XL Engine Merger and BloodXL Update

[luciusDXL]

So I implemented the fixed function version of depth cueing. I have a plan to better emulate the effect of the color maps when running in hardware, but it turns out it's a little too expensive for fixed function (i.e. 3 textures on every surface). Given the point of fixed function, I decided it'd be better to use the built in fog hardware and save the improved color map support for cards that support shaders.

The vast majority of people will have GPU's that support at least basic shaders (SM 1.1+), so the lighting and depth cueing will look better for most people. But first I'm going to get the fixed function render, which I've been showing so far, complete before worrying about putting shader support back in.

You can see the fixed-function depth cueing here:
[Before / After]


Another screenshot for fun:


All the basic rendering elements are in place, so the next step is to go through and fix bugs - such as occasional alignment issues with floors and walls. Once the rendering is robust I'll get the other projects rendering everything again - which should go much quicker since most of the engine work is done.

Finally once all the projects are properly rendering using the fixed function path, I'll add the shader path back in - with improved lighting and color map support - and then move on to getting the gameplay ready for the release.

[luciusDXL]

Before the release, I plan on doing a video showing the stuff I have working so far.

Is there anything you'd like to see in particular, through screenshots or the video?

[Le Babe]

Just go through E1M1, E1M8 and E2M1, those levels aren't too big and they show lots of build techniques.

[Alex2501]

The first level and carnival level.

[Dimebog]

Are there going to be different levels of depth cueing to accommodate the need for variations seen in the retail levels?

I am not 100% sure how it works, but you can test the different intensities in mapedit. BLOOD has a fixed scale and I am not sure how the algorithm works exaclty. I know the Build engine allows some sophisticated parameters such as the distance between the camera and where the cueing begins, and then it's intensity, separately (as seen in Duke3D).

[Daedolon]

I want to see how XL reacts to sectors sharing the same space.

[luciusDXL]

Are there going to be different levels of depth cueing to accommodate the need for variations seen in the retail levels?

I am not 100% sure how it works, but you can test the different intensities in mapedit. BLOOD has a fixed scale and I am not sure how the algorithm works exaclty. I know the Build engine allows some sophisticated parameters such as the distance between the camera and where the cueing begins, and then it's intensity, separately (as seen in Duke3D).

The visibility value can be set on surfaces and sectors which then affects the depth cueing. Different levels of depth cueing will certainly be supported. While fixed function is stuck with a linear approximation, which still looks good, the shader path will be more accurate.

[luciusDXL]

I want to see how XL reacts to sectors sharing the same space.

This is from DarkXL, but:

Overlapping sectors with adjoins (aka red lines) that connect them.


If you have somewhere in Blood that has overlapping sectors you'd like to see, just let me know.

[Suture]

The Trainstation in Blood, I can't remember it's exact level name, but it's in the first episode and I think it's the second level. The bookstore has a ceiling section that can be blown up.

[Daedalus]

... you can't be serious.

[luciusDXL]

The Trainstation in Blood, I can't remember it's exact level name, but it's in the first episode and I think it's the second level. The bookstore has a ceiling section that can be blown up.

Oh you mean the stacked sector effect? I show that many times already in this thread. The screenshots above of E1M1 show the effect in the outside area. On the previous page I've shown the effect several times as well.

For example (from a post earlier in this thread):

Vertical adjoin issues fixed.

... you can't be serious.

What do you mean?

[Daedalus]

What do you mean?

Wasn't a criticism for you. Keep up the good work.

[luciusDXL]

Wasn't a criticism for you. Keep up the good work.

Ok, I understand the context of your post now. Thanks for the vote of encouragement.

[kurt]

I'd just like to say that I think you're doing a great job.

Keep up the good work.

[Jerry]

I'd just like to say that I think you're doing a great job.

Keep up the good work.

I agree!