Addition to Graphics Options in BETA

[Plazus]

I have two ideas in mind for the BETA version. Im sure these have been brought up numerous times... The first idea is the addition of contrails. The second addition is a "hi-resolution" texture feature for the clouds. Here's how I think this is feasible.

For the contrails:
-Allow contrails to be enabled/disabled in the "Advanced Graphics" options menu in the clipboard in AH2.
-Make the contrail visibility relative to the "Object Detail Range" settings.
-Use same textures as fuel/oil/radiator smoke but make the contrails more white in appearance. Also have the contrail smoke linger further behind the aircraft so it doesnt look like fuel/radiator damage.

For the clouds:
-There could be a feature installed in the hi-res texture package that allows for detailed clouds. The clouds look fine as is, but I think itd look stellar if the clouds were 3-D.
-Once again, allow "Detailed Clouds" to be managed in the "Advanced Graphics" options in game so those with low-end systems dont suffer.
-Mix up the cloud colors a little bit. If clouds are very dense, use some dark gray colors to simulate potential storms.
-Add cumulus, cirrus, and other forms of clouds. Stagger them at appropriate altitude.

This is just my idea and I was also wondering if HTC have tried testing these ideas before. Assuming that these graphic features consume a lot of system resources, those with better computers can have the benefit of advanced graphics without the low-end users paying the penalty of the game's graphics.

[Saxman]

Like the idea for contrails. Granted, being able to turn them on would be an advantage for high-end systems because conceivably contrails would be visible from much greater distances.

The thing to remember with clouds is that they affect visibility. If HTC would implement higher-detailed clouds from a check box option they'd have to make sure those clouds have the same effect on visibility as the low-end ones. Otherwise a LOT of guys would turn them off if the 3D clouds reduce visibility more than the 2D sprites, and high-end systems would be at an advantage if 3D clouds have LESS effect.

[Kazaa]

+1 for contrails as an advanced option.

[Strip]

How many aircraft would high enough to create them?

[Plazus]

How many aircraft would high enough to create them?

I believe that contrails appeared somewhere above 20k.

[Strip]

I believe that contrails appeared somewhere above 20k.

Exactly.....only time you would see them is in specific snapshots, FSO and scenarios.

Otherwise not many people climb that high...

My heart says yes but brain says a lot of work for little addition.

[Plazus]

Exactly.....only time you would see them is in specific snapshots, FSO and scenarios.

Otherwise not many people climb that high...

My heart says yes but brain says a lot of work for little addition.

Not necesarily. Again, the contrail textures would basically be the same as the fuel/radiator smoke. You would see contrails quite often, actually. Just last night, I was escorting the 91st BG over 25k of altitude in the LW Orange Arena. The number of red cons were in the extreme. Bandits all over the place- left and right. You can get high altitude fights all the time if people just have the patience to climb up there for 15-20 minutes.

[moot]

Don't contrails happen at low altitude as well, given enough ambient humidity and maneuvering pressure near the airfoils?

[Plazus]

Here are some examples taken from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004.


-Notice how the contrails are flat, 2D sprites, similar to the cloud textures in Aces high.




-Here are some example clouds also taken from FS2004. Note the fog has a similar texture to that of the clouds. It has a hazy, omnipresent look to it.

Getting rid of the white cloud ceiling in Aces High and replacing it with individual 3D puffy clounds can be an even tradeoff in system performance. I played FS2004 on my old computer- it had 1.8 GHz Pentium 4, 512MB of RAM, and 60 MB of integrated video. I was able to view these clouds and contrails with very minimal fps issues.