I made sure to run 2142 through revive once before i tried starting FS.

If you update using the launcher it will take you out of sync with the revival server and you wont be able to join the online server they have up there.

Yes, the updater is currently not working.

I raised the issue of it only checking one place years ago when the launcher was being worked on.  I think I still have all the patches sitting around on the BI webserver (I think, I DID just find all the 1.4-1.5 testing files), we were prepared then to act as a mirror for the updater and are still happy to continue to do so.  If worst comes to worst we can probably redo the old test patcher (which BI used internally for our own project) to help people update their game.

The Serverfiles for FS were always a bit naff, BI modded ours around a bit to get them going, and I've found a folder called "BIServerFiles.7z" on our webserver. I'll take a look and see what's actually in them, and if they are any use I'll share them. The patcher being down still will screw with you though. Base 1.6 servers were not stable.

Unfortunately on our front we can't just hit go on our old server as it's gone, but I'll see what I can recover.

Also is there a link somewhere? I don't see 1.6 on the download page.

While I do have the post 1.6 patches and could upload those to be installed and then have the updater apply them, I want to try to keep the install a simple as possible for players.  We have an opportunity for reaching a lot of new players and I don't want to drive any away out of frustration.   Trying to keep players in synch between the base version 1.6 and the internal First Strike version system would  be too complicated.   Dathomir Prison was the only map added in a post 1.6 update.  There were a few other tweaks, but nothing game breaking.  FS 1.6 is pretty solid and good to use.    I am working on the next version which will include Dathomir Prison and the other post 1.6 tweaks.

There was a lot of content in development, as well as the singleplayer focused stuff that I was working on that would definitely justify at least another release.   I have already started adding my content into the public 1.6 First Strike release.  There is a lot of new stuff that was added in 1.6 and could be used or expanded upon in existing maps.

Talon had Echo base all set up in 3dsdmax, but it never made it into First Strike, before the mod ceased development.   There was a Hoth map with a small base that was released in the singlplayer mod, FSX.   I am updating the map as Outpost Hoth map for multiplayer.  I have made a couple of different singleplayer focused versions that are ready to go. 

One is a focused battle in the trenches.  The scenerio is that the Imperial forces have surrounded the trenches with AT-STs and provide cover fire while the Stormtroopers dismount to take the trenches on foot.   There are automated probe droids as well.  Another twist is that when the Imperials take a trench flag, it deploys an automated probe droid that drops in from the sky to help protect the flag.  All this makes for a very intense battle with bots. 

Another is a dogfighting map.  It is just good fun with snowspeeders vs Ties.

I have also made the rear gunner in the snowspeeder automated, but players can enter it from the rear.  There are also the new Hoth uniforms that are already in the mod.  Unfortunately, the ATAT still has some serious issues and is not ready for gameplay.

I added the bloodwing (Strormtrooper Zombie) kits and models, updated for SP/COOP use.  it was an FS event a while back and works really well in COOP with the ratio turned up with a hoard of infect Storm Troops attacking.  It works best on close quarter night maps, of which I have acquired some night versions of existing maps. 

I am also testing the Bounty Hunter rifle as a custom option for the Support Kit on several maps.  It is a very popular rifle and needs to be more than a hidden pickup kit.

I have revamped the handweapon AI.  The bots will now resupply, heal and revive, but at a lower priority.

Also have expanded/redone the bot pathing some of the maps. 

As far as the future of First Strike, that really depends if there is enough renewed interest in continued development.   I am primarily interested in continuing to add SP/COOP support to more maps. 

There were areas that were never developed, such as Bespin.  It would be great to create a Hoth Echo Base map.    Twigs discovery of how to autopilot cap ships opens up some interesting gameplay options for other vehicles, such as escort missions.   The new automated satellites may be interesting to use in some other maps.   Additionally, we can take the new WIP progress model of the AT-AT and create a static version that replaces the one on Endor.

With Revive BF2142 team making the game fully functional and available for free means that there is a great potential for a lot of new players.   New players can also bring in those that want to help to start development up again for First Strike.