The First "Graal 3D" ⌛ January 2000

Backups of Graal versions, historical programs, iconic files & images, world backups, etc.
caz
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The First "Graal 3D" ⌛ January 2000

Post by caz »

Graal3D (2000) — The Lost 3D Attempt

Graal3D was the first attempt to bring Graal into a 3D platform.

It was built from a third-party SDK downloaded by Stefan Knorr (Bomber), who began adapting it into a playable 3D environment.

Antago designed the branding, created and managed the website, and contributed to early engine visuals and graphical direction.

Development and Contributions
In addition to core development:
  • Antago — branding, website, visual identity, graphics
  • Stefan (Bomber) — SDK implementation and engine adaptation
  • Captain USA — testing and additional development support
The only surviving developer-era screenshot from early 2000:
Stefan, Captain USA, Antago in the first Graal3D.
Stefan, Captain USA, Antago in the first Graal3D.
history-8.png (10.67 KiB) Viewed 13 times
NOTE: The decal on Antago's shirt is the "God of Gravity" lightning bolt with a purple orbital ring around it.

Branding and Website Design
The original Graal3D logo was created by Antago, using the same visual language as the “Gravity” ring branding:
First Graal3D logo, by Antago
First Graal3D logo, by Antago
logo.png (19.55 KiB) Viewed 13 times
Antago "Gravity" button.
Antago "Gravity" button.
agravity_button.gif (6.58 KiB) Viewed 13 times
Antago also created and managed the official Graal3D and GraalOnline web presence at the time.

Archived versions of these sites still exist on archive.org, including the only known official Graal Online website award:
Graal3D.com original website archives.
Graal3D.com original website archives.
Screenshot 2026-05-10 at 12.05.28 PM.png (331.39 KiB) Viewed 13 times
The Graal Website Award
The Graal Online website award was a prototype concept intended for distribution across community websites.

Its design reflects early-era tooling, with heavy use of bevel effects common to Photoshop and Paint Shop Pro at the time:
"Most Accurate & Updated Site Award" graphical trophy.
"Most Accurate & Updated Site Award" graphical trophy.
award.png (18.83 KiB) Viewed 13 times
The background featured a bitmap cast of influential players, rendered by Antago, including:
  • Antago
  • Galen
  • Bomber (Stefan)
  • Vangel
  • Goku
  • Gandarian
  • Unixmad
  • Agent Crypto (co-webmaster of GraalOnline.com)
Graal3D.com "Graal iconic players" cast, featured in the graphical trophy.
Graal3D.com "Graal iconic players" cast, featured in the graphical trophy.
characters.png (6.51 KiB) Viewed 13 times
These character renders were also used in news posts and branding, including Antago’s personal logo:
Antago GraalOnline news logo.
Antago GraalOnline news logo.
antlogo.gif (2.3 KiB) Viewed 13 times
The Leak (March 2000)
In early March 2000, the Graal3D project was compromised when Antago’s computer was hacked.

A beta version of the engine was leaked and made publicly available on Spider’s Page of Stuff on March 6, 2000.

An archived copy of the leaked build can be downloaded here:
graal3d beta2.zip
Graal3D beta, March 2000.
(698.66 KiB) Downloaded 4 times
End of Development
Active development on Graal3D largely concluded between January–February 2000.

Shortly afterward, focus shifted to 2D playerworld development:
  • Mantara (Stefan)
  • Destiny (Antago)
These became the first true playerworlds, with Destiny later being absorbed into Graal Classic, replacing PACHUKA’s southern map.

With the rapid expansion of content and the transition toward a pay-to-play model, Graal3D was ultimately abandoned and considered a dead investment.

Later Attempt
A later attempt to revive Graal3D was funded using revenue from Graal2001, but this version was never completed or publicly released.
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