SOW - graphics questions and propositions

[sweln]

Hello all!

This thread has for purpose to regroup questions and ideas regarding the graphics and FX of SOW.

Off course a simulation isn't all about graphics, still very solid graphics are important for immersion and new customers.

So for starters :

1/ Will SOW implement volumetric light scattering (god rays!)?


2/ If (1/) yes, what kind? All together?
- Objects version
In many games the light itself is projected : Crysis, FarCry, Silent Hunter V, etc, and clouds are generally not affected, only "objects".


- Clouds version
In Hawx 1 PC version, clouds get in Dx10 an "in-air" shadow, that looks very good, helping getting an impression of depth (if I recall correctly, Il-2 introduced cloud shadows, this version of volumetric light scattering would be the evolution of it!).

Without, baaaah... :


In movement, it looks really better :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBFez0exFpo

- Soft aspect
The best volumetric light scattering I have seen so far is in Birds of Prey from 1C, PC version. They managed to make it subtile, clean and soft. I'd even say : perfect. To bad it only affects planes, and not clouds.


More pictures and explanations are regrouped in this thread :
http://forum.yuplay.com/index.php?showtopic=676

3/ Will SOW recreate many types of explosions FX?
Most of the time computer games have little variety of FX explosions, resulting in some boredom by seeing always the same thing.
I hope that bombs won't have the same FX considering their different type of chemistry, and it goes for planes, impacts and stuff.

All I wish is variety in FX (and please, particles) and if possible, some kind of random generated explosions, so that every explosion would look a little different every time.

Also, upcomming game Call of Dut Black Ops features the best looking explosions with smoke I've seen so far : watch the helicopter part (3:16 to the end of the video).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wH7nQG3MYT0

4/ Will SOW feature explosion heat and shockwave effect?
I explain : in almost all games seen around, when something near or not so far away explodes, creating a massive volume of heat and light, it is not represented (or barely noticable): it doesen't either blind or confuse you. Like if you where wearing some kind of scifi glasses and no brain emotion...

A video may better explain what kind of effect I'd wish to see implemented, from Lost Planet 2 :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=391jmN38GCU

Thank you for reading these thoughts, and I hope it will give ideas to the team for improving SOW graphical aspects.

If SOW could feature all these tweaks, I'm confident that it would bring new customers, attracted by impressive and immersive realtime footage visuals.

...And of course, I'd be delighted ^^. Anyone else?