Is there any chance that 'realistic' looking smoke can be added in a future update?

[Mysticpuma]

Hi chaps, the discussion isn't really about how overdone the effects are, as these are created by(some highly talented) modders.

What I hope is that TD will consider revising these effects so that they are acceptable to users, i.e, not frame-rate killers, but that they enhance the current 2D striped sprite of smoke and 'bubble' of flame.

The above examples really don't cripple frame-rates as they are just re-adjusted effects files, but if TD could go through a quality control version to guarantee that there is a bare minimum of FPS reduction, surely the enhancements far out way a 2-3 FPS that it would make?

Currently we are at the point where PC's have advanced so much since this came out that it should now be possible to enhance the 2D sprite smoke to make it look more authentic, as shown in the videos above (and the one I posted was shot on his mobile, but VPMedia's are examples that could be referenced from).

I just hope that TD will consider this advancement in the visual effects as, if you consider what can be done in the videos shown above already, with a TD quality control, surely smooth FPS friendly fire and effects are more than possible now?

Opinions very much welcome on the examples shown, but also on the request for realistic looking smoke and fire effects that are evidently more than possible?

Cheers, MP

[pupo162]

as i tought, i didnt miss much.

all the effects psoted seem to be overdone, or "above the game graphics". Having realistic explosions in a 2001 game doesnt fit nice, its like having early CGI in movies, it just doesnt fit and doesnt look natural.

So, my opinion on the matter is. Let it be. The effects on il2 arent perfect, but they suit the game nicely to all its standards, and unless a major graphics remake is incoming no need to re-do that.

cheers

[Hunden]

Originally Posted by pupo162

as i tought, i didnt miss much.

all the effects psoted seem to be overdone, or "above the game graphics". Having realistic explosions in a 2001 game doesnt fit nice, its like having early CGI in movies, it just doesnt fit and doesnt look natural.

So, my opinion on the matter is. Let it be. The effects on il2 arent perfect, but they suit the game nicely to all its standards, and unless a major graphics remake is incoming no need to re-do that.

cheers

To each his own but I think the modded effects look much better. You have to look and try to find the right ones for your taste.

[genbrien]

Originally Posted by Romanator21

I wouldn't want a big hit to performance either (not everyone can afford a monster rig).

Seriously, we're talking about a 10yo game....
If you cant run it now with acceptable FPS, it wont matter if the smoke impact the FPS or not, you should have low quality settings anyway.

And I'm pretty sure that for 600$ you can run it like a charm, wich is not a monster rig btw

EDIT: oh.... and +1 for better smoke
when I see the 2d one I'm, like... /puke

[Romanator21]

Oh really? Can I have $600 please?

[vpmedia]

Originally Posted by Romanator21

Oh really? Can I have $600 please?

maybe you should get a job or something...

[Romanator21]

Very funny. Maybe you should get a life.

[Mysticpuma]

Now chaps, lets get away from personal insults, please?

This is now whether someone has a job or money, it's about adding a 'simple' effect to a 2D sprite to make it look like 3D smoke. The FPS hit on any system is really minimal

The problems in the past have come from large columns of smoke on the ground or huge fires, but that is what I am requesting TD experts could look at and overcome, so that at-least we will have a decent (which is already evident and available in MODS) representation of smoke effects as the 2D 'staircase' effect when you fly through trailing smoke, must surely be put to bed now and retired?

Please do not turn this thread into a flame-war, this is for mature discussion regarding a simple 2D sprite, there is no-need to get on anyone's case about their personal funding, thanks, MP

[Le0ne]

Originally Posted by Romanator21

Frankly, I'm not so sure I like those effects. I wouldn't want a big hit to performance either (not everyone can afford a monster rig).

Unfortunately, that might be hard to toggle such an effect based on user preference. Some totally new system would have to be developed that is both better looking and well optimized.

I don't know if it's the best use of DT's time, but they've surprised us before

It is almost never the limitation of the rig that decide the effects. First of all it is the gameengine. It iis made for the time pc carryed 256 ram or so. To manage high amount of effects you need to patch your exe up to atleast 512 Ram. And it do help adjusting config.ini textflag settings

[EJGr.Ost_Caspar]

Originally Posted by Mysticpuma

This is now whether someone has a job or money, it's about adding a 'simple' effect to a 2D sprite to make it look like 3D smoke. The FPS hit on any system is really minimal

I'm taking this from this discussion as a honest request.

And also this:

Originally Posted by Romanator21

I don't know if it's the best use of DT's time, but they've surprised us before

Its surely our main problem: manpower!
So we often have to postpone or even quit the considering of such projects.

On the other side I wonder, why there is only a small part in the modding scene, that even care for something, like Mysticpuma askes (compatible and FPS friendly rework, suiteable for also weaker systems).
It would help us a lot, if the thinking wasn't only 'bigger = better'.