blocky shadows

[Strangelove]

I am using an ati x800xl video card and the game will only let me select low quality shadows. They are very distracting because they are so blocky. I just turn shadows off. I am wondering if the beta has higher quality shadows unavailable or if my video card is the limitation.

[ÜberJumper]

The blocky shadows were introduced a patch or two ago, I'd not worry about them.

[Strangelove]

By....accident? So they should be fixed or is that a more effective way of increasing performance? Just so I'm clear here, the high quality is just not available in the beta correct?

[Rafta]

I think they are blocky because they are on low only. High shadows will be smoother but will cost more performance. Perhaps there was some issue with high shadows.
I just disabled them :)

[Druidika]

High quality shadows seem to be available only on cards supporting shader model 3.0. I can enable them on my 7800GT.

[Rafta]

Then I suggest Relic makes the low shadows look better because now you're better off without them.

[Strangelove]

Wow, I hope they are at least improved somewhat because even for sm 2.0 those shadows are awful.

[Tranj]

Please post a screenshot of what you are refering to.

Thanks

[Strangelove]

Odd, I was going to take a screenshot but now a new problem...http://img139.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cohsz2.jpg


everything is greyed out and the minimap shows black blotches. In other words I cannot take a screenshot of the blocky shadows because I no longer get shadows (yes they are on).

edit. started the game up again and it's working. http://img300.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cohshadowsvb6.jpg those are the blocky shadows to which I was referring.

[Rafta]

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/8793/shadowvl3.th.jpg (http://img212.imageshack.us/my.php?image=shadowvl3.jpg)

These shadows are ugly!

[Druidika]

The low shadow quality has been reduced quite a lot since the 1.7.0 client, the shadows are much more blocky than previously.
Here's a screenshot of the new low quality shadows:
http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/3084/relic00217xq0.th.jpg (http://img362.imageshack.us/my.php?image=relic00217xq0.jpg)
and here one from the old low shadows:
http://img459.imageshack.us/img459/5744/relic00072ec2.th.jpg (http://img459.imageshack.us/my.php?image=relic00072ec2.jpg)

[Rafta]

i demand a reset to old shadows as they look way better!

[Shakermaker]

I have a X850XT myself so high quality shadows don't work since my card doesn't support Shader 3.0. Those low quality shadows look like poo with all due respect. Besides looking blocky these also glimmer a lot when their source is moving. The shadows in Druidika's 2nd screenshot look much better indeed.

[DatonKallandor]

I like the current shadows. They are great for people who like to save performance on unimportant things like shadows. If you want good shadows set it to high or medium (once the full CoH is out).



Daton

[Strangelove]

Well as they are right now I find them too distracting when they move, All those squares you know. Anyway that older screenshot looks nice. Was this changed on purpose?

[Shakermaker]

@DatonKallandor (member.php?u=21271)
Are medium shadows in the full version confirmed?

[DatonKallandor]

Low -> xxx -> High.


Daton

[sauce]

Yeah, I'm agreeing with all of you. I'll look at upping it so it's not so crappy.

The game will ship with off, low, medium, and high settings. High requires a shader model 3 card.

[Rafta]

*thumbsup*

[Strangelove]

That's awesome.

[Shakermaker]

Thanks Sauce!

btw I am really amazed by the direct contact between you devs and us users. It's awesome that you guys really listen and keep us informed about everything. Not just about this issue, but also about the connection troubles everyone is having. I already liked you guys because of the Homeworld series, but consider me a real fan now.

[MadCatChiken]

i can get high quality shadows on my GF6600LE.

[Soldier of Dest]

I agree with Shakermaker.
Thanks Sauce! :jig: