Friday 2010-06-04 Dev. update and Discussion Thread

[Zorin]

@Mysticpuma and Tbag:

I do 3D modelling myself and there is no visual improvement between the SoW models that have been shown and that B-17, at all. At least from a polycount point of view. Every poly more than the SoW models have is a waste and pretty much inefficient.

As for the textures, take a look at this shot of the B-17:

http://www.a2asimulations.com/wingso...eenshots/4.jpg

Without the polished finished it actually looks rather dreary compared to the SoW models.

Besides, why would you want to absolve a combat simulator from its very purpose, simulating combat, just to look at a plane model, which you could do better in an environment like FSX? That doesn't makesense to me at all.

[Skoshi Tiger]

Will we be able to open the sliding sections of the 109 canopy? May give a slightly better view to the front.

Cheers!

[AC_Black]

LOVE THOSE PICS.. EXCELLENT!! Thank you very much for the up dates, looking forward to the release.

[zauii]

Originally Posted by Zorin

@Mysticpuma and Tbag:

I do 3D modelling myself and there is no visual improvement between the SoW models that have been shown and that B-17, at all. At least from a polycount point of view. Every poly more than the SoW models have is a waste and pretty much inefficient.

As for the textures, take a look at this shot of the B-17:

http://www.a2asimulations.com/wingso...eenshots/4.jpg

Without the polished finished it actually looks rather dreary compared to the SoW models.

Besides, why would you want to absolve a combat simulator from its very purpose, simulating combat, just to look at a plane model, which you could do better in an environment like FSX? That doesn't makesense to me at all.

Quoted for truth.

Well said.

[Tbag]

Originally Posted by Zorin

@Mysticpuma and Tbag:

I do 3D modelling myself and there is no visual improvement between the SoW models that have been shown and that B-17, at all. At least from a polycount point of view. Every poly more than the SoW models have is a waste and pretty much inefficient.

As for the textures, take a look at this shot of the B-17:

http://www.a2asimulations.com/wingso...eenshots/4.jpg

Without the polished finished it actually looks rather dreary compared to the SoW models.

Besides, why would you want to absolve a combat simulator from its very purpose, simulating combat, just to look at a plane model, which you could do better in an environment like FSX? That doesn't makesense to me at all.

Don't you like to model Bombs with lots of polys?

Judging by your last comment you wouldn't mind to stick to the graphics of IL2 and only improve the physics. I don't believe that you really mean that. Furthermore, you can do as much 3D modelling as you like but if you can't see a visual improvement between the different models (SoW and A2A) you must be somewhat blind. Just look at the nose section of the 109 or the engine cowlings of the Ju88 or Wellington - lots of ugly(ish) edges.

Now don't get me wrong: I can appreciate that there is a tradeoff between graphics and physics modelling and I'm happy with the SoW 3D models that we've seen so far. I'd just be a little happier if they looked more like that A2A B17.

[Blakduk]

The way this sim is coming together is simply BRILLIANT!
I love the details such as the individual damage modelling of the prop blades, and the 109 cockpit looks almost too good to be true.
What's really exciting for me is the view of the furball near the coast with the 109 about to dive in.
I can hardly wait to see a video from inside the cockpit of a plane diving through clouds- one thing i believe IL2 didn't do well was the transparency of clouds when going through them. In IL2 you only have to touch the edge of a cloud and you're blinded- i hope this new engine manages it better.
You're raising the standard for all other games/sims Oleg- well done.... and keep going!

[Zorin]

Originally Posted by Tbag

Don't you like to model Bombs with lots of polys?

Judging by your last comment you wouldn't mind to stick to the graphics of IL2 and only improve the physics. I don't believe that you really mean that. Furthermore, you can do as much 3D modelling as you like but if you can't see a visual improvement between the different models (SoW and A2A) you must be somewhat blind. Just look at the nose section of the 109 or the engine cowlings of the Ju88 or Wellington - lots of ugly(ish) edges.

Now don't get me wrong: I can appreciate that there is a tradeoff between graphics and physics modelling and I'm happy with the SoW 3D models that we've seen so far. I'd just be a little happier if they looked more like that A2A B17.

I only increased the polygon count to a pount where there was no gain for overall quality beyond it, just like the SoW models. It is easy to throw around with polys, but there is no real gain in the longrun to do it just because you can.

Besides, where are those ugly edges on the Bf109 cowling? I can't see any. All I can make out are rough contours due to the lack of AA.

[Tbag]

All the little bumps and the air filter, they don't blend in with the rest of the model but have a very sharp "edge" where you can count the polys. Also, the parts of the aircraft that you can see from within the cockpit look rather crude compared to the A2A models.

[Defender]

Mmmmmhmmm! My re-introduction to WWII flight sims will be an epic one...no doubt.

Outstanding work to the team!

[heywooood]

Oleg - it is good to see your personal updates again with some regularity - like you used to do in il2 days...

Is SoW going to use open GL or DX12 for rendering?

will we be able to adjust things like gamma correction in the game GUI, just as in Rise of Flight? and will there be other items like they call 'post effects' ?

Since there was so much complaining by fans in il2 days regarding 'muzzle flash' and engine 'lawnmower' sounds and MG sounds - have you considered making those effects adjustable in the game (maybe by use of a slider to increase/decrease the visual or audio depth) within the GUI ?

thank you for continuing to work on PC combat flight simulations - I think I can speak for many when I say we are fortunate to have you and your tremendous dedication (and whole team @ Maddox as well)...

Is Ilya (Luthier) still with you and is there still a Korean era flight sim in the works?