Matrix Games Forums

Hey all,

ShadowMap :

When adding a new object to your scene the object defaults with the ShadowType set to NONE. Don't forget to turn it on (ShadowMap).

Procedure :
1. Double click object to select.
2. Rick click, select Properties.
3. Scroll down properties window to find ShadowType
4. Left click on down arrow
5. Select ShadowMap

Edit Note : Sometimes if you click the down arrow it won't show ShadowMap in the list. Simply select the word None and wait for cursor prompt and type in the word ShadowMap and hit enter.

Maybe Stridor can have this changed to have ShadowType default to ShadowMap instead of NONE.

HasAlpha :

Default is false. The Kharkov scene's have these set to True ... however, the ReferenceAlpha shows there's = 255, while the new object in your scene = 1.

I haven't tested this yet and perhaps changing the HasAlpha = True and ReferenceAlpha = 255 may need to be done. Stridor's input on the subject would be helpful.

In the meantime, be aware of those settings ... it's not causing a problem but I assume they might look better with the change.

Screen shot ... before/after.

HasAlpha : tested ... it does make a very nice difference having them changed.

HasAlpha = True
ReferenceAlpha = 255

Edit Note : Play around with those two settings. I think some object's might not have Alpha's, but you'll know when you change it.

See screen shots ...

Top = default ... note shadow around tree ... note ground shadow isn't detailed [:(].
Bottom = True / 255 ... shadow around tree is gone! ... ground shadow more detailed [:)].

HasAlpha should be set true (for trees) (nb there are a few buggy trees on some of the maps which are set false and you can see why it shouldn't be set false [;)]) Should get around to fixing them one day.

ShowType = ShadowMap if you want the object the cast shadows obviously. I note here that I personally forgot to set this for the destroyed stuff I added for khatkov_l1b. I should get around to fixing it and upping a new version to Erik [;)]

ReferenceAlpha is used for alpha blending (how transparent the alpha edge pixels are). Should be 1 - 255. Play around with the setting you like the best. Also changes the shadow as you have noticed.

ORIGINAL: Stridor

HasAlpha should be set true (for trees) (nb there are a few buggy trees on some of the maps which are set false and you can see why it shouldn't be set false [;)]) Should get around to fixing them one day.

ShowType = ShadowMap if you want the object the cast shadows obviously. I note here that I personally forgot to set this for the destroyed stuff I added for khatkov_l1b. I should get around to fixing it and upping a new version to Erik [;)]

ReferenceAlpha is used for alpha blending (how transparent the alpha edge pixels are). Should be 1 - 255. Play around with the setting you like the best. Also changes the shadow as you have noticed.

Ok ... great! It's really only noticeable when the object sit's out by itself ... otherwise whose the wiser.

Thank you for making the changes in the future!

Rob