Which environment(s) of Half-Life 2 will utilize DX9 shaders the best?

[spitcodfry]

One of the graphical features of Half-Life 2's Source engine that I'm most excited about are the Direct X 9 shaders that Valve have implemented. In Far Cry I thought these were used to great effect, and wowed me considerably most times when I witnessed them in action. I'm sure Valve has some jaw dropping ones in store for us, aside from the ones we've already seen (water, Combine energy field, stained glass etc). Something I noticed in Far Cry was the majority of the best shaders were implemented in interior areas that featured the most polished attributes, smooth metallic surfaces and tiled floors. Not to mention some sweet glass shaders too. So, in Half-Life 2, what types of terrain/environments will feature the most stunning shaders?

 

[Annihilator_91]

Evul Alien Citadels Of Course!!! Muahahahaha! über Evul!

 

[Gorgon]

Citadel/Combine/Alien structures (interior/exterior):

Look at this and imagine the power of DX9.0 http://www.halflife2.net/image_files/concept/concept_amb3.jpg
http://www.halflife2.net/image_files/concept/concept_cell1.jpg

You know what iam saying

 

[WhiteBoy]

I voted the outdoors since the weather efects look amazing.

 

[qckbeam]

I honestly think that Valves strength comes from the fact that they don't design a game to show off their technology, but instead use that technology to craft a realistic and believable world. I think that the use of shaders will be extensive, yet subtle. I don't think shaders will call attention to themselves too often. I also don't think any particular environment is suited to their use.

 

[kaellinn18]

I honestly think that Valves strength comes from the fact that they don't design a game to show off their technology, but instead use that technology to craft a realistic and believable world. I think that the use of shaders will be extensive, yet subtle. I don't think shaders will call attention to themselves too often. I also don't think any particular environment is suited to their use.

Well said. This is not Doom 3 people (technology showcase).

 

[Lobster]

Im really impressed with how the seabed is looking, (i hope they release that bink soon), but the whole game has a very good balanced feel about it, just enough effects to keep the enviroments interesting and pleasing without overkilling.

 

[Annihilator_91]

I honestly think that Valves strength comes from the fact that they don't design a game to show off their technology, but instead use that technology to craft a realistic and believable world. I think that the use of shaders will be extensive, yet subtle. I don't think shaders will call attention to themselves too often. I also don't think any particular environment is suited to their use.

*sobbing* That, that is very deep. That post touched my inner feelings. I, I! BUAAAHAHAHA!*runs out of room crying*

 

[lans]

The best shaders so far in HL2 are the glass distortation effect in the kliener video and the doors in apartments and the polished look on the wooden table, where the television set is kept in apartments.

I'm particularly impressed with how valve has used specularity highlights.

 

[Neutrino]

What's the difference between DX9 shaders and DX8 shaders? Because the only difference I know of is HDR.

 

[Duracell]

I voted outdoor urban areas. The video with barney from last year showed us it has the ability to look wonderful

Also, not seen many posts by Mr Fry for ages, welcome backish :stare:

 

[FISKER_Q]

What's the difference between DX9 shaders and DX8 shaders? Because the only difference I know of is HDR.

The pixel and vertex shaders are v 2.0 in DX 9.

 

[marksmanHL2 :)]

Woah, its been a while since I seen you on the forums spitcodfry!!!


Glad to see you bk!

Oh and I think shaders will be put to the most use in the weird alien/citidel type areas... :rolling: :thumbs:

 

[spitcodfry]

Woah, its been a while since I seen you on the forums spitcodfry!!!


Glad to see you bk!

Oh and I think shaders will be put to the most use in the weird alien/citidel type areas... :rolling: :thumbs:

Good to be back. Time again for me to plunge head on with some more ridiculousy-hyped emotional investment towards this game! No, but honestly, I want this game as much as I did last year same time.

I voted Citadel area btw. In Far Cry the most impressive shaders were definetely utilized in the more industrial/military base type areas. Can't wait to get some of that goodness from the locales within the Citadel!

I honestly think that Valves strength comes from the fact that they don't design a game to show off their technology, but instead use that technology to craft a realistic and believable world. I think that the use of shaders will be extensive, yet subtle. I don't think shaders will call attention to themselves too often. I also don't think any particular environment is suited to their use.

Definetely. They really do balance it well without calling attention to any one thing. A masterstroke in the overall visual design. D3 was basically all 'look at the pretty lighting'. That was obviously the hallmark of that game's eye candy flair (I enjoyed D3 btw, and had as much fun with that old school style of gameplay as I could).

 

[FISKER_Q]

Good to be back. Time again for me to plunge head on with some more ridiculousy-hyped emotional investment towards this game! No, but honestly, I want this game as much as I did last year same time.

I voted Citadel area btw. In Far Cry the most impressive shaders were definetely utilized in the more industrial/military base type areas. Can't wait to get some of that goodness from the locales within the Citadel!



Definetely. They really do balance it well without calling attention to any one thing. A masterstroke in the overall visual design. D3 was basically all 'look at the pretty lighting'. That was obviously the hallmark of that game's eye candy flair (I enjoyed D3 btw, and had as much fun with that old school style of gameplay as I could).

Yeah i voted citadel as well. I think the Combine in Half-Life 2 sofar are masterpieces. Not only for the graphics. But the lifelike action it has.

 

[guise]

i think the indoor urban areas.... i think the prison would have been a better example. what can i say, i like shiny tiles :E

 

[TheHitman5]

strip clubs!

 

[Computer5k]

Ocean.

ps, OMG SPITCODFRY IS TEH ALIVE

 

[Asuka]

Indoor urban such as Traptown area and City-17 proper

All.