 for a long time. A couple weeks ago, I updated to 1.13, and recently 1.14. I have to say, that I've always been on the fence of whether or not I'd use a mod to speed up, but now I'm sure not to.
Fpsc seems to be different on EVERY machine, even if the specs are exact. It also has the most ridiculous issue of outdoor environments of any kind.
Well, for the first time, I successfully created an outdoor set, with the frame rates ranging from the lowest of 25 to the best. 38. It uses most of the map too, and is loaded with enemies. After running several experiments, I have theories of how to solve this ongoing problem.
1.Enemies.-You may have noticed that as you begin to create your level and add enemies, the game slows down. Like, alot. So to fix this, have enemies spawn when the player hits a trigger zone. Also be sure the player has low life, so the player cant just "run past". This way they HAVE to kill them, thus keeping framerate even.
2.Terrain generators.-TRY NOT to use T.ed. I love this program, and it works with fpsc, but it makes high poly stuff. Instead, use sketchup to make rocks/cliffs.
3.Create Illusions.- Make the player feel like he or she is really outside. Clever planning with skyboxs helps ALOT. Also, try to make you own textures unique. Genetica does an amazing job at this.
4.Indoors-Occasionally make the player go inside a bit and make travel faraway from each terrain. This helps with poly leaks.
5.Invisible Crud.-You may have heard that using invisible segments help with speed. WRONG. At least for me, it also makes your static lights behave oddly.
6.Lighting.-Try to use static lights. Dynamic lights are better off INDOORS. Also, Light your outdoors with ONE BIG light, in the same direction as your sun, or moon. This way, there are less lights and it improves your outdoor level graphically.
7.Repetitiveness.-Try to vary your segments, if you can. At the minimum, try to add a variety of unique entites, and throw in some twists to the player. Model pack one and the outdoor pack are excellent to re texture. This has nothing to do with speed, as it does gameplay. Sure its great to have an outdoors, but dont be "cheap".
8.Fog.- You may have heard that fog helps, but it doesnt. It most certainly makes things more real. If you still want fog, finish your level without, then test it. Then add fog and test again. See how much your framerate differs.
9.Decals.-Try not to use. Ive noticed that the game seems to run fine, but oddly enough, will lag heavily when zooming in with a gun.
10.Animated Sky.-A really cool command that makes outdoors seem much more full of life.
http://forum.thegamecreators.com/?m=forum_view&t=144082&b=23&p=0 See here. I havent tested this out, but looks really really cool.
PROBLEMS.-Although spawning enemies dramatically improves frame rates, there is a few bugs that occur when the player saves his or her game. Sometimes the enemies will ALL reappear, and other times, continue to spawn INVISIBLE.
Well thats it. For now.
Till Thy Migration Come...
